Death of a Miser

Sophie Parker Coupon Mystery #3

by Jenna Harte

Pies, Presents and Poison

It’s the holiday season in Jefferson Grove and Sophie Parker’s life is merry and bright. She’s working full time as the library’s children’s program coordinator, and getting along with all the members of her coupon group. But her peace on earth is shattered when her great aunt Rose enters the Winter Jamboree pie contest and the judge, Carl Jackson, drops dead after the tasting.

The medical examiner determines that Carl was poisoned, and all eyes turn to Rose as the most likely killer. Determined to clear her great aunt’s name, Sophie learns that the charming Carl Jackson was actually a greedy miser who had many enemies. But which one hated him enough to commit a culinary crime? Sophie needs to find out fast or else Rose might be in for a blue Christmas in the local jailhouse!

Paperback

Published November 28, 2023

About the author

I've always had a romantic streak. Even as a kid, my favorite characters on TV were almost always happily married and as a twelve year old, I'd write stories about them (this was before fan fiction or the Internet were invented).

I love to read romantic suspense or mystery, but am disappointed that romances don't follow up on the happily ever after and mysteries rarely provide the sexy, romantic elements I enjoy. So I decided to write my own with the Valentine Mysteries.

When I'm not telling stories, I work by day as romance ghostwriter and run an online community for romance writers at WriteWithHarte.com. I'm an empty nester in central Virginia living my HEA with my hubby and a nutty cat.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed Carl Jackson ? . . .

This is a clever cozy mystery with a story line that flows well and keeps the reader guessing while trying to figure out the mystery. Sophie’s great-aunt Rose was a well-known pie champion in the Winter Jamboree's pie contest. So when she and Carl Jackson, a contest judge, have an argument, Rose becomes the primary suspect when Carl Jackson drops dead from eating a poisoned pie. However, Carl had many more enemies than people were aware of and who might have wanted him dead. But is it Carl they were after? Or is the real target Rose?

And what’s going on with AJ Devlin, who has cancelled many dates with Sophie and seems evasive. Is their relationship suddenly on shaky ground? Will they be splitting up over something she is not aware of yet?

Drama, mystery, turmoil, and suspense will keep the reader turning the pages in this mystery. The series is well-written and well-paced, able to hold the reader’s attention from beginning to end. So grab your copy and follow the clues along with Sophie.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aunt Rose was a long time pie champion. when things go amiss for a judge, Rose comes under suspicion

despite the challenges to the health and safety of Sophie and Miss Rose, an investigator has Rose in his sites.

Can the ladies survive the lethal holiday festivities?

Will her relationship with AJ survive his no shows, failures to call, suspicions and jealousies?

This could be a code blue Christmas for Sophie and Aunt Rose

intense intrigue, drama, action and whodunnit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thora Goudeau-Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked most of the characters (Sofie's got 2 so called friends she needs too drop). I loved Bull.
The story was entertaining but I felt it dragged a bit. This was in part because she repeated things. How many times do we need to be reminded she just came back 6 months ago? I was also a little disappointed that neither our amateur sleuths nor the police were suspicious of the events the night of the fire.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my opinion

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery will keep you guessing and then guessing again. The plot is well thought out and the story is well written and flows smoothly through the pages. The characters are fun to get to know as they work to solve the mystery. An entertaining, cozy mystery to add to your summer reading list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were well written. The twists and turns kept me turning the page. I received an ARC from BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kris10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery!! It was the first time reading this author and this series. Even though it was book number 3, I wasn't lost. This book was filled with twists, suspense and humor...everything I look for in a cozy mystery!!

[Harlequin Books]

Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Sophie Parker Coupon Mystery

[Alissa Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story with lovable characters. Plus, I'm on vacation near Charleston where its set.

[Michelle Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page Turner I had a hard time putting the book down. The person who did the murders and set their house on fire. I liked the way the story ended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star read! This story has everything I look for - romance, suspense, and a fun humor. I have really enjoyed this series and am so sad that this is the last installment! While this was a lovely conclusion for them, I want more Sophie and AJ! I really loved how their relationship progressed in this book, and the ending was perfection. The mystery here was top notch and definitely kept me guessing. Such a fun series, and I'm still secretly hoping for more! Even just a bonus epilogue!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book that I very much enjoyed reading. I would definitely read others by this author or in this series.