Title: Buzz Off
Author: Hannah Reed
First published July 29, 2010
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425236420 (ISBN10: 0425236420)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
When Story Fischer’s mentor in the honey business is found dead in his apiary, she is left with a sticky situation. As a beekeeper, she knows the ins and outs of the industry, but when it comes to finding the killer, she’s in over her head.
With a swarm of suspects, including her own ex-husband, Story must work tirelessly to sort through the clues and find the culprit before they strike again. It’s a sweet mystery that will keep you buzzing until the very end.
About the Author
Deb Baker is a well-known author who has won many awards for her writing. She is particularly famous for her Gertie Johnson mystery series, which is set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Being a native Yooper herself, Deb has a great sense of humor and a sassy writing style that shines through in all of her work, including her mysteries written under the pen name Hannah Reed.
Aside from her famous Yooper mysteries, Deb/Hannah has also written a series about doll collecting, as well as beekeeping mysteries and a Scottish Highland trilogy. With such a diverse range of books under her belt, Deb Baker is a talented writer who knows how to captivate readers with her wit and charm.
Editoral Review
Buzz Off by Hannah Reed is a thrilling mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Hannah Reed is an American author who is known for her cozy mystery series, including the popular “Queen Bee” series.
Buzz Off was first published on July 29, 2010, and has since become a favorite among mystery fans.
Set in Moraine, Wisconsin, Buzz Off follows the life of Story Fischer, a beekeeper who has recently returned to her hometown after a failed marriage. When a local man is found dead in his honeybee hives, Story finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
As the investigation progresses, she discovers that there is more to this case than meets the eye. With the help of her eccentric friends and family, Story sets out to solve the mystery before the killer strikes again.
Reed’s writing style is easy to read and engaging, making Buzz Off a page-turner from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique quirks and personalities.
Story, in particular, is a relatable and likable protagonist who readers will root for throughout the novel.
The plot is well-structured, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The setting of Moraine, Wisconsin adds to the charm of the novel, and Reed’s descriptions of the town and its inhabitants are vivid and detailed.
One of the strengths of Buzz Off is Reed’s attention to detail when it comes to beekeeping. The author is a beekeeper herself, and her knowledge and love for the subject shine through in the novel.
Readers will come away with a newfound appreciation for these fascinating insects.
However, while Buzz Off is an enjoyable read, it does have some flaws. Some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times, and the ending may feel rushed to others.
Despite these limitations, Buzz Off is a well-crafted mystery novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. It has been compared to other cozy mysteries such as the “Her Royal Spyness” series by Rhys Bowen and the “Miss Fortune” series by Jana DeLeon.
Overall, Buzz Off is a delightful read that will appeal to mystery fans and bee enthusiasts alike. It is a perfect summer read that will transport readers to the charming town of Moraine, Wisconsin.
Washington Post gives it 4 out of 5 stars, noting that “Hannah Reed’s Buzz Off is a well-crafted mystery novel that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.”
