Book Review: Dial Marr for Murder by Karen Cantwell

Is there anything worse than job hunting? Job hunting when you really, really, really need a job! But seriously, it's a constant attack on the ego. You have to act like you are thick skinned, and that you are appreciative of the news that once again you aren't good enough. I was really upset, but Karen Cantwell came through looking for reviewers for her latest Barbara Marr. The timing couldn't have been better.

I just love that Barb's so busy and nosy, and everyone knows it. At this point, the men around her have a code (yellow-orange-red) system to deal with her. They even have the grandma's in place, ready for Barb to be in danger again - lol!

In this one, her oldest is off to college and the town is under siege from the flu. Not to worry, even though she doesn't do much cooking, she has the perfect recipe for her flu bomb that keeps the people around her from getting ill.

Yes there's a dead body, but she tries really hard to stay out of it. There's a lot of different twists in this one that kept my attention.

She is in constant motion helping out her friends, taking care of her family, and trying to avoid stalking her oldest girl. And maybe, just maybe she will get to meet Meryl Streep!!! 

If you haven't read the previous books, you can still jump in here. But then you will want to go back and read them all!  Great price for a fun story.

Book Review: Saturday Night Cleaver

by: Karen Cantwell

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Poor Barb. She just can't stay out of trouble, no matter how hard she tries. But this time she has a good reason: family friend Colt Baron has gone missing. When soccer mom, Barbara Marr, and her ex-FBI husband, Howard, begin following clues in a search for their treasured pal, they find themselves crashing a rather racy sort of party – a soiree for swinging couples. Awkward. What they learn there is...interesting. But the question is, does the information lead them to Colt?

This fourth book in the Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series teams Barb with her handsome husband Howard in yet another rollicking and hilarious suburban fiasco..

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If you've been a follower of this blog, or my Facebook page, then you already know I love Karen Cantwell. She's a wonderful lady and a wonderful author. I look forward to her Barbara Marr mysteries more than any other series I can think of.

Want to know a big moment for me? I was asked to Beta read this one. Oh yeah, I was squealing like a little girl. But she ran out of time so I only got a review copy. Yeah, I'm not complaining.

It's great. Barbara finds herself in trouble, again. But this time she's with her husband. And he's not telling her no, or keeping her out of it. He has her help him. I think he's stir crazy, honestly. There are more surprising angles than ever before, and you will be shocked right to the very end. And best of all? It also stays pretty silly.

So you will laugh and laugh and gasp. ;) Right now it's only $1.00, easy investment for some relaxation during these holidays.

Silenced by the Yams

by: Karen Cantwell

Available at Amazon ((It's free at Amazon right now!!!))

Synopsis:
Soccer mom, Barbara Marr attracts trouble the way the North Pole attracts short men with odd wardrobe choices. So it’s no surprise when she finds herself in deep doo-doo while attempting to prove the innocence of friend and ex-Mafia goon, Frankie Romano, after he’s arrested for the murder of a famous action movie director.

This third book in the popular Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series brings Barb out of the suburbs and into the slimy, urban world of bright lights, nightly news, and drive-by shootings. Luckily, she never loses her sense of humor or her ability to befriend some decidedly quirky characters.

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On my list of favorite authors, I would put Karen Cantwell up there just above Janet Evanovich. I am in love with Barbara Marr and all her friends. It's so good to have a heroine who is not perfect and is just trying to do what she loves, raising her girls and watching movies. She started a movie review website - which made me lover her all the more. I reviewed a few movies, but books are my passion - lol.

This is the 3rd book, but there are a few short stories out there featuring Mrs. Marr. The way bad things happen around her, has people telling her she's a bad luck magnet and distancing themselves. One of her best friends is even moving far away. I felt so bad for her in this book. And the poor thing can't even deny that she does have bad luck. On the other hand, it's funny that Karen calls attention to how ridiculous it would be in real life to keep stumbling across murder-mysteries.

But here is why you will love Barbara too, she doesn't stop. Her friend, someone she believed in was arrested. She knew he was innocent and just kept plugging on to help him, no matter what. I would like to say I would do that for a friend, but really we don't know until we are there. Most of us would trust in the justice system. Of course, having a husband in the FBI and a best friend investigator give her a different perspective.

I can't wait to see what happens next. It just keeps getting more out there, and the people around her keep losing patience. Plus I love seeing what the mystery is and how it plays out. Cantwell keeps it silly, but the mystery is strong.

If you love quirky mystery - go get a copy. It's free right now, and only $3.99 regularly.