Official Review: Lane Changes by S.L. Ellis

kio · Post by **kio** » 22 Jul 2015, 15:02

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lane Changes" by S.L. Ellis.]

3 out of 4 stars

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In S.L. Ellis’ Lane Changes is an engaging addition to the mystery genre. After her throwing a tantrum and losing her reality tv gig, Cassie Cruise is a struggling Private Investigator/Owner of a tattoo shop. One fateful night she forgets to lock her car in the garage. Bad mistake. Not only does someone leave a dead body in the trunk, but they set fire to the car as well.

In addition to the murder case on her hands, the people in Cassie's life are acting strange. Her employees, Janice and RJ are acting strange and keep forgetting important things. Her neighbor, Lane Somers, who had hired her to find her father and look into her mysterious past, suddenly wants Cassie to drop the case. Her fiancé, Vince, seems to be growing distant and evasive. Who was the dead body in the trunk? Who really is Lane Somers? Why is everyone around her acting so strange? Is there a connection Cassie is missing?

The plot is fast paced and engaging. The intricate weaving of character development, mystery, and intrigue is masterfully done. I like how the author leaves subtle clues along the way for the reader to piece together their own theory of the murderer’s identity. The plot twists and turns are enjoyable and keep the reader guessing what’s going to happen next.

The subplots revolving around Cassie’s past and her current fiancé are intriguing and funny. The reappearance of her former partner, Tiffany didn’t quite make sense at first, but plays nicely into the main plot line. Although the relationship with Vince doesn’t quite tie up nicely, the author leaves the reader thinking that the next book in the series will have more Vince appearances. My favorite part of the book was how the author subtly inserts details of Cassie’s background without halting the main plot’s development.

Cassie is a likable, realistic character. Her personality is quirky and funny while still having a believable background as a Private Investigator. The character dynamics between her and the other characters is a little underdeveloped, but complements the book’s mystery plot line well.

Overall, I’d rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. There are not any noticeable spelling or grammar mistakes. Most of the plot lines wrap up nicely in a bittersweet ending. I liked the mix of humor, mystery, and suspense. Although it would be nice to see a more dominant secondary character, I think fans of Janet Evanovich, humor, and mystery will eagerly await a Cassie sequel.

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Lane Changes
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Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 30 Jul 2015, 05:59

I enjoyed reading your review, kio! Mystery novels with humor are always fun reads. I'll keep this novel in mind.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 30 Jul 2015, 07:07

Fun review! This books sounds like a great guilty pleasure read. I really appreciate when an author doesn't spoon feed you all of the information and instead just drops subtle hints. This is going on my to-read list. Great job.

Post by **bookowlie** » 30 Jul 2015, 19:01

Nice review! I love mysteries with a quirky main characters. I am putting this one on my reading list.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 30 Jul 2015, 19:17

Great review! Sounds like a good book!

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 31 Jul 2015, 04:19

@bluemel4

I'm with you on that. I love not knowing what to expect.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 31 Jul 2015, 05:43

@Leon Durham That is what makes a mystery great!

kio · Post by **kio** » 03 Aug 2015, 15:49

Thanks @blueme14 and @Leon Durham. I can't resist a good humorous mystery

@bookowlie and @zeldas_lullaby I hope you enjoy

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 04 Aug 2015, 10:21

@kio

Neither can I. Especially after reading a book that's all about doom and gloom and just overall depressing. Books that make you laugh tends to be more memorable.