Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower

Frozen Detective

Book Summary

Murder on the ski slopes.

The weapon? A bow and arrow.

The suspects? Every guest at the villa.

Intrigue, a fake relationship, and humor come together in a Knives Out-style cozy mystery from bestselling author Amanda Flower and Hallmark Publishing.

A wealthy doctor invites many of his associates to spend a week at a giant, luxurious ski villa. Darby Piper, a seasoned private eye, and Tate Porter, her new partner at the detective agency, are among the guests, going undercover as a romantic couple. They were hired by the doctor’s much-younger wife to investigate anonymous threats against her husband’s life. But before long, Darby and Tate are investigating a murder instead.

As they dig up buried grudges, Darby’s jealous ex-boyfriend on the police force thinks they’re wasting their time. Will Darby and Tate figure out who the killer is…or will it become another cold case?

This cozy mystery contains a free Hallmark original recipe for Goat Cheese Phyllo Puffs

My Thoughts

Darby Piper and Tate Porter have a new case.  Tate’s old high school girlfriend, Cecily Madd is in town with her husband.  They have rented out the most expensive lodge in the area for a big New Year’s Eve party.  Cecily tells them that her husband, Dr. Garret Madd has been getting threatening notes and she wants them to uncover who is behind the threats.  Dr. Madd does not want to involve the police.  Cecily wants Darby and Tate to pose as a couple (awkward).  The night after the lavish party, Darby is in the lodge’s gym when she notices someone lying in the snow.  She finds Dr. Madd dead with an arrow in his back.  Darby and Tate will need to work quickly if they want to identify the killer behind this chilling crime before all their suspects fly the coop.  

Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower is the second A Piper & Porter Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I found the story easy to read thanks to Amanda Flower’s friendly writing style.  I like that we get to know more about Tate Porter.  The whodunit had plenty of suspects since the victim was not well liked. There is a red herring or two to distract readers.  There are clues to help readers solve the crime.  I enjoyed the action which kept things lively. This was a fun mystery to solve.  I thought the method of murder was unique.  There is a wrap up of the crime at the end, but I was left with one lingering question.  I believe this case will leave the agency in the red thanks to Darby’s purchases at the ski shop (she was not prepared for cold weather).  I just loved Tiny, the Saint Bernard that belonged to the manager of the lodge.  He is a sweet and clever dog.  I liked the humor at the end.  I wish there had been more of it in the story.  Get cozy in your favorite chair with a comfy blanket to enjoy Frozen Detective.  Frozen Detective is a wintry whodunit with ominous notes, an astonishing announcement, a purple parka, a dead doc, a sweet St. Bernard, a defensive detective, and a bracing blizzard. 

Frozen Detective is available from Amazon*.  The first A Piper & Porter Mystery is Dead-End Detective.  Amanda Flower has Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous coming out December 27.  It is the fourth An Amish Matchmaker Mystery.  Blueberry Blunder comes out May 23, 2023.  It is the eighth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  You can find Amanda Flower's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Knot a Game by Betty Hechtman.  It is the ninth A Yarn Retreat Mystery.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray

 Christmas at the Amish Market

Book Summary

Wesley is so busy running his family’s Amish market at the holidays, he barely has time for Liesl, the young woman he’s been courting for years. When she suggests her aunt Jenny could help Wesley out, he agrees to the plan. But Liesl neglected to mention her aunt is only twenty-six years old—and as charming as she is hard-working.

Jenny, still healing after a painful breakup, welcomes the distraction of working at the market. She soon realizes Wesley is everything she ever dreamed a man could be. But how can Jenny even think about romance with the man Liesl expects to marry?

But Liesl’s own feelings are more complicated than she’s willing to admit. With humor, faith, and a little help from their friends in the community, everyone might just find what their hearts are looking for this Christmas at the Amish market.

My Thoughts

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming tale.  I was immediately drawn into the story.  I like the author’s engaging writing style. It is friendly and casual.  I enjoyed getting to know Wesley, Liesl, Jenny, Roland, and little Lilly.  It does take time to like Liesl (if you look up self-centered in the dictionary, you will see a picture of her).   Wesley and Liesl have been courting for some time.  Liesl believes Wesley is the right man for her and is hoping he will propose at Christmas.  Wesley has not had much time to spend with Liesl since his father has his heart attack.  Wesley wants to make sure the market is a success in his father’s absence.  One man cannot run a bustling market on his own.  Liesl asks her Aunt Jenny who is only a couple of years older than Liesl to come work at the market.  When Liesl is not working, she is helping widower Roland and his daughter, Lilly.  As you can tell, It is going to be an eventful December for this group.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pinery Christmas event.  It is a place I would love to visit during the holiday season.  I like how everything tied together and the ending left me smiling.  There is drama, romance, humor, faith, and Christmas spirit in this entertaining story. Christmas at the Amish Market is cheery Christmas tale with a demanding market, long lines, a darling Lilly, courting difficulties, an attractive aunt, tempting mistletoe, and a happy holiday.

Christmas Tree Maze

Christmas at the Amish Market is available from Amazon*.  Shelley Shepard Gray has Coming Home coming out on November 29.  Her Heart's Desire releases on January 3, 2023, and it is the first A Season in Pinecraft Book.  If you follow Shelley Shepard Gray on Amazon, you will receive an email when she has a new book coming out.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony tomorrow.  It is the second book in A Homefront News Mystery series. I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthews

 Murder Out of Character

Book Summary

Marvey, a small-town librarian,
finds a mysterious list of names…
and what happens next can’t be a coincidence!
If you love Hallmark mystery movies,
you’ll love this cozy mystery
with humor, intrigue, and a hint of romance.

Marvey, still adjusting to life in Peach Coast, Georgia, is at a library fundraising event when she comes across a list of four names. One is the name of someone who recently died—and who may have been murdered. Another is Spencer Holt, the handsome newspaper owner who’s become one of Marvey’s best friends.

The four people appear to have nothing in common other than living in Peach Coast. Spencer dismisses the list at first, but before long, he has to admit he may be in danger. As Marvey prepares for a visit from her parents, can she, Spencer, and their intrepid librarian friends stop a killer bent on long overdue revenge?

My Thoughts

Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthews is the second novel in A Peach Coast Library Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not read Murder By Page One.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Peach Coast, Georgia.  It sounds like a charming southern town.  We are introduced to quite a few characters in the first chapter.  It is difficult to keep them all straight.  We are given scant details on them (name, what they look like, and their occupation or the business they own).  I wish there were fewer characters.  I would like the characters including Marvey to be fleshed out.  I like that the library is part of the community.  Marvey is finding ways to interact with the townspeople and bring new patrons to the library.  The mystery was interesting, but it was uncomplicated.  I correctly identified the killer early in the book (before Marvey found the note with the list of names at the kickoff party).  I did feel the mystery progressed slowly.  Marvey with help from some friends sets out to learn how the people on the list are connected and who is behind the murders.  There is some repetition of information.  Marvey is told multiple times by various characters to leave the investigating to the professionals (it becomes annoying).  There are some events (it would be a spoiler if I was more specific) that I find hard to believe (could only happen in a fictional world).  I liked that there was more activity near the end.  

I do feel there is too much romance for a cozy mystery.  Marvey and Spencer are friends, but Marvey is clearly attracted to Spencer.  Her whole reason for investigating the murders is to keep Spencer safe.  I did tire of hearing (Marvey’s thoughts) how perfect Spencer is (attractive, kind, charming, helpful, etc.).  Marvey’s parents are a little overprotective.  Marvey is an adult (despite the fact that she sometimes acts like a teenager having her first crush).  Her parents subscribe to the Peach Coast Crier so they can keep tabs on Marvey and what is happening in the town.  They worry about her about her safety since there have been two murders in a short amount of time (she lived in Brooklyn where I am sure the crime rate is higher).  I enjoyed the Southernisms in the story. They are phrases that you only hear in the south. Pecan Pralines were featured in the story and there is Anna May’s recipe for them at the end of the book.  I liked the idea of a book swap at a library.  It is a clever idea, and it is one that more library’s should implement.  Murder Out of Character is a lighthearted tale with library revelry, a note with names, a dead friend, pet adoption, puzzling pennants, scrumptious pralines, picturesque Southernisms, and sleuthing librarian.  

Murder Out of Character is available from Amazon*.  The first book in A Peach Coast Library Mysteries is Murder by Page One.  Olivia Matthews has Against the Currant coming out January 24, 2023.  It is the first book in A Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries.  Hard Dough Homicide is the second book in the series, and it will be out on May 23.  You can find Olivia Matthews' other novels here.  I appreciate you joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Whiskers and Lies by Sofie Kelly. It is the 14th A Magical Cats Mystery.  I received a wonderful gift today.  I read the Cherry Ames series when I was a tween.  I have wanted to own the complete set ever since.  I have been trying to get the complete series for many years (some are harder to find than others).  Today I received the last elusive book to complete the collection (Cherry Ames, Ski Nurse).  I have had the rest of the collection for a few years but finding an older copy (not a reprint) proved to be a challenge (I saw one copy sell for $300).  It is an early birthday gift from my mother. I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Still Life and Death by Tracy Gardner

 Still Life and Death

Book Summary

A murder at the flower shop.
An uncle suspected by the cops.
Savanna and her sisters are on the case.

Savanna Shepherd, a former art authenticator turned grade school art teacher, is delighted when her Uncle Max and Uncle Freddie move to Carson. Uncle Max takes a job at Libby’s Blooms, where Savanna teaches a still life painting class for adults. But one morning, Uncle Max finds a dead body in the rooftop greenhouse…and even worse, it looks like an inside job.

Savanna and her sisters—Skylar, a lawyer, and Sydney, the owner of a pet shop and grooming salon—dig in to find the real murderer. With their connections to the community and Savanna’s keen eye for details, they uncover long standing resentments and horticultural clues. Meanwhile, Savanna’s dating local doctor Aidan Gallager, but she worries it’ll cause a scandal, since his daughter is in her class. As Savanna’s investigation leads her into thorny situations, the killer may be arranging another murder: her own.

My Thoughts

Still Life and Death by Tracy Gardner is the 3^rd book in The Shepherd Sisters Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is better to read the books in order.  It will allow you to get to know the characters and their backstories.  When Uncle Max finds Libby dead on the roof of Libby’s Blooms, the Shepherd sisters rally around him.  No one can believe that someone shot Libby.  Sydney, the youngest sister, was close to Libby and is particularly distraught over her murder.  Savanna with her keen eye for detail, searches for clues to help aid the investigation.  The author has created friendly, relatable characters and a charming town.  The Shepherd sisters are close, and they care about their family.  I like the town of Carson, Michigan with its friendly residents.  There are great shops too.  Savanna is dating Dr. Aidan Gallager and she is worried about what other people will say especially at the school.  Sydney is dating Aidan’s brother, Finn.  She cares about him, but his job takes him around the country.  Libby’s murder has the Shepherd sisters digging up clues.  The mystery was not the focus of the book.  I did not feel the author took the time to develop it as much as the other aspects of the book.  There are a couple of suspects along with a red herring.  All the details of why are provided at the end.  Still Life and Death has a heartwarming ending that will leave readers smiling.  Still Life and Death is a charming tale with precious pups, close sisters, a friendly family, a senseless slaughter, beautiful blooms, and a rewarding relationship.

Still Life and Death is available from Amazon*.  The first two novels in A Shepherd Sisters Mystery series are Out of the Picture and Behind the Frame.  You can follow Tracy Gardner on Amazon so you can receive updates on her latest releases.  I appreciate you joining me today.  I hope you are staying cool.  August is proving to be hot and humid.  Tomorrow I am featuring Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson.  It is the first book in Prince Edward Island Shores series.  May you have a joyful day. Recently, I told you about the planter I was going to assemble and I discovered that it was missing the legs.  The manufacturer responded back and sent me a new planter.  I am going to put it together this afternoon.  It is great that the seller went above and beyond to rectify the problem.  See you tomorrow.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

An Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele

 An Amish Flower Farm

Book Summary

She grows flowers.

He raises bees for honey.

They help each other out,

because that’s what neighbors do…

Belinda Graber loves growing flowers for her family to sell at the Amish marketplace. Venturing beyond the farm to sell them in town, though, is out of the question. People would stare at the birthmark on her cheek, and she’s dealt with enough teasing in her life.

As a beekeeper, Adam Fisher knows how blessed he is to live next door to the Grabers’ greenhouses and fields. But when his father is injured, Adam has to take a job at the local mill. How will he manage the honey harvest?

Adam and Belinda make a deal: if she tends his hives, he’ll sell her flowers in town.

Belinda’s sure that her growing feelings for Adam could never be returned. Meanwhile, Adam can’t help but notice how his shy neighbor charms the bees…or is he the one being charmed? Because his last courtship ended badly, Adam tells himself this arrangement is strictly business, even if Belinda is sweet as honey.

My Thoughts

An Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele is a sweet Amish tale.  I was quickly drawn into the story, and I was up late finishing this heartwarming novel.  I thought An Amish Flower Farm was well-written with engaging, developed characters.  Belinda Graber is a beautiful woman inside and out.  She is a caring woman who is shy after being bullied as a child because of a port wine birthmark on her check.  Belinda wants to sell the flowers she grows, but she is unable to approach people to accomplish her goal.  Adam Hostetler has been working extra jobs since his father had a work accident.  It leaves him little time to harvest his honey.  Adam learns that Belinda helped her grandfather with his honey harvest in Kentucky.  He approaches Belinda who suggests they help each other.  Belinda will help Adam with his honey harvest if Adam finds buyers for her flowers.  Adam has been attracted to Belinda since they were in school.  He still finds her lovely, but, after a recent disastrous courtship, Adams is determined that they will just have a business relationship.  I liked seeing the characters grow over the course of the novel.  Mindy Steele created some great characters.  My favorite was Belinda’s maternal grandmother, Mollie Bender.  She is a hoot.  I love the way she talks with God.  Adam’s father, Atlee is another good character.  Despite being laid up with a severe injury, he has an upbeat attitude.  

I like that the story is told from Belinda and Adam’s point-of-view.  We get to see things from each of their perspectives (it is amazing how different their view can be on the same situation).  There is humor scattered throughout the story.  I love it when a book makes me laugh.  The authors word imagery brings the scenes alive for me.  I could visualize Belinda working among her flowers and charming the bees.  There are some good life lessons in this charming story about fear, perceptions, wasting time, helping others, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  I like how the people in this community help each other out.  They are there for each other in times of need.  My favorite line in An Amish Flower Farm is, “Don’t ever compare yourself to others.  There is only one you, and you were made special by Gott.”  In An Amish Flower Garden, we see that bees and flowers are a great combination in more ways than one.  I am looking forward to reading more books by this up-and-coming author.  An Amish Flower Garden is a delightful Amish novel with fragrant flowers, busy bees, a meddling Mammi, mocking mates, shielding siblings, and a caring community.

An Amish Flower Farm is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Mindy Steele here on Amazon to receive updates on her latest releases.   You can find her website here.  Ms. Steele has His Amish Wife's Hidden Past publishing September 28 and Christmas Grace on October 26.  To Catch A Hummingbird by Mindy Steele is the first book in the Miller's Creek series and it can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited.  I am eager to read each one of them.   Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you enjoy An Amish Flower Garden as much as I did.  Some of the other books out today are:  Murder, She Edited by Kaitlyn Dunnett, Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon, Courting His Amish Wife by Emma Miller, The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen, The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey, Knot Ready for Murder by Mary Marks, A Vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone, Murder in a Teacup by Vicki Delany, and Much Ado about Nauticaling by Gabby Allan.  So many wonderful new books!  I will be featuring The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen tomorrow.  It is the debut of An Ice Cream Shop Mystery series.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder By Page One by Olivia Matthews: Excerpt and Review!

 

Murder Page One by Olivia Matthews

A Peach Coast Library Mystery

About Murder Page One

 

Murder by Page One: A Peach Coast Library Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing (March 23, 2021) 

Print length: 328 pages Digital 

ASIN: B08KHPBDBS 

If you love Hallmark mystery movies, you’ll love this cozy mystery with humor, intrigue, and a librarian amateur sleuth.

Marvey, a librarian, has moved from Brooklyn to a quirky small town in Georgia. When she’s not at the library organizing events for readers, she’s handcrafting book-themed jewelry and looking after her cranky cat. At times, her new life in the South still feels strange...and that’s before the discovery of the dead body in the bookstore.

After one of her friends becomes a suspect, Marvey sets out to solve the murder mystery. She even convinces Spence, the wealthy and charming newspaper owner, to help. With his ties to the community, her talents for research, and her fellow librarians’ knowledge, Marvey pursues the truth. But as she gets closer to it, could she be facing a deadly plot twist?

This first in series cozy mystery includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Classic Peach Cobbler.

About Olivia Matthews

Olivia Matthews is the cozy mystery pseudonym for Patricia Sargeant, a national best-selling, award-winning author. Her work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews. For more information about Patricia and her work, visit PatriciaSargeant.com.

Author Links

Website: https://PatriciaSargeant.com. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorPatriciaSargeant. 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BooksbyPatricia 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/olivia-matthews 

My Thoughts

Murder By Page One by Olivia Matthews is the debut of A Peach Coast Library Mystery series.  Marvey Harris along with her cat, Phoenix has relocated to Peach Coast, Georgia where she is the library’s new Director of Community Engagement.  Jo Gomez owns To Be Read which is hosting a book signing of Coastal Fiction Writers.  Marvey is attending the signing with Spencer Holt, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Peach Coast Crier.  The event is starting, and Jo is worried that one of the author’s Fiona Lyle-Hayes is not in place.  The trio go to the backroom where Fiona was unpacking her books to find her dead.  Jo becomes the prime suspect of Deputy Jed Whatley which has her unnerved.  Jo asks Marvey to help prove her innocence.  Marvey with help from her friend’s sets out to discover who wanted Fiona permanently removed from circulation. I enjoyed reading Murder By Page One.  I thought Murder By Page One was well-written with steady pacing.  The author took the time to introduce Marvella Harris along with a variety of secondary characters. I look forward to getting to know Marvey and her friends better as the series progresses.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Peach Coast with its quaint shops and a library housed in a former bus depot.  The story is full of quaint southernisms.  The one that had me laughing the most was “Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit.”  Gossip runs rampant in Peach Coast.  As with most rumors, there is only a grain of truth in them.  Peach cobbler was another recurring theme.  The townspeople seem to consume it in great quantities.  The whodunit had several suspects, misdirection, and good clues. I was able to identify the guilty party early, but I did not know why this person had committed the deed.  This is what kept me turning the pages.  Marvey needs to build the library’s patron list.   As she meets new people, she asks them, “Do you have a library card?”  I like how the questions unnerves some people.    You can tell that Marvey loves her job.  I look forward to reading the next A Peach Coast Library Mystery.  Murder By Page One is a charming new cozy mystery with rampant rumors, a departed author, a meddling mother, a determined deputy, and a sleuthing librarian.  

Excerpt

“It’s nice that you’ve all come to support Fiona.” I turned to Fiona’s friend. “Especially you, Mr. Pelt, coming from South Carolina.”

Willy glanced up from his wristwatch. He seemed surprised that I knew his name, then he noticed Nolan. Willy inclined his head in a silent greeting to Fiona’s business partner, the expression on his pale, square face pleasant but vague. He drove his fingers through his shock of thick auburn hair. “I’ve known Fiona’s family for years.”

“I wonder what Fiona will do now?” Nolan’s attention bounced from Jo to the rest of the group. “Will she give up her share of the business to write full-time?”

It was a good question, although I knew most authors continued to work full-time. Popular media’s depiction of fiction writing as a lucrative career was greatly exaggerated.

Betty snorted. “Well, she doesn’t need a job, now does she? Not like the rest of us. When Buddy died, he left her well provided for. The rest of us have to work for a living.”

The bitterness in her voice seemed to come from far more than envy of another person’s good fortune—literally and figuratively. Then I made the connection: Fiona Lyle-Hayes. Betty Rodgers-Hayes. There was a story there, one that could explain Betty’s hostile disposition.

“I was wondering the same thing.” Willy crossed his arms over his chest. His brown jersey and tan slacks were slightly wrinkled, as though he’d recently pulled both from a suitcase. Had he just driven into town from Beaufort? How long that had taken? “Her late uncle left her his vacation property. The house’s in good shape, and the land is pretty. It’s in a quiet area on the outskirts of town where she could write without being disturbed.”

Bobby shoved his broad hands into the front pockets of his navy blue cargo pants. “She’ll probably go on a lot of tours.” He sounded disappointed, as though he was going to miss Fiona’s company.

“This is ridiculous.” Jo’s words ended the discussion. Her eyes flashed with irritation as her gaze swung to the back of her store. Her ponytail arched behind her. “The signing has started, and Fiona still hasn’t brought out her books. Now, I’m going to have to hustle to help her set everything up.”

“I’ll help.” I hurried to follow Jo as she whirled toward a book aisle.      

“So will I.” Spence’s voice came from behind me.

Jo stopped long enough to give us a grateful look. “Thank you, but I can’t ask you to work for me. You’re here as guests.”

Spence arched a thick black eyebrow. “We’re also your friends. Let us help.”

“Okay, since you’ve twisted my arm.” Jo turned to continue her agitated march down the aisle. Her ponytail swung back and forth in a tsking motion. “I wish she’d let me and my team handle her books from the beginning. Unloading them now will be disruptive to the other authors who got here early and actually set up.”

I struggled to both keep up with Jo and speed read the titles on the passing shelves. We were in the young adult section. I loved young adult fantasy novels. I hesitated in front of a newly released title. Spence nudged me along.

I caught up with Jo. “This won’t endear her to the other members of her group.” I remembered the way Zelda had acted, as though Fiona was She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

“I don’t think Fiona likes them, either.” Jo’s tone was dry.

“What makes you think that?” Spence asked.

Jo glanced at us over her shoulder. “It’s just a feeling I got from her when we were organizing this signing.”

Jo crossed into the storage room. Spence and I were right behind her. The room was dimly lit in comparison to the main part of the store. Empty boxes stood to the side, waiting to be flattened for recycling. Step ladders and carts were stored in a corner for easy access. Shelving affixed to the walls held office supplies such as paper, printer inks, packing tape, markers, and box cutters. In the center of the room, two matching dark wood tables balanced open boxes of books still to be shelved. On the far table, Fiona’s books had been unpacked, only needing a cart to carry them out. But who would operate the cart?

Was I the only one feeling uneasy? “Where’s Fiona?”

In front of me, Jo frowned as her store owner’s attention seemed to catalog the room’s contents. To my right, Spence appeared to be scanning the room, searching for the source of the disquiet. I stepped forward.

“Marvey, wait.” Spence’s voice stopped me.

But not before I saw the body, lying in a pool of blood on the far side of the rear table.

I must have rocketed a foot into the air before landing on semi-solid ground. Spence’s large, strong hands gripped my shoulders to steady me.

Jo gasped. “Oh, my God. Fiona.”

Are you ready to read Murder By Page One?  Murder by Page One is available from Amazon, Hallmark Publishing, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Fantastic Fiction, and Kobo.    Thank you for joining me today.  I hope I have helped you to find a new author and series.  I will be back tomorrow with a review of an upcoming book release.  I hope that you have a peachy day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

March 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW 

March 18 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

March 18 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

March 18 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT 

March 18 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

March 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 

March 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

March 19 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW 

March 19 – Books to the Ceiling – SPOTLIGHT 

March 19 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 

March 19 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 

March 19 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW 

March 20 – Literary Gold - CHARACTER GUEST POST 

March 20 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW 

March 20 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW 

March 20 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

March 20 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 20 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

March 21 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 21 – The Book Diva's Reads – SPOTLIGHT 

March 21 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 21 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW 

March 22 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST 

March 22 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

March 22 – Reading Reality – REVIEW 

March 22 – Novels Alive – REVIEW 

March 22 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW 

March 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dead End Detective by Amanda Flower

Book Summary

Dead-End Detective by Amanda Flower has Darby Piper shocked when she is wakened during the night to be told that her business partner, mentor, and friend, Samantha Porter is dead.  Darby does not like it that they were at odds with each other and now the situation cannot be rectified.  Then she learns that Samantha was deliberately run off the road and the evidence is pointing to Darby as the guilty party.  Darby and Samantha were partners in the Two Girls Detective Agency.  Darby is surprised to learn that Samantha did not leave her shares of the business to her as they had agreed.  Samantha changed her will leaving her sixty percent to her wandering nephew, Tate Porter.  Tate has returned to town and wants to join Darby in her investigation into Samantha’s death.  Darby does not know if she can trust Tate, but he will not take no for an answer.  Can this detective duo unravel the clues to discover who did away with Samantha?

My Thoughts

Dead-End Detective by Amanda Flower is the debut of A Piper and Porter Mystery series.  We are transported to Herrington, New York on Seneca Lake where Samantha Porter and Darby Piper run Two Girls Detective Agency.  Darby is upset because Samantha is talking about selling the business and a taking a job as head of security at Lake Waters Retreat.  Samantha is then murdered, and someone has set up Darby to take the fall.  Darby reluctantly teams up with Samantha’s nephew, Tate Porter to find the killer.  I thought Dead-End Detective was well-written with interesting characters and a beautiful setting.  I like that the author took the time to establish the setting and the main characters.  Tate is still a bit of an enigma, but I am sure we will get to know him better in each subsequent book.  He is a charmer and I like how kept popping up when Darby attempted to investigate on her own.  I liked Darby’s mother who is the town librarian.  The whodunit had several suspects, misdirection, and subtle clues.  Someone worked hard to frame Darby.  I like how it all came together, though, I did feel that Darby stumbled upon the solution.  I would have preferred for Darby to solve the case since she is supposed to be such a good detective.  I like how she questioned her various suspects and solved her open cases.  There is humor in the story that mostly comes from the elderly Mrs. Berger and her spoiled cat, Romy.  There is romance potential for Darby.  There is her ex-boyfriend (who does not deserve her) and Tate.  I loved the name of Darby’s cat, Gumshoe.  There is a secondary storyline involving Matt Billows who owns Lake Waters Retreat.  He is trying to buy Mrs. Berger’s land which she does not want to sell.  Dead-End Detective is a good start to this new series, and I look forward to reading the next installment in A Piper and Porter Mystery series.  Dead-End Detective is a charming cozy mystery with one dead detective, an itinerant nephew, a climbing cat, a tenacious nonagenarian, and a set-up sleuth.  

Romy went up the tree again

Dead-End Detective is available from Amazon*.  You can find other mysteries by Hallmark Publishing here.  Amanda Flower has Candy Cane Crime coming out on October 27.  It is An Amish Candy Shop Mystery novella (Book 5.5).  Lemon Drop  Dead will be the 6th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery and it releases on April 27, 2021.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Next time I am featuring Thread and Dead by Elizabeth Penney.  It is the 2nd book in The Apron Shop Series.  I hope that you have a restful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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