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Darcy Sweet Mysteries #1
Death Comes to Town
Darcy Sweet would like to think that she is just an ordinary woman, happy in her life running the Sweet Read bookstore. But she isn't ordinary. She has a connection to the other side that seems to draw her into mysterious situations more often than not. Add to the mix the antics of a rather naughty, slightly psychic cat and the eccentric ghost of her great-aunt Millie, and you have a recipe for anything but the ordinary.
When Darcy's neighbor is murdered she is drawn into the mystery against her will when she finds the body. She tries to leave the investigation to the police, one of which is her sister, but an overheard conversation and a small nudge from the other side has her investigating the murder. The stakes are raised when the murderer strikes again. Who was killing the people in her life?
Things are complicated even more by her building attraction to her sister's new cop partner, who makes it clear he does not appreciate Darcy's interference in the investigation. Sparks fly between the two of them as they get further into the mystery surrounding the deaths.
With a town full of suspects how will Darcy work out who the murderer is? None of the pieces to the puzzle fit. Things become more complicated and dangerous as Darcy's own life is threatened. Will she survive to see justice served?
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2013
389 people are currently reading
1711 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
June 8, 2014
Um... Is this a classic example of the 'cosy mystery' genre? If it is, I think I'm in trouble. Darcy Sweet is a book store owner who solves crimes with the help of her sixth sense (cue my eyes rolling) and her cat. The cat... Seriously the skills of the cat are Stupid with a capital S. (The cat has to go.) He has more skills than Darcy, however. All she does to solve the mystery is go around accusing everyone in town (I will assume all cosy mysteries have a similar small town of the required 'quirky' characters) in turn until she eventually gets it right. Never mind how many people she insults/upsets along the way (including people we should assume she's known for several years, like her own ex-husband and brother-in-law). Actually I don't think she solves it, just stumbles onto the killer. And gets saved by the cat... (The cat has to go.) Without giving too many spoilers, I'll say there's two murders in this book, and both are people supposedly close to Darcy. The time she takes to get over their deaths is approximately 2.2 seconds. The cat shows as much sorrow as she does. (The cat has to go.) The romance? Oh my... It's so forced. The UST is almost non-existent. There's moments when the author is obv trying to create some misunderstandings/tension, but... It just doesn't work. Darcy has more chemistry with the cat. (The cat has to go.) The weak plot could have something to do with the fact this is a freebie in the series, but even taking that into consideration, I have to say the writing is... basic, might be the best word. There's nothing technically wrong with it, but it lacks any descriptive depth. The nicest thing I can say about this book is that it's a quick read. I hope and pray that the other books in the series are a little more fleshed out than this one. (And that the cat is gone.)
July 12, 2014
I'm glad this was free... It seem really rushed to me, no character development and no story development, really. I guessed about half way through who it was, and I was correct. It read more like an outline than a book. I think it has potential if it would be lengthened. I can't really say that I liked or disliked the characters because I know nothing about them!
July 3, 2014
Reading this book was painful. It seems as though it was written by a very young and inexperienced person. The dialog was stilted and failed to flow like real conversation. Character development was nonexistent and the storyline reflected a serious lack of critical thinking and planning. More than once I was seriously tempted to quit reading. Idle curiosity kept me turning pages because heaven knows it wasn't due to quality. The story had possibility which is why I gave it two stars.
November 12, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
December 3, 2015
Formula plot!
Very disappointing when you begin the book and it's a rehash of other books you have read. Then the author gets the bright idea that the readers are idiots And they go on"writing" books with the same old tired characters. This plot was so thin, you couldn't skim it for fat! Waste of time and lack of imagination on this author's part.
Very disappointing when you begin the book and it's a rehash of other books you have read. Then the author gets the bright idea that the readers are idiots And they go on"writing" books with the same old tired characters. This plot was so thin, you couldn't skim it for fat! Waste of time and lack of imagination on this author's part.
June 10, 2021
K.J. Emrick has a series that is a very easy read to read. Her Characters are people that you really would like to meet with; and you will fall in love with Smudge the Cat like I did.
I normally don't read books a second time but I did and it was better this second time around. I got more details from the Characters then before.
I normally don't read books a second time but I did and it was better this second time around. I got more details from the Characters then before.
September 11, 2014
At times Darcy came across as wishy-washy, but she was dealing with a murder of a good friend and then her ex. Overall, it was enjoyable. I liked the cat, Smudge.
November 26, 2014
The plot was thin and the characters shallow. It didn't make me want to read more from this author.
October 1, 2020
Had a hard time starting off this book, but I did enjoy it in the end. I loved the main character, Darcy, and Aunt Millie, she's cute. Haha
A great mystery, cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
A great mystery, cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
Read
June 11, 2018great series. The other day I downloaded approximately 10 ebooks on my tablet that were all free. I am definitely looking into more in this series.
November 8, 2018
A cute paranormal cozy!
October 15, 2024
Predictable. The romance was kinda ridiculous and made no sense. And the writing could use some improvement. However, it was a good plot with cute characters. I’ll read her again
Read
April 20, 2023This is a great series. I love the characters and the story lines. I am on the 2nd book now. I recommend this book!
June 20, 2019
Reading Death Comes to Town reminds me of being in the kiddie pool with my granddaughters. Yes, it’s cool water on a hot summer day and that’s nice but boy, there’s not much to it. If someone asks you if you were at the pool today you’re probably going to say “just barely.”
Death Comes to Town is the story of Darcy who inherited her aunt’s house and bookstore and apparently her ghost in some unnamed northern state. Her sister Grace and Grace’s husband also live in Misty Hollow and Grace is a detective on the police force. One of Darcy’s close friends and members of her book club is murdered. When Darcy and her ex-husband begin to look into it, another murder follows.
Things that made me go “hmmm.” At one point it is mentioned that because Misty Hollow is a small town and you can walk across it in 15 minutes, there aren’t many cars in town. In my experience living in small towns, EVERYONE owns a car, precisely because the town is so small. You have to go somewhere else to do most of your shopping or for any kind of entertainment. Also, the book “And Then There Were None” is brought up by the ghost several times making me think that there could be some real potential for Agatha Christie’s classic plot to have some relevance to the mystery at hand. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
All pretense of reality in the murder investigation is given up in this book. Even though Darcy is a civilian, her sister and her sister’s partner Jon include her in every phase of the investigation. She and Jon stay up late together one night working on the case. Really? A police detective stayed up late working on the case with his civilian girlfriend instead of his detective partner? Even the other people in town are asking her how the case is coming. At one point she responds with “We have a very strong suspect. Jon and Grace think we’re close to solving the case.” We? When did Darcy join the police force??
There was one brief moment of dialogue that gave me hope for some depth. Darcy runs into her sister coming out of the coffee shop and asks what she’s doing. Her sister says, “Well, I don’t know Darcy. Maybe I was digging for gold or working on my car or something. What do you think I’m doing here. It’s a coffee shop. I’m getting coffee.” But then the writing descended into things like “Inside Anna’s cozy little home, death had visited” and “I’m getting signs from my sixth sense that I need to solve Anna’s death.”
There are at least two TSTL moments. One occurs when Darcy wakes to a figure standing over her bed whom she assumes is the murderer. She throws a book at it. Great defense strategy there. Fortunately for her, the figure is also TSTL and flees when assaulted with a flying book. The other occurs when she breaks into the house of who she believes to be the murderer. Alone. Though a window that she barely fit through.
Because there’s a ghost and Darcy has visions, I guess you could call this a paranormal cozy which is normally not my thing but it’s a very light touch. Nothing offensive. In fact, that would be the description of this book in general. Nothing offensive. Nothing offensive is why I gave it three stars when I wavered between 2 and 3 stars. Just be aware this isn’t even comfort food reading, it’s cotton candy reading. Super-lightweight, most readers will finish it in less than two hours.
Death Comes to Town is the story of Darcy who inherited her aunt’s house and bookstore and apparently her ghost in some unnamed northern state. Her sister Grace and Grace’s husband also live in Misty Hollow and Grace is a detective on the police force. One of Darcy’s close friends and members of her book club is murdered. When Darcy and her ex-husband begin to look into it, another murder follows.
Things that made me go “hmmm.” At one point it is mentioned that because Misty Hollow is a small town and you can walk across it in 15 minutes, there aren’t many cars in town. In my experience living in small towns, EVERYONE owns a car, precisely because the town is so small. You have to go somewhere else to do most of your shopping or for any kind of entertainment. Also, the book “And Then There Were None” is brought up by the ghost several times making me think that there could be some real potential for Agatha Christie’s classic plot to have some relevance to the mystery at hand. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
All pretense of reality in the murder investigation is given up in this book. Even though Darcy is a civilian, her sister and her sister’s partner Jon include her in every phase of the investigation. She and Jon stay up late together one night working on the case. Really? A police detective stayed up late working on the case with his civilian girlfriend instead of his detective partner? Even the other people in town are asking her how the case is coming. At one point she responds with “We have a very strong suspect. Jon and Grace think we’re close to solving the case.” We? When did Darcy join the police force??
There was one brief moment of dialogue that gave me hope for some depth. Darcy runs into her sister coming out of the coffee shop and asks what she’s doing. Her sister says, “Well, I don’t know Darcy. Maybe I was digging for gold or working on my car or something. What do you think I’m doing here. It’s a coffee shop. I’m getting coffee.” But then the writing descended into things like “Inside Anna’s cozy little home, death had visited” and “I’m getting signs from my sixth sense that I need to solve Anna’s death.”
There are at least two TSTL moments. One occurs when Darcy wakes to a figure standing over her bed whom she assumes is the murderer. She throws a book at it. Great defense strategy there. Fortunately for her, the figure is also TSTL and flees when assaulted with a flying book. The other occurs when she breaks into the house of who she believes to be the murderer. Alone. Though a window that she barely fit through.
Because there’s a ghost and Darcy has visions, I guess you could call this a paranormal cozy which is normally not my thing but it’s a very light touch. Nothing offensive. In fact, that would be the description of this book in general. Nothing offensive. Nothing offensive is why I gave it three stars when I wavered between 2 and 3 stars. Just be aware this isn’t even comfort food reading, it’s cotton candy reading. Super-lightweight, most readers will finish it in less than two hours.
November 30, 2016
Juvenile and Lacking
This is to be the first book in a series yet it doesn't give you any explanation on what makes Darcy special or what exactly her sixth sense is. The author may know be she didn't want to share it with the reader. I always felt that I was missing something. The writing style appeared to be that of a beginner. There was no meat to the storyline or to the characters. There was no chemistry between Jon and Darcy. Darcy had more interest in her cat. And why was there a need to write the entire story in the last chapter from the cat's point of view. This has to be the writing of a crazy cat lady. With that being said I don't have plans on visiting Misty Hallow again and hearing about the adventures of Darcy and her cat. I like stories where there is depth and intelligence.
This is to be the first book in a series yet it doesn't give you any explanation on what makes Darcy special or what exactly her sixth sense is. The author may know be she didn't want to share it with the reader. I always felt that I was missing something. The writing style appeared to be that of a beginner. There was no meat to the storyline or to the characters. There was no chemistry between Jon and Darcy. Darcy had more interest in her cat. And why was there a need to write the entire story in the last chapter from the cat's point of view. This has to be the writing of a crazy cat lady. With that being said I don't have plans on visiting Misty Hallow again and hearing about the adventures of Darcy and her cat. I like stories where there is depth and intelligence.
August 2, 2020
I must admit, at first I was unsure I was going to like this Cozy Mystery.
First, there was a typo in the chapters. For example, there are two Chapter Twos, which means that the second Chapter Two is actually Chapter Three.
Then, there were a few typos, not to mention that this book is under 200 pages.
However, I enjoyed learning more about Darcy Sweet's Witch Powers, and I especially enjoyed the last Chapter, "Chapter Twenty-Four (which is actually Chapter Twenty-Five)--The Missing Cat Mystery (Smudge's Point of View)." That I especially enjoyed, and one of the main reasons why I look forward to reading the second book in the "Darcy Sweet Mystery Series," "Mists of the Past."
I AM looking forward to this Cozy Mystery Series, especially as it has some of my favorite themes for a Cozy Mystery: Witches, Cats and Books.
First, there was a typo in the chapters. For example, there are two Chapter Twos, which means that the second Chapter Two is actually Chapter Three.
Then, there were a few typos, not to mention that this book is under 200 pages.
However, I enjoyed learning more about Darcy Sweet's Witch Powers, and I especially enjoyed the last Chapter, "Chapter Twenty-Four (which is actually Chapter Twenty-Five)--The Missing Cat Mystery (Smudge's Point of View)." That I especially enjoyed, and one of the main reasons why I look forward to reading the second book in the "Darcy Sweet Mystery Series," "Mists of the Past."
I AM looking forward to this Cozy Mystery Series, especially as it has some of my favorite themes for a Cozy Mystery: Witches, Cats and Books.
February 11, 2015
Darcy just knew something was going to happen and that it wasn't going to be good. Every time the mist came in something happened. Darcy was able to see her reflection in the window as she contemplated the mist. She looked just like everyone else, but she had a sixth sense that was telling her right now that something bad was in the cards.
I liked the characters in this story. It also wasn't overly "spooky". It did feel like something was missing, but I think that was just me and not really the story. The style was easy to read and flowed well. The dynamics between Darcy and her sister Grace was well done.
Going to try another in the series.
I liked the characters in this story. It also wasn't overly "spooky". It did feel like something was missing, but I think that was just me and not really the story. The style was easy to read and flowed well. The dynamics between Darcy and her sister Grace was well done.
Going to try another in the series.
June 25, 2016
I give this book 3.5 stars.
What a relaxing breath of fresh air! Yet again I've found another Aussie indie author.
As most people should know "cosy mysteries" are generally quite quick reads - something to fill in an afternoon, should be enjoyable & not too taxing on the brain. This novel fills all those requirements.
Well written for the genre, with an interesting mix of sub genres - a dollop of sleuthing, a dab of the paranormal & a little sprinking of romance. This held my interest to the end with the added bonus of a sleuthing kitty!!
It was just what I needed after my more heavier reads - like a weekend getaway after a week of hard slog. I would definitely read more of this series.
What a relaxing breath of fresh air! Yet again I've found another Aussie indie author.
As most people should know "cosy mysteries" are generally quite quick reads - something to fill in an afternoon, should be enjoyable & not too taxing on the brain. This novel fills all those requirements.
Well written for the genre, with an interesting mix of sub genres - a dollop of sleuthing, a dab of the paranormal & a little sprinking of romance. This held my interest to the end with the added bonus of a sleuthing kitty!!
It was just what I needed after my more heavier reads - like a weekend getaway after a week of hard slog. I would definitely read more of this series.
April 26, 2014
This really is a nice little story. At 110 pages in length it is a quick read, but the story is well paced and fits its length without feeling rushed. I really loved the small town America setting, it really fit with the cosy feel of the mystery. The story twisted and turned with a few red herrings, so I didn’t guess who the murderer was until it was revealed in the book. Darcy herself is a likable character and I look forward to reading more of her.
December 9, 2017
Cute Cosy Mystery
Enjoyable read. Looking forward to her next book and seeing her characters grow and mature. Liked her story line but not to sure about how they kept hauling people into the police station and allowing Darcy to intervene. Would have been nice to either see her work out the mystery without police intervention, or . . . possibly allow her to become a mystic/psychic consultant for the police department. Hmmm.
Enjoyable read. Looking forward to her next book and seeing her characters grow and mature. Liked her story line but not to sure about how they kept hauling people into the police station and allowing Darcy to intervene. Would have been nice to either see her work out the mystery without police intervention, or . . . possibly allow her to become a mystic/psychic consultant for the police department. Hmmm.
July 25, 2016
Cozy little murder mystery - great for an afternoon relaxation.
December 30, 2020
Cute story
The story was interesting but the incorrect use of apostrophes and plurals was making me crazy. P!ease seriously consider hiring a professional proofreader
The story was interesting but the incorrect use of apostrophes and plurals was making me crazy. P!ease seriously consider hiring a professional proofreader
June 15, 2014
A really nice book for a cozy evening in!
August 6, 2024
Death Comes To Town by K.J. Emrick is an okay book. It's not great and certainly not bad, just okay.
Darcy is the owner of the Sweet Read Bookstore. A member of Darcy's book club dies the night of the yearly festival. Even though Misty Hollow has a small police, including her sister Grace and Grace's new partner Jon, it fell to Darcy to figure out who killed the two victims.
One weird aspect to this book that I totally did not like was at end of Death Comes To Town, K.M. Emrick proceeded to retell the story ala "Cliff Notes" style by having Smudge, Darcy's cat, retell the entire book in a shorter ed version from his view. I hope the author doesn't do this with each book. It is utterly wasted time.
Not the greatest Cozy Mystery I've read. But also not the worst one. I got the 1st 6 books in a box set and the first book, Death Comes to Town, was just good enough that I'll read book 2 in the series.
Darcy is the owner of the Sweet Read Bookstore. A member of Darcy's book club dies the night of the yearly festival. Even though Misty Hollow has a small police, including her sister Grace and Grace's new partner Jon, it fell to Darcy to figure out who killed the two victims.
One weird aspect to this book that I totally did not like was at end of Death Comes To Town, K.M. Emrick proceeded to retell the story ala "Cliff Notes" style by having Smudge, Darcy's cat, retell the entire book in a shorter ed version from his view. I hope the author doesn't do this with each book. It is utterly wasted time.
Not the greatest Cozy Mystery I've read. But also not the worst one. I got the 1st 6 books in a box set and the first book, Death Comes to Town, was just good enough that I'll read book 2 in the series.
January 22, 2023
I have not read this author before so wanted to give it a go for something different.
I will admit some of the phrases and scenes get repetitive such as conversations with Linda about Persephone and Helen with the book.
It was also never explained why Anna ran away from Grace and Jon, surely she would want to talk to them?
I am now also invested in these photographs Jeff was after. I wonder where they went?
There were also unbelievable bits such as breaking into a police station that had no cameras or alarms but its all part of the fun.
I did enjoy it though, although I guessed very quickly who it was it was an easy, fun story to follow.
I loved the bit with Smudge and his mini story, that was an interesting point of view.
It did not take long to read either so I would be happy to continue with the series.
I will admit some of the phrases and scenes get repetitive such as conversations with Linda about Persephone and Helen with the book.
It was also never explained why Anna ran away from Grace and Jon, surely she would want to talk to them?
I am now also invested in these photographs Jeff was after. I wonder where they went?
There were also unbelievable bits such as breaking into a police station that had no cameras or alarms but its all part of the fun.
I did enjoy it though, although I guessed very quickly who it was it was an easy, fun story to follow.
I loved the bit with Smudge and his mini story, that was an interesting point of view.
It did not take long to read either so I would be happy to continue with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
This series would be amazing with better character development and less cheesy names. Jon Tinker is one of the worst names in the history of male detective names. Tinker? What is the author, five years old? That last name detracts from every single book in the Darcy Sweet series.
And talk about a rushed relationship! Girl in no world is it healthy to fall in "love" overnight. Let's set some healthier examples please.
Many of the other characters fell flat, as though they were only there for set dressing. I wanted to be more invested in them so the case would have more of an impact.
The mystery was the only thing good going for this book. The author does that part really well! Like I said, the rest just takes away from the great mystery plot.
I got this in a 7 book set, so I'm in it until I finish the 7th book. After that, I won't be reading any more of this series.
And talk about a rushed relationship! Girl in no world is it healthy to fall in "love" overnight. Let's set some healthier examples please.
Many of the other characters fell flat, as though they were only there for set dressing. I wanted to be more invested in them so the case would have more of an impact.
The mystery was the only thing good going for this book. The author does that part really well! Like I said, the rest just takes away from the great mystery plot.
I got this in a 7 book set, so I'm in it until I finish the 7th book. After that, I won't be reading any more of this series.
November 23, 2025
Book One in the Darcy Sweet mysteries is a cute, lightweight, quick-read. Darcy is nice enough but rather immature and lacking dimension. Darcy's ghostly great-aunt is also childish and given to silly pranks, apparently, which makes her useless when she actually has something useful to contribute. Smudge, the cat, is a real charmer and pleasant change from the usual snarky or aloof and obnoxious feline characters. The mystery has potential; the investigation, however, is laughable. Darcy and the new detective in town cannot stand one another... oh, wait, their love is fated by the stars. (Cue eyeroll) And WHAT is the big mystery regarding Darcy's lack of a cell phone? More plot and character development would serve this story well; right now, it's a three-and-a-half-star tale for this reader.
April 30, 2019
Death Comes to Town is a cozy mystery with some 6th sense/communications from the dead added in. Twenty-nine year old Darcy Sweet lives in Misty Hollow with her cat, Smudge. She runs Sweet Read Book Store. She lives near her sister, Grace, and brother-in-law, Aaron. The town is gearing up for the anniversary festival. Unfortunately, that evening Darcy discovers her neighbor, Anna Louis, has been murdered! Not long afterward, her ex-husband, Jeff, is also found dead! As Darcy tries to figure out who would want them dead, a new police officer arrives in town. Jon Tinker is her sister's new partner. Together, Darcy and Jon do some sleuthing. The characters in this book were likable. I enjoyed reading Smudge's viewpoint at the end of the book!
October 24, 2024
I read a lot of cozy mysteries - generally over 100 a year. I try to compare only cozy mystery to cozy mystery. I admit I automatically drop a star for authors who don't know that apostrophes don't make plurals in the English language, or that only proper nouns are capitalized. I swear the advent of self-publishing has been a lamentable occurrence for those of us know know what an editor is for. Editors know that once you've told the reader the automobile is a Ford Explorer, you don't need to refer to it as such at every mention. Editors know that someone who has a "sixth sense" and no training doesn't go lighting candles and using summoning spells.
If this is your first try at the genre, please do yourself a favor and find another.
If this is your first try at the genre, please do yourself a favor and find another.
March 22, 2025
“Death Comes to Town”, first in the 'Darcy Sweet Mysteries' series is a cosy mystery featuring a book store owner who can see the dead and communicate with them.
Darcy has a mystical cat, Smudge, who appears to know more about crime solving than she does.
When her best friend is murdered Darcy and her feline start investigating.
Everyone in town is a suspect until they aren't and then everyone is back on the list again as new information arises.
It just didn't work for me and I pulled the plug at the halfway point.
It is just too similar to hundreds of books I have read before - the ones you read and forget.
2 Stars.
Darcy has a mystical cat, Smudge, who appears to know more about crime solving than she does.
When her best friend is murdered Darcy and her feline start investigating.
Everyone in town is a suspect until they aren't and then everyone is back on the list again as new information arises.
It just didn't work for me and I pulled the plug at the halfway point.
It is just too similar to hundreds of books I have read before - the ones you read and forget.
2 Stars.
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