A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron

 A Very Woodsy Murder

Book Summary

New motel owner Dee Stern has checked out of the familiar comforts in the Studio City and checked in to the quaint village of Foundgold. Running a rustic getaway in the woods sure beats LA traffic—until murder ruins the peace and quiet . . .

Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids’ show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it’s a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker’s oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .

But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn’t be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There’s also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review.

My Thoughts

A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron is the debut of A Golden Motel Mysteries.  Dee Stern and Jeff are unprepared for owning a rundown motel near a state park.  A Very Woodsy Murder reminds me of an older sit-com where things are exaggerated (Dee and Jeff remind me of Lucy and Ethel).  We learn about Dee’s time in Hollywood as a screenwriter and her relationship with Jeff.  I can certainly understand why she needs a fresh start.  The motel is a near the town of Foundgold which has a population of 68 (maybe).  A nemesis of Dee’s from Hollywood checks in and gets murdered.  When the murder causes people to cancel their reservations, Dee and Jeff set out to find the guilty party.  It does not help that Deputy Sheriff Aguilar and Chief Ranger O’Bryant do not get along.  Plus, the residents of Goldsgone (that is really the name of the town) do not welcome Dee and Jeff with open arms.  Dee lacks subtlety when questioning people (she will need to acquire this skill in order to deal with guests and for future investigations) which does not earn her any friends.  Dee and Jeff are bumbling amateur detectives (which suits the story).  I wish the same details were not repeated so often.  As you can tell, there is humor scattered throughout A Very Woodsy Murder.  A Very Woodsy Murder is a lighthearted tale with a ramshackle motel, a nemesis for a guest, a roaming bear, a murdered writer, withdrawn reservations, not so subtle sleuthing, and feuding officers. 

A Very Woodsy Murder can be obtained from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  You can find Ellen Byron's other books here. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan.  It is the first book in A Halloween Bookshop Mysteries.  I am off to get some chores done.  When you have cats, sweeping and dusting must be done frequently (I am amazed at how much hair they lose on a daily basis).  I added a couple of more books to my August TBR pile.  I am hoping to finish A Berry Suspicious Death by Peg Cochran tonight.  That will leave me with An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Conneolly and Silent Evidence by Clea Koff.  I hope that you have a cheerful day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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