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Jenny Watkins Mystery #1
Driven
Jenny Watkins is an ordinary elementary school teacher who buys a ramshackle old house with her husband Greg, intending to renovate the structure back to its original grandeur. Shortly after moving in, Jenny begins to hear voices, prompting her to look into a long-forgotten sixty-year-old missing persons case. During her investigation she meets a spunky elderly woman who causes Jenny to reexamine the way she looks at life.
This inspiring story offers believable characters, an intriguing plot, and plenty of humor throughout. The first book in a promising new series, Driven is sure to leave readers looking for more.
This inspiring story offers believable characters, an intriguing plot, and plenty of humor throughout. The first book in a promising new series, Driven is sure to leave readers looking for more.
Unknown Binding
First published May 21, 2013
63 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Becky Durfee
24 books20 followersAs she sits by the pool watching her kids splashing around, Becky Durfee is busy under an umbrella writing her Jenny Watkins Mystery series. A statistics teacher by trade, she uses her spare time to explore her more creative side.
She has worked full time, stayed home with kids, gotten married, gotten divorced, gotten re-married, acquired step-kids, juggled a career and a home, been pregnant, puked from morning sickness, given birth, peed from sneezing (directly related to that whole 'birth' thing) and somehow has managed to laugh through it all. Those experiences lend themselves to believable characters and humorous plot lines in her Jenny Watkins Mystery series.
Driven was accepted into the Self-e Library Journal in October of 2015.
She has worked full time, stayed home with kids, gotten married, gotten divorced, gotten re-married, acquired step-kids, juggled a career and a home, been pregnant, puked from morning sickness, given birth, peed from sneezing (directly related to that whole 'birth' thing) and somehow has managed to laugh through it all. Those experiences lend themselves to believable characters and humorous plot lines in her Jenny Watkins Mystery series.
Driven was accepted into the Self-e Library Journal in October of 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 30, 2014
Okay, Becky Durfee, I'm hooked! I downloaded this book because I wanted to support a local author. I had heard it was a good read, but I did not expect it to be as good as it was! I was a little skeptical about the whole "psychic" angle, but fell into this book right away.
Jenny Watkins is a woman seeking her own identity and place in this world when she starts receiving psychic visions from a dead man. Jenny is struggling in her own marriage, but her strength and character grow as her abilities surface. She develops a special friendship with a dying elderly woman, as she reveals a love story every bit as good as those created by Nicholas Sparks books such as "The Notebook". The mystery kept me hooked from beginning to end! I guess I'll go download the second Jenny Watkins mystery now!
Jenny Watkins is a woman seeking her own identity and place in this world when she starts receiving psychic visions from a dead man. Jenny is struggling in her own marriage, but her strength and character grow as her abilities surface. She develops a special friendship with a dying elderly woman, as she reveals a love story every bit as good as those created by Nicholas Sparks books such as "The Notebook". The mystery kept me hooked from beginning to end! I guess I'll go download the second Jenny Watkins mystery now!
October 18, 2013
I started with this book, quickly stayed glued to it until I was finished and was thrilled to read there was a "next" book! Read the next two, and now want to find out about the Book Exposed! I can't find it online anywhere. Whey will it hit the stands, or kindle stands as I call them! I love the way this author writes, very easy to read and thoughful and full of honest emotion and mystery. She digs deep into the characters, not quite as deep as I would like at times, but deep enough.
Her grammer is correct, spell checking excellent, which is always a plus, and they are great books that have kept my interest through all of them! Thank you Becky for sharing your gift of writing.
Her grammer is correct, spell checking excellent, which is always a plus, and they are great books that have kept my interest through all of them! Thank you Becky for sharing your gift of writing.
July 19, 2013
A great read - page after page after page it just got better and better. Terrific originality! Unique plot! Fabulous character development! I rooted for the heroine as her character transformed and the conclusion was reached.
I suggest that you read this novel
If it is any help let me tell you I didn't want to put it down and couldn't wait to resume to the end.
Its a great stand alone but I expect it will prove to be an even better prequel.
Please let the series begin.
I suggest that you read this novel
If it is any help let me tell you I didn't want to put it down and couldn't wait to resume to the end.
Its a great stand alone but I expect it will prove to be an even better prequel.
Please let the series begin.
June 30, 2013
Durfee weaves an amazing story filled with wisdom, suspense, and wit. First five star book of 2013! Durfee's balances character development with climax making for an intriguing and satisfying read! Wow!!!!
June 18, 2013
Fast-paced mystery. A great summer read and Becky has more coming! Can't wait.
January 20, 2015
“Insisting on being happy isn’t being selfish. It’s necessary.”
- Elanor Whitby (wickedly awesome character)
It’s been a long time since I couldn’t put down a book, and longer still when I’ve read a book in a day. Even when I really like a book, I would pace it out over at least two or three days. Even when I couldn’t put a book down, I would because I had other things that had to be done. But the stars aligned and the more I read Driven, the more I was sucked in until I had to finish it.
Of course, it isn’t a bloody tome of a thing so that really helped. Short and to the point, every single moment in this book had a purpose. No filler, no padding, no bullsh*t that has ticked me off many times before. And I loved every moment of it.
A paranormal mystery wrapped up in a tale of self-discovery where our protagonist realises that throughout her life, she’s just been ‘going through the motions’ and that she has to work out what she really wants to do. This book ticked all my boxes, as if it were written just for me. Crazy how someone on the other end of the world can write a tale that speaks to me like this.
The characters were brilliant, realistic, complicated and so very, very different from each other. I love how the book ended – it was so naturally done, nothing was forced, and everything was well reasoned. How often do you read a story where you think it’s going to go in an obvious direction, and then it surprises you by bringing a solid dose of reality that in the real world, things just don’t work that way? I cannot be more specific than that because I do not like to spoil things. If you read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about: the characters’ relationships are not forced, and they are not idealistic.
I was asked to review Driven by the author. Obviously my thoughts are my own and not everyone is going to love this book as much as I did, but I think if you have similar tastes in paranormal mysteries and journeys of self-realisation as me then you will love this book. I went and bought the sequel straight away, that’s how much I loved it.
- Elanor Whitby (wickedly awesome character)
It’s been a long time since I couldn’t put down a book, and longer still when I’ve read a book in a day. Even when I really like a book, I would pace it out over at least two or three days. Even when I couldn’t put a book down, I would because I had other things that had to be done. But the stars aligned and the more I read Driven, the more I was sucked in until I had to finish it.
Of course, it isn’t a bloody tome of a thing so that really helped. Short and to the point, every single moment in this book had a purpose. No filler, no padding, no bullsh*t that has ticked me off many times before. And I loved every moment of it.
A paranormal mystery wrapped up in a tale of self-discovery where our protagonist realises that throughout her life, she’s just been ‘going through the motions’ and that she has to work out what she really wants to do. This book ticked all my boxes, as if it were written just for me. Crazy how someone on the other end of the world can write a tale that speaks to me like this.
The characters were brilliant, realistic, complicated and so very, very different from each other. I love how the book ended – it was so naturally done, nothing was forced, and everything was well reasoned. How often do you read a story where you think it’s going to go in an obvious direction, and then it surprises you by bringing a solid dose of reality that in the real world, things just don’t work that way? I cannot be more specific than that because I do not like to spoil things. If you read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about: the characters’ relationships are not forced, and they are not idealistic.
I was asked to review Driven by the author. Obviously my thoughts are my own and not everyone is going to love this book as much as I did, but I think if you have similar tastes in paranormal mysteries and journeys of self-realisation as me then you will love this book. I went and bought the sequel straight away, that’s how much I loved it.
June 29, 2013
Captivating story with lots of twists and turns. I fell in love with the characters, especially Elanor, and have just downloaded Betrayed, the next book in the series. Can't wait for the next adventure!
April 28, 2019
Nice story
Enjoyable story, interesting characters, nice flow to the story. Jenny, the main character, experiences some nice growth. Her husband, Greg, is not very likable but that is so for a purpose. The secondary main character, Elanor, is rather one dimensional and for an professional woman she was inordinately fond of the word shit. A little too much! All in all, it was a mystery solved with psychic abilities. Fun.
Enjoyable story, interesting characters, nice flow to the story. Jenny, the main character, experiences some nice growth. Her husband, Greg, is not very likable but that is so for a purpose. The secondary main character, Elanor, is rather one dimensional and for an professional woman she was inordinately fond of the word shit. A little too much! All in all, it was a mystery solved with psychic abilities. Fun.
April 30, 2023
Bought this book today at a local craft fair because I like mysteries and the author was sweet. Not normally a fan of paranormal books and had low expectations (sorry, Becky!) but ended up loving it and reading it all this evening. I’ll buy the next book immediately, and not just because I like supporting local artists. The characters were well-defined, relatable, and I genuinely cared about how the book ended. Can’t wait to see where the next book takes the protagonist.
September 11, 2018
Such as cool story!
I loved the idea of not knowing you're psychic until another psychic says, more or less, that it takes one to know one. Then the real excitement and visions begin!
I will have to check out the next book in these adventures as this book ended entirely too soon. Keep 'em coming, Becky!
I loved the idea of not knowing you're psychic until another psychic says, more or less, that it takes one to know one. Then the real excitement and visions begin!
I will have to check out the next book in these adventures as this book ended entirely too soon. Keep 'em coming, Becky!
July 20, 2023
satisfaction
This first book of the series is completely believable, as natural as yawning when you see someone else yawn. The author does an excellent job of evolving Jenny, the main character. Elanor, too, is drawn precisely. Some parts of the book are really sad. However, I am eager to read more of Ms. Durfee’s books. Well done
This first book of the series is completely believable, as natural as yawning when you see someone else yawn. The author does an excellent job of evolving Jenny, the main character. Elanor, too, is drawn precisely. Some parts of the book are really sad. However, I am eager to read more of Ms. Durfee’s books. Well done
July 23, 2018
Driven
This is the first mystery I've read in quite awhile. I 'm quite sure that l can't express adequately, how delighted l was to have found such a wonderful, fulfilling story, right off the bat! I am definitely going to read the next one in the series!
This is the first mystery I've read in quite awhile. I 'm quite sure that l can't express adequately, how delighted l was to have found such a wonderful, fulfilling story, right off the bat! I am definitely going to read the next one in the series!
July 9, 2022
Interesting, mysterious and insightful
A very interesting read for those who like super natural mysteries along with some meaningful conversations and insights into life and relationships.
A very interesting read for those who like super natural mysteries along with some meaningful conversations and insights into life and relationships.
January 24, 2025
Great story
I enjoyed the book. It was a fast read. The characters were well defined. Plenty of twists in the story. Watching the main character grow in her understanding of herself was satisfying.
I enjoyed the book. It was a fast read. The characters were well defined. Plenty of twists in the story. Watching the main character grow in her understanding of herself was satisfying.
September 21, 2017
very good, really enjoyed this book
August 1, 2018
Very fast reading and started to read the next book in series. I chose to read this because I knew Becky as a child and wanted to read one of her books and I am hooked.
February 18, 2019
Great fast read
Jenny & her husband move to a new house. One that they are going to renovate, and flip. A ghost speaks to Jenny, and she starts trying to figure out why.
Jenny & her husband move to a new house. One that they are going to renovate, and flip. A ghost speaks to Jenny, and she starts trying to figure out why.
January 23, 2022
Honest Review
Just finished Driven. Really good and thought provoking read.
Highly recommend this book. Now on to her next book: Betrayed
Just finished Driven. Really good and thought provoking read.
Highly recommend this book. Now on to her next book: Betrayed
August 23, 2023
Interesting premise. Will likely read another in the series.
August 1, 2014
so, I was really surprised not to like this book more -- it had so many five star reviews. To me, 5 stars is like, wow, this book blew me away, couldn't put it down, Silence of the Lambs, World According to Garp, the Hunger Games levels of originality and depth.
This is not a bad book, but it is not the Hunger Games or even close. It's a decent light read about a teacher who discovers she's psychic and helps a dying woman solve the mystery of her lost love. Sweet, but not a great book. An ok plot, but lots of the plot "twists" were somewhat predictable.
But here's what took this book from 3 to 2 stars. The dying woman was apparently a pioneer feminist -- she devoted her life to a magazine that sounds a bit like Ms. Well, great, I'm down with that. I like a woman, young or old, who is proud of her sexuality, tells women to make free choices and cusses like a sailor, just as much as the next feminist. And, the dying feminist lady mentors the young psychic ingenue protagonist who can't find her a** with both hands. Ok, that doesn't sound too feminist but I can live with it. I didn't pick this up expecting the Golden Notebook for goodness sake.
The problem is that Jenny (the young ingenue) is, well, kind of a jerk. She has the maturity level of a 12 year old and the communication skills of someone much, much younger. She treats her husband terribly. I mean, don't get me wrong, he's no prize either, and trust me, a bag of hammers would decimate him at Jeopardy, but still. She married him. She made a bunch of promises to him (other than the obvious one that comes with marrying the guy). And then she changed her mind. In a big way about a LOT of things. Not a sin, mind you, she's allowed -- but then she blames him for being bent out of shape. Don't blame the poor guy for feeling sucker-punched! You DID sucker punch him!
She redeems herself somewhat at the end, and I suppose I should cut her some slack -- I mean she is supposed to be all of what, 23 or something? But I couldn't, and she really got in the way of my enjoyment of this book.
This is not a bad book, but it is not the Hunger Games or even close. It's a decent light read about a teacher who discovers she's psychic and helps a dying woman solve the mystery of her lost love. Sweet, but not a great book. An ok plot, but lots of the plot "twists" were somewhat predictable.
But here's what took this book from 3 to 2 stars. The dying woman was apparently a pioneer feminist -- she devoted her life to a magazine that sounds a bit like Ms. Well, great, I'm down with that. I like a woman, young or old, who is proud of her sexuality, tells women to make free choices and cusses like a sailor, just as much as the next feminist. And, the dying feminist lady mentors the young psychic ingenue protagonist who can't find her a** with both hands. Ok, that doesn't sound too feminist but I can live with it. I didn't pick this up expecting the Golden Notebook for goodness sake.
The problem is that Jenny (the young ingenue) is, well, kind of a jerk. She has the maturity level of a 12 year old and the communication skills of someone much, much younger. She treats her husband terribly. I mean, don't get me wrong, he's no prize either, and trust me, a bag of hammers would decimate him at Jeopardy, but still. She married him. She made a bunch of promises to him (other than the obvious one that comes with marrying the guy). And then she changed her mind. In a big way about a LOT of things. Not a sin, mind you, she's allowed -- but then she blames him for being bent out of shape. Don't blame the poor guy for feeling sucker-punched! You DID sucker punch him!
She redeems herself somewhat at the end, and I suppose I should cut her some slack -- I mean she is supposed to be all of what, 23 or something? But I couldn't, and she really got in the way of my enjoyment of this book.
August 23, 2015
3 stars = I liked it.
Nice easy read. Straight into the story, which at the time of reading was okay for me as I wasn't wanting anything too heavy to read. The ending of the plot was good and being the sentimental type I may have welled up. Then of course to know what was next for Jenny Watkins, well you could just leave it with the first book, however I couldn't, so although I removed one from my to read pile, it was rapidly replaced. Oh well.
Nice easy read. Straight into the story, which at the time of reading was okay for me as I wasn't wanting anything too heavy to read. The ending of the plot was good and being the sentimental type I may have welled up. Then of course to know what was next for Jenny Watkins, well you could just leave it with the first book, however I couldn't, so although I removed one from my to read pile, it was rapidly replaced. Oh well.
February 1, 2017
A long overdue love story
Jenny did everything to make everyone else happy, except herself. That all changed when she and her husband bought an old house to renovate and heard a man's voice say 'Steve odell'. And so it begins - a journey of no return for Jenny Watkins - a second grade teacher who discovers she has psychic abilities. I loved this book - and I'm sure you will as well.
Jenny did everything to make everyone else happy, except herself. That all changed when she and her husband bought an old house to renovate and heard a man's voice say 'Steve odell'. And so it begins - a journey of no return for Jenny Watkins - a second grade teacher who discovers she has psychic abilities. I loved this book - and I'm sure you will as well.
July 5, 2014
Great read!!
The story was about a real every day woman with a special gift and real life problems. It was written very well with no lags in the story line. Yes the grammar wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst either. I was able to read this with no problems. I will read the next book and probably the next. Great job Mrs. Durfee!
The story was about a real every day woman with a special gift and real life problems. It was written very well with no lags in the story line. Yes the grammar wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst either. I was able to read this with no problems. I will read the next book and probably the next. Great job Mrs. Durfee!
October 3, 2014
A different paranormal.. I liked it, but didn't love it. A quick decent read, that's written adequately.
Moving to a new state for a dream that isn't yours is hard, especially when strange things start happening and you have no support.
Moving to a new state for a dream that isn't yours is hard, especially when strange things start happening and you have no support.
June 17, 2014
Even though I'm not a fan of ghost-characters and psychic revelations, this one is well done enough to earn the 5 stars. The murder mystery is a plus and gives it a reason to be told.
September 16, 2013
Interesting plot and charaters although I don't particularly care for the psychic aspect.
April 17, 2015
Was an easy read
The story was entertaining . But the story was predictable .it was an entertaining story. Just not thought provoking, you knew where it was going.
The story was entertaining . But the story was predictable .it was an entertaining story. Just not thought provoking, you knew where it was going.
December 17, 2015
I loved it
This book brought tears and joy. Paranormal and psychic abilities are close to my heart. Love surpasses time. Friends are rare gems. This book is simply beautiful.
This book brought tears and joy. Paranormal and psychic abilities are close to my heart. Love surpasses time. Friends are rare gems. This book is simply beautiful.
May 6, 2016
Amazing
I really like this book it was a great start to a new series. Jenny was inspiring in the fact she was willing to do what it took to help even if the one she helped was dead
I really like this book it was a great start to a new series. Jenny was inspiring in the fact she was willing to do what it took to help even if the one she helped was dead
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews