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A Scarlet Wilson Mystery #3
Miz Scarlet and the Holiday Houseguests: A Scarlet Wilson Mystery #3
The third book in the popular cozy mystery series laced with humor and romance…”A great story with returning characters. There is suspense, lots of family and real life drama. I would love some time at the Four Acorn Inn.”Divorced parents who won’t stop bickering, a sassy teenager, and a killer stalking her are just what homicide investigator Laurencia “Larry” Rivera doesn’t need for Christmas! The short-handed state police investigator can't get a handle on the latest murder case...things just keep going wrong. Is someone trying to intimidate Larry and her team, to protect the killer and prevent him from being caught?Innkeeper Scarlet Wilson is a good friend. That’s why she invites the entire Rivera family to spend Christmas at the Four Acorns Inn. But a killer comes a-calling in the middle of their holiday preparations. "Miz Scarlet" may not have Larry's professional cop training, but that doesn't stop her from enlisting boyfriend Kenny Tolliver and Larry's former partner, Max, to rescue the uncooperative damsel in distress. If only she stuck to guest services....Before the Rivera visit to the Four Acorns Inn ends, not only will a killer be sent packing, everyone will learn two the shocking reason for the bitter divorce of "The Spitball King" and the "Queen of Clean", and how the granddaughter of a Red Sox assistant coach came to be named after a famous Yankee center fielder.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2013
About the author
Sara M. Barton
80 books78 followersSara M. Barton is the author of several fast-paced cozy mysteries featuring lively characters: The Scarlet Wilson Mysteries, The Off the Books Mysteries, The International Killer Chefs Competition Mysteries (The first book in the new series is entitled "Frosted!")
She has also written hybrid "cozy thriller" series, offering likeable characters and wild twists: The Gabby Grimm Fairy Tale Mysteries, The Cornwall & Company Mysteries
She also has written dark and dangerous spy thrillers based on historical events dating back to the Cold War. Some of these touch on now-unclassified government-funded research programs examining the feasibility of psychic abilities: The Project Stargazer Thrillers, The Arden Woods Thrillers
Sara M. Barton offers helpful tips, information, and education for families providing care to a loved one on The Practical Caregiver Guides website and her blog. As a passionate advocate for improving the lives of cancer patients and others managing serious health challenges, she has written "The Practical Caregiver's Essential Guide: How to Help Someone You Love" and a short, free guide for caregivers providing end-of-life care called "The Practical Caregiver's Guide to Home Hospice".
She is also a classically trained artist who loves to paint landscapes, seascapes, and portraits.
She has also written hybrid "cozy thriller" series, offering likeable characters and wild twists: The Gabby Grimm Fairy Tale Mysteries, The Cornwall & Company Mysteries
She also has written dark and dangerous spy thrillers based on historical events dating back to the Cold War. Some of these touch on now-unclassified government-funded research programs examining the feasibility of psychic abilities: The Project Stargazer Thrillers, The Arden Woods Thrillers
Sara M. Barton offers helpful tips, information, and education for families providing care to a loved one on The Practical Caregiver Guides website and her blog. As a passionate advocate for improving the lives of cancer patients and others managing serious health challenges, she has written "The Practical Caregiver's Essential Guide: How to Help Someone You Love" and a short, free guide for caregivers providing end-of-life care called "The Practical Caregiver's Guide to Home Hospice".
She is also a classically trained artist who loves to paint landscapes, seascapes, and portraits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 4, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable Christmas adventure at a cozy BnB. Like the characters, premise and plot. Looking forward to the next one. Interesting & clean. Recommended.
December 29, 2019
A nice mystery with good characters.
November 23, 2020
This was a free ebook and I enjoyed this quick read. Just a nice cozy mystery.
November 11, 2018
Enjoying this series of cozies
A great story with returning characters. There is suspense, lots of family and real life drama. I would love some time at the Four Acorn Inn.
A great story with returning characters. There is suspense, lots of family and real life drama. I would love some time at the Four Acorn Inn.
June 14, 2018
Miz Scarlet and the holiday houseguests.
This was a fun read. Scarlet and her family at the Inn invite Larry’s parents and daughter Mickey for the holidays. Larry is a homicide detective and seems scared to death. She can’t share what’s going on but Scarlet is her best friend tries to help. Serious issues arise and many things go wrong. A must read.
This was a fun read. Scarlet and her family at the Inn invite Larry’s parents and daughter Mickey for the holidays. Larry is a homicide detective and seems scared to death. She can’t share what’s going on but Scarlet is her best friend tries to help. Serious issues arise and many things go wrong. A must read.
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June 28, 2016OMG I can't through some of these books the writing is crap.
July 18, 2021
An entertaining Christmas mystery story with likable characters and a lovely setting. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect to it and how everything came together to make a nice ending.
June 16, 2021
A well-written but plotless tale
This was a really bizarre read for me. There were elements I enjoyed, things I disliked and stuff that I just couldn't make sense of.
The writing was good. The characters were built slowly and organically. Chapter 4 made me laugh and cry and chapters 10 and 11 were thrilling.
But there was stuff I didn't like - similar sounding names such as Laurel, Larry, Big Larry, Lacey. The proofreading could have been better - several errors related to punctuation, grammar and general editing. Certain phrases became so repetitive - chip off the block, that's your cue, metal in the mouth, homicide investigator - i began to feel irritated. I also disliked Larry completely. What an obnoxious person!
The plot was pathetic - there was absolutely no relevance of Jenny. Ditto about the bad blood between Larry's parents. These two threads got so much footage, and yet they felt like pure fillers in the beginning and the end of the tale. The mystery turned out to be a lame thing, while the reader is left to wonder why the hell Del brought Larry to the inn. There's also no explanation for Laurel's use of the wheelchair or why Lacey lives with these guys. Maybe these characters have back stories... And the worst bit of all is that the protagonist is a side-kick in this story and a side character is around whom everything revolves - the same obnoxious one I mentioned before.
Anyway, I liked the writing per se, but there being no substance to the plot, I wonder if I would read anymore of this series or this author.
This was a really bizarre read for me. There were elements I enjoyed, things I disliked and stuff that I just couldn't make sense of.
The writing was good. The characters were built slowly and organically. Chapter 4 made me laugh and cry and chapters 10 and 11 were thrilling.
But there was stuff I didn't like - similar sounding names such as Laurel, Larry, Big Larry, Lacey. The proofreading could have been better - several errors related to punctuation, grammar and general editing. Certain phrases became so repetitive - chip off the block, that's your cue, metal in the mouth, homicide investigator - i began to feel irritated. I also disliked Larry completely. What an obnoxious person!
The plot was pathetic - there was absolutely no relevance of Jenny. Ditto about the bad blood between Larry's parents. These two threads got so much footage, and yet they felt like pure fillers in the beginning and the end of the tale. The mystery turned out to be a lame thing, while the reader is left to wonder why the hell Del brought Larry to the inn. There's also no explanation for Laurel's use of the wheelchair or why Lacey lives with these guys. Maybe these characters have back stories... And the worst bit of all is that the protagonist is a side-kick in this story and a side character is around whom everything revolves - the same obnoxious one I mentioned before.
Anyway, I liked the writing per se, but there being no substance to the plot, I wonder if I would read anymore of this series or this author.
June 29, 2019
This novel is kind of like a Clue game, complete with a cast of characters with nicknames based on characters from that game. Miz Scarlet runs a bed and breakfast with a little help from her brother, Burr, her mother and her aunt. When Scarlet’s friend Larry (a female homicide detective) asks if she has a vacant room for her dad, Big Larry, Scarlet quickly agrees. Snowflakes, bad roads, and a quarreling set of divorced parents (Big Larry and Edna) add up to drama with a little romance thrown into the Christmas holiday game of cops and killers. This was a delightful cozy mystery – just right for an evening’s entertainment.
April 19, 2021
Cute read. Scarlet Wilson runs her family business, Four Acorns Inn. Her bother, mother and aunt are permanent fixtures at the Inn. With Christmas jystca few days away, the inn will be closed but suddenly she finds the inn full. Her best friend Laurencia, "Larry", a homicide detective, is neck deep into a murder investigation but her estranged parents are coming in for the holidays & she needs somewhere for them to stay. When Larry thinks she is being followed, she, her daughter Michaela and Larry's former partner also becomes guests. What ensues are a few days of mayhem for most everyone involved. A short story that was delightful to read.
January 8, 2024
I started this book during the holidays because I wanted something fun and light. The murder is alluded to at the beginning of the book, but we don't really see much sleuthing at all. We do see Scarlet's police officer friend, Laurencia, talk about the case briefly ... and there are some seemingly connected incidents over the course of the book.
However, most of what is written concerns goings-on at the little bed and breakfast that Scarlet and her family operate, as they navigate bad weather and unexpected houseguests.
I guess I expected a little more mystery and a little less cozy time. It was reasonably well-written, but just didn't make the mark for me.
However, most of what is written concerns goings-on at the little bed and breakfast that Scarlet and her family operate, as they navigate bad weather and unexpected houseguests.
I guess I expected a little more mystery and a little less cozy time. It was reasonably well-written, but just didn't make the mark for me.
January 29, 2019
"Light and fluffy"
This is a successful series. Well, that says it all. If the kindle I read this on weighed any less it would have floated away. The tinsel and schmaltz of Christmas. The matriarch that solves everyone's problems with food and a homily. It's a murder mystery with enough sugar to drive any nutritionist to an early grave. The reader gets what the reader wants I guess. I'm going on a diet after this one.
This is a successful series. Well, that says it all. If the kindle I read this on weighed any less it would have floated away. The tinsel and schmaltz of Christmas. The matriarch that solves everyone's problems with food and a homily. It's a murder mystery with enough sugar to drive any nutritionist to an early grave. The reader gets what the reader wants I guess. I'm going on a diet after this one.
December 23, 2019
This is the third in the series and the first time reading this author. The main characters are Miz Scarlet and her friend Larry (Laurencia ) who is a state cop. Larry's folks are coming for Christmas and she asks her friend to let them stay at her inn. Then wants her daughter to stay there as well. Larry is in the middle of an investigation and worries for her safety. Then it all goes nuts. can she get out of this alive and keep everyone safe ? Loved this quick read.
February 1, 2021
This book was a fun and enjoyable read. The reader is thrust into the everyday life of a family and the B and B that they run. We see the day to day life, the conflicts and joy which come from friends and family.
Then out of the blue comes danger and mystery. It requires good acting and excellent police work to pull of the end of the story. Then even more mysteries are revealed as the debrief after the events of the day go on.
If you love cozy mysteries this is an excellent read.
Then out of the blue comes danger and mystery. It requires good acting and excellent police work to pull of the end of the story. Then even more mysteries are revealed as the debrief after the events of the day go on.
If you love cozy mysteries this is an excellent read.
February 2, 2021
Mickey Mantle
This was a fun book to read. I am going to buy the series straight away.
Mix Scarlet is an inn keeper who seems to collect trouble like some of us collect pennies. Her best friend, a state cop, and her menagerie of relatives, boyfriend, and ex-cops are always there with a helping hand.
I recommend this book as a great way to get your crime hit and relaxing humor all together. Read any of the Miz Scarlet books.
This was a fun book to read. I am going to buy the series straight away.
Mix Scarlet is an inn keeper who seems to collect trouble like some of us collect pennies. Her best friend, a state cop, and her menagerie of relatives, boyfriend, and ex-cops are always there with a helping hand.
I recommend this book as a great way to get your crime hit and relaxing humor all together. Read any of the Miz Scarlet books.
July 30, 2019
Miz.Scarlet as Requested
Sara Barton gives new meaning to hectic holidays. Such a marvelous aray of caracters surrounding Miz Scarlet at her Four Oaks Inn. Scarlets friend has been taken hostage by the same villen whom she helped put away many years ago on another long ago Christmas season. The best way to find out what happens is to read this dramatic cozey. 🙄 Kat
Sara Barton gives new meaning to hectic holidays. Such a marvelous aray of caracters surrounding Miz Scarlet at her Four Oaks Inn. Scarlets friend has been taken hostage by the same villen whom she helped put away many years ago on another long ago Christmas season. The best way to find out what happens is to read this dramatic cozey. 🙄 Kat
August 28, 2019
Sweet
Every word spoken had hidden humour. Enjoyable... Door
Sorry it took me so long to read this author.... Now Kindle Fire and Cloud Reader are loaded.... Time to sit back and enjoy.
Every word spoken had hidden humour. Enjoyable... Door
Sorry it took me so long to read this author.... Now Kindle Fire and Cloud Reader are loaded.... Time to sit back and enjoy.
April 8, 2020
Miz Scarlet
Another good book in a great series! I want a Miz Scarlet in my life. The characters in this series is so much fun! I look forward to reading another book in this series!
Another good book in a great series! I want a Miz Scarlet in my life. The characters in this series is so much fun! I look forward to reading another book in this series!
November 23, 2020
Ha fighting over the dumbest misunderstandings! This book is a little of everything and for those baseball fanatics you will get a kick out of this. You might also think of a certain game about who in the library. Read during the Corona Virus Pandemic of 2020.
December 27, 2020
Suspenseful, Entertaining
It was very well written, great characters, lots of action, suspense, and even some laughter. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series eventually!!
It was very well written, great characters, lots of action, suspense, and even some laughter. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series eventually!!
April 8, 2021
Quick but fun mystery cozy
When beginning this Miz Scarlet book I wasn't prepared for the laugh out loud humor in it's beginning. Absolutely enjoyed this part. Quickly the author springs into a great short mystery with some surprises at the end. Great cozy read.
When beginning this Miz Scarlet book I wasn't prepared for the laugh out loud humor in it's beginning. Absolutely enjoyed this part. Quickly the author springs into a great short mystery with some surprises at the end. Great cozy read.
December 27, 2023
This is the second in a series. I liked the first book so when given a chance to read this one I grabbed it. It was interesting that the story included a short summary of the first book. I love the character nicknames. It is a fun read with a little mystery.
March 21, 2026
I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy this but I did.
Their is a surprising amount of characters in this quick little mystery. A good clean multiple romance with lots of subplots.
Nearly everyone has their happily ever after.
Their is a surprising amount of characters in this quick little mystery. A good clean multiple romance with lots of subplots.
Nearly everyone has their happily ever after.
August 9, 2019
It was a funny book with some twists and a very entertaining read.
October 4, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, love the characters well written and well worth reading
October 5, 2019
Wasted time.
December 10, 2019
Cute book
Found on freebooksy, this was a super cute, fast paced fun story. Nice holiday treat, but it is part of a series and id like to catch up!
Found on freebooksy, this was a super cute, fast paced fun story. Nice holiday treat, but it is part of a series and id like to catch up!
January 7, 2020
I totally enjoyed this book. The story is good as well as the characters. It a good story about a woman who runs an Inn and the people she comes in contact with. The ending is really good.
January 23, 2020
Cute cozy story.
February 8, 2020
Okay read. Interesting capture of bad guy tho a bit corny finish
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews