A Staged Corpse

A Stoneybrook Mystery #12

by Eryn Scott

A body is never good for a room’s feng shui … The McKay’s divorce was as public as Sheriff Mark McKay’s defeat in the recent election. Which is why, when he’s found poisoned in the middle of one of his ex-wife’s staged houses, Courtney McKay becomes the prime suspect in the former sheriff’s murder. But the people of Stoneybrook have come to think of the interior decorator as one of their own and they don’t believe she’s guilty for a second. It’ll take a refined eye to find the truth in this puzzling case. Recipes Blackberry lime jam and bread and butter pickles

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2024

About the author

Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.

She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?

Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.

You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.

Reviews

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley gets pulled into a murder investigation after her best friend Suze sees a body at the house next door. The victim is the former sheriff and ex-husband of Courtney who has staged the home to help it sell.
The former Sheriff has many people who would not be surprised that he was murdered. He made people mad with him for a variety of reasons. When townspeople find out Hadley may know details about what happened, they come to her jam shop en masse. The only ones she talks to are the older ladies she calls “the grannies “. These ladies often help out in the sales part of the shop.
The author weaves in wedding planning between Hadley and Luke. They have had an on and off relationship for years. Now they have finally realized how much they love each other and want to spend their lives together.
This is the twelfth book in a series. You could read it on its own, but the series builds on itself, so it’s best to read the novels in order.
I am happy to hear that another Stoneybrook story willing be coming soon. All of Eryn Scott’s tales are fantastic!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the former sheriff is murdered and his body is staged at the crime scene of a house his ex-wife is trying to sell, Hadley is on the case. The former sheriff has no shortage of enemies, making the list of potential murderers not a small one. While she can’t imagine either of her friends being responsible for the murder, Hadley is determined to get to the truth. But can Hadley pin down the motive and find the killer? Eryn Scott has crafted another rich, cleverly plotted book with A Staged Corpse.

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to the Stoneybrook Mystery series having begun my adventure with Hadley and the gang in book 11 but enjoyed it so much glad to read the next adventure and discover what happens next with the characters as well as the next murder mystery to be solved.
I began reading as saw summary saying the adventures were stand alone and the murder mystery element is but there is so much more to the series as the characters are endearing, fun, sweet, romantic and the books have a lovely feel good factor and warm fuzzies, albeit mixed in with a little side order of murder mystery.
The main group of characters and the whole town of Stoneybrook make for a great setting of small town adventure, fun, cozy and intrigue with a whodunnit that has you guessing to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one just seemed to meander all over the place without a clear sense of direction. Everything was so predictable. I'm sure the folks who love weddings will love this one, but I don't love weddings. I don't even like weddings. And the surprise to the bride wedding always leaves me wondering how on earth they could get legally married without a marriage license?

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and couldn't put it down, hence I read it in a day. That is once I got over the worry, I have read all the books in the series and was very worried with the end of the first chapter and the comment the Sheriff is dead, my immediate reaction was NO not Kevin. The characters are like family, we have got to know them so well. That will teach me to get the book without reading the blurb. I was going to get the book no matter what it said as Eryn it just that kind of author that you know you are going to love it no matter what it says, definitely an author that is at the top of my must read list. It does work as a standalone but as I said the series works so much better if you know the characters. The mystery was good and I loved how the wedding plans were woven into the investigation, giving you the best of both worlds. A good mystery and character development, there is even humour and hopefully a new romance. I can't wait for the next book.
With the house next door on the market, Suze is excited to see who her new neighbours will be. What she doesn't expect to see is the prospective buyers running out of the house screaming. Somebody has killed the ex Sheriff and staged the body, as though staying the house. With the current Sheriff taking himself off the case after an augment with the dead man comes to light, it's up to the James twins to find the killer. The ex Sheriff had no fans in the small town, so the suspect list is long. Including both his ex wife, who was trying to sell the house he was found in and the current sheriff who was against him in a bitter battle for the position of sheriff. Hadley unable to see either of her friends as a killer thinks the killer is connected to his job either some one he put away as a policeman or someone he was investigating as a private investigator but can she find the motive?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The house next door to her as always been like a second home to Suze, so she’s a bit sad about it being on the market. However, Courtney has done a beautiful job staging it and prospective buyers are coming to look at it. Suze is surprised to hear screaming from next door and is even more shocked to find former sheriff McKay dead inside. As his ex-wife, with a bitter divorce between them, Courtney knows she’ll be a suspect. Hadley & Suze agree to help clear her. Kevin recuses himself from the case since he had an altercation with McKay the day before his death. Paul reluctantly agrees to let Hadley in on the investigation.

Meanwhile, the grannies have decided to take a break from crime solving in order to play matchmaker for Kevin. They introduce him to Ellis, a domestic abuse survivor. Although Kevin & Ellis hit it off, she balks at him being an active police officer. Kevin tries some other dates, but everyone pales in comparison to Ellis. Hadley & Suze make a point to become friends with Ellis, and her tech expertise helps them with the case. And during a fraught confrontation with the killer where Suze is held captive, Ellis’ self defense moves save the day.

As a dv survivor, I was particularly pleased with the character of Ellis, and of her reclaiming her voice and strength. Ms. Scott’s descriptions of how abusers operate was spot on and handled with sensitivity. I also like that Sheriff McKay was given a redemption arc that his death revealed. And the ending was beautiful, I literally cried happy tears for Hadley & Luke.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley owns her own shop, Pretty Jam Good, and is outside shoveling. Then decides to go help her friend who owns a shop down the road. Her friend, Suze, has been watching the goings on in the house next door. The interior designer is staging the house to sell. As they're talking on the phone, Suze is watching a couple go into the house then she hears screams then the couple run out and the woman falls. Suze goes over to help when the lady on the ground yells something about the sheriff. When she goes in she sees the sheriff or at least his body lying there. Hadley and her friends are known as The Stoneybrook Killer Catchers. But they are branching out into matchmakers. Although it looks like that branch may not get too far. Who killed the ex sheriff? He had a lot of enemies and most of them he made honestly. Did his ex wife do him in? For what reason? Questions and more questions are popping up? To top it all off, Hadley's and Luke's wedding is in the mix. Will it even happen?
Fantastic cozy mystery that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed the Former Sheriff ? . . .

Hadley James shoveled up the snow in front of her jam shop, then walked over to Suze’s art studio and shoveled her walk as well before shoppers’ feet could pack it all down and make it difficult to shovel. Suze was still at home watching the real estate agent showing the house next door. She called Hadley and gave her a step-by-step narration as the potential buyers were guided through the house. Then she paused saying she heard screaming! They all ran out the door but the agent, Deborah, slipped and fell so Suze ran out to help her. Deb kept mumbling that the Sheriff was inside, so Suze went in to take a look. She still had Hadley on the phone as she informed her the former and unlikable Sheriff Mark McKay was dead!

With all the twists and turns that follow, this one will be a difficult one to guess who the murderer is. Hadley and the gang are ready to look for the solution of who murdered Mark McKay. Join the gang and follow the clues! This well-written story will keep your attention from start to finish!

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Stoneybrook with Hedley and the gang for another encounter with murder. This time it's the ex sheriff who is found dead. He wasn't a very nice person in previous books so there are plenty of suspects for our amateur sleuths to consider. Alongside the professional law enforcement, Hedley, Suze and the grannies are back investigating whilst Hedley is also trying to organise her wedding to Luke. As ever, there are red herrings thrown in and new characters to get to know before the mystery is solved. The winter setting is atmospheric and I love reading how our lovable characters are getting on with their lives, amidst all the drama. A good addition to the series, with a lovely ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns that has an amateur sleuth who is lucky to have such brave and loyal friends. This is the 12th book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Hadley does make some interesting choices that get her in hot water occasionally but the murder investigation ends with a satisfying conclusion and the ending of the book is heartwarming. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book in this series and I can’t believe I’ve missed out on such great stories! This is a cozy filled with wonderful characters, small town charm, a picturesque town and of course a thorny mystery to solve. I loved Hadley and her friends and family. The mystery was a real head scratcher. The person I thought did it was not the culprit and the real culprit was a total surprise. A wonderful story with a lovely, sweet ending!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Staged Corpse is book 12 in A Stoneybrook Mystery by Eryn Scott. I believe that this series gets better with each book. I love the core characters and the author writes outstanding new/recurring characters. Eryn Scott has tackled a serious issue in marriage violence and control. Sheriff McKay is found dead in his ex wife's stage house. Hadley and her best friend, Susie, will sift through the layers of the crime and to discover the killer. I couldn't put the book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

as Luke and Hadley find options for their hoped for summer wedding crumbling, Suze has an unwelcome find at her longtime neighbors' house

with another murder to unravel, can Hadley and Luke still plan a summer wedding- somewhere?

more surprises and a possible new friend or twi and a kitty fill out this closely knit small town whodunnit

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book ive read in this series and by this author. Im now going to go back and start at beginning of this series. This book was a great cozy mystery who dun it? The characters were well written and u get attached to them! Cant wait to read the whole series!!

[Danica Kristl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a slow start but overall, this is such a great story! I wasn’t able to guess who the killer is but at one point towards the end of the chapter I thought it was one of them in their friend group 😅😂

I love the ending! I think it’s the perfect way to end the book! 😍

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and entertaining cozy mystery read with several interesting characters. There is a little drama and suspense with the humor and a great ending. I really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters were realistic, relatable and complex. The story was a lovely combination of mystery and romance. The suspense/mystery elements were brilliantly constructed and executed. Highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling cozy mystery

We’re back with Hadley and the gang and of course another new mystery to be solved in Stoneybrook.

This is such a fast paced read that you better hold on tight. Make a big pot of tea because once you start you won’t be able to put it down for breaks.

With fantastic storytelling, character building; we’re on our twelfth book and yet it still feels fresh, and a beautifully crafted twist at the end, you’ll be racing to finish this book and then immediately begging Eryn for more.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eryn Scott takes readers back to Stoneybrook with a new puzzling mystery.

Everyone is shocked when the former county sheriff is found dead with his body posed inside a house that is for sale. The obvious suspect is the sheriff's ex-wife, but the townsfolk don't think she did it. The mysteries in Eryn's books are always so well done, and this one is no exception. She does a nice job doling out the clues about whodunnit while not making it obvious.

I also loved getting more of my favorite characters and quirky Stoneybrook residents. Luke and Hadley are so sweet together and I liked seeing Paul and Suze too. This was a great addition to the series!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW I really mean WOW this cozy mystery with a touch of murder is so well written it has everything in it a cozy could ever give you. The familiar colorful, quirky,vibrant and charming characters that will draw you in with their warmth making you feel as though you're experiencing everything with them. But of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer hidden within plain sight hidden behind lies, secrets, betrayals and murder and these two opposites will have you captivated from the very beginning feeling the love of friendship ,family and small town neighbors. The anticipation of someone you know could could possibly commit such a horrible act as murder. I was completely engaged feeling each emotion, laughter, disappointment, frustration, excitement , shock and elation. This cozy brought out so many emotions throughout this tale through Eryn Scott's delightful writing skills turning page after exciting page not letting me go until I'd reached the unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " A Staged Corpse " the twelfth book in (A Stoneybrook Mystery)for hours of an intriguing and
enjoyable experience .Kat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a new sheriff in town. I always wanted to lead with that, but in this case it is true. Unfortunately, the old sheriff has been murdered, and the new sheriff must recuse himself from the investigation. So, Paul could really use assistance from Hadley and the gang on this investigation, and even though she has a lot on her plate including planning her own wedding, since when has Hadley every backed away from an investigation?

It was great to be back in Stoneybrook. The town is inviting, and the characters are genuinely likeable. I would love to taste some of Hadley's jams at Pretty Jam Good, pick up a painting by Suze, and attend the Saturday farmers' market, maybe meet up with Hadley, Luke, Suze, and Paul at Seven Stones for some of Benny's soup.

Being likable does not render these characters stupid. They are both intelligent and witty, and the mystery is complex enough to keep the reader guessing. I did have a good idea of the who and how later in the book, but I did not have the why until it was revealed.

This book passed "the test." Specifically, I hated to see it end and really wish the next book in the series was available now.

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the folks in Stoneybrook is very fun. This series is about Hadley James, her relationships, friends, and the goings-on in her town.
Hadley and her friends come to the aid of the sheriff’s department in trying to solve the mysterious demise of the former sheriff who is found staged in a house that’s on the market. The book keeps you guessing until the end and it’s entertaining to see how the mystery unfolds. There are also a few fun surprises near the end as well!
Even though this is part of a series, it can be a standalone book. The story held my interest throughout, and I most definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff McKay is a little bitter after his divorce from Courtney who is the local interior decorator. Then to make matter worse, he was defeat in the local election. So when a dead body turned up in one of ex's stage houses, he jumped at the chance to make her the prime suspect in the killing. What he didn't count on was the town people coming to her aid to help her prove her innocent.
I always like a book that places recipes in their books, this time the recipes are Blackberry Lime jam ( not my thing, not a fan of Limes except with my Tequila), plus looking forward to try my hands at making Bread and Butter Pickles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the twelfth book in the Stoneybrook mysteries series.

This cosy mystery was a fun, lighthearted read. I hadn't read any of the previous books, but I thought the characters were very likeable, and found myself warming to them. The connection between Hadley and Luke warmed my heart. Cosy mysteries are one of my favourite types of book to relax with, and this was light enough to read in one sitting, so suited my reading mood quite well at the time.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series and this book was wonderful. Interesting characters and intriguing plots. Can't wait to read the next one!


Amazon synopsis:
The McKays' divorce played out in the unforgiving public eye, mirroring Sheriff Mark McKay's humiliating defeat in the recent election. Just as it seems everyone is ready to move on, Mark is discovered lifeless, right in the middle of one of his ex-wife Courtney’s staged houses.

The talented interior decorator finds herself at the epicenter of the accusations. Despite the town's speculative murmurs, Hadley and her friends are unwavering in their belief in her innocence.

In a case where appearances can be deceiving, it will require a discerning eye and unwavering determination to unearth the truth. The puzzle surrounding Mark's demise becomes a complex tapestry of secrets. Hadley and the gang are determined to see justice prevail, confident that the interior decorator they've embraced as a member of their community is far from a killer.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always great to come back and visit Stoneybrook and all the wonderful residents. The former sheriff is murdered and everyone is involved in trying to clear their friend. So many suspects as the former sheriff wasn't about making friends. During all this, Hadley is trying to plan her wedding but things are not going smoothly. Wonderful to see Kevin dating and and his friends helping things go smoothly. The fun grannies are involved in everything. Hadley's parents get their first pet - temporarily. All this leading to several surprises at the end. Really enjoyable story.

[Jackie Linkous · Rating 5 out of 5]

These will likely always be 5 stars for me; every time I read a new installment of this series, it feels like visiting friends-that-are-family in a cozy setting in the Pacific Northwest. This one was especially enjoyable for several reasons, most of which I can't share here because they are spoiler-y but as usual I love the found kitty and how that story resolves itself along with a few other big life things that happen in addition to the solving of a murder of a much-maligned character from the series. Can't wait for the next installment in September!

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was stunned to find out who was murdered in this book. Usually it's a fairly new character. Such a twisty turning case from start to finish. So many culprits, so many possible motives. I love the addition of Ellis, a shy, tech savvy woman with a former abusive partner. It's a tough subject, but I think it's so important to give a voice to. So many beautiful descriptions of characters and scenery, the author is very talented in creating a mental image from her descriptions. The ending was really, really lovely. No spoilers but it was just a beautiful way to wrap up the book.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley James has her hands full trying to plan for a wedding when a murder mystery falls into her hands. The former sheriff was murdered in a house close to hers. With plenty of suspects at hand, Hadley and her friends sort through the clues and red herrings until they find out the truth. The story started a little slow but eventually picked up and ended with a bit of a surprise. It was a good read.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cozy, so good!

I love this series, in fact, it’s one of my favorites, and this book was a worthy installment! I love Hadley and the gang! Oh, it started ever so slightly slow, but then, it becamse a mix of twists and turns and complex clues! But what makes this series, is the characters. They are kind, smart and just feel like friends. This is why I read cozies, exactly THIS!