3.5 stars

The Ivy Meadows series is an interesting combo of light-hearted escapades interspersed with some reality checks. Ivy is an aspiring actress AND a private investigator in training. She has a younger brother who is developmentally disabled and their interaction is one of the most rewarding parts of the books.

Ivy's best friend Candy is appearing in a bizarre adaptation of the Wizard of Oz. She and Ivy have kind of lost touch, and Ivy is shocked to see her formerly vivacious friend reduced to a grayish shell due to eating disorders. The production is plagued with problems and soon Ivy becomes embroiled in trying to find Candy, who has disappeared, and to hunt for a backstage killer .

Yes, the plot is preposterous but Ivy is a nicely drawn character with some depth and her musings on female body image ring true. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ivy Meadows returns in another instalment in the Cindy Brown mystery thriller.

Cindy Brown has hit all the targets again with this crowd pleasing fiction serial. I have become a huge fan of the Ivy Meadows mysteries and find the wit and characters extremely charming.

Last year, I was asked to review Ivy Get Your Gun (fourth in the series). I looked at the book and thought I could use a bit of light reading and something mindless and a bit fun. What I can tell you is that I got so much more. I was entertained, thoroughly engrossed with the plot, loving the characters, setting, humour and the mystery. I was hooked. So much so, that I am now a huge fan and have bought the back catalogue and read my way through and haven’t hit a dud yet.

I have just finished the next instalment, ‘The Phantom of Oz’ and Ms Brown has done it again. This really is an excellent fun series and if you love theatre (especially musicals), you will love the campy twist that comes with the proceedings. This is another fantastic treat for fans of Ivy Meadows.

The characters are richly drawn with a fun setting which entwines itself with a mystery that opens itself out and twists and turns. Written in the first person, things unfold as Ivy discovers different aspects of the case. This is where Brown shows her talent, whilst Ivy is becoming deeper involved in the case, the reader is picking out clues along the way. I found myself sometimes picking up clues that Ivy doesn’t at the time only to pick up later.

The Ivy Meadows series is a real treat and one that I feel everyone should give a try. It is not for the serious dark fiction mystery thriller readers but if you would like a fun ride, exciting plots, colourful characters and a very human lead character in the form of Ivy. This is the book for you. I can’t wait for the next instalment. I have become an avid fan of Ivy and whatever comes next. A solid entertaining novel that works on all counts.

Ivy Meadows is back! She is just finishing up a run of Shakespeare when her best friend Candy Moon comes to town playing the part of Glinda in a touring production of The Wizard: A Space OZpera. She barely has any time with her friend before she realizes something is majorly wrong. Candy's luscious locks are stringy clumps of hair, her complexion is bad, and her teeth are gray. What has happened to her beautiful friend? She is a very thin size 0 and looks unhealthy. If that isn't enough, the production has more problems than you could imagine. The theater they are using is very old and reputed to be haunted by the Lady in White. Is she the one who causes the chandelier in the auditorium to fall, landing ironically on the woman playing the part of the Wicked Witch? Or is it Babbette, Reality TV star and genuine bitch? So many things go wrong from costume malfunctions, to out of control Glinda bubble, to lights going off, and more. Fortunately Ivy is almost finished with her PI training, and is hired to look into the accidents at the theater. Then when Candy disappears and no one can find her, Ivy's work begins in earnest as she searches for her missing friend while solving a multitude of other mysterious events.

Do you believe in ghosts? While many people don't, actors are especially tuned in to ghostly apparitions and spirit activities. This book addresses that basic question as it goes in every direction trying to solve every mysterious action in and around the theater. Kidnapping and murder, hidden tunnels, miniscule clues-they all revolve around a ghost. The author has woven that part of the story into so many aspects of the storyline that even a dedicated ghost lover started to feel it was possibly overdone...until the end and you knew it wasn't overdone at all.

The large number of characters in this book cheated some of the main characters out of larger roles. People such as Ivy's brother, her boyfriend, and even her Uncle Bob seemed to only be in the story for short time. Ivy however really did a lot of self -evaluation and personal growth in this book.

The book certainly was written with a true knowledge of theater productions and what everyone did to make the production a success. From personal experience and research, the facts were great. I really felt like I was at the theater and part of the production when Ivy was there. This realistic portrayal of the theater made the book richer and more interesting. The series is a fun one, and this particular book was a great addition.

I’ve always enjoyed the irreverent Ivy Meadows books, but I struggled with this one. For some reason it felt out of sorts and too scattered. Maybe with Ivy being sick through most of it and Candy trying to kill her self through diet pills caused it to seem off. Too bad because the other books in the series have been fun.

The Phantom of Oz was a fantastic cozy mystery! The characters were well written and relatable. The mystery was strong. The themes of self acceptance and love in the face of immense societal pressure were timely and visible without being preachy.
Ivy Meadows was a well developed main character with plenty of flaws. Her friends and family were likeable and fun. Although this is the fifth book in the series, I was able to thoroughly enjoy it without having read the previous novels. I have happily moved the previous Ivy Meadows novels to the top of my TBR list.

My least favourite of this series so far: it seems to have all of my collected bug bears from the previous books but added together: Ivy is at her most unaware of other people's feelings in this and still not very competent at the PI work. She's thoughtless and selfish at various points and you just want to give her a shake. In addition this book has added ghosts and the supernatural to the series - which it din't need and hasn't had so far so it felt... disjointed. The author says at the end that this book was tough to write - and at times it was quite hard going to read. Not my favourite of this series by any means. I hope the next one picks up, because if it doesn't I may have to bail.

I think this series just gets better with each release. Varied pacing, clean dialogue, and a clear storyline/mystery combine for a really fun evening. Or two. One thing I really enjoy about Ms. Brown's stories is that she knows dialogue. And comic timing. Without plonking us over the head, we are gifted with throwaway lines and asides that are just plain funny. But not overdone. The entire story is flavored with the central character's wit and charm, and we "see" things through the eyes of Ivy Meadows. Consistently. This particular book gives us more of Cody and his relationship with sister Ivy. I was hoping for that, and Ms. Brown delivered. I also enjoyed the thematic elements of body shaming, strained friendships, and agencies in power taking advantage of others. And finding new friends where you least expect. While those themes are throughout the story, I never felt the delivery was heavy handed or overdone. There was so much fun going on that I'm trusted to gather themes on my own. And while it's true that starting from the first book (see below) is a good idea, you can dive right in to this one. I highly recommend this book for a fun night of reading, smiles, chuckles, and a cozy good time. Rough week? You'll definitely feel better with this good medicine.

It's no secret that I enjoy remakes of classic novels. If you combine the wit of a good chick lit book with a solid mystery and throw in a tie to a classic, I'm going to take the bait every time. THE PHANTOM OF OZ is the 5th installment of Cindy Brown's series, which follows Ivy Meadows as she blends her life as an actress with her aspirations of being a PI. In this novel, she ties the story to Phantom of the Opera with some Wizard of Oz thrown in. I loved the addition of the Lady in White to the mix - a little ghost work in my books is even better. Brown is playful with Ivy when she writes, putting her in situations that make you laugh and make Ivy laugh at herself. The chapters are quick. We get more time with Cody in this installment and I think that Ivy has some adult revelations in this one courtesy of Eden and Matt. I get submerged in these novels and one of these times I'm going to guess whodunit before the end. Just an enjoyable read in a very enjoyable series. If you haven't started this series, definitely pick up the first one and see what you think. If you have read the series, this one won't disappoint.

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Ivy Meadows just keeps getting better and better. She is charming, and insecure, and bright and thoughtful. She is loyal and ambitious and just plain fun! In Ivy's latest adventure in 'The Phantom of the Oz' there is friction with her best friend Candy who then ends up missing. This book has it all, a great mystery, humor, family, romance and examination of some deep issues concerning social media and self-worth. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!

The Phantom of Oz: An Ivy Meadows Mystery
By Cindy Brown
Henery Press
January 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

At first, Ivy Meadows is delighted to receive a call from her friend and fellow actress Candy MoonPie. The love of MoonPies gave her the nickname, somewhat better than the actual name she received from her parents with a sense of humor, Candy Treat. Now that she is starring in a touring production though, she has taken the professional name of Candace Moon and is in Phoenix for performance at the Grand Phoenician Theatre. The Wizard: A Space OZpera might seem like an unusual adaptation of the Wizard of Oz, but with renowned Hollywood movie director Arrestadt Giry at the helm it’s predicted to be a success. Rumors of a ghost haunting the theater only enhance the production, but definite detractions are the series of accidents and injuries plaguing the cast.

Nearly as alarming as seeing a chandelier take out the Wicked Witch of the East is this new incarnation of Candy. Alarmingly thin and more than a little manic, Ivy worries about the extreme measures her friend may be taking to achieve a Hollywood- level of beauty. Much of the negative pressure stems from the virulently mean girl Babette Firmin, whose reality show grooms aspiring actresses with brutally superficial assessments. Babette is on site to weed through Munchkins for her next child reality show, but her cruel barbs and insults spread to the entire cast. Seeing Candy fall victim to Babette’s ideology leads to a confrontation between Ivy and Candy, and when the latter goes missing Ivy can’t help but feel guilty. Ivy soon suspects that Candy’s disappearance was by nefarious means though, and that is when her back-up profession as private detective comes into play.

Author Cindy Brown presents an extraordinarily in-depth and timely exploration of how social media and the entertainment industry can affect a woman’s body image. Even while she’s appalled at the spiraling of her friend into an eating disorder, Ivy herself falls into the same trap of feeling that thinner is better and beautiful. Women being pitted against one another is embedded in our culture, with learning to love one’s self a challenge many struggle to achieve. This worthy topic is combined with fascinating details of a theater production, especially the relationships between cast members and crew. The entertainment business is a setting that overflows with motives for murder, with competition for success and fame elevated to alarming levels. As much as Ivy loves being an actor, it’s a profession unkind to those lacking in confidence or self-esteem. Ivy only becomes more likable as she acknowledges her own vulnerabilities, jealousy, and insecurities, ensuring for the success of this original and satisfying series.

Ivy Winters is worried about her friend Candy MoonPie (now going by Candace Moon). The once pleasingly plump and vivacious actor is but a wisp of her former self, in size and in personality. Ivy goes to meet Candy at her new production, the Phantom of Oz, and barely misses getting hit by the heavy, antique chandelier that goes crashing to the floor. Is it just an unfortunate accident or an escalation in the series of unfortunate events that have been plaguing the production? When the issues end in the death of an incredibly toxic Hollywood-type and Candy's disappearance, Ivy is on the case.
I think regular readers will be happy to continue the series. I would suggest newer readers start earlier in the series.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out January 30
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Ivy is back and this time she is investigating her friend Candy. Ivy has noticed some drastic changes in Candy and wonders what is going on with her. When a bunch of accidents happen at the show Candy is working at Ivy is hired to figure out what is going on.

I liked Ivy in this latest installment. Sometimes she can be stubborn and not that great at being a PI but I feel like she was much better at investigating and was very likeable. I didn't really like Candy much during this book. Candy definitely changed and she was treating Ivy like garbage. Personally I felt like Ivy should have just dropped Candy as a friend.

One thing I didn't like about this book is Ivy's relationship with Matt. I don't feel like there head been any growth to the relationship and their interactions at this point are boring and repetitive. I'd either like to see growth in their relationship or Ivy with someone else.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the galley.

The fifth book in the Ivy Meadows series. It borders on the paranormal but is really a mystery. I found this book difficult to read was broken up and the writing did not flow freely.
Ivy is thrilled to hear from her best friend, Candy after a couple years of not knowing what she is doing. Ivy is very disappointed to find Candy has lost weight and all her sparkle.
The show will be performing at the Grand Phoenician theater. During rehearsals, accidents occur. There sightings of a ghostly vision of the Lady In White. Ivy is hired it to find the source of the accidents. Ivy wants to save her BFF and to save her relationship with Candy. There a number of twists and turns before Ivy knows the answer.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Henery Press through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for this book.

I've read the first four books in this series so I was looking forward to this fifth one. I cannot help it but smile at the funny things the author does with texts and scenes from famous books and/or movies. Ivy is a little young and insecure but with every book she grows a little.
And there lies the problem with this book. Ivy is still not a real PI. She still has boyfriend Matt. She is still a struggeling actress. Not much is happening in this story.
Ivy solves the crime and that's it. No major changes.
Cindy Brown is very good with words as it comes to really nice or really horrible people and this time I was not disappointed for both are present in this story.
However, I hope that Ivy will grow up not a little but a lot in the next (few?) book(s), in order to keep the reader interested.

The Phantom of OZ

by
Cindy Brown

A Review

A mixture of humor, history, psychology, and self-reflection, Phantom of OZ is a murder mystery with a heaping dose of self-help on the side.

As I read the first chapter, I was a bit skeptical - a seance does not sound like an interesting topic to read for this reader. But the seance was quickly dropped and moved on to the disappearance of the best friend of Ivy Meadows, the primary antagonist. A friendly ghost does make an appearance - but she is more like Casper than Morley.

I enjoyed the way the author wove the theater into the story - though it was more figuratively than literal. Chapter titles are drawn from Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera. The story centers on the cast members performing a remake of The Wizard of OZ set in outer space. Many of the expected characters are there, though they are somewhat creepier - and at least one of them is a murderer. And then there is the kidnapping. Ivy Meadows and her new friends are willing to put their own lives on the line to solve the puzzle and save the life of Candace Moon.

In the midst of all this, the author weaves a secondary story focusing on the issues of body image, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. The story explores the roots of these diseases and approaches needed for their care. At the same time, the author recognizes that solutions are not easy and not always certain. These themes are addressed simply but clearly, helping those not familiar with the underlying issues to better understand the lives of those struggling with their self-image and their dietary decisions.

The Phantom of OZ is a fun read and a good contribution to the Ivy Meadows series coming from the author. For the reader looking for some lighter reading providing some insight to some darker issues, Phantom might be a good choice for a weekends reading.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Olive Ziegwart, aka Ivy Meadows, is trying to balance being a stage actress and a junior PI while keeping an eye on her brother Cody and finding romance time with her boyfriend Matt. When her BFF Candy MoonPie returns to Phoenix with the production of The Wizard: a Space OZpera, Ivy finds herself replacing the missing Candace Moon while trying to find her!

The first four books in the is series were enjoyable. This was one was NOT. It felt was contrived, and convoluted, and relied on a ghost - which I don't like paranormal even cozies. I hope the next one returns to Olive/Ivy and her cohorts.