A Proposal to Die For plunges readers into the often hilarious chaos of proposal planning, this time set against the serene (initially!) backdrop of an exclusive spa resort in this latest cozy mystery by Molly Harper. Our guide through this mayhem is Jessamine Bricker, a proposal planner whose meticulous nature is immediately endearing and often tested by the eccentric individuals she encounters. Jess feels refreshingly real, the kind of grounded protagonist you’d instantly connect with as she navigates the absurdities of her professional life, particularly when faced with demanding clients like the undeniably delusional and snooty Diana that she went to high school with.
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Murder and Mayhem at the Golden Ash Resort
The Golden Ash resort, while offering a picturesque setting, becomes a stage for a truly entertaining cast of characters. Thankfully for Jess (and the reader), the resort’s family-operated staff provides a welcome dose of friendliness, offering a stark contrast to the toxicity emanating from Diana and her wedding planner, Aubrey. However, the quirky charm of the resort takes a dark turn when Jess stumbles upon a dead body, instantly raising the ante and making everyone, with their own unique brand of “crazy and strange,” a potential suspect in this increasingly unpredictable whodunit.
Proposals Gone Wrong… Way Wrong!
This isn’t your typical fairytale proposal planning gig. From the outset, Harper throws Jess into a whirlwind of drama, orchestrated by the self-centered Diana’s demand for a “pre-bridal” retreat and a do-over proposal with her pecan-tycoon fiancé, Trenton Tillard the Fourth. The initial marital distress quickly escalates to full-blown murder, proving that Jess’s organizational skills are about to be tested in ways she never imagined. This unexpected shift from romance to crime is handled with Harper’s signature light touch, creating a compelling narrative where the unraveling of deadly secrets becomes just as engaging as the initial proposal plans gone wrong.
The Perfect Blend: Mystery, Romance, and Molly Harper’s Wit
Beneath the layers of humor and kooky characters that Molly Harper created, A Proposal to Die For subtly poses the question of whether things going according to plan are always the best outcome. The disruption of Jess’s meticulously crafted schedules by murder and mayhem ultimately leads her down unexpected paths and reveals hidden truths. Harper wonderfully balances this intrigue with her trademark wit and a developing sweet romance between Jess and Dean (the chef) ensuring that the reader is thoroughly entertained and invested in both solving the mystery and seeing where Jess’s unplanned journey leads her. Take it from me, but you’ll just love this entertaining mystery! Check it out.
Thanks to Berkley for this #gifted book for this review.
