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There are currently 31 member reviews
for The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
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Marybeth T. (Bellingham, WA)
Loved it
I was surprised to see that this book was 400 pages. It flew by. A two day read for me. I loved the female lead roles. Dynamic and powerful. I loved the setting. Makes me want to head too the east coast. I also didn't figure out until it was revealed who the killer was. I had ideas but I couldn't have said with any confidence. I hope this is the star of a series because I will keep reading.
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Barbara E. (Rockville, MD)
More than okay
I thoroughly enjoyed this clever and witty mystery. Ollie, the self-proclaimed "just okay" assistant, is impulsive, sharp, and utterly relatable, while the great detective is brilliant, enigmatic, and delightfully condescending. The mystery itself is intricate, with a satisfying resolution, but the true highlight is the evolving dynamic between the two lead characters. Told from Ollie's perspective, the story allows us to experience her missteps and insights firsthand, making for an engaging and immersive read.
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Julie P. (Fort Myers, FL)
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
I had recently been reading several more serious books so when I saw the title of this one, I thought it might be just what I needed. And I was right. This is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. The two main characters are a mix of old and young, knowledgeable and lots to learn, confident and full of self doubt.
I enjoyed the conversations that Olivia has with herself (and with her none-too-patient boss). The mystery itself was entertaining without being too violent. One minor complaint is that Olivia's love interest seemed rather half-hearted. Almost as if why include it at all? I wonder if there will be more in a series?
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Donna D. (Riverside, IL)
A Pair of PI's
A famous detective, a rookie assistant, a secret filled family, and a suicide (murder?) are the perfect ingredients for a good mystery. You will find all of them in '' The World's Greatest Detective and her Just OK Assissant''
I found this to be a good read and I definitely recommend it. Our detective, Aubrey Merritt, was largely closed mouthed about her conclusions but never fear her just OK assistant,Olivia Blunt, loves to make lists of questions, clues, and preliminary conclusions so you won't lose your way.
The story begins as an investigation of a death ruled a suicide. It quickly expands to include the previous accidental death (murder?) of the family head as well as a later murder (a real murder !) of another family member. Needless to say there is lots going on. As the story develops, we learn about the family, it's business and its history, Each member and the characters traveling in their orbit is revealed along the way.
I enjoyed trying to find facts and clues and exploring several potential explanations of the actual course of events. I particularly enjoyed the dénuement conducted by our ace detective during the reading of the will. It reminded me of the an episode of the TV series, Death in Paradise.
This is not a police procedural or a fast action thriller of a mystery. Instead you'll find a tale well told , a good many potential outcomes and a set of quirky yet methodical private investigators They really ought to have a series !
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Jennifer B. (Oviedo, FL)
World's Greatest……
The titled "World's Greatest Detective " is up for debate. I appreciate the effort of Liza Tully. However, the plot of this book is far from original. The dichotomy between brilliant detectives and their assistants has been featured in many stories. Think Holmes & Watson, Poirot & Japp as a couple of famous examples. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to read about two women detectives for a change. This book has real potential to become the beginning of a series. I hope it develops into a lasting relationship between two different characters.
Watson,
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Deborah C. (Highland Park, NJ)
Formidable Female PI meets Eager Young Assistant
The writing in this novel is clear, and especially evocative of the beautiful Vermont setting where the action occurs. However, as the title might predict, the opening involves some rambling and wordiness, which recurs at some points in the story.
Olivia Blunt, 25-years-old, narrates the story of her becoming the assistant to well-known and successful Private Investigator Aubrey Merritt, a formidable woman in her sixties. The fastidious Ms. Merritt has very high standards for all behavior and work, and is vocal when these standards are not met. Olivia is enthusiastic and dedicated, but untrained, and somewhat clumsy interpersonally. Her only experience is as a company's fact checker, a skill she puts to good use in their sleuthing.
A clever murder in a Vermont resort setting involves complicated family and business dealings. It also tests Olivia's talents and commitment, and her ability to stand up to Merritt's criticism and condescension. It seems a new detective partnership has begun, which hopefully will be followed up in other books, though with fewer pages.
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Barbara C. (Riverside, CA)
Tried to find it wonderful!
Book moved very slowly for the first half. I did not learn to appreciate the two major protagonists until the action picked up later in book. This book did not lead the reader to the final reveal adequately in my view. It was a challenge to apply the title of the book to content; a little silly. The end with Trevor and his mother was too easy. This book would be great for the reader who just follows the author on the trail they lay out.
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