Member Reviews

The third instalment in Trending Topic series is my favourite so far. I feel that the each book in the series has improve on the previous one. In the first book, I felt like there was a lot of brand name dropping and it felt very materialistic; in this book, there was minimal mention of designers and brands and far more focus on the characters and the mystery itself.

I swear, Coco is the modern day Jessica Fletcher; she's just living her life and bam! body and murder that she must now solve! For the third book in, it's no question that Coco is going to investigate; even members of the police force don't try to stop her and instead just ask that she shares information that she finds.

In this murder mystery, Coco finds the body of a social influencer who is in town to meet with Coco for work. When the news of the death is made public, and the ties to Coco revealed, Coco herself starts to experience backlash on social media because let's face it, stumbling upon three bodies in a relatively short period of time in a small town isn't very likely. As she sets out to solve the murder, she relies on her besties and sister for finding clues, and the moral support of her boyfriend who is away for work.
The mystery was well constructed, we had some good red herrings, and the clues leading to the murderer were subtly intertwined with the story so that when the murderer is revealed, it just makes sense.

I liked how there was some self-reflection from Coco on where and how she fits into the social media world now, and the amount of time and energy it takes to maintain a presence that will generate income, while also balancing against privacy and her day-to-day life.

This series has really grown on me and I'll definitely keep reading!

Thanks to the author for an eARC of the book; all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an arc of DM Me for Murder!

The title really intrigued me when I came across this book and I found it to be an enjoyable read. The plot was interesting and a nice take on a modern day thriller/mystery.
I would recommend this book if you are a thriller fan as it was also cosy as well.

Was this review helpful?

thank you to netgalley for a digital arc of this book in exchange for an honest review !!

This book was so cozy and cute, i loved how it was developed through the book also.

i think this book gave me the summery vibes, with a bit of a murder investigation and a splash of pop culture references. it was lowkey quite light hearted, and is a bit more laidback.

i would recommend this book to you if you were looking for something that is quick, or you're just getting into the mystery and thriller genre and want to start small :)

Was this review helpful?

First Thoughts: I was getting some Anna Delvey vibes for most of the book.

I'm not sure if it was just the type of language the author was using because it was based on a millenial/gen z type of narrative but it took quite a lot to get through the book. I felt like this book was supposed to be sort of spoofy and funny but I didnt find it so, and it made for a very hard read to get through.

It took most of the book to finally get rid of the Anna Delvey vibes with the different motives for LaTage's murder. Only when the truth finally came to light did I see her in a different way.

I would recommend that readers read the other books in the series first if your going to read this book, it will give you a much better dive into the main characters history and how she got started solving crimes in the first place.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for letting me read this arc.

What a fun and cozy murder mystery. A big social media influencer was found dead in a small town, so I really enjoyed all the memes and text abbreviations thrown throughout the book. It made it a fun read. This was a quick and easy read and I loved all the characters. The whole gang was like nancy drew meets scooby doo vibes. I haven't read the 1st 2 books in this series, but I don't think I missed much as this was a good stand alone. Overall an entertaining book.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a digital ARC of this book for my honest review.

Coco, a true crime influencer, takes on the investigation of a murder involving another social media influencer. As she navigates through twists and turns, accompanied by lighthearted moments, Coco is determined to uncover the identity of the killer in her town.

If you're a fan of crime, mystery, and pop culture, this book may be right up your alley.

My personal take on the book is mixed. While I didn't dislike it, I also didn't love it. Some parts felt slow, and as someone not immersed in today's pop culture, certain aspects felt awkward. However, there were moments of intrigue, and the ending caught me off guard.

Was this review helpful?

Book Review: DM Me for Murder…. A Trending Topic Murder
Stars: 4 X 5
Author: Sarah E. Burr @authorsaraheburr
Publisher: Level Best Books @levelbestbooks
Thank you @netgalley for this Arc

This book three in the cozy mystery series A Trending Topic Murder. The book is easily read independently from the first two.

Cordelia (Coco) Cline is an influencer and sometimes amatuer detective. A fellow influencer named La Tage’ is murdered. Coco lives in Central Shores and was suppose to meet up with La Tage’ to consult with about a brand make over. The police are working on the murder investigation but Coco and her friends decide to investigate the murder too. Coco has her friend’s Jasper, Charlotte and Hudson help her since the ‘#CocoClineistheProblem’ is trending and people online think she has something to do with the murder. There are many twist and turns for this mystery. Coco eventually prevails and discovers who the killer is. The police department does eventually admit that Coco has a talent for sleuthing. This books was fast paced and all the suspects were excellent. I enjoyed the relationship developing between Hudson and Coco and moving it to the next level. Plus there is a big surprise at the end.

#CocoClineistheProblem #dmmeformurder #influencers #influencerlife #CozyMysteryClub #MysteryLovers #WhodunitBooks #ArmchairDetective #BookClue #CozyReads #MysterySleuth #GentleThrillers #CrimeWithTea #AmateurSleuthChronicles #bookstagram #instabook #bookphotography #igbooks #ilovereading #bookhaul #bookhoarder #bookaddiction #bookstoread #whattoread #fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging #bookpics #weekendreads #booksbooksbooks #instablog #bibliophile

Was this review helpful?

I am someone who normally really enjoys reading mystery/thriller books. However, I thought I would enjoy reading this one because the title was interesting. I felt bored while reading the first couple of chapters, which is a sign I wouldn't be able to finish. I don't think this book was for me.

Was this review helpful?

Enjoyed this book although, I appreciate it is probably more for a younger young adult audience. Really takes you into a world of influencers & hashtags! Enjoyable comfortable read.

Was this review helpful?

I love Coco and her team of sleuths when something goes awry in Central Shores. A popular influencer, LaTage reaches out to Coco for a rebranding of her brand and travels from LA to Central Shores to meet with Coco and Amanda. However, the day that they are supposed to meet no one answers the door. Coco discovers LaTage dead on the floor in the mansion that she is staying at and her whole entourage missing. The social media goes crazy with blaming Coco for the death of LaTage and to clear her name Coco must investigate. But who does LaTage know in Central Shores that would murder her?

This is one of my favorite series because it gives you all the feels for a quick, witty and fun read!

Thank you #NetGalley for the advance read!

Was this review helpful?

A cozy mystery about Coco an influencer who get involve in trying to solve murder.
Okay mystery with some drama twists.,
Characters where good friends who help solve mystery.
A easy read.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Was this review helpful?

The book was just delightful. I was hooked from the start, and I loved Coco and her friends. I did not read the first two books of the series but the third book just made me fall in love with the characters. Now I just want to read the first two books.
That aside, I really could not guess the murderer, and the further I read, the more I liked the plot. The writing is comfortable and I read the book in one sitting. Just a smooth-paced plot. And the characters are just lovely. Coco's friends, I loved them.
Totally loved the book!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Glamorous social media lives are supposed to be perfect, free from all the bad in the world - until murder infiltrates the picture-perfect life.

Was this review helpful?

DM Me for Murder is the third book in the Coco Cline series and came out February 13th.

While I found the first book a light, fun, delightful read the second and third made me realize I am probably not the target audience for the series.

I would actually label this young adult despite Coco, influencer/detective, being close to 30. The dialogue between characters is rather juvenile. Anyone over 30 or in a position of authority is portrayed as incompetent and not familiar with technology at all. Again, cutesy and forgivable when I noticed that in the first book but it has become a theme and standard now that I’ve seen it in all three books.

I gave this three stars since I’m sure there is an audience who would enjoy this. I think middle schoolers may like the series.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoy murder mysteries and I loved the idea of the social media twist. However, the book wasn’t gripping me and while I tried to get past it and continue it didn’t last long. I unfortunately had to dnf the book pretty early one. I don’t think the writing style was for me but I see can the potential for this to be loved by other readers.

Was this review helpful?

Release Date: February 13, 2024

📖📖📖📖📖

Coco Cline is over the moon when she learns mega-influencer LaTàge wants Center of Attention Consulting to handle her rebranding campaign. But things come crashing down when Coco arrives for a brainstorming meeting only to find LaTàge dead on the floor of her rented mansion. While the Central Shores police don’t suspect Coco of the disturbing crime, the Internet has other ideas. Coco is horrified to see the hashtag #CocoClineistheProblem trending everywhere on socials, with anonymous accounts accusing her of having a hand in LaTàge’s tragic death.
Armed with her phone and her fabulous friends (dubbed the Sleuth Squad), Coco dives into LaTàge’s glamorous, over-the-top world of influencer-turned-celebrity. Who in Central Shores would want the LA native dead? What skeletons had LaTagé been hiding?

This is the third book in the #trendingtopicsmystery series. I am absolutely in love with the series!! @authorsaraheburr is progressing everyone’s storylines in this book and I am here for it!! Amanda remains my favorite character! I’ve said it before but @levelbestbooks you clearly have an amazing series on your hands with #trendingtopics mystery series! (Also I always love the cover art, it makes the book feel like the curated instas that coco is alway talking about). #perfectbeachbook is an understatement, run to your local bookstore and grab this one!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#dmmeformurder #tagmeformurder #followmeformurder #trendingtopicsmysteryseries #cococline #saraheburr
#levelbestpublishing #netgalleyreads #cozymysteries #cozymysteryseries #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookblog

Was this review helpful?

This book was cute and well written. Although some of the slang got on my nerves, it still never crossed my mind to put the book down. I read the first one of the series and skipped the second. After reading this one, I'm going back to #2.. excited for more about Coco and friends!

Was this review helpful?

In Sarah E. Burr's thrilling novel "DM Me for Murder," social media influencer Coco Cline finds herself entangled in a deadly game when mega-influencer LaTàge is found dead in her rented mansion. Despite being cleared by the police, Coco faces a barrage of online accusations, prompting her to launch her own investigation alongside her loyal friends, the "Sleuth Squad." The novel immerses readers in the glamorous and cutthroat world of celebrity influencers. As Coco delves into LaTàge's past, she uncovers a web of secrets and scandals hidden beneath the glossy facade. The author skillfully weaves together elements of murder mystery and social commentary, exploring the dark underbelly of the internet and the power of online harassment. Burr's protagonist, Coco Cline, is a relatable and engaging character. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity make her a compelling protagonist to root for. The supporting cast of characters, including Coco's loyal friends and the eccentric suspects, add depth and humor to the story. The pacing of the novel is brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Coco's investigation progresses. Burr meticulously crafts the clues and red herrings, leading readers into a labyrinth of twists and turns. The resolution of the mystery provides a satisfying conclusion while leaving subtle hints for potential future installments. Overall, "DM Me for Murder" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that blends mystery, suspense, and social commentary. Sarah E. Burr has created a thrilling and timely tale that will appeal to readers of crime fiction and contemporary literature alike. Coco Cline's engaging character and the exploration of online harassment make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of social media and societal issues.

Was this review helpful?

This book follows CoCo Cline who is a social media influencer who ends up being in the right place at the wrong time leaving her as a suspect for murder by her followers. This leaves her to trying out her sleuthing skills to get to the bottom of things.

This was my first attempt at reading something dubbed as a “cosy mystery” so I decided that it would be best read in a cosy setting (ie. blanket, comfy chair and firelight on my tv, thanks YouTube). This is also my first book in the series so I’m going to attempt the other two next to make up for it!

I enjoyed this book as it hit a few happy spots for me, such as a little romance, friendship, some laugh out loud moments, the realism in how quick the internet can go bad, and some twists.

The only real niggles for me with this book was the slang and the set up was a little slow. But that’s about it for the negatives for me with this read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Level Best Books for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy of this book!

Was this review helpful?

This plot was really good and engaging. I wish I had read the first two so I could get the full character development too. But cozy mysteries are so cute and I love this.

Was this review helpful?