Review: Survival of the Fritters by Ginger Bolton

Survival of the Fritters

By: Ginger Bolton

Series: Deputy Donut Mystery

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Length: 303 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Emily Westhill runs the best donut shop in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin, alongside her retired police chief father-in-law and her tabby Deputy Donut. But after murder claims a favorite customer, Emily can’t rely on a sidekick to solve the crime—or stay alive.

If Emily has learned anything from her past as a 911 operator, it’s to stay calm during stressful situations. But that’s a tall order when one of her regulars, Georgia Treetor, goes missing. Georgia never skips morning cappuccinos with her knitting circle. Her pals fear the worst—especially Lois, a close friend who recently moved to town. As evening creeps in, Emily and the ladies search for Georgia at home. And they find her—murdered among a scattering of stale donuts . . .

Disturbingly, Georgia’s demise coincides with the five-year anniversary of her son’s murder, a case Emily’s late detective husband failed to solve before his own sudden death. With Lois hiding secrets and an innocent man’s life at stake, Emily’s forced to revisit painful memories on her quest for answers. Though someone’s alibi is full of holes, only a sprinkling of clues have been left behind. And if Emily can’t trace them back to a killer in time, her donut shop will end up permanently closed for business . . .

My Review:

Rating:

***I received this copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***

When I read the synopsis for this book it sounded like it could be a cute, funny mystery novel. The title had this adorable appeal, that had you expecting this suspenseful mystery with a twist of humor. However, I was slightly disappointed once I started reading it, the dialogue was awkward and I had a hard time staying engrossed in the story. 

This novel follows the owner of Deputy Donut, a police themed donut/coffee shop, as she tries to solve the murder of one of her customers; a Mrs. Georgia Treetor. She investigates the crime with the help of her new neighbor and Georgia's old friend Lois, as well as her cat and coffee shop mascot, Dep. 

This story had so much potential and while it started out interesting the further on I read the more I lost interest. There were many moments in which I felt the story wasn't progressing and aside from Emily, we never really got to know any of the other characters. And even Emily's character wasn't quite developed. The dialogue seemed to be lacking in personality as well. There were many conversations between Emily and her friends or family that seemed awkward. Unfortunately, those awkward conversations really took away from the story.

Now while the dialogue and character development were lacking at times, Ginger Bolton did a remarkable job describing the scenery. You could really picture the Deputy Donut shop, Emily's home and the conjuncture in which Emily and Lois's home were connected. Those descriptions really helped bring the story to life. 

I am glad I got the opportunity to read and review this book, the cover was absolutely adorable and is what honestly drew me in. I can't saw that I would read any more of the series as it just did not hold my interest, unfortunately. 

Published by: K