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Bed-and-Breakfast Mysteries #28
Gone with the Win: A Bed-and-Breakfast Mystery (Bed-and-Breakfast Mysteries) by Mary Daheim
In Gone with the Win, another charming entry in Mary Daheim’s beloved Bed-and-Breakfast series, someone from Judith McMonigle Flynn’s past comes knocking, and the reluctant amateur sleuth finds herself working a case so cold it's practically frozen.
Ruby Tooms drops her bags and a mystery on the lovely Persian carpet of Hillside Manor, Judith’s bed-and-breakfast in Seattle.
Ruby’s mother was strangled years before, soon after her divorce from Ruby’s father—and the killer is still at large.
Undaunted, Judith agrees to help Ruby. Cousin Renie grudgingly pitches in, and even Judith’s husband, Joe, gets involved.
The game’s afoot and ahoof with Judith discovering that the hand she's been dealt includes not only a joker but that deadly card, the Ace of Spades. And, she’s off…in pursuit of a killer.
Ruby Tooms drops her bags and a mystery on the lovely Persian carpet of Hillside Manor, Judith’s bed-and-breakfast in Seattle.
Ruby’s mother was strangled years before, soon after her divorce from Ruby’s father—and the killer is still at large.
Undaunted, Judith agrees to help Ruby. Cousin Renie grudgingly pitches in, and even Judith’s husband, Joe, gets involved.
The game’s afoot and ahoof with Judith discovering that the hand she's been dealt includes not only a joker but that deadly card, the Ace of Spades. And, she’s off…in pursuit of a killer.
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 25, 2013
I kept getting lost with all the plot twists. I never really did understand why the person that did the crime did it. :(
July 17, 2014
I got this book free from Firstreads. This is my honest review.
Innkeepers Judith and her ex-cop husband Joe find themselves with an interesting guest. Though she signed in as Mary Smith, she's actually Ruby Toombs. Her mother was killed when she was very young and Joe's partner on the police force had this unsolved case at that time. Now Judith, Joe and Judith's cousin Renie are drawn into this cold case mystery of the murdered mother.
I have really enjoyed Daheim's Bed & Breakfast mysteries, but I found this one a bit over the top with sarcastic humor and extra details that detracted from the fun of this particular story for me. I'm not sure if it was the intentional flavor of the old town and racetrack part of the story, but it didn't read as light and interesting as some of her previous books. The "hatred" between Judith's mom and Joe didn't set real well with me either. Though having said that, it was an interesting mystery and I'll continue to be a fan of this fun series.
Innkeepers Judith and her ex-cop husband Joe find themselves with an interesting guest. Though she signed in as Mary Smith, she's actually Ruby Toombs. Her mother was killed when she was very young and Joe's partner on the police force had this unsolved case at that time. Now Judith, Joe and Judith's cousin Renie are drawn into this cold case mystery of the murdered mother.
I have really enjoyed Daheim's Bed & Breakfast mysteries, but I found this one a bit over the top with sarcastic humor and extra details that detracted from the fun of this particular story for me. I'm not sure if it was the intentional flavor of the old town and racetrack part of the story, but it didn't read as light and interesting as some of her previous books. The "hatred" between Judith's mom and Joe didn't set real well with me either. Though having said that, it was an interesting mystery and I'll continue to be a fan of this fun series.
November 30, 2013
I almost didn't buy this title as I was disappointed in Ms. Daheim's last book in this series (The Wurst is yet to Come). Now I wish I hadn't bought it.
The ending to this story was unrealistic, in my opinion. The entire story line was based on the premise that Ruby wanted to know who killed her mother and yet the story ends with her not learning the truth and seemingly no longer caring either. Not plausible!
It may be time for Ms. Daheim to end this series and REALLY retire Judith from sleuthing permanently. Maybe her next book could include the death of Judith's mother (who must be 100 years old by now), Judith closing the B&B business and just enjoying the rest of her life with her husband, Joe.
The ending to this story was unrealistic, in my opinion. The entire story line was based on the premise that Ruby wanted to know who killed her mother and yet the story ends with her not learning the truth and seemingly no longer caring either. Not plausible!
It may be time for Ms. Daheim to end this series and REALLY retire Judith from sleuthing permanently. Maybe her next book could include the death of Judith's mother (who must be 100 years old by now), Judith closing the B&B business and just enjoying the rest of her life with her husband, Joe.
May 3, 2014
I've read all the books in this series, but as "the cousins" get older they are slowing down and so is the pace of the books. Mary Daheim has a well-developed sense of humor, that can range form corny, to edgy, to visual comedy, but that too is slowing down. In "Gone with the Win," Judith kept getting dragged into solving the murder even though she continuously stated that she wouldn't, and after awhile it got tiresome. Plus the clues were convoluted and the details bogged down the story. Would I let this stop me from reading the author's next book. No. But I just couldn't find it in me to give it more than 3 stars.
July 21, 2013
It was all right. I think I read this series because I have an OCD- I have to finish the series...
Anyway, the plot was just "meh". I really don't want to give away anything, but I'm pretty tired of Renie's attitude. She's just way too over the top. I think the idea of a tie-in story with an earlier story is good, but this just didn't work. Joe is always going on about how he doesn't want his wife to investigate, but he seems to be pushing her into it. The characters just didn't feel right.
Anyway, the plot was just "meh". I really don't want to give away anything, but I'm pretty tired of Renie's attitude. She's just way too over the top. I think the idea of a tie-in story with an earlier story is good, but this just didn't work. Joe is always going on about how he doesn't want his wife to investigate, but he seems to be pushing her into it. The characters just didn't feel right.
November 13, 2020
just when Judith thinks that she is finally able to retire from sleuthing , another on falls into her lap.
May 10, 2022
Stay tuned for the reviews
December 5, 2025
Mary Daheim’s Alpine series drew my attention to her work in spite of the alphabetical serialization of the titles. But, the series was recommended to me because of the Seattle background (I was living in Bellevue at the time) and the fact that the protagonist was a journalist who was trying to make a go of a local newspaper as a publisher. Since I had just stepped into the shoes of publisher from editor-in-chief of a national publication, this seemed like an ideal series for me to step into. As much as I enjoyed that series, I never expected to enjoy her Bed ‘n Breakfast series. There was no connection to which I could relate.
Yet, I tremendously enjoyed the even more humorous frolics of Judith, her grumpy old mother, and her very wacky cousin. To my surprise, as well, most of the mysteries were solid, as well. So, I have a weakness for humorous but satisfying mysteries and Daheim became a staple in my escapist literature diet. Going on a recent trip, I chose several audio books so I could listen on the road. Gone with the Win was my first Daheim novel to experience in this format. The narrator was very good and her interpretation of certain lines (similar to ones I had read in print in other novels in the series) heightened my sense of risibility.
Gone with the Win introduces much more of Judith’s past and somewhat unfortunate marriage to the obese Dan and lets us meet the infamous tout and handicapper, Uncle Oscar. This is a “cold case” story and is quite interesting as her ex-policeman husband realizes he can’t keep Judith out of any interesting case and as they even cooperate together.
The story also has an intriguing cast of suspects to throw into the mix. Some of the “red herrings” are so “probable” that Judith begins to doubt her sleuthing ability because even she jumps to the wrong conclusions which yours truly also managed to cling to throughout the book. Even as the pages were coming to a close, I still thought the murderer was one individual when the murderer turned out to be someone I thought was an accomplice.
Now, some may think the denouement is more than a little contrived, an improbable happy ending. What would you expect? This is a “cozy” series of mysteries. They aren’t thrillers or noir. They’re delightful escapist reading—fast, funny, and fascinating.
The following was upon a rereading of this novel.
Comedy, coincidence and cozy (but not overly comfortable) relationships are the hallmarks of the Mary Daheim mystery series set in Seattle (actually, the ones in Alpine, too). Add what are usually solid mysteries, and it’s a winning recipe. Gone With the Win is not only a clever pun on a classic book title, but a prescient pun on the solution to the mystery. The story is particularly endearing with Judith, innkeeper and (attempting to reform) female sleuth, getting dragged into an old cold case. Ironically (and through ingenious use of coincidence), even her husband Joe (whom she was attempting to please with her promise to quit risking her life by sleuthing).
I won’t give away the coincidence, but I will reveal that the cold case occurred during the time Judith was unhappily married to the late Dan McGonigle. Suspects even occasionally knew Judith from her past life.
Gone With the Win features a delightful array of coincidences, switched identities, unknown family relationships, and hilarious (some near incredulous) schemes and cover stories. Having once lived near Seattle, I love the in-jokes about Bartleby’s Drugs (Bartell’s?) and Boring Aerospace (Guess who?). I nearly lost it with a character named Ida from Oregon (Ore-Ida Potatoes?).
The mystery in Gone With the Win is about as convoluted as it gets, but even though I was pretty sure who might have done the deed, a couple of the red herrings were very plausible. I liked the hidden treasure aspect of the mystery, too. My rating may suggest my affinity for the series and the fact that it had been a while since I tried one, but this is how satisfying it was for me.
Yet, I tremendously enjoyed the even more humorous frolics of Judith, her grumpy old mother, and her very wacky cousin. To my surprise, as well, most of the mysteries were solid, as well. So, I have a weakness for humorous but satisfying mysteries and Daheim became a staple in my escapist literature diet. Going on a recent trip, I chose several audio books so I could listen on the road. Gone with the Win was my first Daheim novel to experience in this format. The narrator was very good and her interpretation of certain lines (similar to ones I had read in print in other novels in the series) heightened my sense of risibility.
Gone with the Win introduces much more of Judith’s past and somewhat unfortunate marriage to the obese Dan and lets us meet the infamous tout and handicapper, Uncle Oscar. This is a “cold case” story and is quite interesting as her ex-policeman husband realizes he can’t keep Judith out of any interesting case and as they even cooperate together.
The story also has an intriguing cast of suspects to throw into the mix. Some of the “red herrings” are so “probable” that Judith begins to doubt her sleuthing ability because even she jumps to the wrong conclusions which yours truly also managed to cling to throughout the book. Even as the pages were coming to a close, I still thought the murderer was one individual when the murderer turned out to be someone I thought was an accomplice.
Now, some may think the denouement is more than a little contrived, an improbable happy ending. What would you expect? This is a “cozy” series of mysteries. They aren’t thrillers or noir. They’re delightful escapist reading—fast, funny, and fascinating.
The following was upon a rereading of this novel.
Comedy, coincidence and cozy (but not overly comfortable) relationships are the hallmarks of the Mary Daheim mystery series set in Seattle (actually, the ones in Alpine, too). Add what are usually solid mysteries, and it’s a winning recipe. Gone With the Win is not only a clever pun on a classic book title, but a prescient pun on the solution to the mystery. The story is particularly endearing with Judith, innkeeper and (attempting to reform) female sleuth, getting dragged into an old cold case. Ironically (and through ingenious use of coincidence), even her husband Joe (whom she was attempting to please with her promise to quit risking her life by sleuthing).
I won’t give away the coincidence, but I will reveal that the cold case occurred during the time Judith was unhappily married to the late Dan McGonigle. Suspects even occasionally knew Judith from her past life.
Gone With the Win features a delightful array of coincidences, switched identities, unknown family relationships, and hilarious (some near incredulous) schemes and cover stories. Having once lived near Seattle, I love the in-jokes about Bartleby’s Drugs (Bartell’s?) and Boring Aerospace (Guess who?). I nearly lost it with a character named Ida from Oregon (Ore-Ida Potatoes?).
The mystery in Gone With the Win is about as convoluted as it gets, but even though I was pretty sure who might have done the deed, a couple of the red herrings were very plausible. I liked the hidden treasure aspect of the mystery, too. My rating may suggest my affinity for the series and the fact that it had been a while since I tried one, but this is how satisfying it was for me.
July 27, 2013
I was a bit perturbed by the end. Who ran over Brick Frosch? Was it Lainie, like Judith guessed at the end of chapter 18? Also, at the end of the book, Bill states "Something's off" when they're discussing Ruby and her recent marriage to someone who claims to be a writer. I wonder if we'll hear more about Ruby in a future book. In the story, she's occasionally referred to as being flaky. Wanting to know who killed her mother is what led her to Judith's bed and breakfast, but then a guy came along and it's like she doesn't give a hoot about finding her mother's killer. Joe suggests Winston Flugelhorn might be after Ruby's inheritance, but Judith tells him he has his own money. Of course, that's only based on what Ruby told her about Winston being a best-selling author who writes under another name and never makes public appearances. How convenient. Perhaps this guy is lying. Oh well...I guess I'll just have to wait until the next book to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2014
Always a good read. I love the Seattle setting and all the names for places, e.g. Boreing Co, Norquist's. Some of Gertrude's comebacks are laugh out loud funny and I love Judith's relationship with Renie. The ending of this mystery was a little flat.
June 8, 2014
I was a bit disappointed because I usually like Daheim, but this one seemed chunked, it hopped around a lot and I felt like pieces were missing. Sometime solutions or pieces of the puzzle seemed yanked out of thin air. :-/. Not a favorite.
February 27, 2018
In Gone with the Win, another charming entry in Mary Daheim’s beloved Bed-and-Breakfast series, someone from Judith McMonigle Flynn’s past comes knocking, and the reluctant amateur sleuth finds herself working a case so cold it's practically frozen.
This was a light, very humorous mystery. I found myself LOL a lot! Great plot and a twist in the ending.
This was a light, very humorous mystery. I found myself LOL a lot! Great plot and a twist in the ending.
December 27, 2025
I had trouble suspending my disbelief enough for this one, & there were a few loose ends that went nowhere: an unsatisfying resolution, no one seemed to really care by the end, including me. I haven't read the rest of the series, so I think it might be a bit tired by now. It's all a bit too twee & the characters are unlikeable. I'm not encouraged to read any more of them.
January 3, 2018
I have read several of the books in this series. I found this one hard to follow. I thought is was just me, but several others have said the same thing. The reader of the audio book, Lindsay Ellison, is excellent. I suggest reading the series' earlier books which are much better than this one.
January 26, 2018
Not my favorite entry in the series. The bickering was over the top. Several important plot points were left unresolved. I did like Judith going back to her old neighborhood. I could do without Renie and the dumb references to Oscar.
November 27, 2024
Back home at Hillside Manor for this one and Judith's mother was a bit much for me. I know it's a trope in these cozy mysteries, but the unfailingly mean characters get to me. Time for a new genre, I think, but what it shall be I don't yet know!
June 27, 2025
Judith's friend, from the Oktoberfest is back. Ruby the barmaid is staying at the B & B, and she wants
Judith to find her Mom's Killer. The murder is 20 years old, but she'll try and find out who did it
Judith to find her Mom's Killer. The murder is 20 years old, but she'll try and find out who did it
July 19, 2017
Couldn't get into it. Didn't finish it.
September 3, 2017
Amusing romp, but the ending seemed facile and unsupported.
March 7, 2018
Another good book in a fun series. This time we learn more about Judith's old neighbourhood as she helped a friend solve a cold case.
The characters continue to entertain.
The characters continue to entertain.
June 3, 2018
Good read!
Another grabber. Plot moves right along with Renee and Judith. Funky neighbors, good husbands, mean mothers and all of the rest.
Another grabber. Plot moves right along with Renee and Judith. Funky neighbors, good husbands, mean mothers and all of the rest.
December 28, 2019
Great series with such well developed characters that I always look forward to revisiting
October 30, 2020
Nice enough story, possibly leading to a follow up.
October 30, 2020
Somehow it seemed like both Judith's husband and her cousin toned down the aggressive unpleasantness in this book. Since that is one of my bigger issues with the earlier books I was happy to see it.
December 29, 2021
Perhaps 3.5 rating
The ending was disappointing.
The ending was disappointing.
May 21, 2022
Lots of characters! But a great read.
I can't believe M D is gone. She was always a good read.
I can't believe M D is gone. She was always a good read.
June 6, 2023
I enjoy Mary Daheim's books, but this one was a slow reading book. Just could not get into the book.
August 23, 2023
2.5 stars
April 21, 2025
Have to keep wits and list about
February 4, 2019
I found this book a little boring. It made no sense to me especially the ending. I am really tired of how nasty Renie and Gertrude are. I also find the bits about Bill and Renie and Oscar ridiculous. Renie seems to need a makeover because she apparently needs a bib when she eats.
Better luck with the next Ms. Daheim. Mb
Better luck with the next Ms. Daheim. Mb
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews