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Magnolia Manor #4
A Mysterious Arrangement
Lilly’s first hurricane season in sleepy Drifter’s Cove, Florida, brought with it a few unexpected twists—one was solving another murder.As Labor Day approached, former urbanite Lilly Livingston’s visions of an end-of-summer party—to make up for her previous party debacle—were dashed by hurricane weather brewing in the Gulf of Mexico and bearing down on Drifter’s Cove.
With studly handyman Quigley at her side, Lilly gathered supplies, boarded windows, and prepared the Manor for the worst, as Seth and Anne befriended a stray Irish setter, trying to shelter her before the storm hit.
Meanwhile, Lilly’s former boyfriend Eric helped a neighborhood store attract more upscale clientele, sparking a bitter battle for customers among irate local store owners. As tempers flared, the storm brewed, and someone ended up dead.
While town secrets surfaced on Main Street, dubious stragglers showed up at the inn, adding to the list of murder suspects, and Lilly found herself embroiled in yet another mystery.
Squalls. Secrets. Scandals. Time to batten down the hatches.
With studly handyman Quigley at her side, Lilly gathered supplies, boarded windows, and prepared the Manor for the worst, as Seth and Anne befriended a stray Irish setter, trying to shelter her before the storm hit.
Meanwhile, Lilly’s former boyfriend Eric helped a neighborhood store attract more upscale clientele, sparking a bitter battle for customers among irate local store owners. As tempers flared, the storm brewed, and someone ended up dead.
While town secrets surfaced on Main Street, dubious stragglers showed up at the inn, adding to the list of murder suspects, and Lilly found herself embroiled in yet another mystery.
Squalls. Secrets. Scandals. Time to batten down the hatches.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
51 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 23, 2023
Well this took a very unexpected turn of events that I didn't see coming and then the author twist!! I'm still processing as I write this. And, is a book not complete with the arrogant, entitled, helpless Marissa!!! Actually, could have done without her appearance-not a fan at all. But a great mystery... Check it out.
August 31, 2023
Lilly has prepared Magnolia Manor with boards and fixings along with handyman Peter Quigly who she’s get closer with. Labor Day is approaching but after the Memorial Day weekend party fiasco….She has visions of an unforgettable holiday party minus a dead body. Yeah good luck with that one! It’s her first late Summer in Drifter’s Cove - hurricane season .Despite his failure to woo Lilly her ex Eric Bellinger is still around and in residence at The Ephron high end Hotel in Crystal Beach nearby. He is making waves helping the owner change the food mart into an up and coming store called Fresh Experience incorporated floral department juice and a sushi bar…Dixie Gordon of Dixie’s Flowers is not impressed in fact she’s furious! .Quigley advises getting in supplies and 12volt Acs in preparation of being cut off for a few days or losing electricity. Lilly insists Peter move into the inn instead of his trailer on the beach and with the Ephron closing due to the storm it seems Eric has no choice either and Sofia from the store books in too. Things are shaping up nicely to face the onslaught that is to come and not just the storm….On hearing a thud from above Lillyand Quigley rushed upstairs to investigate finding Sofia collapsed and unresponsive …..The suspects are numerous and with Chief Crowder and detective Gasinski insisting that Lilly is NOT part of the investigative team.Since Lilly isn’t confident in the constabulary she decides to make other arrangements to find the killer. I absolutely adore Joy Patrick’s writing style, it’s simply brilliant . Great characters , a good ongoing series that catches up in a stand-alone . So immersive you might suspect yourself …. It’s a compelling read anyway. I read an advance of this book and my review is voluntary in my own words
September 1, 2023
Lilly wants to have an end of the season party at the Magnolia Manor. The only problem is, a hurricane is making its way up the Gulf toward Drifter's Cove and the Manor. So instead of planning for her end of the year bash, Lilly and Quigley are making preparations for the hurricane, gathering supplies and boarding up windows. Things get really twisted when Lilly's ex, Eric, who is making waves in town angering people but has to hole up in the inn as well as Sophie and a stray irish setter that Seth and Anne want to keep safe at the inn. Lilly tells Peter to come to the inn too, since it would be too dangerous in his trailer on the beach. With the inn booked up and hunkered down waiting for the storm, Lilly and Quigley hear a noise upstairs only to find Sophie dead. Even though Lilly was warned to stay out of the investigation, she just can't! With so many possible suspects can Lilly with some help from her friends figure it out. With so many twists and turns, you are taken to a surprise ending! This is a great series so far and I can't wait for more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
August 30, 2023
Who says you can't put on a good show for your Mother???
This is a story of many things, wrapped up in a weekend that is under a hurricane warning!... and there is that little thing with a body in a room when the lights go out too!
I liked how the grown children go thru the hoops they do to attempt to stay away from their mothers! As the weekend unfolds, there is very good reason for those 2 to avoid them. Then there is Quigley, who is a wiz at doing things that need to be done in preparation for a hurricane... and it seams that he and Lilly get along really well, and work together well too.
This was a good story when read in order, it would be kind of losing alot by itself.
Thank you, Joy Patrick for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story, and this is my honest review.
This is a story of many things, wrapped up in a weekend that is under a hurricane warning!... and there is that little thing with a body in a room when the lights go out too!
I liked how the grown children go thru the hoops they do to attempt to stay away from their mothers! As the weekend unfolds, there is very good reason for those 2 to avoid them. Then there is Quigley, who is a wiz at doing things that need to be done in preparation for a hurricane... and it seams that he and Lilly get along really well, and work together well too.
This was a good story when read in order, it would be kind of losing alot by itself.
Thank you, Joy Patrick for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story, and this is my honest review.
September 4, 2023
It's Labor Day weekend and, with a hurricane approaching, there is only one guest booked at Lily's inn. And then unexpected guests start to arrive. The first to arrive is a very unpopular shop owner. Ironically, she is found dead just as the power goes out. The most surprising guest is a very pregnant Irish Setter who gives birth to 4 puppies during the storm. The interaction between the various guests and the investigation into the murder all make for very entertaining and intriguing reading. The guilty party was highly unexpected. The assortment of guests decide to have a candlelight party to celebrate the end of the hurricane. And then the lights came on! I highly recommend this b6ook. Jean, ARC Team
September 10, 2023
This was an entertaining and engaging cozy mystery. Lilly Livingston once more investigates a murder at the Magnolia Inn. Lilly, the owner of the inn, as well as her employees and guests, are hunkered down at the inn in anticipation of a hurricane which is set to arrive in the area. After hearing a loud thud upstairs, Lilly discovers the body of Sofia, one of the inn's guests. Sofia, the manager of a local grocery store, was not well liked by the townspeople, including her employees at the grocery store. Who killed her and why? Find out by reading this enthralling cozy mystery. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
August 27, 2023
'A Mysterious Arrangement' was delightful. Moreover, the mysterious page-turning plot was filled with suspense, intrigue, a little bit of action, bits of whimsy, odd family dynamics, and a busybody. Furthermore, I liked the author's writing style: interesting and quirky characters, a quaint setting while being in a hurricane, and a fascinating storyline that included Lilly, the protagonist and resident busybody, who voluntarily helped with the investigation. Kudos to the author for including a female police chief. Overall, I liked the spirited whodunit.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
August 30, 2023
Hurricane-force trouble!
Lilly is doing everything she can to promote Magnolia Manor and make it a success, but people keep dying there, which really mucks up its reputation. Now, her dream of an end-of-season party is threatened by an approaching hurricane. Quigley is battening down the hatches in preparation and an eclectic group of storm stragglers is showing up needing shelter, including a stray dog, and oops… another corpse!
What a fun cozy mystery! Lilly’s mother complicates everything as usual, and the character interactions add humor and drama. I received an advance copy of the book but my review is honest and voluntary.
Lilly is doing everything she can to promote Magnolia Manor and make it a success, but people keep dying there, which really mucks up its reputation. Now, her dream of an end-of-season party is threatened by an approaching hurricane. Quigley is battening down the hatches in preparation and an eclectic group of storm stragglers is showing up needing shelter, including a stray dog, and oops… another corpse!
What a fun cozy mystery! Lilly’s mother complicates everything as usual, and the character interactions add humor and drama. I received an advance copy of the book but my review is honest and voluntary.
August 31, 2023
Lilly is getting ready for her first hurricane and is trying to make everything perfect especially with the problems she had with the party she tried to have at her inn. One of the big hotels closed their doors so more people were at her doors including the owner of the local new improved grocery store. As usual for the Magnolia Manor someone always dies. The local sheriff and Lilly and one of her guests, a professor, that used to visit once a year when her father was alive help solve the murder. They also rescue a very pregnant Irish Setter from the street that needed a place to have puppies. Great story again!
September 6, 2023
I was so to get another visit to the Magnolia Manor! Lily has done an awesome job restoring the manor to its previous glory. Labor Day is approaching and Lily has been preparing for an end-of-summer party but Mother Nature has other ideas. A hurricane is headed straight toward Drifter’s Cove! Unfortunately, with all the storm prep, the murder of a local store owner was not in the plans, especially since her ex-boyfriend has been working with her! Who could have killed her? With so many unexpected visitors showing up at the manor, there’s plenty of suspects! Can Lily figure this out before something else happens? Great addition to one of my favorite series!
July 5, 2025
A Mysterious Arrangement is the fourth book in the Magnolia Manor series.
Lilly is getting to experience her first hurricane on the Florida coast.
With all-around handyman Quigley securing the manor,
and Ex boyfriend Eric helping on of the local stores attract a higher end customer.
Setting off hard feelings among other store owners.
As the other, more expensive hotel is closing due to the hurricane,
Lilly asks the owner to stay at her hotel to weather it out.
Sophie agrees, even though she's not feeling that well.
At the hotel, one of the guests dies, and the sherriff is making more calls to the Manor than she would like.
Lilly is getting to experience her first hurricane on the Florida coast.
With all-around handyman Quigley securing the manor,
and Ex boyfriend Eric helping on of the local stores attract a higher end customer.
Setting off hard feelings among other store owners.
As the other, more expensive hotel is closing due to the hurricane,
Lilly asks the owner to stay at her hotel to weather it out.
Sophie agrees, even though she's not feeling that well.
At the hotel, one of the guests dies, and the sherriff is making more calls to the Manor than she would like.
August 30, 2023
Great story with a tight group of fun characters. Lily is preparing for her first hurricane at Magnolia Manor, as the storm hits the manor fills with guests, friends and townsfolk, and then one of them drops dead. I am liking this series a lot, fun short whodunit with an inventive murder. The setting has been done before but this one is done really well, if fact I would have liked more. A real pleasure to read. I received a complimentary copy from the Author and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
August 30, 2023
Although I got an ARC copy of this book from the author I am happy to leave a positive review as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Lily and the motley crew at Magnolia Manor, plus some local characters are sheltering from a hurricane when one of them turns up dead. Can Lily cope with all the characters involved in such close proximity, the hurricane and find the culprit. It is a fun and quirky story and, as I said, I enjoyed it immensely - mind you I don't know if I'd stay at the hotel the amount of murders it is involved in lol!
Lily and the motley crew at Magnolia Manor, plus some local characters are sheltering from a hurricane when one of them turns up dead. Can Lily cope with all the characters involved in such close proximity, the hurricane and find the culprit. It is a fun and quirky story and, as I said, I enjoyed it immensely - mind you I don't know if I'd stay at the hotel the amount of murders it is involved in lol!
September 1, 2023
Lily is facing her first hurricane as proprietor of the Magnolia Manor which she runs with the help of her ex-boyfriend Eric, Quigley the sexy handyman, and new hire Seth. After boarding up the manor, with expected guests and surprise ones settling in, a loud bang on the residential floor ends up being a dead guest, and of course that means another murder for Lily to solve! I was thinking, before I got to the very end, that this book was the best one yet! I look forward to the next book in this series and I thank Joy Patrick for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 6, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 7
I picked this series because it is in Florida.
There is a hurricane coming and they are preparing for it. She is inviting people to come to the manor. Then a woman 🚺dies. Is it murder? Everyone is involved in the investigation which uncovers the truth leading to arrest.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 7
I picked this series because it is in Florida.
There is a hurricane coming and they are preparing for it. She is inviting people to come to the manor. Then a woman 🚺dies. Is it murder? Everyone is involved in the investigation which uncovers the truth leading to arrest.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
August 31, 2023
I was so happy to find out that Joy Patrick has a new book out. This time, we head back to Drifters Cove, where a hurricane is brewing off the coast and headed straight towards them. As the storm begins to pound Drifters Cove, people are showing up left and right, trying to escape the bad weather. One of the guests is a store owner who's been rattling the chains of other local stores and businesses. There's also a biologist who shows up and Lily's mom too.
Once the storm is in full swing, things start to go wrong and someone ends up dead!
Who is it and why has this happened? Lily and her crew must work to help the police find the killer. Is it someone Lily knows?
Read on to find out. I really enjoyed this book.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
Once the storm is in full swing, things start to go wrong and someone ends up dead!
Who is it and why has this happened? Lily and her crew must work to help the police find the killer. Is it someone Lily knows?
Read on to find out. I really enjoyed this book.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
August 30, 2023
Lilly Livingston is owner of Magnolia Manor and her mother decides to visit her suddenly. Sofia the manager of the Grocery Mart collapses in Lilly ‘s home where she had come to stay because of the storm. It becomes a murder scene to Lilly's horror. There is a lot of mayhem and suspense to make this book an entertaining and enjoyable read. A great read. I received this book free and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
August 30, 2023
A very clever mystery!
I really enjoyed the assortment of waifs and strays, both the human and the dog variety that appeared in this story.
It had many of the ingredients of a classic tale; a femme fatale complete with a complement of admirers and enemies in tow, a bemused heroine with an overbearing mother and a possible love interest and to top it all, an ingenious method of murder.
All in all, an amazing read!
I really enjoyed the assortment of waifs and strays, both the human and the dog variety that appeared in this story.
It had many of the ingredients of a classic tale; a femme fatale complete with a complement of admirers and enemies in tow, a bemused heroine with an overbearing mother and a possible love interest and to top it all, an ingenious method of murder.
All in all, an amazing read!
September 1, 2023
Hurricane Drama
The mystery of whodunit just got harder as a hurricane has arrived. Will Lily be able to help the police solve the crime or will the weather and hotel need more attention? This was an interesting story mixed with some personal drama with family getting in the way. As always, the characters are very intriguing in this series and full of complexity.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
The mystery of whodunit just got harder as a hurricane has arrived. Will Lily be able to help the police solve the crime or will the weather and hotel need more attention? This was an interesting story mixed with some personal drama with family getting in the way. As always, the characters are very intriguing in this series and full of complexity.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
January 4, 2025
A Mysterious Arrangement: (Magnolia Manor Mysteries. Joy Patrick.
I am reading these books out of order but still enjoying them so much. Such a mixture of complex people. Different perspectives on life but it all seems to hell. I am so glad my Mother wasn’t like Marissa, I think I might have disowned her!! I love that Lilly is so welcoming and the story of the story dog just got me right in my heart, as an animal lover. I can recommend these novels. 💕
I am reading these books out of order but still enjoying them so much. Such a mixture of complex people. Different perspectives on life but it all seems to hell. I am so glad my Mother wasn’t like Marissa, I think I might have disowned her!! I love that Lilly is so welcoming and the story of the story dog just got me right in my heart, as an animal lover. I can recommend these novels. 💕
May 1, 2025
Another holiday, another murder at the Magnolia Manor. This time, in addition to Lilly's mom, we meet Eric's mom as well, and oops, Eric never mentioned that he and Lilly were not engaged. Add in a hurricane for good measure. One thing that bothered me like nails on a chalkboard, was more than one person going into the refrigerator and/or freezer while the power was out. Anyone with any sense knows that you never open either while the power is out.
August 28, 2023
Magnolia Manor appears to be a magnet for dead bodies. Whilst sheltering from a hurricane an employee of the local supermarket is found dead in her room.
Our intrepid amateur sleuth sets out to help the local police solve the mystery whether they want her help or not.
Interesting plot and some fun characters plus the obligatory twist in the tale make for a good cozy mystery
Our intrepid amateur sleuth sets out to help the local police solve the mystery whether they want her help or not.
Interesting plot and some fun characters plus the obligatory twist in the tale make for a good cozy mystery
August 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, but it was so short it's more of a novella than a novel. Having said that, the story itself is full of good characters & a nice, though predictable, plot. This is a stand alone story, so you don't need to have read the other books in the series, though I do recommend it.
I received an ARC of this story, but all opinions are 100% my own.
I received an ARC of this story, but all opinions are 100% my own.
September 3, 2023
Lily owns and runs Magnolia Manor Inn. She loves throwing parties, but they never turn out well; someone always seems to get murdered!! Should she throw a Labor day party? A hurricane is headed her way, is she prepared? So many twists and turns. Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense and interesting characters. What will Ms. Patrick come up with next?
December 18, 2023
Lilly finds herself in the middle of a hurricane and a murder. Sofia is making enemies by changing the format of the Foodmart to be more upscale adding more items to sell, flowers, bakeries. The local store owners are not happy with this. But, is this why Sofia was murdered, or was something more. A great mystery.
May 4, 2025
Lily is looking forward to the Labor Day celebration at her inn, but a hurricane is coming and looks like it is going to ruin her plans. A new group of people are staying at her inn, and she wants everything to go smoothly, but sometimes things don't go the way she wants. Mystery and mayhem ensue, and Lily wants to get to the bottom of it. This is another fantastic story in this series!
May 6, 2025
People seem to drop dead around Lilly, and it's not her fault! Lilly runs a nice inn. "She had indeed made it through her first hurricane, surrounded by her motley crew of family and friends."
She witnesses what happens, she tries to help, but really what can you do when Chief Crowder is there? But fortunately everything worked out well for Scarlett, she even has a new home.
She witnesses what happens, she tries to help, but really what can you do when Chief Crowder is there? But fortunately everything worked out well for Scarlett, she even has a new home.
August 25, 2023
Enjoyed this cozy mystery. A town full of interesting characters just trying to make it through a hurricane when one of the overnighters at the Manor ends up dead. This is the first book I have read in the series...received an ARC from the author..thank you
August 26, 2023
This is a baffling mystery that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. The characters are interesting and engaging. The story was satisfying and highly entertaining. I am happily awaiting new adventures of Lilly and her crew.
August 28, 2023
What a marvelous book!
It has a fun cast of characters, a puzzling mystery, lots of humour - and Scarlett and her puppies!
Very enjoyable.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
It has a fun cast of characters, a puzzling mystery, lots of humour - and Scarlett and her puppies!
Very enjoyable.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews