I loved this book. It wasn't quite 5 stars for me but real close! It was an emotional read - it had some grief, family/friend drama but also humor, some spice... it was a great mixture and done so well. I was worried the Groundhog Day trope would be too repetitive (I don't have a better way to explain that) but the differences made throughout each day was so interesting. I also think the lead up to some questions of the past was done well, too. Definitely recommend this one. I want to also add that the cover art is even better after reading the book. Additionally, I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job. Definitely will look for other books she's narrated.

I wanted to start by say this is book 2 of the Cozy Bookshop series but I would consider it being okay as a standalone as I was not lost despite not reading the first one. It was a quick read and definitely a cozy mystery with amateur sleuthing, some romance aspects, and some humor as well. I liked the characters and how each were really their own so, when going through, I didn't feel lost on who was who. I will note that the main character did annoy me a bit; I love an amateur sleuth over a detective/PI/etc but her going against the detectives in this and withholding information became almost annoying. Don't hinder an investigation just so you can solve it first, you know? Overall, it was an enjoyable book though and I am interested in going to read the first book as well. Regarding the audiobook, I felt that the narration was too slow. I generally listen at 1.5 speed but had to move it up to 1.75 and 2 because it was just dragging. I think the narrator did a good job otherwise, though, and did snarkiness really well that was brought out by the MC.

First off, thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for a eARC and eALC in return for an honest review.

I did enjoy this book, though there were a few times I felt kind of lost. Eventually it all made sense, but I think part of it was listening to it via audiobook rather than the ebook. I did end up doing a mixture and that helped. I love the creativity behind the formatting and do feel the audiobook did add to the book in certain parts, especially when there was repetitiveness; the narrator did so good and adding that sense of dread.

I was to add, as well, that I learned so much with this book and appreciated all the topics it touched on between colonialism, to the critique of true crime podcasts (even as someone who does listen to them from time to time), to racism, and more. I think overall this was a great book, but would recommend the audiobook to be read with a copy of the book.