The Bride of Lilly Pilly Creek: Book 2

Lilly Pilly Creek Ghost Mystery #2

by Abbie L. Martin

The second instalment in The Lilly Pilly Creek Ghost Mystery series finds sisters Jones and Autumn embroiled in yet another local mystery. Jones has been assisting Iris, a bride-to-be, in creating a memory box for her wedding. But at the final dress fitting disaster strikes. Iris collapses, leaving everyone shocked.Invisible to all but Jones, Autumn decides to use her ghostly skills to aid in unravelling the mystery surrounding Iris's sudden collapse. Together, they delve into the secrets of Lilly Pilly Creek, determined to uncover the truth.

Jones and Autumn follow the clues that lead to trouble brewing between two rival farming families. With her friends Wren and Atlas, and her spectral sister, by her side, Jones races against time to uncover the truth and bring the culprits to justice.

As they investigate, Jones must also navigate her feelings for Hugo, the bartender next door, as well as the constant fear that her ghostly sister Autumn could at any moment be lost to her forever.

Join them on this captivating journey of courage, love, and unbreakable bonds that will leave you breathless until the very last page.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2023

About the author

Abbie L. Martin is a South Australian author who lives with her family in a small town very similar to Lilly Pilly Creek. She has been dreaming of writing and publishing since she was a child, and when she reached her forties, finally decided to take the leap. Whilst also running a business with her husband, and juggling life with three children, Abbie loves nothing better than peace and quiet with a good book and a glass of wine, preferably an Adelaide Hills sparkling.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* rounded up.

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is such a lovely blend of sweetness and mystery. Can’t wait to see what happens next and I hope there are many more books to come.

[SumReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy enjoyable read, that’s very on trend with current affairs in Australia right now.
My only wish was Jones had a little more character development that explored her grief or potential relationships.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the premise and execution of these "cozy mystery" books. Jones has now solved the murder of her sister and has taken over the family business, an old bank converted into "The Memory Bank". The fun part? Her murdered sister is a ghost and hangs around at the Memory Bank and can make limited trips to other locations in town to help Jones solve mysteries.

This second book considers more deeply what it means for Autumn to be stuck as a ghost who can't interact with anyone at all, starts to fade away if she's away from the Memory Bank for too long and has nobody to talk to except her sister. Thankfully, there's another mystery afoot, this time without Jones being in deadly danger, but nevertheless, one must take the excitement where one can find it in a sleepy little town in South Australia.

The sisters deepen the relation that ironically was not really present while Autumn was alive, all while wondering how exactly the "ghost thing" works and when Autumn may suddenly disappear for good and leave Jones bereft once again, this time grieving the loss of her sister for good.

The supporting cast is fun and minimal enough to flesh out the setting without needing to remember too many intricate relationships. The mystery is easily solvable and it's "cozy" because there is no sense of imminent danger but there is a lot of sleuthing. A fun ride and I can't wait to read the concluding book in this series.

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely amazing!! The minute the ARC of The Bride of Lilly Pilly Creek hit my kindle I was transported back into the picturesque small town, reacquainted with some of my favorite characters and quickly immersed in another headscratching whodunit.

In this installment another mystery has plagued Lilly Pilly Creek and The Eldershaw Sisters Detective Agency is on the case! While a local bride-to-be falls ill under mysterious circumstances it’s up to Jones and Autumn to help sift out the culprit before anyone else gets hurt. With Autumn’s spectral presence, Jones’s position at the memory bank and some good old fashion sleuthing the truth won’t stay buried for long.

This Gilmore Girls meets Ghost Whisperer cozy mystery is seriously one of my favorite series! Full of quirky characters, sister sleuths, paranormal activity, friendship, twists & turns and all of the quintessential small town vibes - this series is a must read!!!

Thank you so much to Abbie L. Martin for the advanced copy!

[Bree Redwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably more a 3.5, rounded up to 4. A great sequel to book one. Once again you were kept guessing and second guessing who the culprit is, with a rather different ending to the first book. It does lose points this time for errors. There were spelling and grammar errors, but also on multiple occasions the wrong name was used in the story, which at times took me out of the story trying to figure out when the person mentioned got into the scene, before realising that the wrong character had been named. There was a little less to do with the Memory Bank as the story went on, but the surrounding town and inhabitants were expanded on, and already established relationships were further explored. It was a fun book, but I wish it had been edited better. 

[Emma Follinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one but still a lovely read! Excited for the third book with more mysteries and the opening of grandmas memory box, and I sure am hoping for some more love between Christopher and Jones, AND Hugo and Jones!

There were some instances (at least 3 that I recall) where character names were mixed up, for example when Tara’s name was mentioned when it clearly was meant to say Iris. There was also a lot of repetition regarding Jones’ being scared of her sister disappearing. A lot of that could have been more “show don’t tell”.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

In spite of scepticism I’m still enthusiastic after the second in this series. It is a simple story well told - what cosy crime should be. While the setting is not particularly evocative of the Adelaide Hills, it fits comfortably. The relationships also evolve comfortably. There are no jarring elements nor side dramas to distract from the unravelling mystery. I suspected the culprit, but that made no difference. The pleasure was very much in the storytelling.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was just enough in this story to keep me interested. It includes references to a little known tourist attractions of the Adelaide Hills, "ghost" mushrooms.

I still have my reservations about Jones' ghostly sister Autumn, but I will continue with the series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written book with a very good mystery and the value of family. Have enjoyed both books that I have read, and looking forward to reading more. I encourage other readers to enjoy these books. Recommend.

[Angela’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this serie!!

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book and the second book was great. I loved the Supernatural reference since I am a fan. The relationship between Jones and Autumn will make you want to reach out to your sister. The series itself reminds me of Gilmore Girls and I love that. Lilly Pilly Creek will give you Stars Hollow vibes. I could totally see The Memory Bank in Stars Hollow.

[Allyslittlewonderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like a hot coffee on a rainy day. I flew through this book. I had my suspicions on what happened early on but was still surprised in the end.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Read

Another good installment of the sisters and their lovely town of Lilly Pilly! Makes me want to plan a trip “Down Under “!

[Sterre · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to stay longer in Lilly Pilly Creek. I love the concept of the Memory Bank! And the idea of a memory box. I’m very curious to read more of this series.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific series. Keep it up!!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read cosy mystery, with likeable characters.

[Jo Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars

[Tarleea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I NEEEED MORE!!!!
I love Jones and Autumn!
I love their adventures and their sisterhood bond. I love the other characters they get involved with. I love the story behind them. I cannot rave about this series enough. Honestly, I think I’ve become one of Abbie‘s biggest fans.