A Bagged Body

A Stoneybrook Mystery #11

by Eryn Scott

Paper, plastic, or murder?



Hadley James is finally in the kind of relationship she’s always wanted, with the guy who has always been there for her. So she couldn’t care less when her ex-husband, Tyler, comes to town, flaunting his swimsuit model girlfriend around Stoneybrook. When that same girlfriend is found dead in a dumpster behind Tyler’s family’s grocery store, Hadley wishes she’d paid a little more attention to the woman.



Tyler, the obvious main suspect, comes clean, admitting that he and the woman weren’t actually dating. He’d hired her to play his girlfriend for the week. What Tyler didn’t realize is how deeply in trouble she was or how easily he could be framed for her murder. When the case takes a turn and clues start pointing in Hadley’s direction, she and her Stoneybrook friends have to get involved to clear her name. As they dig into Tyler’s arrangement with the deceased woman, they realize Henley Grocery might not just be the site of the murder. The local grocery store shelves are stocked with secrets.



Recipes champagne fig jam with candied ginger and apple Earl Grey almond jelly

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2023

About the author

Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.

She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?

Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.

You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this may be my favorite book in the Stoneybrook series to date. Although the lengthy family reunion was a little far-fetched, the mystery was enjoyable and the usual fun characters were involved.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, as I have all the books in this series. The small town feel makes you feel like you are catching up with old friends every time you visit, and what a great group of friends they are. There are so many characters that play important roles in solving the case that I would be hard pressed to choose a favourite, from the crime solving grannies that just want to help to the cat saving friends. It was also fun to learn a little bit more about Hadley's ex husband but don't sorry if this is your first adventure into Stoneybrook because it is written so it can be read as a standalone. The mystery was good with plenty of both suspects and motives. I had no clue who the killer was as everyone of my guesses got eliminated. Lots of red herrings cleverly worked into the plot. Looking forward to the next book.
With her ex husbands return to there home town, Hadley finds it difficult to give off indifferent vibes. Even though she is engaged to the man she was meant to be with and her ex is dating a swimsuit model everybody is looking at her like she is going to explode. Then she discovers her dead body hidden in a dumpster and she becomes the number one suspect with the new by the book deputy. She doesn't have a choice but to investigate especially as her own twin brother might not be able to keep her out of jail or away from his new partner. Hadley fears the killer could be a member of her ex husband family. Can she stay objective and find the killer?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed the Model ? . . .

Hadley James is happily engaged to Luke, a good man who is always there for her, so having her ex-husband Tyler Henley arrive in Stoneybrook to flaunt his new model-type girlfriend makes no difference at all to Hadley. But when the girlfriend is murdered and dumped next to the trash bin behind the Henley Grocery Store owned by Tyler’s parents, Tyler becomes the primary suspect. The victim’s name is Elle Sawyer and she was last seen at the bed-and-breakfast when she and Tyler got into a loud argument and she drove away. He readily admits now that she was not his girlfriend but a model he hired to be his fake new gal-pal. Can Hadley and friends find the real killer before Deputy Colby Preston names Hadley as the next suspect? Will they uncover other surprising secrets as they investigate?

Grab your copy and follow the clues to see who killed Elle Sawyer! The storyline is well-written and suspenseful enough to hold the reader’s attention. The descriptions paint a vivid picture and put the reader right in the story to engage in the investigation. Don’t miss this one!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hadley’s ex-boyfriend Tyler returns to Stoneybrook with his new girlfriend, it doesn’t bother Hadley until the woman is found murdered in the trash bin behind Tyler’s parent’s store. Tyler is immediately suspected of the murder and admits the woman was not actually his girlfriend but instead was hired by him to pretend she was. It’s up to Hadley to suss out the truth and find the killer, even if it is Tyler.

A Bagged Body is the newest book by Eryn Scott about the sweet town of Stoneybrook and its inhabitants. Hadley James always seems to get mixed up in the lives and deaths of the people who live in or visit Stoneybrook, so it’s fitting Hadley excels at uncovering so many killers right under her nose.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stoneybrook is atwitter when Hadley’s ex-husband, Tyler, returns with a swimsuit model on his arm. Despite her having happily moved on, speculation is rampant. When Hadley finds Elle’s dead body shortly after an incident between them, new deputy, Cole is quick to put her on the suspect list. Can Hadley and the Killer Catchers get to the bottom of the mystery and clear her name before the killer strikes again?
Filled with small town charm and the loyalties and secrets that are rife there, the 11th book in the series delivers a solid cozy mystery. Dropping into Stoneybrook feels like visiting old friends. Nicely paced and well plotted, another winner from Eryn Scott.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great enjoyable read. Hadley is a wonderful main character that draws you in and combine that with ensemble of characters including twin brother Paul, local county deputy, being part of the Stoneybrook Killer Catchers and her fiance Luke a cozy murder adventure is expected and set out upon with lots of twists, turns and suspects. A real feel good cozy mystery adventure.
Lovely bonus addition of two lovely recipes a wonderful extra treat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun mystery. Hadley's ex comes into town and brings murder with him. Oh, the characters in this town. The grannies are my favorite. They want to help. I the fact that you could figure out did it right off the bat made this a winner. It makes for my favorite book. I enjoyed the drama, humor and mystery. I need to read more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

finding her way back to Luke took her home to happiness

surviving the return of her ex to their small hometown could be trickier

image, relatives, perceptions and deceptions all play a role in this small town mystery and whodunnit

tasty treats, and tangled but informative community and family connections that draw you in, and tangle you into the web of concerned and interested friends of this jam selling detective and sleuth

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may think that I only read this book so I could have the recipe for Apple Earl Grey Almond Jelly but really that was only part of the joy of this book. Hadley and the Stoneybrook Killer Catchers are at it again enjoying game nights, getting in everyone's business and most importantly solving a murder mystery. I have read this author before but not any of the other books in this series. It stood on its own and was an enjoyable read that was hard to put down. I really appreciate the communities that Eryn Scott creates in her books. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, cozy mystery with really interesting characters. A lot of twists and turns that hold readers attention. I loved trying to solve the mystery with Hadley. This was an intriguing mystery right up to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bagged Body is a well written, clever mystery that held my attention! I love a complicated plot with too many suspects and possible motives. I was engaged from page one and read this is one afternoon. I love the small town, the grannies, the cats and more. Hadley is awesome!

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good mystery to add to the series. I always appreciate the authors who can keep a long running series from going stale. Eryn Scott does not disappoint this time around. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great series by Eryn Scott. I love all of the characters and the small town setting. I can't wait for the next book.

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Cozy Mystery Series!

We’re back in Stoneybrook!

Settle in with a nice cuppa and your fur baby and dive into this wonderful cozy mystery.

This time is Hadley’s ex husband’s new girlfriend who ends up dead.

Now who would want her dead and why?

Settle in for some nice twists and turns and plenty of good humour.

[Melenareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryn Scott adds another great cozy mystery to the Stoneybrook Mystery series with A Bagged Body.

Hadley is used to drama around Stoneybrook with small town life and gossip. However, things get a bit more complicated when her ex-husband Tyler returns to town with a girlfriend. When the girlfriend turns up dead and Hadley is the one to find her she has to find the truth and clear her name.

I had been wondering if Tyler would return and I liked that he became part of the mystery. It felt like a good way to have him interact with Hadley and her boyfriend Luke as they would have normally avoided him. The mystery was well done, too, and kept me guessing until the end.

This book and series are some of my favorites from Eryn Scott and I definitely recommend them if you are a fan of small town cozy mysteries.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryn Scott is an acclaimed writer and for good reason her mysterys are to die for. The array of characters are so well crafted they are vibrant, colorful and some quite quirky and of course it wouldn't be a mystery without a horrible or deadly schemer or two to be found.Woven together and separately they all work to draw you in , while becoming enticed further through the intrigue ,lies,secrets and more than one betrayal.In this mystery family and on one side try to wade through the mess of deceit while others go to great lengths to cover their betrayals. Keeping you turning page after page into a plot so twisted and heartbreaking for many in the small charming town Hadley and Paul twins one with a badge the other a sidekick sleuth backed by a small group of overzealous seniors. Once I began reading this cozey mystery with mayhem and murder I was hooked and found it entirely captivating myself turning page after page until I reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " A Bagged Body "the eleventh adventurous and intriguing book in this series( A Stonebrook Mystery ) .Kat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining mystery in this series. This one had some unusual twists to it.

Amazon synopsis:
Hadley James is finally in the kind of relationship she’s always wanted, with the guy who has always been there for her. So she couldn’t care less when her ex-husband, Tyler, comes to town, flaunting his swimsuit model girlfriend around Stoneybrook. When that same girlfriend is found dead in a dumpster behind Tyler’s family’s grocery store, Hadley wishes she’d paid a little more attention to the woman.

Tyler, the obvious main suspect, comes clean, admitting that he and the woman weren’t actually dating. He’d hired her to play his girlfriend for the week. What Tyler didn’t realize is how deeply in trouble she was or how easily he could be framed for her murder. When the case takes a turn and clues start pointing in Hadley’s direction, she and her Stoneybrook friends have to get involved to clear her name. As they dig into Tyler’s arrangement with the deceased woman, they realize Henley Grocery might not just be the site of the murder. The local grocery store shelves are stocked with secrets.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bagged Body is book 11 in the wonderful series by Erin Scott. I have read every book in the series and it is a fantastic series with characters that have become book friends. Hadley is now with Luke and when her ex husband and Luke"s former friend, Tyler, come to town....well, no one is happy to see him. Tyler's new "girlfriend", Elle, is murdered and everyone is pointing fingers at everyone else. Who killed Elle is on everyone's mind and Hadley and her faithful dog are on the case. Erin Scott writes such interesting and well developed cozy mysteries. A Bagged Body should be on your reading list. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry but this is the weakest book of the series. There’s still editing errors (wrong names used etc) but the plot in this one is just overall weak.

There’s no tension or suspense, and we’re being asked to care about a victim that we don’t know, we barely meet her before she dies, and who is attached to a family that has treated Hadley appallingly.

There are random plot lines that appear and don’t go anywhere, another character who we’re told not to like randomly gives a big information dump half way through the book that solves the “mystery”. If I were April and had to face the apparently perfect friends of Kevin, I might not seem that approachable either tbh!

I finished it but I didn’t enjoy it, and I won’t be visiting Stoneybrook again.

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the folks in Stoneybrook is quite enjoyable. This story is about Hadley James, her relationships, friends, and the goings-on at the local grocery store. There are significant others (are they really?) and, of course, a murder mystery to solve. Clues point to a few different characters, and it’s amusing to see how the mystery unfolds.
Even though this is part of a series, it is most definitely a standalone book. Another great book by Ms. Scott. The story held my interest and I most definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great visit to Stoneybrook. I love all the wonderful characters and the great friendships and family. Good to see more of Hadley’s complicated relationship with ex-hubby Tyler’s family as it is really difficult living in a small town with them right there. Tyler has brought his new swimsuit model girlfriend to town for his family reunion. All eyes are on Hadley and she’s the first to be a suspect when the girlfriend is killed. Even though the victim was new to town, there is no shortage of suspects. Fun with all the new kitties and, of course, the Stoneybrook Killer Catchers. Love Hadley and Luke’s relationship and looking forward to the next adventure.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bagged Body is book number eleven of the Stoneybrook Mystery Series. Hadley James, supported by her loving fiance, Luke, has to endure the return of her ex-husband, Tyler, and his new rental girlfriend, Elle. She soon finds Elle's lifeless corpse by the dumpster near her parents' grocery store not long after she had a heated argument with Tyler. With Tyler implicated in her death, Hadley and her friends search for the truth even if the spotlight shines on her along the way. This is an interesting cozy mystery and I look forward to reading the other installments.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bagged Body is the eleventh installment of a Stoneybrook Mystery written by Erin Scott. This newest book and current series are some of my favorites from Eryn Scott and I definitely recommend them if you are a fan of small town cozy mysteries. The storyline is very well-written and just suspenseful enough to hold the reader’s attention. The descriptions paint a great picture and put the reader right in the story to engage in the investigation. Dropping into Stoneybrook feels like visiting old friends. Nicely paced and well plotted, another winner from Mrs. Scott.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bagged Body by Eryn Scott is the 11th book in the Stonebrook mystery series.
This can be read as a stand-alone, though I have enjoyed every book in this fantastic series.

Eryn Scott is a fantastic author who I enjoy reading her stories.

I really enjoy Hadley and her Stoneybrook Killer Catchers are so entertaining.

The characters are well written and fleshed out.

The mystery kept me going with some twists that I didn't expect.

I love the recipe included; I may even give a try at the Apple Earl Grey Almond Jelly. YUM!

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley's ex husband is back in town. And he's brought a girlfriend. Hadley is over him, but her ex's family has never forgiven her for breaking things off. When the girlfriend winds up dead, Hadley is a natural suspect. The Stoneybrook Killer Catchers are at it again to help Hadley and Paul find the true culprit. This is such a fun book and there are some interesting and unexpected moments. I love seeing the growth of the characters. The ending was so good! Lots of twists throughout the book. I'm really enjoying seeing the grannies more. This series is a must read.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining who done it that keeps you guessing until the end. There are interesting characters to follow along as they contemplate the clues to this mystery. There are several twists and turns and unexpected events that happen. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun read! I listened to the audiobook version and it was great! I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it. I also love the grannies and their attempts at helping solve the mysteries. I loved it!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review A Bagged Body (Stoneybrook Mystery #11) By Eryn Scott

Audio:

Great cozy mystery. Both the author and the narrator kept me invested from the first chapter. With a number of twists and turns and a result I didn’t see coming, I was hooked. Cannot wait to read and or listen to more from this author.

[Jennifer Laird-Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are such fun books to read. Each one a new mystery that Hadley helps out her twin Paul. The characters are so down to earth. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Hadley and Paul are wonderful characters. The town of Stonybrook is the perfect small town. The Stonybrook Killer Grannies are the best. Love how they jump headfirst into any and all suspicious situations. You will enjoy the story and the characters.