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Sound Shore Times Mystery #1
Zoned for Murder
Former Newsweek reporter Maggie Brooks has two kids, a dead husband, a mortgage to pay, and a lot of competition when she tries to get back into the shrinking newspaper business. Landing a job with a local paper, she's bored to tears covering bake sales and Little League games. But when a developer tries to build an outlet mall in a neighboring town, what starts out as potentially a great clip for her resume, suddenly turns dangerous and ugly. Someone will do anything to block the mall's construction. Dirty money, nasty politics, and shady land deals abound as Maggie pursues the scoop that might jumpstart her career. When murder is added to the mix, she realizes that meeting her deadline might be the last thing she ever does.
Read Maggie's byline as she rebuilds her career, dips her toes into a shark-filled dating pool, and investigates a small New York town Zoned for Murder.
Read Maggie's byline as she rebuilds her career, dips her toes into a shark-filled dating pool, and investigates a small New York town Zoned for Murder.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn David
30 books110 followersBio available at http://www.evelyndavid.com
Evelyn David is the pen name of two authors.
Fiction
Zoned for Murder - e-book - novel - 3/2012
3rd Editions - e-book
Murder Off the Books - novel - 9/2011
Murder Takes the Cake - novel - 10/2011
I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries - Vol 1 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries)- e-book - 10/2010
The Dog Days of Summer in Lottawatah - Vo1 2 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 10/2010
The Holiday Spirit(s) of Lottawatah - Vol 3 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 11/2010
Undying Love in Lottawatah - Vol. 4 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 2/2011
A Haunting in Lottawatah - Vol.5 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book -4/2011
Lottawatah Twister - Vol. 6 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 6/2011
Missing in Lottawatah - Vol. 7 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 9/2011
Good Grief in Lottawatah - Vol. 8 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 11/2011
Short Stories:
Riley Come Home - e-short
Love Lessons - e-book - short story collection
Evelyn David is the pen name of two authors.
Fiction
Zoned for Murder - e-book - novel - 3/2012
3rd Editions - e-book
Murder Off the Books - novel - 9/2011
Murder Takes the Cake - novel - 10/2011
I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries - Vol 1 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries)- e-book - 10/2010
The Dog Days of Summer in Lottawatah - Vo1 2 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 10/2010
The Holiday Spirit(s) of Lottawatah - Vol 3 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 11/2010
Undying Love in Lottawatah - Vol. 4 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 2/2011
A Haunting in Lottawatah - Vol.5 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book -4/2011
Lottawatah Twister - Vol. 6 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 6/2011
Missing in Lottawatah - Vol. 7 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 9/2011
Good Grief in Lottawatah - Vol. 8 (Brianna Sullivan Mysteries) - novella length e-book - 11/2011
Short Stories:
Riley Come Home - e-short
Love Lessons - e-book - short story collection
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 21, 2015
Two stars may be a bit harsh, but I never felt invested in the story. If anything, the main character wasn't particularly likeable, and the angle of her having an online "widow support buddy" fell completely flat. I like the author's Lottawattah series (though am disappointed that Ms. King is no longer reading those), as well as having liked the story "Mind Over Murder" which I'd far prefer to see developed as a series to this one.
June 1, 2015
The characters were great, I loved that she had a computer buddy that she had never met. I thought the premise of the story was a little odd and boring. Really about a mall? Anyway, I would read another in the series.
September 9, 2018
#1 in the South Shore Times Mystery series
Although this is listed as the first in a series, no further books have been written. I was interested to read that this was written by 2 separate authors who have never met--writing this book as team through email only. I particularly liked the main character of this book. Maggie is a widow, mother of 2 young children, trying to make ends meet by working as a reporter for the local newspaper. When writing a story on the controversy about a proposed mall in the small neighboring town, she somehow becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. Maggie was investigating for her story, sure, but she really was just digging out facts and didn't go out of her way to put herself in danger. She does normal stuff with her kids, keeping the household running, while still trying to work full-time in a job that requires her to be available at odd hours. David used her online conversations with her friend as a good way to keep the reader informed about Maggie's thoughts and deductions. All in all, a good little mystery. I would have continued with this series, but I will look for more from this author team.
Although this is listed as the first in a series, no further books have been written. I was interested to read that this was written by 2 separate authors who have never met--writing this book as team through email only. I particularly liked the main character of this book. Maggie is a widow, mother of 2 young children, trying to make ends meet by working as a reporter for the local newspaper. When writing a story on the controversy about a proposed mall in the small neighboring town, she somehow becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. Maggie was investigating for her story, sure, but she really was just digging out facts and didn't go out of her way to put herself in danger. She does normal stuff with her kids, keeping the household running, while still trying to work full-time in a job that requires her to be available at odd hours. David used her online conversations with her friend as a good way to keep the reader informed about Maggie's thoughts and deductions. All in all, a good little mystery. I would have continued with this series, but I will look for more from this author team.
March 5, 2017
A cozy murder that is light on clues but somehow the heroine worries the murderer enough that a second murder happens. An enjoyable read.
December 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this cozy as a change of pace from some of the lighter, fluffier cozies I've been reading lately. I classify it as a cozy because it takes place in a village in upstate New York, the sleuth is an amateur, it features quirky but believable locals, the murder takes place off stage, and there is no extreme violence or graphic sex. I wasn't really expecting to like it because discussions of business matters and town council type deliberations usually make my eyes glaze over. But Evelyn David (writing duo Marian Edelman Borden and Rhonda Dossett) hooked me despite my aversion to such things.
I really liked the main character, Maggie Brooks, a young widow now raising two children on her own while working part-time as a reporter for the town's newspaper. Her normal beat mostly covers bake sales, Little League, and other community events. But when a fight erupts over the development of a shopping mall, she sees an opportunity to use her journalistic skills for the type of story she once did for Newsweek. There is, of course, a struggle between those who want the mall and those who disagree. However, someone in this small town is willing to go any lengths, including murder. And Maggie is determined to find the truth.
Maggie is a strong female character, bravely carrying on with life and doing the best she can, which is a lot better than she thinks it is. The pain of her loss was tangible throughout the novel so that I suffered right along with her. I soon found myself rooting for her as she faced each personal and professional struggle and I wanted to high-five her with each triumph, big or small. All done without being maudlin or overly sentimental. Widowhood is not for sissies. Fortunately, thank the Good Lord, I still have my husband of 47 years. But my sister lost her husband a couple of years ago and I saw up close just how painful and disorienting it can be. Maggie is a lot like my sister -- stronger and a lot more courageous than she thinks she is.
One of the strongest elements keeping me involved in the novel was the relationship between Maggie and her on-line friend Shelley. The two young widows had never met face to face and yet they developed a strong friendship through sharing the struggles and triumphs of coping with life as recently widowed women. Throughout the novel, they share instant messages with each other - a really nifty way to disclose background information and give insight into Maggie's character. I loved that literary device, so modern and perfect for the purpose. After each event in the mall development escapade, I looked forward to what Maggie and Shelley would say to each other next.
I loved this book and recommend it highly. I'm looking forward to more from Maggie Brooks and the Sound Shore Times.
I really liked the main character, Maggie Brooks, a young widow now raising two children on her own while working part-time as a reporter for the town's newspaper. Her normal beat mostly covers bake sales, Little League, and other community events. But when a fight erupts over the development of a shopping mall, she sees an opportunity to use her journalistic skills for the type of story she once did for Newsweek. There is, of course, a struggle between those who want the mall and those who disagree. However, someone in this small town is willing to go any lengths, including murder. And Maggie is determined to find the truth.
Maggie is a strong female character, bravely carrying on with life and doing the best she can, which is a lot better than she thinks it is. The pain of her loss was tangible throughout the novel so that I suffered right along with her. I soon found myself rooting for her as she faced each personal and professional struggle and I wanted to high-five her with each triumph, big or small. All done without being maudlin or overly sentimental. Widowhood is not for sissies. Fortunately, thank the Good Lord, I still have my husband of 47 years. But my sister lost her husband a couple of years ago and I saw up close just how painful and disorienting it can be. Maggie is a lot like my sister -- stronger and a lot more courageous than she thinks she is.
One of the strongest elements keeping me involved in the novel was the relationship between Maggie and her on-line friend Shelley. The two young widows had never met face to face and yet they developed a strong friendship through sharing the struggles and triumphs of coping with life as recently widowed women. Throughout the novel, they share instant messages with each other - a really nifty way to disclose background information and give insight into Maggie's character. I loved that literary device, so modern and perfect for the purpose. After each event in the mall development escapade, I looked forward to what Maggie and Shelley would say to each other next.
I loved this book and recommend it highly. I'm looking forward to more from Maggie Brooks and the Sound Shore Times.
September 15, 2012
Maggie Brooks is a former reporter for Newsweek whose life has been turned inside out. Her husband was killed by a hit and run driver a few months ago and she is still trying to come to grips with a life without him by her side. Two kids, a mortgage to pay, and unemployment at an all time high just as she tries to renter the workforce. Landing a job at the local paper does help with the bills but the work is almost mind numbing. Not much happens in this little town.
Things start to get interesting when a major developer wants to build an outlet mall in the neighboring town close to where the two burgs connect. People are in an uproar as the words eminent domain are tossed around and people are being pushed out of their homes to make way for the mall.
Dirty money and dirty politics drives someone to the brink. The construction has to be stopped no matter the price. Maggie journalist instincts kick in. This could be a scoop to rejuvenate her career. "When murder is added to the mix, she realizes that meeting her deadline might be the last thing she ever does."
Dollycas's Thoughts
I picked up this book because I needed a "Z" book for my A-Z Reading Challenge. It was icing on the cake that is a really great cozy mystery.
Maggie is a protagonist that is very easy to identify with and we get to know her very well in this first installment. I have to admit that when I read that her husband was dead the mystery reader in me thought it would be his murder that she would be solving. Maybe in a future edition we may find there was more to that story :) Maggie's reporter instincts ring true as does her life as a mom juggling various schedules.
The story is timely and very well written. It amazes me when 2 authors team up to write one story that the flow is so natural. A true credit to wonderful writers. The addition of emails and chats sent between friends was woven in nicely. The new technology of the day is working into novels more and more.
I now have another cozy author (duo) to be following. I will be loading up my Kindle!!
Things start to get interesting when a major developer wants to build an outlet mall in the neighboring town close to where the two burgs connect. People are in an uproar as the words eminent domain are tossed around and people are being pushed out of their homes to make way for the mall.
Dirty money and dirty politics drives someone to the brink. The construction has to be stopped no matter the price. Maggie journalist instincts kick in. This could be a scoop to rejuvenate her career. "When murder is added to the mix, she realizes that meeting her deadline might be the last thing she ever does."
Dollycas's Thoughts
I picked up this book because I needed a "Z" book for my A-Z Reading Challenge. It was icing on the cake that is a really great cozy mystery.
Maggie is a protagonist that is very easy to identify with and we get to know her very well in this first installment. I have to admit that when I read that her husband was dead the mystery reader in me thought it would be his murder that she would be solving. Maybe in a future edition we may find there was more to that story :) Maggie's reporter instincts ring true as does her life as a mom juggling various schedules.
The story is timely and very well written. It amazes me when 2 authors team up to write one story that the flow is so natural. A true credit to wonderful writers. The addition of emails and chats sent between friends was woven in nicely. The new technology of the day is working into novels more and more.
I now have another cozy author (duo) to be following. I will be loading up my Kindle!!
March 27, 2013
The mystery was not easy to figure out. I enjoyed the characterizations. The book was one that I wanted to finish, so read straight through with as few interruptions as I could manage.
Maggie is a widow who works part time as a reporter on a small town paper. At one time she was in the big time working at the forefront of the news.
She is dealing with ongoing grief, raising 2 children and trying to get through each day.
She is a smart woman.
Which is why I was surprised at so many of her actions. She shares information online with someone she has never met. A reporter would not do that.
She regularly puts herself in jeopardy even though she is the only parent left for her 2 children. I think that a really smart woman would not do interviews with possible suspects in a murder and not let someone know where she is and what she is doing.
I like Maggie, I liked the other characters in the book. I enjoyed the book, but at times I had to overcome my common sense and just go with the flow.
I would recommend this book for the mystery. I would recommend this book for anyone who might be dealing with the loss of a loved one, there are times when grief is dealt with in a manner which is helpful.
Overall, a good book, but keep in mind that in order to move the story forward, Maggie takes risks -not in a good way.
Maggie is a widow who works part time as a reporter on a small town paper. At one time she was in the big time working at the forefront of the news.
She is dealing with ongoing grief, raising 2 children and trying to get through each day.
She is a smart woman.
Which is why I was surprised at so many of her actions. She shares information online with someone she has never met. A reporter would not do that.
She regularly puts herself in jeopardy even though she is the only parent left for her 2 children. I think that a really smart woman would not do interviews with possible suspects in a murder and not let someone know where she is and what she is doing.
I like Maggie, I liked the other characters in the book. I enjoyed the book, but at times I had to overcome my common sense and just go with the flow.
I would recommend this book for the mystery. I would recommend this book for anyone who might be dealing with the loss of a loved one, there are times when grief is dealt with in a manner which is helpful.
Overall, a good book, but keep in mind that in order to move the story forward, Maggie takes risks -not in a good way.
December 29, 2012
Zoned For Murder is a good solid mystery set in Milford, an affluent suburb in New York. Our heroine, Maggie Brooks, deals with the sudden death of her husband while juggling a job and raising her two children.
The story centers around a proposal for a new mega mall. Funny moments abound throughout.
My favorite parts are the encounters with her therapist, Selma - a no nonsense kind of gal - and her on-line buddy, Shelley.
The book is loaded with believable characters. David creates people who possess both good and bad qualities. Very realistic.
I think you'll enjoy Zoned For Murder, and (like me) you'll be waiting for the second Sound Shore Times Mystery featuring Maggie Brooks.
Not to mention the fact that it's a great title if you participate in the 2013 A-Z Reading Challenge!
Smart move, Evelyn!!!
The story centers around a proposal for a new mega mall. Funny moments abound throughout.
My favorite parts are the encounters with her therapist, Selma - a no nonsense kind of gal - and her on-line buddy, Shelley.
The book is loaded with believable characters. David creates people who possess both good and bad qualities. Very realistic.
I think you'll enjoy Zoned For Murder, and (like me) you'll be waiting for the second Sound Shore Times Mystery featuring Maggie Brooks.
Not to mention the fact that it's a great title if you participate in the 2013 A-Z Reading Challenge!
Smart move, Evelyn!!!
May 19, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Zoned for Murder" by Evelyn David. The main character, Maggie Brooks, is a former reporter for Newsweek who now works for a small local paper where there's seldom anything exciting to report. Until someone is murdered and then Maggie slips back into "investigative reporter" mode to try to solve the crime.
This novel has a cast of unique characters and an intriguing plot that kept me turning the pages until the very end. I highly recommend "Zoned for Murder."
This novel has a cast of unique characters and an intriguing plot that kept me turning the pages until the very end. I highly recommend "Zoned for Murder."
September 8, 2012
The beginning probably quarter of the book could of just been skipped. I did enjoy how she had an email friend that she had met through a young widow group and shared a lot of useless stuff with. Once the story got going I really enjoyed it, was surprised by the ending which always makes me happy! Good entertaining fun for a light summer day!
May 9, 2016
I liked this book. It is a little slow in the beginning, but it picks up steam from there. I liked the plot twists in this book. If you like mysteries, read this one. I got it free on Amazon when the author was having a promotion. I don't know if it still is.
April 6, 2012
This was really quite good. Very promising beginning to a series featuring Shore Sound Times reporter Maggie Brooks.
May 10, 2012
I enjoyed this as a light read. I'd like to know more about the characters and would read further books in the series.
June 25, 2012
Never saw this ending coming. Author is creative with characters. Just enough chaos and murder to keep mystery fans involved. This is a definite must for summer reading list.
August 15, 2012
The perfect e-book to take on the road. Ms. David knows her way around small town government.
October 5, 2012
It was good but that's about all I can say.
December 10, 2012
4 1/2 stars!
January 24, 2013
Politics and greed lead to murder. The ending was a surprise.
May 7, 2013
Good book, not the ending I'd anticipated
June 27, 2020
Enjoyable story. Too many swear words.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews