Skip to main content

The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan Review


Welcome back to Jenn's Reading Corner! 

Title 

The Busy Body 

Author 

Kemper Donovan 

Synopsis 

It's a dream assignment. Former Senator Dorothy Gibson, aka that woman, is the most -talked - about person in the country right now, though largely for the wrong reasons. As an independent candidate for President of the United States, Dorothy split the vote and is being blamed for the shocking result. Now she's retreated to her home in rural Maine, inviting her ghostwriter to join her.


Her collaborator is impressed by Dorothy's work ethic and steel -trap mind, not to mention the stunning surroundings ( and one particularly gorgeous bodyguard). But when a neighbor dies under mysterious circumstances, Dorothy is determined to find the killer in their midst. And when Dorothy Gibson asks if you want to team up for a top secret, possibly dangerous murder investigation, the only answer is: “Of Course”


The best ghostwriters are adept at asking questions and spinning stories…. two talents, it turns out, that come in handy for sleuthing. Dorothy, meanwhile, has become an expert at recognizing lies and double dealing. Together, the two women are soon untangling motives and whittling down suspects, to the exasperation of local police. But this investigation - much like the election - may not unfold the way anyone expects. 

Review 


The most intriguing book I've read in a long time. I couldn't resist this book when I saw the beautiful cover. The Busy Body definitely does not disappoint. As a fan of Agatha Christie this book is as close to an Agatha Christie book as you will find. With interesting charismatic characters that come to life straight off the pages and a mystery that will keep you guessing all the way to the reveal.  Typically I devour a book in one sitting, however this book was so good that I stretched it out over the course of several days because I didn't want it to end. I knew from the first chapter it would be a long time until I found another book I would enjoy as much as this one. 

I highly recommend reading The Busy Body. This will be one of those rare books that I will be rereading for years to come. 

About the Author 

Kemper Donovan is the author of the novel The Decent Proposal, and the host of the podcast All About Agatha, dedicated to the one and only Agatha Christie, in which guise he has been featured in the L.A. Times, made appearances on BBC TV and Radio New Zealand, lectured at multiple festivals and conferences, and written for the Official Agatha Christie website 


He attended Stanford University and Harvard Law School, and now lives in Southern California with his husband and two daughters.

Connect with Kemper Donovan 

To have your book reviewed/ featured on the blog contact readingcorner.jenn@gmail.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Unraveling by Vi Keeland Review

  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Reep Hall (@thejennhall) Title  The Unraveling  Author  Vi Keeland  Synopsis  This isn't a love story. It's a story about obsession. You'll assume you know who the object of the obsession is. The psychiatrist concealing the twisted connection she has to her patient. But more than one person hides a secret. To what lengths will desire and grief drive a person? Stop guessing. Let the mystery unravel. Review  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow! The Unraveling was the best psychological thriller I've ever read! This book really pulls back the curtain on the psyche of multiple characters trying to come to grips with the loss of loved ones and punishing themselves and others in the process. The Unraveling will have you reeling from the first page to the last. Highly recommend! For Review Requests Contact  readingcorner.jenn@gmail.com
Post a Comment
Read more

Autumn 2025 Bookshelf

Welcome back to the blog! I am happy to tell you that I'm finally over my reading slump and making up for lost time. Many of you know that I lost my dad a few months ago and with him my love of reading. My dad was the one that turned me into a bookworm at a very young age and the thought of picking up a book made me think of him and was so painful that I stopped reading for a while.  When it comes to reading, I read multiple genres and use all versions of books, including print, audio, and Kindle. I love print books, especially hardback books. I love hardback books so much that I actually made an Amazon Wishlist for them so I can expand my collection. There's nothing better than curling up in a chair with a cat, quilt, and cup of coffee with a physical book in hand. I also use the Kindle app ( I don't actually own a kindle) on my phone and tablet. When I want to read but don't have time to sit down I opt for audiobooks. Needless to say with all the different ways avail...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis

  The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis  Title:  The Diva Delivers on a Promise  Series:  A Domestic Diva Mystery  Author:  Krista Davis  Synopsis: Sophie is busy handling the first ever convention of Ghost Kitchens- restaurants that do delivery only - but she's taking a little time out for a lunch meeting organized by A Healthy Meal. The group is dedicated to providing meals for children in need, and as a bonus, it'll give Sophie the perfect opportunity to ogle the lavish Old Town home of socialite Geraldine Stansfield. Gerrie’s dining room is impeccably furnished, the table laden with gleaming crystal and prized china. If it weren't for the dead man lying on the floor, everything would be perfect….. No one knows the victim - or at least, no one claims to. But a little snooping by Sophie reveals links to many local notables. In fact, not only was he a client of Geraldine’s late husband, an attorney - every member of the Stansfield clan k...
Post a Comment
Read more