Portrait of a Dead Guy (Cherry Tucker Mystery #1) by Larissa Reinhart -a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release August 2012

In Halo, Georgia, folks know Cherry Tucker as big in mouth, small in stature, and able to sketch a portrait faster than buckshot rips from a ten gauge — but commissions are scarce. So when the well-heeled Branson family wants to memorialize their murdered son in a coffin portrait, Cherry scrambles to win their patronage from her small town rival.

As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Cherry faces more trouble than just a controversial subject. Between ex-boyfriends, her flaky family, an illegal gambling ring, and outwitting a killer on a spree, Cherry finds herself painted into a corner she’ll be lucky to survive.

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REVIEW: Move over Steel Magnolias and make room Stephanie Plum! Larissa Reinhart has written a great new mystery/murder series. It’s well plotted, action packed and the pace is stunning.

Cherry Tucker is the heroine. She’s just out of art school and trying to make a name for herself in the art world. She’s returned to Halo, her small Georgia hometown to live and try to earn a living. There are many great characters that feel like real folks you probably know or have met.

Like Stephanie Plum, she has a couple of “hot” guys interested in keeping company with her. Todd McIntosh, a drummer and seems to have a gambling problem…once talked her into marriage on a fun trip to Vegas. After just 3 hours and him disappearing to the gambling tables without a honeymoon, Cherry decided to have the mistake annulled (no harm, no foul). They remain good friends and Todd is still trying to regain lost ground. The other is a returned boyfriend, Luke Harper. He’s a high school sweetheart who often left her with a broken heart and the check at the Waffle House. Having grown up and gone through the military, he’s back in town for his step-brother’s funeral and the sparks are flying.

The story revolves around the funeral/murder of Dustin Branson, son of JB, the town big wig. Cherry’s gets a chance to paint a last portrait of Dustin for his somewhat flaky step-mom Wanda (Luke’s mother). I know, eewww! However, she needs the money and the experience.

This is a delightful story with humor, interesting situations and some real danger from some of the seedier characters. Cherry is one of those people who just can’t keep herself out of trouble though her intentions are the best.

It’s a fun read with lots of excitement, some hot kissing…sorry no farther. You’ll enjoy the great characters and the whole thing. I thoroughly loved this story and the next as well! Looking forward to the next Cherry Tucker mystery!

READING ORDER:
1. Portrait of a Dead Guy
2. Still Life in Brunswick Stew

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna S.