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A Rendezvous to Die For
All photographer Cassandra Cassidy wanted to do was settle into the peaceful Minnesota countryside and lick her New York-inflicted emotional wounds. But a photo gig she couldn't pass up has her up to her f-stops trying to get to the bottom of a gruesome hatchet job that left her nemesis dead and left her near the top of the suspect list. Smoking out the real killer will lead the mystery world's new reluctant sleuth deep into the colorful re-enactor culture and into dangerous political intrigue at the Indian reservation.
266 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Betty McMahon
2 books50 followersI've worn many hats in my 30-year career as a writer -- newspaper reporter, newspaper editor, magazine editor, copywriter, marketing communications specialist -- and now, finally, author.
Here's what made such a career possible: a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota in 1982, and then lots of persistence to make that degree work for me. It had to work because I love writing and couldn't imagine doing anything else.
A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR grew out of the intersection of my wide-ranging interests and my writing experience. Before spinning this mystery novel, I was an award-winning short story writer, and also won numerous awards in the field of journalism. A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR actually became a finalist in mystery-writing contests.
I love the idea that A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR takes place in a small Minnesota town and centers around the fictional Prairie River Trappers' Rendezvous, a weekend reenactment festival involving local citizens and Indians from the nearby reservation. It was a great setup, just asking for a mystery story.
I'm still writing (do writers ever stop writing?) and have some scenes sketched out for Cassandra's next adventure.
Here's what made such a career possible: a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota in 1982, and then lots of persistence to make that degree work for me. It had to work because I love writing and couldn't imagine doing anything else.
A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR grew out of the intersection of my wide-ranging interests and my writing experience. Before spinning this mystery novel, I was an award-winning short story writer, and also won numerous awards in the field of journalism. A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR actually became a finalist in mystery-writing contests.
I love the idea that A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR takes place in a small Minnesota town and centers around the fictional Prairie River Trappers' Rendezvous, a weekend reenactment festival involving local citizens and Indians from the nearby reservation. It was a great setup, just asking for a mystery story.
I'm still writing (do writers ever stop writing?) and have some scenes sketched out for Cassandra's next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 21, 2012
Cassandra happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time which results in her becoming a murder suspect. Cassandra goes into detective-mode attempting to find out who the real killer is and clear her own name. Her search for the truth puts her in danger and adds her to the killers list of future victims.
This novel is full of suspense and pulls you right into the wild chase. This was a very exciting read and I found myself struggling to put it down. I attempted adding all the clues up and I had several guesses to who the murderer may be. All of my guesses proved to be wrong and I was very surprised at the ending.
If you like mystery, suspense and novels full of action, I highly recommend this book to you. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!
This novel is full of suspense and pulls you right into the wild chase. This was a very exciting read and I found myself struggling to put it down. I attempted adding all the clues up and I had several guesses to who the murderer may be. All of my guesses proved to be wrong and I was very surprised at the ending.
If you like mystery, suspense and novels full of action, I highly recommend this book to you. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!
January 14, 2013
Who would have thought that taking pictures at a Prarie Rivers Trappers' Rendezvous would make you a suspect in the murder of one of the attendees.
Cassandra Cassidy found a dead body in a tent at the Rendezvous, and then a day later found another person dead when she stopped by his home. She was now a suspect in not just one murder, but two...was it a coincidence or purposely done? When she came upon a third body and then had a fire bomb thrown at her house, she seriously began to wonder what was going on. Taking pictures was turning out to be deadly and also a threat to her life.
A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR had well developed characters and scenes that were quite vivid. You could visualize the scenes and countryside of the small town of Colton Mills, Minnesota, and enjoy the small town atmosphere and stores despite murder hanging over the head of its famous photographer.
The characters came to life, and there were quite a few who could have been suspects. I know I had my decision made, but then something happened to discount that choice. With her storytelling talent, Ms. McMahon made it tricky to figure out who the real murderer was.
It took a few pages to get into the plot, but once you passed that stage of the story, you were hooked and were rooting for Cassandra who had struggled all her life as a foster child and had finally made something of herself. Could someone have been jealous of her success and set her up to be a murder suspect or was it something more sinister?
I enjoyed the book...good mystery along with some small-town romance. 5/5
I received this book free of charge without compensation from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cassandra Cassidy found a dead body in a tent at the Rendezvous, and then a day later found another person dead when she stopped by his home. She was now a suspect in not just one murder, but two...was it a coincidence or purposely done? When she came upon a third body and then had a fire bomb thrown at her house, she seriously began to wonder what was going on. Taking pictures was turning out to be deadly and also a threat to her life.
A RENDEZVOUS TO DIE FOR had well developed characters and scenes that were quite vivid. You could visualize the scenes and countryside of the small town of Colton Mills, Minnesota, and enjoy the small town atmosphere and stores despite murder hanging over the head of its famous photographer.
The characters came to life, and there were quite a few who could have been suspects. I know I had my decision made, but then something happened to discount that choice. With her storytelling talent, Ms. McMahon made it tricky to figure out who the real murderer was.
It took a few pages to get into the plot, but once you passed that stage of the story, you were hooked and were rooting for Cassandra who had struggled all her life as a foster child and had finally made something of herself. Could someone have been jealous of her success and set her up to be a murder suspect or was it something more sinister?
I enjoyed the book...good mystery along with some small-town romance. 5/5
I received this book free of charge without compensation from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2012
This book was a pretty quick read for me. The mystery was great and the overall story was paced very well. This one kept me guessing until the very end and when the killer was revealed it was a complete surprise.
While I did like this book, it wasn't one of those that I just loved although it's very well written. I think that my main problem was that I didn't really feel like I got to know Cassandra very well. I didn't feel like she was quite as well developed as she could have been. I never really got a clear picture in my head of who she was or even what she looked like. I know that she liked to wear red shirts, but that's about all the description of her I remember and that's probably because it's a key component in the story. She does have a little back story, but even some of that is vague. I know that she grew up in foster care but we never learn why. She keeps touching a scar, and she seems to be afraid of fire, but again, we never learn anything about either thing.
I really liked Nick, but I think that he should have been introduced sooner in the story. I know that this was not intended to be a romance book, but I think that the story would have been better if there had been a little more romance in it.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story and it will keep you on your toes as Cassandra investigates these murders on her own. She is determined to clear her name and she does some pretty drastic things to do it.
Overall I think it was a good story, but with a little more character development and maybe a little more romance it could have been great! If you like a good mystery then this is probably a book you would enjoy.
While I did like this book, it wasn't one of those that I just loved although it's very well written. I think that my main problem was that I didn't really feel like I got to know Cassandra very well. I didn't feel like she was quite as well developed as she could have been. I never really got a clear picture in my head of who she was or even what she looked like. I know that she liked to wear red shirts, but that's about all the description of her I remember and that's probably because it's a key component in the story. She does have a little back story, but even some of that is vague. I know that she grew up in foster care but we never learn why. She keeps touching a scar, and she seems to be afraid of fire, but again, we never learn anything about either thing.
I really liked Nick, but I think that he should have been introduced sooner in the story. I know that this was not intended to be a romance book, but I think that the story would have been better if there had been a little more romance in it.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story and it will keep you on your toes as Cassandra investigates these murders on her own. She is determined to clear her name and she does some pretty drastic things to do it.
Overall I think it was a good story, but with a little more character development and maybe a little more romance it could have been great! If you like a good mystery then this is probably a book you would enjoy.
January 14, 2013
A photographer turned amateur sleuth must solve the mystery that increasingly casts suspicion on herself. It's a great premise, and especially the idea of the camera being the one to catch all the little clues that can help solve the mystery is smart. I didn't feel like this story completely delivered on it's promise however. The structure of the mystery felt haphazard, as clues and information were revealed in too many coincidences and in reconnaissances that felt illogical or at least a jump in logic. It made the story feel a little unrealistic and that took me out of the story. I do like mysteries that make you feel that in the end you could have figured it out because the building of it was so methodical and well-designed. With this novel I felt the way the information was presented was too slapdash and rushed sometimes to give a proper perspective on the solution, which made the reveal of the murderer feel like it was shoehorned to fit the expected least likely suspect.
But. Although the mystery is a little flat for me, the characters that made up the small town and Cassandra's list of suspects were well fleshed out and dynamic. There was also a great attention to detail of the reality of people who participate in historical reenactments, photographers and cowboys. I liked the gradual reveal of some of Cassandra's mysterious and troubled background and how she had to use her experiences from her past to deal with her present. As a mystery I wanted more, but as a set-up for a new sleuth series, I think this series shows a lot of promise.
But. Although the mystery is a little flat for me, the characters that made up the small town and Cassandra's list of suspects were well fleshed out and dynamic. There was also a great attention to detail of the reality of people who participate in historical reenactments, photographers and cowboys. I liked the gradual reveal of some of Cassandra's mysterious and troubled background and how she had to use her experiences from her past to deal with her present. As a mystery I wanted more, but as a set-up for a new sleuth series, I think this series shows a lot of promise.
February 25, 2013
Exciting action on the Rez! A brand new sleuth sorts out clues from an 1830s world!
Photographer Cassandra Cassidy has left her big city life behind in New York and is just getting settled in a small town in Minnesota.
She wasn’t really sure what she would find at the Prairie River Trappers’ Rendezvous but was hoping to take enough good pictures to sell so she could pay her rent. The last thing she expected to find was a dead body. A body of someone she knew and really hated. Then to find herself as one of the suspects really put things in a new light. She decided it was up to her to track down the killer before she found herself totally out of the picture.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A very interesting mystery with a historical twist. The Rendezvous took us back in time and gave us a glimpse of traditions of days gone by. The re-enactors try to remain in character but after a body is found their true character is revealed giving Cassandra a plethora of suspects.
Cassandra came alive to me but Deputy Shaw drove me crazy. Young and new to the job is no excuse for his bubbling stupidity. I really liked Marty, I would love to have him for my landlord. There is plenty of room for all the characters to evolve and a little romance to be added to future installments.
This debut is a light, quick, entertaining whodunit from an author that shows much promise. I look forward to more of Cassandra Cassidy’s escapades.
Photographer Cassandra Cassidy has left her big city life behind in New York and is just getting settled in a small town in Minnesota.
She wasn’t really sure what she would find at the Prairie River Trappers’ Rendezvous but was hoping to take enough good pictures to sell so she could pay her rent. The last thing she expected to find was a dead body. A body of someone she knew and really hated. Then to find herself as one of the suspects really put things in a new light. She decided it was up to her to track down the killer before she found herself totally out of the picture.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A very interesting mystery with a historical twist. The Rendezvous took us back in time and gave us a glimpse of traditions of days gone by. The re-enactors try to remain in character but after a body is found their true character is revealed giving Cassandra a plethora of suspects.
Cassandra came alive to me but Deputy Shaw drove me crazy. Young and new to the job is no excuse for his bubbling stupidity. I really liked Marty, I would love to have him for my landlord. There is plenty of room for all the characters to evolve and a little romance to be added to future installments.
This debut is a light, quick, entertaining whodunit from an author that shows much promise. I look forward to more of Cassandra Cassidy’s escapades.
January 23, 2013
I received a copy of this book with a request for review from the author.
I liked the setting. The small town atmosphere was appealing and the setting at a Rendezvous was unusual and different. Having been to a Mountain Man rendezvous, I was interested in how the author would use that setting. I thought the author could have used the rendezvous setting more effectively, but it was adequately interesting.
The writing is not polished. As a result, I felt both the story and the character of Cassandra suffered. The characters in general and particularly the character of Cassandra never felt fully developed to me. Cassandra frequently rushes from one scene to another and I felt the story was lacking in depth. I felt many of Cassandra's decisions were just plain idiotic, and I find it difficult to relate to a character who doesn't feel very smart. The story was frequently disjointed and incongruous. In addition, the author has an inexplicable love affair with commas, which randomly appear in sentences without rhyme, reason or grammatical intent.
Nevertheless, it was sufficiently interesting that I finished the book.
I liked the setting. The small town atmosphere was appealing and the setting at a Rendezvous was unusual and different. Having been to a Mountain Man rendezvous, I was interested in how the author would use that setting. I thought the author could have used the rendezvous setting more effectively, but it was adequately interesting.
The writing is not polished. As a result, I felt both the story and the character of Cassandra suffered. The characters in general and particularly the character of Cassandra never felt fully developed to me. Cassandra frequently rushes from one scene to another and I felt the story was lacking in depth. I felt many of Cassandra's decisions were just plain idiotic, and I find it difficult to relate to a character who doesn't feel very smart. The story was frequently disjointed and incongruous. In addition, the author has an inexplicable love affair with commas, which randomly appear in sentences without rhyme, reason or grammatical intent.
Nevertheless, it was sufficiently interesting that I finished the book.
April 27, 2014
This book was frustrating; on the one hand a good intriguing story, not easily solved, a mix of potentially great characters, some interesting twists and turns in the plot ... good enough to get me to the end, and care about whodunnit. But too many typos and errors (get a beta reader!), and some ridiculous and illogical plot contortions to get the main character to where she needed to be for everything to be resolved. Sadly Cassandra comes off mostly as a bit daft, when she could have so easily been spunky and determined. Most annoyingly, numerous plot developments told in one sentence without any attempt at character development or even a decent explanation of why a particular course of action was undertaken ... it just felt like paragraphs had mysteriously disappeared from the MS. I know a lot of authors blather on about boring, irrelevant detail until your eyes glaze over, but I've never read a story quite so underdeveloped in this way. I can only say again - please, please, please ... use all the words! It was a reasonable read; it could have been a terrific one.
November 10, 2012
Photographer Cassie Cassidy goes to a rendezvous where she hopes to get photos of American Indians in action.
Unfortunately, she meets a reporter who gets into an argument with her. Cass had proven that a photo the reporter used in a story had been doctored.
Soon after, Cass finds his body, killed with a tommyhawk.
When she gives her statement to the police, she can see that the deputy sheriff has an attitude and sees her as a suspect.
The writing is colorful as we learn of Indian traditions and the realism that the re-enactors place in the setting and their outfits.
Cass has few friends who would take her side and we follow her attempt to prove her innocence. She is impulsive but brave and there's no stopping her.
The setting is picturesque the story is original. I also like that the author gives a good example of a female character-in a world dominated by men-who fights to prove she isn't a killer.
Unfortunately, she meets a reporter who gets into an argument with her. Cass had proven that a photo the reporter used in a story had been doctored.
Soon after, Cass finds his body, killed with a tommyhawk.
When she gives her statement to the police, she can see that the deputy sheriff has an attitude and sees her as a suspect.
The writing is colorful as we learn of Indian traditions and the realism that the re-enactors place in the setting and their outfits.
Cass has few friends who would take her side and we follow her attempt to prove her innocence. She is impulsive but brave and there's no stopping her.
The setting is picturesque the story is original. I also like that the author gives a good example of a female character-in a world dominated by men-who fights to prove she isn't a killer.
December 23, 2012
Read my full review @ http://bit.ly/Uhhe9E
My opinion: I enjoyed this (light) cozy mystery. Although, I am, in general, not a fan of the cozy genre and think that they come off as much too sticky sweet; I love when an author can build a more substantial mystery or deeper characters. That is exactly what Ms. McMahon accomplished in A Rendezvous to Die For. This book was really inviting in her approach and writing. To boot, the characters were really down to earth and approachable. Finally, I loved the setting.
This is easily a character/setting that I could see develop into a series similar to something like MURDER SHE WROTE.
My opinion: I enjoyed this (light) cozy mystery. Although, I am, in general, not a fan of the cozy genre and think that they come off as much too sticky sweet; I love when an author can build a more substantial mystery or deeper characters. That is exactly what Ms. McMahon accomplished in A Rendezvous to Die For. This book was really inviting in her approach and writing. To boot, the characters were really down to earth and approachable. Finally, I loved the setting.
This is easily a character/setting that I could see develop into a series similar to something like MURDER SHE WROTE.
August 9, 2013
This was an excellent read... the story line was very well laid out. I enjoyed how the action kept you on your toes and in my case I had everyone figured out to be the killer even the good guys.. Never in my wildest dreams did I have it figured right, a total surprise. Ms McMahon has really got it all together for writing who done it books, I for one hope she never stops. I have just found another author to add to my favorites. Don't miss this well written, excellent book. It will keep the midnight oils burning, you will not be able to put it down.
October 25, 2012
A Rendezvous to Die For is an exceptional mystery. The cast of unique characters and a novice detective reminded me of a cozy mystery. But the rich details and plot setting lent it an historical air. Either way, it's a clever story with a fresh and engaging protagonist with a solid plot. Even though I kept trying to figure out who the killer was, I never did. A surprising ending, which I loved! I was thoroughly entertained and look forward to seeing another installment with Cassidy!
January 29, 2013
This book is a fun, fast read with a very twisty plot that I didn't figure out until almost the end. Ms. McMahon's characterizations are very well done and blended into the story without being heavy handed and in your face. The rendezvous setting combined with the photography vocation of the main character provided added delicious little twists to the plot. I hope Cassandra Cassidy has more adventures ahead of her.
January 25, 2015
Somewhat mystery some what adventure this book makes the reader think about little clues throughout the book and who could be responsible for the murders. Loaded with nature, friendships, murders and dramas most readers will probably enjoy. For me, some parts of the book were slow and not moving fast enough but again most readers will probably enjoy.
July 13, 2013
This was a pretty good mystery. But I'd have to go with an exact rating of 3.5 stars, because there are at least a dozen spots needing a bit more polish.
August 3, 2013
This book really kept me guessing to the very end a lot of twist and turns loved it.
January 9, 2014
Great book, good mystery, can't wait for her next.
August 23, 2015
Good who dunit read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author. The book is a good read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author. The book is a good read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
July 25, 2012
It's my book; I'm hardly unbiased!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews