
Idle (book 2 in A Sadie Hawkins Mystery series) by Patricia C. Lee, eBook, 294 pages
*Synopsis from Amazon: Sadie Hawkins thought her toughest challenge was keeping her small freight business afloat—until her best friend, Tanya Woods, is arrested for murder. With the police convinced Tanya is guilty, Sadie attempts to prove her friend's innocence before it’s too late. As Sadie launches her own investigation with her crew, they use their special skills and step outside the law to uncover dark secrets tied to StreetSmart; Tanya’s workplace that provides a support system for rehabilitated young adult offenders. While her search for the truth intensifies, Sadie and her associates find themselves in a dangerous web of betrayal, lies, hidden motives, and vengeance. With her business at risk, her trust tested, and best friend on the line, Sadie must rely on both her instincts and the loyalty of those around her as she strives to find the killer. However, in a world full of secrets, even friends can become enemies and the truth might be more than she can handle.
BOOK REVIEW: I probably sound like a broken record from the Tonya Kappes reviews I've done lately but y'all know how I feel about reading books in a series out of order. This is book 2 in a series. While I have book 1, I didn't get a chance to read it before I started this one and ya know what? It's fine! Think of it like you start watching a tv show in season 2. You're getting to know the characters that others already know, hearing about characters that you don't see but assume were in season 1 and it doesn't take away from what is going on now, so you keep watching knowing that eventually you will get around to watching season 1 when it comes out on DVD. Oh I just dated myself didn't I. That's how this book reads. There were a few characters that are mentioned that I couldn't place that I assumed had a bigger role in book 1 so I'll definitely be reading that one as soon as my schedule opens up!
I think my favorite line had to be when she was thinking about a moment when she had her dog in the car with her while talking with a not-so-nice dude and the dog wanted to tear into him and she says she wants to let loose the Moose. Not only did I let the author know that way my favorite quote (and I gave her the whole quote that made me laugh out loud) but gave her an idea for merch if she ever wanted to make any! Times like this I wish I had some artistic ability because I would create a design and send it to her!
5 star read all the way! This had suspense, mystery, some action, all leading me down my road of trying to figure out the who-done-it before it's revealed and PLOT TWIST I didn't get it until right before the reveal. This book not only made me put First Gear (book 1) at the top of my physical books TBR but I can't wait for book 3 because I need to know what happens next. The story was wrapped up nicely just like a season finale but not the finale that leaves you screaming at your tv knowing that you have like 5 months until the next season starts (or longer...looking at you GOT...you know which finale I'm talking about if you watched that show). You're hooked to come back for more but not pissed at some cliff hanger. Sadie is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters and should totally become a PI!
5/5 Stars
2025 Reading Challenge: 18/50 complete
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Thank you, Myranda, for the wonderful review!! I'll get working on that merch as soon as I can LOL!