Meister's new book brings readers back to The Shopping Channel to figure out another murder mystery

      In Ellen Meister’s Love Sold Separately, readers were introduced to Dana Barry and her attempts to figure out her new career and who murdered The Shopping Channel’s star host. The Rooftop Party, which is set to be released on May 25th, serves as a follow-up to Dana’s story and her attempts to help solve another murder at work.
     Dana Barry, the Shopping Channel's star host, stops by the company's rooftop party to pitch the new CEO her brilliant idea that just might save the flagging business, her job and possibly her love life. As she chats with the smarmy executive, he backs her into a dark corner. For Dana, it's a quid pro oh-hell-no. She escapes his lecherous grasp and grabs her drink on her way to the dance floor. Woozy, she blacks out. When she comes to, the CEO is dead, fallen from the roof. Or was he pushed? And if so, by whom? It's hard to know, but one thing is certain: Dana was close enough to be suspect. Sure, she loathed how the creep moved in on her, but she's no killer. Or is she? Truth is, Dana can't remember much about those minutes. Now she has to use all her skills to prove her innocence to everyone, including her police detective boyfriend--and herself.
     Dana Barry (aka my favorite hot mess of a character) is back and it was so refreshing to read this continuation of her story! While there were some points where I just wanted to throttle Dana and ask her “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?” I still love her as a character and thoroughly enjoyed stepping back into her thoughts for a book. The plot was engaging and moved along really well and I really enjoyed seeing both old and new characters join this series. The murder mystery itself wasn’t too predictable and will keep readers trying to figure out whodunnit. 
     As a native New Yorker, I also loved reading about places both in Manhattan and Long Island that I was familiar with. However, even if the setting of the novel isn’t familiar to you, any reader will enjoy exploring New York one mystery clue at a time.
     If you're looking for a sarcastic and entertaining main character who will make you want to laugh at but also knock some sense into, then this is the book for you! For people looking to dip their toes into the mystery genre, both The Rooftop Party and Love Sold Separately are fabulous choices!

*I received an ARC from Mira Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

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