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Lizzie Crenshaw Mystery #1
Death of a Cantankerous Old Coot
Amos Gardner, one of Brookdale's leading citizens, has been found dead in the town park. The sheriff wants to know if his murder has anything to do with the lawsuit he filed against his granddaughter, Lizzie Crenshaw. When someone tries to kill Amos' wife, she points the finger at Lizzie. Teaming up with a gorgeous new deputy, Lizzie must figure out who is behind it all...before she becomes the next victim.
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First published November 2, 2011
278 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Watson
20 books87 followersI’m the daughter of a semi-retired Methodist minister, and have spent most of my life living in Texas and New Mexico (no, I am not a native Texan; I was born in the state of Washington). I graduated from West Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in 2000. I taught school for a couple of years before realizing that I really wanted to spend my time writing.
I’m a daughter, mother, wife, sister, granddaughter. Currently, I live in North Texas with my husband, and my son has gone off to college. I have a wicked sense of humor and find almost anything funny.
That’s about it. If there is something else you want to know, ask me!
I’m a daughter, mother, wife, sister, granddaughter. Currently, I live in North Texas with my husband, and my son has gone off to college. I have a wicked sense of humor and find almost anything funny.
That’s about it. If there is something else you want to know, ask me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 8, 2018
Too cozy for me
This cozy murder novella starts well with a dead old man on a merry-go-round. Shot in the head dead. There's no doubt it's a murder. Nobody in the small town likes him, wife and family included, so the list of suspects grows long from the get go. However, the book doesn't change pace from there, remaining a very light-hearted, dialogue driven story through to the conclusion.
I admit I haven't read many books in the cozy mystery genre, so I like having my heart rate accelerate with the rising tension as our sleuth gets closer to unmasking the murderer. Cozy is nice, but this was Love Boat cozy, y'know where the story never deviates from the sense that everything will work out in the end. If that's what you want in a cozy mystery, this book is for you. You'll have a good time.
There are some odd editorial issues in the narrative that threw the boat off course too. One example is chapter eight, which switches from Lizzie's first person perspective to T.J.’s perspective in third person without even a line break. Given nearly all of the book is told from Lizzie's perspective in first person, it pulled me right out of the book. Details matter for a smooth read. There's good stuff here, but for me, it lacks polish.
This cozy murder novella starts well with a dead old man on a merry-go-round. Shot in the head dead. There's no doubt it's a murder. Nobody in the small town likes him, wife and family included, so the list of suspects grows long from the get go. However, the book doesn't change pace from there, remaining a very light-hearted, dialogue driven story through to the conclusion.
I admit I haven't read many books in the cozy mystery genre, so I like having my heart rate accelerate with the rising tension as our sleuth gets closer to unmasking the murderer. Cozy is nice, but this was Love Boat cozy, y'know where the story never deviates from the sense that everything will work out in the end. If that's what you want in a cozy mystery, this book is for you. You'll have a good time.
There are some odd editorial issues in the narrative that threw the boat off course too. One example is chapter eight, which switches from Lizzie's first person perspective to T.J.’s perspective in third person without even a line break. Given nearly all of the book is told from Lizzie's perspective in first person, it pulled me right out of the book. Details matter for a smooth read. There's good stuff here, but for me, it lacks polish.
July 23, 2018
"Bang on target"
What a refreshing change. A crazy title, a strong female lead and a decent story that rattles along at a pace that keeps your interest from start to finish. What more do you need? Loved the front cover too, so it had to be five stars.
What a refreshing change. A crazy title, a strong female lead and a decent story that rattles along at a pace that keeps your interest from start to finish. What more do you need? Loved the front cover too, so it had to be five stars.
August 25, 2015
Cute! I loved how this story flew through but you were sucked in the entire time! I knew how it was going to end, sort of, but it was great! I pictured the voices of the characters in my head. Great read.
July 8, 2018
Amos Gardner was indeed a very cantankerous old coot, hated by virtually everyone in the small town of Brookdale, including his own family. He was so cantankerous he sued his own granddaughter trying to get property that rightfully belonged to her. So it was no surprise to anyone in Brookdale that the old goat was found shot dead on the merry-go-round in the town park. The list of suspects was quite long, of course, and included not only Amos' 1st and 2nd wives, but also Lizzie, the granddaughter he was suing. This was a delightful, fun read. I enjoyed all the characters and look forward to meeting them again in future books.
December 6, 2017
In this small town everyone knew everyones business. Amos was a man hated by almost everyone. He did what he wanted . He'd drive in town and park in the middle of the street & go shopping. He didn't care what they said. One day in the town square his truck was found in the street with the keys in it but no Amos around till someone found him in the park shot between the eyes. So which of the towns people killed him. They found out who did it but for one lady the saga goes on for her. Find out why.
August 30, 2018
Great
A real page turner. I was about 70% through when I got a suspicion who the murderer was and I was right. However it was more complex than that. I love these cost mysteries
I found it rather disturbing that people I had known my whole life had actually spent time trying to figure out how to get rid of the one man who made everyone’s life miserable.
Set in a small Dallas town of a population of less than 3000, murder never happens and Amos, Lizzies granddad was a blessing as he was so disliked.
A real page turner. I was about 70% through when I got a suspicion who the murderer was and I was right. However it was more complex than that. I love these cost mysteries
I found it rather disturbing that people I had known my whole life had actually spent time trying to figure out how to get rid of the one man who made everyone’s life miserable.
Set in a small Dallas town of a population of less than 3000, murder never happens and Amos, Lizzies granddad was a blessing as he was so disliked.
January 12, 2018
Funny and Thrilling
I liked this book because it was full of funny characters. Lizzie, a budding writer and finder of a dead body. She is thrown into a mystery of who, amongst a town full of people that all seemed to hate the deceased, actually killed him. Family skeletons come tumbling out of the closet, and most of them concern her. Throw in a love interest and there is something for almost everyone.😀
I liked this book because it was full of funny characters. Lizzie, a budding writer and finder of a dead body. She is thrown into a mystery of who, amongst a town full of people that all seemed to hate the deceased, actually killed him. Family skeletons come tumbling out of the closet, and most of them concern her. Throw in a love interest and there is something for almost everyone.😀
November 22, 2018
Pay Back and More
I'ts sort of sad when you burn all your bridges and the whole town wanting you dead, even your wife dancing around your lifeless body. The poor sheriff has his work cut out for him. Yep what happens with the whole town wanting you dead .I recommend you read this short but funny storey I believe i'ts the start of something good to come with a great cast of caracters to enjoy. Kat
I'ts sort of sad when you burn all your bridges and the whole town wanting you dead, even your wife dancing around your lifeless body. The poor sheriff has his work cut out for him. Yep what happens with the whole town wanting you dead .I recommend you read this short but funny storey I believe i'ts the start of something good to come with a great cast of caracters to enjoy. Kat
March 15, 2019
Great short story full of humor and the beginning of a love affair.
I really enjoyed this book! It isn't often I find a book that's a quick read that enjoyed as much as I did this one! Made me wonder if there is really people like Amos, Earline and Barbara in this world which there probably is and I'm glad I don't know them! Would love to see Lizzie and T.J. in the next book.
I really enjoyed this book! It isn't often I find a book that's a quick read that enjoyed as much as I did this one! Made me wonder if there is really people like Amos, Earline and Barbara in this world which there probably is and I'm glad I don't know them! Would love to see Lizzie and T.J. in the next book.
June 8, 2019
A cute story
This light hearted novella was a quick easy read and fun. She seems to be involved right from the start ehen she almost collides with Amos's car in the middle of the road, then she finds his dead body on the roundabout in the park. There is an attractive new deputy sheriff in town, who gets her to help in solving her cantankerous grandfather's death. I though the title was fresh and original. The novella is too.
This light hearted novella was a quick easy read and fun. She seems to be involved right from the start ehen she almost collides with Amos's car in the middle of the road, then she finds his dead body on the roundabout in the park. There is an attractive new deputy sheriff in town, who gets her to help in solving her cantankerous grandfather's death. I though the title was fresh and original. The novella is too.
January 7, 2018
A scoundrel is shot right between the eyes!
A miserable old man is killed in the town square and a young woman finds him. It just so happens that the woman is his granddaughter and becomes suspect number one. In fact almost everyone in town becomes a suspect. Follow along the tangled path to finding the killer or killers?!! Great novella.
A miserable old man is killed in the town square and a young woman finds him. It just so happens that the woman is his granddaughter and becomes suspect number one. In fact almost everyone in town becomes a suspect. Follow along the tangled path to finding the killer or killers?!! Great novella.
July 9, 2018
This is a funny mystery and getting to no a new set of characters. The Lizzie is trying to figure out who murdered her grandfather who is considered one of the most cantankerous old man in town. He loves to sew everyone even his own granddaughter. New series and a great start with a most interesting cast of characters.
October 19, 2020
Seriously good!
I usually would shy away from stories less than 100 pages, but this was honestly so well written, that the length was just perfect. The characters were engaging, the plot twisted enough to make me keep reading, and I really just liked it a lot. Glad I found a new author to follow! Bravo!
I usually would shy away from stories less than 100 pages, but this was honestly so well written, that the length was just perfect. The characters were engaging, the plot twisted enough to make me keep reading, and I really just liked it a lot. Glad I found a new author to follow! Bravo!
March 17, 2022
Wonderful Series
I was searching for new reading material and I discovered Death of a Cantankerous Old Coot by Teresa Watson. I am so happy I did as this is a very good book. This is the first in the Lizzie Crenshaw series and is set in a small Texas town where everyone knows everyone and it is funny and heartwarming.. Give them a try, I believe you'll like them.
I was searching for new reading material and I discovered Death of a Cantankerous Old Coot by Teresa Watson. I am so happy I did as this is a very good book. This is the first in the Lizzie Crenshaw series and is set in a small Texas town where everyone knows everyone and it is funny and heartwarming.. Give them a try, I believe you'll like them.
May 17, 2023
A town full of suspects
Nobody is really sad when Amos is found murdered. In fact, his wife dances gleefully around the body. But , since he has alienated almost everyone in town, it will be hard to figure out who finally killed him.
A good story with some interesting twists. I enjoyed this book.
Nobody is really sad when Amos is found murdered. In fact, his wife dances gleefully around the body. But , since he has alienated almost everyone in town, it will be hard to figure out who finally killed him.
A good story with some interesting twists. I enjoyed this book.
October 7, 2025
This was way too convoluted. I couldn't see the point. Everyone hated the coot, there was no need to stage such an elaborate plot that convinced no one. Also, the fact that this lookalike woman worked for the MC's friend for two years and the friend never bothered to alert the MC - I'd be taking a hard look at the friend.
December 24, 2017
Amos went out of his way to tick people off, then laugh about it, but who wanted him dead. His wife stayed with him for 30 years, did she do it for revenge, or a group was trying to figure out how to get rid of him. He made everyone's life miserable. A funny, quick read for all to enjoy.
January 7, 2018
A great read.
A humorous story. A feisty heroin. And a plot full of twists that keep you guessing to the very end. I enjoyed reading this so much I bought the next book the author wrote.
A humorous story. A feisty heroin. And a plot full of twists that keep you guessing to the very end. I enjoyed reading this so much I bought the next book the author wrote.
February 5, 2018
Death of a Cantankerous Old Coot
I was into the story in the first sentence. A dysfunctional family, a small time town with gossip central, a new romance, and a murder with lots of suspects! A good story that's very enjoyable.
I was into the story in the first sentence. A dysfunctional family, a small time town with gossip central, a new romance, and a murder with lots of suspects! A good story that's very enjoyable.
April 17, 2018
Cantankerous Old Coots Make Good Reading
Praise to Teresa Watson in her first novella "Death of a Cantankerous Old Coot". This novella was easy to read, with a fast, smooth and easy to follow plot. I had a good laugh and was fully engrossed with the story.
Praise to Teresa Watson in her first novella "Death of a Cantankerous Old Coot". This novella was easy to read, with a fast, smooth and easy to follow plot. I had a good laugh and was fully engrossed with the story.
May 16, 2018
Quick and fun read
This was a quick read and it had everything. I loved it. I look forward to reading more from Teresa Watson.
I loved the mystery and twists in there. And the characters are memorable.
This was a quick read and it had everything. I loved it. I look forward to reading more from Teresa Watson.
I loved the mystery and twists in there. And the characters are memorable.
January 8, 2019
What a good & fun, quick read
This was just what I needed after a pretty rotten day. The characters are believable and some made me LOL!
And not least, the writing didn't leave me wanting to pull out my red pen.
This was just what I needed after a pretty rotten day. The characters are believable and some made me LOL!
And not least, the writing didn't leave me wanting to pull out my red pen.
August 31, 2019
Great Little Story!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of twists and turns, mystery, quirky characters and a dash of romance. Looking forward to reading more by Teresa Watson in the future.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of twists and turns, mystery, quirky characters and a dash of romance. Looking forward to reading more by Teresa Watson in the future.
February 3, 2023
cute, very short read.This book has what I call a 'non ending'. so much left hanging in the air, and well, the first book is free in kindle, but, that's it. my thought is book 1 and 2 would make a mid sized book. this is more like a short story
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July 22, 2023The book was good
The mystery was pretty good. It is a quick read. Too many characters in the twists. Just when my mind was on one character, immediately comes another, and another. There's a minor cliff hanger at the end.
The mystery was pretty good. It is a quick read. Too many characters in the twists. Just when my mind was on one character, immediately comes another, and another. There's a minor cliff hanger at the end.
December 5, 2017
Lizzie Crenshaw Mystery
Entertaining book about an old man who makes everyone hate him, when he turns up dead, the whole town is on the suspects list.
Entertaining book about an old man who makes everyone hate him, when he turns up dead, the whole town is on the suspects list.
December 7, 2017
Fun read
Great little cozy mystery. It has all the elements, murder, intrigue, humor and a romantic interest for the main character, Lizzie.
Great little cozy mystery. It has all the elements, murder, intrigue, humor and a romantic interest for the main character, Lizzie.
January 1, 2018
meh
Too short to really have much in the way of character development. I felt like the story was pretty much set up and then the conclusion. Disappointing.
Too short to really have much in the way of character development. I felt like the story was pretty much set up and then the conclusion. Disappointing.
January 10, 2018
I enjoyed this story and was amused by some of the action by the characters. I will be reading more of Teresa Watson's books.
January 14, 2018
Cute but corny
Not as exciting as I would have liked. The complicated way the murders were staged left me confused. Weak ending.
Not as exciting as I would have liked. The complicated way the murders were staged left me confused. Weak ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews