Today’s First Line Friday is from…
“When that dude realized it was the history teacher,
I was like shocked, y’know? I was like, ‘Dude!
It has to be that science geek’s-whatshisname’s-dad.'”
(Manuscript for Murder by Chautona Havig)
Hint: This isn’t exactly the first line of the actual story but of a “two years ago.” 😉
Before I get into the review and fun blog tour stuff, visit the other First Line Friday-ers and see what they have to share! (Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.)
Bree – Bibliophile Reviews
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Heather – Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
Beth – Faithfully Bookish
Katie – Fiction Aficionado
Andi – Radiant Light
Carrie – Reading is my Super Power
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Sydney – Singing Librarian Books
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Molly – Molly’s Caffeinated Reads
GIVEAWAY
In honor of her Manuscript for Murder Celebration Tour, Chautona is giving away a mystery prize package worth over $100. Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/bc16
Would you like to know what’s in it? Find the first clue within the giveaway image below, then hop on over to Chautona’s website to begin the search for more clues and you might find a special giveaway just for clue hunters! Can you find all the clues before Augusta Septemus does?
MY REVIEW
The best phrase I can think to describe this book is “disturbingly interesting.” I found the idea of Alexa’s writing preceding murders, but at the same time, there was that disturbing/sick element of the motive for the murders (which, I suppose is the purpose of murder mysteries–they aren’t supposed to be enticing).
Spiritual content… I didn’t catch a strong hint of a spiritual line throughout the story. And a few references Alexa made of “Lord” seemed used in vain–like she wasn’t praying, but uttering it flippantly. That could be me misreading it. There were mentions of God and praying, but like I said, it wasn’t a strong thread at all.
Clean content… this almost makes the “squeaky clean” category. There were a few minced oaths used as well as a reference to a “youthful rebellion” stage of someone getting pregnant out of wedlock. Nothing too detailed, but it’s enough to lead your mind there.
Romance content… was not super strong in this book. There was a hint of a romance triangle, the aforementioned reference to pregnancy of wedlock, and some interested, but the romance felt natural and not overriding the entire book.
If you like a hint of mystery balanced with strong character-driven plots, you’ll enjoy this book.
3.5 stars.
*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review*
ABOUT THE BOOK
Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.
Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely.
Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert with her husbnd and five of her nine children. Through her novels, she hopes to encourage Christians in their walk with Jesus.
Blog Stops
July 25: A Baker’s Perspective
July 25: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
July 26: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
July 27: The Fizzy Pop Collection
July 28: Bigreadersite
July 29: Avid Reader Book Reviews
July 30: A Reader’s Brain
July 31: Blogging With Carol
August 1: Mommynificent
August 2: Moments Dipped in Ink
August 3: Carpe Diem
August 4: With a Joyful Noise
August 4: A Simply Enchanted Life
August 5: Lots of Helpers
August 5: Christian Bookaholic
August 6: Kat’s Corner Books
August 6: Southern Gal Loves to Read
August 7: Karen Sue Hadley
August 7: Blossoms and Blessings
Amanda Tero Books 
London. May 1914. Rosemary Gresham may have been a thief but she was a thief who preferred to work in broad daylight. From A Name Unknown by Roseanna White! Loving this book. Can’t get enough Roseanna!
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Cute first line!Here is mine:“I never meant for any of it to happen.”The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce
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This week on my blog I'm sharing the first line from \”To Wager Her Heart\”. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope that you get to drop by and check it out. Have a great weekend!
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Very interesting premise. I might have to check this one out. Happy Friday!
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Nice review.
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this books sounds extremely intriguingquilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
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Hi, Amanda,You may want to check your images they aren't showing up. Happy Friday!
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November 12, 2011This is for them. This is for the magic. This is for every little dreamer in the room.A Season to Dance – Patricia Beal
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Love the title! Happy Friday!
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What an exciting and generous giveaway. Thank you. Marilyn
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@ Paula – that was one of my latest reads–loved it!@ Rebecca – ooh, that could go so many directions!@ Trisha – I'm planning on stopping by as soon as I'm caught up on my blog's comments! :)@ Sarah – hope you do!@ Kim – thanks!@ Lori – it definitely was!@ Andi – thanks for mentioning that! I got them fixed. 🙂 @ Caryl – sounds like a neat book!@ English Mysteries – I know! I loved the title!
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Interesting… but I am totally lost on the clues end of this giveaway…
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I love the cover!I'm sharing the first line from The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix. It's a great read.
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@ Polaris – maybe going to Chautona's blog will help? There's a link for it around the giveaway comments.@ Iola – yes, it's a fun cover! Thanks for stopping by!
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Chatauna is wonderful. This is a great line to share!
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