Newlywed Dead (Perfect Proposals Mystery #3) by Nancy J. Parra

Newlywed Dead (Perfect Proposals Mystery #3) by Nancy J. Parra, is my second read in this series and was just as much fun as the part before it. Before starting this series, I really had no idea what a proposal planner would do, but Pepper never has a dull moment.

From the back of the book

In the new Perfect Proposals mystery from the author of Bodice of Evidence and Engaged in Murder, a country club wedding reception becomes the scene of a baffling crime.

The wedding for Pepper Pomeroy’s sister Felicity starts with dearly beloved but it ends with dearly departed when Ashley, the bartender Pepper befriended earlier in the evening, drops dead from a lethal nightcap. Authorities think it’s just a tragic accident. After all, who’d want to kill a virtual stranger at a country club wedding reception? That’s what Pepper wants to know.

A search into Ashley’s past reveals a twisty path of secret sororities, well-connected enemies, and an unsolved slaying still shadowing members of high society—including a filthy-rich battle-ax whose demands for the services of Pepper’s Perfect Proposals are starting to sound more like veiled threats. Pepper’s business may be booming but continued success means outsmarting a mysterious culprit who’s still wedded to the idea of murder.

My thoughts:

Since this isn't my first in the series, I already knew that Nancy J. Parra could build fabulous characters. It still caught me off guard how much I connected with the walk-ons. Every character in this story was interesting and engaging; I even felt a deep attachment to the victim. The setting was, as always, a joy. The business is totally unique and fun. 

I found the pace of the mystery fabulous and read it in just a few short sittings, riveted. I did guess the killer by following the clues, which was exciting. Well, they were in my top pick of two but that still counts as solved to me. There was a sadness at the reveal that added some more depth to the story and characters. It was all beautifully done and I look forward to seeing where the next part takes us. 

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