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Blue Ridge Mountain Mysteries #1-5
THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS MYSTERIES 1–5 five cozy crime mysteries full of twists
GET **FIVE** UTTERLY CHARMING COZY MURDER MYSTERIES SET IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS IN ONE GREAT-VALUE BOX SET.
Avery Andrews, attorney-at-law, leaves her high-powered job to return to her sleepy hometown of Dacus, South Carolina. But murder has a nasty habit of following her . . .
These southern cozy murder mysteries are perfect for fans of Tricia O’Malley, Steve Higgs, Dorothy Cannell, Alex Erickson and Kathi Daley.
READERS ADORE CATHY PICKENS’S BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Truly loved this from beginning to end.’ Cynthia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘That’s the South! Brought back memories and laughter plus keeps you guessing.’ Jhari
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A loveable, friendly and smart heroine.’ Rebeccah
IN THIS FIVE-BOOK BOX
BOOK 1: MURDER AT LUNA LAKE
Avery Andrews is trying to get her life back on track after losing her job. She’s enjoying some peace and quiet at her grandfather’s cabin on Luna Lake when a body is found. Avery can’t help being drawn into the investigation.
BOOK 2: MURDER AT FOLLY BEACH CREEK
Avery has become the go-to gal when a mystery arises. So when a series of murders occur in historic Charleston, she’s called in to help. But a man offering crucial information about the killer has an untimely car accident — and it looks anything but accidental . . .
BOOK 3: MURDER AT GOLDEN COVE FOREST
A woman enters Avery’s office claiming her husband is accusing her of poisoning him. The mystery deepens when more bodies turn up. Each victim received a letter accusing them of various evil deeds just before they died. Can Avery get to the bottom of these mysterious deaths?
BOOK 4: MURDER AT MOODY SPRINGS LOOKOUT
Avery is tasked with finding a woman who disappeared while investigating her aunt’s murder. In a strange coincidence, the missing woman is the same age as her aunt who died twenty years ago — her body was found on a tombstone, packed suitcase at her feet.
BOOK 5: MURDER AT BOW FALLS
The Fourth of July carnival has come to Dacus. Avery is enjoying the spooky fright house until a leg falls off a blood-spattered mannequin. A very real leg. On a very real dead body. Can she get to the bottom of this creepy murder?
YOU GET ALL FIVE OF THE ABOVE BOOKS IN THIS EDITION. DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS BESTSELLING SERIES.
MEET OUR ATTORNEY SLEUTH
Avery Andrews is a thirty-something lawyer whose moral code wouldn’t let her allow an expert witness to lie on the stand, even to win her case. She’s lost her job as a malpractice defense attorney with a large city firm and has returned to her humdrum hometown to figure out what she does next. Her family wants her to stay, but she’s not so sure that’s a good idea.
THE SETTING
The Blue Ridge Mountain Mysteries are small-town Southern US mysteries, a love letter to the author’s hometown — though with the outrageousness ramped up and the crimes more twisty than what really happens. South Carolina is a tiny state but boasts much variety, from the southern reaches of the Appalachian Mountain chain in the northwest corner to historic Charleston on the coast, which is a mix of 17th and 18th century Europe and the Deep South.
Avery Andrews, attorney-at-law, leaves her high-powered job to return to her sleepy hometown of Dacus, South Carolina. But murder has a nasty habit of following her . . .
These southern cozy murder mysteries are perfect for fans of Tricia O’Malley, Steve Higgs, Dorothy Cannell, Alex Erickson and Kathi Daley.
READERS ADORE CATHY PICKENS’S BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Truly loved this from beginning to end.’ Cynthia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘That’s the South! Brought back memories and laughter plus keeps you guessing.’ Jhari
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A loveable, friendly and smart heroine.’ Rebeccah
IN THIS FIVE-BOOK BOX
BOOK 1: MURDER AT LUNA LAKE
Avery Andrews is trying to get her life back on track after losing her job. She’s enjoying some peace and quiet at her grandfather’s cabin on Luna Lake when a body is found. Avery can’t help being drawn into the investigation.
BOOK 2: MURDER AT FOLLY BEACH CREEK
Avery has become the go-to gal when a mystery arises. So when a series of murders occur in historic Charleston, she’s called in to help. But a man offering crucial information about the killer has an untimely car accident — and it looks anything but accidental . . .
BOOK 3: MURDER AT GOLDEN COVE FOREST
A woman enters Avery’s office claiming her husband is accusing her of poisoning him. The mystery deepens when more bodies turn up. Each victim received a letter accusing them of various evil deeds just before they died. Can Avery get to the bottom of these mysterious deaths?
BOOK 4: MURDER AT MOODY SPRINGS LOOKOUT
Avery is tasked with finding a woman who disappeared while investigating her aunt’s murder. In a strange coincidence, the missing woman is the same age as her aunt who died twenty years ago — her body was found on a tombstone, packed suitcase at her feet.
BOOK 5: MURDER AT BOW FALLS
The Fourth of July carnival has come to Dacus. Avery is enjoying the spooky fright house until a leg falls off a blood-spattered mannequin. A very real leg. On a very real dead body. Can she get to the bottom of this creepy murder?
YOU GET ALL FIVE OF THE ABOVE BOOKS IN THIS EDITION. DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS BESTSELLING SERIES.
MEET OUR ATTORNEY SLEUTH
Avery Andrews is a thirty-something lawyer whose moral code wouldn’t let her allow an expert witness to lie on the stand, even to win her case. She’s lost her job as a malpractice defense attorney with a large city firm and has returned to her humdrum hometown to figure out what she does next. Her family wants her to stay, but she’s not so sure that’s a good idea.
THE SETTING
The Blue Ridge Mountain Mysteries are small-town Southern US mysteries, a love letter to the author’s hometown — though with the outrageousness ramped up and the crimes more twisty than what really happens. South Carolina is a tiny state but boasts much variety, from the southern reaches of the Appalachian Mountain chain in the northwest corner to historic Charleston on the coast, which is a mix of 17th and 18th century Europe and the Deep South.
- GenresCozy Mystery
1357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
695 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Pickens
24 books65 followersCrime writer Cathy Pickens started her writing life as a mystery novelist. The first of five mysteries in the Southern Fried series won St. Martin’s Award for Best New Traditional Mystery.
Her fascination with the power of real crime stories led to a series for History Press, starting with Charleston Mysteries and Charlotte True Crime Stories.
She is a frequent mystery convention panelist, speaking on topics ranging from Southern mysteries to classic true crime stories to the use of poisons. At various times and under various aliases, she’s been a trial attorney specializing in complex civil litigation; a university provost; a business school professor (at Queens University of Charlotte); a church organist and choir director; and a ballroom and clog dance coach.
She has served as national president of Sisters in Crime, on the national board of Mystery Writers of America, and a founding board member of the regional Forensic Medicine Program.
Based on her book CREATE! Develop Your Creative Process, she offers workshops on developing the creative process. She also coaches and teaches new writers through Charlotte Lit, and works with former inmates and those in rehab on starting their own businesses and writing their own stories.
Her fascination with the power of real crime stories led to a series for History Press, starting with Charleston Mysteries and Charlotte True Crime Stories.
She is a frequent mystery convention panelist, speaking on topics ranging from Southern mysteries to classic true crime stories to the use of poisons. At various times and under various aliases, she’s been a trial attorney specializing in complex civil litigation; a university provost; a business school professor (at Queens University of Charlotte); a church organist and choir director; and a ballroom and clog dance coach.
She has served as national president of Sisters in Crime, on the national board of Mystery Writers of America, and a founding board member of the regional Forensic Medicine Program.
Based on her book CREATE! Develop Your Creative Process, she offers workshops on developing the creative process. She also coaches and teaches new writers through Charlotte Lit, and works with former inmates and those in rehab on starting their own businesses and writing their own stories.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 5, 2023
can your proofreaders read????
First the mustang changes from red to burgundy. OK I could forgive that. But then Shamanique turns from niece to cousin to niece to cousin again. Don’t you keep a list of how your characters are related?
First the mustang changes from red to burgundy. OK I could forgive that. But then Shamanique turns from niece to cousin to niece to cousin again. Don’t you keep a list of how your characters are related?
July 24, 2023
Interesting and intelligent offering
I really enjoyed all 5 books. At times it wasn't a stretch to guess who might be the killer but, not all the reasons behind the murder. There were always multiple mysteries in each book. The author did an amazing job researching an issue and making that part of the story. Examples are missing persons and investment fraud. The author then has information at the end of the book such as how to secure yourself from or help others with the big issues. No romance, just a good mystery with likeable, intelligent characters. I highly recommend these.
I really enjoyed all 5 books. At times it wasn't a stretch to guess who might be the killer but, not all the reasons behind the murder. There were always multiple mysteries in each book. The author did an amazing job researching an issue and making that part of the story. Examples are missing persons and investment fraud. The author then has information at the end of the book such as how to secure yourself from or help others with the big issues. No romance, just a good mystery with likeable, intelligent characters. I highly recommend these.
August 9, 2023
Good mysteries
It may take awhile, but Avery does eventually figure out who the bad guy is. A lawyer who returns to her home town after a debacle at work costs her her job. Stumbling on dead bodies or hired by folks no other lawyer wants to take on as a client, she soon finds herself working with a cop buddy to solve mysteries. She's smart, if slightly unlucky. She gets into scrapes but does manage to walk away in one piece. Surrounded by family and a handful of friends. Enjoyable series.
It may take awhile, but Avery does eventually figure out who the bad guy is. A lawyer who returns to her home town after a debacle at work costs her her job. Stumbling on dead bodies or hired by folks no other lawyer wants to take on as a client, she soon finds herself working with a cop buddy to solve mysteries. She's smart, if slightly unlucky. She gets into scrapes but does manage to walk away in one piece. Surrounded by family and a handful of friends. Enjoyable series.
September 13, 2024
I read all of the five books when they originally came out. First of all, I do not read "cozies," but I do read mysteries that are lighter than others, have some humor and tell a good story. That is where I place Cathy Pickens books. Disappointed when she quit writing the Avery series and since I gave the originals away, I may purchase them again. Just to visit with an old friend, so to speak.
As for the settings, the people, manner of speaking, behavior, etc. - Pickens is spot on. I grew up in coastal S.C., went to college in Charleston and lived in Upstate since then.
As for the settings, the people, manner of speaking, behavior, etc. - Pickens is spot on. I grew up in coastal S.C., went to college in Charleston and lived in Upstate since then.
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October 11, 2023Blue Ridge Mountains Mysteries 1-5
Avery and her friends became my friends as I read these 5 mysteries. The characters are relatable and interactions feel real. The mysteries draw you in but weren't so simple to make the reader bored. I wish there were more Avery Andrews mysteries!
Avery and her friends became my friends as I read these 5 mysteries. The characters are relatable and interactions feel real. The mysteries draw you in but weren't so simple to make the reader bored. I wish there were more Avery Andrews mysteries!
October 12, 2023
Each Book Holds It's Own
It took awhile to get into these books but once I understood the language, and learned the quirks of the people, I enjoyed these thoroughly. Good stories , plot thickens exponentially, and the lessons and life laughs are great.
It took awhile to get into these books but once I understood the language, and learned the quirks of the people, I enjoyed these thoroughly. Good stories , plot thickens exponentially, and the lessons and life laughs are great.
August 1, 2023
Enjoyed these books. Like SouthCarolina and the Blue Ridge Mins. Liked the twists and turns.
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August 21, 2023Mountain Mysteries 1-5
I love the stories. Lots of twists and turns. U never know who did it until the end . love to read more
I love the stories. Lots of twists and turns. U never know who did it until the end . love to read more
October 1, 2023
Great series!
I totally enjoyed this series. I live in the South and could relate to so many of the people and events.
I totally enjoyed this series. I live in the South and could relate to so many of the people and events.
October 2, 2023
Great reading
Best mystery books I've read in a while. Complicated enough to challenge the mind but simple enough to enjoy the story.
Best mystery books I've read in a while. Complicated enough to challenge the mind but simple enough to enjoy the story.
January 2, 2024
Great story lines
Excellent writing. Enjoyed it all! Too bad the series ended I would love more A'vry and her family and hometown friends.
Excellent writing. Enjoyed it all! Too bad the series ended I would love more A'vry and her family and hometown friends.
January 24, 2024
A bit too long
Each move left was intriguing on it's own. I was ready for the next after each one. very good reads.
Each move left was intriguing on it's own. I was ready for the next after each one. very good reads.
November 30, 2024
Enjoyed reading this series
Wasn’t sure I would like the first book but it got better. I would recommend reading this set. Will read more from Cathy Pickens.
Wasn’t sure I would like the first book but it got better. I would recommend reading this set. Will read more from Cathy Pickens.
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December 1, 2024A fun mystery read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews