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Murder In Style #3

Mascara and Murder

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Jenna McGovern is back… under the Hollywood lights. The newest resident of Blueberry Lake is finding it hard to escape her past as it follows her home. When a movie production begins filming on Main Street, Jenna is more than a little disgruntled to find her ex-boyfriend is the producer behind it. But she’s even more disgruntled to find he’s the primary suspect in an attempted murder case.

Jenna’s got a host of other problems to worry about, like making her first trip to the Mall of America and getting her grandmother’s derelict greenhouse up and running, but when her ex-boyfriend begs her for help, she can’t seem to stay away from the case. After all, there’s a murderer running loose in Blueberry Lake, and if Jenna doesn’t call cut fast enough, she could be next.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2020

239 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Gina LaManna

72 books1,470 followers
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine Lucky.
1,134 reviews124 followers
February 14, 2023
Hollywood is coming to Blueberry Lake in the form of Jenna's ex-boyfriend Ryan. He's decided to film a movie there and get Jenna back. Old feelings and anger have Jenna scrambling to keep her focus on her new life. A murder on set happens and she has an in as a stylist and she's drawn back to her old profession. Gathering information and giving it to Cooper for the investigation puts her in danger. A killer is on the loose and will stop at nothing to silence anyone. The whole town is in an uproar with movie extra parts, Jenna's mom's shop is booming business, & the cafe is catering to everyone. Gossip abounds and while unmasking a murderer, Jenna also must face her feelings and make a choice to go back to ex Ryan or finally choose between Matt and Cooper!
Profile Image for Jenna.
2,012 reviews20 followers
November 26, 2020
A movie production comes to Blueberry Lake to film some scenes bringing with them Jenna's ex-boyfriend the actor Ryan, her make-up artist pal Cassidy, various production people, the kooky residents of her new home and yeah...a new mystery to solve.
Someone on set gets shot...was it an accident? will he make it? will she get back w/Ryan? These and other questions bring on a depth to the newest installment of this series.

I like this writer and have read many of her other books. Because it'd been a while since i'd read the previous 2 in this series, i went back to peruse my reviews as a reminder. Apparently, this wasn't one of my faves. I did them on audio and they were entertaining.
This one i did on ebook format and i must say, i found it a page turner. I couldn't put it down. And i think b/c she's written so many other books, this writer has found her rhythm/formula and improved greatly.

it was cute, great mystery, lots of suspects/clues. (got that aspect down)
I like how Jenna is able to have a deep friendship with Matt while pursuing a relationship with Cooper. And their first date was soooo sweet. (she nailed the romance angle)
great injection of humor (another hit) with the running joke of "the Hollywood people" not getting there's a difference b/w Michigan & Minnesota. (i'm sorry to say that yeah...i do mix them up too.)
also Ethel Schroeder was hysterical!!! the 90 yr. wheelchair bound lady who kept escaping from the nursing home in order to "star" as an extra on the film. Classic! I hope if i live that long i have as much spunk. i laughed out loud everytime she showed up.

Sample quotes:
“Just casting my vote to say I’m fine with this,” Allie said with a shrug. “Just the chief of police showing off his guns. You got a license for those, Cooper?” “I have to agree with Allie on this,” Mrs. Beasley chirped from the nightgown section of the store. She must have been hiding out somewhere all along, probably because my mother’s store had a better view of the street than her own. “He’s doing his civic duty protecting the town with those... guns.”

“I didn’t say anything.” I made a little wiggling motion with my pointer finger. “Your eyebrow did, mister. Your eyebrow was a skeptical eyebrow.” “Is that right?” Cooper looked amused. “I apologize on behalf of my eyebrow.” I couldn’t hold back a tiny smile. “Well, I forgive your eyebrow.”

Technically you could read this as a stand-alone but i'd recommend doing the series in order.

Thank you to the author for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I look forward to continuing with more of your books.
Profile Image for Debi Paglia .
620 reviews17 followers
November 28, 2020
I just love this series and this new addition did not disappoint! The mystery is a good one; I didn’t come close to guessing the bad guy. Surprise endings are the best. Jenna is so cute and funny, you just want to be her friend. The setting of a small town is so cozy. I love the way everyone knows everyone else’s business. Ms. LaManna’s writing style has such a good flow and is easy to read. Even though this is a stand-alone book, I would suggest going back to book #1 and starting from the beginning. You need to know all of Jenna’s backstory. It’s just awesome.
Profile Image for Rachel Brown.
13 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2021
Such a fun book!

Such a fun read! Plot twists, awesome dialogue, and nicely developed characters. These books are great and clean entertainment! Recommend.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,172 reviews45 followers
November 29, 2020
Jenna and the quirky residents of Blueberry Lake are back. Hollywood lights, an ex boyfriend, and murder keep Jenna busy in this installment. Lots of fun with some new characters and the old ones that I’ve come to love. Can’t wait to see what is in store for Jenna next!
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,597 reviews24 followers
November 30, 2020
Jenna McGovern is finally feeling comfortable home in Blueberry Lake since being dumped by her producer ex-boyfriend, Ryan. She is invested in helping get her grandmother's greenhouse up and running. That is until a movie crew comes to town to shoot some scenes for a new movie and the producer just happens to be Ryan her ex! Trying to heep her distance from this production doesn't work out when there is an attempted murder on the set and after much cajoling, Jenna reluctantly agrees to investigate which would also help her one beau, Cooper, the chief of police solve the crime. With lots of suspects and having to deal with hollywood divas, Jenna has her hands full. The author, Gina, writes with a perfect flow of scenes, events and characters that keeps you from putting the book down until the end. And of course, the author throws in twists, turns and a surprise ending. Jenna actually has two suitors, the chief of police, Cooper and a town firefighter, Matt and she likes them both. But...which one will she choose? With mystery and humor this is another great work by Gina LaManna! Can't wait for the next book in this very likeable series! I received and ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,238 reviews30 followers
November 28, 2020
Jenna (the Protagonist) just can't get away from murders. In book one, she was the suspect. Book two, her friend and neighbor. Now in book three, her ex-boyfriend. Hollywood is in town to film a few scenes for a new movie, and while Jenna may be trying to avoid it all, and avoid seeing her ex, she gets pulled into the scene by an old friend and make-up artist.. and really, the pay is too good to pass up. She has no intention of getting involved until her ex comes to her pleading for help. Several other suspects come out of the woodwork. Several motives. A couple threats. Let's not forget we are dealing with Hollywood Divas. Oh, and a wedding date to prepare for. Jenna has her hands full. It does include the usual some town nosy neighbors, who aren't afraid to put their two cents in. This is a fast paced mystery. There is some humor. There is only one scene with some mild violence, and no sexual content (other than kissing.) It's taken from Jenna's POV. It's a well told story and reads easily and smoothly. Despite there being a murder involved, this is a pretty light-hearted read.
Profile Image for Luna  Reader.
795 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2021
Whoo hoo i finished the series, this book was just as fun as the others. There isn't much spoliers to give other than the name of the killer, its actually much more than finding the culprit its the journey that matters.

I loved that lady from the nursing home, Cooper and Jenna are dating from the beginning of this book so the tension between the trio(Jenna Matt and Cooper )is solved. They are a cute couple.

Matt didn't have much role in this book but we had Ryan (Jenna's ex) pining for her. Ryan is the prime suspect in the murder investigation of a co star.

Okay i missed out a crucial part from the last two reviews Jenna's food obsession, omg i had a great time reading about someone who is ready to trade a kidney for good coffee. And Cooper really knows how to cash in that info.

I really wish the series were longer haa but readers are never satisfied so there's that. Jenna opens her greenhouse in the end with Cooper and Matt helping out plenty.

Gina LaManna is good writer i am definitely going to try her other books they are witty,romantic,funny and fashionable 😜😜
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,346 reviews23 followers
November 23, 2020
I am getting more and more into this series.

Jenna is ready to open up her grandmother's greenery and is starting to feel at home in Blueberry Lake. There is a film set in town and the producer is Jenna's ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who dumped Jenna six months ago in LA. Chief of police, Cooper Dear, makes it known he is still very interested in Jenna. When there is a murder attempt at the film set, landing one of the actors in hospital in critical condition, Jenna is asked by Ryan to help him when Cooper sees him as the main suspect.

Jenna can't let Ryan down, even after how he treated her, and so she goes sleuthing again. But this time with help from Cooper and while their relationship heats up... #TeamCooper 4eva!

As always an easy and enjoyable read. I like Jenna but also all the other quirky characters in Blueberry Lake.

