Publisher Description

Riley just wants to write obituaries, but when her first assignment is the death of a childhood friend, mystery ensues.

Author Biography

Jill Orr is the author of the Riley Ellison mystery series, which has been called "delightfully comic" and "highly amusing" by Publishers Weekly. Books in the series have garnered praise from industry professionals and readers alike and have earned a Silver Falchion nomination, a starred review and "Best Book of the Week" from Library Journal, and a Midwest Connections pick.Originally from Chicago, Jill moved to Columbia, Missouri, to attend the University of Missouri, where she received her bachelor's degree in Journalism and her master's degree in Social Work. However, these days the only social work she does is at cocktail parties, and she sometimes wishes her degrees were in What's for Dinner and Decoding the Teenage Eye Roll.Jill lives in Missouri with her husband and two (usually delightful) teenage children. The fourth installment in the Riley Ellison series, The Full Scoop, is new for 2020. And Jill's new illustrated nonfiction humor book, How Not to Be Old (Even if You Are), arrives in November. Learn more at

Review

"Fresh and funny, romantic and sunny, Orr's book checked three genre boxes for me: a smart cozy series, a Southern small town setting, and, my favorite, a newspaper mystery... I loved the hilarious emails the author interjects into the narrative from Riley's "Personal Romance Concierge" at Click.com."
-Carole Barrowman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "Jill Orr's delightful, laugh-out-loud debut is the perfect mix of mystery, humor, and romance, anchored by an endearing heroine you can't help but root for. A fun, fast-paced read with a satisfying mystery at its heart. Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich."
- Laura McHugh, award-winning author of Arrowood and The Weight of Blood "Riley 'Bless Her Heart' Ellison is a breath of fresh air-a funny, empathic, Millennial heroine. She kept me turning the pages well into the night."
- Susan M. Boyer, USA TODAY-bestselling author of the Liz Talbot mystery series "What a fun, quirky, mystery! This was exactly what I needed to comfort me during these uncertain times.... I can't wait to give this to all my girlfriends for their beach vacations."
- Whitney Berger, The King's English Bookshop, Salt Lake City "A blast of fresh air. It arrives just in time to live out its destiny as a pitch-perfect summer read."
- Columbia Daily Tribune "An extremely fun read! Regina H., Personal Romance Concierge, may be my favorite new literary character of the decade."
- Anne Flett-Giordano, author of Marry, Kiss, Kill and Emmy-winning writer of the TV shows Mom, Frasier, and Desperate Housewives "Orr's debut mystery is a fun romp populated with peculiar characters. Recommended for new adult fans or admirers of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum capers."
-Library Journal "Jill Orr will make you laugh, make you think, and steam up your reading glasses with this funny, smart, and romantic mystery debut. The Good Byline is an engaging story that will keep readers wondering whodunit and how'd-they-do-it until the very end."
- Diane Kelly, award-winning author of the Death & Taxes and Paw Enforcement mysteries "In this irresistible page-turner, Jill Orr delivers a funny, smartly written mystery featuring a charming heroine and appealing setting. I can't wait to join millennial Riley Ellison on future adventures-and misadventures!"
- Ellen Byron, author of Body on the Bayou and Plantation Shudders

Review Quote

"Jill Orr's delightful, laugh-out-loud debut is the perfect mix of mystery, humor, and romance, anchored by an endearing heroine you can't help but root for. A fun, fast-paced read with a satisfying mystery at its heart. Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich." -- Laura McHugh, award-winning author of Arrowood and The Weight of Blood "Riley "Bless Her Heart" Ellison is a breath of fresh air--a funny, empathic, Millennial heroine. She kept me turning the pages well into the night." -- Susan M. Boyer, USA TODAY -bestselling author of the Liz Talbot mystery series "Jill Orr will make you laugh, make you think, and steam up your reading glasses with this funny, smart, and romantic mystery debut. The Good Byline is an engaging story that will keep readers wondering whodunit and how'd-they-do-it until the very end." -- Diane Kelly, award-winning author of the Death & Taxes and Paw Enforcement mysteries "In this irresistible page-turner, Jill Orr delivers a funny, smartly written mystery featuring a charming heroine and appealing setting. I can't wait to join millennial Riley Ellison on future adventures--and misadventures!" -- Ellen Byron, author of Body on the Bayou and Plantation Shudders "Jill Orr's Tuttle Corner is absolutely charming, and you'll want to hang out more in this Virginian small town with Riley and her cast of friends. The methodical local reporter, Will Holman, is a standout, and here's hoping he will appear in more of Riley's mystery adventures. Fans of Hannah Dennison's Vicky Hill series will devour this debut!" -- Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai and Ellie Rush mystery series

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