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Magnolia Manor #3
A Party to Murder
Solving murder mysteries has become old hat for former D.C. urbanite-turned-amateur sleuth Lilly Livingston. But please, not at her inn’s first big event of the summer!
Having settled into small-town life in Drifter’s Cove, FL, Lilly is thrilled that her recently inherited inn is now on the map! With Magnolia Manor fully renovated and sold out for the Memorial Day weekend celebration, she is eagerly welcoming guests, fluffing pillows, and finalizing the menu.
As ex-boyfriend Eric reluctantly mans the front desk, the motley crew of guests checks in—a persnickety chef, a local drifter, an arrogant tech giant, and a famous musician, for starters. Not to mention Lilly’s studly handyman Quigley and her wacky mom Marissa with a new beau in tow.
But as the posh party ensues, personalities clash, tempers flare, and a guest ends up dead. Local law enforcement considers everyone a suspect, including Lilly herself!
Murder at Magnolia Manor. Again.
Having settled into small-town life in Drifter’s Cove, FL, Lilly is thrilled that her recently inherited inn is now on the map! With Magnolia Manor fully renovated and sold out for the Memorial Day weekend celebration, she is eagerly welcoming guests, fluffing pillows, and finalizing the menu.
As ex-boyfriend Eric reluctantly mans the front desk, the motley crew of guests checks in—a persnickety chef, a local drifter, an arrogant tech giant, and a famous musician, for starters. Not to mention Lilly’s studly handyman Quigley and her wacky mom Marissa with a new beau in tow.
But as the posh party ensues, personalities clash, tempers flare, and a guest ends up dead. Local law enforcement considers everyone a suspect, including Lilly herself!
Murder at Magnolia Manor. Again.
- GenresCozy Mystery
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 29, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Joy Patrick does it again with a action packed mystery at the Magnolia Manor. Lilly and Eric are getting ready for a fun weekend with the major full of guest. The party before dinner does not go as planned but the guest chef has a fancy special dinner planned. Then one of the guest dies and Chief Crowder is called. The investigation points to all wrong persons but Lilly solves the case leading to an arrest. I would highly recommend this three book series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
Joy Patrick does it again with a action packed mystery at the Magnolia Manor. Lilly and Eric are getting ready for a fun weekend with the major full of guest. The party before dinner does not go as planned but the guest chef has a fancy special dinner planned. Then one of the guest dies and Chief Crowder is called. The investigation points to all wrong persons but Lilly solves the case leading to an arrest. I would highly recommend this three book series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
November 27, 2025
Small town murder mystery but eh the first was good the second was okay but this ones also going a little downhill. You need to read the second to read this one because i felt like you wouldnt get the dynamics as much if you went into this blind.
May 29, 2023
With the renovations complete, Lilly Livingston is finally ready to fully open her inherited Magnolia Inn with a big celebration on memorial day weekend. Thrilled, the Inn is filled with guests and she is ready for a great weekend. In this third book, we are taken page after page through a wonderful whodunit! The guests Lilly welcomes to the inn are all very quirky which makes this read fun! When one of the guests is found murdered, Lilly has to dive in and investigate to find a murderer before her wonderful successful opening and reputation are on the line. Of course, according to the local law enforcement agency consider every one at the Inn a suspect, including Lilly. With lots of twists and turns, some gasps and red-herrings we are taken to a surprise ending. This is a great series with really well developed characters that make you want more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
May 28, 2023
"Having settled into small-town life in Drifter’s Cove, FL, Lilly is thrilled that her recently inherited inn is now on the map! With Magnolia Manor fully renovated and sold out for the Memorial Day weekend celebration, she is eagerly welcoming guests, fluffing pillows, and finalizing the menu. As ex-boyfriend Eric reluctantly mans the front desk, the motley crew of guests checks in—a persnickety chef, a local drifter, an arrogant tech giant, and a famous musician, for starters. Not to mention Lilly’s studly handyman Quigley and her wacky mom Marissa with a new beau in tow."
The "chef"did it?
This is a terrific mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to read. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
The "chef"did it?
This is a terrific mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to read. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
If you like to be the one to solve the mystery, then this is a book for you. The characters are strong and well defined and the setting is laid out perfectly. There are several suspects to choose from so it won't be easy to solve, but very enticing. The first mystery is who is going to be murdered, and that answer doesn't present itself until the party is started. Love the summation at the end as you follow the solution, knowing you should have guessed it all along. Even if you do think you know who, but you don't know why! Just enjoy this great mystery read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
June 3, 2023
As with all the other books by Joy Patrick, this one was great!
This story finds Lilly at the Manor, preparing for a big party and a house full of guests. There's a celebrity singer and even a celebrity chef.
As things move into gear, a very disliked guest arrives and ends up dead. As Chief Crowder investigates, Lilly, of course, does her bit to help out with the investigation. The results are unexpected! The killer was a complete surprise and the reason for the crime was very convoluted so there's no easy figuring this one out. This was a really good mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
This story finds Lilly at the Manor, preparing for a big party and a house full of guests. There's a celebrity singer and even a celebrity chef.
As things move into gear, a very disliked guest arrives and ends up dead. As Chief Crowder investigates, Lilly, of course, does her bit to help out with the investigation. The results are unexpected! The killer was a complete surprise and the reason for the crime was very convoluted so there's no easy figuring this one out. This was a really good mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 15, 2023
Lilly is so excited to host her very first party at Magnolia Manor. Former boyfriend Eric has even secured a celebrity chef to prepare the food. Things go well until the appearance of an arrogant tech-bro creates chaos. Sadly, things get worse when murder becomes an unwelcome guest. Lilly decides to help the police chief (who doesn't want her help) to solve the crime.
Fast-paced read with lots of quirky characters and many suspects that will keep you guessing. A major clue is in there but you need to pay attention. The murderer is a surprise. Great read.
Fast-paced read with lots of quirky characters and many suspects that will keep you guessing. A major clue is in there but you need to pay attention. The murderer is a surprise. Great read.
May 26, 2023
Lilly Livingston is planning a party to celebrate Memorial Day at her newly renovated inn. A diverse cast of characters fill her guest rooms, and when an abrasive guest winds up dead, there is no shortage of suspects. An interesting plot kept me guessing, and I enjoyed spending time with Lilly and her friends. This series keeps getting better! I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 26, 2023
Sometimes you have to wonder who is the child and who is the parent in relation to Lilly and Marissa!!! Marissa is hard to stomach most of the time. Another obnoxious, selfish, arrogant person, bit the dust in this story. So maybe some of this worked out for the better? I would have never put the pieces together like Lilly did, but I enjoyed the drama and the reveal. Another mystery solved and not by the cops again! Lol.
May 27, 2023
3 1/2 stars
Lilly Livingston is settled in nicely in the Magnolia Manor. So much so that she feels very comfortable throwing a Memorial Day party. Until a murder puts and end to that. Certainly no lack of suspects. The author has a knack of writing quick little reads that give you a giggle where needed and a head scratching at other times.Was an extremely fun read.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion of the tale.
Lilly Livingston is settled in nicely in the Magnolia Manor. So much so that she feels very comfortable throwing a Memorial Day party. Until a murder puts and end to that. Certainly no lack of suspects. The author has a knack of writing quick little reads that give you a giggle where needed and a head scratching at other times.Was an extremely fun read.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion of the tale.
May 27, 2023
A party to die for…
Everything is on track for Magnolia Manor to be a success, in spite of the murder that occurred soon after it opened. Lilly, assisted by her ex-boyfriend Eric, has a special event planned for the guests but it's disrupted by a scream and a body.
This enjoyable cozy has a nice mix of mystery and humor. You never quite know what Lilly’s mother is going to add to the mix. I received an advance copy of the book but my review is honest and voluntary.
Everything is on track for Magnolia Manor to be a success, in spite of the murder that occurred soon after it opened. Lilly, assisted by her ex-boyfriend Eric, has a special event planned for the guests but it's disrupted by a scream and a body.
This enjoyable cozy has a nice mix of mystery and humor. You never quite know what Lilly’s mother is going to add to the mix. I received an advance copy of the book but my review is honest and voluntary.
May 28, 2023
The Inn is Open for Murder?
Lily is at it again, solving the mystery before the police can. So many suspects, now that the Inn is officially open for business. A cozy mystery to curl up on the couch or your bed with that will keep you guessing. This was a great story that is well written and full of excitement. Joy Patrick knows how to write an intriguing mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily is at it again, solving the mystery before the police can. So many suspects, now that the Inn is officially open for business. A cozy mystery to curl up on the couch or your bed with that will keep you guessing. This was a great story that is well written and full of excitement. Joy Patrick knows how to write an intriguing mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2023
A Party to Murder is Book 3 of Magnolia Manor Mysteries series written by
Joy Patrick. A solid murder cozy mystery story with a great cast of characters. Lilly wanted to celebrate opening up the Manor to guests and when one of Magnolia’s more difficult guest is found dead there’s an array of suspects. Really well written, very entertaining and rather enjoyable story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Joy Patrick. A solid murder cozy mystery story with a great cast of characters. Lilly wanted to celebrate opening up the Manor to guests and when one of Magnolia’s more difficult guest is found dead there’s an array of suspects. Really well written, very entertaining and rather enjoyable story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2023
Fascinating mystery
A fascinating mystery as Lilly and her friends busy themselves with organizing a party to celebrate the opening of the inn she inherited from her uncle. When a death occurs at the party, the eclectic mix of guests come under suspicion. The clues point in many directions and the ending is unexpected. A fun read!
I read the book for free as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
A fascinating mystery as Lilly and her friends busy themselves with organizing a party to celebrate the opening of the inn she inherited from her uncle. When a death occurs at the party, the eclectic mix of guests come under suspicion. The clues point in many directions and the ending is unexpected. A fun read!
I read the book for free as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
May 27, 2023
A great whodunnit with a great cast of characters. Lilly wants to celebrate opening up the Manor to guests and when one of Magnolia’s more difficult guest is found dead there’s an array of suspects and strange goings on. Well written good solid cosy mystery
I read an advance copy and my review is my own words voluntary
I read an advance copy and my review is my own words voluntary
May 29, 2023
Lilly is having a big party weekend at Magnolia Manor. Her mother Marissa, a singer, a writer, a big tech executive, and a top chef are all in attendance. During the cocktail hour a murder was committed, all guests became suspects, and Lilly called Chief Crowder's and her team. This is a great mystery murder with many suspects, lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending.
June 11, 2023
This is a great book for anyone who loves mystery and suspense.
The author keeps you guessing until the end, who is the killer and why.
The characters are well-developed and each with their own secrets and motives.
I enjoyed reading this series and I couldn't stop turning the pages.
I got this arc for free and I'm happy to share my honest opinion.
The author keeps you guessing until the end, who is the killer and why.
The characters are well-developed and each with their own secrets and motives.
I enjoyed reading this series and I couldn't stop turning the pages.
I got this arc for free and I'm happy to share my honest opinion.
April 1, 2024
This is the third book in the series and we're learning more about Lily and her friends. She's having a party to celebrate the hotel doing ok but then one of the guests is murdered. Can she solve the mystery before her reputation is ruined? You'll have to read it to find out.
I'm enjoying finding out more about Lily, Eric, Quigley and Marissa and look forward to the next book.
I'm enjoying finding out more about Lily, Eric, Quigley and Marissa and look forward to the next book.
May 1, 2025
it is unnerving when the murder occurs in your inn. However it is easier to solve as all the suspects and all the witnesses are there to be interviewed. But what if all the witnesses are also all the suspects? That's a conundrum. However you can count on Lilly to sift through it all to make sense. She even gets on Sheriff Crowder's good side - a major achievement!
July 5, 2025
A Party to Murder is the 3rd book in the Magnolia Manor
It's Memorial Day weekend at the Manor,
And Lilly is fully booked.
Including her mom and (another) new beau.
As all the guest arrive,
Some obviously already know each other.
And temperatures soar.
Not just from the sun.
One of the guest is murdered,
and it's round 3 for the Sherriff to be at the Manor.
It's Memorial Day weekend at the Manor,
And Lilly is fully booked.
Including her mom and (another) new beau.
As all the guest arrive,
Some obviously already know each other.
And temperatures soar.
Not just from the sun.
One of the guest is murdered,
and it's round 3 for the Sherriff to be at the Manor.
May 1, 2025
I have really been enjoying this author's books and this one is no exception. I love the writing style and how she had us constantly guessing as the book got close to the end. This book is a definite must-read.
May 4, 2025
Lily is excited about an upcoming Memorial Day she is having at her inn. Different guests show up, each with their own quirks. Circumstances happen that are out of Lily's control, and she is determined to figure things out. This is an awesome book, and I highly recommend it!
May 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy Murder mystery and I look forward to more Magnolia Manor books with Lily and her friends.
May 30, 2023
Who killed Nigel Vanderpol and why???? Fish??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book
June 7, 2023
Delightful, witty, and filled with entertaining characters. An enjoyable read. Recommended.
July 8, 2023
Joy Patrick's Magnolia Manor Mysteries are shaping up to be an excellent series of cozy mystery stories. A good balance between the plot in each book with the continuation of the character development and relationships.
I'm really enjoying the series
I'm really enjoying the series
December 12, 2023
Well written series I love the characters.
July 14, 2024
This is another nice mystery with Lilly, Quigley and the gang. I enjoy reading these stories. Each one is a delightful story that could be read as a stand-alone story or in a series.
January 27, 2025
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The characters are so real and lots of fun. I was turning the pages as fast as I could read.
May 1, 2025
A Memorial day party, a famous singer staying at the sold out inn along with a renown chef preparing a special meal, what could go wrong? Okay, one little murder . . .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews