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Golden Motel Mystery #1
A Very Woodsy Murder
“Recovering TV sitcom writer Dee Stern leaves behind punchlines for peril in a delightful whodunnit set at a remote motel in rural California that mixes a perfect cocktail of gut-busting one-liners with heart-stopping suspense!” —Lee Hollis, Author of Death of a Clam Digger
New motel owner Dee Stern has checked out of the familiar comforts in the Studio City and checked in to the quaint village of Foundgold. Running a rustic getaway in the woods sure beats LA traffic—until murder ruins the peace and quiet . . .
Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids’ show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it’s a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker’s oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .
But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn’t be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There’s also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review.
“Ellen Byron combines a witty and resourceful heroine with a dream, a shabby motel in a spectacular setting, a host of interesting characters, and a puzzling murder that hits a little too close to home in this delightfully quirky, clever, and laugh-out-loud mystery that delivers a hefty dose of nostalgic charm. Byron's A Very Woodsy Murder will leave readers clamoring for another visit to the Golden Motel.” —Darci Hannah, Author of Murder at the Blarney Bash
New motel owner Dee Stern has checked out of the familiar comforts in the Studio City and checked in to the quaint village of Foundgold. Running a rustic getaway in the woods sure beats LA traffic—until murder ruins the peace and quiet . . .
Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids’ show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it’s a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker’s oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .
But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn’t be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There’s also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review.
“Ellen Byron combines a witty and resourceful heroine with a dream, a shabby motel in a spectacular setting, a host of interesting characters, and a puzzling murder that hits a little too close to home in this delightfully quirky, clever, and laugh-out-loud mystery that delivers a hefty dose of nostalgic charm. Byron's A Very Woodsy Murder will leave readers clamoring for another visit to the Golden Motel.” —Darci Hannah, Author of Murder at the Blarney Bash
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
223 people are currently reading
18085 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Byron
20 books1,639 followersEllen is the bestselling, Agatha and Lefty Award-winning author of the Cajun Country Mysteries, the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, the Catering Hall Mystery series (which she writes under the name Maria DiRico), and the Golden Motel Mysteries.
Ellen is also award-winning playwright, and non-award-winning TV writer of comedies like WINGS, JUST SHOOT ME, and FAIRLY ODD PARENTS. She has written over two hundred articles for national magazines but considers her most impressive credit working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.
She is a lifetime member of the Writers Guild of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
May 4, 2025
I first saw this book as a Goodreads give-away. Who wouldn’t be attracted to this cute book cover? So, when I was in my local library and saw it on the book shelf, I was naturally excited to grab it and check it out to read.
And then, I opened it. Immediately staring at me were two pages of characters names! Oh no! That usually is not a good sign. What was I in for with this book, which was supposedly to become the first in the golden motel mystery series?
A very burned-out Dee, who is escaping her life, and is in-between jobs as a sitcom writer, happens upon a motel for sale in the Gold Country on the central northern coast of California. She convinces her first ex-husband, best friend Jeff to join her, and before she knows it, she is the now-owner of a run-down motel that needs sprucing up before it can host guests to make a profit.
How will Dee and Jeff be able to manage life in the hospitality business, let alone a murder in the middle of nowhere? Oh, did I forget to mention that a murder occurs too at the motel? Or did the title of the book give that away? Sometimes the one that is murdered isn’t likable, but hey, that doesn’t mean we want them to be murdered, right?
Readers will find this a cute-sy, quirky, sunny, scenic setting, funny, cozy debut with plenty of suspects (remember that list at the beginning of the book!) that has potential to be a fun series, as long as murders don’t happen at the motel each and every book.
Readers should also enjoy the recipes at the back of the book…Cowboy Casserole and Ellen’s road trip trail mix. Be sure to read the Author’s Note.
3.5 stars
And then, I opened it. Immediately staring at me were two pages of characters names! Oh no! That usually is not a good sign. What was I in for with this book, which was supposedly to become the first in the golden motel mystery series?
A very burned-out Dee, who is escaping her life, and is in-between jobs as a sitcom writer, happens upon a motel for sale in the Gold Country on the central northern coast of California. She convinces her first ex-husband, best friend Jeff to join her, and before she knows it, she is the now-owner of a run-down motel that needs sprucing up before it can host guests to make a profit.
How will Dee and Jeff be able to manage life in the hospitality business, let alone a murder in the middle of nowhere? Oh, did I forget to mention that a murder occurs too at the motel? Or did the title of the book give that away? Sometimes the one that is murdered isn’t likable, but hey, that doesn’t mean we want them to be murdered, right?
Readers will find this a cute-sy, quirky, sunny, scenic setting, funny, cozy debut with plenty of suspects (remember that list at the beginning of the book!) that has potential to be a fun series, as long as murders don’t happen at the motel each and every book.
Readers should also enjoy the recipes at the back of the book…Cowboy Casserole and Ellen’s road trip trail mix. Be sure to read the Author’s Note.
3.5 stars
May 8, 2024
Ellen Byron has been a must-read author for me throughout the last few years. I've enjoyed several of her series, some written under the pseudonym Maria DiRico, and now her newest series, A Golden Motel Mystery, is launching this summer. Thanks to an early copy, I was able to read A Very Woodsy Murder this week. The plot: A midcentury motel is on the market. Dee Stern, former tv series writer, decides to buy and fix up the place with her former husband, now bestie, Jeff. As she befriends some of the citizens of Foundgold and Goldgone, two towns with a lot of history and charm, her first guest checks in. And he's none other than a former colleague who sabotaged her career. When the guy ends up dead, Dee's got some crime-solving to do... not only to protect herself from jail but to save her reputation and the future or her new business.
Byron is superbly skilled at developing multi-faceted characters and creating the perfect scenery. I could feel crinkle of the foliage, smell the musty scent of an older motel, worry about the wariness of the townsfolk, and smile over the bond between Dee and Jeff. I rooted for them to be successful, and I was rewarded with a great ending and kickoff to the entire series. The murder is top notch -- the victim comes from the Foundgold area, has connections to several people who Dee likes and dislikes already, and the web of connections between Hollywood and this very woodsy motel property is filled with drama and deceit.
If you love books set in current times where the characters still have an echo of the past, this is a great new series. It has all the best parts of a cozy amateur sleuth investigation, it's intelligently written with poignant and comedic moments, and it will keep you connected to the real world all at the same time. I can't wait to find out what they discover during future renovations. Great read!
Byron is superbly skilled at developing multi-faceted characters and creating the perfect scenery. I could feel crinkle of the foliage, smell the musty scent of an older motel, worry about the wariness of the townsfolk, and smile over the bond between Dee and Jeff. I rooted for them to be successful, and I was rewarded with a great ending and kickoff to the entire series. The murder is top notch -- the victim comes from the Foundgold area, has connections to several people who Dee likes and dislikes already, and the web of connections between Hollywood and this very woodsy motel property is filled with drama and deceit.
If you love books set in current times where the characters still have an echo of the past, this is a great new series. It has all the best parts of a cozy amateur sleuth investigation, it's intelligently written with poignant and comedic moments, and it will keep you connected to the real world all at the same time. I can't wait to find out what they discover during future renovations. Great read!
July 31, 2024
I liked Ellen Byron's 'Cajun Country Mystery Series', set in Louisiana, so I decided to try this debut novel in the author's 'Golden Motel' series, set in California.
*****
Dee Stern was a Hollywood sitcom writer for fifteen years, but her latest job on the kids' show 'Duh!' - about tween superheroes in middle school - was the last straw. Dee admits, 'The job was hard, the pay was bad, the staff hated being there, and the writing was terrible, even my own.'
Taking a drive to get out of Los Angeles, Dee is meandering through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains when she sees an abandoned hostelry, called the Golden Motel, for sale.
On the spot, Dee decides to become a hotelier.....
......and she and her best friend (and former husband) Jeff Cornetta pool their money to buy the motel.
To get the venue going, Dee and Jeff must clean, decorate, and refurnish all the rooms and cabins;
fix the welcome sign, which currently only illuminates the letters 'OLD MOTEL'; and repair the pool.
Jeff, who's a freelance website designer, will also create a webpage to advertise the venue and describe things to do in the area. The local attractions include the nearby Majestic National Park and two quaint towns called Foundgold and Goldsgone. These odd names hark back to the gold rush days of the mid-1800s, when would-be miners flocked to the area.
Foundgold, with a population of 68 and one general store/diner, doesn't attract many visitors.
However, Goldsgone - a historic recreation town that looks almost exactly like it did 150 years ago - is a popular tourist attraction. The Goldsgondians dress in period costumes; speak in Old West lingo; and maintain old timey facades for their stores and businesses.
Dee and Jeff hope to add additional activities, like a historic trail, and a sluice where families can pan for (fake) gold nuggets.
When Dee learns that the first guest of the Golden Motel will be Michael Adam Baker, she gets a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Baker is a sitcom writer Dee worked with on her first Hollywood gig, and he's the most devious, backstabbing person Dee ever worked with.
Baker claims he wants a quiet venue to pen his script for a new pilot, and Dee and Jeff are cautiously optimistic, thinking the hostelry might become a writer's retreat. It turns out Baker has an ulterior motive for staying at the Golden Motel, and when Dee learns about it, she angrily tells Baker to leave.
Soon afterward, Baker is found dead in the woods near the motel, and Dee and Jeff become the prime suspects for his murder.
Two rival law enforcement officers investigate the homicide, which results in some fun hijinks. The two men are Deputy Sheriff Raul Aguilar, from Goldsgone....
......and Park Ranger Tom O'Bryant, from Majestic National Park.
In the meantime, Dee and Jeff, whose 'murder motel' is losing business, decide to find the killer themselves. The would-be sleuths learn that the victim, Michael Adam Baker, grew up in Goldsgone, where some people consider him a golden boy, and others think he got what he deserved.
The hoteliers consider just about everyone Baker knew to be a suspect, including the victim's erstwhile agent; the agent's wife; the agent's assistant; a real estate broker; a restauranteur; a contractor; various sitcom writers; and more.
Dee and Jeff, being newly minted amateur detectives, fumble and bumble as they go around questioning people, who resent being considered suspects. Thus the sleuths are snubbed and threatened, and things escalate further when there's a drugging, a fire, a bear looking for food, and another death. Dee and Jeff keep on going, though, and carry on to success!
Ellen Byron has a deft hand with cozy mysteries, and there's lots of jollity in this one, which has a lovely setting and an entertaining group of characters. One of my favorites is Dee's father, Sam Stern, a voice actor who usually converses in the voice of a cartoon character he's acted, like Tweety Sweety, or Super String Man, or Colonel Cluck.
I look forward to Dee and Jeff's further adventures, which will (hopefully) include smoother sleuthing techniques.
Thanks to Netgalley, Ellen Byron, and Kensington Cozies for a copy of the manuscript.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
August 18, 2024
This was a highly anticipated read and it did not disappoint! Fun location, fun premise, fun characters...it's a home run! I loved the relationship between Dee and Jeff! I laughed out loud several times @ Dee who i thought was witty and very relatable! This woodsy mystery left me stumped till the end!
I highly recommend this book to all cozy lovers!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Ellen Byron, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
I highly recommend this book to all cozy lovers!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Ellen Byron, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
July 19, 2024
Dee Stern is looking for something new after her career as a sitcom writer declines. When she spots the Golden Motel outside of Majestic National Park, she buys it with her best friend, Jeff Cornetta. Their first guest is Michael Adam Baker, a former co-worker from Dee’s sitcom writing days. She’s less than happy to see him again. But then he’s murdered. With Dee and Jeff both on the suspect list and all reservations cancelling because of the news, Dee has to figure out what happened to save her livelihood. Can she do it?
While the motel and the areas where the action takes place are all fictional, anyone familiar with the Sierra Nevada mountains will pick up on the inspiration for the setting. Between that and the motel itself, I was completely charmed and wanted to go visit in real life. The characters we meet are a bit eccentric even for a cozy but also just as delightful. Dee’s background as a sitcom writer provides some good laughs and adds to how Dee views the events. The mystery sets itself up well so it can really get going once Michael is killed. I was hooked and surprised by the logical conclusion. While not a full-blown culinary cozy, there are a couple of recipes at the end. I was utterly charmed by this debut and am already booking my return visit.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
While the motel and the areas where the action takes place are all fictional, anyone familiar with the Sierra Nevada mountains will pick up on the inspiration for the setting. Between that and the motel itself, I was completely charmed and wanted to go visit in real life. The characters we meet are a bit eccentric even for a cozy but also just as delightful. Dee’s background as a sitcom writer provides some good laughs and adds to how Dee views the events. The mystery sets itself up well so it can really get going once Michael is killed. I was hooked and surprised by the logical conclusion. While not a full-blown culinary cozy, there are a couple of recipes at the end. I was utterly charmed by this debut and am already booking my return visit.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 18, 2025
The mystery was good, I liked most of the people in it. I did not like where it was set as far as all the folksy gold panning stuff does not interest me at all, but I would try another one.
October 18, 2024
Too cheesy to be my kind of cozy. Adults who won't use profanity? People who think charcuterie is bougie? Pass.
July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
😈 Content Warnings
• Murder & violence (non‑graphic)
• Bear encounters / wilderness danger
• Emotional stress & suspecting friends
• Alcohol & small-town interpersonal tension
💕 Tropes
• Amateur sleuthing
• Ex-spouse friendship
• Small-town cozy
• Fish-out-of-water heroine
• Quirky supporting cast
• Wilderness setting
📖 Perfect for Readers Who Liked/similar books…
• Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle
• Vintage Cookbook Mysteries by Ellen Byron (same author)
• Aurora Teagarden series by Charlaine Harris
🧭 Age Recommendation
13+
💗 Quote
“I’m a charcuterie artist. Some people create works of art with paint or pastels. I create them with foodstuffs.”
🎵 Song Match
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
😈 Content Warnings
• Murder & violence (non‑graphic)
• Bear encounters / wilderness danger
• Emotional stress & suspecting friends
• Alcohol & small-town interpersonal tension
💕 Tropes
• Amateur sleuthing
• Ex-spouse friendship
• Small-town cozy
• Fish-out-of-water heroine
• Quirky supporting cast
• Wilderness setting
📖 Perfect for Readers Who Liked/similar books…
• Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle
• Vintage Cookbook Mysteries by Ellen Byron (same author)
• Aurora Teagarden series by Charlaine Harris
🧭 Age Recommendation
13+
💗 Quote
“I’m a charcuterie artist. Some people create works of art with paint or pastels. I create them with foodstuffs.”
🎵 Song Match
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
August 15, 2024
I've read and loved two of Ellen Byron's prior series. I love the setting in the gold country of California, I vacation there often and know the area well. It's a good start to the new series with a cast of characters that were kind of quirky and fun. The mystery was interesting, but I found some of the humor and situations a little predictable. Although I loved citidiots. This book just wasn't as good as past books for me, but I'll give the next one a shot.
Dee Stern and her ex-husband turned bestie, Jeff Cornetta, have decided to leave the rat race behind and have purchased a run-down motel, Golden Motel, in the rural gold country in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Their first paying guest is a former co-worker of Dee's when she was a script writer for a kid's comedy TV show. They were not friends.
Wanting to impress the jerk, oophs I mean guest, Dee and Jeff try to be as accommodating as possible. But when Dee discovers that Michael Adam Baker has written a pilot comedy script about her life change from Hollywood script writer to country motelier, she tosses him out, only to have him turn up dead.
Being top of a murder suspect list is not a way to attract business to their struggling motel. Dee and Jeff need to solve this quick, and it doesn't look like the feuding Majestic Park Ranger and the local Deputy Sherrif are up to the task. So, Dee and Jeff decide to do some sleuthing on their own and wind up as the target of the killer too.
Dee Stern and her ex-husband turned bestie, Jeff Cornetta, have decided to leave the rat race behind and have purchased a run-down motel, Golden Motel, in the rural gold country in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Their first paying guest is a former co-worker of Dee's when she was a script writer for a kid's comedy TV show. They were not friends.
Wanting to impress the jerk, oophs I mean guest, Dee and Jeff try to be as accommodating as possible. But when Dee discovers that Michael Adam Baker has written a pilot comedy script about her life change from Hollywood script writer to country motelier, she tosses him out, only to have him turn up dead.
Being top of a murder suspect list is not a way to attract business to their struggling motel. Dee and Jeff need to solve this quick, and it doesn't look like the feuding Majestic Park Ranger and the local Deputy Sherrif are up to the task. So, Dee and Jeff decide to do some sleuthing on their own and wind up as the target of the killer too.
August 1, 2024
This book, unfortunately, just didn't work for me. I typically really enjoy this author, so of course I am disappointed. Clearly I am in the minority here but this was just so flat and meh for me [I found myself doing other things to get out of finishing this, which is never a good sign]; of course, given how many mysteries I read every year there is bound to be ones that are just not my cup of tea and such is the case here and I am [finally] okay with it when it happens. I would think about reading a second book should it be published simply because I often have issues with book one in a new series and also because I think that everyone [especially a previously-read, well-established author] deserves a second chance.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellen Byron, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellen Byron, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2024
An enjoyable read.
July 20, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
It was an impulsive decision but that doesn't make it the wrong decision. Sitcom writer Dee Stern has had enough of showbiz and decides to reboot her life. On a road trip with no particular destination, she finds a mid-century motel that needs a reboot too. She along with her best friend and first ex-husband, Jeff Cornetta come together to breathe new life into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains that is a virtual time capsule "nestled amidst a grove of pine trees at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains". It doesn't take long for them to realize that they don't know much about running a motel, especially one where a bear or other wildlife could just saunter up to the front door. But they do their best to get rooms and cabins ready for visitors. They are both excited when they get their first booking.
Michael Adam Baker is a blast from the past and not a good one. Dee is curious why he would be booking a stay at their new venture. It doesn't take long for his true colors to show but he must have tweaked someone off royally because he ends up murdered. Chief District Ranger, Tom O'Bryant is looking at Dee and Jeff as his prime suspects so they know they need to find the real killer even if it means Dee has to go back to LA to get some answers. Is the killer from Hollywood or a local? What did the man do that got him killed? Who had the means, motive, and opportunity? Will they strike again?
_____
Welcome to Foundgold, population 68. This is the closest town to the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains. Goldsgone is not too far away but Dee and Jeff don't receive a warm welcome from its residents. Ms. Byron has created two unique little towns and filled them with complex characters. Her descriptions bring the towns, the motel and cabins, the nearby woods, and every place in between to life. The imagery is vivid.
The characters we meet in this first Golden Motel Mystery are a quirky bunch. Each is unique and develops well over the course of the story. I liked Dee and Jeff immediately. Being married didn't work but the friendship is true and believable. Dee needs to earn her sleuthing chops because she is about as subtle as a Mack truck. Jeff isn't much better. But their talents for their first venture at solving a murder weren't too bad. The supporting cast is a hoot and a half, each with their own talents and interests. Ma'am and Mister Ma'am were my favorites. Two genuine people living their lives the way they wish with open hearts to help anyone in need. There then is Stoney the Bear. Everyone knows Stoney and he shows up in some interesting places.
Ms. Byron is a former writer of some well-known sitcoms so that gives credibility to Dee's former life in Hollywood working on a "cheesy sitcom". She writes what she knows. It also shows where she garnered her comedic timing. She throws in oodles of humor including physical comedy.
The mystery was well-plotted and written with many facets. Ms. Bryon set a pace that ebbs and flows in all the right places. The suspects were varied and connected in different ways. I was intrigued by every clue and didn't pin anyone down until the very end. I really enjoyed the set-up to catch the killer and the excitement that ensued. I also liked that there was a wrap-up to tie up any loose ends.
I have been excited about this book since I first heard about it and the story lived up to all my expectations. A Very Woodsy Murder is a delightful start for this series. I loved the ending and I really want Dee and Jeff to succeed and bring the 1940s motel back to its glory and have it be filled with tourists. I know there will be bumps in the road and murders to investigate because that is what happens in cozy mysteries and that is why we love them. I can't wait to see what Ms. Byron has planned for her characters next. I am hooked and I want more!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
It was an impulsive decision but that doesn't make it the wrong decision. Sitcom writer Dee Stern has had enough of showbiz and decides to reboot her life. On a road trip with no particular destination, she finds a mid-century motel that needs a reboot too. She along with her best friend and first ex-husband, Jeff Cornetta come together to breathe new life into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains that is a virtual time capsule "nestled amidst a grove of pine trees at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains". It doesn't take long for them to realize that they don't know much about running a motel, especially one where a bear or other wildlife could just saunter up to the front door. But they do their best to get rooms and cabins ready for visitors. They are both excited when they get their first booking.
Michael Adam Baker is a blast from the past and not a good one. Dee is curious why he would be booking a stay at their new venture. It doesn't take long for his true colors to show but he must have tweaked someone off royally because he ends up murdered. Chief District Ranger, Tom O'Bryant is looking at Dee and Jeff as his prime suspects so they know they need to find the real killer even if it means Dee has to go back to LA to get some answers. Is the killer from Hollywood or a local? What did the man do that got him killed? Who had the means, motive, and opportunity? Will they strike again?
_____
Welcome to Foundgold, population 68. This is the closest town to the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains. Goldsgone is not too far away but Dee and Jeff don't receive a warm welcome from its residents. Ms. Byron has created two unique little towns and filled them with complex characters. Her descriptions bring the towns, the motel and cabins, the nearby woods, and every place in between to life. The imagery is vivid.
The characters we meet in this first Golden Motel Mystery are a quirky bunch. Each is unique and develops well over the course of the story. I liked Dee and Jeff immediately. Being married didn't work but the friendship is true and believable. Dee needs to earn her sleuthing chops because she is about as subtle as a Mack truck. Jeff isn't much better. But their talents for their first venture at solving a murder weren't too bad. The supporting cast is a hoot and a half, each with their own talents and interests. Ma'am and Mister Ma'am were my favorites. Two genuine people living their lives the way they wish with open hearts to help anyone in need. There then is Stoney the Bear. Everyone knows Stoney and he shows up in some interesting places.
Ms. Byron is a former writer of some well-known sitcoms so that gives credibility to Dee's former life in Hollywood working on a "cheesy sitcom". She writes what she knows. It also shows where she garnered her comedic timing. She throws in oodles of humor including physical comedy.
The mystery was well-plotted and written with many facets. Ms. Bryon set a pace that ebbs and flows in all the right places. The suspects were varied and connected in different ways. I was intrigued by every clue and didn't pin anyone down until the very end. I really enjoyed the set-up to catch the killer and the excitement that ensued. I also liked that there was a wrap-up to tie up any loose ends.
I have been excited about this book since I first heard about it and the story lived up to all my expectations. A Very Woodsy Murder is a delightful start for this series. I loved the ending and I really want Dee and Jeff to succeed and bring the 1940s motel back to its glory and have it be filled with tourists. I know there will be bumps in the road and murders to investigate because that is what happens in cozy mysteries and that is why we love them. I can't wait to see what Ms. Byron has planned for her characters next. I am hooked and I want more!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 1, 2024
A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron is the debut of A Golden Motel Mysteries. Dee Stern and Jeff are unprepared for owning a rundown motel near a state park. A Very Woodsy Murder reminds me of an older sit-com where things are exaggerated (Dee and Jeff remind me of Lucy and Ethel). We learn about Dee’s time in Hollywood as a screenwriter and her relationship with Jeff. I can certainly understand why she needs a fresh start. The motel is a near the town of Foundgold which has a population of 68 (maybe). A nemesis of Dee’s from Hollywood checks in and gets murdered. When the murder causes people to cancel their reservations, Dee and Jeff set out to find the guilty party. It does not help that Deputy Sheriff Aguilar and Chief Ranger O’Bryant do not get along. Plus, the residents of Goldsgone (that is really the name of the town) do not welcome Dee and Jeff with open arms. Dee lacks subtlety when questioning people (she will need to acquire this skill in order to deal with guests and for future investigations) which does not earn her any friends. Dee and Jeff are bumbling amateur detectives (which suits the story). I wish the same details were not repeated so often. As you can tell, there is humor scattered throughout A Very Woodsy Murder. A Very Woodsy Murder is a lighthearted tale with a ramshackle motel, a nemesis for a guest, a roaming bear, a murdered writer, withdrawn reservations, not so subtle sleuthing, and feuding officers.
August 28, 2024
I loved this book! The ambiance was just perfection; I could easily picture this motel in need of some love in the middle of the woods outside a state park. Dee was instantly likable, funny, and not at all a pushover. Which was perfect since she was dealing with a new-to-her town rivalry and some very snobby people. She also met some of the MOST delightful townspeople turned friends and I already cannot wait to return to this town to see more of the people and the progress with the motel.
I loved all the facets to the story - not only the town rivalry, new business start up, but Dee being part of Hollywood brought a whole new layer of fun and interesting sleuthing. And of course you know the whole murder thing - another wonderfully pieced together story that had me SHOCKED by the ending.
I adored this and cannot wait for more!
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
I loved all the facets to the story - not only the town rivalry, new business start up, but Dee being part of Hollywood brought a whole new layer of fun and interesting sleuthing. And of course you know the whole murder thing - another wonderfully pieced together story that had me SHOCKED by the ending.
I adored this and cannot wait for more!
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
December 12, 2024
Only read this for the Goodreads Fall challenge, if it weren't for the challenge I wouldn't have bothered finishing it.
July 14, 2024
Thank you to @this.is.edelweiss and @kensingtonbooks for an eARC of A Very Woodsy Murder by @ellenbyronmariadirico. This book comes out July 23rd.
A fantastic start to a new series! Ellen Byron has an amazing sense of humor, which makes her cozy mysteries so much fun to read. The premise of this is great. A tv writer leaves LA to open a motel in rural California, only to have a former colleague get murdered when he stays at the motel! The main character and her business partner Jeff have a great rapport - not romance, they are exes - and their humorous banter lightened the mood even as they are dealing with the stresses of trying to start a new business. There is a whole cast of entertaining characters in town, and of course no shortage of suspects. Not to mention a bear.
I see so much potential for this series. Not only as the hotel develops, but also as relationships develop. The main character seems to have some things to work out with her father, who is also a really interesting character. Much to look forward to, and I hope the series continues for a long time.
A fantastic start to a new series! Ellen Byron has an amazing sense of humor, which makes her cozy mysteries so much fun to read. The premise of this is great. A tv writer leaves LA to open a motel in rural California, only to have a former colleague get murdered when he stays at the motel! The main character and her business partner Jeff have a great rapport - not romance, they are exes - and their humorous banter lightened the mood even as they are dealing with the stresses of trying to start a new business. There is a whole cast of entertaining characters in town, and of course no shortage of suspects. Not to mention a bear.
I see so much potential for this series. Not only as the hotel develops, but also as relationships develop. The main character seems to have some things to work out with her father, who is also a really interesting character. Much to look forward to, and I hope the series continues for a long time.
December 12, 2024
So if I was giving out awards this one is the worst I've read this year... Still a few books to read but it's not going to be easy to dethrone this one here.
It's just too flat, nothing in it has excited me, nothing at all, if we are telling flat stories then it's right on...
The story is about Dee, a retired Hollywood writer who finds a motel and says I'm buying this and its going to be my new life from now on as a motelier, she gets Jeff to partner up, Jeff is her ex husband turned best first and now business partner... The motel is old and they have to make a lot of work for it to be operational which they do... They get a guest who used to work with Dee as a writer, being a flat story and predictable as it is I guess you can guess what will happen to their first guest...
Now Dee and Jeff are suspects, Dee thinks the authorities are clueless and uninterested in conducting a proper investigation, so she does one on her own and eventually does find the killer.
From start to finish there is no point in the book where you say wow that's crazy wonder how this will turn out, but credit to me for not finishing, but there's no ending that will leave me sweating or panting.
This is a first book in the series... Well you know what count me out, won't read anything else... But I'm not saying never, might get a surprising great sequel... But I doubt it...
It's just too flat, nothing in it has excited me, nothing at all, if we are telling flat stories then it's right on...
The story is about Dee, a retired Hollywood writer who finds a motel and says I'm buying this and its going to be my new life from now on as a motelier, she gets Jeff to partner up, Jeff is her ex husband turned best first and now business partner... The motel is old and they have to make a lot of work for it to be operational which they do... They get a guest who used to work with Dee as a writer, being a flat story and predictable as it is I guess you can guess what will happen to their first guest...
Now Dee and Jeff are suspects, Dee thinks the authorities are clueless and uninterested in conducting a proper investigation, so she does one on her own and eventually does find the killer.
From start to finish there is no point in the book where you say wow that's crazy wonder how this will turn out, but credit to me for not finishing, but there's no ending that will leave me sweating or panting.
This is a first book in the series... Well you know what count me out, won't read anything else... But I'm not saying never, might get a surprising great sequel... But I doubt it...
July 24, 2024
Good start to a new series. I loved the setting of a getaway in the woods just outside of the hustle and bustle of LA and the characters were just the right kind of quirky and fun. The mystery was interesting but I found some of the humor and situations a little hokey. Otherwise, I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy from @netgalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from @netgalley for an honest review.
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August 2, 2024I couldn't really get into this one. I have a very low threshold for people doing embarrassing/awkward things and the MC was making me uncomfortable.
July 11, 2024
Former TV sitcom writer, Dee Stern, is done with TV life and is ready to do something else. She goes to the small town of Foundgold and decides to buy an old, rundown motel. She enlists the help of her best friend Jeff. They used to be married, but are much better as best friends. Together, they plan to turn the old motel into something modern and fabulous.
Things don’t quite go the way they were expecting. Neither one has experience in the hospitality business. It’s taking much more money then they thought it would for repairs. To make matters even worse, their first guest is found dead and they are the main suspects in the apparent murder. The townspeople quickly turn on them. It’s up to them to prove their innocence and find a killer.
This is the first book in a brand-new series. It’s off to a great start. I liked the two main characters right from the start. They are fun and I found myself caring about them.
The townspeople were a bit quirky. Some nicer than others, just like other small towns. All the characters add to the ambience of the town.
The plot was interesting and moved at a fast pace. There were many potential suspects, and I was surprised at who turned out to be the guilty party. I love being surprised.
This author writes other cozy mystery series. I’ve enjoyed other books by her and I’m looking forward to more exciting stories.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not
Things don’t quite go the way they were expecting. Neither one has experience in the hospitality business. It’s taking much more money then they thought it would for repairs. To make matters even worse, their first guest is found dead and they are the main suspects in the apparent murder. The townspeople quickly turn on them. It’s up to them to prove their innocence and find a killer.
This is the first book in a brand-new series. It’s off to a great start. I liked the two main characters right from the start. They are fun and I found myself caring about them.
The townspeople were a bit quirky. Some nicer than others, just like other small towns. All the characters add to the ambience of the town.
The plot was interesting and moved at a fast pace. There were many potential suspects, and I was surprised at who turned out to be the guilty party. I love being surprised.
This author writes other cozy mystery series. I’ve enjoyed other books by her and I’m looking forward to more exciting stories.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not
June 27, 2024
Ok, I have to say I was really looking forward to reading this book as it's the start of a new series by Ellen Byron. This book really started out as a mixed bag for me. I realize setting up a new series is always tough, and this book had a lot of moving parts and characters. I felt at the beginning that this book was like a caricature of a sit-com that our MC Dee used to write for a living. It was a bit over the top, the premise is definitely interesting a burnt out television script writer gives it all up to buy an stuck in a time warp motel, a little worst for wear, at the foot of a California state park. She makes this investment with the help of her first ex-husband, who is now her good friend. The motel is in a town population 69, which basically only has a general store as the town meeting place but plenty of characters. The next town over, their bigger, better neighbors are totally set up as a gold rush town of old, with approximate storefront, souvenirs, and all town folk dressed in period garb. When an old nemesis of Dee's, from her old life, shows up to stay at the motel, she knows he is up to no good. When he is found murdered on the motel property, this favorite son from Goldgone, the neighboring town, puts all that Dee and Jeff have worked for at risk. With the local sheriff and National Park rangers at odds, the Goldgone residents trying to run them off and reservations disappearing our MC's become seriously bumbling amateur detectives. The steps Dee and Jeff take and how far they will go is a little over the top. I have to say, however, that by the end, the author had totally pulled me in, and I was invested in the outcome. I would really hope that things even out a little bit in the future as the stage has now been set. I will definitely try the next book in the series. Many thanks to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for an opportunity to read. #AVeryWoodsyMurder, #EllenByron, #bookreview, #bookideas, #retiredreader
November 20, 2024
Okej je, ništa spec. Nije bilo ni dovoljno cozy, ni dovoljno murder mystery (autorka izvukla ubicu iz fusnote fazon, kako je iko mogao da pogodi?), a osobe od 40 i kusur godina se ponašaju kao tinejdžeri koji trčkaraju okolo i glume amatere-detektive.
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
Former sitcom writer Dee stumbles upon a rundown motel with a national park nearly in its backyard and convinces her former husband but now best friend to invest in the place and help her restore it. They soon realize that the restoration is going to take more time, expertise and money than they thought. Prowling bears are the least of their worries, though, when a guest turns up dead, and a park ranger is determined to prove their guilt.
This is the first book in a new series by one of my favorite cozy authors, so I was really looking forward to reading it. The book is set in California, which is quite a change from her other series set in Louisiana, but the setting helped set the stage for the book. I like Dee and Jeff, and love the relationship between them, despite their history together. With a few exceptions, the rest of the characters were likeable, especially Ma’am and Mister Ma’am, Sam and Raul. It will be interesting to see which characters return in the next book.
The murder victim was a nasty piece of work, but appeared to be just a guest looking for a quiet place to work, so there weren’t any suspects other than Dee and Jeff at first. As the investigation progressed, though, additional suspects were added to my list. The person eventually revealed to be the killer *was on my list, but not at the top, so I was a little surprised at who it was and their motive.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Former sitcom writer Dee stumbles upon a rundown motel with a national park nearly in its backyard and convinces her former husband but now best friend to invest in the place and help her restore it. They soon realize that the restoration is going to take more time, expertise and money than they thought. Prowling bears are the least of their worries, though, when a guest turns up dead, and a park ranger is determined to prove their guilt.
This is the first book in a new series by one of my favorite cozy authors, so I was really looking forward to reading it. The book is set in California, which is quite a change from her other series set in Louisiana, but the setting helped set the stage for the book. I like Dee and Jeff, and love the relationship between them, despite their history together. With a few exceptions, the rest of the characters were likeable, especially Ma’am and Mister Ma’am, Sam and Raul. It will be interesting to see which characters return in the next book.
The murder victim was a nasty piece of work, but appeared to be just a guest looking for a quiet place to work, so there weren’t any suspects other than Dee and Jeff at first. As the investigation progressed, though, additional suspects were added to my list. The person eventually revealed to be the killer *was on my list, but not at the top, so I was a little surprised at who it was and their motive.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 29, 2024
Dee is a writer for a children's TV show. Her mother recently died and she's twice divorced. She's decided to quit her job and buy and fix up the golden motel. She convinces her best friend and first ex-husband Jeff, a techie to move out of San Francisco and his small apartment. Their first guest is an old coworker of Dee. He wasn't her favorite person. He ends up dead and Jeff and Dee are prime suspects. They decide to clear their names and save their motel.
This was such a fun, exciting first in a series. I loved it. I loved all the quirky characters. I had no idea whodunnit. Elmira was one of my favorite characters. I cannot wait to read more from this author and this series. I'm hooked.
This was such a fun, exciting first in a series. I loved it. I loved all the quirky characters. I had no idea whodunnit. Elmira was one of my favorite characters. I cannot wait to read more from this author and this series. I'm hooked.
January 6, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this because the reviews on the cover made it sound really good. But in reality the story was quite unexciting and a bit average to read!
It probably wasn’t the best move to read this after the Women, which was such a page turner. But somehow I’m tempted to believe that even if that wasn’t the case I would’ve felt the same way towards this book.
It probably wasn’t the best move to read this after the Women, which was such a page turner. But somehow I’m tempted to believe that even if that wasn’t the case I would’ve felt the same way towards this book.
December 22, 2024
DNF at 5%
I probably should read at least 25% but I just don’t like it
I probably should read at least 25% but I just don’t like it
December 31, 2024
I struggled so hard to finish this one. It had so much potential but the dialogue and inner monologue was cringey.
January 17, 2025
Sono indecisa se aggiungere mezza stella o meno... Forse aspetterò il prossimo libro per alzare il mio voto.
Capiamoci, il libro non mi è dispiaciuto e per una volta non avevo proprio sospettato della persona giusta, però non sono entrata in tutto in sintonia con la protagonista. Più che con lei, mi sono trovata male con tutte le battute o freddure: forse è perché non sono madrelingua, ma per la gran parte delle volte non le ho proprie capite. Poi, non so se è perché la protagonista prima lavorava come redattrice dei testi di quei telefilm comici con le risate registrate (avete presente? Durante la mia gioventù ce n'erano molti in giro), ma tali battute mi sono sembrate spesso idiote, sembrava quasi che ci dovesse essere la risata pre-registrata attaccata al libro... Non so se mi sono spiegata bene, ma diciamo che la comicità alla Fantozzi non mi è mai piaciuta. E qui è a dose elevate. Nei punti in cui non c'era, ho trovato il libro molto più piacevole.
Capiamoci, il libro non mi è dispiaciuto e per una volta non avevo proprio sospettato della persona giusta, però non sono entrata in tutto in sintonia con la protagonista. Più che con lei, mi sono trovata male con tutte le battute o freddure: forse è perché non sono madrelingua, ma per la gran parte delle volte non le ho proprie capite. Poi, non so se è perché la protagonista prima lavorava come redattrice dei testi di quei telefilm comici con le risate registrate (avete presente? Durante la mia gioventù ce n'erano molti in giro), ma tali battute mi sono sembrate spesso idiote, sembrava quasi che ci dovesse essere la risata pre-registrata attaccata al libro... Non so se mi sono spiegata bene, ma diciamo che la comicità alla Fantozzi non mi è mai piaciuta. E qui è a dose elevate. Nei punti in cui non c'era, ho trovato il libro molto più piacevole.
July 23, 2024
Oh my gosh, that was just so stinking much fun! Dee and Jeff are wonderfully quirky characters and carried the story, while all their supporting cast tried to run away with it. This book contained a clever mystery that baffled me at every turn. The author kept me laughing and kept me guessing; two things I value greatly in stories of this type. I think I may have lost my heart to the Golden Motel, and I can’t wait until our next stay when we can do it all over again.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
November 15, 2025
This was an assigned read by book club. I found it difficult to get through. The names of some of the local characters annoyed me right in the beginning. Maybe an attempt at humor that did not resonate with me. My next annoyance came with the author using her linguistic abilities, I assume, to impress, and to me, it did not fit into the language of the characters. The storyline as a whole was ok, but just not one I want to take further.
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