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Beth Kennedy #2
Foul Play at the PTA
PTA meetings at Tarver Elementary School can get pretty heated. But after parent Sam Helmstetter is strangled in his car following a meeting, mom and PTA secretary Beth Kennedy and her best friend Marina fear there may be a cold-blooded killer in the group...
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 12, 2012
Less than 100 pages to go and I am determined to finish this book. In my opinion it is as bad as the first one. How can Beth be such a namby pamby about every aspect of her life yet try to convince the reader that she can solve murders better than the sheriff's department. Really?
the story moves along slowly with too much unneeded interaction between Beth and her kids, or or totally looney friend marina.
This ended up to be the worst book I have ever read. At least to my credit I finished it. If Ms. Alden is basing her depiction of children on her own, I hope to never meet them. If an 8 year old behaves like a 4 year old and an 11 year old is reprimanded for being a child.....well let me stop there.
the premise of this novel was ridiculous and it wasn't until the last 20 pages that the murderer became known as a character in the book. Poor writing and I will not read another of ms Alden's attempts.
the story moves along slowly with too much unneeded interaction between Beth and her kids, or or totally looney friend marina.
This ended up to be the worst book I have ever read. At least to my credit I finished it. If Ms. Alden is basing her depiction of children on her own, I hope to never meet them. If an 8 year old behaves like a 4 year old and an 11 year old is reprimanded for being a child.....well let me stop there.
the premise of this novel was ridiculous and it wasn't until the last 20 pages that the murderer became known as a character in the book. Poor writing and I will not read another of ms Alden's attempts.
July 13, 2011
Beth Kennedy owns The Children's Bookshelf in Rynwood, Wisconsin. The holidays are quickly approaching and one of her employees would rather spend time watching her grandson learn to swim than come to work. Beth has no choice but to let her go. The perfect applicant, Yvonne, arrives to apply for the for the newly open position before Beth can even post a Help Wanted advertisement. She loves books, children and steps right in and helps get all the holiday books stocked. Too good to be true, maybe, she has a little prison stay in her past, for murder, but DNA evidence proved her innocence and she was released.
This probably would have only caused a small stir in this little town outside Madison but the crime level is up again in Rynwood. After the last PTA meeting, one of the members, Sam Helmsetter, is found strangled to death in his vehicle in the school parking lot. The new president of the PTA is convinced that Beth's new employee killed Sam Helmsetter. She organizes a boycott of The Children's Bookshelf until Beth fires her new employee and the police arrest her. Beth and her best friend Marina realize that the real killer is on the loose and just may be one of the PTA members. To save Yvonne's neck and reputation they know they have to do a little investigating on their own and help the police bag up the real strangler and try to keep themselves from from getting shredded in the process.
I LOVED IT!!!!!
Yes, Laura you are a writer and a fabulous storyteller. I loved this one even more than the last.
This author is growing. The plot was more complex, the characters more defined, the story paced even better than the last. Beth's romance with Evan is progressing at a perfect pace, as are the relationships Evan has with Beth's children. I love the part where Evan saves the day in a really important way. The author also brings the now famous WisconSINS blog back into the picture.
This a a fresh and vibrant addition to this delightful series. A cozy mystery not to be missed!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This probably would have only caused a small stir in this little town outside Madison but the crime level is up again in Rynwood. After the last PTA meeting, one of the members, Sam Helmsetter, is found strangled to death in his vehicle in the school parking lot. The new president of the PTA is convinced that Beth's new employee killed Sam Helmsetter. She organizes a boycott of The Children's Bookshelf until Beth fires her new employee and the police arrest her. Beth and her best friend Marina realize that the real killer is on the loose and just may be one of the PTA members. To save Yvonne's neck and reputation they know they have to do a little investigating on their own and help the police bag up the real strangler and try to keep themselves from from getting shredded in the process.
I LOVED IT!!!!!
Yes, Laura you are a writer and a fabulous storyteller. I loved this one even more than the last.
This author is growing. The plot was more complex, the characters more defined, the story paced even better than the last. Beth's romance with Evan is progressing at a perfect pace, as are the relationships Evan has with Beth's children. I love the part where Evan saves the day in a really important way. The author also brings the now famous WisconSINS blog back into the picture.
This a a fresh and vibrant addition to this delightful series. A cozy mystery not to be missed!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 1, 2015
As we dropped by Traver PTA we find Beth is now it secretary. Her divorce from Sam is final and she now runs a children's bookstore. Her attraction to Evan is on going. Her BFF adds much to the story. Beth and Erica find Sam Helmsetter strangled after a PTA meeting. Beth hires a person who was convicted of murder and later found innocent. Enemies are boycotting her store because she won't fire the person. Beth and Mariana looks for answers to the murder to stop the boycott. There are several twists and turns in this story and the ending surprise me.
July 22, 2011
I really liked this book and the one previous to this. Both books take place in a fiction city called Rynwood in Wisconsin. Which is supposed to be East of Madison. The lead character is a Children's Bookstore owner who is also the Secretary of the PTA. Her best friend keeps talking her into solving mysteries. The character are warm and memorable and it is easy to get caught up in the story. Very enjoyable and I hope there are more to come.
February 28, 2012
Laura Alden has some real promise as a funny mystery writer, but this book needed more editing before publication. It was too long and slow moving, and there wasn't a lot of follow up at the end on characters like Claudia Wolff. Enjoyed the humor, but this book needed a lot of pruning.
November 19, 2018
Awful doesn't' even begin to describe this book. First of all the main character Beth is planning a Thanksgiving dinner for her family and is worrying about making a rutabaga casserole that is a family tradition, even though no one eats it. ??? The whole book is like this. This woman is constantly being bulldozed by her family, friends, employees, fellow PTA members. You name it, she's cowering in fear of them. Then, anytime anyone calls her to tells her they have bad news, she immediately conjures every horrible thing that could happen from broken hips to nuclear holocaust. She is such an idiot!!! Beth couldn't find her own car keys, much less a murderer. The worst part of this book, however, is the author's opinion that if you smoke pot, you are the most evil of persons. This is brought up as a reason that the victim might have been murdered. Complete outrage! "Oh, but, he's such a good person!" Laura Alden, get off your high horse! Smoking pot doesn't make you a bad person! Judging people who smoke pot makes you a bad person!
March 13, 2022
I’m honestly enjoying this series. It’s great to get to know the characters and I am enjoying the way the author inserts humor and her writing style. I got to admit that I didn’t see the ending coming… But I’ll tell you it was a great one! No one would’ve seen this one coming. And I intend that is high praise for the author because I like it when something pops and out of the blue like that. Looking forward to the next book at the series.
October 1, 2023
I am usually a sucker for a mystery set in Wisconsin and this was set in a made up place outside of Madison. That really played no role in the mystery, tho. Mostly we just spent time in the made up city visiting lots of people who knew the victim, a well-liked parent member of the PTA. My other problem with the book is that we never even heard of the murderer until the last sixty or so pages. That makes it hard for folks like me who like to help solve the mystery....
June 12, 2018
Entertaining storytelling and characters. Exceptionally weak mystery.
January 27, 2020
Good. All the characters seem a little overdone.
July 16, 2021
Great ending
Beth getting lost in her thoughts was not great. The plot was excellent and the characters very interesting. It was a fun read and held my interest.
Beth getting lost in her thoughts was not great. The plot was excellent and the characters very interesting. It was a fun read and held my interest.
September 12, 2021
Very character driven read with a feel good ending.
November 29, 2021
Marginally better than the first book in this series.
March 21, 2022
This is a cute series with Beth and her two children and best friend. They are always trying to find the who dunnit. Throw in a little romance and ex-spouses.
December 29, 2025
Even better than the 1st mystery in this series
July 23, 2012
Laura Alden gives us a second installation of the PTA Murders. Who knew that Wisconsin could be hazardous to your health?
Beth Kennedy is a single mom with 2 kids that she loves. She makes sure to come to her kid’s hockey games, attends school functions, manages her home, owns and manages a children’s book store, and is secretary of the PTA. Still she finds time to solve murders. I say murders because this is the second book from Laura Alden in which Beth is impressed into solving a murder because the local sheriff’s office is getting nowhere fast.
In this PTA mystery the local nice guy is murder in the school parking lot after a PTA meeting, but no one can imagine why because everyone genuinely liked him. Beth doesn’t want to get involved, but when she starts losing business at the book store because local do gooders think one of her new employees is a murder Beth is compelled to find the real killer to clear an innocent name and get business back to normal.
The PTA murders are not for serious mystery novel fans. Even the casual fan enjoys trying to figure out whodunit before they get to the end of the book, but Alden doesn’t give you that opportunity. Alden does her best to throw you off the scent of the killer giving mildly compelling reasons for others to be the culprit, but the reader is not introduced to the killer in the beginning so how can they ever be considered.
In actuality there seems to be little intrigue and a whole lot of family, boyfriend, PTA interaction with only a small amount being useful to the case at hand. With all of the preceding said however, for those of who just like to sit down and lose themselves in someone else’s story without trying to figure things out this is a great book. The main character, Beth, and her sidekick, Marina, are likable and easy to relate to. And her peripheral characters meld well with the story and its main characters. Alden really does a great job of creating characters like local busybodies and PTA parents that you actually hate, probably because we all know someone like them. I really was more interested in the families Thanksgiving plans, the PTA meetings, the book store, and her budding relationship than I was with the mystery itself.
Needless to say in the end this is a fun and easy book to read, but don’t expect a mind shattering mystery. She presents us with a super mom but not such a super sleuth.
Beth Kennedy is a single mom with 2 kids that she loves. She makes sure to come to her kid’s hockey games, attends school functions, manages her home, owns and manages a children’s book store, and is secretary of the PTA. Still she finds time to solve murders. I say murders because this is the second book from Laura Alden in which Beth is impressed into solving a murder because the local sheriff’s office is getting nowhere fast.
In this PTA mystery the local nice guy is murder in the school parking lot after a PTA meeting, but no one can imagine why because everyone genuinely liked him. Beth doesn’t want to get involved, but when she starts losing business at the book store because local do gooders think one of her new employees is a murder Beth is compelled to find the real killer to clear an innocent name and get business back to normal.
The PTA murders are not for serious mystery novel fans. Even the casual fan enjoys trying to figure out whodunit before they get to the end of the book, but Alden doesn’t give you that opportunity. Alden does her best to throw you off the scent of the killer giving mildly compelling reasons for others to be the culprit, but the reader is not introduced to the killer in the beginning so how can they ever be considered.
In actuality there seems to be little intrigue and a whole lot of family, boyfriend, PTA interaction with only a small amount being useful to the case at hand. With all of the preceding said however, for those of who just like to sit down and lose themselves in someone else’s story without trying to figure things out this is a great book. The main character, Beth, and her sidekick, Marina, are likable and easy to relate to. And her peripheral characters meld well with the story and its main characters. Alden really does a great job of creating characters like local busybodies and PTA parents that you actually hate, probably because we all know someone like them. I really was more interested in the families Thanksgiving plans, the PTA meetings, the book store, and her budding relationship than I was with the mystery itself.
Needless to say in the end this is a fun and easy book to read, but don’t expect a mind shattering mystery. She presents us with a super mom but not such a super sleuth.
June 19, 2011
"Foul Play at the PTA" is a cozy mystery. It's the second book in the series, but you don't need to read the first to understand this one. Some events from the first novel are spoiled, but not the mystery.
The characters were complex and varied, and Beth dealt with realistic struggles (financial worries, raising her kids, dealing with an ex-husband, etc.). However, the main character trait for Beth, Marina, and a few other characters was exaggerated to the edge of what was believable, probably to create humor. On the other hand, I normally wouldn't like or accept a mystery novel main character who was very non-confrontational and a chronic worrier, but I loved how Beth would stand up for what was right even when people tried to bully her out of it and she felt scared.
A mild level of suspense was created by the threat to Beth's business (and thus her much-needed income) and by a certain level of physical danger to the characters. I did not guess the whodunit. In a way, it wasn't guessable until near the very end, but I didn't guess right even once the characters were certain. Perhaps that's because they kept being certain about each latest suspect. Also, while I know people will kill for the stupidest reasons, I was never convinced that the motive would realistically result in a killing spree when whodunit could have skipped to the end intent without killing and had a much higher likelihood of succeeding.
This book almost hit a pet peeve when the characters delayed in calling the police when they knew whodunit and were in pursuit. It did hit a minor pet peeve in that two characters were seriously, er, ill, which provided a clue, but one of them suddenly showed no signs of illness (when it would have been inconvenient) and we never found out how the other one ultimately fared.
There was a brief Christian prayer at the Thanksgiving dinner. There was no sex. There was a minor amount of fake bad language. Overall, the mystery was engaging and interesting even if it didn't strike me as highly realistic.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The characters were complex and varied, and Beth dealt with realistic struggles (financial worries, raising her kids, dealing with an ex-husband, etc.). However, the main character trait for Beth, Marina, and a few other characters was exaggerated to the edge of what was believable, probably to create humor. On the other hand, I normally wouldn't like or accept a mystery novel main character who was very non-confrontational and a chronic worrier, but I loved how Beth would stand up for what was right even when people tried to bully her out of it and she felt scared.
A mild level of suspense was created by the threat to Beth's business (and thus her much-needed income) and by a certain level of physical danger to the characters. I did not guess the whodunit. In a way, it wasn't guessable until near the very end, but I didn't guess right even once the characters were certain. Perhaps that's because they kept being certain about each latest suspect. Also, while I know people will kill for the stupidest reasons, I was never convinced that the motive would realistically result in a killing spree when whodunit could have skipped to the end intent without killing and had a much higher likelihood of succeeding.
This book almost hit a pet peeve when the characters delayed in calling the police when they knew whodunit and were in pursuit. It did hit a minor pet peeve in that two characters were seriously, er, ill, which provided a clue, but one of them suddenly showed no signs of illness (when it would have been inconvenient) and we never found out how the other one ultimately fared.
There was a brief Christian prayer at the Thanksgiving dinner. There was no sex. There was a minor amount of fake bad language. Overall, the mystery was engaging and interesting even if it didn't strike me as highly realistic.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
August 5, 2011
Once again, the PTA meeting at the Tarver Elementary School can be a hostile and dangerous place. After the latest meeting, one of the most loved and respected members, Sam Helmstetter, is found strangled in his car. Beth Kennedy, local bookstore owner and secretary to the PTA, is dumbstruck. Who could possibly want to murder Sam? What could be the motive? Everyone loved Sam!
As if this isn't worrying enough, Beth has an employee problem and needs more help. When Yvonne breezes into the store and almost magically breaks up a cat fight between the town's two nonagenarians, Beth hires her immediately even after hearing about Yvonne's past. She was finally pardoned after being convicted on a murder charge.Gossip in a small town runs rampant and after word got around about Yvonne's past, some parents in the town feel that her proven innocence is meaningless and that they want Yvonne gone. Or else!
With parents protesting her bookstore and no business to speak of, this is just the impetus Beth needs to start looking into the murder herself, find the real killer and prove Yvonne innocent after all. Beth's best friend Marina does her part in helping to figure out the crime and when she thinks she knows who the real killer is, she and Beth try to get incontrovertible proof. But how? Will it put them in danger? The scary thought is that it could be someone from the PTA. If they don't find the killer, Beth's fragile employee, Yvonne, will be the town pariah and Beth's business will be done for.
This is one series where I really like the two main characters and their friendship. Beth is the serious one and Marina is a little more off-beat,quirky and spontaneous. Marina brings Beth out of her shell. They play off each other well with realistic banter. Makes for some fun puzzle solving!
Foul Play at the PTA is the second book in the series. Murder at the PTA is the first. I read and reviewed that one last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. A well paced and constructed mystery made this cozy fan one happy reader. 4****
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by the author, Laura Alden in exchange for my honest opinion.
As if this isn't worrying enough, Beth has an employee problem and needs more help. When Yvonne breezes into the store and almost magically breaks up a cat fight between the town's two nonagenarians, Beth hires her immediately even after hearing about Yvonne's past. She was finally pardoned after being convicted on a murder charge.Gossip in a small town runs rampant and after word got around about Yvonne's past, some parents in the town feel that her proven innocence is meaningless and that they want Yvonne gone. Or else!
With parents protesting her bookstore and no business to speak of, this is just the impetus Beth needs to start looking into the murder herself, find the real killer and prove Yvonne innocent after all. Beth's best friend Marina does her part in helping to figure out the crime and when she thinks she knows who the real killer is, she and Beth try to get incontrovertible proof. But how? Will it put them in danger? The scary thought is that it could be someone from the PTA. If they don't find the killer, Beth's fragile employee, Yvonne, will be the town pariah and Beth's business will be done for.
This is one series where I really like the two main characters and their friendship. Beth is the serious one and Marina is a little more off-beat,quirky and spontaneous. Marina brings Beth out of her shell. They play off each other well with realistic banter. Makes for some fun puzzle solving!
Foul Play at the PTA is the second book in the series. Murder at the PTA is the first. I read and reviewed that one last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. A well paced and constructed mystery made this cozy fan one happy reader. 4****
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by the author, Laura Alden in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 2, 2014
This is the second book that I have read in this series so I was already familiar with the characters. Foul Play at the PTA by Laura Alden lived up to my expectations.
As with the Murder at the PTA, the characters are more important than the mystery. I enjoyed getting back in touch with the characters and was amazed at the fast pace at the end of the book.
Beth still has her children's bookstore and her divorce is now final. She is very involved in the Tarver Elementary PTA. After attending one of the meetings, she walks out to the parking lot with her Ericka. Beth notices that although Sam Helmstetter left the meeting a while back, his car is still parked there getting covered with snow. They go over and bang on his car door window but he doesn’t respond. His scarf is tied much too tight around his neck. Beth calls the police while Ericka tried to administer CPR.
that the victim was well liked by everyone in town. He was a good father and a good husband and didn’t have any enemies. Usually, it is the reverse and there are oodles of people who could have done it. Also Beth has a new employee who was convicted of murder in the past but Beth has to defend her against the rumor mongers of the town.
Because of the twist of having the victim of the crime being so very nice, I kept wondering why he was murdered. I also really like the hang onto your seats type ending.
I highly recommend this book to all cozy readers.
As with the Murder at the PTA, the characters are more important than the mystery. I enjoyed getting back in touch with the characters and was amazed at the fast pace at the end of the book.
Beth still has her children's bookstore and her divorce is now final. She is very involved in the Tarver Elementary PTA. After attending one of the meetings, she walks out to the parking lot with her Ericka. Beth notices that although Sam Helmstetter left the meeting a while back, his car is still parked there getting covered with snow. They go over and bang on his car door window but he doesn’t respond. His scarf is tied much too tight around his neck. Beth calls the police while Ericka tried to administer CPR.
that the victim was well liked by everyone in town. He was a good father and a good husband and didn’t have any enemies. Usually, it is the reverse and there are oodles of people who could have done it. Also Beth has a new employee who was convicted of murder in the past but Beth has to defend her against the rumor mongers of the town.
Because of the twist of having the victim of the crime being so very nice, I kept wondering why he was murdered. I also really like the hang onto your seats type ending.
I highly recommend this book to all cozy readers.
December 30, 2012
#2 in the cozy mystery series about childrens' bookstore owner Beth Kennedy. Talk about needing to be Super Mom. Not only does Beth need to deal with 2 preteen kids, 2 Wisconsin snowstorms, family members bailing out on her Thanksgiving plans, being secretary of the PTA, and being a small business owner, she also must root out the killer of a fellow PTA member before protests of rumor-mongers drive her business under.
Laura Alden does a great job of paying attention to detail. The characterization is nicely done as well (characterization - or lack of - being a constant complaint I've had with a lot of cozies recently). In this book I do find Marina to be one of the most annoying best friends ever, but at least she evokes some kind of feeling from me!
As far as the storyline goes, I was eager to find out why a super nice guy like Sam Helmstetter, with absolutely no skeletons in his closet, would be strangled to death after a PTA meeting. The resolution was fairly satisfying, but there were a few blips along the way. For instance, when a car deliberately tries to run Beth down (obviously for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong). Even though she has a solid witness to the incident, she won't report it to the police because she doesn't feel like being "scolded again." Huh? I just found that unbelievable. Who is that dumb and still manages to be a functioning adult?
Overall, I liked it. I'm sure I'll be seeking out the next book in the series.
Laura Alden does a great job of paying attention to detail. The characterization is nicely done as well (characterization - or lack of - being a constant complaint I've had with a lot of cozies recently). In this book I do find Marina to be one of the most annoying best friends ever, but at least she evokes some kind of feeling from me!
As far as the storyline goes, I was eager to find out why a super nice guy like Sam Helmstetter, with absolutely no skeletons in his closet, would be strangled to death after a PTA meeting. The resolution was fairly satisfying, but there were a few blips along the way. For instance, when a car deliberately tries to run Beth down (obviously for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong). Even though she has a solid witness to the incident, she won't report it to the police because she doesn't feel like being "scolded again." Huh? I just found that unbelievable. Who is that dumb and still manages to be a functioning adult?
Overall, I liked it. I'm sure I'll be seeking out the next book in the series.
May 6, 2014
This is the second in the PTA Mystery Series. It’s a fun read, once you get past the constant banter between protagonist Beth and her best friend, Marina, plus a fair amount of unnecessary description peppered throughout the book (but that’s just a personal preference to not see so much of that).
Beth Kennedy continues to serve as PTA Secretary at her children's school, and it’s following one of these meetings that she and the president discover a dead body. She is determined not to get involved again in the dangerous business of identifying a murderer. But Beth nevertheless finds herself unraveling the mystery when her livelihood is in jeopardy – a group of protesters decide to boycott her bookstore when she unwittingly hires a woman who had been wrongly convicted of murder (and later released once the wrong conviction was overturned).
Through the process of elimination and the tenacity to continue to dig at something that just doesn’t seem quite right, Beth figures out who murdered the nicest guy in town. It’s a race to the finish as she drives in a November storm to track down the killer.
The final 50 pages of the book were the most exciting – although it had a strong finish, the revelation of the whodunnit was a bit of a let down.
On a personal note, hardware store owner, Evan, gets closer to Beth and her children. Beth and her friends are nice, typical Midwesterners, the kind of people you would like to get to know.
Beth Kennedy continues to serve as PTA Secretary at her children's school, and it’s following one of these meetings that she and the president discover a dead body. She is determined not to get involved again in the dangerous business of identifying a murderer. But Beth nevertheless finds herself unraveling the mystery when her livelihood is in jeopardy – a group of protesters decide to boycott her bookstore when she unwittingly hires a woman who had been wrongly convicted of murder (and later released once the wrong conviction was overturned).
Through the process of elimination and the tenacity to continue to dig at something that just doesn’t seem quite right, Beth figures out who murdered the nicest guy in town. It’s a race to the finish as she drives in a November storm to track down the killer.
The final 50 pages of the book were the most exciting – although it had a strong finish, the revelation of the whodunnit was a bit of a let down.
On a personal note, hardware store owner, Evan, gets closer to Beth and her children. Beth and her friends are nice, typical Midwesterners, the kind of people you would like to get to know.
January 29, 2012
Foul Play at the PTA by Laura Alden
Summary: PTA meetings at Tarver Elementary School can get pretty heated. But after parent Sam Helmstetter is strangled in his car following a meeting, mom and PTA secretary Beth Kennedy and her best friend Marina fear there may be a cold-blooded killer in the group...
Quiet childrens book store owner Beth Kennedy is a prime example of still waters running deep. She tries to avoid confrontation. And even though her capacity for feeling guilty about things tends to run a little high, that's just one of the many things that make her a likable character. She has a strong sense of fair play and is very protective of those she loves.
What I liked about this book: It's well written. The characters are well thought out. The pacing is perfect. I enjoyed that the solution caught me by surprise. I read a lot of mysteries and while I feel a certain sense of pride when I solve the crime before it's revealed, I also enjoy being stumped. Of course, the series also appeals to me because Beth owns a childrens book store and is very involved with the PTA. It's a perfect fit for me as I'm an elementary school librarian.
What I didn't like about this book: Loved it all. In fact is one of my top reads for January.
Recommended: I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves cozy mysteries
Summary: PTA meetings at Tarver Elementary School can get pretty heated. But after parent Sam Helmstetter is strangled in his car following a meeting, mom and PTA secretary Beth Kennedy and her best friend Marina fear there may be a cold-blooded killer in the group...
Quiet childrens book store owner Beth Kennedy is a prime example of still waters running deep. She tries to avoid confrontation. And even though her capacity for feeling guilty about things tends to run a little high, that's just one of the many things that make her a likable character. She has a strong sense of fair play and is very protective of those she loves.
What I liked about this book: It's well written. The characters are well thought out. The pacing is perfect. I enjoyed that the solution caught me by surprise. I read a lot of mysteries and while I feel a certain sense of pride when I solve the crime before it's revealed, I also enjoy being stumped. Of course, the series also appeals to me because Beth owns a childrens book store and is very involved with the PTA. It's a perfect fit for me as I'm an elementary school librarian.
What I didn't like about this book: Loved it all. In fact is one of my top reads for January.
Recommended: I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves cozy mysteries
July 13, 2011
Beth Kennedy, PTA secretary and the PTA president, Erica Hale, are leaving a late meeting when they spot a car parked in the far corner of the lot. In it is another member, Sam Helmstetter, with his head on the steering wheel. At first he seems to be asleep, not a good thing in the Wisconsin winter, but he doesn't respond when they try to get his attention. As Beth is dialing 911, Erica opens the door, Sam falls out and they realize he's been strangled with a scarf.
With planning to host her entire family for Thanksgiving, finding a new bookseller, and preparing her children's bookshop for Christmas, Beth has plenty on her plate to keep her from getting involved this time. But when the Children's Bookshelf is boycotted because people believe the new employee is the murderer, Beth is forced to investigate.
Beth is a fairly typical divorced mother of two, struggling to run a business and raise her children with little help from her ex-husband, and somehow managing to successfully handle a romantic relationship and a position on the PTA board as well.
Occasionally the reader is required to suspend disbelief rather high, but this is the case with most small-town mysteries. Beth is an appealing protagonist, and the other characters fulfill their rôles admirably.
With planning to host her entire family for Thanksgiving, finding a new bookseller, and preparing her children's bookshop for Christmas, Beth has plenty on her plate to keep her from getting involved this time. But when the Children's Bookshelf is boycotted because people believe the new employee is the murderer, Beth is forced to investigate.
Beth is a fairly typical divorced mother of two, struggling to run a business and raise her children with little help from her ex-husband, and somehow managing to successfully handle a romantic relationship and a position on the PTA board as well.
Occasionally the reader is required to suspend disbelief rather high, but this is the case with most small-town mysteries. Beth is an appealing protagonist, and the other characters fulfill their rôles admirably.
September 6, 2011
I feel comfortable when I picked up this novel. Having had enjoyed the first in the series, I felt that I would easily follow the next volume.
Beth, is a divorced mother of two, owns her own Children's bookstore, and even finds time to be a PTA secretary. Her best friend is Marina, a fun-loving fellow PTA member, Beth's child minder and fellow willing sleuth. Beth feels unsure of herself and that is a bit wearying. I like her boyfriend, Evan a lot and would like to see their relationship grow.
This book has a man named Sam, whom the entire world seems to like, strangled in his vehicle after the latest PTA meeting. Everywhere they look, people tell them "Everyone loves Sam." Obviously, some one didn't.
Beth's clerk, Marcia quit/was fired and she has to hire someone new. Yvonne has a past, convicted erroneously of murder. I was a bit confused that her character was not developed more fully. At the end, she knows a small bit of information that helps Beth to figure out the culprit, but it was incidental.
This was a nice, easy to read, cozy murder mystery. Perhaps there are persons that everyone likes. It certainly would be a better world.
Beth, is a divorced mother of two, owns her own Children's bookstore, and even finds time to be a PTA secretary. Her best friend is Marina, a fun-loving fellow PTA member, Beth's child minder and fellow willing sleuth. Beth feels unsure of herself and that is a bit wearying. I like her boyfriend, Evan a lot and would like to see their relationship grow.
This book has a man named Sam, whom the entire world seems to like, strangled in his vehicle after the latest PTA meeting. Everywhere they look, people tell them "Everyone loves Sam." Obviously, some one didn't.
Beth's clerk, Marcia quit/was fired and she has to hire someone new. Yvonne has a past, convicted erroneously of murder. I was a bit confused that her character was not developed more fully. At the end, she knows a small bit of information that helps Beth to figure out the culprit, but it was incidental.
This was a nice, easy to read, cozy murder mystery. Perhaps there are persons that everyone likes. It certainly would be a better world.
August 21, 2011
This was a wonderful light read. The characters were fun, with Beth being faulty enough to be real. I didn't immediately know who-dun-it, but that was mostly because the info wasn't available until the end of the book.
I truly wish the best friend character of Marina was more developed, but the friendship rings true, and so do the PTA references. I love that Beth, the main character, owns a children's bookstore and makes references to the classics and the best of the new books.
The peripheral characters, townspeople and extended family alike, also ring true, and add depth to Beth. I especially like that her love interest is NOT the chief of police!! There are some familiar plot devices and stereotypes, but sometimes that works! Like a comfy old bathrobe instead of the starchy new one.
Not a stay-up-all-night page-turner, but a lovely book for a busy week or a long wait at the doctor's office. I'd certainly read another one of her books!
I plan to pick up the first in the series very soon, and look forward to more.
I truly wish the best friend character of Marina was more developed, but the friendship rings true, and so do the PTA references. I love that Beth, the main character, owns a children's bookstore and makes references to the classics and the best of the new books.
The peripheral characters, townspeople and extended family alike, also ring true, and add depth to Beth. I especially like that her love interest is NOT the chief of police!! There are some familiar plot devices and stereotypes, but sometimes that works! Like a comfy old bathrobe instead of the starchy new one.
Not a stay-up-all-night page-turner, but a lovely book for a busy week or a long wait at the doctor's office. I'd certainly read another one of her books!
I plan to pick up the first in the series very soon, and look forward to more.
April 6, 2012
Beth Kennedy is busy, busy, busy, she's divorced with children, owns a book store, and is secretary of the PTA. Oh yes, and solves a murder or two in her spare time. It's almost Thanksgiving, and Beth is hosting the festivities, her employee Marcia doesn't seem to be interested in working, and following a meeting of the PTA, Sam Helmstetter is strangled in his car. Her new employee Yvonne served time in prison for a murder, but was later found innocent. However, the PTA vice-president thinks Yvonne killed Sam and organizes a boycott of the bookstore. So while trying to keep her business afloat, her employee from being wrongly accused, and keep her new romance on the right track, Beth and her best friend Marina go looking for the real killer. An enjoyable series, I'm looking forward to more.
January 2, 2013
This is the second book in the series and as usually I'm not starting with the first one.
Beth Kennedy, main character, is an extremely busy person. She's divorced with children, owns a book store, and is secretary of the PTA.
The time frame for the book starts around Thanksgiving. Beth is trying to get her book store ready for the Christmas shopping season. She still has to attend PTA meetings and after the last one a member is found strangled in his car. Beth has a new employee named Yvonne, who served time in prison for a murder she was later cleared. The townspeople suspect she did the killing. Beth ends up having to prove that Yvonne did not do the killing.
This is a fast, easy and good cozy mystery to read.
Beth Kennedy, main character, is an extremely busy person. She's divorced with children, owns a book store, and is secretary of the PTA.
The time frame for the book starts around Thanksgiving. Beth is trying to get her book store ready for the Christmas shopping season. She still has to attend PTA meetings and after the last one a member is found strangled in his car. Beth has a new employee named Yvonne, who served time in prison for a murder she was later cleared. The townspeople suspect she did the killing. Beth ends up having to prove that Yvonne did not do the killing.
This is a fast, easy and good cozy mystery to read.
December 30, 2014
When the nicest man in town is murdered after a PTA meeting, well, it had to be an outsider, right? And the only outsider is now working at Beth's children's bookstore, so she becomes the obvious suspect. But Beth doesn't believe it and once again she and Marina are on the case.
This is book 2 in the PTA series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes Beth is a little hard to take in her wimpiness, and Marina is a bit grating in her odd humor, overall the characters are likeable and the storyline keeps moving. I'll be looking for book 3 to continue the series.
This is book 2 in the PTA series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes Beth is a little hard to take in her wimpiness, and Marina is a bit grating in her odd humor, overall the characters are likeable and the storyline keeps moving. I'll be looking for book 3 to continue the series.
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August 31, 2015Boycott
As we dropped by Traver PTA we find Beth is now it secretary. Her divorce from Sam is final and she now runs a children's bookstore. Her attraction to Evan is on going. Her BFF adds much to the story. Beth and Erica find Sam Helmsetter strangled after a PTA meeting. Beth hires a person who was convicted of murder and later found innocent. Enemies are boycotting her store because she won't fire the person. Beth and Mariana looks for answers to the murder to stop the boycott. There are several twists and turns in this story and the ending surprise me.
As we dropped by Traver PTA we find Beth is now it secretary. Her divorce from Sam is final and she now runs a children's bookstore. Her attraction to Evan is on going. Her BFF adds much to the story. Beth and Erica find Sam Helmsetter strangled after a PTA meeting. Beth hires a person who was convicted of murder and later found innocent. Enemies are boycotting her store because she won't fire the person. Beth and Mariana looks for answers to the murder to stop the boycott. There are several twists and turns in this story and the ending surprise me.
September 12, 2011
When PTA member Sam Helmstetter is murdered in his car following a meeting, Beth and her BF Marina start searching for the killer in the group. But Sam is known around town as "the nicest guy in town" so what could be the motive and who has something so dangerous to hide? Another very strong plot by Laura Alden. Beth and Marina are likable sleuths and the small town setting is charming as well.
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