Death by Drowning

Josiah Reynolds Mysteries #2

by Abigail Keam

In spite of having to recover from serious injuries from her fall down a cliff with O'nan, Josiah Reynolds is back to sleuthing. This time her friend, Irene Meckler, asks Josiah to investigate the death of her nephew which was ruled accidental. Irene has her doubts.

Along with her best friend Matt, and Jake Dosh, a physician assistant hired by Josiah's daughter, Josiah again makes the rounds of quirky characters that can only be found in the mysterious world of antebellum homes, bourbon and horse racing of Kentucky's Bluegrass region.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Contemporary, Murder Mystery, Ebooks

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2011

About the author

Hello Gentle Reader,

I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.

I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.

In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).

I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.

I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail

AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine

2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking

2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon

2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon

2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery

Reviews

[Bobbi Rightmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review book by a Kentucky author.

In this second installment of the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries – DEATH BY DROWNING - beekeeper-turned-detective Josiah Reynolds is back from the brink of death just in time to solve another Bluegrass murder mystery.

In this brilliant follow-up to DEATH BY A HONEYBEE, Josiah Reynolds' character is increasingly brave as she copes with the pain of recovery, anger, fear and optimism. When she finally returns home to Lexington after a long recovery in Florida, she is determined to solve the mysterious death of a friend’s son. She is living through several sub-plots while still living in fear for her own life because her attacker is found to be alive.

To keep Josiah’s out of harm's way, her daughter hires two personal bodyguards. As Josiah works at healing her body and soul, her nurse Jack and her boarder Matt all rally around her to keep up the beekeeping activities until she can take over again. But they also are looking out for the rogue cop O’Nan, the man responsible for Josiah’s injuries.


Kentucky Author Abigail Keam is also an excellent beekeeper from the Bluegrass Region, having won sixteen honey awards at the Kentucky State Fair. In her spare time, she has started writing books and is quickly becoming well-known outside of Kentucky.

Mrs. Keam has written a fun, exciting and humorous book. The feel of this book allows you to visualize the Kentucky Palisades, even if you have never seen them. She throws in locally known areas like the Lexington Farmers’ Market and Al’s Bar. All the characters are well developed, each rich with his or her own eccentricities. Ms. Keam writing is more like lyrical prose, leaving the readers wanting to know more of Josiah's life and clamoring for the next book.

**This can be read as a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend reading the first book - DEATH BY A HONEYBEE.**

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I did not know it would continue from the first! I liked how story lines were continued from the last book. And, how the new story line for the title worked with the continued story lines woven throughout.

Looking forward to book 3, but will wait a bit. I don't like to read series books one right after the other. I do have it downloaded and ready to go. ;)

[Mary Schildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEES HAVE IT

THE BEES HAVE IT

Another good mystery, more good characters and small twists. Not as fast action as the first but good. Will continue reading series...Really love the animals and bees as much as the characters

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like the first book I read by her," Death by Honeybee" because it ended in a cliff hanger. She was fighting with a bad cop and they both fell over a 40 foot cliff. About a year later, my Kindle had the 2nd book for free, so I got it.

Almost 60% of this book was filled with her medical treatment after surviving the fall, and during most of this she was a very whiney, "oh, poor me" kind of patient. The cop also survived, and is still after her, although she is heavily guarded at this point

She was supposed to (and did) solve the mystery of what happened to a boy who died by drowning, but really the whole book was about her. And, once again, this book ends in a cliff hanger. I won't be manipulated like that, so unless the 3rd book also shows up free, guess I will never know what happens!

[Kat Lebo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death by Drowning, a Josiah Reynolds mystery, Book 2
by Abigail Keam

Again, this book is beautifully edited and proofed -- always major pluses in my book. The plotting of the books is good, although I thought the mystery of this book was rather weak, and was a poor second to the personal drama of the main character. While I certainly assume that the situations and relationships of the main character will be a focal point of the book, I don't expect the main mystery to take such a back seat. In this case, it felt like an afterthought, and I might have been happier if the author had just stuck with what was obviously her main interest, which was Josiah's recovery, and her continued position of danger due to the possible survival of her adversary from the first novel. So much going on, it's easy to lose track of who is who and why or where. While the first novel was busy character and event wise, too, I thought that might be to set the scene for the upcoming series. However, this book was just as crowded with characters, both old and new. The main character isn't exactly loveable. Crabby -- even irascible might be a better description. Fun to read about, but you wouldn't exactly want her living next door.

In this episode, Josiah has survived the event that was the climax of the first novel. She has undergone extensive dental and plastic surgeries, as well as many other surgeries to repair some of the damage done to her at the end of the first novel. Her mysterious daughter has whisked her away to Key West to recuperate and provided her with a staff of bodyguards, physical therapists, and a personal assistant/caretaker to aid her healing, and in learning to speak and walk again. It is tough going for Josiah. She misses Kentucky, she feels (and rightly so) sorry for herself, and she knows that neither she nor her daughter have sufficient funds to cover the mound of medical bills and caretaker bills that are piling up. Her caretaker, Jake, takes charge of her physical therapy, building his own regimen and disallowing her to skip sessions or wheedle her way out of doing the therapy to her fullest ability. Franklin comes to visit her and brings Baby with him, a real lift to her spirits as she didn't realize the dog had survived the attack. With her spirits lifted, she finds a new will to live and recover. Her friend from the Farmers Market, Irene, also comes to visit, insisting that Josiah get a new haircut and beauty makeover, which also increases Josiah's desire to recover enough to resume a semblance of her old life. Irene also brings the new mystery to Josiah. Irene's nephew has died back in Kentucky. He drowned on the river, a river he spent much time on, and Irene believes there is more to the story than him just capsizing his kayak.

Soon after her guests return to Kentucky, Jake takes Josiah home, too. She finds that The Butterfly has been restored and that Matt has done extensive work on the small guest house where he has been living, as well as on the property. Her bees are doing well, and her attorney has restored the barn/stables, as promised, and moved in her thoroughbred horse and its two companion goats. Now, if she can just continue to recover, things will get back to normal -- won't they?

Of course they won't. Again, the mystery that lends its name to the novel, is almost a non-issue with the book. Josiah is much more interested in who destroyed two of her bee hives, what everyone in town is talking about (in relation to her, anyway), what the author she met in the last novel is up to (and how it will affect her), how she will make enough money to keep up the farm and pay her bills, her growing personal interest in her caretaker, and the possible/probable survival of her adversary, O'nan, and what that will mean to her and those she loves in the future.

Again, the book ends with a strong lead into the next book, although not quite the cliffhanger of the first book -- and I hate cliffhangers (this is not tv). Again, if I were reading this as a purchased as a single book, I'd just stop reading the series, satisfied that she would be deviled by this adversary for some time to come. As I already have the next (and a few more) of the books, I'll probably keep reading them. But note to all authors: novels, even series novels, should be stand alone. Trust your writing skill to carry your reader from one episode to the next. If you don't trust your skill to keep readers interested in your work, why should the reader?

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following on from the end of ‘Death by a Honeybee’, this book opens with Josiah in a very poorly state, having survived her fall down the cliff in the climax of the last one. The first part of this book is largely about her prolonged recovery, and her grumpiness about the whole thing. If you haven’t read the first one, you’re probably going to struggle to find much empathy with her, as she can be pretty sharp and ungrateful – mind you, I could well understand her state of mind, knowing what she’d been through.
The highlight of these rather grim first chapters was discovering that Baby, her mastiff puppy, had survived being shot, even if he, too, was somewhat damaged.
And then there is Jake. Mmm. Where can I find me one of those?
The mystery in this book takes a rather poor second place to the story of Josiah’s recovery and the grim suspicion that her attacker, O’nan, also survived the fall and is out to get her. A friend asks her to investigate the apparently accidental death of a teenager, and although this story thread is resolved in this book, it wasn’t exactly riveting.
I did still love the writing, the array of diverse people, and the depth of characterisation enough that I will continue with the series. However, as a follow up to the previous book, I found it somewhat disappointing in the plot department.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second entry in the Josiah Reynolds series finds its heroine, Josiah, recovering from her near fatal fall down the cliffs over the Kentucky River. Her injuries being extensive this book covers almost a year of her life post-accident.

Although the cop who tried to frame her for murder fell into the river Josiah (and others) are not sure that he died so security measures are beefed up at the Butterfly, Josiah's beautiful home outside Lexington. When strange things begin happening after Josiah begins investigating the death of a friend's nephew Josiah and her 'team' spring into action.

I enjoy this series very much. Author Abigail Keam has the right amount of Kentucky history in each book as well as enough mystery to please. Josiah is no spring chicken, but a sassy, hard-working, beekeeping widow who has enough intelligence and compassion to be the kind of person one needs as the protagonist.

[Richard Brulotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep them coming!

Well this author definitely has a winning style. Great characters. Easy and interesting story telling. Twists and turns that you don’t expect and keep you turning the page to keep reading. Finished the book in one day as I had to find out what happened next in this book that proved to be much more than a mystery book. Oh, did I tell you, like book one, it also ends in a cliff hanger, so one just has to get book 3 and start reading right away to continue the saga of Josiah Reynolds.

[Donna Ann Sutcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these books. This is the second in the series and terribly sad seeing Josiah in so much pain after O`Nan`s vicious attack. The characters are still brilliant and Jake is a new addition to her merry followers. It's great to read these books and always sad when I finish it. My new favourite series.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG im in love

Read the first book and then promptly bought the rest of rhe series. Just finished the second book and debating whether to go to sleep or read then next one its a very hard choice at 04:36 in the morning as these books are that good argh

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much harm to animals in this book, not cool. Ok characters okay story, setting up for more books but probably not for me.

[Jill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a mystery

So much background information to tie the story together. Definitely not a history fan but find all the tidbits very interesting.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries keep coming! This series is a must read! Can't stop reading, have to find out what happens next!!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Kara Prem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second Josiah Reynolds book in a series of 10. It opens with Josiah in pretty rough shape after the events of the first book. She is recuperating in Key West (funded by her mysterious daughter) when her friend Irene comes to visit. Irene is concerned that her nephew’s drowning death was no accident and asks Josiah to investigate (I guess because of her adventures in the previous book, I don’t think she did any investigating of anything prior to that.

Josiah returns to Kentucky with her attractive physician’s assistant Jake as well as another guard named Cody. Apparently Detective O’Nan’s body was not found after he attacked her and there is fear that he will come back to attack Josiah. He doesn’t personally interfere with her in anyway, but pays someone to do so by running over bee boxes and torturing a goat. I am not a fan of animal cruelty and it was just a few pages in this book. Unfortunately, unlike her dog who was shot in book one, the goat doesn’t survive.

The mystery is solved, but it seems like an aside rather than the reason for the book. This book is more about Josiah’s recovery, and her developing feelings for Jake as well as a healthy dose of mystery about her daughter.

The book wasn’t hard to read and I like the characters, but there wasn’t much of a mystery to figure out or anything. I think I’ll still read the next book in the novel.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

rounding up from 4.5 stars

After bouncing around a bit, I decided to read these in proper order so hear I am back at book 2. As usual Ms. Keam did not let me down. You really get to feel like you know her characters and their personalities. I also enjoy her depiction of the setting. I often get bored when there is too much descriptive scenery, but with Ms. Keam it only enhances her books.

This book finds Josiah recuperating from her attack at the farm and readjusting to normal life again when she is approached by a friend concerned about the death of her nephew. In addition to that Josiah is being stalked. Of course being hard-headed, she is determined to live her life regardless and on her own terms! This book definitely kept me reading. Then there is that cliffhanger at the end! I can't possibly stop reading at this point. Off to book #3 I go!

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Josiah Reynolds series and you must read book one or you will be befuddled. I read book one many years ago and had to refresh my memory.

I like this series and am kicking myself for not continuing it years ago. In book two we join Josiah as she heals and moves back to Kentucky. We have two mysteries going on. The death of a young teenager and the disappearance of the man who tried to kill Josiah in book one.

There is an interesting development with Josiah’s bodyguard/physical therapist that I am all for. I’d go swimming with him anytime.

Josiah is quirky and set in her ways. There are many sayings and references I get being Kentucky born and bred. I love the mini history lessons throughout as there is a lot I still need to learn about my great state.

[Cara Noyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good follow up to the first Josiah Reynolds mystery. This time, the heroine is held together with wire and glue after multiple surgeries, but she is still full of spunk and enjoys getting into mischief with her sleuthing.

Loyal Sidekick Matt plays a lesser role in this book. Jake the bodyguard/physical therapist has a bigger part to play.

The mystery of the dead kayaker actually doesn’t take up much of the story, which was kind of odd.

I liked the mysterious Moishe (boo radley character) though he was surreptitiously in and out of the story.

O’Nan the villain- ugh! Dead or alive he haunts Josiah. Very creepy!

I WILL read the next in the series.

[Julia Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in Abigail Keam’s Josiah Reynolds mystery series picks up where the first one ends, with Josiah recovering from her horrific fall off the cliff. She is battered and broken, facing a physical struggle to mend that may end up being harder than the loss of her husband. The body of her foe has not been found, so her daughter sets her up in Florida. Josiah is busy with pain management, physical therapy and bonding with her bodyguard when her friend asks her for helping finding answers to ehr nephew's death. Quick, fun read.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I really enjoyed this book. I did not enjoy the fact that it was so dependent on the first book. I was able to get both of them free so I am not disappointed at this point. I love the story and the characters so far, but I don't know how far I will go with them since I don't own the third book.

[Peggie Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

ugh. If one skipped all the medical sections and discussions of old movies, this book would be about 20 pages long and even that many would be tedious. If didn't take me long to realize why it had been 4 years since I read the first one of the series. I will not read any more of them and have deleted all 6 from my Nook. Good riddens.

[Josephine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much harm to animals to be considered a cozy mystery even though that is the category of this book. I get that a book that has a murder mystery plot is going to have some violence since there is a murder being solved, but the additional violence perpetrated upon her pets is just too much. Plus, this book is less interesting than the first one, so I'm stopping this series.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating read with exceptional storytelling, intriguing plot, and fierce protagonist. I particularly appreciate the author’s seamless integration of historical details about Kentucky into the narrative.

This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal opinions.

[Tani Garberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need to read these books in order. Short and sweet

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to change the game, a very enjoyable mystery. And Josiah’s daughter gets a name!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[CatJuggler · Rating 3 out of 5]

👍

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

second in the series. still finding out backstory and moving info to next book. This is okay because it is interesting enough to keep reading.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much better than the first in this series.

[Chris Blackton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Well written.