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A Layla Virtue Mystery #1
Vice and Virtue
Layla Virtue, a blue-haired, thirtysomething recovering alcoholic and former cop is trying to reinvent herself in this hilarious and heartfelt mystery.
Layla is taking her new life one day at a time from the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park she now calls home. Being alone is how she likes it. Simple. Uncomplicated. Although try telling that to the group of local ladies in relentless pursuit of her as their new BFF.
Meanwhile, after her first career ended in a literal explosion, Layla’s trying to eke out a living as a rock musician. It’s hard competing against garage bands who work for tacos and create their music on a computer while all she has is an electric guitar and leather-ish pants. But she isn’t in a position to turn down any gig—which is why she’s at an eight-year-old’s birthday party, watching as Chuckles the Clown takes a bow under the balloon animals. No one expects it will be his last...
Layla is taking her new life one day at a time from the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park she now calls home. Being alone is how she likes it. Simple. Uncomplicated. Although try telling that to the group of local ladies in relentless pursuit of her as their new BFF.
Meanwhile, after her first career ended in a literal explosion, Layla’s trying to eke out a living as a rock musician. It’s hard competing against garage bands who work for tacos and create their music on a computer while all she has is an electric guitar and leather-ish pants. But she isn’t in a position to turn down any gig—which is why she’s at an eight-year-old’s birthday party, watching as Chuckles the Clown takes a bow under the balloon animals. No one expects it will be his last...
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2025
72 people are currently reading
7032 people want to read
About the author
Libby Klein
12 books626 followersLibby Klein graduated Lower Cape May Regional High School sometime in the '80s. Her classes revolved mostly around the culinary sciences and theater, with the occasional nap in Chemistry. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that forced her to remove gluten from her kitchen and adopt a Paleo Diet. Now her life revolves around coffee and bacon. When she’s not feeling sorry for herself that she can’t eat bread, she writes from her Northern Virginia office while trying to keep her cat Figaro off her keyboard. Most of her hobbies revolve around eating, and travel, and eating while travelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 13, 2025
Absolutely stellar! Protagonist Layla Virtue is a recovering alcoholic and former cop, trying to reinvent herself as a musician while living under the radar at Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park. Staying under the radar happens to be difficult when a fellow performer, Chuckles the Clown, drops dead at a kids birthday party, and nearly impossible when your dad is a former rock-n-roll superstar who shows up unannounced.
This was a well-plotted mystery that left me guessing until the final page. I loved the characters so much!!! With humor and heart, Klein brings to life to life each of their stories in such an authentic and engaging way, readers can't help but root for them. The themes of friendship, addiction, PTSD, aging, and abandonment are all present, adding a depth to the story not often found in cozy mysteries. I highly recommend this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a well-plotted mystery that left me guessing until the final page. I loved the characters so much!!! With humor and heart, Klein brings to life to life each of their stories in such an authentic and engaging way, readers can't help but root for them. The themes of friendship, addiction, PTSD, aging, and abandonment are all present, adding a depth to the story not often found in cozy mysteries. I highly recommend this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2025
Fantastic start for a new series! This has Klein’s trademark humor and wonderful charact4ers but this series tackles some more serious issues and is a little darker than her other series (which is still one of my favorites). Layla suffers from PTSD and is trying to make it through the day without falling off the wagon. She is rebuilding her life the right way and is thrust back into the spotlight of her old life when she finds a dead body. The mystery is well-paced and gets equal billing with the world building and foundation of the series. I loved everything about this and can’t wait to read more.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
I’m a huge fan of Libby Klein and her Poppy McAllister mysteries, so I was thrilled to read the first book in her new series. I wasn’t disappointed.
Layla is a loner, an injured bird learning to trust and love again. The author’s portrayal of Layla’s emotional turmoil was so well-done that you couldn’t help but want to jump into the pages and assist her on her journey. Add in Layla’s father who struggles with his own demons, a sexy neighbor, and a group of entertaining women from her AA group who provide comic relief. The mystery is subtle yet engaging, peppered with moments of sarcasm and humor.
This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal opinions.
Layla is a loner, an injured bird learning to trust and love again. The author’s portrayal of Layla’s emotional turmoil was so well-done that you couldn’t help but want to jump into the pages and assist her on her journey. Add in Layla’s father who struggles with his own demons, a sexy neighbor, and a group of entertaining women from her AA group who provide comic relief. The mystery is subtle yet engaging, peppered with moments of sarcasm and humor.
This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal opinions.
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December 27, 2024DNF. I read this author's Poppy McAllister series and love it, so I thought I'd give this a go. It's not working for me right now. I might pick it back up in the future to see if it's just a timing thing, but for now it's a no from me.
May 9, 2025
This is beyond a cozy mystery, it has everything and more! I can't wait for more in the series. I would label this as a healing cozy mystery with lots of humor and heart.
September 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ but I rounded up.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a first time author for me that I had heard of but not read anything yet by her. Thanks to the glowing review a friend gave it I knew I had to finally commit.
I went in blindish because honestly I forgot what it was about. I knew it was a mystery and some may think ‘cozy’ but that it was not. This had everything…mystery, murder, high stakes, but it also had trauma, tragedy, humor, and heart. I laughed and was not expecting but to cry but that I did.
I cannot wait to read more of Layla’s story, learn about her past, and watch her recovery. To add in a caring rock n roll father, a former Marines neighbor, a girlfriend support group, and a black lab named Ringo…you have the perfect cast!
Edited after Bouchercon 2025:
Libby Klein is a fabulous human being. She's hilarious, caring, and no nonsense....loved everything about her. I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in Layla's story. She gave some tidbits and it's going to be another incredible read!!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a first time author for me that I had heard of but not read anything yet by her. Thanks to the glowing review a friend gave it I knew I had to finally commit.
I went in blindish because honestly I forgot what it was about. I knew it was a mystery and some may think ‘cozy’ but that it was not. This had everything…mystery, murder, high stakes, but it also had trauma, tragedy, humor, and heart. I laughed and was not expecting but to cry but that I did.
I cannot wait to read more of Layla’s story, learn about her past, and watch her recovery. To add in a caring rock n roll father, a former Marines neighbor, a girlfriend support group, and a black lab named Ringo…you have the perfect cast!
Edited after Bouchercon 2025:
Libby Klein is a fabulous human being. She's hilarious, caring, and no nonsense....loved everything about her. I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in Layla's story. She gave some tidbits and it's going to be another incredible read!!
June 22, 2025
I had so much fun with this cozy mystery! The characters were warm, memorable, and easy to root for—but what really stood out were the deeper themes woven into the story. Topics like addiction, abandonment, and PTSD added unexpected depth and heart. I’m already looking forward to book two!
May 3, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Layla Virtue now calls the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park home. The 30-something blue-haired former cop is trying to hold on to her sobriety as she tries to make a living as a musician. So, she is playing at dive bars, open mic nights, and kids’ birthday parties, hoping to get her big break. She also attends AA meetings and is doing all she can to avoid interacting with her neighbors.
When a clown dies at one of the kids’ parties right in front of her eyes, her life under the radar explodes. Soon, a group of women from the AA meetings are determined to become friends, and a new neighbor has caught her interest. The women are on board to help her delve into the lives of the upper-class wives, some of whom had romantic relationships with the most undesirable Chuckles the Clown, to try to see who took him down as he made his final balloon animal, and why.
Libby Klein’s fabulous sense of humor shines from the very first line and is on display until the very last line. In between, there is a heck of a story.
Layla Virtue had a devastating event in her past, which led her to make some drastic changes. Ms. Klein reveals what that event was slowly, which draws the reader in magnificently, wanting to learn the backstory of our flawed protagonist. We also meet Layla’s dad, a famous rocker from back in the day, who was touring until shortly before he arrived for his visit. Trying to keep his identity a secret led to some truly hilarious moments. Layla has a new canine neighbor who spends more time with her than he does with his hunky owner. We also meet Layla’s other neighbors, members of her AA group, and mothers of the children at the kids’ birthday parties. All were cleverly crafted with depth and their own battles, flaws, and responsibilities.
The author has wrapped her characters in an incredible story with a tough-to-solve mystery. There are so many people who could have wanted Chuck McCracken, aka Chuckles the Clown, dead. Being a former cop, Layla knows the ins and outs of an investigation. Asking the right questions, following the clues, circling back to ask more questions, staying ready for the twists and turns. Having new friends to help her was an added plus. I had a great time following them step by step until the sting when all was revealed.
In addition to the mystery, we delve into Layla’s father’s life and the hole in Layla’s life while he was off touring. It tugged on my heartstrings as they came back together, and how he showed his love for her. It was always the right way, but his heart was in the right place. He does bring a lot of humor to the story, but he also brought tears to my eyes.
This story is filled with multiple themes: friendship, aging, PTSD, dementia, fraud, gambling, and murder. These tough topics are wonderfully entwined in a book filled with heart and humor.
Vice and Virtue has set this series off to a fantastic start. It was impossible to put down. Funny, smart, heartwarming, and entertaining. I loved every minute of it. I am over the moon excited for this series to continue. I enjoyed it so much, I am giving it my A Trip to Paradise rating, and it will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2025 list.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Layla Virtue now calls the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park home. The 30-something blue-haired former cop is trying to hold on to her sobriety as she tries to make a living as a musician. So, she is playing at dive bars, open mic nights, and kids’ birthday parties, hoping to get her big break. She also attends AA meetings and is doing all she can to avoid interacting with her neighbors.
When a clown dies at one of the kids’ parties right in front of her eyes, her life under the radar explodes. Soon, a group of women from the AA meetings are determined to become friends, and a new neighbor has caught her interest. The women are on board to help her delve into the lives of the upper-class wives, some of whom had romantic relationships with the most undesirable Chuckles the Clown, to try to see who took him down as he made his final balloon animal, and why.
Libby Klein’s fabulous sense of humor shines from the very first line and is on display until the very last line. In between, there is a heck of a story.
Layla Virtue had a devastating event in her past, which led her to make some drastic changes. Ms. Klein reveals what that event was slowly, which draws the reader in magnificently, wanting to learn the backstory of our flawed protagonist. We also meet Layla’s dad, a famous rocker from back in the day, who was touring until shortly before he arrived for his visit. Trying to keep his identity a secret led to some truly hilarious moments. Layla has a new canine neighbor who spends more time with her than he does with his hunky owner. We also meet Layla’s other neighbors, members of her AA group, and mothers of the children at the kids’ birthday parties. All were cleverly crafted with depth and their own battles, flaws, and responsibilities.
The author has wrapped her characters in an incredible story with a tough-to-solve mystery. There are so many people who could have wanted Chuck McCracken, aka Chuckles the Clown, dead. Being a former cop, Layla knows the ins and outs of an investigation. Asking the right questions, following the clues, circling back to ask more questions, staying ready for the twists and turns. Having new friends to help her was an added plus. I had a great time following them step by step until the sting when all was revealed.
In addition to the mystery, we delve into Layla’s father’s life and the hole in Layla’s life while he was off touring. It tugged on my heartstrings as they came back together, and how he showed his love for her. It was always the right way, but his heart was in the right place. He does bring a lot of humor to the story, but he also brought tears to my eyes.
This story is filled with multiple themes: friendship, aging, PTSD, dementia, fraud, gambling, and murder. These tough topics are wonderfully entwined in a book filled with heart and humor.
Vice and Virtue has set this series off to a fantastic start. It was impossible to put down. Funny, smart, heartwarming, and entertaining. I loved every minute of it. I am over the moon excited for this series to continue. I enjoyed it so much, I am giving it my A Trip to Paradise rating, and it will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2025 list.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 27, 2025
I simply love Layla Virtue with all her foibles and issues which include PTSD, alcoholism and a terror of sharing herself and her feelings with others. Layla is a disgraced ex-cop trying to make it as a rock singer. Problem is she is on the far north side of her thirties and competing with the high school and college garage bands who still live at home. Layla lives in a blah trailer in a run-down mobile home park where she has alienated all the residents before discovering her new next door neighbor is the hot guy she just ran out on when she bailed on her last gig. When she scores a new job at a kid's birthday party the other half of the entertainment bill, is Chuckles the Clown. After trying to make a pass at most of the mother's in attendance at the party, Chuckles drops dead on stage. Of course the lead investigator is a nemesis from her days as a cop, so she heads off to an AA meeting where three women decide they are going to be her friends whether she wants friends or not. After being rude to them, she heads home to find her father, a bona-fide rock star sitting in her trailer.
First, this is not really a cozy mystery as we have come to expect from the author, more a cozy-adjacent or cozy on steroids, but Layla Virtue is most definitely a character and this book is filled with some of the great humorous moments I've come to count on when reading a Libby Klein book. Layla is in serious need of redemption and her new besties and canine pal, Ringo, as well as a possible future beau are there to help in everyway they can. Identifying Chuckles killer is just one step in the right direction!
First, this is not really a cozy mystery as we have come to expect from the author, more a cozy-adjacent or cozy on steroids, but Layla Virtue is most definitely a character and this book is filled with some of the great humorous moments I've come to count on when reading a Libby Klein book. Layla is in serious need of redemption and her new besties and canine pal, Ringo, as well as a possible future beau are there to help in everyway they can. Identifying Chuckles killer is just one step in the right direction!
June 4, 2025
This book was a delight! The heroine, Layla Virtue, is an edgy former alcoholic whose "team" consists of friends she met through AA. She's the daughter of a world-famous rock star living in a trailer that is "meth house adjacent." She's a former cop and currently a guitar player sqeaking by between gigs. When a clown dies suspiciously at a child's birthday party she's playing, she becomes invested in finding the killer.
This book was so funny, and the characters were quirky and fun. The mystery wasn't predictable, either. I loved this book and look forward to more in the series.
This book was so funny, and the characters were quirky and fun. The mystery wasn't predictable, either. I loved this book and look forward to more in the series.
May 29, 2025
I love Libby's other series and fell in love with Layla and all of the other characters. I was practically crying by the end and so happy with how it did end. I can't wait for the next book and more adventures with Layla, Don, and everyone else!
April 28, 2025
I adore Libby Klein's prior cozy mystery series and was so excited to get to read the first book in her new one. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. Her protagonist in this series is completely unlikeable, poor me poor me instead complaining about being poor and trying to get gigs as a musician. It's hard to feel bad for her since she is the victim of her own situation, which she acknowledges repeatedly, but does nothing about.
Her father, Don, is a likeable character but even he gets tiresome of forgetting things every 30 seconds or so.
There is a glimmer of hope in her hunky neighbor with the funny black lab but even he was not sufficient for me to try and continue to read this book.
In her other series, the regular characters are a delight to feast on, even the mean ones and I look forward to greeting them with each new book. With all the turmoil in the world, I don't want to read about someone that feels sorry for themselves 24/7.
I finally gave up when I realized trying to read this made me angrier than anything else because I had so wanted to like it and with every chapter, I resented it.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Her father, Don, is a likeable character but even he gets tiresome of forgetting things every 30 seconds or so.
There is a glimmer of hope in her hunky neighbor with the funny black lab but even he was not sufficient for me to try and continue to read this book.
In her other series, the regular characters are a delight to feast on, even the mean ones and I look forward to greeting them with each new book. With all the turmoil in the world, I don't want to read about someone that feels sorry for themselves 24/7.
I finally gave up when I realized trying to read this made me angrier than anything else because I had so wanted to like it and with every chapter, I resented it.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2025
LOVED IT! Fans of Libby Klein's Poppy McAllister will enjoy Vice and Virtue, the first in this fresh new series about recovering alcoholic and former cop, Layla Virtue, daughter of rock-and-roll legend Don. While her visiting father attempts to hide incognito in her trailer, Layla works with her new gang of AA gal pals trying to discover who killed Chuckles the Clown at Layla's birthday party gig. A+++ and 5 stars!
July 20, 2025
What cozy mystery leaves you in tears? This one.
What cozy mystery had one liners that take you by surprise? This one
What cozy mystery had you chuckling and smiling to yourself? This one.
I truly enjoyed this book! It was funny in all the right places and touching in all the right places. Those unexpected one liners were so funny and not forced. At one point, I realized that I was supposed to be reading a mystery and completely forgot ... I was that engrossed into the story. And when they returned to the case, it felt natural.
This is one cast of characters I can't wait to continue to visit with every story!
READ THIS BOOK!!
I'm buckled up and ready for more, Libby!!
What cozy mystery had one liners that take you by surprise? This one
What cozy mystery had you chuckling and smiling to yourself? This one.
I truly enjoyed this book! It was funny in all the right places and touching in all the right places. Those unexpected one liners were so funny and not forced. At one point, I realized that I was supposed to be reading a mystery and completely forgot ... I was that engrossed into the story. And when they returned to the case, it felt natural.
This is one cast of characters I can't wait to continue to visit with every story!
READ THIS BOOK!!
I'm buckled up and ready for more, Libby!!
June 18, 2025
I can not think of one bad thing to say about this book. It was fantastic from the first page to the last. It was funny, heartwarming and mysterious. The ending was amazing! Hope there is more to come!!
*I had won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway*
*I had won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway*
June 8, 2025
So good
I love Libby Klein books and this one is yet another winner. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
I love Libby Klein books and this one is yet another winner. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
June 3, 2025
In my entire history of cozy mystery reading, I’ve never read a book like this. It was phenomenal. Perfection. Layla Virtue is a character that I could identify with. I am SO looking forward in continuing this journey with her. Libby Klein, no pressure, but I’ll need you to continue this series until the end of time.
May 11, 2025
Libby Klein is the author of the very popular and well loved Poppy McAllister Mystery series and with nine books in the series there is a lot to love. She has provided readers with great storylines, lovable and quirky characters, unique murders and so much more. I know, as a fan who has read all of the books in this series, I would read anything Libby wrote.
Vice and Virtue is the first book in her new Layla Virtue Mystery series and although it is quite different than the Poppy series, there are similar aspects readers will appreciate. Both main characters are strong women who need to be reminded of that in order for them to believe it, they both are works in progress also. Where Poppy has her Aunt Ginny who tries her every nerve, Layla has her father who does that. Poppy has a small supportive group of friends and family to help her navigate life where Layla has been pushing everyone away but is starting to change that.
Okay let's talk about Vice and Virtue ..... Main character Layla is living in a run down trailer park after losing her job as a police officer, working on getting her life back on track with attending AA meetings as well as getting whatever gigs she can get as a singer/guitarist.
Unfortunately while working at a kid's birthday party for a rich family, the clown they hired to entertain the kids dies. It looks like it was a heart attack but Layla soon learns that it wasn't. She has a brief encounter with her old precinct which almost pushes her over the edge. And to make matters worse, there are a few ladies in her AA meeting that want to be friends with her, she has a hard time with trusting people, but ends up letting them in and they begin to "investigate" Chuckles the Clown's murder .... off the record of course.
In Vice and Virtue there is a lot going on but Libby writes it so beautifully that you have no trouble keeping up. I know when I read a book and get really into it, I can picture the scenes, the people and everything else. The stage is set perfectly for whatever books follow in this series.
I have left out some key components within this book because I want you to have as much fun as I had when you read it. I can't tell you everything now, can I ??
Yes the Layla Virtue Mystery series is quite a bit different from the Poppy McAllistey Mystery series and that's good. It allows readers to see another side to the author and really we never know what authors have bouncing around in their brains .....
So go grab your copy of Vice and Virtue and let me know what you think. Happy Reading !!!!
Vice and Virtue is the first book in her new Layla Virtue Mystery series and although it is quite different than the Poppy series, there are similar aspects readers will appreciate. Both main characters are strong women who need to be reminded of that in order for them to believe it, they both are works in progress also. Where Poppy has her Aunt Ginny who tries her every nerve, Layla has her father who does that. Poppy has a small supportive group of friends and family to help her navigate life where Layla has been pushing everyone away but is starting to change that.
Okay let's talk about Vice and Virtue ..... Main character Layla is living in a run down trailer park after losing her job as a police officer, working on getting her life back on track with attending AA meetings as well as getting whatever gigs she can get as a singer/guitarist.
Unfortunately while working at a kid's birthday party for a rich family, the clown they hired to entertain the kids dies. It looks like it was a heart attack but Layla soon learns that it wasn't. She has a brief encounter with her old precinct which almost pushes her over the edge. And to make matters worse, there are a few ladies in her AA meeting that want to be friends with her, she has a hard time with trusting people, but ends up letting them in and they begin to "investigate" Chuckles the Clown's murder .... off the record of course.
In Vice and Virtue there is a lot going on but Libby writes it so beautifully that you have no trouble keeping up. I know when I read a book and get really into it, I can picture the scenes, the people and everything else. The stage is set perfectly for whatever books follow in this series.
I have left out some key components within this book because I want you to have as much fun as I had when you read it. I can't tell you everything now, can I ??
Yes the Layla Virtue Mystery series is quite a bit different from the Poppy McAllistey Mystery series and that's good. It allows readers to see another side to the author and really we never know what authors have bouncing around in their brains .....
So go grab your copy of Vice and Virtue and let me know what you think. Happy Reading !!!!
May 31, 2025
This was a fantastic start to a new series. Very different than Ms Klein’s beloved Poppy McAllister series but excellent in its own right. Layla has severe issues that she is working through but deep down a good person who got lost. You learn a lot about her life and yes there is a murder to investigate. It’s a great read, not as fluffy as some cozies but an excellent read. I can’t wait to see how this series develops.
June 3, 2025
Fun story about a MC dealing with survivor's guilt Dad is a famous musician one step on the crazy train. Worth the read,,,,one question......where is the next one?
May 24, 2025
Energetic cozy with emphasis on family and friends (or lack there of). Rock bottom means you’ve only got up to go, but that doesn’t mean up is easy. Klein writes with passion and humor as she makes Layla’s emotional stakes — skeletons in her closet, the struggle of alcoholism recovery, and her father’s eccentricities — feel very real. She has a cop’s instincts (even if former and disgraced), and despite her protests she has good people in her life. She just has to figure out how to let it all work out while also dealing with a dead clown. I
May 19, 2025
Picked this book up on a whim since I love Libby Klein's Poppy McAllister series. Well, this one did not disappoint! I was immediately sucked into the storyline. Layla's rawness was really apparent. I could immediately picture her dad in my mind from the description. I fell in love with Ringo, the black lab! Can't wait for this story to continue!
April 22, 2025
Layla Virtues was a cop until it all ended explosively with people dead, herself with alcohol dependence, and PTSD. Despite all that, she is climbing out of her personal sewer with a lot of snark, good friends, a remorseful celebrity dad, little money but a lot of pride, and a new bestie who just happens to be the black Lab next door. Of course there is a murder and an investigation that has so many twists and turns that are also as fast paced as can be. Very interesting tale that kept me laughing.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | Kensington via NetGalley.
##ViceandVirtue by @libbykleinbooks #LaylaVirtueMysteriesBk1 @kensingtonbooks #NetGalley
#cosycrime #cozymystery #crimefiction #suspense @goodreads #*****bookreview @bookbub #thestorygraph #insufferablevictim #excop #secrets #lies #amateursleuth #ptsd #laughyoursoxoff #newseries #blacklab #drama #snarky #alcoholrecovery #offthegrid
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | Kensington via NetGalley.
##ViceandVirtue by @libbykleinbooks #LaylaVirtueMysteriesBk1 @kensingtonbooks #NetGalley
#cosycrime #cozymystery #crimefiction #suspense @goodreads #*****bookreview @bookbub #thestorygraph #insufferablevictim #excop #secrets #lies #amateursleuth #ptsd #laughyoursoxoff #newseries #blacklab #drama #snarky #alcoholrecovery #offthegrid
May 12, 2025
This is the first in a new series by Libby Klein, and I loved it! Layla starts the book as a loner with a secret, but as the story progresses, she finds her tribe, a great dog, and excellent and hot neighbor and last but not least, her spacey dad (too many drugs in the 70's and 80's, she says). The mystery was well done and kept me guessing though most of the book. I can't wait for the next one in this series!!
April 30, 2025
Libby Klein!!!! I went into this book blind because I mean it’s your book and I knew I’d enjoy it. I knew it would make me laugh but I did not expect you to make me cry!!!
This is not the light, small town amateur sleuth Cozy Mystery!! This book has hard and emotional topics (No Spoilers).
The plot is cozy but the sub plots are so deep and well written. The characters!! The characters are so flawed and relatable that I became completely entwined in their stories.
Thank you for such an amazing book and new series!! I cannot wait to see what book 2 brings!!
I had the digital and audio copies of this book. I highly recommend the audio as the narrator was fantastic.
This is not the light, small town amateur sleuth Cozy Mystery!! This book has hard and emotional topics (No Spoilers).
The plot is cozy but the sub plots are so deep and well written. The characters!! The characters are so flawed and relatable that I became completely entwined in their stories.
Thank you for such an amazing book and new series!! I cannot wait to see what book 2 brings!!
I had the digital and audio copies of this book. I highly recommend the audio as the narrator was fantastic.
April 26, 2025
Layla is a broken character who is working on her sobriety. She is also a budding musician. When playing at a kid's birthday party, the guy playing a clown dies. It turns out that the clown was murdered and there are plenty of suspects. Layla is also an ex-cop, so her instincts lead her into asking questions. She finds herself befriended by some of her fellow AA buddies and together they work to find the killer. This book is well written and you cheer for Layla all through the book. It is a book that is filled with reflection, redemption and growth. I look forward to her next adventure!
May 12, 2025
Definitely a must read. I loved it!
May 11, 2025
This book is an excellent start to a new series. Libby Klein at her best. Edgier then her poppy books, but well worth the read.
May 1, 2025
Loooooved This Book!
From the moment I picked it up I had to keep reading until the end! I laughed, I cried, & I enjoyed. Layla is a wonderfully complex character. And I’m definitely fangirling Don. I can’t wait till the next book in the series.
From the moment I picked it up I had to keep reading until the end! I laughed, I cried, & I enjoyed. Layla is a wonderfully complex character. And I’m definitely fangirling Don. I can’t wait till the next book in the series.
May 4, 2025
I really loved the book. It was a slow start and I wasn't sure I'd "get" it, but then it turned a corner and I was right there with it for a fun adventure with a home run ending. Libby brought the deep characters that I love, and the usual slapstick hijinks. I'm looking forward to the next one.
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