Five Belles Too Many by Debra H. Goldstein is the fifth book in her Sarah Blair mystery series. Sarah is back in this newest mystery and she’s going to find herself embroiled in yet another murder.
Sarah’s mother, Maybelle, has been picked as one of the contestants to participate in the Southern Belles reality show. To be in compliance of the rules, Sarah is designated to be her mother’s chaperone. Sarah has no clue of the trouble that is brewing, but she’s going to get a front row seat when someone from the crew winds up dead.
Five Belles Too Many is an engaging novel that keeps me guessing as to who the killer is almost to the very end of this story. As this book is the fifth in the series, it does help to have read the previous books to really understand what has been transpiring between the characters throughout the series. As you read, you get the sense that there is something going on with Sarah and one of her friends. Things seem to be a little rocky, but a little conversation and understanding goes a long ways.
While Sarah isn’t too keen on being a chaperone for her mother, I can understand why. While promised that it won’t interfere with her day job, you just never know. When it comes to shooting “reality t.v.” anything can happen or change last minute and the next thing you know, you’re whole day is impacted. I appreciate how the author does such a good job with that particular element of the story. It gives off the element of where you just don’t know what to expect. It really keeps you on your toes concerning this story.
The variety of characters in this book really make it engaging, and gives you plenty to either like or dislike depending on your tastes. While Maybelle may be classified as “high maintenance” I really enjoyed her in this book. She’s engaging and brings a bit of humor as well. I like the backstory that is sprinkled in in the right places for some of the other characters, and the drama that is going on between them. While the drama is subtle, it’s not too hard to spot when you get down to it.
Some of the delicious foods in this book really had me flipping to the back to see if that particular recipe would be featured. You can bet that I was thrilled when Chef Bernardi’s breakfast biscuits are included. The author’s descriptions of the biscuits had me craving some. LOL! I’m always up for something tasty.
The mystery angle of this book is really well done. I did feel that Sarah was a bit absent-minded in a couple places of the story. I pieced together certain things before she did when things begin to go downhill concerning Jane. I expected Sarah to remember things a bit better than she does, but it all plays together in the story to come together in the right moments. In certain scenes of the book she’s more observant than others, but to be honest, it all works. I really like how the murder had me thinking and trying to piece together how it was carried out. I have to say it was a real stroke of genius all the way around. The thought process behind it and how it was executed. The author lays some red herrings to tease you into looking in one direction when the answer is closer than you think.
Of course, there is more going on than meets the eye. You see one thing over here, but there is something else going on that you just don’t expect until the author begins to point it out to you. I have to admit that I found some humor in Sarah’s animals’ interactions with Jane. RahRah especially was amusing since those of us who are owned by cats know just how they can be towards certain people.
I think that if I had to choose a favorite character in this book it would Cliff. He’s a really interesting character, and he sounds like such a good person. Things are complicated right now between him and Sarah, but who knows what the future holds? He really contributes in this book to helping piece together some elements that point in the right direction to catching a murderer.
My least favorite character? Well, you don’t even need to guess on that one. LOL! While she may not be guilty of murder, Jane manages to stand out as the number one least favorite. I really wish I understood her issues a bit better, but I honestly don’t think that even she understands her issues that well.
This book has a bit of a slow-start, but once it gets going it’s a real page-turner. There were moments that I really struggled to put this book down, because I just had to know what was going to happen next. The twists in this cozy mystery kept me guessing and I enjoyed every second of it. I’m really looking forward to what comes next with Sarah.
I’m choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. My favorite part of this book, besides the tasty foods described, was the mystery. It was so well done, and I enjoy a good surprise. If you enjoy cozy mystery novels, or have been reading this series then I highly encourage you to pick this book up and dive in.
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