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Magnolia Mysteries #4
Murder At Wrightsville Beach
With temperatures in the nineties, Ashley Wilkes, historic preservationist, heads for Wrightsville Beach where sister Melanie has rented an oceanfront sleeps-14 "cottage." But murder never takes a vacation and as the body count escalates, Ashley realizes there is more to beach life than sunblock and fried fish platters. With houseguests and neighbors all behaving suspiciously, Ashley's tempted to retreat back to town where she's restoring a 1920s Georgian Revival house, yet even the restoration site is fraught with danger. And nothing prepares Ashley for a moonlight stroll out on the pier with a crazed killer. "I am a big fan of murder mysteries and this was not a disappointment. Perfect for a day at the pool or the beach. I have finished the entire series I was so captured with the characters and settings in all of these fantastic books. Great for bits of southern history and charm too! " Kim "I used to live in Wilmington and loved reading about areas where I have been before. The mystery was well written and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I highly recommend it as a light read that keeps the reader guessing up until the end. The characters are very well done and likeable." Mike “I have recently started reading your books on the Wilmington series and have fallen in LOVE. I cannot put them down . Needless to say not a lot is getting done at home.Thank you and GOD BLESS” Anne “Just finished the last of the nine books in your Wilmington Series via my Kindle. Greatly enjoyed all of them. Are there any more to come? Especially liked the descriptions of the various foods available in Wilmington – makes one want to run right up here. Best wishes for future literary efforts.” William “I LOVE YOUR BOOKS! I just finished reading your ninth book. I was thrilled to see on your web page that you are writing a tenth! I've come to feel that I really "know" the characters, and enjoy reading about historic Wilmington. I've also fallen in love with the characters, and feel as if I know them as friends. I can't wait till your next in the series. Don't ever stop!” Kathy “I am a huge fan of your books. I've read all of this series so far. Please don't stop writing this series. You've done such good character development that the readers want these gals to go on and have new adventurer in their married lives. I truly enjoy your stories, please keep going. Thank you,” Jan “I finished Christmas Wedding yesterday evening and I really loved it. You did a great job with the characters and elements of surprise as well as keeping it believable. I enjoy the historical information you include, it makes me want to come further south the next time we come to the Outer Banks. I have started “Murder at the Bellamy Mansion” and have to really restrain myself to not let my work go and just sit and read. “ Mary Ann “My mother and I are huge fans of your Magnolia Mysteries book series! We live in Indiana. I have read all of the books that you have written so far, and I was wondering if there will be another book? Thank you for writing your books…they have given me a lot of good entertainment!” Haley “I just finished the last of the Magnolia Mysteries, when are you going to write more? I love the characters and the settings. You can't just leave your readers guessing about what Melanie, Ashley, Scarlett and the rest will do with all the gold coins they found. Please continue the series. A true fan.” Lucie “I just stumbled across your first book last weekend and am now up to book 5 - I simply can NOT put them down. They are wonderfully written - with characters you get to know and love and want to know more about. I thoroughly enjoy the descriptions of Wilmington - it sounds like a place I want to visit someday.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 24, 2018
Wow!!! I am SO happy I read this book; very different from other cozy mystery series. Book Four in the Magnolia Mysteries series. I usually begin with Book One so I was not sure how I would feel about delving into an established series. However, I do not feel I have missed anything as the characters are well constructed and interesting (although I may go back and read the first three).
Ashley Wilkes and her sister Melanie (yes their mother was a Gone with the Wind fanatic) are spending the summer together in Wilmington, North Carolina where they grew up. Ashley, a home renovator, has lived in the shadow of her beautiful sister and her sister's friend, famous model Kelly. The three women get along famously and share a beach house for the summer. Unfortunately Ashley has to put up with Melanie's Atlantic City boyfriend Mickey and his obnoxious (to Ashley) brother Devin.
When a beloved member of the Wilmington community is found dead, the sisters, especially Ashley, become embroiled in the mystery. The mystery turns and twists in various ways leaving the reader, and Ashley trying to make sense of all the different things that have happened.
Very-well done.
Ashley Wilkes and her sister Melanie (yes their mother was a Gone with the Wind fanatic) are spending the summer together in Wilmington, North Carolina where they grew up. Ashley, a home renovator, has lived in the shadow of her beautiful sister and her sister's friend, famous model Kelly. The three women get along famously and share a beach house for the summer. Unfortunately Ashley has to put up with Melanie's Atlantic City boyfriend Mickey and his obnoxious (to Ashley) brother Devin.
When a beloved member of the Wilmington community is found dead, the sisters, especially Ashley, become embroiled in the mystery. The mystery turns and twists in various ways leaving the reader, and Ashley trying to make sense of all the different things that have happened.
Very-well done.
November 12, 2016
It summertime in NC. The temperature is in the nineties.
Ashley Wilkes, historic preservationist, is headed to
Wrightsville Beach for vacation. Her sister, Melanie has
rented a cottage on the ocean that can sleep 14 people.
Melanie is expecting her “current” man friend and his
brother from Atlantic City, NJ to stay there plus a old
school friend who is now a model. Their rescue cat is
staying with them.
Visiting an art gallery the sisters know, they discover the
owner dead. The owner was shot and robbed of paintings
set up for a new exhibit.
Murder, robbery, attempt robbery, mayhem, arson, shady
and quirky characters keep the story moving along at a
good pace.
The story contains interesting historic facts about the
Wilmington area.
Good beach read!!!
Ashley Wilkes, historic preservationist, is headed to
Wrightsville Beach for vacation. Her sister, Melanie has
rented a cottage on the ocean that can sleep 14 people.
Melanie is expecting her “current” man friend and his
brother from Atlantic City, NJ to stay there plus a old
school friend who is now a model. Their rescue cat is
staying with them.
Visiting an art gallery the sisters know, they discover the
owner dead. The owner was shot and robbed of paintings
set up for a new exhibit.
Murder, robbery, attempt robbery, mayhem, arson, shady
and quirky characters keep the story moving along at a
good pace.
The story contains interesting historic facts about the
Wilmington area.
Good beach read!!!
November 15, 2018
Ashley Wilkes, a historic preservationist, is on vacation - until her friend is found dead in his art gallery and all of his paintings stolen. It was supposed to be a fun getaway week at her sister's beach condo, but the shady boyfriend and his friend hanging around are putting a damper on the fun. Meanwhile, Ashley's husband is off at his job with the Army and Ashley can't get ahold of him.
This whole story was told with no emotion, not much for detail, and big missing chunks. For instance, she comes across a dark shape - and realizes it's a body. Next page - she is very tired after a long night. So many lapses in time over the important details but droning on about the unimportant. Very honestly probably one of the worst cozy mysteries I've read. I'd barely qualify it as cozy - it wasn't cheesy, it wasn't sweet, didn't leave you feeling good. Her work was like a side note to the rest of the story. And then weird history details were tied in but seemed like it was a distant, unconnected idea. Even when it does become connected to the actual plot.
I'll go 4 of 10 for enjoyment - and the only reason it's that high was it took me maybe 2 hours total to read - and 4.5 of 5 for readability. It wasn't enjoyable and I kept getting sidetracked while reading.
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
This whole story was told with no emotion, not much for detail, and big missing chunks. For instance, she comes across a dark shape - and realizes it's a body. Next page - she is very tired after a long night. So many lapses in time over the important details but droning on about the unimportant. Very honestly probably one of the worst cozy mysteries I've read. I'd barely qualify it as cozy - it wasn't cheesy, it wasn't sweet, didn't leave you feeling good. Her work was like a side note to the rest of the story. And then weird history details were tied in but seemed like it was a distant, unconnected idea. Even when it does become connected to the actual plot.
I'll go 4 of 10 for enjoyment - and the only reason it's that high was it took me maybe 2 hours total to read - and 4.5 of 5 for readability. It wasn't enjoyable and I kept getting sidetracked while reading.
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
June 27, 2019
A fun-to-read summer mystery at a beach in North Carolina, starring Ashley Wilkes and Jon Campbell. They are partners who restore homes in the Greater Wilmington area. Ashley's husband, Nick, was on assignment somewhere in the Army, so could never be reached, even at the most critical of times. Ashley is staying with her sister Melanie, a realtor at a huge oceanside cottage during the summer season. Later, Micky and Devin Ballentine move into the cottage. Other characters are Kelly Lauder, a super-model and childhood friend of Melanie's, Val Russo, and JC Lauder. The death of an art gallery owner is the first of several deaths to occur in the book, but for some reason there is not much suspense leading up to the murders. In fact, all the characters except for Jon Campbell are rather blah, as is the plot. The writing is not spectacular. Probably the most interesting thing about the novel is the German POW situation in North Carolina during the war.
June 11, 2021
Ashley Wilkes, a historic home restoration specialist in the Wilmington, North Carolina area, comes across the dead body of Valentine Russo, a well-liked gallery owner, in Wrightsville Beach. As Ashley tries to determine who and why someone would want to kill Val, she discovers another body on the beach. Throughout all of this, Ashley is desperately trying to contact her husband of one year, Nick Yost, who has recently started working for Homeland Security, and who she has not heard from in several weeks.
I enjoyed this mystery, as well as the setting and the history in the storyline pertaining to Wilmington, NC during World War II.
I enjoyed this mystery, as well as the setting and the history in the storyline pertaining to Wilmington, NC during World War II.
May 16, 2018
This novel is a cross between chick-lit and a soft mystery. I wanted to read it because of the setting at Wrightsville Beach, which is a couple of hours away from where I live. I thought the author's writing was good, but the plot didn't move with suspense. The characters were a little flat, and even in there wasn't a feeling of tension when the main characters were in lethal danger. Except for the characters who were found dead, the plot seems very safe. I did, however, enjoy learning about the German prisoners of war who were held at Wrightsville.
February 4, 2025
Just another shallow heroine
I had hope for this series but this one made me not want to read any further. First she considered her best male friend as just that and she wasn't into him. Then when her hot husband was with Homeland Security, had to learn Arabic and she couldn't reach him, she got lonely and decided she wanted her best friend instead. It made me realize that there are so many military spouses who have to be apart from their spouses a lot longer and with no communication and how strong they are compared to Ashley. She's not worth reading about.
I had hope for this series but this one made me not want to read any further. First she considered her best male friend as just that and she wasn't into him. Then when her hot husband was with Homeland Security, had to learn Arabic and she couldn't reach him, she got lonely and decided she wanted her best friend instead. It made me realize that there are so many military spouses who have to be apart from their spouses a lot longer and with no communication and how strong they are compared to Ashley. She's not worth reading about.
May 16, 2018
Well done especially for anyone interested in this colorful nostalgic beach side community. Not Much suspense but plot does take surprising twist. A sentimental water color of an old postcard painted by
some who remembered a time long ago pervaded this book my cup of of tea or maybe good bourbon
over ice with ginger sugar and mint
some who remembered a time long ago pervaded this book my cup of of tea or maybe good bourbon
over ice with ginger sugar and mint
October 3, 2020
Ashley Wilkes visits her sister who is renting a cottage at Wrightsville Beach.
They have summer guests at the cottage and Ashley is restoring an old
House in town with her partners. While visiting an art gallery they find the
Owners body. The cozy mystery begins with strong characters, a good
plot, action, secrets and murder. A short but quick light read that I
Recommend.
They have summer guests at the cottage and Ashley is restoring an old
House in town with her partners. While visiting an art gallery they find the
Owners body. The cozy mystery begins with strong characters, a good
plot, action, secrets and murder. A short but quick light read that I
Recommend.
August 31, 2020
Enjoying the growth of characters relationships
I really like these characters, there were a couple of editing issues, but certainly not enough to turn me off of the story. Looking forward to the next one!
I really like these characters, there were a couple of editing issues, but certainly not enough to turn me off of the story. Looking forward to the next one!
August 21, 2017
This would be a pleasant holiday read. A historical preservationist goes home to spend time with her sister and finds a dead body. More deaths follow and the truth is revealed about a lot of things
May 10, 2018
Repetitive and not well written.
Read
October 2, 2023Not a great story but fun because I have seen some of the places they talk about.
October 14, 2023
Too many characters. Confusing ending.
November 14, 2025
don’t bother this book is so stupid
February 19, 2022
OK but …
The book was great until it got sleazy in the last few chapters. I would not recommend. Very disappointing ending.
The book was great until it got sleazy in the last few chapters. I would not recommend. Very disappointing ending.
January 16, 2011
Ashley, a historic preservationist, is spending her holiday in August in a house which her sister, Melanie, rented at Wrightsville Beach. A friend of theirs, Val Russo, gets murdered, in what seems to be a robbery (some art goes missing on the same time). Ashley ends up investigating the mystery, whereas police does not really seem to do anything.
So far fine as a beach read (which is why I packed it for reads for the Caymans). But... there are a number of things I don't find particularly credible in this book. Now let's see...
Ashley is 26, but she seems to think, act, and do things like Angela Lansbury (whatever she was called in Murder She Wrote). 26 in 2005 (when the book was first released)? No one uses a computer in the book, anywhere. No social networking, no googling for anything... her husband has been missing in the beginning for over a week, and she does not seem particularly upset about it. She talks about it or thinks about it when talking with her friends. And she dines like Qwill for the descriptions of who ate what.
Ashley doesn't like the other things either that most 26-y old white women like, such as shopping or obsessing about clothes. She meticulously describes the hair and eye color of everyone she meets, and seems to put words or thoughts in the head of people. The book is written as a first person story, so I don't want any speculations about other people's motives or long details of their history. Or maybe an Angela Lansbury-aged woman would know everything about everyone who lives in their village, but someone who's 26 - no, I don't believe that (especially as she doesn't seem to be interested in gossip either) she would know everyone that well.
The only reason I can think of Ashley being 26 and not 62 in this book is revealed towards the end of the book. But that reason is something I don't like when the book is written in first person. Not as poor as Coben's Tell No One's "Oh I just happened to murder the dude myself..." but still. No, for how she is described, that type of thing just doesn't happen to be forgotten until the last chapter, sorry.
I'm older than 26, but I'd go absolutely wild if I didn't hear from my husband in 24 hours. So for someone who's been married for just a year, and keeps telling how she loves her husband, why exactly doesn't she do anything else than leave voicemails for two months?
Instead of concentrating in the murder investigation, Ashley spends her energy in getting annoyed by the two annoying male houseguests her sister Melanie invited. The story seems to wonder to things that happened in the house over 50 years ago, and to some old paintings, instead of doing any actual investigation (e.g. the police doesn't seem to investigate the people who keep up finding murdered bodies). As the book is just around 250 pages, not surprisingly everything that seems to not fit will fit in the story in the end. And part of the solution would not work tehcnically in the real life (I guess it would work for a beach read...). Age shows.
And one more annoying thing is abusing the acronyms. It's full of POW and ICW.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/8...
So far fine as a beach read (which is why I packed it for reads for the Caymans). But... there are a number of things I don't find particularly credible in this book. Now let's see...
Ashley is 26, but she seems to think, act, and do things like Angela Lansbury (whatever she was called in Murder She Wrote). 26 in 2005 (when the book was first released)? No one uses a computer in the book, anywhere. No social networking, no googling for anything... her husband has been missing in the beginning for over a week, and she does not seem particularly upset about it. She talks about it or thinks about it when talking with her friends. And she dines like Qwill for the descriptions of who ate what.
Ashley doesn't like the other things either that most 26-y old white women like, such as shopping or obsessing about clothes. She meticulously describes the hair and eye color of everyone she meets, and seems to put words or thoughts in the head of people. The book is written as a first person story, so I don't want any speculations about other people's motives or long details of their history. Or maybe an Angela Lansbury-aged woman would know everything about everyone who lives in their village, but someone who's 26 - no, I don't believe that (especially as she doesn't seem to be interested in gossip either) she would know everyone that well.
The only reason I can think of Ashley being 26 and not 62 in this book is revealed towards the end of the book. But that reason is something I don't like when the book is written in first person. Not as poor as Coben's Tell No One's "Oh I just happened to murder the dude myself..." but still. No, for how she is described, that type of thing just doesn't happen to be forgotten until the last chapter, sorry.
I'm older than 26, but I'd go absolutely wild if I didn't hear from my husband in 24 hours. So for someone who's been married for just a year, and keeps telling how she loves her husband, why exactly doesn't she do anything else than leave voicemails for two months?
Instead of concentrating in the murder investigation, Ashley spends her energy in getting annoyed by the two annoying male houseguests her sister Melanie invited. The story seems to wonder to things that happened in the house over 50 years ago, and to some old paintings, instead of doing any actual investigation (e.g. the police doesn't seem to investigate the people who keep up finding murdered bodies). As the book is just around 250 pages, not surprisingly everything that seems to not fit will fit in the story in the end. And part of the solution would not work tehcnically in the real life (I guess it would work for a beach read...). Age shows.
And one more annoying thing is abusing the acronyms. It's full of POW and ICW.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/8...
September 28, 2010
Themes: cozy mystery, marriage, home restoration, art
Setting: modern Wilmington, North Carolina
Ashley's sister Melanie has rented a big resort home so they could all have a big vacation together. But before the vacation even gets started, Ashley finds the dead body of a friend and local art gallery owner. Some paintings have been stolen from the gallery. Ashley tries to forget about it and enjoy her vacation, but then the home she is restoring seems to be the target of some petty crimes. And she can't get hold of her husband, who is supposed to be working for the Department of Homeland Security, but apparently his cell phone is not working.
Ashley's marriage is falling apart, her sister is dating a ex-con, and the bodies are piling up. What's a girl to do? Guess she'll have to solve the crime herself.
I found this a rather average book until the end. I didn't much care for the characters, but the setting was fairly nice. The writing was mediocre until this line:
Cat's don't fall.
Really? What about CATS? Do CATS fall? I don't know who is to blame there, the writer or the editor or the proofreader, but I have *never* seen that in an actual book. An uncorrected proof, maybe. But this was not a proof. I really couldn't believe my eyes. But yes, that was in there - twice!
Setting: modern Wilmington, North Carolina
Ashley's sister Melanie has rented a big resort home so they could all have a big vacation together. But before the vacation even gets started, Ashley finds the dead body of a friend and local art gallery owner. Some paintings have been stolen from the gallery. Ashley tries to forget about it and enjoy her vacation, but then the home she is restoring seems to be the target of some petty crimes. And she can't get hold of her husband, who is supposed to be working for the Department of Homeland Security, but apparently his cell phone is not working.
Ashley's marriage is falling apart, her sister is dating a ex-con, and the bodies are piling up. What's a girl to do? Guess she'll have to solve the crime herself.
I found this a rather average book until the end. I didn't much care for the characters, but the setting was fairly nice. The writing was mediocre until this line:
Cat's don't fall.
Really? What about CATS? Do CATS fall? I don't know who is to blame there, the writer or the editor or the proofreader, but I have *never* seen that in an actual book. An uncorrected proof, maybe. But this was not a proof. I really couldn't believe my eyes. But yes, that was in there - twice!
February 7, 2010
From the back cover: "Fish Food
It's a sweltering late August in North Carolina, and historic preservationist Ashley Wiles is ready to hit the beach -after a quick business stop at an uscale art gallery owned by friend Valentine Russo.
Inside the cool, eleant storefront, she finds Val dead at her desk. a bullet in her head, and the gallery walls bare of artwork.
Ther murderer follows Ashley to th ebeach house. Where assorted suspicious houseguests, a bizarre bonfire and late-night break-ins paint a picture of art thieves, bad blood and dark secrets. When the lifeless body of Ashley's prime suspect washes ashore, She realizes she has figured out enough to make a killer determined to send her packing, permanently."
It's an OK fluffy, relaxing story. I was drawn to it because of the setting, which didn't disappoint.
It's a sweltering late August in North Carolina, and historic preservationist Ashley Wiles is ready to hit the beach -after a quick business stop at an uscale art gallery owned by friend Valentine Russo.
Inside the cool, eleant storefront, she finds Val dead at her desk. a bullet in her head, and the gallery walls bare of artwork.
Ther murderer follows Ashley to th ebeach house. Where assorted suspicious houseguests, a bizarre bonfire and late-night break-ins paint a picture of art thieves, bad blood and dark secrets. When the lifeless body of Ashley's prime suspect washes ashore, She realizes she has figured out enough to make a killer determined to send her packing, permanently."
It's an OK fluffy, relaxing story. I was drawn to it because of the setting, which didn't disappoint.
January 16, 2012
I live in the Wilmington, NC area and this book is filled with
- knowledged and interesting facts about present day Wilmington
- history of the Wilmington during WW2
- a great selection of characters
- and a mysterious death with a questionable motive
Ashley Wilkes world right now is upside down. Her friend Val was shot and robbed in her own art gallery, she is staying at a beach cottage with two or more questionable characters, and her husband (away on business) is not returning her phone calls.
Ashley finds out in the worst way possible who the murderer is and later pieces together their motive by learning some history about the house she is restoring. What a great mystery, I could not put it down, had to finish it in one day. I can't wait to read more. I recommend it for any one who likes mysteries and learning about the southeastern coast of nc!
- knowledged and interesting facts about present day Wilmington
- history of the Wilmington during WW2
- a great selection of characters
- and a mysterious death with a questionable motive
Ashley Wilkes world right now is upside down. Her friend Val was shot and robbed in her own art gallery, she is staying at a beach cottage with two or more questionable characters, and her husband (away on business) is not returning her phone calls.
Ashley finds out in the worst way possible who the murderer is and later pieces together their motive by learning some history about the house she is restoring. What a great mystery, I could not put it down, had to finish it in one day. I can't wait to read more. I recommend it for any one who likes mysteries and learning about the southeastern coast of nc!
August 30, 2009
This is book 3 in the series and I enjoy the change up from the other series I read...
The main characters are 2 Wilkes sisters, Melanie a real estate agent and Ashley a historic preservationist. Their Mom loved the movie "Gone With The Wind" and gave them names accordingly. Ashley maintains that if they had a brother, she would have named him Rhett Butler Wilkes!
There is always a murder in each story and Ashley is usually the one to find the body first!
We were just down in North Carolina near Wrightsville Beach and it was fun reading about an area I could relate to.
I would designate this as a "cozy mystery" set in the south.
Enjoy!
The main characters are 2 Wilkes sisters, Melanie a real estate agent and Ashley a historic preservationist. Their Mom loved the movie "Gone With The Wind" and gave them names accordingly. Ashley maintains that if they had a brother, she would have named him Rhett Butler Wilkes!
There is always a murder in each story and Ashley is usually the one to find the body first!
We were just down in North Carolina near Wrightsville Beach and it was fun reading about an area I could relate to.
I would designate this as a "cozy mystery" set in the south.
Enjoy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2016
It took me 3 attempts to finsih reading this book. I would rate this slightly higher but considering how many times another book stole my attention I don't think I will. I am fascinated and very interested in reading books about North Carolina. This is the reason this book stayed at the top of my must finish book. That, and the fact that it is a cozy murder mystery. It turned out to be a delightful read I suppose. I struggled with some of the characters not being fully developed but that could be because I read book #4 of this series first. I will go back and read the others at some point.
February 2, 2012
In this the third of the Ashley Wilkes cozy mysteries, Ashley and her sister are staying in a rented beachhouse when they find the body of a beloved art gallery owner. And she's in a gallery that has had all of the art stolen, including the newest painting of a famous local artist. As usual, this is only the first murder. Melanie and Jon are back, but the rest of the "usual" cast is missing, since the sisters are "on vaction." Altho, since both are more than a bit workaholic, don't really believe that.
April 16, 2016
This 4th book in the series has historic preservationist Ashley Wilkes staying at a beach house her sister rented. While the view is great the company seems to be much less desirable. Missing paintings, art gallery owner murdered, mysterious comings and goings, a bon fire, and a family home in need of a blessing all add up to another interesting story. Ashley's personal life and friendship with her partner Jon take unexpected and devastating turns. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 23, 2016
This is my first read by Ms Hunter but it will not be my last. Besides the fact that she is a really good writer, she is a winner on two more fronts: (1) she writes mysteries and (2) she writes about the coast of NC specifically the Wilmington area.
The story moves quickly and definitely held my interest. There are multiple story lines that although you don't realize it merge together. Needless to say I did not figure the "who dun it" and was surprised by the outcome.
You should give Ms Hunter a try. I believe you will be hooked as I am.
The story moves quickly and definitely held my interest. There are multiple story lines that although you don't realize it merge together. Needless to say I did not figure the "who dun it" and was surprised by the outcome.
You should give Ms Hunter a try. I believe you will be hooked as I am.
January 8, 2013
Ashley Wilkes, historic preservationist, heads for Wrightsville Beach where sister Melanie has rented an oceanfront sleeps-14 "cottage." But murder never takes a vacation. Their art dealer friend Val is the 1st victim. And Melanie's other houseguests include her underworld-type boyfriend and his suspicious-acting brother. Long time local friends are all acting suspicious.
The setting and local details were interesting, but the story itself was weak. I won't be looking for more of these.
The setting and local details were interesting, but the story itself was weak. I won't be looking for more of these.
December 22, 2014
Ashley is a Historic Preservationist vacationing with her sister Melanie in a house at Wrightsville Beach. When Val Russo a friend of theirs is murdered in what appears to be a robbery ( some art was stolen) Ashley decides to investigate as the police don't seem to be doing anything. A great beach read. This is the first book i have read by this author .I look forward to reading more of her books.
March 25, 2015
Murder at Wrightsville beach
Wonderful,well written cozy mystery by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter.
It continues the story of sisters Melanie and Ashley Wilkes. Two very different sisters but always there for each other.
The story got better and better as it went along. The author but a lot of twists and turns into the mystery. The murderer was not even on my radar as the killer.
Enjoyable and fun read.
Wonderful,well written cozy mystery by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter.
It continues the story of sisters Melanie and Ashley Wilkes. Two very different sisters but always there for each other.
The story got better and better as it went along. The author but a lot of twists and turns into the mystery. The murderer was not even on my radar as the killer.
Enjoyable and fun read.
June 2, 2012
Definitely my favorite of the series so far. I enjoyed this because it was a pretty brainless, quick flowing, light read with characters I enjoy. Just a good cozy to break up some heavier reading I have been doing.
May 8, 2015
after all that, the only thing that remotely caught my interest was the "love triangle" between the main charater, her husband, and her best friend. I may read the next one just to see if she leaves Nick for John. Other than that I would not classify this as a cozy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews