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An Emily Kincaid Mystery #5
Dead Little Dolly
Even the beauty of Northern Michigan can’t put a smile on the face of Emily Kincaid’s perpetually cranky friend Deputy Dolly Wakowski, and when someone tries to destroy the only family Dolly has ever had, her crankiness turns lethal, even as the crime threatens to overwhelm her.
Still struggling in her career as a mystery writer, Emily takes a deep breath before stepping in to help. As they launch their search for Dolly’s assailant and the investigation deepens, two strange clues emerge: the attacker’s trademark black jellybeans and a note to Dolly reading “Thou Shalt Not Steal.”
With Dolly’s disposition growing more sour by the day and Emily growing more curious, the two encounter a violent and abusive boyfriend, dig up old clues from Dolly’s painful past, and strengthen a friendship that’s as odd as it is perfect. But before Dolly and Emily can puzzle it all out, a loved one of Dolly’s will be murdered, another will be kidnapped, and a long-awaited confrontation between a mother and a daughter will heal at the very moment it kills.
About the Author:
Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli lives back in the Michigan woods between Mancelona and Kalkaska, on a small lake, much like the protagonist of her Emily Kincaid mystery series. She is a book reviewer with the Northern Express (an alternative newspaper in Traverse City, Michigan), and teaches creative writing at Northwestern Michigan College.
Reviews:
Rave reviews for the Emily Kincaid Mysteries
Dead Little Dolly
"The book is well written and I loved the characters. Kept you guessing!"
—Krafty's Reads
Dead Dogs and Englishmen
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2011!
“Buzzelli will have you packing your bags for a move to northern Michigan.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Emily is a detective for our times: She can’t afford health care, but she can make flour out of cat tails and work three jobs at once.”
—Christian Science Monitor
Dead Sleeping Shaman
“Buzzelli’s well-crafted third Emily Kincaid . . . [features] sharp prose and spirited characterizations.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Readers will find the same strong sense of place and great characters that are hallmarks of Sarah Graves and Philip Craig.”
—Library Journal
“The appeal of this third in the series comes both from Emily—a likable character forging a new life after her divorce—and the evocatively described, nicely detailed small-town setting.”
—Booklist
Dead Floating Lovers
“Every woman who’s ever struggled with saying no, fitting in, and balancing independence against loneliness will adore first-timer Emily. . . .”
—Kirkus Reviews
Still struggling in her career as a mystery writer, Emily takes a deep breath before stepping in to help. As they launch their search for Dolly’s assailant and the investigation deepens, two strange clues emerge: the attacker’s trademark black jellybeans and a note to Dolly reading “Thou Shalt Not Steal.”
With Dolly’s disposition growing more sour by the day and Emily growing more curious, the two encounter a violent and abusive boyfriend, dig up old clues from Dolly’s painful past, and strengthen a friendship that’s as odd as it is perfect. But before Dolly and Emily can puzzle it all out, a loved one of Dolly’s will be murdered, another will be kidnapped, and a long-awaited confrontation between a mother and a daughter will heal at the very moment it kills.
About the Author:
Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli lives back in the Michigan woods between Mancelona and Kalkaska, on a small lake, much like the protagonist of her Emily Kincaid mystery series. She is a book reviewer with the Northern Express (an alternative newspaper in Traverse City, Michigan), and teaches creative writing at Northwestern Michigan College.
Reviews:
Rave reviews for the Emily Kincaid Mysteries
Dead Little Dolly
"The book is well written and I loved the characters. Kept you guessing!"
—Krafty's Reads
Dead Dogs and Englishmen
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2011!
“Buzzelli will have you packing your bags for a move to northern Michigan.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Emily is a detective for our times: She can’t afford health care, but she can make flour out of cat tails and work three jobs at once.”
—Christian Science Monitor
Dead Sleeping Shaman
“Buzzelli’s well-crafted third Emily Kincaid . . . [features] sharp prose and spirited characterizations.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Readers will find the same strong sense of place and great characters that are hallmarks of Sarah Graves and Philip Craig.”
—Library Journal
“The appeal of this third in the series comes both from Emily—a likable character forging a new life after her divorce—and the evocatively described, nicely detailed small-town setting.”
—Booklist
Dead Floating Lovers
“Every woman who’s ever struggled with saying no, fitting in, and balancing independence against loneliness will adore first-timer Emily. . . .”
—Kirkus Reviews
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2013
38 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli
15 books177 followersElizabeth Kane Buzzelli (aka Elizabeth Lee) is a Michigan based novelist whose 12th book is due out in 2016. She teaches fiction writing at Northern Michigan College and has written for the NORTHERN EXPRESS, the ROMEO OBSERVER, the DETROIT NEWS, and the RECORD-EAGLE. She is a member of the Author’s Guild, International Association of crime Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers’ of America, Michigan Writers, and Detroit Working Writers and has three mystery series out, or about to be published.
In the Emily Kincaid series her novel DEAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN was chosen one of the best mysteries of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews. A new series (written as Elizabeth Lee) is now out with the third: NUTS AND BURIED (based in Texas) to be published this November from Berkley Publishers. Another series, beginning with A MOST CURIOUS MURDER, (Crooked Lane Publishers) will be out in July, 2016, with the second: DEATH OF A SAD POET, scheduled later in the year.
In the Emily Kincaid series her novel DEAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN was chosen one of the best mysteries of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews. A new series (written as Elizabeth Lee) is now out with the third: NUTS AND BURIED (based in Texas) to be published this November from Berkley Publishers. Another series, beginning with A MOST CURIOUS MURDER, (Crooked Lane Publishers) will be out in July, 2016, with the second: DEATH OF A SAD POET, scheduled later in the year.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 3, 2017
Dead Little Dolly by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli.
Even the beauty of Northern Michigan can’t put a smile on the face of Emily Kincaid’s perpetually cranky friend Deputy Dolly Wakowski, and when someone tries to destroy the only family Dolly has ever had, her crankiness turns lethal, even as the crime threatens to overwhelm her.
Still struggling in her career as a mystery writer, Emily takes a deep breath before stepping in to help. As they launch their search for Dolly’s assailant and the investigation deepens, two strange clues emerge: the attacker’s trademark black jellybeans and a note to Dolly reading “Thou Shalt Not Steal.”
With Dolly’s disposition growing more sour by the day and Emily growing more curious, the two encounter a violent and abusive boyfriend, dig up old clues from Dolly’s painful past, and strengthen a friendship that’s as odd as it is perfect. But before Dolly and Emily can puzzle it all out, a loved one of Dolly’s will be murdered, another will be kidnapped, and a long-awaited confrontation between a mother and a daughter will heal at the very moment it kills.
I really enjoyed this book even though it was book 5. Full of twists and plots. It had me hooked from page one. I could not put it down. Loved Dolly character. And Emily. I was holding my breath near the end of the book. I will definitely be looking into this series. Can't wait for next part. 5*. Netgalley and beyond the page publishing.
Even the beauty of Northern Michigan can’t put a smile on the face of Emily Kincaid’s perpetually cranky friend Deputy Dolly Wakowski, and when someone tries to destroy the only family Dolly has ever had, her crankiness turns lethal, even as the crime threatens to overwhelm her.
Still struggling in her career as a mystery writer, Emily takes a deep breath before stepping in to help. As they launch their search for Dolly’s assailant and the investigation deepens, two strange clues emerge: the attacker’s trademark black jellybeans and a note to Dolly reading “Thou Shalt Not Steal.”
With Dolly’s disposition growing more sour by the day and Emily growing more curious, the two encounter a violent and abusive boyfriend, dig up old clues from Dolly’s painful past, and strengthen a friendship that’s as odd as it is perfect. But before Dolly and Emily can puzzle it all out, a loved one of Dolly’s will be murdered, another will be kidnapped, and a long-awaited confrontation between a mother and a daughter will heal at the very moment it kills.
I really enjoyed this book even though it was book 5. Full of twists and plots. It had me hooked from page one. I could not put it down. Loved Dolly character. And Emily. I was holding my breath near the end of the book. I will definitely be looking into this series. Can't wait for next part. 5*. Netgalley and beyond the page publishing.
March 3, 2014
I received this as an early read from NetGalley. This was quirky, weird and a series I'll happily read more of. :-) For some reason stories set in Michigan always appeal to me and this was no exception. The characters were eclectic without seeming like a joke which made them all the more human. I knew early on that Dolly's mother's story was false and suspected the truth, but still enjoyed reading how everything would play out.
May 14, 2017
Title: Dead Little Dolly - Emily Kincaid Mystery Book 5
Author: Elizabeth Kane Busselli
Publisher: Beyond Publishing
Published: 4-11-2013
Page: 310
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Detective
ISBN: 9781937349677
ASIN: B00CBWMKZ8
Reviewed For NetGalley and The Publisher
Reviewed By: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Although never a bubbly personality Dolly's attitude has become downright surly and is fast approaching Grinch status. Someone has targeted Dolly and those she holds dear. It is with the help of Emily that the two unlikely friends begin to piece the clues together and we learn more of the contentious relationship between Dolly and her mother. We also see that although Dolly holds herself aloof from everyone, the town counts Dolly as one of their own and are protective of her.
This is a fast paced, smooth read. Once again you will gasp as you laugh as Emily tries to figure out Dolly and why she keeps coming to her. She even begins to respect her and understand her more. There are plenty of clues, but the ending will still come as a shock to many. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CBWMKZ8/...
Barnes & Noble Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-...
GoodReads Links: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Elizabeth Kane Busselli
Publisher: Beyond Publishing
Published: 4-11-2013
Page: 310
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Detective
ISBN: 9781937349677
ASIN: B00CBWMKZ8
Reviewed For NetGalley and The Publisher
Reviewed By: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Although never a bubbly personality Dolly's attitude has become downright surly and is fast approaching Grinch status. Someone has targeted Dolly and those she holds dear. It is with the help of Emily that the two unlikely friends begin to piece the clues together and we learn more of the contentious relationship between Dolly and her mother. We also see that although Dolly holds herself aloof from everyone, the town counts Dolly as one of their own and are protective of her.
This is a fast paced, smooth read. Once again you will gasp as you laugh as Emily tries to figure out Dolly and why she keeps coming to her. She even begins to respect her and understand her more. There are plenty of clues, but the ending will still come as a shock to many. My rating is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CBWMKZ8/...
Barnes & Noble Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-...
GoodReads Links: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
December 7, 2018
Dolly , a cop .and her friend whose trying to start her writing career are friends. One day when she was at the cemetery, someone whizzed past her car and almost hit the car. Her baby was asleep in the car at the time. So they were trying to find out who and why. She was very protective of her baby. Her mother gave her up when she was born so she never knew her mother. Eventually things kept happening and someone left a note on her car that said like Thou shalt not steal. Still trying to find out who was doing this she got more protective of her baby. Her grandma was killed so then they tried to find her real mother , but had a hard time finding her. They finally did but was that a good thing?
January 2, 2021
By far, this book is the best of the Emily Kincaid Mysteries series. Author Buzzelli's writing has developed well.
A deliberate attack on Deputy Dolly’s parked police vehicle, holding Dolly’s four month old daughter, at the local cemetery sends Dolly on a search for a black SUV.
Side stories about main character Emily and a possible new job; neighbor Harry’s overdue wedding and ex-husband Jackson hopefully leaving Emily’s life add to Emily’s Michigan spring.
It has been awhile (3 years) since I've read a book from this series. It was comforting and fun to read about these characters again.
A deliberate attack on Deputy Dolly’s parked police vehicle, holding Dolly’s four month old daughter, at the local cemetery sends Dolly on a search for a black SUV.
Side stories about main character Emily and a possible new job; neighbor Harry’s overdue wedding and ex-husband Jackson hopefully leaving Emily’s life add to Emily’s Michigan spring.
It has been awhile (3 years) since I've read a book from this series. It was comforting and fun to read about these characters again.
April 7, 2019
For some reason this novel of Emily and Dolly didn't hit with me as the others have. I'll keep going, but would welcome more about Michigan and less of cranky Dolly. (There are some lovely passages about Michigan in this, thought.)
August 23, 2016
This is the first title I've read of this engaging cozy mystery series created around Dolly, the local sheriff of a tiny mid-western town. The setting, located in Northwestern Michigan, is original and well conceived; the pacing and transitions are deft and clearly the work of an experienced writer. Best of all are the characterizations, which are colorful and distinctive without being so wildly eccentric as to become caricatures or stereotypes.
I will admit that when it comes to cozy mysteries, I am a hard sell. I want working class protagonists, first off; no wealthy people on cruises or in drawing rooms for me (Dame Agatha Christie as the legendary, sole exception to my rule). I don't like to see improbable individuals solving crimes that go right over the heads of the police, and I will not read a cozy mystery I even suspect may contain a recipe somewhere. If a novel needs recipes to sell, it's not much of a novel.
Dead Little Dolly meets all of my snooty criteria. The title character, Dolly, is the sheriff of her tiny town, and has all sorts of family baggage that comes into play. Her mother abandoned her as an infant to join some religious cult in France, and now that she is a single mother, she sternly rejects her grandmother's wish to contact said long-gone mother. I loved what Dolly had to say about her mother's lack of responsibility and what might have happened because of it: "How'd she know I'd turn out so good?" This really cracked me up.
There are a couple of somewhat weak spots: the notion that Emily, the journalist, must keep news of our crime prominent in the local press "to keep the pressure on" is nonsense. When this is done, on whom is the pressure supposed to be placed? On THE POLICE. In this case, the police--a force of one--is the victim, and already highly motivated to solve the crime. Are we seeking the assistance of the FBI? No. There is no basis for it, and it is not mentioned. So this particular chunk of motivation is weak.
However, the story is so riveting and such great fun that I was ready to overlook that bit, and indeed kept reading well past my bedtime.
A particularly delicious secondary plot was the coming nuptials of an 80-year-old bride. Her mother had been against the match, and they had waited till her death to wed. The old bird lived to be 101 years old, and now a certain amount of haste was required to give the newlyweds a maximum period of wedded bliss. (I confess this made me think a bit of my favorite aunt, who was widowed at 30 and remarried at 70.)
Dead Little Dolly is a good fun romp, exactly what the doctor ordered when you need a beach read or a little something to take your mind off of your own worries. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, this one is highly recommended.
I will admit that when it comes to cozy mysteries, I am a hard sell. I want working class protagonists, first off; no wealthy people on cruises or in drawing rooms for me (Dame Agatha Christie as the legendary, sole exception to my rule). I don't like to see improbable individuals solving crimes that go right over the heads of the police, and I will not read a cozy mystery I even suspect may contain a recipe somewhere. If a novel needs recipes to sell, it's not much of a novel.
Dead Little Dolly meets all of my snooty criteria. The title character, Dolly, is the sheriff of her tiny town, and has all sorts of family baggage that comes into play. Her mother abandoned her as an infant to join some religious cult in France, and now that she is a single mother, she sternly rejects her grandmother's wish to contact said long-gone mother. I loved what Dolly had to say about her mother's lack of responsibility and what might have happened because of it: "How'd she know I'd turn out so good?" This really cracked me up.
There are a couple of somewhat weak spots: the notion that Emily, the journalist, must keep news of our crime prominent in the local press "to keep the pressure on" is nonsense. When this is done, on whom is the pressure supposed to be placed? On THE POLICE. In this case, the police--a force of one--is the victim, and already highly motivated to solve the crime. Are we seeking the assistance of the FBI? No. There is no basis for it, and it is not mentioned. So this particular chunk of motivation is weak.
However, the story is so riveting and such great fun that I was ready to overlook that bit, and indeed kept reading well past my bedtime.
A particularly delicious secondary plot was the coming nuptials of an 80-year-old bride. Her mother had been against the match, and they had waited till her death to wed. The old bird lived to be 101 years old, and now a certain amount of haste was required to give the newlyweds a maximum period of wedded bliss. (I confess this made me think a bit of my favorite aunt, who was widowed at 30 and remarried at 70.)
Dead Little Dolly is a good fun romp, exactly what the doctor ordered when you need a beach read or a little something to take your mind off of your own worries. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, this one is highly recommended.
May 10, 2013
Dead Little Dolly is part of a series featuring mystery novelist Emily Kincaid and her friend Deputy Dolly Wakowski.
Book Description: Buzzelli will have you packing your bags for a move to northern Michigan.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Even the beauty of Northern Michigan can’t put a smile on the face of Emily Kincaid’s perpetually cranky friend Deputy Dolly Wakowski, and when someone tries to destroy the only family Dolly has ever had, her crankiness turns lethal, even as the crime threatens to overwhelm her. Still struggling in her career as a mystery writer, Emily takes a deep breath before stepping in to help....
Way-ul, (Southern drawled version of Well) this was at best an OK read for me. I just wasn't that enchanted with characters or plot.
Net Galley ARC/Beyond the Page Publishing.
Mystery. April 12, 2013. Print version 308 pages.
ISBN-10: 1937349683
Book Description: Buzzelli will have you packing your bags for a move to northern Michigan.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Even the beauty of Northern Michigan can’t put a smile on the face of Emily Kincaid’s perpetually cranky friend Deputy Dolly Wakowski, and when someone tries to destroy the only family Dolly has ever had, her crankiness turns lethal, even as the crime threatens to overwhelm her. Still struggling in her career as a mystery writer, Emily takes a deep breath before stepping in to help....
Way-ul, (Southern drawled version of Well) this was at best an OK read for me. I just wasn't that enchanted with characters or plot.
Net Galley ARC/Beyond the Page Publishing.
Mystery. April 12, 2013. Print version 308 pages.
ISBN-10: 1937349683
November 22, 2015
I found Dolly really hard to relate to I had no problem with Emily since Emily and I are a lot alike.
You know the expression it takes a villiage to raise a child while in this case it takes a town.
Dolly comes from a really dysfunctional family the father splits, mother has a mental illness and dolly has trust issues.
Some parts of this book is really confusing.
It is fast paced and interesting but I don't think I will read it again but I highly recommend it.
You know the expression it takes a villiage to raise a child while in this case it takes a town.
Dolly comes from a really dysfunctional family the father splits, mother has a mental illness and dolly has trust issues.
Some parts of this book is really confusing.
It is fast paced and interesting but I don't think I will read it again but I highly recommend it.
May 25, 2013
Another good Dead book... (I seem to be reading a lot of books with Dead in the title, most more randomly than Buzzelli)
Enjoyed a leisurely afternoon, snacking on the second northern MI mystery by this author. Liked this one even better than the last. Light,
fast, fun.
Enjoyed a leisurely afternoon, snacking on the second northern MI mystery by this author. Liked this one even better than the last. Light,
fast, fun.
July 27, 2014
This was the first book of the series I have read. I definitely will read more. The book is well written and I loved the characters. I want to learn more about Emily, Dolly, Omar and the others in the town. The northern town sounds wonderful. The mystery of who the villain was kept you guessing!
September 17, 2014
Ok
I had worked out who the 'wanted person' was before the end of chapter 20
A nice story, not enough for me to really get my teeth into.
Also still not sure who Emily is, there's no description of what she looks like etc...
I had worked out who the 'wanted person' was before the end of chapter 20
A nice story, not enough for me to really get my teeth into.
Also still not sure who Emily is, there's no description of what she looks like etc...
June 11, 2015
Very good story.
I really enjoyed this story though it didn't have any blood or gore. I took a lot longer to read this than usual just because I've been running around but the story was good enough for me to have usually finished it in about three days.
I really enjoyed this story though it didn't have any blood or gore. I took a lot longer to read this than usual just because I've been running around but the story was good enough for me to have usually finished it in about three days.
March 24, 2016
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.
I loved this book. It was easy to read, fast paced and exciting. I absolutely couldn't put it down once I started reading just to see what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
I loved this book. It was easy to read, fast paced and exciting. I absolutely couldn't put it down once I started reading just to see what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
August 2, 2015
It was great to be back with all of the familiar characters but the plot was too predictable.
June 9, 2018
Last one in this series, but hopefully there will be more.
May 27, 2013
If you love Emily Kincaid, you're going to love "Dead Little Dolly."
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews