Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies (A Pies Before Guys Mystery) by Misha Popp

"This was an interesting read. While it was certainly an original plot, it was a bit different from most cozy mysteries I've read. I'm not used to these kinds of books with characters who are bi-sexual or at least bi-curious, who rely heavily on social media and cell phones to conduct business. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but I like to escape reality and I'm drawn more to quaint little villages where mysteries take place. It was a bit distracting to see the many instances where editing fell short. Words were often turned around and small words left out of a sentence. Overall though, it certainly held my interest and it's obvious the author is a baker. Since I'm a pie baker too, it was enjoyable to have that as the main focus of the story line. It's certainly worth the read......" "This one is a little different. If you’re looking for something in the typical cozy mystery realm, you won’t really find that in this book. This book is darker and there’s some language that isn’t part of the usual cozy. Daisy also uses her magical gift in ways that may not sit well with some readers. I suppose she could be described as a vigilante. She makes murder pies on request for women who are being abused and who reach out to her as a last resort to escape the abuse. My reading tastes are pretty eclectic. I read for entertainment and have no problem suspending belief or reading things that are a bit darker. This book isn’t all that dark and leans more toward the cozy end of the reading spectrum. I liked this book and am curious to see what happens in the next one in the series......"

코지 미스터리장르라고 생각하면서 읽기 시작했는데.....코지 페미, 코지 젠더장르같은 생소한 느낌의 작품이다. 지금까지 읽은 코지물들하고는 좀 다른 거 같다. 색다른(?) 인물들의 출현이나 기존의 작품들에 비해서 살인의 방향이 좀 다른 거 같다. 살인자를 찾는 것이 아니라 대의(?)를 갖고 살인을 저지르는 인물이 주인공이다. 다른 코지 작품들과 분위기나 언어적 표현들이 좀 달라서 초반에 적응하는데 노력이 필요했다. 좀 특이한 코지물을 도전하고자 하는 독자들은 읽어 볼 만한 거 같다. 다만 초반을 잘 넘겨야 한다. 본문중에 "Equal rights for all genders. Protect the unprotected. Be the revolution you want to see in the world." "Pies Before Guys doesn't even have a pie that could hurt marginalized genders." "I like Noel's earnest charm and Melly's passion ....." "What could've been doesn't matter." "The pies are forgive-and-forgets, and the blend of magic is both highly specific and very general ..... Everyone who has one of these pies will have no memory of my being here." "No blood isn't family. Blood is just a liquid, like water or honey. It's not special." 등의 문장들은 작품을 이해하는데 도움을 준다.