What do you think?
Rate this book
Kids Murder Mystery Club: Cold Case Podcast #3
Case File 3: Margarette Tooms
A Christmas whodunnit for all ages!
Join Ava, Carol, and Derik for a thrilling Christmas mystery! An anonymous tip leads the intrepid sleuths to investigate the decade-old murder of Margarette Tooms. The trio uncovers a web of secrets around her death and a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own mysterious past.
In a cozy mystery style, the young sleuths begin to investigate the people involved in Margarette’s life. Was it Nora, her archnemesis and town manager? Or her loyal friend Dennis, an antique dealer? Perhaps local historical celebrity, Lyle? Or was it the mysterious stranger who began frequenting Margarette’s café?
Clue by clue they edge closer to the truth behind Margarette’s death as they uncover the secrets carefully hidden by those that knew her. In a heart-pounding chase, Ava, Carol and Derik race to save the evidence that will reveal the murderer before it is destroyed.
Experience the magic of Christmas, the power of friendship, and the thrill of solving a mystery together with Ava and Carol and their best friend Derik. Jump into this Christmas wonderland of a mystery with the Kids Murder Mystery Club and be a part of the quest to unveil the truth!
Join Ava, Carol, and Derik for a thrilling Christmas mystery! An anonymous tip leads the intrepid sleuths to investigate the decade-old murder of Margarette Tooms. The trio uncovers a web of secrets around her death and a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own mysterious past.
In a cozy mystery style, the young sleuths begin to investigate the people involved in Margarette’s life. Was it Nora, her archnemesis and town manager? Or her loyal friend Dennis, an antique dealer? Perhaps local historical celebrity, Lyle? Or was it the mysterious stranger who began frequenting Margarette’s café?
Clue by clue they edge closer to the truth behind Margarette’s death as they uncover the secrets carefully hidden by those that knew her. In a heart-pounding chase, Ava, Carol and Derik race to save the evidence that will reveal the murderer before it is destroyed.
Experience the magic of Christmas, the power of friendship, and the thrill of solving a mystery together with Ava and Carol and their best friend Derik. Jump into this Christmas wonderland of a mystery with the Kids Murder Mystery Club and be a part of the quest to unveil the truth!
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2023
21 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Lockhaven
48 books96 followersSo grateful to have won the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award! Thank you!
You can blame my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Ownby. I began writing mysteries in middle school, with gripping titles like, The Secret in The Swamp and The Ghost of Hollow Lake—Mr. Ownby, would kindly read them, and then encourage me to keep writing and reading the classics. His words, some day I'll be reading your mysteries with the rest of the world inspired me.
Forty years later, I was able to fulfill my dreams and become a full time writer. When I began writing, I decided that my books would be a safe-haven from the real world. My children's series all have strong messages of perseverance, thinking outside the box, friendship and loyalty. I have a daughter, and as I work through my manuscripts, I always try to imagine what I can say to inspire and entertain at the same time.
For my cozy readers, I spent much of my life traveling to small coastal towns in North Carolina and then later in my life to the coastal towns in New England. I've always loved the idiosyncrasies of the locals, and I've always wanted to bring them to life in a book series. My Coffee House Sleuths stories are just that. And just like my children's books, I endeavor to write stories that are clean, with very little violence and no profanity. I do my best to help people disappear from the craziness of life, even if just for a little while.
I currently live in Boston, but my dream is to move to a small coastal town, stare out over the ocean, and to let the words flow. I have an incredible wife who constantly inspires and encourages me- and an amazing daughter who is my most harsh, but loving critic. As I said earlier, my passion is to write and to continually improve and perfect my craft. For those of you who read my books, I humbly thank you. For those of you who have never read my books, I welcome you with open arms.
You can blame my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Ownby. I began writing mysteries in middle school, with gripping titles like, The Secret in The Swamp and The Ghost of Hollow Lake—Mr. Ownby, would kindly read them, and then encourage me to keep writing and reading the classics. His words, some day I'll be reading your mysteries with the rest of the world inspired me.
Forty years later, I was able to fulfill my dreams and become a full time writer. When I began writing, I decided that my books would be a safe-haven from the real world. My children's series all have strong messages of perseverance, thinking outside the box, friendship and loyalty. I have a daughter, and as I work through my manuscripts, I always try to imagine what I can say to inspire and entertain at the same time.
For my cozy readers, I spent much of my life traveling to small coastal towns in North Carolina and then later in my life to the coastal towns in New England. I've always loved the idiosyncrasies of the locals, and I've always wanted to bring them to life in a book series. My Coffee House Sleuths stories are just that. And just like my children's books, I endeavor to write stories that are clean, with very little violence and no profanity. I do my best to help people disappear from the craziness of life, even if just for a little while.
I currently live in Boston, but my dream is to move to a small coastal town, stare out over the ocean, and to let the words flow. I have an incredible wife who constantly inspires and encourages me- and an amazing daughter who is my most harsh, but loving critic. As I said earlier, my passion is to write and to continually improve and perfect my craft. For those of you who read my books, I humbly thank you. For those of you who have never read my books, I welcome you with open arms.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2023
This series reminds me of one of my favorite tv shows Cold Case. It’s like if Cold Case was a podcast instead of a group of homicide detectives. These kids are brave, clever and intuitive. They also have the benefit of new tech and a rather impressive fan base that helps them to dig up the truth. Each story deals with one case and follows it from start to finish. I enjoy the humor and camaraderie of the three podcasters Ava, Carol and Derik. The kids are impressive and there’s always an omg moment or two where you’re like I can’t believe they just did that. All in the quest for truth and closure. Great series without a doubt!.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2023
Crime- Murder
Victim- Margarette Tooms, local political activist
COD- strangulation via scarf
Special Feature- Holiday Book (Christmas)
Detectives- Carol, Ava, and Derik. They are teenaged students who run a True Crime/Cold Case podcast.
