Review of Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls

[PeterRabitt20]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls" by Rima Ray.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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A college professor at Baron University, Dr. Ruby Roy is content living with her husband, Cleo, and their two Maine Coon cats. As unassuming as she is, Ruby is a magnet for bloopers. It has gained her some notoriety amongst her colleagues, who tend to stay away from her. But no misfortune is worst than Ruby finding her boss, Dr. Peter Malcolm, stabbed in his office. Could it be that Mrs. Pillai, her astrologer, was right about the curse of Nag—the Indian snake deity? With a killer running around campus, Ruby fears she may be next. Not quite how she envisioned returning to the world after the COVID-19 lockdowns. So, she does what any reasonable crime witness would do, crack the case herself. As she uncovers her former boss’s shocking indiscretions, she realizes that everyone is keeping skeletons in their closets.

Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls is a phenomenal humor-mystery combo. Rima Ray uses creativity and juggles both genres with grace. The resulting product is a laugh-out-loud whodunit that would make Scooby-Doo shiver.

This contemporary mystery checks off many positive boxes, such as an eccentric ethnic female protagonist, puzzling red herrings, and a series of hilarious exaggerations. I’ve already A-listed this book on my summer reading roster.

Ray pours her heart into each character’s development, and it shows. Ruby—who reminds me of Mindy Kaling—is quirky and jovial, klutzy yet loveable. Her spontaneity and capacity to see good in everyone made her one of my favorite personalities. But I won’t single her out since the diversified faculty also deserves appraisals. Carefully crafted based on their unique personal backgrounds, I often thought the author plucked them out of my alma mater. For example, the reclusive professor with the unintelligible speech. In addition, the melodrama of college life gets two thumbs up, even the shenanigans of the student body.

The mystery plot is well-thought-out and suspenseful. There is an element of surprise that spooked me. In addition, the trail of clues kept me curious. Despite my numerous attempts at identifying the culprit, I was unprepared for the ending. Hands down, the reader interaction is a favorite and positive aspect.

I have no negative aspect to mention; however, Ruby daydreams a lot, so the story backtracks in the beginning chapters. At first, these off-tangent moments seemed bothersome; nonetheless, they're vital for the foundation of this new detective series. This book is the first installment.

Overall, I have nothing but praise for Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls and rate it a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. The editing is highly professional. I found nothing to dislike, so a lesser rating is needless.

Readers who enjoyed stories like Goosebumps as a child will relish this book. Also, there is a strong message about inclusivity; therefore, I recommend it to those searching for diversity in books. Anyone who finds ethnic cliches offensive may take issues with some of the descriptions, but I still think you should give it a shot.

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Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

Firstly, I must say that the character on the cover looks abstractly like Carmen Sandiego. Secondly, this review is great and now, I'm hoping to get the chance to read and review this wonderful literature.

[honeybear_11001]

Seems like a delightful read. I especially love the summary of the book. This is definitely my preferred genre. Can't wait to read and review it. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[Jane Ogwang]

Your review has left me yearning for more of Ruby's story. If the book is half as interesting as this review then I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it. Kudos!

[PeterRabitt20]

Firstly, I must say that the character on the cover looks abstractly like Carmen Sandiego. Secondly, this review is great and now, I'm hoping to get the chance to read and review this wonderful literature.

OMG she does The author loves those nostalgic shows of the 90s. I really hope you get to try and enjoy it! Thanks for the comment.

[PeterRabitt20]

Your review has left me yearning for more of Ruby's story. If the book is half as interesting as this review then I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it. Kudos!

That's really encouraging and kind! I hope you like the book. Thanks for reading my review!

[PeterRabitt20]

Seems like a delightful read. I especially love the summary of the book. This is definitely my preferred genre. Can't wait to read and review it. Thanks for the wonderful review.

I'm happy you got encouraged! I hope you like it as much as I did. Thanks for taking the time to read my review.

[Oyedeji Funmilayo]

Though I try to stay away from reading books like this,but your review got me and I will try out the book. Welldone

[Azubike Richard]

One thing I love about the book was how the book's cover the author was related perfectly to the book. You did a wonderful review

[Amy Luman]

Ive always wanted to be a detective and this gives me hope. Unfortunately, I never seem to come up with the winning(losing) culprit when I read a book or watch a TV show.

[Jane Ogwang]

Ruby's experience seems traumatic yet exciting. I'd definitely like to find out more. Wonderful review.

[Daniel Oluwabiyi]

Ruby seems like a great character to read about. I would definitely be trying out this book. Great review.

[Natalie Sheph]

I don't generally read books of this genre, but maybe it's time to add more variety to my bookshelf. Thanks for your wonderful review.

[Judith Donald]

I'm a fan of crime thrillers and detective stories. I would like to see how Ruby unravels the mystery of her boss' death. I loved reading your review, it had a lot of suspense in it.

[Jane Ogwang]

The book's cover page is bright and brilliant. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the recommendation.