Category: TBR Pile Challenge

On Flashback Fridays, I will share with you
the books I was not able to review
when they were first released, that have been screaming at me
from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.

I read this book back in December, with my Blogoversary celebration, I was unable to post my review before today.

Mugshots of Manhattan (A Snapshot of NYC Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – New York
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 22, 2023
Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496738837
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496738837
Kindle
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496738844
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BNCMJ25N

Set in the world’s most exciting city, this new cozy mystery promises photo taking fun, New York glamour—and satisfying sleuthing featuring up-and-coming photographer Liv Spyer, a millennial with a keen eye for crime, who is sure to charm readers who are young and young at heart.

Liv Spyers hits the big time when she lands a photography assignment with Grammy Award-winning pop star, the one and only Bisa. A huge fan, Liv is extra thrilled that her new boyfriend, Harry, will escort her to the glamorous premiere of Bisa’s debut movie. But when Bisa’s estranged sister, threatens to turn the photo-op into a PR disaster, Liv goes after her—only to turn to camera lens on herself when Anna winds up dead. With all eyes on Liv, her star-studded career is suddenly on the verge of being cancelled . . .

Bisa is leaning hard on Liv to catch her sister’s killer—while she and her flirtatious entourage are wreaking havoc on Liv’s relationship with Harry. Now the best Liv can hope for is that her most famous photo doesn’t turn out to be her own mugshot. And that she can save herself—and Harry—before the killer strikes again . . .

Dollycas’s Thoughts 

Grammy Award-winning pop star Bisa needs a photographer, and Liv Spyers lands the gig. She was already a fan and knew a job like this could catapult her career.  She’s excited because Harry, her now boyfriend, will be accompanying her to the big premiere of the pop star’s debut movie.

Then Bisa’s sister, Anna, arrives on the scene, determined to cause trouble. Liv is determined to stop her. When Anna is killed, Liv is the focus of the investigation. Liv witnessed the death and the suspicious happenings that followed. Bisa has come to trust Liv and pressures her to find the real killer. Liv knows her livelihood is on the line, and if she fails, the only thing she will be remembered for is her own mugshot.

I was excited to return to this series after reading Photo Finished. The characters were very well-developed in the book, and I was anxious to see where the author would take them. Ms. Brecher did not disappoint. The characters and their relationships continued to evolve. Liv’s grandparents are so open and welcoming, and their relationship is heartwarming. The relationship between Harry and Liv continues to grow. They do make a cute couple. Liv’s BFF, Maria, is excited about Liv working with Bisa and gets an incredible surprise.

A lot goes on within the covers of this book. There is more than one mystery to solve in this story, and I really enjoy how Liv and Harry work together to solve them both. Bisa and her entourage bring the drama, and Liv is caught up in the excitement. Harry has a secret that Liv vows to keep. They really make a wonderful team with her keen observations and his skill set. Closely looking at the pictures she has taken opens up the case and helps her question the suspects. I had a great time following along every step of the way.

New York, Manhattan, and Roosevelt Island are filled with unique places. The author’s details of time, people, and places created such visual imagery in my mind. I was completely drawn in by one character who was cagey and clever. The subplot was entertaining, and maybe a little over the top, but I loved it.

Mugshots of Manhattan is a real page-turner, and I am terribly disappointed the series only has two books. Both books are well-plotted and written. I found the characters to be very engaging, and the mysteries beyond intriguing.  The setting is a place where anything can happen, ripe for more photographic fun, mystery, suspense, and excitement. Both were Perfect Escapes! I was not ready to leave these characters behind.

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 Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About the Author

Christin Brecher is the author of the Shapshot of NYC Mysteries and the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery Series. Born and raised in New York City, she lived in London, Connecticut, and Massachusetts before moving back to the city that will always have her heart. She previously worked in television production at the A&E Network, HBO, and PBS before moving into business development and marketing at Time Incorporated.

Also written by Christin Brecher

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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.”