Mourning Commute (A Fun and Quirky Cozy Mystery with Pets)

Sam Cheever

Apr 2021 · Grave Theatrics Book 1 · Electric Prose Publications

About this ebook

It’s definitely curtains for May’s client. He’s exited Stage Left for the last time.

May Ferth just wants to do a good job in her role as fake girlfriend. But there are strange goings on at the funeral. Shifty characters whispering secrets in shadowed corners, and a truly yummy advocate for the dead guy implying that May might have had something to do with his friend’s unscripted exit.

May might be a thirty-three-year-old ex-community theater actress on her second career, but she comes from a family of cops. And, despite her talent for acting, she has a lot more Detective in her than Diva. 

The villain thinks he can threaten her and she’ll fold like last week’s panned play. Clearly, he hasn’t read the day’s script changes. May and her little dog Shakespeare are on the case. Though, they might take a little direction from the Private Investigator who believes that May’s client was murdered, and fully intends to prove it.

Ratings and reviews

Exit Stage Left! MayBell Ferth enjoys her job as a professional mourner for Exit Stage Left. Her chosen profession was acting but Exit Stage Left provides a better income without all the drama and politics, although it has been a tough pill for her family to swallow. May’s father and siblings are all in law enforcement and were disappointed when she chose a different career path but she believes her role provides some comfort for the family of the deceased and is not as dangerous as police work. Her current role as the fake girlfriend of the newly deceased Josh Mitner is being challenged by his best friend, Eddie Deitz. Not only does he accuse May of being a gold digger, but he implies that she might be responsible for Josh’s death which he does not believe was accidental. Apparently, Eddie is not the only one that believes Josh’s death was not accidental. Since you can’t grow up in a law enforcement family and not pick up a lot of detective skills along with a healthy sense of curiosity, May soon finds herself over her head and in real danger as she tries to investigate his death. This book has good humor, a well-developed mystery, and a hint of possible future romance. May is an entertaining main character and there is believable interaction between May and her family. The characters are relatable and likable. I received an advance copy of the book but my review is voluntary and honest. I like the concept of a job as a professional mourner. It provides scenarios for many possible future books in this series.

This is the first I’ve read from this author, but it’s certainly not going to be the last. That book was just so much fun. A twisty mystery filled with shiny red herrings that kept leading me astray. Vibrant characters, chock full of personality – even Shakespeare. All that is wrapped up in a funny will-they/won’t-they rom-com vibe worthy of classic Moonlighting episodes. I realize that this book is currently a stand alone, but I loved these characters so much that I hope I get the chance to read more about them in the future. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

Maybell Ferth is an actress who, at the moment, is working as a professional mourner. Whilst pretending to be the girlfriend of a young man who was killed in a traffic accident, she overhears a conversation that she shouldn't. She then becomes a target. But with a family full of law enforcement officers, she isn't just going to hide away. And so begins a twisting tale that keeps you guessing right up to the end. I was fortunate enough to get hold of an advanced review copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Well worth the read.

About the author

USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes mystery and suspense, creating stories that draw you in and keep you eagerly turning pages. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 100+ books.