This series would have been one of my favorites when I was a preteen. Hey, I enjoy it now, and I’m… older. Anyway, the mystery is clever and the detectives’ procedure is logical. The pacing is good- the right clues are revealed at the right time. I love the humor in the book- the kids are very witty and I snorked my drink at the bit with the garden gnome. Ava is classic. The kids tease each other and give each other grief, but it’s all in good fun and NEVER strays into the area of bullying; it remains banter. They have a genuine friendship.
I recommend that parents approve this book for their kids. There are no sexual overtones, no drugs or substance abuse, and no profanity. There’s very mild violence, but nothing graphic. I feel that this book would excellent for anyone ages 11-13. And adults would get a kick out of it too- I certainly did.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Victim- Margarette Tooms, local political activist
COD- strangulation via scarf
Special Feature- Holiday Book (Christmas)
Detectives- Carol, Ava, and Derik. They are teenaged students who run a True Crime/Cold Case podcast.
This series would have been one of my favorites when I was a preteen. Hey, I enjoy it now, and I’m… older. Anyway, the mystery is clever and the detectives’ procedure is logical. The pacing is good- the right clues are revealed at the right time. I love the humor in the book- the kids are very witty and I snorked my drink at the bit with the garden gnome. Ava is classic. The kids tease each other and give each other grief, but it’s all in good fun and NEVER strays into the area of bullying; it remains banter. They have a genuine friendship.
I recommend that parents approve this book for their kids. There are no sexual overtones, no drugs or substance abuse, and no profanity. There’s very mild violence, but nothing graphic. I feel that this book would excellent for anyone ages 11-13. And adults would get a kick out of it too- I certainly did.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2023
Another rollicking adventure unfolds with the teenage podcast trio of Carol, Ava, and Derik, young yet intrepid gumshoes. This episode enthralls fans with a yule-tide mystery drenched with a dozen sugar cookies and lattes. Nestled inside the Lair, the inquisitive ones pursue the cold case of Margarette Tooms, a young woman with emerald eyes, who vanished after her Chloe’s Café shift. Several suspects rapidly emerge as the investigation ensues, each being interviewed and several such clips uploaded to the group's frequent podcasts. Mystery fans, young adults as well as older readers, will relish the change of pace with various genres, including podcasts, news articles, and police reports, as well as the traditional narrative fare. Although the plot revolves around a murdered Tooms, no ghastly gore accompanies the story. Instead, the enigmatic case requires that readers solve the mystery which has baffled police for years. Read it to unravel the twisted tale and to uncover the sly killer and his motivation.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2024
I was gifted this book and I'm so thrilled that I was since I totally enjoyed it!!!
As with all of Thomas Lockhaven's books - this was very well written with Ava, Carol and Derik and their murder mystery club trying to solve cold cases. How they went about solving the case is very interesting and holds ones attention for the entire book!!! The list of suspects is so long and varied and the story shows how the trio eliminate suspects from their list and solve the cold case.
I plan on putting this book in our Little Free Library and sharing it with the community so others will have the opportunity to enjoy this book too!!!
As with all of Thomas Lockhaven's books - this was very well written with Ava, Carol and Derik and their murder mystery club trying to solve cold cases. How they went about solving the case is very interesting and holds ones attention for the entire book!!! The list of suspects is so long and varied and the story shows how the trio eliminate suspects from their list and solve the cold case.
I plan on putting this book in our Little Free Library and sharing it with the community so others will have the opportunity to enjoy this book too!!!
November 23, 2023
In this installment of the “Murder Mystery Club” the trio is investigating the murder of Margaret Tooms. Margarette’s murder was unsettling. She was well known and well liked. Who in this close-knit community was capable of committing such a horrific act? Was it her Secret Admirer? Was this retaliation for her views in this little town? Was it the new and unknown. Is it or in town? So,done knows the truth and they don’t want it uncovered.
November 22, 2023
They are going to have a new case to solve even though they are only children and it’s Christmas. They will do their best to solve this case before Christmas is ruined for them all. See just how it will all go.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2023
Solving this case is going to be interesting! Derik, Ava and Carol have their hands full!
Another page turner for the tweens out there! The story development is perfect and the way the author captures your attention makes it a difficult book to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another page turner for the tweens out there! The story development is perfect and the way the author captures your attention makes it a difficult book to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2023
Ava is quite the firebrand! I loved the descriptions in the scene with the intruder. Made me laugh. Actually quite a few things made me laugh…headless gingerbread men…LOL! This is a marvelous Christmas story and I LOVED it!
October 30, 2024
A Christmas Mystery
My daughter and I love reading these books together! She looks forward to each and every new release. If you are looking for a fun, family friendly crime/mystery series you cannot go wrong with Ava and Carol or Kids Murder Mystery Club.
My daughter and I love reading these books together! She looks forward to each and every new release. If you are looking for a fun, family friendly crime/mystery series you cannot go wrong with Ava and Carol or Kids Murder Mystery Club.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews