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Shady Grove Pyschic Mystery #7.5
Eight Maids A-Meddlin': A Shady Grove Novella
Aly is looking forward to a quiet Christmas back home with her parents. She’ll attend the annual Holly Jolly Jamboree, watch her mother perform The Twelve Days of Christmas, and reconnect with the festival’s director, her mom’s best friend Lottie. The jubilee quickly goes from jolly to melancholy when Aly and Mom arrive at the fairground to find Lottie dead.Everyone loved Lottie, so how could this have happened? The police barely investigate before concluding that the death was a suicide, but Aly and her mom are certain the scene was staged. The entire cast of the skit takes it upon themselves to find out the truth and bring the killer to justice. With the festival about to begin, they’ve got less than twenty-four hours to solve the murder before the killer disappears into the crowd forever.This standalone Shady Grove Psychic Mystery novella takes place one year after the events of Mystic Persons. It is the eighth book in The Twelve Days of Christmas Cozy Mysteries series.
- GenresMystery
150 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2023
1 person is currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Ada Bell
21 books109 followersAda Bell knew you'd be reading this. Okay, well, she knew someone would be. (Hi, Mom!) That's pretty much the extent of her psychic powers. A life-long mystery buff, Ada has devoured everything from Murder, She Wrote to Nancy Drew to Psych!, so she was pretty much destined to end up here. Ada loves Scooby Doo, superhero movies, STEM heroines, and cake. Mmm, cake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 19, 2023
A very enjoyable short holiday novella featuring Aly and her mother trying to figure out who killed her mothers best friend at Christmas time,
December 9, 2023
I received a free copy through BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
Eight Maids A-Meddlin' is a novella set in the Shady Grove series by Ada Bell. I like this series and was excited to read this holiday novella. The story takes place while Aly is visiting her parents, so not in the same setting as usual. This was a fun way to mix things up if you know the series and I think this makes it easier for those new to the series to pick it up, I think the book struck a good balance there to appeal to both groups. For me it was fun to read more about Aly and see her handle a murder mystery in a new place.
Eight Maids A-Meddlin' starts off at a good pace, Aly and her mom are meeting up with Lottie, but then find she's dead. The mystery starts right away and I was invested figuring out who had done it. The mystery was really well done and I didn't feel the shorter length hampered it at all. There are plenty of suspects, some red herrings and some suspects that get ruled out before the end of the story. There are quite some twists and turns and I couldn't decide who I thought had done it. The reveal was well done and it made sense why this person committed the crime. I did think the mystery was a bit sad at times with the victim being a friend of Aly's mom and Aly knowing her as well.
I liked how Aly uses her powers to collect clues. That's one of my favorite parts of this series, how much the paranormal aspect is part of the mystery. Aly uses her psychic powers to help her solve the mystery and one of the vital clues is acquired that way. The story had a Christmas theme as the characters involved in the mystery were all working on organizing a Christmas festival and most of the book takes place on the festival grounds.
To summarize: I enjoyed reading this Christmas themed paranormal cozy mystery novella. I like this series and enjoyed reading about Aly as she visits her parents and gets involved in another mystery. The mystery was a good one that kept me guessing till the end. There are some great twists and turns as well as plenty of suspects. I liked the reveal and how it all made sense. I liked reading about Aly and how her powers are an important part of how she solves the mystery. This story has a Christmas theme as most of the book takes place on the festival grounds for a Christmas festival.
Eight Maids A-Meddlin' is a novella set in the Shady Grove series by Ada Bell. I like this series and was excited to read this holiday novella. The story takes place while Aly is visiting her parents, so not in the same setting as usual. This was a fun way to mix things up if you know the series and I think this makes it easier for those new to the series to pick it up, I think the book struck a good balance there to appeal to both groups. For me it was fun to read more about Aly and see her handle a murder mystery in a new place.
Eight Maids A-Meddlin' starts off at a good pace, Aly and her mom are meeting up with Lottie, but then find she's dead. The mystery starts right away and I was invested figuring out who had done it. The mystery was really well done and I didn't feel the shorter length hampered it at all. There are plenty of suspects, some red herrings and some suspects that get ruled out before the end of the story. There are quite some twists and turns and I couldn't decide who I thought had done it. The reveal was well done and it made sense why this person committed the crime. I did think the mystery was a bit sad at times with the victim being a friend of Aly's mom and Aly knowing her as well.
I liked how Aly uses her powers to collect clues. That's one of my favorite parts of this series, how much the paranormal aspect is part of the mystery. Aly uses her psychic powers to help her solve the mystery and one of the vital clues is acquired that way. The story had a Christmas theme as the characters involved in the mystery were all working on organizing a Christmas festival and most of the book takes place on the festival grounds.
To summarize: I enjoyed reading this Christmas themed paranormal cozy mystery novella. I like this series and enjoyed reading about Aly as she visits her parents and gets involved in another mystery. The mystery was a good one that kept me guessing till the end. There are some great twists and turns as well as plenty of suspects. I liked the reveal and how it all made sense. I liked reading about Aly and how her powers are an important part of how she solves the mystery. This story has a Christmas theme as most of the book takes place on the festival grounds for a Christmas festival.
December 27, 2023
Wonderful short story where we get to know Ally's mom and her home town. Loved the twists and turns. Kept me guessing right up to the end. Plus who doesn't love a Christmas whodunit?
December 30, 2023
Ada Bell is an accredited of paranormal cozy mystery and murder such as this cozy mystery with its array of colorful and quirky characters that draw you into their dramatic world of murder during a Christmas festival some of carolers have extra talents so when the local police decided not to investigate the death of one of theirs they take matters into their own unique hands so well the characters may draw you in it's the enticement of mystery, mayhem, secrets ,betrayal and murder .With a plot that has these women chasing up clues and suspects it will have your little grey cells stirring to figure out who is responsible for this terrible event before it's revelation .You'll be fully entranced into the mystery not realizing how much time gone by and you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Eight Maids A-Meddlin " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
December 31, 2023
“8 Maids A-Meddlin’: A Shady Grove Novella (The Twelve Days of Christmas Mysteries Book 8)” by Ada Bell
I received a free copy of “8 Maids A-Meddlin’: A Shady Grove Novella (The Twelve Days of Christmas Mysteries Book 8)” by Ada Bell prior to publication because I am a member of her ARC team. I am writing a completely voluntary and honest review.
This book maintained constant adventure and intrigue. Lottie was the Chairperson for the Holly Jolly Jamboree every year and she participated in the 8 Maids A- Meddlin’ Act. She invited her long-term friend to come see her and the show. Her friend brought her daughter Aly. Aly and her mom quickly discover Lottie’s dead body. Because there is a suicide note, the police refuse to investigate. Aly and her mom take over the investigation using traditional methods such as interviewing everyone, as well as non-traditional methods using psych methods. Super interesting page turner. Very interested in reading more works by Ada Bell.
I received a free copy of “8 Maids A-Meddlin’: A Shady Grove Novella (The Twelve Days of Christmas Mysteries Book 8)” by Ada Bell prior to publication because I am a member of her ARC team. I am writing a completely voluntary and honest review.
This book maintained constant adventure and intrigue. Lottie was the Chairperson for the Holly Jolly Jamboree every year and she participated in the 8 Maids A- Meddlin’ Act. She invited her long-term friend to come see her and the show. Her friend brought her daughter Aly. Aly and her mom quickly discover Lottie’s dead body. Because there is a suicide note, the police refuse to investigate. Aly and her mom take over the investigation using traditional methods such as interviewing everyone, as well as non-traditional methods using psych methods. Super interesting page turner. Very interested in reading more works by Ada Bell.
December 10, 2023
I love the Shady Grove series, and this novella is another enjoyable cozy murder mystery. It’s slightly different in that Aly isn’t in her normal setting, having gone to her Mums for the festivities. I love Alys’ abilities and the way they are used. I liked the setting, the fact that all the Maids were involved in the investigation in one way or another, although I did find it a bit confusing at times. However, there were plenty of suspects, red herrings and a lovely twist at the end. It’s also a really good introduction to Aly and her talents. Recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2023
Eight Maids a Meddlin is book 8 in The Twelve Days of Christmas Cozy Mystery Ada Bell. I believe that this Christmas series is such fun and each is a wonderful mystery. Aly is home for the holidays when her mother's vest friend, Lottie, is murdered… of course the police ruled it a suicide. The characters are great and the story is engaging. I believe that this holiday mystery is the perfect way to spend an enjoyable time reading while escaping the hectic pace of the season. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 9, 2023
If you're looking for a fun paranormal cozy mystery to cuddle up with during the holiday season (or any other time of the year), then this is the perfect book for you!
If you're new to the Shady Grove series, then Eight Maids A-Meddlin' is a great introduction. And for those of us who are already fans of Aly and her psychic mystery investigations, this is a wonderful addition to the series. One of the things I love about Ada Bell's books is that they make me laugh out loud - they're the perfect escape from everyday life. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
If you're new to the Shady Grove series, then Eight Maids A-Meddlin' is a great introduction. And for those of us who are already fans of Aly and her psychic mystery investigations, this is a wonderful addition to the series. One of the things I love about Ada Bell's books is that they make me laugh out loud - they're the perfect escape from everyday life. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
December 11, 2023
Aly is visiting her mom back in Shady Grove for Christmas. The town is preparing for their holiday festival and her mom is heading to practice the 8 maids portion of 12 days of Christmas. Lottie, the organizer, hasn’t shown up, and Aly and her mom soon find her body. The death is quickly ruled a suicide, but the 8 maids believe it is murder and get busy sleuthing.
This is a fun holiday cozy mystery with a touch of psychic abilities. It is part of a series, but can be easily enjoyed as a stand-alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fun holiday cozy mystery with a touch of psychic abilities. It is part of a series, but can be easily enjoyed as a stand-alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2023
Aly is with her parents for Christmas and she is attending the annual Holly Jolly Jamboree and watch her mother Connie Reynolds perform “ The Twelve Days of Christmas “. But her mum’s best friend Lottie dies at the fairground The police write it off as a suicide but Aly and her mum want to find out the truth and they have only twenty-four hours to do so. They have a hard task to find the killer. A exciting read which I enjoyed. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
December 20, 2023
This is a true christmas mystery, it even takes place at a christmas festival.
Aly visits her mother who is about to practice a performance as one of the eight maids. Her friend Sally is missing and when Aly and her mother goes to her home they discover her dead with a suicide note.
But is it really suicide?
Aly uses both her psycic powers and sleuthes with the rest of the festival workers.
It’s a good and well written mystery with good character depths even though it’s a novella.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Aly visits her mother who is about to practice a performance as one of the eight maids. Her friend Sally is missing and when Aly and her mother goes to her home they discover her dead with a suicide note.
But is it really suicide?
Aly uses both her psycic powers and sleuthes with the rest of the festival workers.
It’s a good and well written mystery with good character depths even though it’s a novella.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2023
Aly is away from Shady Grove, New York for a holiday with her mum and best friend Lottie who is the festival director where rehersals will be taking place.
When looking for Lottie they find her in an apparent suicide which the police readily agree on but Aly and her mum suspect foul play and have to narrow down possible suspects to find the culprit. The book is enjoyable and very different from her other stories but keeps you engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When looking for Lottie they find her in an apparent suicide which the police readily agree on but Aly and her mum suspect foul play and have to narrow down possible suspects to find the culprit. The book is enjoyable and very different from her other stories but keeps you engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 11, 2023
Awesome!
You can read this novella as a standalone just fine, but technically, it’s a Shady Grove Psychic Mystery, and I just love that series! So when I saw this, it was a simple case of MUST HAVE. And it didn’t disappoint! Well written and easy-to-read, it gave me back my reading mojo (I was in a bit of a reading slump. I’m not anymore!). A fun read with a well-rounded mystery. Throw in some Christmas vibes and you have a winner! I absolutely LOVED it!
You can read this novella as a standalone just fine, but technically, it’s a Shady Grove Psychic Mystery, and I just love that series! So when I saw this, it was a simple case of MUST HAVE. And it didn’t disappoint! Well written and easy-to-read, it gave me back my reading mojo (I was in a bit of a reading slump. I’m not anymore!). A fun read with a well-rounded mystery. Throw in some Christmas vibes and you have a winner! I absolutely LOVED it!
December 11, 2023
Eight Maids A-Meddlin' by Ada Bell is a Christmas themed cozy mystery. This book will keep you guessing and trying to figure out "whodunit"! I enjoyed the bits of magic used to solve the murder. I felt sorry of Aly and her mom when they discovered the body of their friend.
This book will keep you reading to the very end to find out the mystery. I received a review copy of this book and I always review every book that I read.
