Dearly Departed is the second book in the Amy’s Travel Mystery series. Written by Hy Conrad, the story begins a few months after the first book, Toured to Death, ends. As there are multiple references to Amy’s first murder mystery, it is recommended that readers read this series in order.
Conrad concocts a story with good pacing, suspense, and memorable settings and characters. The plot provides a great deal of mystery, as well as various murder suspects that will have readers guessing until the very end. The multiple settings, several of them famous landmarks, add fun and enjoyment. Although some of the characters felt a little cliche, they are all entertaining. Dearly Departed is a fabulous read for mystery and travel lovers!
Review of an Advance Reader Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Kensington Publishing
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 14 religious exclamations, 25 mild obscenities, 1 religious profanity, 3 derogatory names, 1 scatological word, 1 anatomical term.
Violence/Gore: Several secondhand reports of violence involving arson, suspected suicide, mugging and murder; a scene of blood and gore when characters find a body.
Sex/Nudity: An incident of kissing; a few sexual references in jokes and flirting; a reported incident of sexual activity.
Mature Subject Matter:
Murder, kidnapping, financial troubles, art forgery, homosexuality.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Several characters drink and smoke; a scene takes place at a bar; a reference to drugs.