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Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery #4
Donors, Deception & Death
It’s not hard to find a family member who wanted to kill the gold-digging third wife. The trick is finding one who didn’t.
Libby Ballard, director of the history museum in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, can’t believe her good luck. Cordell Calhoun, the king of spicy fried chicken, is celebrating his 70th birthday by returning to his hometown to donate to several organizations, including the museum.
But tensions run high when Cordell insists on inviting his entire family, including his two ex-wives, their offspring, and his young third wife, Brittany, to the donor reception at the museum. The family dynamic is a ticking time bomb, and it's only a matter of minutes before someone explodes.
Libby’s caught in the middle of the family drama but determined to make the event a success. Determined, that is, until Brittany drops dead at the reception.
With the police veering off in the wrong direction and each faction of the family pointing fingers at the other, Libby realizes she needs to step in to solve the mystery, bring the culprit to justice, and clear the museum's name.
But in a situation rife with secrets and deceit, she'll need to tread carefully, or she may become the next victim in a deadly family feud.
Join Libby, her golden retriever, and their friends as they try to unmask the killer!
If you like a cozy mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series!
This is a clean read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
Libby Ballard, director of the history museum in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, can’t believe her good luck. Cordell Calhoun, the king of spicy fried chicken, is celebrating his 70th birthday by returning to his hometown to donate to several organizations, including the museum.
But tensions run high when Cordell insists on inviting his entire family, including his two ex-wives, their offspring, and his young third wife, Brittany, to the donor reception at the museum. The family dynamic is a ticking time bomb, and it's only a matter of minutes before someone explodes.
Libby’s caught in the middle of the family drama but determined to make the event a success. Determined, that is, until Brittany drops dead at the reception.
With the police veering off in the wrong direction and each faction of the family pointing fingers at the other, Libby realizes she needs to step in to solve the mystery, bring the culprit to justice, and clear the museum's name.
But in a situation rife with secrets and deceit, she'll need to tread carefully, or she may become the next victim in a deadly family feud.
Join Libby, her golden retriever, and their friends as they try to unmask the killer!
If you like a cozy mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series!
This is a clean read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2023
186 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Sally Bayless
26 books96 followersSally Bayless writes cozy mysteries and sweet romance.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 10, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up
Cordell Calhoun, a fried chicken magnate has decided to celebrate his birthday by making donations to organizations in Dogwood Springs. His birthday week kicks off with a dinner at the History Museum and Libby and staff are going crazy dealing with the ever-changing demands of Cordell's third wife, Brittany. Libby is ready to tear her hair out trying to work out the seating chart so none of Cordell's ex-wives is near his current wife and none of their children have to sit with their step-siblings. Libby also has a fancy dinner at the University to look forward to and is still trying to find the girl in the painting with her boyfriend Sam. During the birthday dinner, Cordell's wife Brittany drops dead from cyanide poisoning in her wine. Everyone seems shocked and horrified, especially Rodney, the museum curator, whose sister was Cordell's first wife, the one Detective Harper has his sights set on for the murderer! Rodney fears Detective Harper won't look at any other suspects and begs Libby for help. She agrees to see justice done! With Alice, Chloe, Zeke, Sam, Bella and Alice's husband Doug on board to help, they should be able to point the detective in the right direction, hopefully before someone else dies.
This series gets better and better. The solution to the mystery was not as obvious. Any of the family members could have done it but they all seemed to have alibis and weak motives. I was surprised at the twist but not totally. I was more interested in the subplot about Ivy and had already keyword searched the plot. This story provides enough answers to satisfy me for now. I don't like how dumb the police are and how Libby is nearly killed at the end of every book. She would be long dead if she didn't have Bella. I would hope by now she could work with the police. I don't mind too much but it does get a little annoying.
I relate so much to Libby! I love history so much and want everyone else to learn history and love it as much as I do. I worked at a small history museum for a couple years and I think the museum admin stuff in this novel sounds spot-on. Her romance with Sam is heating up. He has turned swoony! He may be a geek but he's a sweetheart. It's cute he's learning how to cook so he can make dinner for Libby. (Béchamel sauce is not so hard to make. I've never burned it but it's been close, stuck on the bottom of the pan but it's not hard to make for homemade macaroni and cheese!) Sam loves and supports Libby and she now has the opportunity to support him. She's been hurt before so she's still wary but learning to trust her heart. Bella is the best, smartest Golden Retriever in the world! She's sweet, intuitive, clever and loyal. If it doesn't work out with Sam, Libby at least has Bella.
Chloe has a sprained ankle but she's determined to help with the mystery. She's also eager to help Libby look her best. It's interesting to see her in her element and not just as sidekick. Alice is sweet and lovely but she does have a backbone and preemptively shuts down any comments about gardeners and cyanide in mystery novels. She's also made a major life decision fully supported by her husband. Doug seems nice. He loves Alice and wants her to be happy and fulfilled doing whatever she feels will make give her the most happiness. He supports her decision and has even worked on his dog allergies possibly because he knows Alice would like to have Libby and Bella over and maybe a dog of her own. Rodney is a caring brother but I think he worries too much before anything happens!
I need a family tree to keep everyone else straight. Cordell Calhoun is a lively, larger than life man. He's a self-made billionaire but also a philanthropist. He seems kind and caring but absolutely clueless when it comes to his family drama! Brittany is a trophy wife, wife #3, age 28 and built like a Barbie doll. *SIGH* Yes a stereotype but it makes her death more palatable if she's awful. She's clearly a gold digger but I kind of feel bad for her because she's 28 already and trying to remain thin, pretty and youthful to keep her man. For now anyway. None of the rest of the family likes her and she doesn't have children of her own. Libby thinks Brittany is rude and flashy which bugs Libby who is more simple and uncomplicated. Brittany is rude. She doesn't listen to her husband's stories, drinks too much, ignores the rest of the family and rumor has it, she tried to keep Cordell away from his young grandsons. Only Cordell mourns her loss, unless he's faking it but he seems pretty open so I don't think he's the murderer.
It's obviously not Paula wife #1 because she's the prime suspect. Paula is introverted and down-to-earth. She's in the health care profession and has a calm, caring demeanor. She married Cordell too young but that was common for the time period. Fortunately they recognized they weren't compatible and he married Leah. Paula was a better fit as a wife. Leah is catty and mean. She doesn't have anything nice to say about anyone and may be lying to cover up the murder. Either Leah or one of her sons may be the killer. Leah may feel insecure because she was the secretary and Paula and even Brittany have better jobs. She was blindsided by the divorce and angry. She still seems hurt but may just want Cordell's money. Leah claims she doesn't need the money but people with money always want more. Leah's sons Brad and Nick are very different. Brad is a stuffy businessman and not very pleasant. Nick is "sexy" in an "earthy" way and artistic. He's a potter who makes amazing pieces of art that even Paula appreciates even though she hates Nick's mother. Nick has a strong motive- he wanted money from his grandfather to open a gallery and Cordell turned him down. With $7 MILLION in inheritance, Nick could open a gallery and a manager so all he has to do it make art. Brad drinks too much. Could his drinking be causing money problems? Quick, someone look up his business online and see if any profits are posted online. Pretend to be a reporter and ask nosy questions! (Zeke?!)
Paula's daughter Heather is an occupational therapist. Everyone loves her and thinks she's wonderful - EXCEPT Brittany. Brittany belittles and fat shames Heather at every turn. Heather has her own sense of style which is older and more conservative than Brittany's flashy style. Heather may be overweight but it doesn't seem like she's despondent or suicidal over Brittany's comments. If she's hiding her pain, it's easy to see why she may have lashed out and murdered Brittany. I hope not because I can relate to her and like her. Heather's grown son Emmett is also in attendance. He's under suspicion because he's a research chemist and will know how to use cyanide safely. HELLO have none of these people heard of the internet?! I'm a history nerd too but even I know of the supposed dark web. Yeesh. There's no motive unless he was trying to protect his mother.
No one has a strong motive except for hating Brittany just because she was a *itch. That's not a good reason to murder someone though. There has to be a stronger motive. Was Brittany the intended target or was she merely an innocent victim and Cordell was meant to die? The suspects are the same but limited to the gold diggers. I would exclude Paula's branch of the family but include Leah and her sons, anyone else who may have been jealous Cordell wasn't donating his money to them or one of the family angry he was giving money away to schools and non-profits and not his own family?
This series is simple and fun. I enjoy it for what it is and hope to keep reading it.
Cordell Calhoun, a fried chicken magnate has decided to celebrate his birthday by making donations to organizations in Dogwood Springs. His birthday week kicks off with a dinner at the History Museum and Libby and staff are going crazy dealing with the ever-changing demands of Cordell's third wife, Brittany. Libby is ready to tear her hair out trying to work out the seating chart so none of Cordell's ex-wives is near his current wife and none of their children have to sit with their step-siblings. Libby also has a fancy dinner at the University to look forward to and is still trying to find the girl in the painting with her boyfriend Sam. During the birthday dinner, Cordell's wife Brittany drops dead from cyanide poisoning in her wine. Everyone seems shocked and horrified, especially Rodney, the museum curator, whose sister was Cordell's first wife, the one Detective Harper has his sights set on for the murderer! Rodney fears Detective Harper won't look at any other suspects and begs Libby for help. She agrees to see justice done! With Alice, Chloe, Zeke, Sam, Bella and Alice's husband Doug on board to help, they should be able to point the detective in the right direction, hopefully before someone else dies.
This series gets better and better. The solution to the mystery was not as obvious. Any of the family members could have done it but they all seemed to have alibis and weak motives. I was surprised at the twist but not totally. I was more interested in the subplot about Ivy and had already keyword searched the plot. This story provides enough answers to satisfy me for now. I don't like how dumb the police are and how Libby is nearly killed at the end of every book. She would be long dead if she didn't have Bella. I would hope by now she could work with the police. I don't mind too much but it does get a little annoying.
I relate so much to Libby! I love history so much and want everyone else to learn history and love it as much as I do. I worked at a small history museum for a couple years and I think the museum admin stuff in this novel sounds spot-on. Her romance with Sam is heating up. He has turned swoony! He may be a geek but he's a sweetheart. It's cute he's learning how to cook so he can make dinner for Libby. (Béchamel sauce is not so hard to make. I've never burned it but it's been close, stuck on the bottom of the pan but it's not hard to make for homemade macaroni and cheese!) Sam loves and supports Libby and she now has the opportunity to support him. She's been hurt before so she's still wary but learning to trust her heart. Bella is the best, smartest Golden Retriever in the world! She's sweet, intuitive, clever and loyal. If it doesn't work out with Sam, Libby at least has Bella.
Chloe has a sprained ankle but she's determined to help with the mystery. She's also eager to help Libby look her best. It's interesting to see her in her element and not just as sidekick. Alice is sweet and lovely but she does have a backbone and preemptively shuts down any comments about gardeners and cyanide in mystery novels. She's also made a major life decision fully supported by her husband. Doug seems nice. He loves Alice and wants her to be happy and fulfilled doing whatever she feels will make give her the most happiness. He supports her decision and has even worked on his dog allergies possibly because he knows Alice would like to have Libby and Bella over and maybe a dog of her own. Rodney is a caring brother but I think he worries too much before anything happens!
I need a family tree to keep everyone else straight. Cordell Calhoun is a lively, larger than life man. He's a self-made billionaire but also a philanthropist. He seems kind and caring but absolutely clueless when it comes to his family drama! Brittany is a trophy wife, wife #3, age 28 and built like a Barbie doll. *SIGH* Yes a stereotype but it makes her death more palatable if she's awful. She's clearly a gold digger but I kind of feel bad for her because she's 28 already and trying to remain thin, pretty and youthful to keep her man. For now anyway. None of the rest of the family likes her and she doesn't have children of her own. Libby thinks Brittany is rude and flashy which bugs Libby who is more simple and uncomplicated. Brittany is rude. She doesn't listen to her husband's stories, drinks too much, ignores the rest of the family and rumor has it, she tried to keep Cordell away from his young grandsons. Only Cordell mourns her loss, unless he's faking it but he seems pretty open so I don't think he's the murderer.
It's obviously not Paula wife #1 because she's the prime suspect. Paula is introverted and down-to-earth. She's in the health care profession and has a calm, caring demeanor. She married Cordell too young but that was common for the time period. Fortunately they recognized they weren't compatible and he married Leah. Paula was a better fit as a wife. Leah is catty and mean. She doesn't have anything nice to say about anyone and may be lying to cover up the murder. Either Leah or one of her sons may be the killer. Leah may feel insecure because she was the secretary and Paula and even Brittany have better jobs. She was blindsided by the divorce and angry. She still seems hurt but may just want Cordell's money. Leah claims she doesn't need the money but people with money always want more. Leah's sons Brad and Nick are very different. Brad is a stuffy businessman and not very pleasant. Nick is "sexy" in an "earthy" way and artistic. He's a potter who makes amazing pieces of art that even Paula appreciates even though she hates Nick's mother. Nick has a strong motive- he wanted money from his grandfather to open a gallery and Cordell turned him down. With $7 MILLION in inheritance, Nick could open a gallery and a manager so all he has to do it make art. Brad drinks too much. Could his drinking be causing money problems? Quick, someone look up his business online and see if any profits are posted online. Pretend to be a reporter and ask nosy questions! (Zeke?!)
Paula's daughter Heather is an occupational therapist. Everyone loves her and thinks she's wonderful - EXCEPT Brittany. Brittany belittles and fat shames Heather at every turn. Heather has her own sense of style which is older and more conservative than Brittany's flashy style. Heather may be overweight but it doesn't seem like she's despondent or suicidal over Brittany's comments. If she's hiding her pain, it's easy to see why she may have lashed out and murdered Brittany. I hope not because I can relate to her and like her. Heather's grown son Emmett is also in attendance. He's under suspicion because he's a research chemist and will know how to use cyanide safely. HELLO have none of these people heard of the internet?! I'm a history nerd too but even I know of the supposed dark web. Yeesh. There's no motive unless he was trying to protect his mother.
No one has a strong motive except for hating Brittany just because she was a *itch. That's not a good reason to murder someone though. There has to be a stronger motive. Was Brittany the intended target or was she merely an innocent victim and Cordell was meant to die? The suspects are the same but limited to the gold diggers. I would exclude Paula's branch of the family but include Leah and her sons, anyone else who may have been jealous Cordell wasn't donating his money to them or one of the family angry he was giving money away to schools and non-profits and not his own family?
This series is simple and fun. I enjoy it for what it is and hope to keep reading it.
June 28, 2025
4 stars (on a cozy mystery scale)!
July 9, 2023
The fourth book in this delightful mystery series finds Libby preparing for a celebration as a major donor is planning to make the much needed elevator to the second floor a reality. We have been aware of this fundraising goal from the previous book, and the wealthy donor and extended family. But even with that advanced knowledge, surprise after surprise was revealed regarding the two ex-wives and their grown children. Details that were tangled and knotted, providing a wonderful cast of characters and suspects. Clues that Libby and friends had to examine, confirm, and explore as they tried to solve the crime before the sheriff let anybody leave town.
A delightful subplot, regarding a painting (that someone partially repainted to eliminate the figure of a girl who died in a bank robbery), is revisited when a donor leaves a trunk of that girl's effects at the museum. This include letters, clothing, and artifacts that make an historian (Libby) giddy as she and Sam (the donor of the painting) explore the trunk.
A fast paced mystery that kept me guessing until the very end, with wonderful characters, good plot, and a sweet dog add up to an excellent and exciting book. I loved it, and am anxiously waiting for the next book!
A delightful subplot, regarding a painting (that someone partially repainted to eliminate the figure of a girl who died in a bank robbery), is revisited when a donor leaves a trunk of that girl's effects at the museum. This include letters, clothing, and artifacts that make an historian (Libby) giddy as she and Sam (the donor of the painting) explore the trunk.
A fast paced mystery that kept me guessing until the very end, with wonderful characters, good plot, and a sweet dog add up to an excellent and exciting book. I loved it, and am anxiously waiting for the next book!
September 18, 2023
A social event at the museum has the director, Libby Ballard, on pins and needles hoping the event goes off without a hitch because it involves a wealthy donor, Cordell Calhoun, his young third wife, Brittany, as well as his two previous wives and their children. Just when things at the event seem to be going good, wife number three collapses on the floor, only to be pronounced dead a short time later. Not just dead but murdered. Who wanted her dead?
Libby and her team of sleuthing friends, along with her dog Bella, are determined to solve the crime since the police are only interested in one person as the main suspect, and they’re all sure that person isn’t the guilty party. But as the suspect list grows with each person they talk to, it isn’t going to be easy. Then Cordell suffers from a fall down the stairs and whispers to Libby that he had been pushed. The team races to solve the crime before anyone else is harmed.
This was such a fun whodunit! I love the small town and the characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Libby and her team of sleuthing friends, along with her dog Bella, are determined to solve the crime since the police are only interested in one person as the main suspect, and they’re all sure that person isn’t the guilty party. But as the suspect list grows with each person they talk to, it isn’t going to be easy. Then Cordell suffers from a fall down the stairs and whispers to Libby that he had been pushed. The team races to solve the crime before anyone else is harmed.
This was such a fun whodunit! I love the small town and the characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2023
This was a very good cozy mystery. I always love reading about Libby and her friends' sleuthing activities. Cordell Calhoun, a multi -millionaire, has pledged to donate a large amount of cash to the Dogwood Springs Historical Museum, of which Libby is the director. The museum hosts a celebration in honor of Cordell. Unfortunately, Cordell's much younger wife, Brittany, collapses after drinking an alcoholic beverage. The police find the cause of death to be poisoning by cyanide. There are several people attending the event at the museum (including Cornell's two ex-wives, his daughter, his two sons and his grandson), so there is no shortage of suspects. Libby and her friends, with some help from Bella, her golden retriever, piece together the pieces of the puzzle to come up with a viable list of suspects. Who killed Brittany and why? Find out by reading this engaging book. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
September 15, 2023
I am loving this series. The small town of Dogwood Springs is a great setting for Libby Ballard, director of the History Museum, her fellow staff members, and her friends. I enjoy how the story develops with general details about operating the museum and the historical exhibits. The character development of Libby's staff and friends is next level. Mostly, I love how Libby and her group of sleuths work together to brainstorm and investigate each lead in the story. We learn each clue as Libby learns them. Plus, Bella is more amazing with each mystery. She's the one who might eventually win over Detective Harper. I also love the side story about the famous Clayton Smithton painting as well as the slow simmering romance between Libby and Sam. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
May 14, 2024
Very disappointing. I dislike the mysteries where the main characters think they have the right to question suspects, disregard the police (and think they don’t know how to do their job), think they are cleverly asking questions that a 12 year old could see through, and decide to act on any course of investigation they see fit without thinking through the consequences, and basically thumb their noses at the police in the end. Personally I don’t understand why people answer their questions as they have no official right to ask them. Libby’s attitude was very off putting. I can understand her checking the museum carefully but going after her suspects and keeping the police out the way she did, bothered me, as did her determination to keep solving mysteries with her friends when she doesn’t think the police have it right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2023
An intriguing mystery! A large family with a wealthy patriarch, a current wife, and two ex-wives. All are looking for a "piece of the pie". The current wife is the first to die; all seem to have a motive to want her dead.
Such a fun story (if you call cozy mysteries fun). With all the family members possible suspects, it is not easy for the police to investigate. And yet they try to keep Libby and her crew of amateur sleuths from doing their own investigating. The best sleuth is, of course, Bella, the smartest dog.
I love this series. It is clean and wholesome, each story keeps you guessing whodunit, and each book is basically a stand-alone book.
I was provided with an ARC of the book; this review is my honest opinion.
Such a fun story (if you call cozy mysteries fun). With all the family members possible suspects, it is not easy for the police to investigate. And yet they try to keep Libby and her crew of amateur sleuths from doing their own investigating. The best sleuth is, of course, Bella, the smartest dog.
I love this series. It is clean and wholesome, each story keeps you guessing whodunit, and each book is basically a stand-alone book.
I was provided with an ARC of the book; this review is my honest opinion.
September 8, 2023
Libby, director of the local history museum, is hosting a 70th birthday celebration for Cordell, the king of a huge fried chicken empire, but is a bit put out when he insists on inviting all his wives, one present and two past, along with the rest of his dysfunctional family! Hoping for the best (and a generous donation for the museum), the celebration goes forth, but Brittany, his very young and Barbie-doll-like wife, is obviously disliked by all and when she drops dead of poisoning at the event, there are plenty of suspects. A twisty, family drama with plenty of excitement. I received an ARC copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2023
This was a wonderful cozy mystery read. I really enjoyed following Libby and her friends - with the wonderful addition of Alice's husband - as they worked urgently to solve the murder. The mystery of Ivy also advanced in this book - a little side mystery that is a fun rabbit trail. Talk about a dysfunctional family! With every twist and turn there was another reason why each of them might be the murderer. Fortunately, Libby and her friends identified the correct person just in time. If you like fun cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.
September 18, 2023
Nobody does a cozy mystery like Sally Bayless, and this does not disappoint!!! Libby along with her golden retriever Bella, and friends are always ready to solve a mystery. Libby is the Director of the Dogwood History Museum. They are hosting Cordell Calhoun, who is making a large donation. The reception includes his whole family; Paula his first wife, Leah his second wife, and Britney his much younger current; along with all their children. At the reception Britney collapses after drinking some wine, who could want her dead? So many suspects!!! Can Libby, her dog Bella, and her friends help solve the mystery? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters.
September 14, 2023
A great mystery! I enjoyed this book and could not put it down. I was thoroughly engrossed in following Libby and her friends investigate a murder as they informally questioned suspects. The many twists and turns in the investigation lead to a fantastic story. Despite priding myself on normally identifying the guilty party when reading a mystery book, I failed. A surprising and unexpected ending! A book well worth reading.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
September 14, 2023
Small town museum cozy
Museum director, Libby Ballard is happy with her position in the Dogwood Springs History Museum after taking the position in desperation after being screwed over by her ex in her last one. Everything is going on schedule, busy but working out, when there is a death at a donor party. She’s sure the police are focused on the wrong suspect and works along with her friends to try to solve it before an arrest is made. It has intrigue, humor and some romance. I enjoyed the tale.
I received an ARC copy gratis to peruse and offer my opinion in the same.
Museum director, Libby Ballard is happy with her position in the Dogwood Springs History Museum after taking the position in desperation after being screwed over by her ex in her last one. Everything is going on schedule, busy but working out, when there is a death at a donor party. She’s sure the police are focused on the wrong suspect and works along with her friends to try to solve it before an arrest is made. It has intrigue, humor and some romance. I enjoyed the tale.
I received an ARC copy gratis to peruse and offer my opinion in the same.
September 18, 2023
I love this series, it has everything I want in a cozy mystery: realistic and sympathetic main characters, wonderful diverse set of supporting characters (including a pet), believable and interesting plot that kept me guessing, and a hint of romance. Libby and her friends use their intelligence and social connections to try to figure out the mystery without knowingly putting themselves in danger, and try to help the police with the case. Can’t wait for the next mystery!
I was given a advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I was given a advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
September 17, 2023
Calhoun Brittany falls done dead at a function and she had been poisoned. Libby does her best to find the clues to this murder. Paula becoming the main suspect which has Libby doing her best to catch the real culprit and bring justice. Her friends help her too. There is a lot of suspense and mayhem to make this an exciting read. Keeps you guessing who the killer was till the end. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
September 21, 2023
I want to move to Dogwood Springs!
Libby and her crew of friends, including Bella the dog sleuth, are tracking down another killer! Brittany Calhoun, the trophy wife of fried chicken king Cordell Calhoun is poisoned at a reception at the library. All of the ex-wives and children certainly had strong motives to murder her. But was she the real target? Or did the murderer have someone else in his or her sights?
Libby and her crew of friends, including Bella the dog sleuth, are tracking down another killer! Brittany Calhoun, the trophy wife of fried chicken king Cordell Calhoun is poisoned at a reception at the library. All of the ex-wives and children certainly had strong motives to murder her. But was she the real target? Or did the murderer have someone else in his or her sights?
September 26, 2023
When murder strikes during a reception and donor donation at the Dogwood Springs History Museum, there are more suspects than the eye can see. Don't fear, though! Join Libby, her wonderful dog, Bella and her fantastic group of friends in this delightful series as they track down the culprit. I cannot recommend this series more! Happy Reading!
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
November 29, 2023
I just love this sleuthing team who’re Libby’s friends who are more like family to her! The addition of Alice’s husband Doug was a good one and with the help of super sniffer Bella, the team caught their perp once again. Not with Harper’s blessing of course, but he was grateful enough at the end. The showdown was a tense one, but with some good thinking on Libby’s part, she was able to live to sleuth another day. Can’t wait to see what adventure they get into next time!
March 15, 2024
Another interesting mystery
Libby and her friends gather to try to solve a murder at the museum. The characters in these books are all likeable, especially the dog, Bella. There are several twists, and of course, Detective Harper is not pleased with Libby's interference. Libby and Sam are coming closer to finding out what happened to Ivy from the old painting. Although this part is ongoing, it certainly isn't a cliffhanger.
Libby and her friends gather to try to solve a murder at the museum. The characters in these books are all likeable, especially the dog, Bella. There are several twists, and of course, Detective Harper is not pleased with Libby's interference. Libby and Sam are coming closer to finding out what happened to Ivy from the old painting. Although this part is ongoing, it certainly isn't a cliffhanger.
July 5, 2024
Each book in this delightful cozy mystery series brings the core characters more to life. Each is a puzzle for the "team" to work out who done it, and the reader happily follows along trying to keep all the suspects and clues in mind (not always easy, especially in this mystery--I am amazed the author can do it and at the same time make it look simple!).
September 14, 2023
A wonderful book with a strong plot, a hefty dash of intrigue, and great, well developed characters. Libby and Sam are super-sweet together and Bella is an amazing dog, I loved them all.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 24, 2023
The first 4 books were great reads
Read Book 2 yesterday and Books 3 and 4 today. So you can say I enjoyed the books very much. Looking forward to Book 5 but have several months before it comes out. I have it on my calendar to look for it when it comes out.
Read Book 2 yesterday and Books 3 and 4 today. So you can say I enjoyed the books very much. Looking forward to Book 5 but have several months before it comes out. I have it on my calendar to look for it when it comes out.
September 27, 2023
Was glad to find out more about the mysterious girl in the painting and hope to find out more about her. The friends work together to solve the current murder and of course, Bella is the hero. Good to meet Alice's husband in this one. Plenty of suspects. Good mystery.
October 24, 2023
What a Twist!
I like the interactions between Libby and her friends as they solve the murder case. The whole family had different reasons to murder another family member. A wonderful afternoon entertainment!
I like the interactions between Libby and her friends as they solve the murder case. The whole family had different reasons to murder another family member. A wonderful afternoon entertainment!
November 13, 2023
they just keep getting better
Another family murder to be investigated. The museum gets new furnace and donations but they come with s price and more mystery! Now to find the mysterious girl that WAS painted over in a valuable painting.,
Another family murder to be investigated. The museum gets new furnace and donations but they come with s price and more mystery! Now to find the mysterious girl that WAS painted over in a valuable painting.,
September 27, 2023
Fabulous book. VERY INTERESTING PLOT AN CHARACTERS.It's a great read, not to miss
October 13, 2023
Another great book in this series. Ready for book
number 5.
number 5.
November 5, 2023
Great read
So nice to have a new guy join the gang in solving the murders! Such a fun and clean series!
So nice to have a new guy join the gang in solving the murders! Such a fun and clean series!
February 4, 2024
Who killed Brittany and why??? An affair??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
March 29, 2024
SECOND CHANCES lo
Liked everything. Series is excellent. Nice clean romances with lots of twists and curves.in mystery solving. Hard to put it down to do anything else.
Liked everything. Series is excellent. Nice clean romances with lots of twists and curves.in mystery solving. Hard to put it down to do anything else.
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