A Cereal Killer (Sibyl Potts #1) by Morgana Best

A Cereal Killer (Sibyl Potts #1) Reviews

• 
  Sara

  First of all, why did the main character find it necessary to point out when she was using Australian English (as compared to any other English, I guess)? Not once, but at least 5 times. I know she's Australian, and I understand she's going to narrate in Australian English. And even if I didn't know the words, that's what dictionaries are for. I don't need Sybil to "translate" for me.
  
  Anyway, the mystery was weak and not particularly interesting, the characters were quirky but predictable, and the main character was a bit on the oblivious side. The narrative was clunky (a whole page dedicated to Sybil making oatmeal in a microwave - just riveting), and I just didn't feel any spark to the story.
• 
  Molly

  An absorbing read
  
  I love a book that I can get truly lost in, and nothing does that better than a good mystery. From the beginning of the book I was struck by the descriptive narrative that pulled me in without boring me. I could vividly see the scenes and characters in my head. I could also feel Sibyl’s discomfort at everything being thrown at her. From literally walking into a murder scene to trying to adjust to this new town and life.
  
  The author definitely knows the quirks that are only found with a small town and she has artfully worked the character of the rural community into the story. As the story unfolded I found myself laughing at the comical antics performed by Cressida, felt frustrated for Sibyl, confused by officer Blake, and in love with Lord Farringdon and the rest of the crazy cast. As this town and its cast become the new normal for Sibyl she finds she might actually enjoy it here, well besides the fact there’s a murderer at large…
  
  This is a very fun and captivating book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I was able to lose myself in this world, and to me that’s the sign of a good book.
• 
  Cheryl Landmark

  This was not the most exciting cozy mystery I have ever read, but for the most part it was enjoyable, pleasant, and fun. And, the paranormal aspects added an intriguing touch. I loved the dog quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the idea of a mobile pet grooming business. I just wish we had seen a little more of Sandy, the adorable rambunctious pup that Sibyl acquired part way through the book.
  
  There were certainly plenty of eccentric, quirky characters in the book, but they could have been a little better developed. Perhaps they will be in future books.
  
  One major issue I had with the book was the author’s constant translating of Australian terms into their U.S. counterparts. The terms weren’t that difficult to interpret, and this habit became very annoying after a while.
  
  The mystery was quite light and predictable, but it was fun, too.
  
• 
  Allison Kohn

  An interesting murder
  
  This murder takes place in the Australian mountains. I never read anything in that particular place before. Most stories I have read about Australia have been about cattle ranches or the coast. I thought it was very interesting and she saw visions warning her about danger, which is something that has happened to me more than once so I know it isn't bogus. I believe anyone who likes mysteries will enjoy this book.
  
• 
  Anne

  I so enjoyed this book. It had a great story. Sybil was believable and smart. The whole cast of characters were just plain fun. I hope to read more of this series. This book proved to me that books can be totally enjoyable without the language and sex that seems to be stuck in some mysteries for no apparent reason. Read this book. You won't be sorry.
• 
  Melissa

  This book tried to be too many things at once: modern gothic, cozy mystery, and chick lit. Add in the info dumps about life in mountainous/rural Australia, weird characters, and stilted dialogue, and you got a not so great reading experience. Finally, get a copy editor stat! I won't read another book in this series or anything by this author.
• 
  Allison

  I liked it. Sibyl is smart, self-sufficient and learning from her past mistakes. I loved the folks living in the home next door, especially Mr.Buttons who is dealing with some issues of his own. And speaking of dealing, he pulls a Tarot card for everyone every day and who knows what the results of that might be. An interesting mystery and a possible love interest along with some fun characters makes for an enjoyable read.
• 
  Voirrey

  This is a pleasant read with an interesting setting, quirky characters and, whilst I thought one of the perpetrators suspicious, there was not a point where the plot screamed itself out.
  
  And I liked the fact that Morgana Best pointed out at the beginning that this is a book written by an Aussie, set in Australia, and so used Australian English rather than American. To be honest, as a Brit, Aussie English is much easier to read than American.
• 
  Britney

  What a delightful read. A cozy mystery that takes place in a small Australian town. It has a little "if you could call it "paranormal in it.
  
  A couple characters were eccentric but added character to the story. I loved the local and characters. If you are looking for a cute quick read this one is for you.
• 
  Robin

  A quick read. Not sure if the lead character is American? There were several references to verbiage being different in Australia. Also, found the plot difficult to follow - it seemed muddled in places.
• 
  Barb

  Quick and easy read--clean murder mystery. Follows pretty basic pattern for the heroine stumbling onto a murder, than solving it.
• 
  Sadie

  Cute and cozy mystery. Can't wait to jump into the next book of the series!
• 
  Chris

  This was one of the cutest cozy I have read. The characters were quirky enough and the story tied everything up at the end. Will read more by this author.
• 
  Deserthomemaker

  The story had potential, but the writing was clunky and repetitive. There were several grammatical errors which pulled me out of the story, and there were multiple times when the author seemed to have forgotten what she had written on the previous page. For example, on one page Sybil is getting a microwave cinnamon bun, and on the next is microwaving oatmeal. Also, as the book is set in Australia, constantly pointing this out while translating the idioms, brands, and temperature, was unnecessary. It's a short book, but needs to be refined before it's worth the time it takes to read it.
• 
  Linda

  Okay for a quick read
• 
  Kristine

  I found this to be an interesting story with quirky characters that had great potential. The characters seemed a bit shallow and flat with no real emotions. At times the story seemed a bit disjointed and that I was missing something. As with other reviewers, I found the constant need of the author to explain the differences between phrases used in Australia and the US a bit tedious. In most cases it's obvious what the intended meaning is - if I can't figure it out then I'll look it up. I couldn't help but feel the author thought the reader couldn't figure it out. I'll give the next book a try and decide if I'll continue the series after that.
• 
  Elisa

  I love a great quick cozy mystery that grabs you from beginning to end. Morgana Best is awesome at writing great cozy mysteries and A Cereal Killer is no exception. Sibyl Potts is newly divorced and still recovering from the ordeal of being married to a narcissistic cheater. Morgana moves to a small country town in rural NSW where she yearns to live a quiet life grooming pets and relaxing in her small cottage she rents, but thats not meant to be from the second she arrives Morgana is hurled into a murder mystery that could have extra deadly results for her. Funny, Quirky and captivating the characters and the storyline keeps the reader wanting more.
• 
  Kay (Brigidsmomma) Compton

  This was an interesting read. I enjoyed it, although it is very different reading stories set in Australia as I really have very little frame of reference for Australia. All in all, a good read, and an interesting plot. I am curious about the next in the series, to see how the outcome of this one affects her financial status of her divorce... Also, to see how she will get along with the local sheriff...
• 
  Martha

  This was a really quick read. As much as I liked a lot of the characters, I really did not care for the main character, Sibyl. Can't really put my finger on it I just didn't like her. I also didn't like the writing. I think I expected better by someone who has written as many novels as she has. Would I read another by this author, maybe.
• 
  Bettye McKee

  Not bad for a cozy with paranormal undertones
  
  I'm not a big cozy fan, but I loved this title.
  
  Sibyl Potts, recently divorced, moved to Little Tarrington for peace and quiet and to launch her pet grooming business. As soon as she arrived at her rented cottage, she was confronted with a death. Was it natural causes or murder?
  
  12
• 
  Elaine

  A very interesting plot. Once getting settled into her new home, the heroine of the story finds herself suspect of a murder. It seems to be up to her to prove her innocence as the small town police seem to see evidence that would implicate her.
  I found it to be a well written story that held my attention from the very beginning.