*** I received an advanced copy from the author but I have also pre-ordered my own digital copy and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***



Profile Image for Ashley.
150 reviews
December 4, 2020
I was provided an ARC copy but the opinions in this review are genuine and honest.

Just like with other book series from this author, this one keeps getting better. This book is just as exciting as the other previous books. If you are keeping up with the series, you probably already had your pick of who you wanted Jenna to date. You will need to read this one to see if you got your wish or not, as things are happening on that front.

As Jenna starts to mold herself to small town life, aspects of her old life literally show up on her turf. Will she be able to get through it? Can she continue to cope with all that life throws her way? Be sure to read this one when you are looking for laughs, hijinks, or just want to know what Jenna is up to. This one really delivers, and if you are like me, you will devour it in a couple of days. I can’t wait to see what other trouble she gets into next.
Profile Image for Kayla Willis.
225 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2020
Murder has a way of happening around Jenna. This is the 3rd since moving to that state with Mall of America in it from LA. This time her old life in LA has come back in full force when a movie is being filmed in Blueberry Lake starring her ex-boyfriend. When the ex is questioned about a murder on set and only wants to speak to Jenna, she can't help but ask questions. Questions that someone doesn't like...

This novel has romance (Hello Cooper!), murder, mystery, quirky old ladies, and all that great small town nosiness.

You can't go wrong with any novel by Gina but this series is my favorite! The 3rd in the Murder in Style series I definitely recommend reading them in order. They are available on KU.

Thank you Lamanna Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved every minute of this book and wished for a physical copy to hug when I finished. 💙💙
Profile Image for Carôle Ceres.
892 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2021
Well, I think that this series has run its course for me. The development of the lead character is going in the wrong direction - she seems to be getting younger and younger into teenage (in every single way)!

The storylines are childish and predictable. The chief of police is obviously inept and Jenna can ONLY catch the perpetrator by being the target! It’s getting tired. It’s a tired ‘Damsel in distress’ solution of being saved. So she never solves the crime, the offender always feels the need to silence her. I’ve come to the stage when I’m wishing that the perp actually does it!

I won’t be continuing with this series, it’s 2 books too many .
90 reviews
February 3, 2023
Not as bad as book 2, but one of my least favorite series.
Jenna chooses, Cooper. Just don't like Cooper, overbearing, and jealous. He showed up for Jenna's job after she canceled their date because she has to work. Cooper shows up and Jenna he got her permission to take an hour off. She just started this job, why isn't she angry, it's not up to him.
Just don't like Jenna, Cooper, or most of the characters.
Jenna is in her 30's and still shallow, and a user. She is an unreliable employee and will overextend herself to buy impractical shoes, clothing, and beauty products. Not a great main character.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
969 reviews23 followers
February 20, 2023
Worth standing in line for.

This author is one of my favorites. I have read all her books. So reading this one was a must.

Jenna finds herself in the middle of another murder. She sure knows how to get into trouble. I was sure there was going to be a fight at some point. I was surprised at the end with who, what, and why everything happened the way it did.

The romance side had me cheering the whole way. I always looked at Matt as the brother type. When Cooper really started showing interest I was excited and rooting the whole relationship.

All in all great book. Great story. Great family and friends.

1,626 reviews25 followers
November 25, 2020
Jenna McGovern is back for book three in the Murder in Style series and this time, her former boyfriend is in town shooting a movie. When someone gets murdered and he is accused of being the murderer, he asks Jenna to help clear his name. She is torn between her hurt over their failed relationship and the chance to help her could-be boyfriend Cooper Dear solve the crime.
This was a fun, quick read read with a great mystery. I love Jenna, and I am really enjoying this series. I can't wait to see what she will get up to next!
Profile Image for Ann Gillaspie.
178 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2020
It’s all about the characters!

Gina LaManna is a genius at creating real, loveable and relatable characters in her story telling. Jenna McGovern could easily be perceived as an airhead who has a thing for expensive shoes. But that is not Jenna McGovern! She is smart, funny, quick witted, loyal and caring. She loves her little hometown in Minnesota and is relentless in solving a murder in the little town of Blueberry Lake. This was a fun mystery with a happy ending that will leave you smiling and wishing Jenna was your friend!
Profile Image for Stephanie Corbett.
704 reviews12 followers
December 1, 2020
We return to Blueberry Lake for yet another fun romantic mystery with Jenna McGovern. Her ex-boyfriend is in town (yep the one that dumped her and she left LA to return to Blueberry Lake to avoid) producing a movie, but after a shooting on set, there is a tangled web of intrigue, mystery and deception to unravel.


Her ex is the primary suspect and of course Jenna finds herself in the thick of things yet again. Joining up with Chief Cooper to solve the mystery. A highly recommended read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Profile Image for Kitten  Peters.
1,017 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2020
Absolutely fantastic.

Gina la man a is a fabulous author. She gets an idea in her head and turns it into gold.
I live the shoes! I wore stilettos until 1999 when I had a botched back surgery. Still does not stop me from trying on a pair and living the dream of those fabulous shoes.
Love this book since I was Team Cooper, but if I know Gina, she will have a breakup so steam Matt can win.
Excellent story, awesome characters and a handful of suspects make this a real page turner.
Profile Image for Library_Dweller89.
98 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2020
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
*Swoon*
I think this might be my favorite entry in the series yet! Jenna gets hired as a stylist on the set of a movie that, weirdly, is filming right in Blueberry Lake. Of course, murder and hijinks ensue. The ending of this was so so perfect. I loved the climatic confronting the murderer scene. And (SPOILER) all of the swoony bits with Cooper?! Seriously great!
74 reviews
December 31, 2020
Another Great One From Gina!

This book rates right up there with all her books. It's quirky characters in a quirky little town I wa old love to live in...even with a few murders in its history. I highly recommend this book. Its a great little escape from all the weirdness of 2020.....I'd say the book brings a bit of normality to our strange world of today. I love this book. No masks were harmed in the making of this book.
Profile Image for M.
143 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2020
Are you Team Matt, the firefighter, or Team Cooper, the policeman?!? Well we are finally going to see which one Jenna chooses! Also Jenna's past comes back into play. Oh and there's a murder that needs to be solved as well! There's twists and turns and some things you see coming and then others you definitely don't! Wonderful story! I voluntarily received and read an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emme.
413 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2020
Another great book in this series. This series reminds me so much of something you'd see on the Hallmark Mysteries channel. I love the characters and in this book you'll even be laughing out loud. Definitely a fun read, but I recommend starting at book 1 so you get to know all the characters and their quirks...
128 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2020
I love visiting Blueberry Lake and the well-developed characters created by Gina LaManna. I’m so torn between Matt and Cooper, but I smiled when Jenna got her kiss during the pickup picnic. Gina LaManna is on my favorite list of authors and each book brings her closer and closer to the top. Fans of rom-com and cozy mystery will love these books.
Profile Image for E.
1,884 reviews
December 4, 2020
Loved it!

What could be more exciting than a movie being filmed in your town? For Jenna not so much. The movie brings to town an old friend, an ex-boyfriend, & a murder. Of course she finds herself in the middle of it all. Lots of twist and turns that will keep you guessing. I look forward to reading the next book.
169 reviews
December 11, 2020
Love this series...

...and the gradual progression of Jenna and Cooper’s relationship was well played and written. Thought for a while it might be Matt but Cooper works extremely well. Add to that the various town characters and Jenna’s investigation skills and you have a fun ride thru Blueberry Lake. Hope the series continues.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
December 31, 2020
Gina does it again!

I love everything Gina writes and she has mastered her craft yet again. Jenna is such a delight to read and very relatable. Her and Cooper are so cute and real that it just makes you smile. The other characters were just as wonderful and rounded out the story perfectly!
Profile Image for Latty|The Creative .
206 reviews11 followers
March 31, 2024
Audiobook

Again the side characters made more sense than the protagonist and at this point she did not deserve either men who in my opinion were chumps for grown men. The excuses for the murder were laughable much like book 2. Book 1 we can excuse but 2&3! Get real.

Thankfully it's the audiobook.
Profile Image for Tonya Bryant Gillon.
465 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2020
I love this town. Jenna makes it seem so much more alive and now her ex boyfriend is in town shooting a movie, the stylist is gone and the leasing man has been shot and is in the hospital. What could go wrong? You have to read to find out.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
December 27, 2020
An Adorable Cozy

This was a hilarious,serious cozy with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline,the clothes,shoes and the characters.
This book is highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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