Staged by Elle Cosimano [Review]

Staged (Busybodies Collection #1) by Elle Cosimano
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 25, 2024

Busybodies Collection
1. Staged - Kindle
2. The Reunion Dinner
3. Crime of Fashion
4. The Nosy Neighbor
5. One Lucky Subscriber
6. A Classic Case

Elle Cosimano
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Is it harder to find a killer or land a buyer? In this playful short story from New York Times bestselling author Elle Cosimano, two unlikely real estate agents become even unlikelier detectives.

A million problems arise when trying to flip a crumbling old Victorian. But Lyda, a newbie seller, and Dani, a TikTok-trained home stager, are fixated on one: the dead landscaper in the bedroom. The notorious lothario was one of many last-minute contractors swarming around, and now every jilted lover and business competitor is a suspect. It’s up to Lyda and Dani to close the case before the open house.

Thoughts on Staged: This was a quick read with a quick mystery (which makes sense since things have to be wrapped up quickly). Lyda's trying to sell a house that needs a lot of TLC, is dealing with some fiercely competitive co-workers, and has just found a dead body. To say things are a little complicated for her might be understating it.

On the plus side, she has her BFF at her side and they just might possibly be a good team when it comes to staging and selling. Maybe. On the downside, the guy she liked in high school is one of the co-workers she seems to be competing against at work. On the bigger downside, there's that dead guy up in the bedroom.

Seeing as how Lyda and Dani think the police have arrested the wrong person, they start looking at the scant clues they have available to them. Considering said dead dude really liked the ladies, they have a pretty big pool of suspects to consider.

A little case of death, some slightly awkward flirting with a former flame, a very minor case of B&E, and clues that only Lyda could have put together. Short, but fun!