Review of Not As We Knew It

[Buk Nerd]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Not As We Knew It" by F. M. Meredith.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Not As We Knew It is an engaging police procedural and the 16th book in the Rocky Bluff P.D. Mysteries series by F.M. Meredith. This installment of the series focuses on the reality of COVID-19 as it affects the lives of the officers of a police department in a small beach community called Rocky Bluff. The officers now face new challenges in carrying out their duties to protect and serve due to the fallout of the pandemic.

A local woman goes missing. A house fire probably caused by arson claims lives. A string of burglaries disrupts the peace in an upper-class neighborhood. Then there's the threat of protesters from out of town coming to cause mayhem in the community. Rocky Bluff P.D., already shorthanded, has its work cut out for it with these new cases. With more and more officers needing to self-isolate after becoming exposed to the virus, Police Chief Chandra Taylor needs to find a way to protect the town fast before Rocky Bluff becomes overrun by miscreants.

As the 16th book in a series about the same police department, it cannot be helped that there are elements of the story and characters that a first-time reader would not be privy to without first reading the preceding books. Even with suitable backstories, there was still quite a bit about the characters that were left out. Nevertheless, this did not keep me from enjoying the story, and I may even search for other books in the series to get more background on the characters.

I liked the flow of the story. As short as the book was, the narrative was not in any way rushed. It flowed organically with riveting suspense and a natural and satisfying plot resolution. The characters were multicultural, complex, and relatable, especially within the context of daily life during a pandemic. The tone was neither exaggerated nor downplayed but adequately translated the seriousness of the situation. This is the first book I have read where the author has skillfully created an engaging mystery that plays into the apt realities of life during the COVID pandemic.

My only issue with the book was the editing. While the errors I found were significant enough to deduct a star, they did not detract from the quality of the story. As such, I am satisfied to rate Not As We Knew It 3 out of 4 stars. Fans of short cozy mysteries and police procedurals can pick up this delightful book and while away a lazy afternoon. There are no scenes of violence, intimacy, or strong language, making it appropriate for readers of all ages.

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Not As We Knew It
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[Aarti Jha]

This is such an open and honest review. The fact that this book is part of a larger series is preventing me from reading it, otherwise would surely have considered reading it. Great Review!

[Mayur Arjune]

The review says how covid has hit the world, and how our true selves has come forward. This is interesting.

[Buk Nerd]

This is such an open and honest review. The fact that this book is part of a larger series is preventing me from reading it, otherwise would surely have considered reading it. Great Review!

Thank you so much of your kind words.

[Buk Nerd]

The review says how covid has hit the world, and how our true selves has come forward. This is interesting.

Thank you very much for commenting.

[Maliha Naveed]

This is a good review. I myself keep looking for short mystery novels whenever I'm tired with heavy reads. I will definitely grab this one.

[Msaqib+1234567890]

What a great review!
Author told that how's covid effected the humanity!
The Author narrated that how we spent our time other Stuff & realizing reading Significant.
Inspirational review!

[Amy Luman]

I’ll probably have to read the first 15 books because I don’t like to get in on the middle of a series. It does sound like one I’d be in in, though.

[Suzer6440 xyz]

Too bad there are other bookstore ads before trying this one out. The review makes me think this is a must read. Thanks for the great review

[Snigdha Roy]

I haven't read the previous books therefore ,I am a little uncertain about reading this. Anyway, it's an amazing review.

[Buk Nerd]

This is a good review. I myself keep looking for short mystery novels whenever I'm tired with heavy reads. I will definitely grab this one.

Thank you. I hope you enjoy reading it.

[Buk Nerd]

What a great review!
Author told that how's covid effected the humanity!
The Author narrated that how we spent our time other Stuff & realizing reading Significant.
Inspirational review!

Thank you for your kind words.

[Buk Nerd]

I’ll probably have to read the first 15 books because I don’t like to get in on the middle of a series. It does sound like one I’d be in in, though.

I understand. Thanks a lot for commenting.

[Buk Nerd]

Too bad there are other bookstore ads before trying this one out. The review makes me think this is a must read. Thanks for the great review

I'm glad you liked the review, thank you.

[Buk Nerd]

I haven't read the previous books therefore ,I am a little uncertain about reading this. Anyway, it's an amazing review.

Thank you so much for your kind words.