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Jake & Emma Mysteries #1
Too Cute To Kill
It’s not every day you find a body on your doorstep! When it happens to Jake and Emma Rand, they are happy to leave it to the police. When a body turns up at historic Fort Caspar, Emma decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. What follows is a sometimes funny, sometimes frightening but always entertaining chase to catch a killer before the killer catches them. First book in the Casper Crime Boss trilogy. This is not a cliffhanger. The central mystery is completely resolved, but there may be some detective work still to be done. Formerly released as Too Cute to Kill.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2013
855 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 25, 2023
I really liked this! The characters were caring people, the setting of Casper, Wyoming was great and the mystery was interesting. I will be reading more of Jake and Emma's adventures.
October 18, 2013
I won this as a Goodreads First Reads and I'm so glad I did. I entered because my parents grew up in Wyoming with my mom in Casper where the book takes place.
I thought this book was great. It was short and sweet but sucked me in right away. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from the story line since its a brand new book and author, but I'm pleased. I wasn't expecting the ending at all and liked getting to know Jake and Emma through the book. I would have liked some more descriptions in general throughout the book, but I was able to follow the story just fine regardless.
There were a few errors, but I've seen more from much larger publishers so I didn't mind much because they're not ones that were big enough to remember. I can't wait to read what else is in store for little ol' Casper, Wyo.
I thought this book was great. It was short and sweet but sucked me in right away. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from the story line since its a brand new book and author, but I'm pleased. I wasn't expecting the ending at all and liked getting to know Jake and Emma through the book. I would have liked some more descriptions in general throughout the book, but I was able to follow the story just fine regardless.
There were a few errors, but I've seen more from much larger publishers so I didn't mind much because they're not ones that were big enough to remember. I can't wait to read what else is in store for little ol' Casper, Wyo.
April 7, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A nice short mystery to kick off this series. I like Jake and Emma. They are so in love it was almost sad to see the murderer leave the body at their wonderful place. They work together to catch the culprit, I was surprised by the outcome but it did make sense. There are still some questions to be answered though…
A nice short mystery to kick off this series. I like Jake and Emma. They are so in love it was almost sad to see the murderer leave the body at their wonderful place. They work together to catch the culprit, I was surprised by the outcome but it did make sense. There are still some questions to be answered though…
October 28, 2019
Perfect Wyoming mystery for a snowy day cuddled up around the fireplace...
June 15, 2017
This little novella really packs a punch! Engaging characters with interesting jobs and a surprise murderer. I recommend it.
December 30, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Too Cute to Kill is a quaint read. Set in rural Wyoming, it is the tale of delightful couple’s encounter with the seedier side of life. Ms. Crowder has portrayed the snowy, cold winters in Wyoming in such a way that you’ll want to curl up with a blanket while reading no matter what the temperature. Fort Casper, Wyoming and its outlying areas seemed stark and remote—the perfect setting for a murder mystery.
The main characters, Jake and Emma, are a likable couple; they’re the kind of people you would expect to meet in a small town. Homey, friendly, and caring, they have a houseful of animals and take in Nate Carver, son of one of the murder victims. They also take on looking into the murders. As amateur sleuths, they stir the pot enough that the murderer comes to light. Even though the story was fairly straightforward, I was surprised when the murderer was revealed. The murder was working for someone, and that someone will hopefully be revealed in the next Jake and Emma mystery (which I am looking forward to reading).
Too Cute to Kill is the perfect book to curl up with for an afternoon escape.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng **
Too Cute to Kill is a quaint read. Set in rural Wyoming, it is the tale of delightful couple’s encounter with the seedier side of life. Ms. Crowder has portrayed the snowy, cold winters in Wyoming in such a way that you’ll want to curl up with a blanket while reading no matter what the temperature. Fort Casper, Wyoming and its outlying areas seemed stark and remote—the perfect setting for a murder mystery.
The main characters, Jake and Emma, are a likable couple; they’re the kind of people you would expect to meet in a small town. Homey, friendly, and caring, they have a houseful of animals and take in Nate Carver, son of one of the murder victims. They also take on looking into the murders. As amateur sleuths, they stir the pot enough that the murderer comes to light. Even though the story was fairly straightforward, I was surprised when the murderer was revealed. The murder was working for someone, and that someone will hopefully be revealed in the next Jake and Emma mystery (which I am looking forward to reading).
Too Cute to Kill is the perfect book to curl up with for an afternoon escape.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng **
July 30, 2015
More a travelogue than a multiple-murder mystery.
I started reading “Too Cute To Kill” on a wet, cold, July evening, when I had nothing else I had to do right then, so I was content with the slow start. Animals have always been part of my life, so Emma’s relationships with her dogs and cats were interesting. What I didn’t expect, from a book purchased as a crime thriller, was the continuing snails-pace, or so many interruptions concerning animals that even Emma’s husband, Jake, is overshadowed almost to the point of remaining a cardboard cut-out.
Amateur sleuths, with none of the resources available to the police, or even private detectives, often make for a fascinating read. Agatha Christie used them. Sadly, it didn’t really work this time. Vivid descriptions of the Wyoming setting certainly caused me to add Casper to my want-to-visit list, but I couldn’t believe police would give up so easily on unsolved murders, or that Emma and Jake, having taken on the task of identifying killers, would treat the matter almost casually at times. The one plus is writing that’s virtually error-free and easy to read.
I started reading “Too Cute To Kill” on a wet, cold, July evening, when I had nothing else I had to do right then, so I was content with the slow start. Animals have always been part of my life, so Emma’s relationships with her dogs and cats were interesting. What I didn’t expect, from a book purchased as a crime thriller, was the continuing snails-pace, or so many interruptions concerning animals that even Emma’s husband, Jake, is overshadowed almost to the point of remaining a cardboard cut-out.
Amateur sleuths, with none of the resources available to the police, or even private detectives, often make for a fascinating read. Agatha Christie used them. Sadly, it didn’t really work this time. Vivid descriptions of the Wyoming setting certainly caused me to add Casper to my want-to-visit list, but I couldn’t believe police would give up so easily on unsolved murders, or that Emma and Jake, having taken on the task of identifying killers, would treat the matter almost casually at times. The one plus is writing that’s virtually error-free and easy to read.
January 6, 2015
Too Cute to Kill by Linda Crowder is a wonderfully written, cozy murder mystery.
Jake and Emma find a dead body left close to their home in the middle of winter. Since they live in a rural area of Wyoming, neighbors know neighbors and crimes like this are not very commonplace. As the story continues, another murder takes place near a public area, leaving Jake and Emma to wonder what connection they, as common citizens, have to the two victims.
Once the murderer is revealed, all of the clues throughout the beginning of the book start to make sense. The murderer is not one you would expect nor one you would foresee as a criminal.
The author did an excellent job in character development and moving the story along at a good pace. All in all, this was a delightful read. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Jake and Emma find a dead body left close to their home in the middle of winter. Since they live in a rural area of Wyoming, neighbors know neighbors and crimes like this are not very commonplace. As the story continues, another murder takes place near a public area, leaving Jake and Emma to wonder what connection they, as common citizens, have to the two victims.
Once the murderer is revealed, all of the clues throughout the beginning of the book start to make sense. The murderer is not one you would expect nor one you would foresee as a criminal.
The author did an excellent job in character development and moving the story along at a good pace. All in all, this was a delightful read. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 23, 2019
I very much enjoyed meeting Jake and Emma and look forward to future adventures with them. As an introduction to a new series, this book well met its requirements. I found there was a little unevenness to the storytelling which will hopefully level out as the series goes on. The other niggle was an uncompleted story arc; I prefer when everything that is created in a book is resolved in that book.
December 25, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed reding Ms. Crowder's cozy mystery Too Cute to Kill. I recently lived near Casper Mountain and still visit family there frequently. Emma and Jake Rand were believable and likable characters. The plot held my interest, and the twists in the story kept me turning the pages. I have already downloaded her sequel, and am looking forward to another cozy mystery!
May 26, 2015
This was just okay for me. Not sure why. The characters were okay and the plot was okay. But nothing really made me want to read the next book in the series.
A married couple find a dead body on their property which opens the door to them sticking their noses into the mystery.
A married couple find a dead body on their property which opens the door to them sticking their noses into the mystery.
October 25, 2016
This was a fairly pleasant little mystery, a freebie that I picked up to read in bed because the other two books I was in the midst of were a bit too heavy for bedtime reading. Not good enough for me, though, to read more of the series.
July 31, 2024
Emma get your gun
Emma and Jake are a professional couple. She is a therapist, and he is a lawyer. Jake was the lawyer for Nick, who, as a young adolescent, killed his grandmother. Jake's father, Nate, was into drugs and didn't want his son, so the grandparents reluctantly assumed responsibility for Nick. Years later, Emma and Jake found a body leaning against their fence during a blizzard. This event thrust them into the middle of a murder investigation. A second murder, Nick's father Nate, propels them deeper into a tangle of murder, a mysterious corporation, and the equally mysterious "Boss" who may be the end of Emma and Jake's happy life.
Emma and Jake are a professional couple. She is a therapist, and he is a lawyer. Jake was the lawyer for Nick, who, as a young adolescent, killed his grandmother. Jake's father, Nate, was into drugs and didn't want his son, so the grandparents reluctantly assumed responsibility for Nick. Years later, Emma and Jake found a body leaning against their fence during a blizzard. This event thrust them into the middle of a murder investigation. A second murder, Nick's father Nate, propels them deeper into a tangle of murder, a mysterious corporation, and the equally mysterious "Boss" who may be the end of Emma and Jake's happy life.
May 10, 2017
This was a very well written and enjoyable murder mystery with lots of twists and turns, and a nail biter ending. I've lived with pets, and the author really captured the antics of the animals in this story. The author has done her homework, as is evident in the colorful and realistic settings. I've also lived in a northern place with cold, snowy winters, and her descriptions transported me to the cabin where I could feel the cold biting my nose, and hear the snow crunching under my boots as I walked across the yard. I will be looking forward to more from this author.
October 28, 2019
I read this under the title "Murder is Just the Beginning" but was apparently the original title (before it became a series?).
I've given it four stars not for great literature but for being likeable enough characters and interesting enough setting and good enough mystery plotting that I am going to buy the second one in the series -- which pretty much never happens! There's a bit of "over-writing" as in too many adjectives or adverbs or unneeded explaining but overall it's well done and entertaining on a snowy evening.
I've given it four stars not for great literature but for being likeable enough characters and interesting enough setting and good enough mystery plotting that I am going to buy the second one in the series -- which pretty much never happens! There's a bit of "over-writing" as in too many adjectives or adverbs or unneeded explaining but overall it's well done and entertaining on a snowy evening.
November 22, 2019
Murder on your doorstep.
When you live in Montana, there are two things you can expect in the winter, cold and snowstorms. Locals batten down the hatches and closed the insulating drapes to keep warm inside. So when a body is dropped off at the fence line of Jake and Emma's house, no one is the wiser. Jake goes to check what appears to be a garbage bag out by the road and learns the awful truth.
This story will keep you guessing until the killer is revealed. You won't want to miss it!
When you live in Montana, there are two things you can expect in the winter, cold and snowstorms. Locals batten down the hatches and closed the insulating drapes to keep warm inside. So when a body is dropped off at the fence line of Jake and Emma's house, no one is the wiser. Jake goes to check what appears to be a garbage bag out by the road and learns the awful truth.
This story will keep you guessing until the killer is revealed. You won't want to miss it!
October 23, 2019
Short-ish story snippet with hints of things to come
Story ended abruptly and seemed unfinished, with more questions than answers. Still no clarity about supposed buried cache of wealth on the Carver property, nor any clue as to the identity or motive of the mysterious “boss” which feels a little bit like a cheat (although not quite as bad of a cliffhanger as that cozy I read over the summer, i will never read anything by THAT author again).
