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Callie Cassidy Mysteries #5
Negative Reaction
Wedding bells are ringing in Rock Creek Village. But when a venomous villager crashes the nuptials, events take a toxic turn…
The long-awaited day has arrived—photographer Callie Cassidy’s best friend is tying the knot. With a gentle snow falling outside and family and friends gathered inside, the wedding couldn’t be more perfect. Even Callie’s golden retriever, Woody, and her tabby cat, Carl, have donned tuxes for the occasion. And the icing on the cake? Callie’s trainee, Braden, is acting as official photographer, with the assistance of his twin brother, Banner. Callie is as proud as if she were their mother.
But as the ceremony ends, an uninvited and apparently inebriated visitor barges into the Event Center. The guests are shocked—and more than a little dismayed—to see Brian Ratliff, the twins’ absentee father, who slunk out of town two years prior, leaving his teenage boys to fend for themselves. Several volatile confrontations ensue, concluding with an angry altercation between Brian and Braden.
When Brian later winds up in a coma, the victim of poisoning, suspicion mounts against Braden. Callie is incensed, certain the boy isn’t capable of harming his father. Besides, plenty of villagers despised the man—any of them might have slipped him the toxin that rendered him unconscious.
As evidence accumulates against Braden, Callie fears he will end up taking the fall. With Detectives Raul Sanchez and Lynn Clarke stonewalling her, she turns to family and friends—including the town’s feisty new cub reporter—for help. Together, can they prove Braden’s innocence—and reveal the true culprit?
The long-awaited day has arrived—photographer Callie Cassidy’s best friend is tying the knot. With a gentle snow falling outside and family and friends gathered inside, the wedding couldn’t be more perfect. Even Callie’s golden retriever, Woody, and her tabby cat, Carl, have donned tuxes for the occasion. And the icing on the cake? Callie’s trainee, Braden, is acting as official photographer, with the assistance of his twin brother, Banner. Callie is as proud as if she were their mother.
But as the ceremony ends, an uninvited and apparently inebriated visitor barges into the Event Center. The guests are shocked—and more than a little dismayed—to see Brian Ratliff, the twins’ absentee father, who slunk out of town two years prior, leaving his teenage boys to fend for themselves. Several volatile confrontations ensue, concluding with an angry altercation between Brian and Braden.
When Brian later winds up in a coma, the victim of poisoning, suspicion mounts against Braden. Callie is incensed, certain the boy isn’t capable of harming his father. Besides, plenty of villagers despised the man—any of them might have slipped him the toxin that rendered him unconscious.
As evidence accumulates against Braden, Callie fears he will end up taking the fall. With Detectives Raul Sanchez and Lynn Clarke stonewalling her, she turns to family and friends—including the town’s feisty new cub reporter—for help. Together, can they prove Braden’s innocence—and reveal the true culprit?
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
119 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Lori Roberts Herbst
9 books100 followersSilver Falchion and CIBA Murder & Mayhem award-winning author Lori Roberts Herbst writes the Callie Cassidy Mystery series. A former journalism teacher and counselor, Lori serves as Board Secretary for Sisters in Crime. She is a member of the SinC Colorado chapter, the SinC North Dallas chapter, and the Guppy chapter, where she moderates the Cozy Gup group. Lori spent most of her life in Dallas, TX, and now lives in Colorado Springs. Subscribe to her newsletter at www.lorirobertsherbst.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 4, 2023
One of my favorite things about the Callie Cassidy Mystery series is the characters, and two of my favorite characters are the Ratliff twins, Banner and Braden. With these two at the forefront of Negative Reaction, it’s no surprise that this is my favorite of the series to date. It’s also the most heartfelt, in my opinion, with an emphasis on friendship, romance, and family.
Banner and Braden have come a long way since Callie first met them, and their relationship with her is almost that of mother-son and older sister, all in one. I loved how much this is highlighted in Negative Reaction, and the sweetness of their friendship with her is so warmly on display in both directions. When their jerk of a father is poisoned, the twins lean on Callie for support, a place to stay, and also a champion in their corner. This case was full of suspects, including Banner and especially Braden, and Callie has her work cut out for her in proving their innocence. Lori Roberts Herbst skillfully weaves these suspects – as well as clues & red herrings galore – into a mystery that kept me stumped until just before the big reveal. But even then, after changing my mind several times about who i thought ‘done it’, I didn’t believe I was right until the suspect proved me so.
Mrs. Finney is in rare form in this installment, and I adored her as usual. She and her new beau were the source of some definite giggles on my part, and they stole several scenes in ways I didn’t see coming (and am still chuckling about). And, of course, since we’re talking about scene stealers, I would be remiss not to mention Callie’s creatures – her adorable dog Woody and specifically her cat Carl who stole his own share of scenes. I laughed out loud, picturing one of his save-the-day scenes, and I love the way the author writes the animals with personality and layers of their own. Rounding out the character love, a new intrepid reporter has joined the recurring cast, too, and she grew on me as the story – and her role – progressed. I ended up really liking her and look forward to her future interactions with Callie and crew.
Bottom Line: Once again, Lori Roberts Herbst has written a delightful & entertaining cozy mystery that I enjoyed from start to finish. The heart of this series really is the community of Rock Creek Village, and I loved them in Negative Reaction the best so far. A handful of mysterious events and suspicious people ensures a plot that is both layered and intriguing, and I enjoyed trying to figure out the culprit(s) along with Callie and her new journalism protegee Monika. They made a great investigative team, bolstered further by Callie’s inner circle and, of course, her creatures. Another fun visit to Rock Creek Village, murder notwithstanding.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed by Reading Is My SuperPower
Banner and Braden have come a long way since Callie first met them, and their relationship with her is almost that of mother-son and older sister, all in one. I loved how much this is highlighted in Negative Reaction, and the sweetness of their friendship with her is so warmly on display in both directions. When their jerk of a father is poisoned, the twins lean on Callie for support, a place to stay, and also a champion in their corner. This case was full of suspects, including Banner and especially Braden, and Callie has her work cut out for her in proving their innocence. Lori Roberts Herbst skillfully weaves these suspects – as well as clues & red herrings galore – into a mystery that kept me stumped until just before the big reveal. But even then, after changing my mind several times about who i thought ‘done it’, I didn’t believe I was right until the suspect proved me so.
Mrs. Finney is in rare form in this installment, and I adored her as usual. She and her new beau were the source of some definite giggles on my part, and they stole several scenes in ways I didn’t see coming (and am still chuckling about). And, of course, since we’re talking about scene stealers, I would be remiss not to mention Callie’s creatures – her adorable dog Woody and specifically her cat Carl who stole his own share of scenes. I laughed out loud, picturing one of his save-the-day scenes, and I love the way the author writes the animals with personality and layers of their own. Rounding out the character love, a new intrepid reporter has joined the recurring cast, too, and she grew on me as the story – and her role – progressed. I ended up really liking her and look forward to her future interactions with Callie and crew.
Bottom Line: Once again, Lori Roberts Herbst has written a delightful & entertaining cozy mystery that I enjoyed from start to finish. The heart of this series really is the community of Rock Creek Village, and I loved them in Negative Reaction the best so far. A handful of mysterious events and suspicious people ensures a plot that is both layered and intriguing, and I enjoyed trying to figure out the culprit(s) along with Callie and her new journalism protegee Monika. They made a great investigative team, bolstered further by Callie’s inner circle and, of course, her creatures. Another fun visit to Rock Creek Village, murder notwithstanding.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed by Reading Is My SuperPower
May 12, 2023
Another fun and entertaining installment in the Callie Cassidy Mysteries. I admit that I missed Rock Creek Village in Book 4, so was thrilled to return to this picturesque little burg in Book 5. I enjoyed the twists and turns (you may think you have it figured out, but you probably don't!) and engaging characters. The new cub reporter Monika was a fabulous addition. Overall, just a truly enjoyable read!
May 11, 2023
Wonderful book!
I loved this well written story. A good mystery, complete with a dog. Mrs Finney and Mr Purdy made a nice surprise. This is a talented author and I look forward to more other books, the thrill of new clues, p!us concern for loved ones, and danger will keep you spellbound.
I loved this well written story. A good mystery, complete with a dog. Mrs Finney and Mr Purdy made a nice surprise. This is a talented author and I look forward to more other books, the thrill of new clues, p!us concern for loved ones, and danger will keep you spellbound.
April 30, 2023
Good
A book I will not forget
It was funny and cute.
Serious sometimes but by most rewarding were no politics
Thank you
Rose
A book I will not forget
It was funny and cute.
Serious sometimes but by most rewarding were no politics
Thank you
Rose
April 27, 2023
Page turner
I read this in one sitting. I skipped lunch and will probably have to call for dinner. And I didn't figure who the murder or poisoner was. This author is well worth reading.
I read this in one sitting. I skipped lunch and will probably have to call for dinner. And I didn't figure who the murder or poisoner was. This author is well worth reading.
April 28, 2023
Wow didn't see that coming!
Great storyline and what a hum-dinger of a twist and turning ending! I love this series and the cat and dog are the true star's!
Great storyline and what a hum-dinger of a twist and turning ending! I love this series and the cat and dog are the true star's!
April 30, 2023
Great book
This is a great book in the Callie Cassidy series by Lori Robert's Herbst. What a bunch of twists and turns.
This is a great book in the Callie Cassidy series by Lori Robert's Herbst. What a bunch of twists and turns.
March 31, 2023
This one is a bit of a brain teaser. Just as Callie, Sam, and even Woody and Carl, are getting into the after-wedding celebration for Tonya and her new husband, the party is disturbed by the twins' (Braden and Banner) father, Brian. Everyone believes he's drunk, as he's stumbling, unfocused, and becomes loud, abusive, and obnoxious to everyone who tries to get him to leave. He's even verbally abusive towards his sons. When Brian ends up in the hospital, possibly poisoned, the twins become suspects. That doesn't sit well at all with Callie, who feels almost like a second mother to the teens, who both work in her shop. She will not rest until she finds the real villain. But Brian is a nasty, mean-spirited, narcissistic man, so he has no friends and few people who could stand being around him. There are so many suspects, and it's going to be an uphill battle to whittle the list down. Just when Callie feels she has the bad guy in her sights, a better suspect shows up. Along the way, Callie teams up with the new young, gung-ho journalist in town. Together, they become a "dynamic duo" who work together to keep the twins out of jail and get the story of a lifetime.
This one has to be my favorite so far. It was nearly impossible to figure out who the most likely suspect was and why they poisoned Brian, other than he was totally unlikable. It was also good to see the changes in Callie. She's learning that changes can be good. She is not the young loner photographer/reporter she was 20 years ago. She's letting good people into her life, and she's learning how to be just a little bit patient. She also has a lovely relationship with her parents, now that she's settled enough to enjoy them. I was involved in the story from beginning to end, so much so that I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
This one has to be my favorite so far. It was nearly impossible to figure out who the most likely suspect was and why they poisoned Brian, other than he was totally unlikable. It was also good to see the changes in Callie. She's learning that changes can be good. She is not the young loner photographer/reporter she was 20 years ago. She's letting good people into her life, and she's learning how to be just a little bit patient. She also has a lovely relationship with her parents, now that she's settled enough to enjoy them. I was involved in the story from beginning to end, so much so that I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
October 1, 2023
Negative Reaction is the fifth entry in this wonderful cozy mystery series. The center of attention starts with a wedding where Callie is a guest, as well as her two animals, Woody and Carl. Her trainee Braden, assisted by his twin Banner, are the official photographers said event is spoiled by the appearance of the twins absentee drunk father, what causes a scene in later in a coma, due to poisoning. The blame falls on Braden. Our herione along with her friends and furry companions yet again take it on themselves to find out what actually happened. All of the characters have grown throughout the series, this is evident even in this current read in the series. Very fun and entertaining.
May 4, 2023
"Negative Reaction" is book #5 in the Callie Cassidy Mysteries" by Lori Roberts Herbst.
"Wedding bells are ringing in Rock Creek Village. But when a venomous villager crashes the nuptials, events take a toxic turn…
The long-awaited day has arrived—photographer Callie Cassidy’s best friend is tying the knot. With a gentle snow falling outside and family and friends gathered inside, the wedding couldn’t be more perfect. Even Callie’s golden retriever, Woody, and her tabby cat, Carl, have donned tuxes for the occasion. And the icing on the cake? Callie’s trainee, Braden, is acting as official photographer, with the assistance of his twin brother, Banner. Callie is as proud as if she were their mother.
But as the ceremony ends, an uninvited and apparently inebriated visitor barges into the Event Center. The guests are shocked—and more than a little dismayed—to see Brian Ratliff, the twins’ absentee father, who slunk out of town two years prior, leaving his teenage boys to fend for themselves. Several volatile confrontations ensue, concluding with an angry altercation between Brian and Braden.
When Brian later winds up in a coma, the victim of poisoning, suspicion mounts against Braden. Callie is incensed, certain the boy isn’t capable of harming his father. Besides, plenty of villagers despised the man—any of them might have slipped him the toxin that rendered him unconscious.
As evidence accumulates against Braden, Callie fears he will end up taking the fall. With Detectives Raul Sanchez and Lynn Clarke stonewalling her, she turns to family and friends—including the town’s feisty new cub reporter—for help. Together, can they prove Braden’s innocence—and reveal the true culprit?"
My thoughts:
I love this series! Ms. Herbst has delivered yet another outstanding read with wonderful core characters in a spectacularly described scenic setting. The dialogue feels real and is generously sprinkled with insightful comments and wit! Mrs. Finney and Mr. Purdy sometimes steal the show but then again so do Woody and Carl!
The question of who poisoned Brian was complicated as he really wasn't a likeable person but like Callie, I never doubted the innocence of the twins. Getting to the root of "who done it" and why took some unusual turns that I didn't see coming. Like Callie, there was something that kept niggling in my brain but I didn't make the connection as soon as I should have either!
Rock Creek Village may have a few more murders/mysteries than the average small town but it sure sounds like a place I'd love to visit and spend some time with Callie, her family and friends! I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series!
"Wedding bells are ringing in Rock Creek Village. But when a venomous villager crashes the nuptials, events take a toxic turn…
The long-awaited day has arrived—photographer Callie Cassidy’s best friend is tying the knot. With a gentle snow falling outside and family and friends gathered inside, the wedding couldn’t be more perfect. Even Callie’s golden retriever, Woody, and her tabby cat, Carl, have donned tuxes for the occasion. And the icing on the cake? Callie’s trainee, Braden, is acting as official photographer, with the assistance of his twin brother, Banner. Callie is as proud as if she were their mother.
But as the ceremony ends, an uninvited and apparently inebriated visitor barges into the Event Center. The guests are shocked—and more than a little dismayed—to see Brian Ratliff, the twins’ absentee father, who slunk out of town two years prior, leaving his teenage boys to fend for themselves. Several volatile confrontations ensue, concluding with an angry altercation between Brian and Braden.
When Brian later winds up in a coma, the victim of poisoning, suspicion mounts against Braden. Callie is incensed, certain the boy isn’t capable of harming his father. Besides, plenty of villagers despised the man—any of them might have slipped him the toxin that rendered him unconscious.
As evidence accumulates against Braden, Callie fears he will end up taking the fall. With Detectives Raul Sanchez and Lynn Clarke stonewalling her, she turns to family and friends—including the town’s feisty new cub reporter—for help. Together, can they prove Braden’s innocence—and reveal the true culprit?"
My thoughts:
I love this series! Ms. Herbst has delivered yet another outstanding read with wonderful core characters in a spectacularly described scenic setting. The dialogue feels real and is generously sprinkled with insightful comments and wit! Mrs. Finney and Mr. Purdy sometimes steal the show but then again so do Woody and Carl!
The question of who poisoned Brian was complicated as he really wasn't a likeable person but like Callie, I never doubted the innocence of the twins. Getting to the root of "who done it" and why took some unusual turns that I didn't see coming. Like Callie, there was something that kept niggling in my brain but I didn't make the connection as soon as I should have either!
Rock Creek Village may have a few more murders/mysteries than the average small town but it sure sounds like a place I'd love to visit and spend some time with Callie, her family and friends! I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series!
April 6, 2023
This is the 5th book in the Callie Cassidy Mystery series and I think it is my favorite. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
In this episode of the mystery series, we visit again with Callie, photographer/amateur sleuth, so you know there will be a mystery to solve and she will be right in middle of it.
The author really took us on a roller coaster ride with this book. It all starts with the long anticipated wedding of Tonya and David. Tonya, Callie's best friend, is gorgeous in her gown and the groom is dashing as ever. Braden, one of the Ratliff twins, has his first job as a wedding photographer. He is nervous and excited but Callie has every confidence in him
Everything is going great until the twin's (Braden & Banner) father, Brian Ratliff shows up with his current flavor of the month, Desiree. Brian appears to be drunk, he is obnoxious, stumbling and verbally abusive to everyone even his own sons. Callie has taken Braden & Banner under her wings and is sort of a surrogate mother to them so she doesn't take too kindly to Brian being abusive towards them. Nobody likes Brian and they just want him to leave. Even his own sons don't like him.
So when Brian ends up unresponsive and in the hospital from an apparent poisoning, the suspect list is long. When evidence shows up that points the finger at Braden, Callie teams up with a feisty new reporter, Monika to try to prove he didn't poison their father. Callie sees something very disturbing, which gives us another possible suspect. Callie and Monika take the information to the cops and are convinced they know who did it but there just isn't enough evidence and there is another twist to the story.
This book takes you on a lot of twist and turns before reaching the climax. The only motive seems to be that no one liked Brian so that means so the cast of suspects is long. I was totally involved in this story from beginning to end. This author has a way with words and just hooking you into her stories. It is definitely a book that you can't put down. I have been a fan of this author since her very first book and this book did not disappoint.
Even with a dad in a coma and murder victim mystery, we get to visit with Callie's parent's at the Knotty Pine Lodge that they own. Then there is Callie's boyfriend, Sam and her Golden Retriever, Woody & tabby cat Carl. There is even some comic releive.
If you love a whodunit with a lot of twists and turns & a little bit of humor thrown in, then you will definitely love this book.
In this episode of the mystery series, we visit again with Callie, photographer/amateur sleuth, so you know there will be a mystery to solve and she will be right in middle of it.
The author really took us on a roller coaster ride with this book. It all starts with the long anticipated wedding of Tonya and David. Tonya, Callie's best friend, is gorgeous in her gown and the groom is dashing as ever. Braden, one of the Ratliff twins, has his first job as a wedding photographer. He is nervous and excited but Callie has every confidence in him
Everything is going great until the twin's (Braden & Banner) father, Brian Ratliff shows up with his current flavor of the month, Desiree. Brian appears to be drunk, he is obnoxious, stumbling and verbally abusive to everyone even his own sons. Callie has taken Braden & Banner under her wings and is sort of a surrogate mother to them so she doesn't take too kindly to Brian being abusive towards them. Nobody likes Brian and they just want him to leave. Even his own sons don't like him.
So when Brian ends up unresponsive and in the hospital from an apparent poisoning, the suspect list is long. When evidence shows up that points the finger at Braden, Callie teams up with a feisty new reporter, Monika to try to prove he didn't poison their father. Callie sees something very disturbing, which gives us another possible suspect. Callie and Monika take the information to the cops and are convinced they know who did it but there just isn't enough evidence and there is another twist to the story.
This book takes you on a lot of twist and turns before reaching the climax. The only motive seems to be that no one liked Brian so that means so the cast of suspects is long. I was totally involved in this story from beginning to end. This author has a way with words and just hooking you into her stories. It is definitely a book that you can't put down. I have been a fan of this author since her very first book and this book did not disappoint.
Even with a dad in a coma and murder victim mystery, we get to visit with Callie's parent's at the Knotty Pine Lodge that they own. Then there is Callie's boyfriend, Sam and her Golden Retriever, Woody & tabby cat Carl. There is even some comic releive.
If you love a whodunit with a lot of twists and turns & a little bit of humor thrown in, then you will definitely love this book.
April 17, 2023
Callihan Cassidy cordially invites you to visit the picturesque Rock Creek Village nestled in the shadow of the Rockies. Callie’s best-friend-forever Tonya is marrying the love-of-her-life, David. Friends and relatives have gathered to celebrate the newlyweds when an uninvited villager disrupts the festivities by hurling angry accusations, and threats at several guests. Events escalate when the unsavory wedding crasher is later found unconscious. Can Callie, a former photo-journalist, leave the inquiries to the authorities? If you’ve met Callie, you know that’s next to impossible. When one of her young employees is considered the main suspect, and may be charged with attempted murder, Callie’s protective instincts kick-in. Convinced of her protege’s innocence, Callie and Monika, an ambitious young reporter, combine their investigative talents to uncover the truth. Can the headstrong Callie keep herself and her new cohort out of harm’s way before the killer strikes again? With the help of the mysterious Mrs. Finney and her partner Mr. Purdy, Callie and Monika begin to unravel the intricately twisted plot. Can they reveal the killer’s nefarious scheme and prove Callie’s young friend’s innocence? Stay in town a while and follow the excitement. Remember to stop by Mrs. Finney’s coffee shop for a warm beverage and a mouth-watering pastry to enjoy while you watch the drama unfold. I guarantee you’ll be dazzled by the clever and daring deeds that lead up to an unexpected and fabulous finale.
February 4, 2024
Another fun read...I like the way the characters are progressing...but I just saw that when "Graven Images" (book #6) comes out in April, that will be it... at least for now. Lori is going to start a new series after she finishes the final touches on #6. I get it, but I'll be sad to leave these characters behind.
June 6, 2023
truly a treat.
I read a lot but this one actually surprised me. What fun to not have it figured out half way though the book.
Enjoy reading. Hope to read many more by Lori Robert’s Herbst.
I read a lot but this one actually surprised me. What fun to not have it figured out half way though the book.
Enjoy reading. Hope to read many more by Lori Robert’s Herbst.
January 7, 2024
Rock Creek Village Cozy Mystery series
I liked the character development that continues throughout the series. Best read in order to fully appreciate the development. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and am looking forward to book 6!
I liked the character development that continues throughout the series. Best read in order to fully appreciate the development. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and am looking forward to book 6!
June 20, 2023
Good mystery
Characters were interesting and fun personalities. It would have been fun to see some of the photos the main character took in the story.
Characters were interesting and fun personalities. It would have been fun to see some of the photos the main character took in the story.
January 12, 2024
another great story
I can’t wait to see what adventures happen in book 6. I enjoyed the relationship between Monica and Callie develop.
I can’t wait to see what adventures happen in book 6. I enjoyed the relationship between Monica and Callie develop.
January 13, 2024
Light but emotional mystery
The LOL moments, especially with the critters, made this less stressful to read. So did the closeness of the community.
The LOL moments, especially with the critters, made this less stressful to read. So did the closeness of the community.
May 28, 2024
Who poisoned Brian and why??? The pen IS mightier than the sword??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
August 29, 2024
This was such a good book. I really enjoy the strong community of characters. And, of course, the pets!
October 25, 2024
Loved it!
We learn more about some existing characters, meet some new ones, good and bad and solve the crime! I enjoyed learning more about the twins!
We learn more about some existing characters, meet some new ones, good and bad and solve the crime! I enjoyed learning more about the twins!
August 2, 2025
WOW!
This story has you on the edge of your seat throughout most of the book. Each story gets better and better.
I’m anxious to see what’s coming next for Callie Cassidy.
This story has you on the edge of your seat throughout most of the book. Each story gets better and better.
I’m anxious to see what’s coming next for Callie Cassidy.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews