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Who Killed 'Tom Jones'?
In Gale Martin’s newest novel, Ellie Overton is a 28-year-old rest home receptionist with a pussycat nose who also happens to be gaga for the pop singer Tom Jones. Regrettably single, she is desperate to have a red-hot love relationship, like those she’s read about in romance novels. Following an astrological hunch, she attends a Tom Jones Festival and meets an available, young impersonator with more looks than talent. Though he’s knocked out of the contest, he’s still in the running to become Ellie’s blue-eyed soul mate—until he’s accused of killing off the competition. It’s not unusual that the handsome police detective working the case is spending more time pursuing Ellie than collaring suspects. So, she enlists the wily and witty rest home residents to help find the real murderer. Must Ellie forfeit her best chance for lasting love to crack this case?
- GenresMystery
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2014
About the author
Gale Martin
3 books198 followersGale Martin is an award-winning writer of contemporary fiction who plied her childhood penchant for lying into a legitimate literary pursuit during midlife. She began writing her first novel at age eleven, finally finishing one three decades later.
She'd commit a misdemeanor to score some Babybel cheese and goes weak-kneed for hummingbirds. She is a wife and mother of one and a communications director by profession who owes her signature joie de vivre to regular Curves workouts.
She blogs about opera--the art form, not the platform, and is an opera reviewer/news personality at operatoonity.com, an online site featuring live performance reviews. She can name any aria in three notes. Okay, five notes, perfectly sung, with full orchestration.
DON JUAN IN HANKEY, PA, is a humorous homage to 'Don Giovanni,' Mozart’s famous tragicomic opera about the last two days of Don Juan’s life.
GRACE UNEXPECTED is wryly witty women's fiction that features a protagonist who can hear her ovaries ticking, who has a heart of pure gold, wrapped in lead. But a string of crummy boyfriends would do that to any lovable woman while waiting for Mr. Right.
She has a master of arts in creative writing from Wilkes University. She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania because she has to.
She'd commit a misdemeanor to score some Babybel cheese and goes weak-kneed for hummingbirds. She is a wife and mother of one and a communications director by profession who owes her signature joie de vivre to regular Curves workouts.
She blogs about opera--the art form, not the platform, and is an opera reviewer/news personality at operatoonity.com, an online site featuring live performance reviews. She can name any aria in three notes. Okay, five notes, perfectly sung, with full orchestration.
DON JUAN IN HANKEY, PA, is a humorous homage to 'Don Giovanni,' Mozart’s famous tragicomic opera about the last two days of Don Juan’s life.
GRACE UNEXPECTED is wryly witty women's fiction that features a protagonist who can hear her ovaries ticking, who has a heart of pure gold, wrapped in lead. But a string of crummy boyfriends would do that to any lovable woman while waiting for Mr. Right.
She has a master of arts in creative writing from Wilkes University. She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania because she has to.
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April 19, 2014
RATING: 4.5 stars
Who Killed Tom Jones? By Gale Martin was a wonderfully entertaining, sweet, and hilarious book. I was about half way through it when I felt that “thing” in my heart that means that I am involved, that I have fallen in love with these characters. I feel maternal towards Ellie. I want to adopt her. So, let me tell you about her.
Ellie Overton is 28 years old, single, works and lives at the Finger Rest Home (yes, owned by Mr. Finger himself) in Pankey, PA. Pankey has a sister city named Hankey so the hospital is called the Hankey-Pankey regional hospital. Ellie lost her Mom several years previous so her life is pretty much her job, her love of the residents of Finger Rest Home, her romance novels, and Tom Jones. Yes, she is obsessed with Tom Jones. Her horoscope said she could be “meeting someone who could change her life” so she decides to attend the Pankey Tom Jones Festival in hopes of finding a husband amongst those contestants in tight pants and puffy white shirts.
The second day of the festival she convinces Mr. Finger to let her take some of the residents along with her to see the Tom Jones look alike artists. So along with Jorge, their driver/handy man, they load up Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Hand, and Melva Peachey and head out for an adventure. But, this day does not go as planned. Ellie’s friend from high school, Happy, is supposed to set up Ellie with one of the handsome, single Tom Jones look alikes. Maybe this could be her future husband! But, amidst the chaos of trying to get to know him and trying to keep her residents in line, there is an unexpected turn of events. One of the Tom Jones artists, the one that would surely have won the contest, has been murdered…with a nail gun!
One of the things I loved best about this book was the relationship between Ellie and the residents of the Home. These three have taken Ellie in as their own. And she loves them all in return. But in their zeal to help Ellie, and also perhaps to gain some excitement, they get themselves into some comical situations. They are bound and determined to help Ellie solve the mystery of who killed Tom Jones. And then there is Jorge. He cracks me up with his broken English.
“Jorge sighed. “There you go again Ellie, being a pooping party.” Mr. Harvey jogged Jorge in the shoulder, belly laughing. “A pooping party. That was one of your best ones so far.”
So Ellie, who considers herself plain and unattractive, is suddenly thrust into a murder mystery, and along with that, she suddenly has not one but three VERY attractive men who seem to be interested in her. Evan, the Tom Jones look alike, Marc Levy, the very handsome Pankey Police Detective, and Donny, the brother of her friend Happy. And when in the middle of her first real romantic moment, only Ellie would think to channel Deirdre from one of her romance novels to help her know what to do. Or to stuff Sherlock Holmes classic comics under her pillow in hopes of absorbing some of Holmes’s mystery solving knowledge while she sleeps.
So if you want a book that will make you laugh, but also will make your heart happy as well, this book is for you. I especially loved the epilogue. So, thank you Gale Martin, for allowing me to read your book for an honest review, and for letting me go to sleep last night after I finished the book with a huge smile on my face.
October 24, 2014
Gale Martin is an American, award winning author, and this is my first time to read any Gale Martin authored book. Before reading the book, WHO KILLED 'TOM JONES'? , I had no idea that Gale Martin is such a brilliant author, from her style of penning down a love-story with a mystery to unveiling that mystery and the whole drama that goes in and out around the mystery is so stirring as well as remarkable, that you'll be wanting to read this book not once, but twice, thrice and so on!
I'd like to thank the author, Gale martin, for sending me over a copy of her book, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Ellie Overton, a 28year old woman, working as a receptionist in a retirement home, has a huge crush on the pop-singer, Tom Jones. In order to spark-up her love-life, Ellie attends the local Tom Jones festival to find prospects for herself. But on the second day of the festival, one of the Tom Jones look-like contestant gets murdered, and unfortunately, the man named, Evan, whom she has started liking happen to be one of the suspects and the handsome police detective, Mary Levy, jumps into the scene to solve the mystery, but it seems he is more drawn to Ellie. So will Ellie and the residents of the retirement home b able to solve this murder mystery?
OMG! WHO KILLED 'TOM JONES' is terribly funny, I'm going "ROFL" over this book. Do read this book to catch the humor and hilarious moments and dialogues. The characters also add up to the wittiness of this book. And when the old residents get involved in footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, things get messy, chaotic and very, very funny. Ellie is sweet and witty and her chemistry with the residents of the retirement home is very interesting. The chemistry between the detective and Ellie is quite rocking and passionate and lights up the whole book! The author's grip over her funny and witty characters is quite evident with the way she had portrayed them in her book. After every page, the mystery got thicker and thicker and bloody intriguing, that I lost myself into the mist of mystery and LOL moments! The author's eloquent words make the story pretty compelling and with that fast pace, the book is surely going to grip you from its very beginning.
Don't miss this romantic story amidst of so much mystery!!
I'd like to thank the author, Gale martin, for sending me over a copy of her book, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Ellie Overton, a 28year old woman, working as a receptionist in a retirement home, has a huge crush on the pop-singer, Tom Jones. In order to spark-up her love-life, Ellie attends the local Tom Jones festival to find prospects for herself. But on the second day of the festival, one of the Tom Jones look-like contestant gets murdered, and unfortunately, the man named, Evan, whom she has started liking happen to be one of the suspects and the handsome police detective, Mary Levy, jumps into the scene to solve the mystery, but it seems he is more drawn to Ellie. So will Ellie and the residents of the retirement home b able to solve this murder mystery?
OMG! WHO KILLED 'TOM JONES' is terribly funny, I'm going "ROFL" over this book. Do read this book to catch the humor and hilarious moments and dialogues. The characters also add up to the wittiness of this book. And when the old residents get involved in footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, things get messy, chaotic and very, very funny. Ellie is sweet and witty and her chemistry with the residents of the retirement home is very interesting. The chemistry between the detective and Ellie is quite rocking and passionate and lights up the whole book! The author's grip over her funny and witty characters is quite evident with the way she had portrayed them in her book. After every page, the mystery got thicker and thicker and bloody intriguing, that I lost myself into the mist of mystery and LOL moments! The author's eloquent words make the story pretty compelling and with that fast pace, the book is surely going to grip you from its very beginning.
Don't miss this romantic story amidst of so much mystery!!
January 21, 2014
Gale Martin has written one of the funniest and most unique romantic comedies in a long time with her novel Who Killed ‘Tom Jones’? A bold statement, but one that Martin easily lives up to with her uniquely engaging plot and colorful, well-developed characters.
Ellie is a late-blooming, 28-year-old with a nostalgic affection for Tom Jones. Bored with her life as an admin at the local retirement home, Ellie is ready to expand her circle of friends beyond the elderly people who live at the home with her, interesting though they are. A little romance in her life wouldn’t be a bad idea either. The perfect opportunity for Ellie to shake things up presents itself when a touring group of Tom Jones tribute artists bump and grind their way to her hometown of Pankey, PA for a competition.
On the night of the event, Ellie’s life takes a turn toward more excitement than she can handle. There is murder, mystery, and romantic magnetism in the air, all of which eventually leads Ellie and her elderly friends on an unexpected and often hilarious adventure.
Gale Martin isn’t content to create a formulaic romantic comedy. Yes, there is sexual tension and competing affections. Yes, the guys are hunky, pensive, and sometimes troubles. And, yes, there is the required lovely and measured sex scene. But in Who Killed ‘Tom Jones’?, “sexual tension” is strutting his stuff across the stage with a thrusting pelvis in skin-tight pants, hunky guys might include a police officer considering your arrest, and the sex scene means channeling the prowess of fictional wenches and evoking the love-making lessons gleaned from countless lonely nights reading romance novels.
In addition to a surprisingly fresh plot, Martin creates characters that were not only real but also genuinely interesting and laugh out loud funny. Martin does an exceptional job with dialogue, particularly that of Jorge, which is wholly believable and consistent.
This book is fresh, surprising, and smart. It’s a fun read for fans of the genre who, like Ellie, are looking to shake things up.
Ellie is a late-blooming, 28-year-old with a nostalgic affection for Tom Jones. Bored with her life as an admin at the local retirement home, Ellie is ready to expand her circle of friends beyond the elderly people who live at the home with her, interesting though they are. A little romance in her life wouldn’t be a bad idea either. The perfect opportunity for Ellie to shake things up presents itself when a touring group of Tom Jones tribute artists bump and grind their way to her hometown of Pankey, PA for a competition.
On the night of the event, Ellie’s life takes a turn toward more excitement than she can handle. There is murder, mystery, and romantic magnetism in the air, all of which eventually leads Ellie and her elderly friends on an unexpected and often hilarious adventure.
Gale Martin isn’t content to create a formulaic romantic comedy. Yes, there is sexual tension and competing affections. Yes, the guys are hunky, pensive, and sometimes troubles. And, yes, there is the required lovely and measured sex scene. But in Who Killed ‘Tom Jones’?, “sexual tension” is strutting his stuff across the stage with a thrusting pelvis in skin-tight pants, hunky guys might include a police officer considering your arrest, and the sex scene means channeling the prowess of fictional wenches and evoking the love-making lessons gleaned from countless lonely nights reading romance novels.
In addition to a surprisingly fresh plot, Martin creates characters that were not only real but also genuinely interesting and laugh out loud funny. Martin does an exceptional job with dialogue, particularly that of Jorge, which is wholly believable and consistent.
This book is fresh, surprising, and smart. It’s a fun read for fans of the genre who, like Ellie, are looking to shake things up.
February 13, 2014
In WHO KILLED 'TOM JONES'?, Ellie Overton is twenty-eight and single. A late bloomer, Ellie's not as confident in her looks as she is in her practical problem-solving ability, yet both have caught the attention of three highly eligible guys.
Her childhood friend Donny Carlisle:
Tom Jones tribute artist Evan Salter:
Detective Marc Levy:
Which man would you choose if you were Ellie?
Her childhood friend Donny Carlisle:
Tom Jones tribute artist Evan Salter:
Detective Marc Levy:
Which man would you choose if you were Ellie?
April 13, 2014
Is it wrong to say I laughed at least 50 times throughout this murder mystery? Ellie’s biological clock is ticking, she’s looking for love, but no one ever matches up to her long time crush, Tom Jones, yep, THAT Tom Jones. Deciding to break out of her normally sedate life, working at the Finger Rest Home, Ellie attends a Tom Jones impersonation contest held in the fairgrounds of her home town, Pankey, PA, and yes, there is a sister city named Hankey. (See why I laughed so much?) Upon returning for round two of the competition, Ellie decides the resident of the assisted living facility would enjoy the concert, but can she contain them? One of the “Toms” is murdered and the one man who caught her eye and maybe her heart was his biggest competitor and is found standing suspiciously over the body. Could he be the killer? Has her fickle love life done it to her again or will her belief in her personal Tom Jones be strong enough to turn her into an amateur sleuth with a team of senior detectives to back her up. Her job is in jeopardy, but Ellie is determined to crack the case of Who Killed Tom Jones? wide open. After all, who can sing her favorite song, “What’s New Pussy Cat” so well?
Gale Martin must be fun at a party, or while standing in line at the grocery store! She perfectly captures each moment and runs with it across the pages at warp speed! And her characters? Talk about brilliant casting! Quirky seniors, a quirky boss and no wonder Ellie is like a whirling dervish! Ellie’s mental dialogue, the dialogue she shares with others is priceless, a few hours in her head and I had tears in my eyes from laughing! Ms. Martin has taken a little mystery, an unknown murderer, a ton of mayhem and rolled it up in a sugary-good coating of humor and word play! Her writing is like listening to Tom Jones on a 33 RPM record at 45 RPM! Yep, makes for a whole new level of entertainment, just like Who Killed Tom Jones?
I received this copy as part of the Who Killed Tome Jones Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender April 13, 2014.
Publication Date: January 15, 2014
Publisher: Booktrope
ISBN: 1620151979
Genre: Adult Murder/Mystery/Humor
Page Count: 253
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Gale Martin must be fun at a party, or while standing in line at the grocery store! She perfectly captures each moment and runs with it across the pages at warp speed! And her characters? Talk about brilliant casting! Quirky seniors, a quirky boss and no wonder Ellie is like a whirling dervish! Ellie’s mental dialogue, the dialogue she shares with others is priceless, a few hours in her head and I had tears in my eyes from laughing! Ms. Martin has taken a little mystery, an unknown murderer, a ton of mayhem and rolled it up in a sugary-good coating of humor and word play! Her writing is like listening to Tom Jones on a 33 RPM record at 45 RPM! Yep, makes for a whole new level of entertainment, just like Who Killed Tom Jones?
I received this copy as part of the Who Killed Tome Jones Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender April 13, 2014.
Publication Date: January 15, 2014
Publisher: Booktrope
ISBN: 1620151979
Genre: Adult Murder/Mystery/Humor
Page Count: 253
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
May 12, 2014
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
First of all I’d like to thank the author for sending me her book, thank you Gale. I probably wouldn’t have chosen it myself, but I am so glad I read it.
The blurb sounded really interesting and I wasn’t sure if it was my kind of thing. It turned out that it was. The mixture between a romance and a crime story was great.
Ellie is a 28 years old woman, who hasn’t had a real boyfriend yet and likes her work as a rest home receptionist. It was great to how caring she was to all the inhabitants, they have built a real friendship. Ellie was a wonderful character to follow and relate to.
She takes the inhabitants to a Tom Jones imitator festival and there she meets Evan, gorgeous Eva, who is one f the impersonators. Something terrible happens at the context and one of the competitors is murdered. Ellie is in the middle of it all and Evan is one of the suspects. Ellie doesn’t know what to think. Evan is innocent in her eyes…
Mary Levy the handsome police detective comes along and the two of them seem to click in several levels. I loved their date ;).
There are also Happy (the widow) and her brother Donny. Their Ellie’s childhood friends, but I found it a little hard to find a connection to them.
I have to say that it took me a while to get into the story, but the drama got more intense after every page and I really liked that. I couldn’t put the book down at one stage of the story.
Gale’s writing is vivid, dramatical and fresh!!!
The way Ellie’s journey for love was combined to this whole murder investigation was brilliant and it was so gripping till the end, not knowing who was the killer. Some little surprises kept coming up as well…
Something new and fresh and so different from other love stories.
First of all I’d like to thank the author for sending me her book, thank you Gale. I probably wouldn’t have chosen it myself, but I am so glad I read it.
The blurb sounded really interesting and I wasn’t sure if it was my kind of thing. It turned out that it was. The mixture between a romance and a crime story was great.
Ellie is a 28 years old woman, who hasn’t had a real boyfriend yet and likes her work as a rest home receptionist. It was great to how caring she was to all the inhabitants, they have built a real friendship. Ellie was a wonderful character to follow and relate to.
She takes the inhabitants to a Tom Jones imitator festival and there she meets Evan, gorgeous Eva, who is one f the impersonators. Something terrible happens at the context and one of the competitors is murdered. Ellie is in the middle of it all and Evan is one of the suspects. Ellie doesn’t know what to think. Evan is innocent in her eyes…
Mary Levy the handsome police detective comes along and the two of them seem to click in several levels. I loved their date ;).
There are also Happy (the widow) and her brother Donny. Their Ellie’s childhood friends, but I found it a little hard to find a connection to them.
I have to say that it took me a while to get into the story, but the drama got more intense after every page and I really liked that. I couldn’t put the book down at one stage of the story.
Gale’s writing is vivid, dramatical and fresh!!!
The way Ellie’s journey for love was combined to this whole murder investigation was brilliant and it was so gripping till the end, not knowing who was the killer. Some little surprises kept coming up as well…
Something new and fresh and so different from other love stories.
January 30, 2014
I was given this book by Tiffany White in exchange for an honest review.
A friend had suggested I read it although it’s not the type of book I usually read.
When I saw the cover, I was instantly dreading agreeing to read it buy I started it anyway, reluctantly. From the very first paragraph I was drawn in and immediately enjoying the story. I was quite shocked after the first chapter that I was actually enjoying the story and found it hard to put down to get some sleep. I absolutely loved the book and would recommend giving it a shot. I really think you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
What they say is true: Don’t judge a book by its cover. To me the cover looked dull but the story was anything but!
Absolutely great read!
A friend had suggested I read it although it’s not the type of book I usually read.
When I saw the cover, I was instantly dreading agreeing to read it buy I started it anyway, reluctantly. From the very first paragraph I was drawn in and immediately enjoying the story. I was quite shocked after the first chapter that I was actually enjoying the story and found it hard to put down to get some sleep. I absolutely loved the book and would recommend giving it a shot. I really think you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
What they say is true: Don’t judge a book by its cover. To me the cover looked dull but the story was anything but!
Absolutely great read!
February 1, 2014
I received this ebook for free from Tiffany White in exchange for my honest review.
This book was the perfect blend of humor, mystery, and romance.
The characters were engaging. I loved the residents at the Finger Rest Home.
I would love to see more books with these characters.
I will definitely read more books by this author.
If you are looking for a fun read and a great mystery, this book is for you!
This book was the perfect blend of humor, mystery, and romance.
The characters were engaging. I loved the residents at the Finger Rest Home.
I would love to see more books with these characters.
I will definitely read more books by this author.
If you are looking for a fun read and a great mystery, this book is for you!
March 8, 2014
"Murder + Mayhem + Seniors = Fun Read"
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun murder mystery, which presents many twists and turns. Here, Ellie Overton is 26 years old, has never been in love, but still has hope her day will come. Until that day, she envisions a handsome man, like her favorite singer, Tom Jones, who captured her heart as a 10-year old, with his song, "What's New Pussy Cat?" He is her ideal man and she's not going to settle for anybody who doesn't have Tom's attributes. She has no special skills, but has a job at the Finger Rest Home as a receptionist. She also lives there offering assistance when needed in the evenings. As she has no living relatives, the residents have become her family. But the rules set by owner Mr. Finger are strict, and soon she seems to be bending them. It's a small facility with only a handful of patients, and they soon, literally, become a handful! Ellie buys a costly ticket to a music festival featuring a Tom Jones impersonator contest only because her horoscope said someone she will meet will change her life on this day. Will it be one of the impersonators, now known as tribute artists? On the second night is the semi-finals and she with Jorge, the care facility handy man/driver, take some of the seniors to the competition. Ellie hopes the boisterous outspoken seniors will not be an embarrassment as Mr. Finger, her boss, would be very upset to have shame or notoriety to his establishment. Well, it's not the seniors who cause trouble, it's the favored contestant who has been murdered before going on stage, the husband of her best friend while growing up. And one of the competitors who she had just met and is drawn to, Evan Salter, is found standing over the body with the unusual weapon in his hand. And here is where the mayhem starts in which author Gale Martin excels. Her writing is enthralling and vigorous, her characters are captivating and certainly unique and memorable. In many ways this story reminds me of writings of Janet Evanovich, as it is very entertaining and funny. I'd love to see this on the silver screen, it would certainly be awesome to see some of the older actors kicking it up again having fun performing. What else can I say, it's a fun read, and you'll enjoy it, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun murder mystery, which presents many twists and turns. Here, Ellie Overton is 26 years old, has never been in love, but still has hope her day will come. Until that day, she envisions a handsome man, like her favorite singer, Tom Jones, who captured her heart as a 10-year old, with his song, "What's New Pussy Cat?" He is her ideal man and she's not going to settle for anybody who doesn't have Tom's attributes. She has no special skills, but has a job at the Finger Rest Home as a receptionist. She also lives there offering assistance when needed in the evenings. As she has no living relatives, the residents have become her family. But the rules set by owner Mr. Finger are strict, and soon she seems to be bending them. It's a small facility with only a handful of patients, and they soon, literally, become a handful! Ellie buys a costly ticket to a music festival featuring a Tom Jones impersonator contest only because her horoscope said someone she will meet will change her life on this day. Will it be one of the impersonators, now known as tribute artists? On the second night is the semi-finals and she with Jorge, the care facility handy man/driver, take some of the seniors to the competition. Ellie hopes the boisterous outspoken seniors will not be an embarrassment as Mr. Finger, her boss, would be very upset to have shame or notoriety to his establishment. Well, it's not the seniors who cause trouble, it's the favored contestant who has been murdered before going on stage, the husband of her best friend while growing up. And one of the competitors who she had just met and is drawn to, Evan Salter, is found standing over the body with the unusual weapon in his hand. And here is where the mayhem starts in which author Gale Martin excels. Her writing is enthralling and vigorous, her characters are captivating and certainly unique and memorable. In many ways this story reminds me of writings of Janet Evanovich, as it is very entertaining and funny. I'd love to see this on the silver screen, it would certainly be awesome to see some of the older actors kicking it up again having fun performing. What else can I say, it's a fun read, and you'll enjoy it, too.
March 30, 2014
Originally posted on http://dreamingwithopeneyesreviews.bl...
*I received this book by the author in exchange of an honest review*
First of all I'd like to thank Gale Martin for offering me to read and review her book.
To be very hoest I was a bit concered if this a book I am going to like, because this is a book I probably would have not picked up myself. The blurb sounded very good but I was never into Tom Jones and his music also I'm not reading many books which invole crime and mystery and the cover was not really appealing to me either but I gave it a go. And here we are again with the topic: DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER. The turnout can be very suprising. I am very happy I stept out of my comfort zone and tried something new.
The story is set in Pankey, Pennsylvania. Ellie Overton is a late-blooming, 28-year-old, working as a receptionist at a rest home with a nostalgic affection for Tom Jones. She attends a Tom Jones Festival and is ready to meet the one who changes her life forever at the festival. Ellies life takes an unexpected turn at the second night of the festival. One of the tribute artists has been killed and she is right in the middle of it. Together with the help of the rest home residents they try to solve the case.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I hardly cound't put it down. What a page turner! A prefect mixture of crime and a love story. The book is not precictable at all. Who Killed Tom Jones? is a murder mystery and you spend your time thinking “Who killed him?”. You never knew whar was going to happen next.
Ellie was such a great, lovely and likable character. I really hoped for her that she'll chrack the case and end up with the right guy and have her very own happy end.
I would recommend everyone to give this a shot!
*I received this book by the author in exchange of an honest review*
First of all I'd like to thank Gale Martin for offering me to read and review her book.
To be very hoest I was a bit concered if this a book I am going to like, because this is a book I probably would have not picked up myself. The blurb sounded very good but I was never into Tom Jones and his music also I'm not reading many books which invole crime and mystery and the cover was not really appealing to me either but I gave it a go. And here we are again with the topic: DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER. The turnout can be very suprising. I am very happy I stept out of my comfort zone and tried something new.
The story is set in Pankey, Pennsylvania. Ellie Overton is a late-blooming, 28-year-old, working as a receptionist at a rest home with a nostalgic affection for Tom Jones. She attends a Tom Jones Festival and is ready to meet the one who changes her life forever at the festival. Ellies life takes an unexpected turn at the second night of the festival. One of the tribute artists has been killed and she is right in the middle of it. Together with the help of the rest home residents they try to solve the case.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I hardly cound't put it down. What a page turner! A prefect mixture of crime and a love story. The book is not precictable at all. Who Killed Tom Jones? is a murder mystery and you spend your time thinking “Who killed him?”. You never knew whar was going to happen next.
Ellie was such a great, lovely and likable character. I really hoped for her that she'll chrack the case and end up with the right guy and have her very own happy end.
I would recommend everyone to give this a shot!
January 10, 2014
This book is interesting mystery. It’s about twenty and something years old Elli, who search for hot romance. She read in Horoscope that she will meet some person, who will change her life and she goes in concert that performers sing a songs of Tom Jones. First performer Stan McCann singing on stage broke his leg. Some Dorothy who sits next to Elli on this concert, a big fan of Stan, tells her that this is sabotage and Stan not broke his leg accidentally.
Then all goes upside down. I ask myself:” Is there a really sabotage or its fantasy of some crazy woman?” I continue reading and bang someone is killed, and then begins the search for the killer.
This book stirs several emotions to me; while I read it I was shocked, I laughed in some situations, I cried in other one. The content of this book is compact and well done and there is something for each reader.
Elli is great person, she is diligent, polite, and she wants to help and give her unconditional love especially to rest home residents. She is dedicated to her work as a receptionist in Finger Rest Home. Elli also has a detective skills and I like her so much.
When I receive this book I think OMG what kind of book has that name, but while I turn the pages I change my mind.This book I recommended in this winter days without snow (here in Macedonia we don’t have a snow yet), because it makes your days good and fulfilled.
February 17, 2014
I received a Kindle copy of this book from Tiffany M. White (Booktrope Publishing) with the understanding that I would write an honest review of the book when I was finished.
I LOVED this book! It pulled me in right from the beginning with a suspenseful and mysterious storyline. I also found the humor to be wonderful and in just the right amount. I agree with some of the other reviewers, the cover threw me off a bit. But after reading the book, I understand the quirky cover. I loved how the story flowed. I was enthralled by the residents of the Finger Rest Home and would love to read other books featuring Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Peachey, Mrs. Hand and even Mr. Finger in them. Ellie is a fresh change from the normal heroine in romantic books. She has really got a thing for tight pants and puffy shirts! I also found it sexy that her romantic interest (Marc Levy) had an old time charm about him in the sense that he opened her car door and ordered her meal for her. Made my heart skip a beat!
I was engaged and entertained from start to finish! I would highly recommend that you give this book a chance. I have went and added Gale Martin's other books to my list of books that I must read! I look forward to more from this talented, unique and funny author.
I LOVED this book! It pulled me in right from the beginning with a suspenseful and mysterious storyline. I also found the humor to be wonderful and in just the right amount. I agree with some of the other reviewers, the cover threw me off a bit. But after reading the book, I understand the quirky cover. I loved how the story flowed. I was enthralled by the residents of the Finger Rest Home and would love to read other books featuring Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Peachey, Mrs. Hand and even Mr. Finger in them. Ellie is a fresh change from the normal heroine in romantic books. She has really got a thing for tight pants and puffy shirts! I also found it sexy that her romantic interest (Marc Levy) had an old time charm about him in the sense that he opened her car door and ordered her meal for her. Made my heart skip a beat!
I was engaged and entertained from start to finish! I would highly recommend that you give this book a chance. I have went and added Gale Martin's other books to my list of books that I must read! I look forward to more from this talented, unique and funny author.
May 3, 2014
Gale Martin's books are all great fun, well written and "keepers." This one is no exception! From the moment I started Who Killed, I was drawn into the story, immediately liking the characters and laughing along the way.
Ellie thinks she will be left on the shelf. A Tom Jones "tragic" from way back, when a festival complete with TJ competition is on not far from the retirement home where she lives and works, Ellie feels this could be the night she meets her soul mate. Imagine her surprise when the most likely winner of the competition has a bad accident. However, all is not lost. A murder the next night ensures that she meets not only one man of her dreams, but three! It's either a feast or a famine for Ellie.
Annoyed by the cops' apparently laid-back investigation, Ellie and her troops from the home decide to investigate with surprising results.
This riotous story is well worth anyone's time and money and comes highly recommended. You might try Gale Martin's other books - Grace Unexpected and Don Juan in Hankey as followups! They're well worth it :)
Ellie thinks she will be left on the shelf. A Tom Jones "tragic" from way back, when a festival complete with TJ competition is on not far from the retirement home where she lives and works, Ellie feels this could be the night she meets her soul mate. Imagine her surprise when the most likely winner of the competition has a bad accident. However, all is not lost. A murder the next night ensures that she meets not only one man of her dreams, but three! It's either a feast or a famine for Ellie.
Annoyed by the cops' apparently laid-back investigation, Ellie and her troops from the home decide to investigate with surprising results.
This riotous story is well worth anyone's time and money and comes highly recommended. You might try Gale Martin's other books - Grace Unexpected and Don Juan in Hankey as followups! They're well worth it :)
February 8, 2014
This is a very enjoyable book. It is a funny, quirky story about a 28 year-old woman who has little ambition to do anything more with her life than she is already doing. She is happy and content being who she is. Ellie seems to have been born in the wrong era. And she has created a safe world for herself to live in. Attending a local Tom Jones Tribute Artist Festival seems like it will be wildly fun, and then the unthinkable happens. All of the characters in the book are unique and enjoyable. The descriptions of the people and the action add to the entertainment. And the author is pretty darn clever with her word choices. I was laughing out loud at some of the names and what was happening in the story.
Highly recommend this book for the beach, a long flight, a sick day in bed, or as a spirit-lifter. Or just read it anytime.
Highly recommend this book for the beach, a long flight, a sick day in bed, or as a spirit-lifter. Or just read it anytime.
February 9, 2014
Gale Martin’s newest novel is a romantic murder mystery where ‘Tom Jones’ is killed during an impersonator contest. The still single Ellie Overton, a Tom Jones devotee and receptionist in an assisted living facility, engages the senior citizens of the Finger Rest Home to solve the mystery of who killed ‘Tom Jones’. The ordinary rest home life turns topsy-turvy as the residents, Ellie and the van driver Jorge try to solve the crime without the knowledge of the rigid Mr. Finger, the rest home owner. I loved everything about the novel, from Ellie’s common sense character to Mr. Harvey’s quirky expressions. Jorge’s accent and his use of words left me in stitches. During this adventure Ellie meets three very single attractive possible husbands, all at once. One of them could be the long wished for husband-to-be or the murderer that will have to go to jail.
April 25, 2014
I won this book through the Goodreads Program.Thanks a lot.
At first I didn't know if i would like this book or not. My opinion changed as soon as I started reading the book.
This book is such an awesome fun mystery.You will laugh your way through it.This book has some great characters in it. I love the fact that this takes place in a rest home.
Ellie works as a receptionist that works in a rest home who loves Tom Jones. She desperately wants to have a romance like in love novels.
Ellie goes to a Tom Jones Festival and meets a impersonator that she falls for only for him to wind up dead. Will she be able to find out who killed him or not.
I really enjoyed reading this delightful, fun, mystery.This book kept my attention all the way through it. Keep the books coming.
At first I didn't know if i would like this book or not. My opinion changed as soon as I started reading the book.
This book is such an awesome fun mystery.You will laugh your way through it.This book has some great characters in it. I love the fact that this takes place in a rest home.
Ellie works as a receptionist that works in a rest home who loves Tom Jones. She desperately wants to have a romance like in love novels.
Ellie goes to a Tom Jones Festival and meets a impersonator that she falls for only for him to wind up dead. Will she be able to find out who killed him or not.
I really enjoyed reading this delightful, fun, mystery.This book kept my attention all the way through it. Keep the books coming.
March 12, 2014
What rollicking fun! Gale Martin has done it again, bringing us fabulous, quirky Pennsylvania characters in an offbeat scenario. First, she gave us Don Juan in Hankey, and now Tom Jones in Pankey, and I swear, every time I read the hyphenated municipality, I laughed out loud--which then sent me into coughing spasms since I read this novel while home sick in bed. The background is so colorful, the folks at the nursing home where Ellie works so endearing and funny and real (and in need of another story about them), and the mystery so engaging, it makes it easy to suspend disbelief and simply ENJOY. And that's what this novel is. PURE FUN TO READ. And talk about a page turner! Quite the magician, Gale is, to make a murder mystery so gosh-darned hysterical. Can't wait for the next one!
April 3, 2014
Hoping for a good escape, I found just what I needed with Gale Martin's Who Killed Tom Jones. I laughed out loud at the playful descriptions of tribute artists–not impersonators–and the fans attending Tom Jones festivals. I cheered for Ellie Overton, the delightful protagonist who tries to solve the 'who done it' while looking for love and raising the spirits of the assisted-living residents at her workplace. Gale Martin writes with humor and warmth about her characters. The cozy mystery of Who Killed Tom Jones left me with a pleasant satisfaction, yet eager for the arrival of her next book.
April 4, 2014
Being now familiar with Ms. Martin's two other novels, Don Juan in Hankey, Pennsylvania and Grace Unexpected, I was anxious to read Who Killed Tom Jones. As expected, Martin delivers a hilarious read with characters so realistic, I swore I could put real names to them from my life. I enjoyed the references to music I grew up with and could visualize the "fake" Tom Jones impersonators as I read. Martin's use of a rest home brought alive the hilarity that can ensure from those sent to "rest" a bit too early in their lives. The heroine could have been me. I loved the way Ms. Martin draws you in with the title and keeps you laughing until the very end!
March 5, 2014
This is one of those books that doesn't require deep thought, you can curl up in front of the fire and read knowing you are going to be entertained. I loved the idea of a TJ lookalike and thought the characters that the author creates are just brilliant. There is a lot of humour which had me laughing out loud at times and though the end was a little predictable for me it was still a really fun read. I will definitely be reading more books by Gale Martin.
February 4, 2014
I literally couldn't put this book down. How soon will you have another? Ellie, of the Hanky-Panky region in Pennsylvania and her friends from the Finger Rest Home, will never be the same after their outing to the Tom Jones Festival, where the leading candidate in the competition gets shot in the forehead with a nail gun. What's not to like!!
March 1, 2014
A truly enjoyable book that mixes murder, romance and plenty of intrigue to good effect. I was hooked in a few pages and gave up doing anything else over the weekend to find out how it ended. Gale Martin writes really well, creating imaginative and colourful characters with plenty of humour along the way. Have already recommended to friends who I hope will read too.
March 2, 2014
What a hoot, pussycat. Not a fan of tribute artists or Tom Jones, so the book cover didn't scream "read me." So glad I was asked to review it. The many hours spent reading it were filled with chuckles. Delighted that it was a stand alone that neatly wrapped up the various mysteries and love lives. I do want to read more books by this author.
April 20, 2014
This book was an exciting, entertaining, fast paced mystery with a little romance. Interesting characters pulled me into the story and I couldn't put it down until I finished the book. A great read!
July 16, 2014
Who knew going to a Tom Jones festival would become the epicenter of intrigue and romance?
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
March 2, 2014
Lovable characters; sometimes subtle, sometimes corny humor.
April 19, 2026
A fun mystery that I wish hadn't been a one and done. A series would have been fun.
Ellie Overton is 28, working as a receptionist at a small rest home, where she also lives in exchange for helping out as needed.
She's a Tom Jones fan and goes to a Tom Jones Festival to see the impersonator contest. She meets an impersonator who she likes a lot. But then he's accused of murder.
Soon Ellie and her rest home residents are on the case....and the police detective is hot on her heels....for a date?
This is good wacky fun. It does drag a few times. But it did pick up at times.
One character does something and never really explains it to my satisfaction.
And the Who Done It is not that tough to figure out....though the last clues aren't given till towards the end.
I loved most of the characters. I really wish it would have become a series....
Ellie Overton is 28, working as a receptionist at a small rest home, where she also lives in exchange for helping out as needed.
She's a Tom Jones fan and goes to a Tom Jones Festival to see the impersonator contest. She meets an impersonator who she likes a lot. But then he's accused of murder.
Soon Ellie and her rest home residents are on the case....and the police detective is hot on her heels....for a date?
This is good wacky fun. It does drag a few times. But it did pick up at times.
One character does something and never really explains it to my satisfaction.
And the Who Done It is not that tough to figure out....though the last clues aren't given till towards the end.
I loved most of the characters. I really wish it would have become a series....
July 7, 2014
Meeting new authors one might not normally read is a great reason to enter author giveaways. This one was a treat!
Ellie is working as a receptionist and general dogsbody at the Finger Nursing Home. She has long had fantasies of the perfect man, which in her case happens to be singer Tom Jones. When she sees that a Tom Jones look-alike contest is coming to town, she can’t buy her tickets fast enough. When she runs into an old friend whose husband is one of the contestants and the friend offers to set her up with another of the contestants, what could go wrong? Murder, of course.
The characters and the warmth of their relationships are the stars of this cozy mystery. The residents of the nursing home feel like real people, not caricatures. They are treated like normal humans, not like generic “old people.” I would love to know them. Ellie’s relationship with them and with the handyman at the home gives real heart to this book. Her relationship with her old friend, who was use to ruling the roost, was also fairly realistic in my opinion. At least as realistic as you can expect a cozy to get. The characters are funny and goofy and there is plenty of comic relief to go with a good mystery. Light-hearted fun and a pleasant escapist read.
The only drawback I saw was that the romance developed at lightning speed. I like a slower burn and there was one scene that was slightly more explicit than most cozies. All in all, I’d love to see these characters return in a sequel.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
Ellie is working as a receptionist and general dogsbody at the Finger Nursing Home. She has long had fantasies of the perfect man, which in her case happens to be singer Tom Jones. When she sees that a Tom Jones look-alike contest is coming to town, she can’t buy her tickets fast enough. When she runs into an old friend whose husband is one of the contestants and the friend offers to set her up with another of the contestants, what could go wrong? Murder, of course.
The characters and the warmth of their relationships are the stars of this cozy mystery. The residents of the nursing home feel like real people, not caricatures. They are treated like normal humans, not like generic “old people.” I would love to know them. Ellie’s relationship with them and with the handyman at the home gives real heart to this book. Her relationship with her old friend, who was use to ruling the roost, was also fairly realistic in my opinion. At least as realistic as you can expect a cozy to get. The characters are funny and goofy and there is plenty of comic relief to go with a good mystery. Light-hearted fun and a pleasant escapist read.
The only drawback I saw was that the romance developed at lightning speed. I like a slower burn and there was one scene that was slightly more explicit than most cozies. All in all, I’d love to see these characters return in a sequel.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
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