A Bad Day’s Work: A Book Review and Giveaway Post (Plus last week’s winners)

We read for a variety of reasons. To learn, to be forced to think, to expand our horizons, for escape and sometimes, just for fun. Nora McFarland’s debut novel, A Bad Day’s Work, is strictly for fun.

This mystery novel with a quirky main character, even quirkier supporting characters and action that unfolds at dizzying speed, can be best characterized as a wild romp.

I have to agree with BookPage that “their zaniness is reminiscent of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.”

The heroine, Lilly Hawkins, has a job as a TV news photographer—or shooter—and the author’s background work for CNN shows in the detailed descriptions of Lilly’s job.

If you’re a mystery lover and love your mysteries even more with a shot of humor—you will enjoy this engaging read.

Why do you read? Leave me a comment and I’ll pick a winner next week.

Thanks to Ashley of Touchstone/Fireside Publicity for giving me the opportunity to do this review/giveaway.

 

The winners of The Paranoid Parents Guide are numbers 1, 13 and 16. I love that one copy is going to a brand new mommy. Send me your info and I will get those copies on their way.

#1 I worry more now about teenage driver error that I used to -- blame that on MM totally the car back in April! I'm afraid it might have affected his brother, too, because EB has not yet completed the process to getting his license and he just turned 18.
My biggest worry is definitely safety. My husband tells me all the time that I'm being silly, but I can't help it. It was hard work bringing these kids into the world and I'd like them to stay around for a long time!

Posted by: kcinnova | September 12, 2010 at 11:56 PM

#13 Right now, with Luke being a month old, I worry about him getting sick, or, heaven forbid, SIDS. In terms of worry, it's going to be a LONG rest of my life! ;)

Posted by: Stacie | September 13, 2010 at 05:13 PM

I've got a kid with a learner's permit. What do you think my worry is? LOL

#16 I've got twin girls with vastly different friendship styles. I worry that they watch each other and feel inferior, on various counts. It's too easy to compare. It's such a knee-jerk reaction.

Posted by: yogurt | September 13, 2010 at 10:50 PM

Comments

[jenn]

I read to keep my sanity. Even when my children were infants and I was exhausted, I'd dip into a book at the end of the day - even if it was only for 10 minutes. It's the purest form of escape I've ever found, and I can't imagine my life without it.

[Heather]

Escape and information. I try to carve out times for each type, as reading only for information takes all the fun out of it.

[green girl in wisconsin]

I read for the sheer pleasure of it. Congrats to Nora on this book!

[busy bee suz]

I have a hard time keeping up with my reading...I wish I could make it a priority again!!!

[Rose]

You look so familiar; are you in my area? Just found your blog via The Women's Colony, so maybe I've visited before and forgot. Enjoyed reading, will visit again!

[Slow Panic]

Nora lives across the street from me! I'm so excited for her to have her first book published. A Bad Day's Work is a great read. I picked it up, curious to see what my neighbor was up to and after a couple of pages I forgot all about the author being my neighbor and found myself caught up in the mystery.

[kellyg]

To escape, for information and sometimes just because I'm nosy and want to know all about someone's life.

I picked up a book off the "to be reshelved" cart at the library the other day and it was such a fun read. It was a YA novel set in the late 60's with a boy as the protagonist. Not usually my thing but as I said it was fun. I need to check out more books by that author.

[Serial Mommy]

I read to read. That simple. I do it ALL the time with ANYTHING I can get my hands on. When I do it for enjoyment, I'm particular. When I do it when I'm bored, it doesn't matter what it is as long as it engages the mind.

[Julie]

I read to read . . and for book club . . and i love the stephanie plum series :)

[Karen]

Mostly I read for entertainment and to pass time in the car pick up line.
Since I LOVE Stephanie Plum this book sounds like a good pick for me.

[Gail]

I read because I have to. I can't imagine not reading, and while I prefer to be picky, I will read the back of a cereal box if it's all that's available! Pleasure, entertainment, relaxation, escape, information, adventure, excitement...it's gotten me through every stage of life so far...from childhood to grandchildren.

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I am loving the book already. I have a ton of margins notes already and have only just finished the introduction.

[Pibrablaine]

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