Gethsemane uncovers devilish dealings as she fights to clear Verna, for Frankie’s sake. Will she find the killer in time to save Frankie from another heartbreak? Or will the photos in her social media feed be post-mortem?
Execution in E by Alexia Gordon is book 5 in the Gethsemane Brown Mysteries series, and I recommend reading books 1 to 4 for two reasons: All of these books are completely fun, with top-notch characterization, including a highly unusual and very involved ghost named Eamon McCarthy. And each book builds upon the last and feels almost like one long story, with the characters evolving and backstories (especially Eamon’s) emerging.
While all the books involve murder—these are cozy mysteries, after all—Execution in E takes a turn down a dark lane that will send chills down your spine. While the resident ghost, Eamon, at Carraigfaire cottage in Dunmullach, Ireland, has a temper, he is basically friendly. Eamon and Gethsemane Brown, our American music teacher working at a boy’s school, got off to a rocky start in book 1, but by book 5, they are firmly ensconced in their friendship and are working together to solve quite the intricate mystery.
We have all heard stories about Bridezillas, but when an Instagram influencer shows up at the cottage with her groom and entire entourage for a one-of-a-kind photo shoot, both Gethsemane and Eamon have their work cut for them. The bride’s antics are atrocious and self-centered, but when death occurs near the cottage, the mystery is ablaze with speculation, suspects, and a very dark secret. This dark secret adds a new paranormal layer that will entice, intrigue, and definitely frighten. How fun!
Amidst the drama and mayhem, some humor does shine through in book 5 and in all the books, actually. In Execution in E, Gethsemane, who rides a bicycle everywhere, keeps crashing for one reason or another. Eamon’s quick temper and desire to throw orbs at any perceived offender keeps Gethsemane on her toes. Their relationship is always good for some humor and will capture your heart.
I don’t know how she does it, but Alexia Gordon continues to deliver unique characters; energetic plots full of just the right amount of mystery, murder, and traces of occasional romantic feelings; and a wonderful Irish setting rife with plenty of local flare.
Alexia Gordon’s writing style is not complicated and flows smoothly, but that does not mean all the mysterious are easily solved or that the recurring characters are stagnate. With each book, the characters become more lovable and familiar, with the new characters throwing wrenches into the mix and adding more than enough commotion and destruction. The only downside is that you will probably find yourself reading each book way too quickly, leaving you immediately hungry for more.
If you are caught up and ready for Execution in E, take your time and savor this wonderful story. The wait (no matter how short) for the next book is always excruciating but definitely well worth it.
Enter the giveaway below on or before April 3, 2020, for a chance to win some fabulous prizes.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
A writer since childhood, Alexia Gordon won her first writing prize in the 6th grade. She continued writing through college but put literary endeavors on hold to finish medical school and Family Medicine residency training. She established her medical career then returned to writing fiction. Raised in the southeast, schooled in the northeast, she relocated to the west where she completed Southern Methodist University’s Writer’s Path program. She admits Texas brisket is as good as Carolina pulled pork. She practices medicine in North Chicago, IL. She enjoys the symphony, art collecting, embroidery, and ghost stories.
Signed copy of Execution in E + $10 Starbucks Gift Card + Gethsemane Brown Swag:
mug, stickers, pens, bookmark, combo bookmark/laser pointer, coasters, & more
VISIT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
3/24/20 | Notable Quotable | Kelly Well Read |
3/24/20 | BONUS Post | Hall Ways Blog |
3/25/20 | Review | Chapter Break Book Blog |
3/26/20 | Excerpt | Max Knight |
3/27/20 | Review | Momma on the Rocks |
3/28/20 | Top Ten List | All the Ups and Downs |
3/29/20 | Playlist | StoreyBook Reviews |
3/30/20 | Review | Forgotten Winds |
3/31/20 | Series Spotlight | Jennifer Silverwood |
4/1/20 | Review | That’s What She’s Reading |
4/2/20 | BONUS Review | Missus Gonzo |
4/2/20 | Review | Reading by Moonlight |
What an excellent series this is! I cannot wait to read this book — I think I’ll get it on audio so I don’t have to. Thanks for a great review.
I adore these books!