Easier Dead Than Drawn: A Paint by Murder Mystery
by Bailee Abbott
About Easier Dead Than Drawn
Easier Dead Than Drawn: A Paint by Murder Mystery
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series (1st with this publisher)
Setting – New York
Publisher : Level Best Books (May 7, 2024)
Print length : 272 pages
ASIN : B0D15342M1
When the town council hires Chloe Abbington’s close friend, famous wall muralist Lana Easton, to paint a mural advertising the return of the floating amphitheater, not everyone in Whisper Cove is happy about the theater or Lana. Naysayers think the noise from concerts and visitors will disrupt their quiet community. It doesn’t help that a lot of money taken from the town’s budget is being used to pay the muralist for her services. The mood turns even more grim when Lana is found dead, and since Chloe was there alone to discover her body, that makes her the prime suspect.
Before Chloe finds herself painted into a corner as the killer, she and sister Izzie hurry to solve the case and find the real criminal. The suspect list grows to include Lana’s boyfriend and her intern, as well as a couple of local residents. The task is a tall order for the sisters, and it doesn’t help that the detective on the case is someone who doesn’t seem to care for Chloe or her interference. Clues about Lana’s past surface and point to more than one suspect. The challenge will be to decide which one is the real killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Whisper Cove is getting its floating amphitheater back and has commissioned a wall mural painted by Chloe Abbington’s good friend and well-known wall muralist Lana Easton to add to the attraction. But not everyone is behind the endeavor. Town money being used for the mural and the noise coming from the amphitheater are two big complaints. Lana barely gets started on the mural when she is found dead below her creation. Chloe finds her and because no one can alibi her movements she becomes the prime suspect. Chloe, her sister Izzie, and their friend Willow vow to find the real killer. Members of Lana’s entourage top their suspect list followed by a few members of the community. Chloe’s boyfriend Hunter isn’t working the case so she has to deal with Detective Calvin Winsell and he doesn’t want her anywhere near his case.
I liked Chloe and Izzie much better in this story than I did in the last. They came across as more friendly and true to life. I am happy I gave them another chance. I enjoy the direction of Chloe’s relationship with Hunter is going and the way Izzie’s relationship with Brody is progressing. Willow still plays a major role in the Paint with a View painting party business. We are also introduced to Lana Easton, her boyfriend Nick, Lana’s intern assistant Audrey, and Tate her tech guy. Rita Morgan is always lurking nearby. She feels the town should have chosen her to paint the mural. With Chloe and Izzie living with their artistic parents they are always nearby to help and give advice as needed. All the characters came to life very well.
I really enjoyed the wall mural theme. They are popping up all over where I live. Mostly in downtown areas on buildings, some that are hundreds of years old. They are much more interesting than the old bricks and brighten and enlighten communities with their beauty.
The mystery Ms. Abbott has written is very intriguing with plenty of suspects, twists, and turns. Chloe saw what may have been a suspect leaving the murder scene and she has that image in her head that drives her in a certain direction. Her fluffy white Maltese poodle mix, Max follows his nose and uncovers what may be evidence sending her in another direction. She, Izzie, and Chloe also have several painting parties to facilitate too, one in front of the mural, the scene of the murder. The girls had a lot of different theories but things didn’t fall into place until right before an unusual showdown. It was a wild takedown.
Easier Dead Than Drawn is my favorite book in this series. A creative theme, evolving characters, and a well-plotted mystery made for a thoroughly entertaining mystery. Love was in the air at the ending and I loved that.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, and publisher, for providing me with an ARC.
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About Bailee Abbott
Bailee Abbott is a native Ohioan who spends her days plotting murder and writing mysteries. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Bailee lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. Visits to Bemus Point, a town along the Chautauqua Lake in southwest New York inspired the setting for the PAINT BY MURDER mystery series. Bailee also writes the SIERRA PINES B&B MYSTERIES and the MACKENZIE BLUE MYSTERIES as Kathryn Long.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”
Thanks for the review. This sounds good.
Captivating and great cozy mystery.