Story ended abruptly and seemed unfinished, with more questions than answers. Still no clarity about supposed buried cache of wealth on the Carver property, nor any clue as to the identity or motive of the mysterious “boss” which feels a little bit like a cheat (although not quite as bad of a cliffhanger as that cozy I read over the summer, i will never read anything by THAT author again).
December 5, 2016
Some people dump their trash anywhere. But, when they dump it right in front of Jake and Emma’s, that’s a little too much. Also, when the trash turns out to be a dead body, Jake and Emma start looking around and they really stir things up. I enjoyed meeting the characters in this first book and could hardly wait to start the second book.
July 20, 2017
Snow Country
I must admit" that the title puzzles me. It doesn't seem to refer to anything, but putting that aside, the story was pretty good. The characters pleasant, and the resolution surprising. I will look forward to another Jake and Emma mystery.
I must admit" that the title puzzles me. It doesn't seem to refer to anything, but putting that aside, the story was pretty good. The characters pleasant, and the resolution surprising. I will look forward to another Jake and Emma mystery.
October 26, 2019
Likeable characters
The story was good, and I liked the characters, but could have been---SHOULD have been---better edited. BasIc grammar/spelling mistakes in a published work is just sloppy.
The story was good, and I liked the characters, but could have been---SHOULD have been---better edited. BasIc grammar/spelling mistakes in a published work is just sloppy.
October 27, 2019
Murder is Just the Beginning
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was written very well with a surprise ending. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Linda Crowder.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was written very well with a surprise ending. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Linda Crowder.
October 27, 2019
A good read.
Reads like a new author but very well meditated. I was pleased with the characters. A little shallow of detail but no strings left undone. I would read more. Needs more character and scene depth.
Reads like a new author but very well meditated. I was pleased with the characters. A little shallow of detail but no strings left undone. I would read more. Needs more character and scene depth.
November 2, 2019
Quick read
If you are looking for a fast paced read this is it. When a dead body shows up on their property Jake and Emma are startled. When they are at an event and another dead body shows up they begin to get suspicious. A good read with an ending I never saw coming.
If you are looking for a fast paced read this is it. When a dead body shows up on their property Jake and Emma are startled. When they are at an event and another dead body shows up they begin to get suspicious. A good read with an ending I never saw coming.
November 3, 2019
I would read the next in this series but it is not in my library. The title of the edition that I read is Murder is Just the Beginning. The story continues into the next book and maybe through the whole series. I don’t think I would pursue it that far...
November 5, 2019
Excellent
Luved everything about this book characters are great was not thinking sheriff was the killer until he was sitting at the look out spot but was still not positive can't wait to read next book.
Robin Dawson
Luved everything about this book characters are great was not thinking sheriff was the killer until he was sitting at the look out spot but was still not positive can't wait to read next book.
Robin Dawson
November 10, 2019
Good mystery
Jake defended a young man and helped him change his life but a murder brought him back. A body had been found in Jake and Emmas yard. Many twists and turns. I really like it. It kept me interested.
Jake defended a young man and helped him change his life but a murder brought him back. A body had been found in Jake and Emmas yard. Many twists and turns. I really like it. It kept me interested.
December 5, 2019
I read the book under the title Murder is Just the Beginning
couple in Wyoming find a body on their property and so begin investigating.
there were several grammar/editing errors. there was also a strange continuity issue towards the end having to do with Emma taking shooting lessons.
couple in Wyoming find a body on their property and so begin investigating.
there were several grammar/editing errors. there was also a strange continuity issue towards the end having to do with Emma taking shooting lessons.
May 10, 2025
This was just the first book by Linda Crowder that I have read but it sure won't be the last. I found it funny, interesting and really kept my attention. The characters were interesting as was the story. I look forward to reading more from this new to me author.
July 10, 2025
A short story, I'd love to see this extended into a full novel to flesh out some of the details. The ending was very suspenseful & un-put-down-able, & I definitely want to read more of Linda Crowder's books!
February 24, 2017
great who-dunnit. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews