Review of The Body on the Barstool (Top Shelf Mysteries Book 1) by Lolli Powell
From the moment I first laid eyes on the intriguing title The Body on the Barstool, I felt drawn to what promised to be a delightful blend of mystery and humor. Lolli Powell’s debut in the Top Shelf Mysteries series caught my attention not just with its catchy premise but also with the charming notion of a New Yorker embarking on an unexpected adventure in a small Ohio town. It beckoned me to dive into Ricki Fontaine’s world, and oh, what a ride it was!
Ricki, our feisty protagonist, finds herself inheriting a dive bar from her colorful uncle, and boy, does she have her work cut out. With dreams of transforming the Top Shelf from a rowdy joint with a history of fights into a cozy spot where folks can bring their grannies, Ricki’s plans are hilariously derailed when she discovers her ex-husband—now happily married to a man—is the unfortunate soul slumped on the barstool. Talk about a messy start to small-town life!
What I loved most about Ricki was her unapologetic New York sass coupled with genuine vulnerability. Her inner monologues sliced through the tension; they were sarcastic, witty, and completely relatable. One moment she’s strategizing on how to revamp the bar’s image, and the next, she’s bewildered by the small-town quirks and the unpredictability of the locals. Powell has a talent for crafting characters that feel very much alive. I can easily imagine Ricki and I grabbing a drink together, laughing about her misadventures while my cat lounges at her feet.
Powell’s writing style is effortless; the narrative flows seamlessly and contains lush details that allow readers to vividly picture Waterton, Ohio. I found myself chuckling at Ricki’s interactions with the local diners and her not-so-pleasant run-ins with the local police detectives, whom she cleverly nicknamed "Eyebrows" and "Useless." The pacing expertly balanced the unfolding mystery with light-hearted moments, allowing for a delightful reading experience without losing momentum.
I nearly highlighted the entire book with quotes that resonated with me. One gem was Ricki’s sardonic take on life: “If I’m going to deal with dead bodies, I’d rather do it over a cocktail than a cup of coffee.” It perfectly sums up her spirited yet realistic perspective in the face of absurdity.
The Body on the Barstool offers more than just a catchy title; it dives into themes of starting over, the complexities of relationships, and the struggle to carve out a space for oneself in unfamiliar territory. The book resonates particularly with those who appreciate cozy mysteries sprinkled with humor and relatable, flawed characters.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone in need of a light-hearted mystery that promises to keep you guessing. If you enjoy characters like Stephanie Plum and appreciate a good whodunit with warmth and wit, Lolli Powell’s debut will certainly hit the spot. The cozy setting, quirky characters, and engaging narrative captured my heart, leaving me eager for more adventures with Ricki. Let’s raise a glass to the hopes of not finding any more bodies—even if it makes for a thrilling read! Cheers!
You can find The Body on the Barstool (Top Shelf Mysteries Book 1) here >>