The Ugly Truth

Riley Ellison Mystery #3

by Jill Orr

There's been a shocking double murder in Tuttle Corner, Virginia, involving high-profile players from Washington D.C. This brings national attention--and big-city competition for the story--to junior reporter Riley Ellison's little corner of the world. Beloved caf� owner Rosalee is the prime suspect in the violent crimes, but she insists on her innocence. In exchange for protection, Rosalee gives Riley and her fellow reporter Holman exclusive information that incriminates a powerful person.

Meanwhile, Personal Romance Concierge(TM) Regina H. is back, offering once-again-single Riley not just online dating expertise but also a new subscription self-care service that promises such benefits as "the sensation of emotional bravery on a micromolecular level."

Riley and Holman eventually begin to wonder if Rosalee is telling the truth. They head down separate investigative paths until one of them finds the truth... and one of them finds the killer.

This third installment in the Riley Ellison mystery series is rich with all the suspense, humor, small-town charm, and captivating characters that made the first two books a hit with critics and fans alike.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Cozy Mystery, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2019

About the author

Jill Orr is the author of HOW NOT TO BE OLD (EVEN IF YOU ARE), which hit #1 on the Amazon Bestseller list in the categories of Internet & Social Media humor, Aging Parents, and Cultural, Ethnic & Regional humor in its first week after publication. She also writes the Riley Ellison mystery series, which has been called “delightfully comic” and “highly amusing” by Publishers Weekly. Orr’s work has garnered praise from industry professionals and readers alike and books have earned a Silver Falchion nomination, a starred review and “Best Book of the Week” from Library Journal, and a Midwest Connections pick.

A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Jill lives in Columbia, Missouri with her husband and two teenage children.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Orr's Riley Ellison series, and The Ugly Truth has everything I love about her books--laugh-out-loud humor, quirky characters, a fun and engrossing mystery. I do not read many lighthearted mysteries, but Orr's work is so clever and well-done and pleasurable to read that it has crossover appeal to readers of cozies, rom coms, and traditional mysteries alike. I was lucky to read an early copy, and am already looking forward to Riley's next adventure!

[Yuckamashe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book three did not disappoint. I still really like this series. Its a cozy murder mystery with a town of likeable characters. I haven't gotten tired of the stories yet. Hopefully it continues for a while.

[Marie McNary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in the Riley Ellison Mystery Series I have read and I did not feel left behind. I enjoyed the characters. Riley is a fun protagonist. She has enough levels to her character that you root for her. I love her cast of supporting characters, especially her newspaper partner, Will Holman. I cannot wait to read more books by Jill Orr!

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Riley Ellison series continues to captivate me and make me laugh!! It marks the return of possibly my favorite literary character of all time, Regina H, Personal Romance Concierge. It’s a page turner I didn’t want to put down, and is absolutely the PERFECT summer read!!!

[Hannah McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Orr’s comedic capers shine on! The third Riley Ellison mystery The Ugly Truth had me in stitches and made me want visit Tuttle Corner to join Riley on one of her hilarious adventures. Do your funny bone a favor, and pick this book up now.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy I requested this ARC because I discovered an amazing series, full of humour and fun to read.
I loved the quirky and well written cast of characters, the mystery that kept me guessing till the end, and the humour that made me laugh out loud.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Shelley Jannati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways and I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Easy to read and understand even though I hadn't read the first two in the Riley Ellison series. This book has charm, humor, mystery, and love. I can't recommend it enough! I also can't wait to go back and read the first two installments in the series.

[Shoshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muddle along with Riley Ellison, investigative reporter, on her laugh out loud hilarious, if a little too true, adventures in her quaint town of Tuttle Corner, Virginia. Riley is a heroine for the modern age, who members of generation Y will identify with on numerous levels, from online dating and self-care to obnoxious co-workers to murderers. Riley’s comedic experiences with the pitfalls and debacles of 21st century online dating are perfectly timed to balance the murderous suspense! Orr fills her books with amusing and relatable characters, who help create a realistically quirky town outside of Washington DC, which plays an engaging role in the intricately plotted mystery and fast-paced storyline. While the main murder was solved by the end of the story, Orr has created a larger mystery arc that spans the full Riley Ellison series. Readers will clamor for the clue tidbits that are sprinkled throughout, to uncover the truth of Riley’s grandfather’s death. Orr’s series is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, Kellye Garrett’s Detective by Day novels and Kyra Davis’s Sophie Katz. These witty protagonists engage readers who are looking for a fictional escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. The Ugly Truth is a great vacation or ‘wish you were on a vacation’ summer read! Highly recommended for all popular fiction and cozy mystery collections.

[Erica Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Riley Ellison series I've read and it wasn't the captivating mystery I was hoping for. If you're looking for a book full of suspense that you just can't put down, this is not it. This book is lighthearted and at times juvenile. Even though the book talks a lot about millennials and I fall into that category, I feel it might be better suited for a younger reader. I found the "personal romance concierge" emails unnecessary and kind of annoying. Overall, I would characterize this as a fluff read since it lacks depth and I didn't feel invested in any of the characters.

[Emily Linacre · Rating 3 out of 5]

another fast little read with the small-town, familiar cast of characters and a little bit of big-time crime thrown in. there's a secondary mystery brewing in this series regarding riley's grandfather, and i don't know how i feel about it. the plots would be fine on their own... this is just a drawn out extra sitting on the back burner. hoping for some closure with that particular plotline in book 4!

[Virginia Kessen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun light series. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first two because the email asides seemed forced and they are a big part of the fun of the books. Secondly, when Riley's ex-fiance wants advice on how to keep his current girlfriend a simple "don't cheat on her and dump her" would seem to be all the advice needed.

[Karen Slates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun read. The characters are well developed and likable and Jill’s style of mixing humor with murder/mystery is so enjoyable. Well done! This is the third book in the series and I hope there will be a fourth.

[Dogsandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as funny as the two earlier ones, but the personal concienrge for self care is hilarious. Charming, twisty. DPL book.

[John Sargent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot was good but a side story(?) made it weary and extra long

[Gina Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when a mystery series hits its stride, and for me, "The Ugly Truth" has it going on. Riley Ellison is a likeable heroine who is also human: loyal, stubborn, and even petty at times. (Her take on obnoxious co-worker "Stupid Spencer" has special meaning to me.) Her friendship with the delightfully literal Holman (much like Sheldon on the "The Big Bang Theory", but a kinder soul) is tested when a double homicide occurs in Tuttle Corner. (In six months, Tuttle Corner has become the hotbed of murder, drugs and conspiracy on the Eastern Seaboard.) Jill Orr has managed to turn this mystery involving a local restaurateur, a powerful lobbyist, and a crazy Southern matriarch into a seamless delight. Meanwhile, Riley has found hope in solving her grandfather's "suicide" mystery through fellow obituary writer Flick, as well as trying to make sense of her past romances. As always, Regina H., Personal Romantic Concierge, adds much humor. Looking forward to the next Riley Ellison mystery!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd think Tuttle Corner, Virginia would be a calm and peaceful place. After all, there's only two places to eat and well, not a lot to do. There is, however, enough to support a newspaper with multiple reporters (wow), one of whom is Riley. Riley is the classic intrepid cozy heroine- only she works for a newspaper and she's already had several adventures (one where she was shot!). This time, a wealthy woman from Mclean. Va, and a lowlife sort have both been murdered and there's a connection but what is it? Although the mystery is fine the characters are better. Riley's mom, now driving for Uber (in a two restaurant town mind you), is a hoot but Holman is a star. You'll like him. There's a new love interest, possibly, in Ash. Nicely written, this one trips along at a merry pace. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. A good read (and don't worry if you haven't read the first two!).

[Heather Rule · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. Shoutout to local journalsim, too. There was a twist in characters with the murder mystery, although not too much of a twist. Riley's love life can be a bit complicated sometimes; I'm not always sure who the reader is supposed to be rooting for in terms of her partner.

It's interesting to me that these books set up the next mystery in the final chapter. I could take or leave that. I don't think you need it for this book or the upcoming one to still feel like you know the story.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the series and it's still surprisingly clever and a book I can't put down till it's done. Visualize this on the screen with supporting cast of characters from the town, the newspaper, the mortuary, city hall and the diner. Who would play Riley? Who would play Holman? Ash? How do you integrate Regina and Click.com? That adds a comedic element that can't be eliminated. Love these books and look forward to #4!

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice installment

I honestly liked this installment quite a bit, there is a lot of action, and the mystery is interesting, however, the romance is a little bit much, it’s realistic but I feel like Riley doesn’t stand up for herself when she really should put her foot down and say something, and I’m kind of over everybody walking all over her, it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Riley Ellison series comes with so much shocking news and investigating reporting. It's definitely a book that is difficult to put down.
Riley's personal life is as big a part of the story as her professional life at the newspaper. Two past boyfriends, her friendship with Will (Holman), a new relationship with Ash (Campbell), her partnership with Flick, and her growing friendship with Ridley all add complex dimensions to the story. It is a book that is filled with interesting people, complex situations, and personal danger. I loved the continuation of the story with the added dimensions. A fantastic entry into the marvelous series that is best read in order.

[Marla Bradeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE UGLY TRUTH is a fun read. I liked the heroine, the town she lives in, and the other characters she deals with throughout the story. The mystery was somewhat straightforward, and the book ends on a cliffhanger, but Orr's humor is wonderful and really makes this an enjoyable read.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book.

[Nicole Bohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE IS THE 4TH BOOK?!? Jill....come on! You can't leave me hanging with an ending like that.

On to another note, I enjoyed how this book kept you guessing about who the killer actually was. Right when I thought I figured out *bam* I was thrown for a loop and back to square one.

But seriously Jill...when is the 4th book coming out? :)

[Kate Berneking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful! I love following Riley's adventures as she explores life, love, friendship...AND the crimes in Tuttle Corner. Fun read with wonderful characters. I'm looking forward to the next Riley Ellison mystery!!

[Haley Hope Gillilan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite Riley Ellison mystery so far! Now that we've spent some time in this town with these characters, everything feels very lived in and fleshed out, and I really enjoy that about the world-building. Did I catch a little something brewing between Riley and Holman?

[Ida · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Riley Ellison mystery yet. Jill Orr's writing is funny, but doesn't sacrifice plot for it. The story is well-crafted. I was pleased to see growth in the protagonist and more layers to some of the recurring characters.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley is back & better than ever. She gets herself mixed up in more mischief & thankfully Holman is there to help her out. Regina H. (one of my favorite characters ever!) is also willing to help Riley, albeit at a price. Can’t wait for #4... this one ends on a maddening cliffhanger!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has it all, humor, mystery, and believable characters. The book makes the reader wonder about the people in leadership. Overall this is an interesting book. Perhaps this is not the best example of good literature, but is worth the time reading.

[Anne - ReadingfortheWeekend · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great small town cozy mystery! I enjoyed the humor thrown in, especially the emails from the dating service.

You just read this series in order to get the full effect and not be lost.

A quick read with chapters that flow. I enjoy this author’s writing style.

[Claire Schiopota · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is getting worse! It feels like the author is re-explaining events from previous book or earlier in the book over and over for word count… and I figured this ending out before it happened and I’m not good at that so, one book left, about to rip through it and get it over with

[Lia Marcoux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy these. They're like TV, in the best way - a little Monster-of-the-Week crime to keep things brisk, a multi-book arc, enjoyable side characters, and a heroine evolving slowly whose grounded by convincing emotions. Most authors forget to make their narrators petty. I like petty!