“Murder, She Reported” By Peg Cochran: Review/Giveaway

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win an ebook copy of this book at the end of the review and a link to purchase it.

In 1938’s wealthy Manhattan community, a proper socialite should only have her name appear in the newspaper when she is born, when she marries, and when she dies. So when twenty-two-year-old Elizabeth Adams announces to her family that she intends to be a reporter for the Daily Trumpet, she was prepared for her mother’s histrionics and despair. It’s a bit of a comedown that instead of pursuing the truth and fighting injustice, Elizabeth is instead taking coffee orders and typing out the advice column written by the only other female staff worker. Fate blows her way when the photographer falls ill, and Elizabeth happens to be available to help reporter Ralph Kaminsky cover the debut of Gloria DeWitt at the Waldorf.



➡ switch to KingsRiverLife.com for this week's issue ⬅


Elizabeth’s status as a socialite from a prosperous family is a secret she’s kept from the rest of her coworkers, so the trick is going to be how she can very discreetly use her social connections to get them inside information. That becomes crucial when Elizabeth encounters Gloria in the hotel’s bathroom, covered in blood, and next to the body of her murdered stepmother. Elizabeth’s family is horrified that she is now association with police officers, even one as handsome as Detective Marino. Those interactions come at a price, though, which Elizabeth quickly experiences as she is snubbed by other girls and ignored by her former circle of friends. It seems that Gloria has her own secrets that aren’t exactly upper-crust, and prodded on by the surprising mentor Kaminsky, Elizabeth discovers previously unexplored New York City culture, cuisines, and definitely people.

mystery book cover
Image Source: Alibi

Elizabeth has already conquered one obstacle, which was surviving polio that left her with a limp that is tiring but mostly unnoticeable. Not so fortunate was her friend Irene, whose more severe disability forces her into more and more desperate and demeaning jobs. The exploration of the social aspects of this society is as fascinating as they are heart-breaking, especially when the novel delves into the fringes of a neglected society.

Always looming in the background is the outbreak of war oversees, and readers are all too aware of what lies in the future. Elizabeth proves to be one of the most strong-willed characters in this riveting novel, although she will be challenged by her love for her family and her own need to establish her identity and sense of purpose. Her status and wealth may have sheltered her from the darkest elements of society, but Elizabeth’s belief in justice and fairness has her willing to risk that protection for the truth. This is an undeniably fun start to a charming new series, and seeing such a spunky heroine grown and have her eyes open to a brand new world is a genuine pleasure.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Murder She Reported, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "reported,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 29, 2018. U.S. residents only.If entering via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast!

You can use this link to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:



Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.



Comments

  1. This sounds entertaining as well as informative. Also, the cover is great.
    Donah42 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a great new series by a favorite author. doward(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd love to read this--ty for the giveaway. legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for providing insight into Peg Cochran's book, Murder She Reported. I am not familiar with this series and from your review I have added it to my need to read list. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This sounds like a great start to a new series. Looking forward to reading "Murder, She Reported".
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment