This is the problem with sequels, it's often impossible for them to live up to the magic of the first book because they reader knows what's coming.

I liked this book just fine. It had a compelling mystery, some solid humor, and fascinating characters. But it was missing something the first book had. Some of this may be because I listened to the first one on audio, and that was spectacular, but that's not the only difference. The author's note explains she struggled writing this book during the COVID pandemic, so that may explain it. The laugh out loud moments and the shocking reveals just weren't here this time.

I liked that this book picked up right where the last one ended. I'm glad I read it and I'd probably pick up another in the series but I wouldn't be in a rush to get an advanced copy, like I was with this one.