24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly fun!, June 10, 2008
This review is from: Corpse Pose (Mantra for Murder Mysteries, No. 1) (Paperback)
I came into this expecting something like India Ink's Bath & Body mysteries - fuzzy, New Age spirituality surrounding strong female leads investigating brutal murders while starting each day with an intricately described workout routine including yoga and Pilates. And I like that. But instead, I found a really great book with winning characters, wit, and very little actual yoga. The main character eats pre-packaged junk food and bacon! Very few poses are actually described, and of the 276 pages of story, fewer than twenty have a character really doing a pose. But the book still managed to grab me by giving me a lead I could believe in who inherits herself a world of trouble and tries to get through with the help of a charmingly self-centered mother, a gay ex-husband, and a hunky-but-distant local cop. I really look forward to the next book in the series - maybe there will be more yoga, but I don't think there needs to be if this is the kind of book we're already getting.
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27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Poised for Success! This New Cozy Series is a Winner!, April 21, 2008
This review is from: Corpse Pose (Mantra for Murder Mysteries, No. 1) (Paperback)
Diana Killian already has a winning cozy series on her hands (Poetic Death Mysteries - watch for book #4 due out later this year), so for me the question was whether or not this new Mantra for Murder series would be different enough and interesting enough to warrant an entirely new series. The answer? A resounding `Yes!'
In Corpse Pose, Ms. Killian has woven an excellent mystery, a fascinating venue, an edgy and unique cast of characters, and a beautiful story about change, forgiveness, and rebirth. Even those readers who, like me, had to do modified versions of even the simplest Yoga poses in grade school - at the most limber times of our lives - will enjoy meeting and spending time with Anna Jolie and Elysia Alexander.
When the book starts out, we learn that A.J. is a successful freelance marketing consultant who's built a thriving business with her ex-husband. She's independent and self-sufficient, having spent her childhood caring for an alcoholic parent who provided little nurturing in return. Growing up, her mother's sister, Diantha Mason (Aunt Di), saw to most of A.J.'s emotional and/or spiritual needs. She was A.J.'s one constant in an otherwise chaotic existence. A phone call from Detective Oberlin of the Stillbrook PD informs A.J. of her aunt's death and shatters the calm she has so carefully constructed.
The mystery is deliciously complex, but the characters are what makes the story so intriguing. These are not cookie-cutter characters by any means. They make the story all the more believable by their breadth and depth. All in all, Corpse Pose is an excellent cozy mystery, and I look forward to future escapades featuring this endearing mother-daughter duo and the Sacred Balance Studio. Namaste!
Carol Ann Hopkins 4/20/2008
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24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent and Fun!, April 5, 2008
This review is from: Corpse Pose (Mantra for Murder Mysteries, No. 1) (Paperback)
Diana Killian has outdone herself with this first book in her new series. CORPSE POSE has it all from well-written plot, sharp prose, wit and humor that had me rolling with laughter and memorable characters who I definitely want to read more about. As a heroine A.J. is delightful, witty and smart. You don't have to be into yoga to enjoy Ms. Killian's CORPSE POSE, but you may find yourself doing the downward dog before you're finished. Fun, fun, fun! I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Michele Scott
author of The Wine Lover's Mysteries and The Michaela Bancroft Mysteries
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