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Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery #2
A View From The Ledge
When the town librarian is an avid mystery and true-crime reader, the local law enforcement must need a book-smart assistant like her, right?
At the request of the police chief, librarian Rebecca Ramsey agrees to meet up for an evening at The Ledge, an upscale steakhouse high above the foot of Newfound Lake in New Hampshire. It’s not a date, Rebecca insists, but Kenny has invited her to a thank-you meal for assisting with the investigation last month. As the deducing duo leaves the restaurant, a scream demands their attention. Rebecca and Chief Kenny Towne are first on the scene to investigate a body found far below the open-air deck.
Family, friends and foes are under investigation for the sudden death of a young man who had a promising future when they find themselves surrounded by employees of the restaurant as well as the brother and fiancé of the deceased.
Will Rebecca help Chief Towne solve this mystery, or will it be the other way around?
At the request of the police chief, librarian Rebecca Ramsey agrees to meet up for an evening at The Ledge, an upscale steakhouse high above the foot of Newfound Lake in New Hampshire. It’s not a date, Rebecca insists, but Kenny has invited her to a thank-you meal for assisting with the investigation last month. As the deducing duo leaves the restaurant, a scream demands their attention. Rebecca and Chief Kenny Towne are first on the scene to investigate a body found far below the open-air deck.
Family, friends and foes are under investigation for the sudden death of a young man who had a promising future when they find themselves surrounded by employees of the restaurant as well as the brother and fiancé of the deceased.
Will Rebecca help Chief Towne solve this mystery, or will it be the other way around?
110 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2023
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 20, 2024
3.5 stars | another little novella in the newfound lake series from the author local to that area! This one was so much better than the first. It was looking up to be in the 4.25ish star end until the ending/resolution of everything honestly. Overall, the storyline and writing just flowed a lot better and it hooked me more than the first one did so I finished it faster.
There were a few hiccups when it came to writing/editing, like misspelled words or sentences that just didn’t quite make sense, but again, with a small local author who isn’t going through some big publishing company, it kinda makes sense.
The romance in this one really picked up too! I’m glad I decided to read these in order of when they were published because it seems like the romance is going to be a big subplot of the series. Like I said, I was really really enjoying it until the literal LAST chapter:/ it just wasn’t realistic at all. First of all…it just doesn’t make sense to me that the twins (lex and Liam) were switched and Liam was pretending to be lex. Like his PARENTS and his FIANCÉE were just like oh hi Liam…oh wait you’re lex? Okay sorry our bad. Like HUH? And also the fact that Rebecca (narrator/majn character) was the one to tell everyone what happened and she’s just not even a little bit a police officer? And the ACTUAL chief of police was the one who told her to reveal to everyone what happened?? Also the fact that the murderer was revealed to every one who worked at the Ledge (restaurant) at the same time before he was arrested like that just wouldn’t happen like that in real life
There were a few hiccups when it came to writing/editing, like misspelled words or sentences that just didn’t quite make sense, but again, with a small local author who isn’t going through some big publishing company, it kinda makes sense.
The romance in this one really picked up too! I’m glad I decided to read these in order of when they were published because it seems like the romance is going to be a big subplot of the series. Like I said, I was really really enjoying it until the literal LAST chapter:/ it just wasn’t realistic at all. First of all…it just doesn’t make sense to me that the twins (lex and Liam) were switched and Liam was pretending to be lex. Like his PARENTS and his FIANCÉE were just like oh hi Liam…oh wait you’re lex? Okay sorry our bad. Like HUH? And also the fact that Rebecca (narrator/majn character) was the one to tell everyone what happened and she’s just not even a little bit a police officer? And the ACTUAL chief of police was the one who told her to reveal to everyone what happened?? Also the fact that the murderer was revealed to every one who worked at the Ledge (restaurant) at the same time before he was arrested like that just wouldn’t happen like that in real life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
Let me tell you about a delightful read I recently enjoyed: A View from the Ledge by Virginia K. Bennett. It’s the second book in the Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery series, and it offers a charming blend of mystery and small-town charm.
Reading A View from the Ledge felt like enjoying a warm cup of tea—comforting and perfectly steeped with the right amount of suspense. The setting at Newfound Lake is almost a character itself, offering a picturesque backdrop that contrasts with the eerie events. From Rebecca’s cozy library to the sophisticated ambiance of The Ledge, the author paints a vivid picture with subtle yet effective descriptions.
The food in the book adds a flavorful touch, from decadent restaurant dishes to Rebecca’s own kitchen creations. There’s even a recipe included, which sounds both simple and delicious. Rebecca, our amateur sleuth, is easy to root for—she’s kind, clever, and always finds a reasonable way to get involved in the investigations. Her dynamic with Chief Towne is enjoyable, as they work together seamlessly without crossing professional boundaries.
One of my favorite aspects of this series, including A View From the Ledge, is the clever references to various books and films. I see these as delightful little Easter eggs in each installment, and I often find myself eagerly searching for these nods, as I recognize nearly all of them. In this particular installment, I noted the allusion to Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, along with films like 10 Things I Hate About You and the TV show Chopped. For me, discovering these references is always a joy.
The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, with just the right amount of red herrings to keep me guessing. The clues were all there, but I didn’t quite piece them all together before the reveal at the end. The story is concise yet complete, with all loose ends neatly tied up. While part of a series, this book stands well on its own, making it a perfect choice for a cozy weekend read.
So, if you’re hungry for a mystery that’s both satisfying and intriguing, A View from the Ledge will serve up a delightful dish of suspense and charm. It’s a recipe for a perfect reading experience!
Reading A View from the Ledge felt like enjoying a warm cup of tea—comforting and perfectly steeped with the right amount of suspense. The setting at Newfound Lake is almost a character itself, offering a picturesque backdrop that contrasts with the eerie events. From Rebecca’s cozy library to the sophisticated ambiance of The Ledge, the author paints a vivid picture with subtle yet effective descriptions.
The food in the book adds a flavorful touch, from decadent restaurant dishes to Rebecca’s own kitchen creations. There’s even a recipe included, which sounds both simple and delicious. Rebecca, our amateur sleuth, is easy to root for—she’s kind, clever, and always finds a reasonable way to get involved in the investigations. Her dynamic with Chief Towne is enjoyable, as they work together seamlessly without crossing professional boundaries.
One of my favorite aspects of this series, including A View From the Ledge, is the clever references to various books and films. I see these as delightful little Easter eggs in each installment, and I often find myself eagerly searching for these nods, as I recognize nearly all of them. In this particular installment, I noted the allusion to Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, along with films like 10 Things I Hate About You and the TV show Chopped. For me, discovering these references is always a joy.
The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, with just the right amount of red herrings to keep me guessing. The clues were all there, but I didn’t quite piece them all together before the reveal at the end. The story is concise yet complete, with all loose ends neatly tied up. While part of a series, this book stands well on its own, making it a perfect choice for a cozy weekend read.
So, if you’re hungry for a mystery that’s both satisfying and intriguing, A View from the Ledge will serve up a delightful dish of suspense and charm. It’s a recipe for a perfect reading experience!
August 13, 2023
Another great cozy mystery by author Virginia K. Bennett! Rebecca is a protagonist readers feel at home with, a librarian, good friend, and connoisseur of good food. The mystery unfolds along with Rebecca's own awareness of her strengths and relationships. More puns! More fun! Find a shady arbor by a lake or a comfy spot on the sofa, and let yourself get lost in the latest Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery!
January 14, 2024
A View From the Ledge. By Virginia K Bennett.
The second book in the Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery. A fun short book that was fun to read. I enjoyed this book. Rebecca and Kenny solve another murder mystery.
Virginia Bennett knows her subjects great. It is fun to read her interactions at the library, and so fun to hear the foods, and the little flirtations between the Rebecca and Kenny.
A great quick read.
The second book in the Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery. A fun short book that was fun to read. I enjoyed this book. Rebecca and Kenny solve another murder mystery.
Virginia Bennett knows her subjects great. It is fun to read her interactions at the library, and so fun to hear the foods, and the little flirtations between the Rebecca and Kenny.
A great quick read.
April 3, 2025
Not really my genre of book, but I am very familiar with the location, so I read it. Took me only a little over an hour -- a quick beach read. Would appeal to summer vacationers on Newfound Lake who have been to The Ledges restaurant.
I initially rated the book a "3", but for the genre, I raised it to a "4" because it was so neatly and quickly tied up. Apparently, cozy mysteries are short and sweet.
I initially rated the book a "3", but for the genre, I raised it to a "4" because it was so neatly and quickly tied up. Apparently, cozy mysteries are short and sweet.
July 31, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2 of 15
A young man is dead at the cafe. Is it murder? They investigate leading to the truth and arrest of the killer.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels. 2024
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2 of 15
A young man is dead at the cafe. Is it murder? They investigate leading to the truth and arrest of the killer.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels. 2024
November 27, 2023
This is another great book in the Newfound Lake series by Virginia K Bennett. I love the characters and the small town setting. I can't wait to read the next book.
January 22, 2024
This book was more predictable than the last one but still pretty good!
September 24, 2024
Super quick story, with a nice little twist at the end
October 15, 2024
Very predictable but a fun quick read set in a place close to home.
October 30, 2024
Fun quick short read. Interesting series about a librarian and a police Chief. Interwoven with a murder to solve. Each mystery is short and easily fun to follow along.
November 18, 2025
A fun second book in the series. The relationship between Rebecca and the chief begins to develop as they look into the murder of the man who had just waited on them at the ledge.
December 14, 2025
I do like these quick little books. I saw the end coming but the wrap-up was a little hard to follow. I do plan on reading the next because this are getting better as they go.
December 30, 2025
It not that it was bad as much as it was a little too slow for such a short book.
January 22, 2026
Good book, although I was right about who done it.
August 9, 2024
Another great and quick mystery! Mistaken identities, fancy restaurants, and more slow burn. Perfect!
August 11, 2024
A bit darker than Catch of the Day but very good story with twists you might not see coming. Recommend this read to anyone looking for a good short story.
October 11, 2023
The 2nd entry in this series and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Looking forward to reading the next one
June 11, 2024
"A View from the Ledge" is a nice quick cozy mystery read. Virginia Bennett does a great job world building and character building with both series and I look forward to where this one goes. I hope the next one has they will they wont they as they finally are starting to. The mystery was a bit of a twist I didn't quite see coming. I had a feeling it was going a similar way but then a plot twist pulled it down a slightly different path. It was great, keep it up @authorvkbennett
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews