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EM Kaplan
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The Bride Wore Dead: An Un-Cozy Un-Culinary Josie Tucker Mystery (Josie Tucker Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by EM Kaplan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 487 ratings
Snarky food critic Josie Tucker is facing the ultimate career hiccup. With her testy stomach betraying her, she can barely hold on to her lunch, never mind her job. The last thing she needs is having to be a replacement bridesmaid at a society wedding…

But an uncomfortable dress and awkward small talk turn out to be the least of Josie’s worries when the demure bride fails to survive the honeymoon. Now entangled in the groom’s sordid family, Josie finds herself the target of the rich and dangerous.

A tragic death. A desperate mother. A predatory ex. All the ingredients for an unsavory mystery…
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Josie Tucker Mysteries
  2. Print length
    321 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 18, 2013
  6. File size
    1.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Library Journal SELF-e Best Books of 2016 "Josie shines as a funny and sympathetic heroine whose amateur detective work is just as enjoyable as her complicated personal life."--Teva Hutchinson, Atlanta Univ. Center Robert W. Woodruff Lib. BRAG Medallion Honoree
"The Bride Wore Dead has everything a readerexpects from modern crime fiction - sharp writing, an unpredictable plot,quirky characters. But it also holds surprisesfor the reader. As one of the new breedof indie authors, Kaplan has broken many of the rules of crime fiction - withpanache - and created something refreshingly different. Her characterisation has depth. The Bride Wore Dead is populated by peoplewho are not only quirky but real. JosieTucker herself as a woman with a Thai mother and an American G.I. father bringsa blend of old soul and naïve innocence to her amateur sleuthing. The reader relates to her personal issueswith life and love. But Josie'scharacter is never static and Kaplan brings moments of self-discovery into herrelationships with both suspects and friends.Minor characters also keep the reader guessing as their personalitiestake unexpected but plausible turns. Theother real strength of The Bride Wore Dead is the plot. There's a social issue behind the crimes whichanchors the story in contemporary reality but the solution follows its owntrajectory, with unusual but satisfying results. At the end, the loose ends are tied up butthe way is laid for a very interesting future for Josie as the series unfolds."

-Virginia King, former prize-winningpublisher, author of "The First Lie" (BRAG Medallion Honoree)

About the Author

EM Kaplan was an 80s kid, spoonfed on six channels of a VHF dial TV. She grew up reading Agatha Christie and Edgar Rice Burroughs in rural Arizona where there were no sidewalks but plenty of tumbleweeds. A former wannabe spy, trombonist, toilet-cleaner, beginner ninja, and subversive marketeer, she currently lives in the frozen north with her husband, author JD Kaplan, kids, and dog. Where to find her: blog: www.JustTheEmWords.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/emkaplan.author Twitter: www.twitter.com/meilaan Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/emkaplan Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/emkaplan Email: JustTheEmWords@gmail.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GW9I1ZO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ E.M. Kaplan
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 18, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 321 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1494277703
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Josie Tucker Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 487 ratings

About the author

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EM Kaplan

EM Kaplan

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While all the other school kids moaned about homework, Emily scribbled satires of her least favorite classes, redrawing teachers as evil alien overlords. She is the living embodiment of the axiom, "It's always the quiet ones."

Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Quarter Finalist (for Full Slab Dead)

Biblioboard SELF-e Honoree (for The Bride Wore Dead)

B.R.A.G. Medallion (for The Bride Wore Dead)

I.A.N. Book of the Year Finalist (for Dim Sum, Dead Some)

Illinois Soon-To-Be-Famous Finalist (Unmasked)

Illinois Soon-To-Be-Famous Semi-Finalist (Full Slab Dead)

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
487 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the mystery book engaging with an intriguing storyline that keeps them in suspense until the last page, featuring a strong female character and well-developed characters that jell together. The book is easy to read and filled with witty humor and sarcasm, though customers disagree on the pacing, with some finding it moves right along while others note a slow start. The taste aspect receives mixed reactions, with some finding it tasty while others describe it as more tart than sweet.

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Character developmentStory qualityEnjoymentReadabilityWriting styleHumorPaceTaste
60 customers mention "Character development"55 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the character development in the book, particularly appreciating the strong female protagonist and the quirky way the characters interact.

"...It's hard not to like Josie. The author has given life to her characters who care for one another and yet there is a certain amount of sexual..." Read more

"...Josie Tucker is a quintessential protagonist. She is cynical and savvy. She is flawed but self-aware. She is highly skilled in many ways, yet humble...." Read more

"...I can actually relate to the main characters, flaws and all, because they are not stupid...." Read more

"...Kaplan has created a spicy, lovable character with Josie Tucker. She is a tiny built, Asian lady with stomach issues...." Read more

60 customers mention "Story quality"50 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, praising its intriguing plot and suspenseful ending that keeps readers engaged until the last page.

"...I found this cozy mystery to be an absolute delight, filled with witty humor, suspenseful twists, and charming storytelling." Read more

"...She has a nice narrative sense and, as a result, 'The Bride Wore Dead' moves right along with none of those little bumps in the road that slow a..." Read more

"I was engrossed within the first few pages. The story, the character, the dialogue, and Kaplan’s balanced and witty prose were quickly addictive...." Read more

"...doesn't see the world through rose-colored glasses; she is a realist and a pragmatist, and I admire that...." Read more

49 customers mention "Enjoyment"49 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, with interesting elements that draw readers into the mystery.

"...I found this cozy mystery to be an absolute delight, filled with witty humor, suspenseful twists, and charming storytelling." Read more

"...the dialogue, and Kaplan’s balanced and witty prose were quickly addictive...." Read more

"...the story flows very well and there are some funny moments, and some intense ones. Can Josie find the truth for the mothers?..." Read more

"...to myself "this is good!" The opening is so humorous and engaging with the presentation of a wonderfully smart, quirky, feisty, endearing..." Read more

46 customers mention "Readability"46 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy and enjoyable to read, with one describing it as a great page turner.

"...A nice book, but could have been great with better editing." Read more

"...Also well done is the depiction of a life in a small town which I expect is much the same whether it's a small town in Arizona or a small town in..." Read more

"...I enjoyed this book and love Josie as I have read the last 2 of the series at this point first." Read more

"...In fact, it's such a good job that the plot itself becomes a secondary consideration which is very refreshing given just how rare it is anymore...." Read more

30 customers mention "Writing style"26 positive4 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, with one customer noting the excellent narration and another highlighting the wonderful dialog, while another mentions there are no glaring spelling mistakes.

"...reading the book and that would be a shame because Kaplan is a very fine writer with a nice light touch when the occasion calls for it...." Read more

"...The descriptions of relationships are particularly strong, the self doubt that can trap people in their circumstances, the love of family and the..." Read more

"...The story, the character, the dialogue, and Kaplan’s balanced and witty prose were quickly addictive...." Read more

"...This book is well written, the story flows very well and there are some funny moments, and some intense ones...." Read more

26 customers mention "Humor"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its wit and sarcastic tone, with one customer noting the delightful self-deprecation.

"...I found this cozy mystery to be an absolute delight, filled with witty humor, suspenseful twists, and charming storytelling." Read more

"...I delighted in several moments, character descriptions, and subtle ironies, but here are a few of my favorites:..." Read more

"...For lovers of mystery, comedy and strong female protagonists The Bride Wore Dead is a sure love!" Read more

"...book is well written, the story flows very well and there are some funny moments, and some intense ones. Can Josie find the truth for the mothers?..." Read more

15 customers mention "Pace"10 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it moves right along while others mention a slow start.

"...a nice narrative sense and, as a result, 'The Bride Wore Dead' moves right along with none of those little bumps in the road that slow a reader..." Read more

"...character, the dialogue, and Kaplan’s balanced and witty prose were quickly addictive...." Read more

"...Arizona, and in the back story about her parents, which made reading a little confusing...." Read more

"...The story slowly builds to a climax that didn’t let me stop reading. Great flow & dialog & gruesome premise." Read more

11 customers mention "Taste"7 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the taste of the book, with some finding it tasty and spicy, while others describe it as more tart than sweet.

"...Kaplan has created a spicy, lovable character with Josie Tucker. She is a tiny built, Asian lady with stomach issues...." Read more

"...The fact that a person shot both of them in the head...very cheesy and questionable! Sorry but no." Read more

"...Her talents rise to the top of a delicious brew and like froth they overflow the rim cascading slowly down the side...." Read more

"...finished, The Bride Word Dead, and I can attest that it is a gratifyingly tasty read—suspenseful to the last page...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Renegade
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Bride Wore Dead
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the first book in the Josie Tucker Mysteries series by E.M. Kaplan. Josie Tucker is a cranky food critic who unexpectedly finds herself investigating a murder. Just days after serving as a last-minute bridesmaid at a lavish Boston wedding, the bride dies mysteriously on her honeymoon at an exclusive Arizona resort. Suspecting foul play, the bride’s mother turns to sharp-witted and socially astute Josie to unravel the mystery. As Josie digs deeper, she realizes the dead bride may not have been the first victim, and worse, the killer may have set their sights on her next. I found this cozy mystery to be an absolute delight, filled with witty humor, suspenseful twists, and charming storytelling.
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  • Reader of the Pack
    4.0 out of 5 stars Introducing Josie Tucker
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Josie Tucker is a force to be reckoned with, as she is introduced in this story. I was pleased to see I have her second book and now I know I will enjoy reading that one as well.

    It's not easy being a food critic when your stomach is in revolt. Josie had a job writing for a Boston paper but was out on sick leave due to her undiagnosed stomach pains when her boss called and told her that she could no longer afford to pay her.

    Josie's doctor and longtime friend, Drew, worried about her stomach pain and weight loss,books her into a swanky rehab/spa in Arizona. Prior to her trip to Arizona Josie has agreed to be a last-minute stand in bridesmaid at the wedding of LeAnn and Peter. There is a certain amount of humor as Josie complains to her friend Susan just how much she hates being a bridesmaid for people she is only knows thru Susan.

    The real mystery begins when Josie gets to Arizona. She is shocked to find out LeAnn is dead and even more surprised when she is asked to look into the death by the vroom mother who seems to know something's not right about the supposed accident. There is murder and mayhem and gossip about the poor treatment of Leanne by her new husband.

    It's hard not to like Josie. The author has given life to her characters who care for one another and yet there is a certain amount of sexual attraction among some of the four friends who have known each other for years. Josie turns out to be a pretty good investigator, perhaps too good as she is the target of a hit and run that leaves one woman in the hospital.

    As you may be able see, there is a lot going on in this book. Sorry if the review was a bit scattered. I liked the book enough to give it four stars.

    .
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  • Mike Billington author of Murder in the Rainy Season
    5.0 out of 5 stars 'The Bride Wore Dead' is a tasty, and thoroughly enjoyable, mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Josie Tucker is, perhaps, the most unlikely amateur detective you're ever going to meet.
    She's a journalist by profession.
    But she's not a reporter who covers the mean streets and rubs elbows with cops at crime scenes.
    No, the sometimes cranky, generally acerbic Ms. Tucker is a food writer.
    With stomach problems.
    Roped into being a bridesmaid at the wedding of a woman she barely knows, she 's also going broke trying to pay for the dress and the shoes and... well, you get the picture: Josie Tucker is not a happy camper. Her main goal at the beginning of EM Kaplan's 'The Bride Wore Dead' is a simple one: She simply wants to survive the summertime wedding and reception without dying of heat stroke.
    She does manage to survive it, but only barely, and thinks that she can finally put a truly dreadful day behind her.
    Turns out, however, that she can't.
    Why not?
    Because the bride turns up dead on her honeymoon and, for reasons that are not immediately clear to her, she's asked to look into what has been ruled an accidental death. Despite the fact she has virtually no skills as an investigator she agrees to do that because, well because it means spending some time at a very fancy desert resort with some cash thrown in to sweeten the deal.
    And, besides, she's curious.
    In the meantime, she's trying to balance her love life - what there is of it - and she's trying really hard not to fall victim to the same people who killed the blushing (and somewhat bruised) bride.
    That's all I'm going to tell you about the plot because to write anything else about it might just allow you to figure out the ending without reading the book and that would be a shame because Kaplan is a very fine writer with a nice light touch when the occasion calls for it. She has a nice narrative sense and, as a result, 'The Bride Wore Dead' moves right along with none of those little bumps in the road that slow a reader down.
    (I particularly enjoyed her descriptions of the food that Josie would love to eat more of but can't because there really is something wrong with her stomach... which is a problem for someone who earns her daily bread writing about, well, bread and a lot of other things you'd find on the table.)
    The action is fast paced and Ms. Tucker finds herself the object of some unwanted attention by suspects in the case but Kaplan doesn't make the mistake of trying to turn Josie into some kind of Amazon warrior. Josie is a petite heroine who is out of her depth as an investigator and when she gets in trouble she doesn't lay anyone out with a roundhouse kick and a karate chop. Instead, she manages to get out of that trouble in a believable way and that adds credibility to the narrative.
    I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Bride Wore Dead' and highly recommend it.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Ann
    3.0 out of 5 stars Needs a good editor.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book, but...I couldn't go higher than 3 stars due to the serious need for a good editor. On top of the occasional missing word, the book is rife with highly distracting temporal continuity problems. For example, Josie reflects on her mother, a young bride brought to the States, and subsequently a young mother working at the commissary and learning English. So, being generous, let's say that her mom was 25 when she had Josie. Fast forward to Josie's memories of high school, during which Josie's father died suddenly, her mom opened a restaurant, began to have problems, was diagnosed with alzheimer's and put in home, after which Josie moved to Arizona and spent a few years in high school there. Ok...so all that happened in 1-2 years, to a woman that was, what? At best 41 years old? It's pretty rare for someone so young to be completely overcome by alzheimer's disease. I suppose it's possible, but really, if that is what the author wants to convey, she should have remarked on the rarity of such a diagnosis. Instead, I get the distinct impression that she just didn't really think the timeline through. There are various other temporal issues, for example, the description of the time frame between the wedding and the Josie's trip to Arizona was confused and off, but I won't go on.

    A nice book, but could have been great with better editing.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • nanamama777
    1.0 out of 5 stars selten so gelangweilt, selten so eine unsympathische Hauptfigur...
    Reviewed in Germany on November 25, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    ich verstehe nicht, dass alle bisherigen Rezensionen so positiv ausgefallen sind. Die Hauptfigur ist weinerlich bis mürrisch aber in keiner Weise sympathisch, der Schreibstil ist überhaupt nicht flüssig und schon auf den ersten 17 Seiten häufen sich die Fehler, und wir reden hier nicht von vergessenen Kommata oder ähnlichem. Wenn es um einen Pulli geht, den er trägt, aber anstelle von "he" ein "she" benutzt wird, frage ich mich ernsthaft, ob hier jemals Korrektur gelesen wurde. Die ersten 17 Seiten waren schon eine Qual, es wird auch nicht wirklich besser und ich glaube kaum, dass ich es noch bis zum Ende schaffen werde.
    Bei cozy mysteries erwarte ich sicherlich keine tiefsinnige Literatur, aber hier ist selbst der geringe Preis von 2,99 noch zu viel. Von entspannter und leichter Lektüre erwarte ich zumindest dennoch, dass die Autorin die Personalpronomen nicht durcheinander wirft.
    Fazit: no go.
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  • Gus
    5.0 out of 5 stars The prickly Josie Tucker food writer, becomes super sleuth.
    Reviewed in Australia on August 20, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Josie Tucker is a journalist, no sorry, a food writer with tummy issues. Ms Tucker gets caught in a murder where she is bridesmaid.
    Well that's how it all starts. She turns herself into a amateur detective and tries her hardest to solve the case. I won't go into anymore
    of the story line and give away what happens. EM Kaplan has done a wonderful job in creating the characters, good and bad. A good solid read which gets the grey matter working overtime. I'm giving this book a 4.8 Star read
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  • Sharon E. Leighton
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good traditional mystery with good non-traditional characters
    Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Beginning with a reluctant Josie acting as a replacement for a bridesmaid who dropped out of a big society wedding, and going on to explore the meaning of family, community, identity, and love, this is a top-notch mystery. It faces some tough questions on the way to whodunit, and does it with charm and excitement. Josie herself is a likeable character, generally intelligent, although she does make one rather dumb move when she returns to the place where her prime suspect is staying "because it's safe". Yeah, right. The author covers this mistake in judgment by suggesting that that was an excuse to go where she wouldn't bother anyone, and this fits with her personal insecurity. The whole plot hangs together logically, which is always refreshing. I'll probably read more Josie Tuckers.
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  • STEVIE BOY
    5.0 out of 5 stars Think Stephanie Plum with gastric issues!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Among all the indie author works I've read this year, the quality of the writing of this novel is second to none. The characters are well-drawn and engaging and the story zips along without a pause. If I said there's a chick-lit feel to the opening don't write it off as stereotypical. Think Stephanie Plum with gastric issues! It's smart and entertaining, at times very funny and others quite alarming. With locations you could reach out and touch and tension that builds to a dramatic conclusion, I thoroughly recommend this first instalment in the Josie Tucker series.
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  • Ben
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fun ride
    Reviewed in Canada on September 8, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm astonished by the quality of writing in this book.
    The writer goes out of her way to make it fun and it's a success.
    Josie is a strong protagonist that I quickly grew attached to, to me she's now a friend.
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