Book Review: A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper
From the moment I stumbled upon A Proposal to Die For, I felt a magnetic pull towards its quirky premise and the blend of romance with mystery. Molly Harper’s reputation for crafting witty, engaging narratives preceded her, and I had high hopes for a delightful escape into a world filled with love, drama, and the unintended chaos of a proposal gone wrong. So when I opened the pages (thanks to the lovely folks at Berkley and NetGalley for my ARC!), I was eager to see how Jessamine Bricker navigated the tangled web of wedding proposals and unsolved murders.
Jessamine is our protagonist, brimming with enthusiasm for all things romantic. Her job—to orchestrate the ultimate proposals—seems like a dream, filled with creativity and grand gestures. However, when her latest client is none other than Diana, a snobbish high school rival, the anticipation of a sprinkle of tension turned into a bitter dose of reality. Just when I expected a cute, cozy read, I found myself entrenched in a somewhat predictable plot where Jessamine’s journey turned into a rather tedious affair of braving Diana’s obnoxious whims.
The setting at the luxurious Golden Ash Resort initially felt promising with its serene environment ripe for a cozy atmosphere. The first few chapters grabbed my interest with a murder mystery hook, suggesting we were promised a combination of intrigue and humorous encounters. However, as the plot progressed, it felt like the narrative became lost in its own ambitions—a bit like ordering that intriguing dish, only to discover the flavor pairing just didn’t sit right.
Harper’s writing shines with her signature humor, and at times, I found myself chuckling at Jessamine’s internal monologues. Yet, there were moments that lost clarity and direction. The pacing of the story sometimes felt inconsistent, oscillating between focusing on Jessamine’s attempts to cozy up to Diana and the murder mystery that took a backseat. What started as an exciting premise began to mold into a muddled mess, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration as Jessamine indulged in her old high school insecurities.
The book’s structure seemed to splinter, introducing subplots—like the complicated romance with the appealing chef Dean Osbourne—that felt more like distractions than enhancements. It raised so many questions: Did we need another love story layered onto an already chaotic plot? Could we not just dive deeper into the mystery that had a promising start? Instead, the climax fizzled out, leaving me with little intrigue over the killer’s identity. It was like expecting a full-bodied dessert only to be served a bland aftertaste.
Despite my lukewarm reception to certain elements, I do believe there’s an audience out there who might appreciate A Proposal to Die For, especially fans of cozy mysteries blended with rom-com elements. It may not have fully resonated with me, but for those who enjoy a lighthearted jaunt with a sprinkling of crime and drama, it could offer a satisfying revelry.
Ultimately, while I won’t be contacting any wedding planners or sampling chicken with chocolate anytime soon, I must commend Harper’s ability to weave humor into her narratives. Maybe it was just a dish that wasn’t quite my taste, but I wandered away from it with an appreciation for the quirky voice and potential for future stories. Here’s to hoping Jessamine’s next adventure has a clearer plot and a dash more charm. For now, I’m giving it 3 stars, rounded up from 2.5—an intriguing experience, if not a wholly satisfying one.
Happy reading, friends! ✨
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