Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran

 Berried Grievances

Book Summary

Family fireworks lead to murder in the new Cranberry Cove Mystery from USA Today bestselling author Peg Cochran!

The Fourth of July always means endless celebrations in Cranberry Cove, and this year Monica and Greg have the added pleasure of spending it with Monica’s college roommate, Kelly Cargill. When they join Kelly and her family to watch the fireworks, it’s all very exciting—until the elderly matriarch of the family dies on the spot. Then evidence comes to light that she was poisoned, and Monica promises to do what she can to catch the culprit.

Just about everyone in Kelly’s family wanted to get their hands on what was sure to be a sizable inheritance. But Monica also discovers that one of them was trying to hide a messy love affair the older woman had discovered, and that the victim’s caretaker may have wanted revenge for enduring years of mistreatment. And just as more secrets surface and the clues begin to fall into place, Monica realizes that as she’s closing in on the killer, the killer is closing in on her . . .

Includes a mouthwatering cookie recipe!

My Thoughts

Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran takes us back to Cranberry Cove where Monica is nine months pregnant when it is so very hot.  Everyone keeps asking Monica when her baby will arrive, which she found annoying, and I did as well.  Monica is not Kreskin.  Greg is so sweet and supportive.  He cooks, takes Monica out to eat, and works at his bookstore.  I did wonder about Greg attending an estate sale on a Friday evening.  I have never seen a yard or estate sale in the evening (just seemed like an odd detail).   The mystery was uncomplicated.  A relative of Monica’s college roommate dies during the Fourth of July fireworks.  The family is stuck in town until the crime is solved.  When Kelly, Monica’s friend and former college roommate, asks her to look into the crime, Monica cannot say no (you know she is dying to dive into the case).  Monica asks questions, manages to overhear a conversation or two, and happens upon a juicy tidbit.  Each new detail helps Monica get closer to identifying the killer.  There is a suspenseful reveal and good wrap up at the end.   It seemed unfathomable that Monica would do some of the things she did while in her condition. 

The story moved at a relaxed pace.   We get to follow Monica as she goes about her daily life (over a two-week period).  There is plenty of cooking, eating, and relaxing.  We get to catch up with Mittens and Hercules.  I can tell that the author has pets from her descriptions of the animal’s behavior.  I was extremely disappointed with the ending. I was surprised that the author ended the story without providing two important details (she should have revealed at least one).  Berried Grievances is not my favorite story in A Cranberry Cove Mysteries (as you can tell).  Berried Grievances can be read as a standalone for those new to the series as the author provided the needed background information. Berried Grievances is a relaxed cozy mystery with a creative cranberry cookie, sweltering temperatures, a murdered grandmother, a belated baby, an absent tome, and a surprising solution. 

Berried Grievances is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other seven A Cranberry Cove Mysteries here.  You can find Peg Cochran's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Read to Death at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers.  It is the third A Lakeside Library Mystery.  I am off to work in my bedroom.  My room along with my closet is a disorganized mess.  I am trying to do a little bit each day (I will be glad when it is orderly).  The heat and humidity have caused fibromyalgia flare ups which means I get less done each day (increased pain and tiredness). I will be glad when fall weather arrives.  I hope that you have an upbeat day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon

 A Deadly Dedication

Book Summary

When murder taints writer-in-residence Penelope Parish’s charming British bookshop, she must follow the clues to catch a killer before tempers boil over.

 

Penelope Parish thought she’d turned the page on her amateur sleuthing days but when the owner of Upper Chumley-on-Stokes’ proposed first high-end gourmet shop is poisoned, the American novelist starts to wonder if she and her quaint British town are in for another rewrite. It turns out that not everyone was a fan of Simeon Foster’s farm-sourced charcuterie and imported pastries—many of the locals were outraged by the potential new competition.

 

With a full menu of suspects on her hands, this just might be Penelope’s toughest case yet. Luckily, her friends at the Open Book are there to help with every twist of the poisoned pen.

My Thoughts

A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon returns readers to Upper Chumley-on-Stokes where Penelope Parish finds herself investigating the latest murder in the village.  Simeon Foster wants to open a high-end gourmet shop in the village which has the shop owners up in arms.  Penelope finds Simeon dead during the Guy Fawkes Night celebration.  There is no shortage of suspects.  Pen must sift through the clues and dig into the suspects’ lives.  The mystery is straightforward.  The guilty party could be easily identified early in the story.  I wish the whodunit had been more complex.  I would have liked some action (the story desperately needed it).  The mystery is neatly wrapped up at the end.  We get to follow Pen as she goes about her day-to-day life.  She works at the Open Book bookstore, chats with friends, works on her latest manuscript, enjoys tea and scones, and spends time with her boyfriend.    The story moves along at a leisurely pace (I believe snails move faster). 

The author captures life in a small, English village.  Her vivid descriptions allow readers to visualize Upper Chumley-on-Stokes and its characters.  There is some romance as Pen spends time with her boyfriend, Detective Maguire.  A Deadly Dedication is the fourth book in The Open Book Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone.  I wanted to give this series one more chance before saying adieu.  I am not a fan of Penelope, and the series is just ho hum.  I feel the series needs a jolt of humor and action.  I also do not see where the characters are developing (an example is Pen or her sister, Beryl Kent).    It is evident that I am not the right audience for this series.  I suggest you download a sample to judge for yourself.  A Deadly Dedication is a culinary cozy with scrumptious scones, upset shopkeepers, Guy Fawkes celebration, a deceased Simeon, a surplus of suspects, and vast quantities of tea. 

 

A Deadly Dedication is available from Amazon*.  The Open Book Mysteries can be found here.  Margaret Loudon is the non de plume for Peg Cochran.  You can find her other novels here.  While The Open Book Mysteries are not my cup of tea, I do enjoy Peg Cochran A Cranberry Cove Mysteries.  The eighth book is Berried Grievances, and it will be out on August 8.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler.   Please join me to learn more about the story and enter the giveaway.  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.

Berry the Evidence by Peg Cochran

 Berry the Evidence

Book Summary

An unscrupulous realtor pays the ultimate closing costs in the new Cranberry Cove Mystery from USA Today bestselling author Peg Cochran!

Autumn is settling in on Cranberry Cove, but things are starting to heat up when Monica’s stepmother shows up at her back door gripped by panic. Gasping out an explanation, she tells Monica she’d been dozing in her realtor’s car when he was shot dead. Refusing to alert the police for fear that the killer will target her next—or that the police will consider her their prime suspect—Monica’s stepmother goes mute, and Monica decides to track down the culprit herself to clear her name and keep her safe.

Frozen Cranberry Bog

Finding the killer won’t be so easy, though, as the victim had run afoul of buyers, sellers, and even other realtors at one time or another, and it seems that nearly everyone in the small town had a reason to want him dead. Even more puzzling is that the deeper Monica digs into the background and final days of the victim, the more the clues point to her stepmother. Then a second body is found, and Monica realizes she’s going up against a devious killer who will stop at nothing to put everyone involved out of commission . . .

Includes a mouthwatering muffin recipe!

My Thoughts

Berry the Evidence by Peg Cochran is the seventh A Cranberry Cove Mystery.  Each book can be read as a standalone.  I have enjoyed reading the series in order because it allowed me to see the changes that have occurred in Monica’s life.  Monica is happily married to Greg, and she is expecting their first child.  She has hired a new baker to replace Kit Turner who will be running the new café in Greg’s bookstore Book ‘Em.  Monica’s mother is in town and helping her in the farm kitchen (making delectable cranberry muffins, salsa, cookies, and other goodies).  Monica is surprised when Gina burst into her home.  Gina was with her realtor, Richard “Rip” Taylor in his Jaguar waiting to see if they received a response to her bid on a home.  She fell asleep in the car and when she awakened the realtor was dead.  Instead of calling the police, Gina panicked and ran.  Gina refuses to contact the police.  She is afraid they will suspect her or worries the killer will come after her.  Monica is left with no choice but to dive into the case.  There is humor scattered throughout the story.   I like Peg Cochran’s writing style.  I find it light and friendly.  The characters are developed and relatable.  There are some quirky characters like Gina. 

The mystery took us on a journey around Cranberry Cove.  We follow Monica as she works to uncover who killed Rip and why.   She soon learns that Rip was not a good guy which opens up the suspect list.  There are clues to help the reader solve the crime. It depends on your sleuthing level on whether you solve early or are surprised by the killer’s identity.  The reveal was suspenseful with a smidgin of humor.  The story ends with the opening of the café in Book ‘Em.  I had to laugh at Monica’s reaction that people in town knew about her pregnancy.  I do not know how she expected it to stay a secret after telling certain people.  Readers are left with a few unanswered questions, but we will have to wait for the next installment to get the answers (will Greg and Monica have a boy or girl, will Monica’s mother stay in town, will Monica’s new employee work out).  We also have Jeff and Laura’s wedding to look forward to as well as the building of Greg and Monica’s new home.  I enjoyed my time in Cranberry Cove and I look forward to reading the next installment.  Berry the Evidence is a cute cozy with a meddling mother, pregnancy sleepiness, lovable fur babies, tasty cranberry treats, a stepmom problem, a murdered realtor, a candle get together, and a cozy new café.  

Berry the Evidence is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other six A Cranberry Cove Mysteries here.  You can follow Peg Cochran on Amazon to receive an email when she has a new book release.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day, and Peggy Ehrhart which comes out Tuesday, September 27.  I am off to see if I can find some space to store more Halloween inflatables (I cannot help myself).  I also have begun obtaining the ones for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I have an 11' tall archway in red and white with nutcrackers for Christmas.  I have not decided what I will have through the arch (maybe Santa in his sleigh).  I really wish my yard was bigger.  My ideas are bigger than the space I have available.  I am hoping that when I begin decorating and the neighbors stop by to comment (they always do) that I might convince them to decorate (I have plenty of inflatables and other items--zombie hands for example).  I hope that you have a fun day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn m qualifying purchase.

Berried Motives by Peg Cochran

 

Book Summary

Berried Motives by Peg Cochran has Monica Albertson baking cranberry treats while her brother is busy harvesting the cranberries.  Jeff tells Monica that they are going to appear on What’s Up West Michigan with Betsy DeJong.  They will film the harvest with Jeff explaining the process and Monica will give a tour of the farm store explaining the products the offer for sale including her baked goods.  Despite Jeff’s nervousness, the filming goes well.  Later that day, Betsy is found dead in a ditch near the farm.  One of Jeff’s employees ends up at the top of the suspect list. Monica does not believe the man committed the crime and sets out to prove it. 

My Thoughts

Berried Motives by Peg Cochran is the sixth novel in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but you will be missing out on some good stories.  I thought Berried Motives was well-written with developed, relatable characters.  The story moves along at a good pace.  The mystery was nicely done with multiple suspects along with misdirection.  Monica actively questions people in her quest to clear Jeff’s employee off the suspect list.  There are good clues to help readers solve the whodunit and the mystery was nicely wrapped up at the end.  I had a good time following the investigation and solving the crime.  It was interesting learning about cranberry harvesting.  It is a fascinating process.  The ending was happy and heartwarming.  There are recipes at the end for some of the items Monica made.  I enjoyed reading Berried Motives and I look forward to the next A Cranberry Cove Mystery.  Berried Motives is an engaging cozy mystery with cranberry bogs, a happy hound, scrumptious salsa, a departed reporter, a suspicious senatorial candidate, and a healthy harvest.

Berried Motives can be purchased from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.  You can find Peg Cochran's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be featuring Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson next time.  It is the second A Tompkin's Mill Novel.  I hope all of you have a fulfilling 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.

Berried in the Past by Peg Cochran

Welcome!  I hope everyone is managing to stay safe and sane during this pandemic.  The Sisters Grimm by Menna van Praag releases on March 31.  I received a hard copy this week and I find it riveting so far.  If you like books by Sarah Addison Allen, you will enjoy Menna van Praag.  Light Shines on Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is also out on March 31 along with Silent Shadows by Natalie Walters, Dead in the Doorway by Diane Kelly and A Fatal Yarn by Peggy Ehrhart.

My Summary

Berried in the Past by Peg Cochran has Monica and Greg snuggling in front of the fire on a cold, snowy night in Cranberry Cove.  There is a knock at the door.  Monica answers to find a nervous, confused woman who says that someone is trying to kill her.  Greg and Monica settle her in for the night (not what I would do, but go with it since it is fiction).  Dana is suffering from amnesia after an auto accident where she believes someone was chasing her.  The next morning, Dana remembers a home with a red door.  Monica helps her find the correct house and inside they find Dana’s sister, Marta dead.  Since Marta suffered from a heart condition, the ME is quick to rule her death as natural.  As time passes, Dana finds evidence that Marta may have been killed and requests Monica’s assistance.  When not whipping up cranberry delights for the farm shop, Monica searches for information.  Monica involves Detective Stevens when the clues begin to add up to murder.  Who would have wanted to kill the reclusive Marta?

My Thoughts

Berried in the Past by Peg Cochran is the fifth A Cranberry Cove Mystery.  New readers will have no problem reading this story.  We get to return to the cozy town of Cranberry Cove with its charming shops and friendly citizens.  Monica and Greg are newlyweds who live a cottage on Sassamanash Farm.  Monica creates baked treats featuring cranberries which are sold in the farm store plus does the accounting for the farm and Greg owns Book ‘Em in town which sells used plus new books.  It is after nine p.m. on a winter night when someone knocks on their door.  Dana Bakker’s car skidded off the road after she escaped from the hospital.  She believes someone is trying to kill her, but Dana is unable to recall more details.  Dana was in the hospital from where she hit a tree and is now suffering from amnesia.  She recalls a house with a red door (a common thing in Cranberry Cove).  Monica takes her hunting for the red doored house and they find a dilapidated farmhouse with Dana’s sister dead inside.  At first blush, it looks like the woman died of natural causes.  Soon evidence points to murder. I thought the whodunit was straightforward and can easily be solved early in the book.  Dana’s amnesia does not slow down our amateur sleuth.  There are less than a handful of suspects for Monica to consider.  There are good clues along with misdirection.  I kept hoping the author would throw in a twist to surprise me at the end (one can dream).  I did enjoy the action-packed reveal scene at the end and the clever way the guilty party is captured.  There is further intrigue when Jeff considers selling Sassamanash Farm to pay for an experimental surgery on his arm.  The town is up in arms and someone leaves threats at the farm and has notes delivered to Monica.  There are warm, cozy moments in the story between Monica and Greg (newlyweds are lovey dovey).  Kit, Monica’s assistant, is having some relationship and housing issues, another farm employee has happy news, plenty of baking with mouthwatering descriptions plus time spent with friends and family.  Gina provides some lighthearted moments with her search for Mister Right.  There are recipes at the end of the book.  Berried in the Past is a warmhearted cozy mystery with a body in a bed, auto accident amnesia, cranberry cookery, troubling threats, a determined developer, nuzzling newlyweds and a mysterious murder. 

Berried in the Past will be out on March 24.  It is available in ebook and paperback from Amazon*. You can find the other four books in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I wanted to explain why information from the summary is repeated in "My Thoughts" paragraph.  The summary of the book is only posted here on my blog while the paragraph on my thoughts is posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and other similar places.  I am showcasing Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey tomorrow.  Before I depart, I want to leave you with a book joke.  What is a flea's favorite book?  The Itch Hike's Guide to the Galaxy! I never claimed they were good jokes!  Remember to keep a safe distance from others if you go out, wash your hands when you return home (I change my clothes too--just to be on the safe side since I do want to keep my mother safe), and clean your phone (and e-reader if you take it with you like I do).  Take care of yourself, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Murder, She Encountered by Peg Cochran: Review & Giveaway!

Murder, She Encountered 

Murder, She Reported Series

by Peg Cochran

About Murder, She Encountered

Murder, She Encountered (Murder, She Reported Series)

Cozy Mystery

3rd in Series

Alibi (December 3, 2019)

Print Length ~230 Pages

Digital ASIN: B07PKJGHGK

A gutsy Manhattan socialite encounters murder and corruption at the World’s Fair in this captivating historical cozy mystery for readers of Victoria Thompson, Susan Elia MacNeal, and Rhys Bowen.

New York City, 1939. A rising star at the Daily Trumpet, Elizabeth “Biz” Adams has been sent to the World’s Fair—billed as the “World of Tomorrow,” a look toward a brighter future even as the drumbeats of war grow louder—to cover a robbery. What she stumbles upon instead is a dead woman, dumped into the Aquacade’s pool with a nylon stocking wrapped around her neck.

Elizabeth snaps a photo as the police arrest Joey Dorman, a gentle young hot dog vendor who made no secret of his obsession with the murder victim. Even though she’s thrilled that her photo makes the front page, the fear and confusion evident on Joey’s face are haunting. So Elizabeth vows to prove his innocence—or his guilt—with her partner at the Daily Trumpet, Ralph Kaminsky. Meanwhile, her romance with Detective Sal Marino is heating up, and Elizabeth is more determined than ever to follow her heart.

But when Kaminsky’s efforts to expose the real killer land him in the hospital, Elizabeth is forced to continue the investigation on her own. And as she tries to narrow down the long list of suspects, she discovers a dark secret running through the Fair—a secret some would kill to protect.

Look for all of Peg Cochran’s delightful mysteries featuring Elizabeth Adams, which can be read together or separately:

MURDER, SHE REPORTED

MURDER, SHE UNCOVERED

MURDER, SHE ENCOUNTERED

About the Author

Mystery writing lets Peg indulge her curiosity under the guise of “work” (aka research). As a kid, she read the entire set of children’s encyclopedias her parents gave her and has been known to read the dictionary. She put pen to paper at age seven when she wrote plays and forced her cousins to perform them at Christmas dinner. She switched to mysteries when she discovered the perfect hiding place for a body down the street from her house.

When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books’ stats on Amazon. A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan with her husband and Westhighland white terrier, Reg. She is the author of the A Sweet Nothings Lingerie Mystery series (written as Meg London), the A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery series, A Lucille Mystery series,  A Cranberry Cove Mystery series, and A Farmer’s Daughter Mystery series.

Author Links

Website – http://www.pegcochran.com/

Newsletter Sign Up –  http://www.pegcochran.com/newsletter-signup.html

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pegcochran

Twitter – https://twitter.com/@pegcochran

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5352603.Peg_Cochran

BookBub – http://www.bookbub.com/authors/peg-cochran

Kaminsky dares Biz to go on the parachute drop

My Thoughts

Murder, She Encountered by Peg Cochran has Elizabeth “Biz” Adams visiting the New York World’s Fair with veteran crime reporter, Ralph Kaminsky when a woman is murdered.  The police arrest hot dog vender, Joey Dorman for the crime but things do not add up.  Ralph and Biz dig deeper into the case in the hopes of a big story.  When Ralph ends up in the hospital with bronchitis, Biz continues to investigate.  Unfortunately, someone is not happy with Biz’ questions and decides to help her cool off.  Someone has a secret that they will kill for which is evident when a second victim turns up at the fair.  Ralph springs himself from the hospital and rejoins Biz to get to the bottom of this perplexing case.    Murder, She Encountered is the third in the Murder She Reported Series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  However, I have enjoyed reading the series in order which has allowed me to get to know Ralph Kaminsky and Elizabeth “Biz” Adams.  Elizabeth comes from a well-to-family, but she chafes at the endless rules and restrictions.  Her mother, Helen does not understand Elizabeth’s desire to work.  It is a good thing that Biz’ parents do not take the Daily Trumpet, or they would lock Elizabeth in her room.  Ralph Kaminsky is a veteran crime reporter who grabs Biz whenever he goes out on a story.  He is the gruff type with a heart of gold.  You can tell that he cares for Elizabeth.  Ralph and Elizabeth make a great team.  Detective Sal Marino is Elizabeth’s beau and she is falling for the handsome detective.  She can see a future with Marino, but Elizabeth cannot say the same for her mother.  I found Murder, She Encountered to be well-written with steady pacing.  I can tell that Peg Cochran has done her research.  I enjoyed her descriptions of the World’s Fair taking place in New York in 1939.  The lingo is accurate for the time period along with the clothing and types of conveyances.  We get to see what it was like to take the subway in 1939.  There are new inventions mentioned like nylon from Dupont and air conditioning.  Elizabeth shocks her mother by going out in trousers which were made popular by Katherine Hepburn.  Mr. & Mrs. Adams went out to view The Philadelphia Story and Kay Kyser’s “Three Little Fishes” was playing on the radio (FYI—Kay Kyser is a man).  The mystery was complex and there was active investigating throughout the story.  I like how all the pieces tied together.  The author really thought out this multifaceted whodunit.  The ending has me anxious for the next Murder She Reported novel.  Murder, She Encountered is an engrossing cozy mystery with a mystifying mystery, exciting exhibits, soaring temperatures, a poorly reporter, meddlesome models, and a probing photographer. 

Murder, She Encountered is available at Amazon*, B&N, and Kobo.  The other two novels in the Murder She Reported Series are Murder, She Reported and Murder, She Uncovered.  In honor of the tour, there is a giveaway for two digital copies of Murder, She Encountered.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Thank you for dropping in today.  I will be back tomorrow with my review of Christmas Sweets by Joanne Fluke, Leslie Meier, and Laura Levine.  I hope that you have a splendid day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

December 2 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

December 3 – The Book Diva's Reads – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

December 5 – The Cozy Pages – REVIEW

December 6 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

December 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

December 6 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

December 7 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews

December 8 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW

December 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

December 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

December 11 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

December 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

December 13 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

December 13 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

December 14 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT

December 14 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

December 15 – OFF

December 16 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW  

December 17 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

December 17 – Book Club Librarian - SPOTLIGHT

December 18 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

December 19 – Here's How It Happened – REVIEW

December 19 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

December 20 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW

*This post contains affiliate links.

Murder, She Uncovered by Peg Cochran

Murder, She Uncovered

(Murder, She Reported Series)

by Peg Cochran

About the Book

Murder, She Uncovered (Murder, She Reported Series)

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Alibi (May 28, 2019)

Print Length ~230 Pages

Digital ASIN: B07H1X2RT9

An intrepid 1930s Manhattan socialite uncovers deadly secrets during an assignment to the Hamptons in this riveting historical cozy mystery for readers of Victoria Thompson, Anne Perry, and Rhys Bowen.

Westhampton, 1938. To the dismay of her well-to-do family, Elizabeth “Biz” Adams is quickly establishing herself as a seasoned photographer over at the Daily Trumpet. Growing more confident in her decision to pursue a career, Elizabeth is thrilled when she and her reporter sidekick, Ralph Kaminsky, are sent to Long Island to cover the story of a young maid found dead in one of the glamourous summer homes in the devastating aftermath of the Great New England Hurricane—also known as the Long Island Express.

At first it’s assumed that the young woman was caught in the terrible storm, but when a suspicious wound is found on the side of her head, the police suspect murder. The maid’s death becomes even more tragic when it’s discovered she was pregnant, and with Elizabeth and Kaminsky at the scene of the crime, the Daily Trumpet scoops all the other papers in town.

The young woman’s boyfriend emerges as the likeliest suspect. But as Elizabeth follows the story, she begins to wonder whether someone in the household of the maid’s employers might be responsible—someone who’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth about the baby’s paternity hidden. . . .

About the Author

Mystery writing lets Peg indulge her curiosity under the guise of “work” (aka research). As a kid, she read the entire set of children’s encyclopedias her parents gave her and has been known to read the dictionary. She put pen to paper at age seven when she wrote plays and forced her cousins to perform them at Christmas dinner. She switched to mysteries when she discovered the perfect hiding place for a body down the street from her house.

When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books’ stats on Amazon.  A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan with her husband and Westhighland white terrier, Reg. She is the author of A Sweet Nothings Lingerie Mystery Series (written as Meg London), A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery series, A Lucille Mystery series, A Cranberry Cove Mystery series, and A Farmer's Daughter Mystery series. 

Author Links

Website 

Newsletter Sign Up 

Facebook 

Twitter 

GoodReads

BookBub.  

My Summary

Murder, She Uncovered by Peg Cochran has readers going back to September 21, 1938 in New York City.  Elizabeth “Biz” Adams has just been promoted to crime photographer at the Daily Trumpet which means no more Gal Friday duties.  The Great New England Hurricane hits the area unexpectedly leaving devastation in its wake.  A week later, Ralph Kaminsky and Biz are sent to Westhampton where a maid was found dead in one of the devastated summer homes.  Noeleen Donovan worked for Edith and Frederick Post who summered on Long Island and left the maid behind to close up the house.  The young woman was stabbed in the back and the coroner discovers that Noeleen had been pregnant.  Kaminsky feels this could be a big story, and he could use one with rumors floating around about reporter layoffs.  Biz likes Kaminsky, especially since he took a chance on her when no one else would, so she decides to pursue a lead that could end up a headlining story.  The duo wonder who would want to harm the Irish maid who went to mass every day and spent most of her time in her room.  But everyone has secrets and someone silenced Noeleen to keep theirs hidden.  Join Biz Adams and Kaminsky as they search for answers and attempt to scoop the other papers in Murder, She Uncovered.

 

My Thoughts

Murder, She Uncovered is an action packed historical cozy mystery.  Biz Adams is a socialite who wants a different type of life for herself.  Despite her mother’s attempts to marry her off, Biz is still single and thrilled at being promoted to crime photographer.  It also allows her to interact with Detective Sal Marino to whom Biz is attracted, but she does not see how it could work out between them with their differing backgrounds.  When an Irish maid is murdered, Biz and Kaminsky are assigned the case.  They want to discover who killed Noeleen Donovan and scoop the other papers.  I like that the investigation is actively pursued throughout the book.  They question a variety of people in their search for the truth.  There are a couple of side stories as well.  Ralph Kaminsky is the perfect partner for Elizabeth “Biz” Adams.  They have different perspectives thanks to their diverse backgrounds.  Kaminsky has a nose for news plus he has knowledge of the common man and Biz helps him navigate the upper class crowd courtesy of her upbringing.  I also enjoyed getting know more about Biz’s family and her best friend, Irene Nowack.  I like that we are learning more about Kaminsky a little at a time (he may be crotchety, but he has a good heart).  There is great dialogue in Murder, She Uncovered (book is heavy in dialogue which I like) and Peg Cochran captured the lingo used in the 1930s.  There are delightful descriptions that allow me to visualize the characters and the setting.  I especially enjoy reading about Biz’s clothing and her cute hats.  I appreciated the references to various books and movies like Rebecca and Bringing Up Baby.  It was interesting to learn that Katharine Hepburn and her family were caught at the summer home during the hurricane.  I can tell that the author did her research for the series. There are some great scenes with Biz having new experiences like eating hot dogs from a street cart and consuming pizza without silverware.  Murder, She Uncovered is well-written with good pacing.  I appreciated the author’s writing style which made the book a pleasure to read.  While Murder, She Uncovered is the second book in the Murder, She Reported series, it can be read as a standalone.  One of my favorite lines from the book comes from Kaminsky when he told Biz “It’s your life.  Live it your way.”  I am eager to read Murder, She Encountered when it comes out later this year.  Murder, She Uncovered has snappy dialogue, an intriguing mystery, developed characters, a sweet ending and lively humor.

Murder, She Uncovered is available at Amazon, B&N, and Kobo.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Please take the time to visit the other stops (schedule below) for character interviews, guest posts, reviews and author interviews.  I will be back tomorrow with my review of The Amish Cookie Club by Sarah Price.  I hope you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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