Overall this was a good book. There were a few things that I did not like in it. I found Gin, the main character of this mystery novel to be a little annoying. She likes to stick her nose into other people’s business and then tries to fix them to how she sees fit. Yes, there are real people like that in the world but I find them annoying too. :-) However, that aspect of the character does not completely overwhelm Gin. She does have other likable qualities and the annoying ness is what advances the plot. My other complaints are (without giving away the plot) a few people who in their professions should be keeping things confidential (by ethics and legally) just break that confidentiality to someone they have just met. (Again, it advances the plot but those type people in real life get in major trouble for those type things.) I also found the timeline to be difficult at times to follow. It was very choppy. Sometimes things that normally would take a few weeks in real life seemed to happen in a day in the book and other times, the plot suddenly skips ahead by a few weeks. It isn’t horrible and doesn’t truly affect the plot but it is one of my pet peeves.

All that said, I enjoyed this book. Most of the characters were likeable/relatable and the ones that weren’t, were not supposed to be. The plot moves along decently. I liked that Gin realized she knew very little about domestic violence (but I was not thrilled with the implication that all victims have low self esteem and that is how they get trapped in a relationship. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Although many abusers do find someone who starts out with low self esteem, many start with a confident victim and whittle away at that confidence until the victim has none left.) I LOVED the inclusion of the real hotline at the end of the book but I would have liked to see the actual number included in the plot too. The more times people see it, the better! The issue of spousal abuse was handled well. It was just heavy/serious enough to get the reader to think without being to graphic or changing the nature of the book. It is tough to find that balance in a book that is supposed to be entertaining but the author did it.

This book was the 8th mystery in the Ginger Barnes Mainline Mysteries series but the first I have read. It read very well as a stand alone book and I don’t feel like I was missing anything but not having read 1-7 first. But maybe I just don’t know what I missed too. Good series do that! I am planning on reading the others to find out. I enjoyed this book despite my little annoyances and will seek this author's work out again. Give her a try! ( )

Source: Netgalley in exchange for a honest review

A cozy mystery that is something more. A good view on social problem like domestic violence and illness with a lot of empathy for the victims.
It was my first book from this author but I will go a look for other one. Not what I was expecting but an interesting discovery ( )

For Better or Worse by Donna Huston Murray is A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery (Book Eight). Ginger Barnes, known as a problem solver, is a widow with her son in college and her daughter is newly married (empty nester). Ginger is installing tile in the kitchen of her daughter’s new home and soon finds herself involved in two of the neighbor’s problems. Mrs. Maisie Zumstein is an elderly woman who has been acting strangely. She dumped a bag of bricks out of upper window (starling Ginger) and then Ginger hears strange popping noises (reminiscent of gun shots). Eric Zumstein claims his grandmother has a fascination with mystery novels (methinks there is more going on). But then Maisie takes a fall down her stairs and claims Eric is responsible. Cissie Voight is a new mother having trouble coping with a new infant and her household responsibilities. Her husband wants a clean home, a dolled-up wife, and a hot dinner when he arrives home (unrealistic with a newborn). When Ronald Voight is not pleased, he takes it out on Cissie. Can Ginger help Cissie and Maisie? Ginger is offered a job as a part-time babysitter for George Elliot’s (friend fixed her up with George) grandson, Jack. Ginger enjoys taking care of Jack, but soon discovers that the parents have a secret. In between DIY projects at her daughter’s house, Ginger delves into the situations. Can she help Cissie escape an abusive situation? Did Eric harm Maisie? What is up with Jack’s parents?

For Better or Worse is the first book I have read in A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery series. All the information I need is provided in the book. The POV switches between various characters in the book. I wish the author had told the story in third person or from Ginger’s point-of-view. It is confusing when the POV switches regularly. A reader must stop to figure out which character is now talking. This took me out of the story (and had me frustrated). I felt that the story lacked focus. While there are several mysteries or “problems” in the story, they are not the main focus. More time is devoted to Ginger and her dog, Fideaux (they go for many walks). The author does address some serious issues in the book and handles them well. I was a little baffled as to why Ginger was scared of the “census guy” (as she called him) and the man walking his dog. I found it odd and did not seem to go with Ginger’s character. Ginger comes across as a strong, determined, independent and friendly woman who likes to help people (she is a people person). She tackles situations head on, but she can be reckless at times. The ending felt incomplete. Some questions remained unanswered. While For Better or Worse tackles some sensitive (tough) issues is does contain light hearted humor (this is a light cozy mystery). Many cozy mystery readers will enjoy For Better for Worse and A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery series. ( )

This was an enjoyable read. Anyone familiar with Philadelphia’s Main Line will find a few references but location doesn’t play a big part in the story. The author focuses on relationships here, especially marriages (hence the title). Characters are well rounded and plots/subplots make sense. This is the 8th book in the series but the reader doesn’t have to be familiar with earlier works to enjoy this one. I was motivated to go back to the first in the series to spend more time with the characters. ( )

I spent my time in this book exasperated by Ginger Barnes and her tendency to interfere in the lives of others, and in admiration of her willingness to do so.

There is another plot strand: Ginger agrees to take on some childminding while a young mother seeks work. However the child's father is at first opposed to the scheme and then reluctant in his agreement. Gin has the feeling that he is following her and watching her.

The three main plot lines intermingle nicely with the connecting point being Gin's daughter.

There is a lot in this book about how men treat their wives, some thought provoking stuff.

A good read. Probably better if I had met Ginger Barnes before.

Due for publication January 10 2018, available for pre-order. (Amazon) ( )