Review of Fair Market Value (The Body Shop, #1) by Hailey
From the moment I stumbled upon the premise of Fair Market Value, I knew I was in for a treat. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a dual-body shop endeavor featuring a quirky protagonist who juggles the living and the dead? Hailey’s unique concept promised an adventure steeped in humor, mystery, and a touch of the paranormal, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
The story centers around Frankie, a woman who runs not just an auto body shop but a rather unconventional people/spirit body shop as well. It’s a world where Frankie assists spirits with unfinished business using bodies willingly donated for a limited time. Talk about a fascinating premise! It felt fresh and inventive, though I did find myself grappling with a few details about how the body donation process works. It left me with lingering questions that added to my curiosity but also created a sense of haziness that came back to trouble me as I neared the conclusion.
Frankie’s world is full of vibrantly drawn characters, especially her siblings, who provide both sweetness and comic relief. The reluctant chemistry between Frankie and her ex, Samuel, made for delightful tension. Their backstory adds depth, transforming what could have been a cliché enemies-to-lovers trope into something more profound. I found myself rooting for their reunion, even as I wondered about other characters like Kierce, who had his own endearing moments.
Hailey’s writing style is an absolute delight. She navigates the balance of humor and darker content seamlessly, inviting readers into a world filled with both laughs and poignant moments. The pacing felt steady, with just enough mystery to keep the pages turning, making it hard to put down until I reached the end—or rather, until I felt a gentle nudge of confusion at the resolution. Spoilers abound, but I still felt like there were moments I missed; the twists felt unpredictable (which is a compliment!) but left me with more questions than answers, particularly surrounding the motivations of some characters.
Memorable highlights were abundant, but I must say, the concept of Frankie’s “loaners” being borrowed by spirits for a brief time was a brilliant vehicle for exploring themes of loss and closure. It’s both humorous and thought-provoking when one considers how difficult it would be for loved ones to cope with spirits showing up at their doorstep. This clever invention added much to the overall ambiance of the narrative.
I would heartily recommend Fair Market Value to anyone who enjoys whimsical takes on the supernatural with a dash of romance and mystery. It strikes a rare balance that invites laughter while also pulling at your heartstrings. It’s a fantastic start to what I hope will be a series filled with rich explorations of life, death, and everything in between.
In closing, I was absolutely thrilled to find Hailey’s unique voice and engaging writing style, leaving me hungry for more. I can confidently say that I’ll be stalking her work moving forward. If you’re looking for a fun ride that keeps you guessing while making you chuckle, then this book just might be the ticket. Happy reading!
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