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Kellie Conley Mystery #1
The Letter
Kellie, a young college grad laid off from her first teaching job and besieged by creditors, receives a letter requesting her appearance at the reading of Frederick Malone’s will. What could she have in common with the town’s richest man? Curiosity draws her to the will reading where she learns she has inherited a vast sum. The conditions of her inheritance require she change her name and reside in the Malone mansion. Long considered haunted by the residents of Malone Springs, Kellie, her fiancé and four friends move in ignoring the rumors. Strange and frightening events begin to plague Kellie before she moves and grow more frightening once she and her friends settle in. Adopted at birth, her adoptive parents killed in an auto accident leave Kellie to investigate her ancestors on her own. What she discovers leads her into more danger and mystery as she learns the true nature of her biological grandfather. Could his evil deeds hurt her from beyond the grave? Who’s responsible for the strange occurrences? What happened to her biological parents? As one solved mystery leads Kellie into another, she and her friends try to solve them all before tragedy strikes.
327 pages, ebook
First published July 17, 2012
27 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 3, 2013
Like most college graduates, they usually owe a lot of money to pay off their education. Kellie is no different, so when she receives a vast inheritance out of the blue, she doesn't hesitate to agree to it's conditions.
She must reside in the mansion and change her name. No problem, except there are many rumors abounding about the haunted home. Rumors are just that, rumors, until strange things begin to happen. Kellie begins to investigate her past and that of her biological family, since she had been adopted. As the investigation unfolds and the strange occurrences accelerate, Kellie knows she needs to figure it out quick before something tragic happens to herself or one of her friends.
Although the pace was good, the writing fell a bit short for me. I got the gist of every scenario though and the plot did keep me riveted, trying to figure everything out before Kellie. I was successful in some instances, but not all. If you enjoy a solid plot with a twist of thrilling suspense, pick up The Letter. I did enjoy it and it was a quick read.
She must reside in the mansion and change her name. No problem, except there are many rumors abounding about the haunted home. Rumors are just that, rumors, until strange things begin to happen. Kellie begins to investigate her past and that of her biological family, since she had been adopted. As the investigation unfolds and the strange occurrences accelerate, Kellie knows she needs to figure it out quick before something tragic happens to herself or one of her friends.
Although the pace was good, the writing fell a bit short for me. I got the gist of every scenario though and the plot did keep me riveted, trying to figure everything out before Kellie. I was successful in some instances, but not all. If you enjoy a solid plot with a twist of thrilling suspense, pick up The Letter. I did enjoy it and it was a quick read.
April 28, 2015
Typical "romantic suspense" plot, except that the girl has already got her guy - innocent young thing inherits a fortune, someone is trying to scare her into giving it up, a touch of the paranormal... This probably would have been a 2.5 if we were allowed half stars, but several things caused me to round down rather than up.
1) I believe that this is a first book, and if so it shows. The writing is a bit clunky. Motivations and reactions are over-explained, when the reader should just be allowed to "get it" on his/her own. Mundane interactions are related in excruciating detail. And the ever-present curse of the self-published, or at least not professionally edited writer - the typos. The most annoying one was the reference several times to Kellie/Alexis' "parent's death." Both her adoptive parents were killed - it's "her parents' deaths." There was also the instance of the MC doing the same thing twice (and not something that can realistically be done twice) in the space of a few days - evidently the author forgot that she had already done it.
2) I didn't really get that much differentiation between the MC and her friends, except for one, and there was a reason for that - they all seemed like cookie-cutter, nice, bland, interchangeable - did I say nice? - twenty-somethings. Except for the finally revealed "serpent in the garden," everyone was so nice and sweet to one another that sometimes I wanted to throw the book across the room, except that it was an ebook and I didn't want to hurt my Nook.
3) I didn't mind the whole hint of the paranormal thing - the idea that the MC's mother's spirit was watching over her - but there were also a couple of scenes where it almost seemed like she was going to be "possessed" or something - she would seem to take on a whole new personality at times while in the "haunted" house - but then that was just dropped and never made another appearance.
4) Everything just fell into place too easily. Research into family relationships seemed ridiculously simple - the MC just had to walk into a records office or a library and it was all at her fingertips, and yet her fabulously rich grandfather wasn't able to track down this same information. And then one of the bad guys (or gals - no spoilers) was thoughtful enough to leave a handwritten journal setting out exactly what his motivations and nefarious plans were.
Sometimes I feel as if I only write reviews for books that I give low ratings to, but especially if it kept me reading, for some reason I feel as if I have to justify not giving it a higher one. These are also meant to be constructive criticisms.
1) I believe that this is a first book, and if so it shows. The writing is a bit clunky. Motivations and reactions are over-explained, when the reader should just be allowed to "get it" on his/her own. Mundane interactions are related in excruciating detail. And the ever-present curse of the self-published, or at least not professionally edited writer - the typos. The most annoying one was the reference several times to Kellie/Alexis' "parent's death." Both her adoptive parents were killed - it's "her parents' deaths." There was also the instance of the MC doing the same thing twice (and not something that can realistically be done twice) in the space of a few days - evidently the author forgot that she had already done it.
2) I didn't really get that much differentiation between the MC and her friends, except for one, and there was a reason for that - they all seemed like cookie-cutter, nice, bland, interchangeable - did I say nice? - twenty-somethings. Except for the finally revealed "serpent in the garden," everyone was so nice and sweet to one another that sometimes I wanted to throw the book across the room, except that it was an ebook and I didn't want to hurt my Nook.
3) I didn't mind the whole hint of the paranormal thing - the idea that the MC's mother's spirit was watching over her - but there were also a couple of scenes where it almost seemed like she was going to be "possessed" or something - she would seem to take on a whole new personality at times while in the "haunted" house - but then that was just dropped and never made another appearance.
4) Everything just fell into place too easily. Research into family relationships seemed ridiculously simple - the MC just had to walk into a records office or a library and it was all at her fingertips, and yet her fabulously rich grandfather wasn't able to track down this same information. And then one of the bad guys (or gals - no spoilers) was thoughtful enough to leave a handwritten journal setting out exactly what his motivations and nefarious plans were.
Sometimes I feel as if I only write reviews for books that I give low ratings to, but especially if it kept me reading, for some reason I feel as if I have to justify not giving it a higher one. These are also meant to be constructive criticisms.
August 4, 2015
"A Fun, Mystery, Spooky Story"
Kellie Conley is sorting through her mail trying to ignore bills which keep coming in now that she is out of work as a teacher. The town has shut down her old school in Malone Springs. As she scans the envelopes there is one envelope from an attorney. Opening it she reads that she is requested to be present at the attorney's office for the reading of the will of Old Man Malone, as he has often been called. He has always been the richest man in Malone Springs. Kellie is wondering why on earth would she be asked to the reading? Will there be more trouble coming her way? Yes....and .... no. Kellie and her best friend Drew are closely bonded to friends Hunter and Taylor, as well as friends Emma and Cole. Coming home after beer and pizza with them to her home which she inherited from her deceased mom, the house has been broken into and everything scattered around in a mess, but nothing appears to be missing. The next day she arrives at the attorney's office where she discovers that she's to inherit the haunted Malone mansion as long as she lives in it. Also, she'll receive a large sum of money, and lastly, she'll have to change her name to Alexis Malone-Conley since Kellie is told she is his only living relative, his granddaughter. This rivetingstory is well written, excellently edited to allow the reader to move right along to dive into the many mysteries which unfold. I really enjoyed this story as I do all the stories written by Marianne Spitzer.
Kellie Conley is sorting through her mail trying to ignore bills which keep coming in now that she is out of work as a teacher. The town has shut down her old school in Malone Springs. As she scans the envelopes there is one envelope from an attorney. Opening it she reads that she is requested to be present at the attorney's office for the reading of the will of Old Man Malone, as he has often been called. He has always been the richest man in Malone Springs. Kellie is wondering why on earth would she be asked to the reading? Will there be more trouble coming her way? Yes....and .... no. Kellie and her best friend Drew are closely bonded to friends Hunter and Taylor, as well as friends Emma and Cole. Coming home after beer and pizza with them to her home which she inherited from her deceased mom, the house has been broken into and everything scattered around in a mess, but nothing appears to be missing. The next day she arrives at the attorney's office where she discovers that she's to inherit the haunted Malone mansion as long as she lives in it. Also, she'll receive a large sum of money, and lastly, she'll have to change her name to Alexis Malone-Conley since Kellie is told she is his only living relative, his granddaughter. This rivetingstory is well written, excellently edited to allow the reader to move right along to dive into the many mysteries which unfold. I really enjoyed this story as I do all the stories written by Marianne Spitzer.
June 11, 2013
In Spitzer’s novel, Kellie, a young college grad laid off from her first teaching job and besieged by creditors, receives a letter requesting her appearance at the reading of Frederick Malone’s will. What could she have in common with the town’s richest man? Curiosity draws her to the will reading where she learns she has inherited a vast sum. The conditions of her inheritance require she change her name and reside in the Malone mansion. Long considered haunted by the residents of Malone Springs, Kellie, her fiancé and four friends move in ignoring the rumors. Strange and frightening events begin to plague Kellie before she moves and grow more frightening once she and her friends settle in. Adopted at birth, her adoptive parents killed in an auto accident leave Kellie to investigate her ancestors on her own. What she discovers leads her into more danger and mystery as she learns the true nature of her biological grandfather.
A spine-chilling story that will leave the reader wondering if the sins of the fathers will ever harm their offspring.
A spine-chilling story that will leave the reader wondering if the sins of the fathers will ever harm their offspring.
October 24, 2013
Kellie Conley is an unemployed school teacher with bills piling up when she receives a letter from a lawyer. She learns she is the only living relative of Frederick Malone, the richest man in town. She inherits his fortune and his home as long as she changes her name to her dead biological mother. Secrets, lies, betrayal and a long winded story to uncover the truth. Kellie is a bit immature and waves her money to keep her friends in line, although the author wants the reader to believe she is being generous.
April 5, 2014
Great start to a new series.
I found this book based on other books I had read. So, I decided to give it a try. I'm not sorry at all. This was a great read. We all dream about inheriting a fortune from an unknown relative - this was cool. When you add in the specter of a haunted house and a threatening mysterious person, that made for a really good book. Looking forward to the next book.
I found this book based on other books I had read. So, I decided to give it a try. I'm not sorry at all. This was a great read. We all dream about inheriting a fortune from an unknown relative - this was cool. When you add in the specter of a haunted house and a threatening mysterious person, that made for a really good book. Looking forward to the next book.
Read
January 4, 2013The story line was great. It is kind of a "who done it" mystery and reminded me a little of watching an episode of Nancy Drew. It was a quick read, I finished it in one day when it was slow at work. So, overall I did like the plot and some of the twists it takes to the end. Writing was just OK but I would try another book in the series.
November 18, 2015
This was one of the most poorly written books I have ever suffered through. It reads like a middle schooler wrote it and is very brief with descriptions when something is happening, but then the author goes completely overboard trying to add to the scene. If I could score it with negative stars... it would be a minus 2at the very least.
January 16, 2014
Very well-written mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had just enough background information regarding the main character, without going over-board. Not overly elaborate in her writing. Nice ending, and looking forward to reading the next "Kellie Conley Mystery".
August 19, 2012
This is a very entertaining "who-dun-it" book with a few surprising twists and turns. The end to me was a bit cliche but it had a slight twist to it. Very good read
February 9, 2013
Not bad, not great. One word sums it up...average.
April 16, 2013
Finished to solve the mystery.
Read
July 31, 2013review to come
July 16, 2013
Loved it.....just downloaded the sequel!
July 19, 2013
Great story line, but the actual writing needs a little help. A better editor would go a long way.
February 17, 2014
it was a nice read
September 6, 2014
Fair mystery
too mushy at first but storyline was a little too juvenile. it did get better at the end and the culprit behind-the-scenes was a surprise
too mushy at first but storyline was a little too juvenile. it did get better at the end and the culprit behind-the-scenes was a surprise
January 4, 2015
Good story
I enjoyed the storyline in this book but I felt that the writing was dumbed down. I am currently reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the storyline in this book but I felt that the writing was dumbed down. I am currently reading the next book in the series.
May 2, 2017
Kelly Conley faces a myriad of bills until she receives a letter in the mail to witness "Old Man Maloney's" will. Why would an eccentric millionaire put her in his will? She soon finds out that he was her biological grandfather. Her biological mother overdosed soon after giving her up for adoption. The terms of the will are strange. She must move into the mansion within 30 days. She must change her name to her mother's, Alexis Maloney, within a few days. After she hears that hundreds of millions at stake, she considers her options.
She moves in with her fiancee, Drew, and four of their friends. They are all having money problems and Kelly offers to pay off their bills. Once they move in, Kellie takes to her new name too well. Drew is concerned that she's becoming Alexis. Her speech changes. Her friends find the mansion and its butler creepy. Rundown outside, it is opulent inside. Kellie aka Alexis hires a contractor to fix up the outside. She even forces the mayor to sell her the rundown cemetery next door.
Kellie searches through the house and finds letters from her mother that give her pause. Her mother claims that her father, Old Man Maloney, wanted her to abort her baby and made her boyfriend disappear. The letters point to more evil deeds done by the old man. At the same time, Kellie receives threatening letters and phone calls. A white presence is seen floating through the house. The upstairs attic and the cemetery have lights in the night.
Eventually, Kellie begins to suspect the people around her. This story gave me the goose bumps, in a good way.
She moves in with her fiancee, Drew, and four of their friends. They are all having money problems and Kelly offers to pay off their bills. Once they move in, Kellie takes to her new name too well. Drew is concerned that she's becoming Alexis. Her speech changes. Her friends find the mansion and its butler creepy. Rundown outside, it is opulent inside. Kellie aka Alexis hires a contractor to fix up the outside. She even forces the mayor to sell her the rundown cemetery next door.
Kellie searches through the house and finds letters from her mother that give her pause. Her mother claims that her father, Old Man Maloney, wanted her to abort her baby and made her boyfriend disappear. The letters point to more evil deeds done by the old man. At the same time, Kellie receives threatening letters and phone calls. A white presence is seen floating through the house. The upstairs attic and the cemetery have lights in the night.
Eventually, Kellie begins to suspect the people around her. This story gave me the goose bumps, in a good way.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews