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Staging Wars

(A Laura Bishop Mystery #2)

Grace Topping (Goodreads Author)

4.15 · Rating details · 72 ratings · 27 reviews

Laura Bishop's new home staging business is growing in popularity, though not with her nemesis. Laura has long suspected established interior designer Monica Heller of sabotaging her fledgling company--and having an affair with her late husband.

When the ultra-chic Monica is caught at the scene of a murder, Laura is plenty happy to imagine her languishing in a prison cell ...more

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Paperback, First edition, 252 pages

Published April 28th 2020 by Henery Press

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Cozy Mysteries 2020 New Releases

213 books — 260 voters

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· 72 ratings · 27 reviews

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May 24, 2020 Chatting About rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-cozies-read, cat, contemporary, cozy-mystery, cozy-series, humor, kindle, mystery

An engaging read! Good mystery, interesting occupation, humor, and a cat! I will continue reading this cozy series!

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Apr 11, 2020 LORI (Dollycas) CASWELL rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2020

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Laura Bishop’s new business, staging homes is really taking off, but it seems interior designer Monica Heller would like to stop that, going so far as doing a little sabotage. Then Monica has other concerns on her hands when Laura and 3 other witnesses walk in on her killing her new client. She claims she didn’t do it, it’s all a mistake but the woman is spending some quality time behind bars while a mutual friend begs Laura to clear Monica of the crime.

Grace Topping continues Dollycas’s Thoughts

Laura Bishop’s new business, staging homes is really taking off, but it seems interior designer Monica Heller would like to stop that, going so far as doing a little sabotage. Then Monica has other concerns on her hands when Laura and 3 other witnesses walk in on her killing her new client. She claims she didn’t do it, it’s all a mistake but the woman is spending some quality time behind bars while a mutual friend begs Laura to clear Monica of the crime.

Grace Topping continues to bring strong characters to her mysteries. Laura, Nita, and all their friends continue to evolve. One has a great amount of power over this certain group of people and knows how to use it to their advantage. I love the real teamwork feel of these amateur sleuths. Even Aunt Kit helps out and takes a new look at her niece’s choices.

The mystery gets off fast with first one body and then another, both killed in the same manner but no other apparent connection. I was surprised by how much time and effort Laura puts into not only helping Monica regarding the murders but in keeping her business afloat too. Laura is a much better person than me. I would have held a grudge. These women have been foes FOREVER!

The romantic aspect of this book is kinda cute. Laura is completely oblivious that Detective Spangler has feelings for her. I am happy that the author is taking the time to lay a firm foundation for this relationship. I think it will make it so much stronger in the long run.

I really enjoy the home staging theme of this series. It is creative and feels very fulfilling to help homeowners sell their homes faster and usually for a better price. It is like playing with full-size dollhouses. I love that Laura is building her wares enough to have more choices and the need for a large warehouse storage space. Each chapter starts with a staging tip. They could be useful for more than just staging a home. The tips are great to give your own home a little freshening.

Staging Wars is filled with great characters and a substantial mystery that kept me engaged and entertained from beginning to end. I am excited to see what Laura stages next. ...more

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May 02, 2020 Carrie Schmidt (Reading is My SuperPower) rated it really liked it

Shelves: blog-reviewed, cozy-mystery, contemporary, mystery-suspense, small-towns

Staging Wars by Grace Topping is charming and smartly written, with layered characters you’ll want as friends. A dash of romantic potential, a town full of suspects, the cutthroat world of home staging… each of these elements serves to bring the mystery together as readers follow the clues – and Laura – through the book. References to fictional detectives & classic mystery novels are the icing on the cake. Fun read!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading I ...more

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May 05, 2020 Christopher rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020

Laura Bishop’s home staging business is finally taking off, no thanks to a few crises that sure feel like someone’s attempt at sabotage. While she doesn’t have any definitive proof, she suspects the culprit might be her longtime nemesis Monica Heller. However, after she discovers Monica in a compromising position at the scene of a murder, Laura must put her ill feelings behind her in order to unmask the real killer. Monica might be a nightmare, but she’s not a murderer … right?

Grace Topping is b Laura Bishop’s home staging business is finally taking off, no thanks to a few crises that sure feel like someone’s attempt at sabotage. While she doesn’t have any definitive proof, she suspects the culprit might be her longtime nemesis Monica Heller. However, after she discovers Monica in a compromising position at the scene of a murder, Laura must put her ill feelings behind her in order to unmask the real killer. Monica might be a nightmare, but she’s not a murderer … right?

Grace Topping is back with another mystery so rollicking it’s a wonder Laura has any time for staging homes. Right out the gate, there’s a body on the floor and, while anyone else might run from absolving their tormentor, she charges ahead. Perhaps it’s her fair demeanor or her pure focus on making a new chapter in her life work, but Laura’s easily one of the most realistic amateur sleuths investigating in cozies today. Smart, funny, and logically cautious, she might struggle with defending Monica, but she always lands on a just decision, and in turn, she somehow makes it a joy to read about murder.

Of course, it helps that she’s backed up by a compelling mystery. Laura must deal with two possibly connected victims at two different crime scenes, which is flashy and surprising in its own right. However, this only comprises the tip of an intricately planned puzzle. Grace Topping is a master of doling out clues. She also keeps her text simple, stripping it of most frills as Laura traverses antique stores, art shows, and, of course, expertly staged homes. Combined, the result is deceptively simple: clues, hints, and possibilities are seamlessly woven throughout the story—not a single word is wasted. Blink and risk missing out on the solution until the very end.

Best of all, though, Laura is backed up by a cadre of pals that infuse just enough drama and fun to keep her on her toes. Nita, her longtime best friend, is always around for some investigative work, and she pushes Laura outside of her more cautious tendencies. Tyrone and Mrs. Webster both return, and each gets their chance to shine in the spotlight. However, the biggest surprise of all might come in the form of Aunt Kit, a generally dour presence who provides a massive chance for Laura to grow and evolve in this book. Together, they each muster up the fun and heart that binds Laura’s adventure.

Ultimately, while Grace Topping’s Staging is Murder was a fantastic debut, Staging Wars proves she has staying power.

Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

Review also published at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres... ...more

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May 05, 2020 Debra Jo (Room of Required Reading Book Reviews) rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozies

In this second installment, Laura Bishop's home staging business is really growing even with the competition of her long time frenemy, Monica Heller. When a series of murders seem to be taking place, Monica looks to be holding the knife and caught red handed. Sister Madeline asks Laura to put aside her differences and help Monica out, as she believes she is not a cold blooded killer. Laura and her bff, Nita, decide to sleuth it up with the help of Mrs. Webster and Aunt Kit. Can they figure out t ...more

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May 09, 2020 Kait Carson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cozy, mystery, women-sleuths

I'm in love with this series. Staging Wars starts off fast with a body drop in the first chapter and continues at a lively pace right to the wonderfully satisfying ending.

Grace Topping is a master of character and plot. This particular book showcases Laura's sidekick Nita's quirky yet adorable side and introduces Aunt Kit. I feel as if I know these women! Each character is unique, necessary, and give the book a wonderful flavor. The plot is multi-faceted and intricately drawn but never overwhel ...more

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Mar 27, 2020 Rekha rated it it was amazing

Another masterpiece by my favourite author, Grace Topping. The title Staging Wars is perfect for this story. Laura is at war - with her emotions; she also has some competition in her Staging business.

The story begins with Nita finding a dead body in the funeral home. Okay, since it is a 'funeral home', one would find dead bodies, right? But his one's had a knife to its back. Ouch! With an art exhibition in town, Nita and Laura get busy; Laura's aunt Kit's come over to visit. Next, a renowned ar ...more

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May 18, 2020 JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) rated it really liked it

Shelves: mysteries

Laura Bishop is a widow who's been trying to make a new life for herself with a home staging business. She's with her employees at the town square for the Louiston Small Business Fair. They have their booth in front of a funeral home, and the owner has allowed them to use the restroom when necessary. When her employee Nita runs to her telling Laura there's a body inside, she laughs and tells her it is a funeral home. But then Nita tells her it's a man with a knife in his back and everything chan Laura Bishop is a widow who's been trying to make a new life for herself with a home staging business. She's with her employees at the town square for the Louiston Small Business Fair. They have their booth in front of a funeral home, and the owner has allowed them to use the restroom when necessary. When her employee Nita runs to her telling Laura there's a body inside, she laughs and tells her it is a funeral home. But then Nita tells her it's a man with a knife in his back and everything changes - although Laura doesn't know that yet.

She's also concerned that things have been happening to sabotage her business - like when she ordered a moving truck but the order was cancelled and there isn't any others available. Laura soon discovers that an old school nemesis, interior designer Monica Heller, is dipping her hand into the home staging business, and she's sure the woman is causing her problems. But when she finds Monica standing over the body of another man who'd been stabbed in the back, she wonders if the two murders are related.

While she doesn't want anything to do with either one, when a nun who was once her teacher asks her to help Monica, she folds and agrees. But when she starts looking into the murders, what she discovers is more than she bargained for, and it might just get her killed...

This is the second book in a new series and I loved it as much as the first one. While the author is new to the cozy mystery genre, she's very good at it. Her characters are beginning to come to life, and Laura is beginning to realize that closing herself off from anything not related to work could be harming her. She's also hosting a visit from her Aunt Kit, her late mother's sister, and we're getting an insight into her childhood and how it helped to shape her into the person she is.

The mystery was done very well, with two different men who didn't know each other, and while it seemed that they had nothing in common, we soon see how wrong we were when the pieces of the puzzle start to come together. The portrait it paints is one of greed and how it affects others and changes them. Laura is an intelligent woman who can see the bigger picture and look for things that might seem insignificant but aren't.

I also like the fact that Detective Spangler is warming up to her and not being as hard-nosed as he was in the first book; it makes it so much nicer in the long run. I, for one, don't like police officers who treat the protagonist as if they were insects to be swatted away; and we're learning that Spangler has a human side, which makes him all the more likable. While I saw what was happening with her Aunt Kit, I was pleased to see that my hopes in that area are coming to fruition.

When Laura had put it all together and the murderer was discovered, it was a refreshing scenario that I know has probably not been done before; and I enjoyed it immensely. The ending was satisfying and gave us something to look forward to. Kudos to Ms. Topping on a very fun cozy and I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
...more

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May 17, 2020 Jeanie Jackson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: x-2020-read, cozy-amateur

I loved Grace Topping’s newest addition to her Laura Bishop Mystery series, Staging Wars. As much as I enjoyed Staging Is Murder, the second book in the series is even better. From the flow of writing that had me falling into the story to the murder plot that left me completely puzzled, I enjoyed every minute. I appreciate dynamic characters and seeing Laura realize, with a little help from a special teacher, that the anger she has been clinging to is only hurting her gave me goosebumps. Her fri ...more

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Apr 05, 2020 Katreader rated it really liked it

STAGING WARS by Grace Topping
The Second Laura Bishop Mystery

A dead body in a funeral home generally isn't cause for alarm. It is, however, when the dead body is lying on the hallway floor with a knife sticking out of his back! While Mrs. Webster seems intrigued by another murder and Nita is freaking out after originally finding the dead man, Laura Bishop maintains she will not get involved in another murder investigation. Even when Laura and her friends find Laura's nemesis holding a bloody kni STAGING WARS by Grace Topping
The Second Laura Bishop Mystery

A dead body in a funeral home generally isn't cause for alarm. It is, however, when the dead body is lying on the hallway floor with a knife sticking out of his back! While Mrs. Webster seems intrigued by another murder and Nita is freaking out after originally finding the dead man, Laura Bishop maintains she will not get involved in another murder investigation. Even when Laura and her friends find Laura's nemesis holding a bloody knife over yet another dead body, she doesn't want to get involved. Perhaps karma has finally caught up with the woman who not only tormented her growing up, but might have had an affair with her husband, and may be sabotaging her business. Laura balks when Sister Madeleine urges her to not only help prove Monica's innocence, but also make sure her business, her competing business, stays on track. Laura, giving in to the guilt trip, eventually agrees to help out. After all, how can one say no to a nun?

Two murders, both men stabbed in the back, but seemingly no other connection. A conundrum that makes for an interesting mystery. I appreciate how the connection is made and the "a-ha" moments when I remembered the clues the author left for observant readers. I'm enjoying how Laura is clueless about Detective Spangler's feelings for her, though admittedly the clues are subtle. I adore Mrs. Webster, with her no nonsense attitude and sense of adventure. The little details and well developed characters give this series an added zing.

I was a little annoyed by Laura's attitude towards horses and the author certainly needed to do a little more research in that regard. Though she knew the horse needed to be cooled down, how it was done was incorrect and I gasped aloud when the horse was given lots of water to drink after a hard workout in the heat! Although I felt that some suspects where given short shrift and could have been fleshed out more, it would have made for a very long, perhaps too long, book. These are minor complaints, however, as I did thoroughly enjoy this second Laura Bishop Mystery.

STAGING WARS is an intriguing, well plotted mystery that includes characters with chemistry, humor, and hints of things to come.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through Edelweiss, in the hopes I would review it. ...more

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Mar 22, 2020 Toni rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Laura Bishop mystery series by Grace Topping.

Basic premise: Laura’s home staging business is going well but she fears a rival is sabotaging her success. Then said rival, Monica, finds herself in jail after being found holding the murder weapon while standing over a dead body.

I am not sure I would have put myself on the line as much as Laura did trying to prove Monica’s innocence. The two had been at war with each other since second grade and the woman even ...more

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Apr 15, 2020 Christy rated it it was amazing

Perfectly delightful!

I’m so happy to have been introduced to this series! Staging Wars is the second book in the Laura Bishop mystery series. If you didn’t read Staging is Murder, you can start there, but you don’t have to. You’ll quickly catch up with and warm up to the characters in the series.

Laura and Nita have been friends since grade school. Knowing that Laura’s situation at home was pretty lonely, Sister Madeline encouraged the friendship. Nita’s big family welcomed Laura as one of their Perfectly delightful!

I’m so happy to have been introduced to this series! Staging Wars is the second book in the Laura Bishop mystery series. If you didn’t read Staging is Murder, you can start there, but you don’t have to. You’ll quickly catch up with and warm up to the characters in the series.

Laura and Nita have been friends since grade school. Knowing that Laura’s situation at home was pretty lonely, Sister Madeline encouraged the friendship. Nita’s big family welcomed Laura as one of their own, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, many years later, Nita’s joined Laura’s new staging business, and they make the perfect team. Detective team that is! Okay, they make a great staging business team too, but they do seem to stumble upon a number of bodies in their business much to the dismay of Detective Spangler.

In Staging Wars, Nita stumbles upon a body; then she stumbles upon another! This time with the murderer (?) standing above the body with a bloody knife! Poor Nita! Well, Sister Madeline, being the gentle, kind, manipulating soul she is, guilts Laura into helping the suspect of the second murder (again, much to the dismay of Detective Spangler!).

Speaking of Detective Spangler, he’s just one of the well written secondary (sorta primary) characters in Staging Wars. One of the characters I adore is Mrs. Webster. Mrs. Webster speaks her mind! I was cracking up during several scenes where she appears. Tyrone Webster works part time for Laura and Nita, and, yes, he’s related to Mrs. Webster. He’s her grandson, so you know he’s a good kid.

Another of my favorite characters is Laura’s visiting Aunt Kit. Kit is much like her sister, Laura’s mother, was in that she has a personality that is a bit harsh and hard to warm up to. But as she spends more time with Laura, some of her icy shell starts to break off. I think that she and Laura’s mom were probably raised in a cold home, so they learned to be cold. I do hope that Aunt Kit decides to make her visit permanent!

Staging Wars fits my definition of the perfect cozy mystery book. It’s not gruesome; doesn’t have strong language; has a well-plotted mystery that’s not easy to solve; doesn’t have sexual situations; and leaves you with a good, cozy feeling.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what Laura and friends get up to next! ...more

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Apr 25, 2020 Marie McNary rated it really liked it

Another fun book in an entertaining series. Laura’s journey to success in a new career is inspiring and you can’t help but root for her to succeed. The mystery kept me guessing and I enjoyed reading about the struggle Laura went through helping someone who isn’t her favorite person. Two thumbs up!

https://cozyexperience.com/staging-wa... ...more

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Apr 20, 2020 Jennifer rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Staging Wars by Grace Topping is a well-developed mystery with these great tips for staging your home.
Two murders in Louiston, but are they connected?
Laura Bishop
Our sleuth is the main character, and she is out to figure out who is committing these murderers. Laura doesn't want to get involved with finding the killer or killers. However, whe ...more

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May 01, 2020 Susan rated it it was amazing

Laura Bishop has almost too much to juggle in her life these days. She and her best friend, Nita, are working hard with their home staging business while having to deal with Laura's long time nemesis (way back in grade school) Monica. Laura is sure that the woman in trying to sabotage her staging business to get rid of the competition plus she had an affair with Laura's ex husband (now deceased).
Why would she want to have anything at all to do with her? Well, when Monica is found standing over a ...more

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May 11, 2020 Floyd rated it really liked it

Shelves: art-mystery, cozy-mystery

Grace Topping has created another inviting cozy mystery staring house staging master Laura Bishop. This time the corpse shows up at the small town funeral parlor - except the corpse is found on the floor with a knife sticking out of his back and fresh blood on the floor.

Each chapter begins with one or two sentences providing hints on preparing a house for viewing prior to sale - the same format was used in the first book in the series. Collecting the 100 or so hints found in these two books woul ...more

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Nov 27, 2020 Tam Sesto rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-reviews

I absolutely loved the second book in the Laura Bishop Mystery Series, Staging Wars by Grace Topping. The author bought all the great characters back from book one including:

Nita - Laura’s best friend.
Tyrone - Laura’s assistant and his grandmother, Mrs. Webster.
Monica - Laura’s nemesis.
Detective Alex Sprangler
And joining the party, Laura’s Aunt Kit.

The story had a great mystery, the plot was cleverly filled with clues as to who the murderer was, and there were several humorous moments that had ...more

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Oct 18, 2020 Cindy Dyson Eitelman rated it it was ok

Shelves: have-copy, 2020

This was the second in the Laura Bishop mystery series, and I think it will have to be the last for me. I want to like cozy mysteries--I do like cozy mysteries, but this one was so shallow and light and cutesey and quick...I dunno. The only part I really enjoyed was near the end when the heroine had to extract herself from a peculiar situation, shall I say. That was fun to read, but it didn't carry the whole book.

Her little trick to make this cozy series unique is placing a short "home staging" ...more

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Apr 12, 2020 Monica rated it it was amazing

With all staging tips, I'm so anxious to put my house up for sale. Great information along with a good mystery. Are the two murders related? Laura and friends do a great job putting the clues together to get the answer which will lead to the killer or killers. I love the visiting Aunt Kit and hopefully so will show up in future books. The mystery of Laura's father has me excited to see where that will lead, hopefully in future books. The family and friends are so wonderfully helpful and supporti ...more

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Mar 02, 2021 Joy Hejl rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Surprise Ending

The story starts with a murder in the funeral home and kept my interest all the way through. In this second book in the series, Laura's business is growing and she has developed a great partnership with her best friend. After an art competition, Laura and her friends find her rival standing over the body of a famous artist with a bloody knife. There is a lot of action and well developed characters with an ending I didn't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait fo ...more

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May 17, 2020 Annarella rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cozy-mystery, edelweiss

A series that is becoming a favorite and improves with each instalment.
There's a likeable and well thought cast of characters, a solid mystery, humour, a plot that keeps you hook.
These elements made me love this story and wish to read the next book soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine. ...more

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Apr 12, 2020 Cheryl rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Cozy Mystery readers

Shelves: cozy

Another outstanding book from Grace Topping! The writer has a wonderful technique in words by making the reader feel as if they are right beside the protagonist. I love the actual real estate staging tips at the beginning of each chapter. I can hardly wait for the continuation of this top notch series.

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Jun 07, 2020 Beth Schmelzer rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Fun Mystery

Did you ever think a real estate stager could solve mysteries? Grace Topping provides readers with a new type of amateur sleuth who enjoys fixing house for sale and asking questions to help solve mysterious deaths in a small town. Her characters keep you guessing until the last chapter.

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May 07, 2020 Rita rated it it was amazing

I think the second book was even better than the. first! This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The more I read, the better it got. The characters continue to evolve and grow. As a bonus, there are staging tips headlining each chapter. This book was engaging from beginning to end. I look forward to reading the next book!

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Jun 15, 2020 Connie Mahoney rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Always interesting

You can count on Laura, Nita and the rest to keep things interest. So glad the detective has become more reasonable and believable. Looking forward to the next adventure.

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May 03, 2020 Candy Kennedy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This an interesting engaging series. I learned much about how to help your house sell quickly but also met great new characters. The team of stagers ,the family backup the setting ocean side. Bodies and suspects make for a good read.

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Aug 15, 2020 Jeanne rated it it was ok

Although it seems I'm in the minority, I had to suspend too much to enjoy this one. Sadly, some of the dialogue, characterization and commentary was cliche or lame. I just could not bring myself to care. ...more

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