Review of Vows of Murder (A Tourist Trap Mystery, #17) by Lynn Cahoon
When I picked up Vows of Murder, the latest installment in Lynn Cahoon’s Tourist Trap Mystery series, I was intrigued by the promise of a cozy mystery intertwined with wedding planning and a cult storyline. It’s a mix that could either sizzle with excitement or fizzle into a convoluted mess. Unfortunately, this time, it felt more like the latter, leaving me with a weird vibe that lingered long after I turned the last page.
The novel centers on Jill Gardner, our beloved bookstore owner, who is juggling wedding plans while navigating a murder mystery connected to a local cult. While I’m usually all for a cozy mystery, the execution here felt sloppy and rushed, leading to a disjointed experience. In particular, I found the subplot of Jill’s wedding planning often cumbersome. Rather than adding depth, it drowned out the central murder mystery, making me wonder if perhaps the author was trying to weave in too many threads at once.
There’s also plenty to unpack regarding Jill’s relationship with Greg, the cop in her life. Can we talk about his patronizing behavior? His manner towards Jill often felt gross and dismissive, leaving me genuinely hoping they don’t tie the knot. The way he speaks to her—calling her “my girl” and treating her opinions as inconsequential—added a layer of unease that overshadowed some of the book’s more thrilling moments. I couldn’t help but cringe at moments when Jill simply aimed to delay an important conversation until after their wedding. Really?
The writing itself didn’t fare any better. Phrases like “my tummy was full of yummy food” seemed almost childlike for someone who was once a lawyer! It’s hard to reconcile such comments with a character who should have a strong command of language and terminology. Moreover, Jill’s mix-ups, like calling herself an “alumnus” instead of “alumna,” felt glaring and out of character.
As I delved deeper into the narrative, the plot twists—particularly the reveal of the missing woman subplot—felt predictable. It seemed shoehorned in to give Jill a reason to investigate rather than a natural extension of the storyline. And, while I appreciated the want for suspense, the pacing suffered significantly. Nearly 20% of the book passed before getting to the murder, leaving the narrative in a sluggish rut.
What struck me most about this installment was its controversial attempt to tackle the subject of cults. Instead of providing a nuanced portrayal, it veered into odd territory, making the cult leader’s reasonable opinions feel almost benign. This was a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the complexities of such a topic. Instead, it felt more like a light-hearted, almost whimsical take, which clashed with the darker realities of cult involvement in real life.
However, there were genuine concerns woven through the narrative, particularly regarding the book’s subtle endorsement of fatphobia and outdated gender perceptions. Jill’s fixation on fitting into her wedding dress to the detriment of her own well-being is a narrative that feels fatigued and problematic in contemporary dialogues about body positivity.
Ultimately, Vows of Murder might appeal to readers who enjoy small-town mysteries with a side of romantic drama. However, if you’re looking for depth, strong character dynamics, or a smooth, cohesive plot, you might want to pass this one by. Personally, I left the book feeling more frustrated than enchanted, wishing the elements of a cozy mystery could have harmonized better.
Here’s hoping the next installment brings more of the charm and wit I have come to cherish from Cahoon’s other works.
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