Book Review: Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress by Lynn Rankin-Esquer
From the moment I stumbled upon Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress, I felt an undeniable pull. Maybe it was the intriguing title, or perhaps my own chaotic life whispered a sympathetic “yes” as I read the blurb. Whatever it was, I knew I needed to dive into this cozy mystery by Lynn Rankin-Esquer, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
At the heart of this delightful tale is Izzy Bishop, a forty-two-year-old professional organizer grappling with personal chaos: a looming divorce, financial struggles, and an unexpected gift (or curse?) of psychic abilities. Izzy’s relatable journey through disorganized life and the revelations it brings was both amusing and refreshing. Her quirky character is the embodiment of someone you’d want as a friend—a bit scattered, but with a heart full of warmth and humor.
The blending of suspense and charm is artfully executed. One minute you’re chuckling at Izzy’s antics—like trying to charm her way through a disastrous client meeting—and the next, you’re on the edge of your seat, trying to piece together the mystery surrounding her client Joanna and a haunting premonition about danger. Rankin-Esquer’s ability to intertwine the lighthearted with the serious creates a delightful balance that keeps readers engaged and invested.
One moment that stuck with me was when Izzy, overwhelmed by the pressures of both her job and her newfound psychic visions, reflects, “Life is just a messy collection of chaos, and I’m still trying to find the order within it.” This sentiment resonated deeply with me. It’s a reminder that while we may strive for perfection, it’s often the messiness of life that leads us to unexpected adventures.
The pacing of the narrative is just right, making it a perfect binge read on a rainy Saturday. The humor flows naturally, with witty dialogues that made me chuckle out loud—a delightful feature I always look for in cozy mysteries. Moreover, the cast of supporting characters, from Izzy’s Type-A sister to her charming ER doctor love interest, added layers to the plot and provided belly laughs along the way.
From the glowing reviews I’ve seen, it’s evident that readers have fallen in love with this book, and I wholeheartedly understand why. It’s filled with relatable characters, eyebrow-raising twists, and a unique touch of supernatural intrigue that elevates it above the average cozy mystery.
If you’re someone who enjoys a cozy read with a dash of humor and heart—or if you’ve ever found yourself in a similar chaotic situation—Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress is surely for you. It’s more than just a mystery; it’s a relatable exploration of life’s beautiful messiness. Trust me, once you meet Izzy, you’ll want to be a part of her world. As for me, I can’t wait to see where this quirky journey leads next! 🍊🔍
You can find Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress: An Order Out of Chaos Mystery Book 1 here >>