This book will keep you reading to the very end to find out the mystery. I received a review copy of this book and I always review every book that I read.
December 14, 2023
This is a great Christmas read - part of the 12 Days of Christmas series. I haven't read all of them yet but definitely would recommend this book. Aly goes home for Christmas, anxious to see Mom and Mom's best friend Lettie. A murder, police say it's suicide, and everybody gets involved. A little bit of everything, paranormal, murder, Christmas, family, friends, great town ready for Christmas. Great read!
December 30, 2023
OThis was a real ‘christmassy’ cozy murder. I loved the protagonist who whenever she was in a stressful situation, started reciting the elements in the periodic table. I also enjoyed the fact that the protagonist, a Biology student also has a psychic power.
This was a quick read, just the thing to get one into the spirit of Christmas.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
This was a quick read, just the thing to get one into the spirit of Christmas.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
January 7, 2024
With the Christmas Fair about to begin who would want to harm, Lottie. Being the best friend of her mom's and having the police rule the death as a suicide, it is up to Aly and her mom to solve Lottie's murder. Cute, quick read. Perfect little Holiday treat. May be short in pages but not in details. Very rich characters and scenes with a hint of magic. Really enjoyed the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2023
Love affair gone awry? Jealousy? What happened to Lottie? A dear and close friend of Aly and her mom. A Christmas fair with reindeer sleigh rides, a train thru the village and stage entertainment sounds fun. But, drama, murder and mystery pull Aly and her mom into investigation mode. This is a wonderful part of a 12 days of Christmas series written by absolutely wonderful authors.
December 6, 2023
Aly is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas but that was before someone killed her mother's best friend. She is determined to solve the mystery. Whodunit!
This is a good novella. It's a must that they solve the mystery quickly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a good novella. It's a must that they solve the mystery quickly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2023
I really enjoy this series and this was a new take, set in California. As a Sacramento Native, I thought this was fun, but I did miss Shady Grove. Overall, this wasn’t my favorite in the series, but it was a fun little mystery with for Christmas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2023
I found this cozy mystery to be a quick read full of mystery, twists, and intrigue, kept me wondering who could have killed Aly's mom's best friend and the director of the Christmas program. It did take the group of quirky "maids" to help solve this mystery. Some with some unusual talents! Loved the Christmas themes…
I received this as an ARC for free and leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I received this as an ARC for free and leaving my honest review voluntarily.
December 18, 2023
I really liked the main characters and setting in this one. The mystery kept me guessing, too.
The best part of this series is finding new writers and series to explore! Now I want to start the Shady Grove Psychic Mystery series. I'm reading the 12 Days series out of order, but that's really not a problem because the only link is the theme of numbers.
The best part of this series is finding new writers and series to explore! Now I want to start the Shady Grove Psychic Mystery series. I'm reading the 12 Days series out of order, but that's really not a problem because the only link is the theme of numbers.
January 5, 2024
What a great short story!! It's suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see who did what. The characters are wonderful and the storyline is fantastic. This series is going to be a great one. Highly recommend reading this book and I look forward to reading more from the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The premise of the book was interesting, however there wasn’t enough intrigue to hold my interest for long. I would like to have seen more development of each of the characters in the group. Overall, I’d have to say it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The premise of the book was interesting, however there wasn’t enough intrigue to hold my interest for long. I would like to have seen more development of each of the characters in the group. Overall, I’d have to say it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
December 2, 2023
This is a fun Christmas themed cozy novella. After the death of a dear friend that the police won't investigate because they think it is a suicide, it is up to Aly and her mom to find the truth. The story has a satisfying conclusion and can be read as a standalone.
December 7, 2023
I think this is a great quick read and since I started with this book first, I am interested in her other books. This was well written but I had trouble keeping track of the maids as obviously there was 8.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2023
A fun read for the season with a definite set of different characters.
January 3, 2024
Another great Aly Reynolds story. I liked how all the ladies worked together to solve the case.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2024
A wonderful book by author Ada Bell.
I loved reading this awesome book with really good characters... Highly recommend...
I loved reading this awesome book with really good characters... Highly recommend...
January 1, 2024
Ho, Ho – Oh, No!
Aly accompanies her mom to rehearsal for the Twelve Days of Christmas presentation in the Holly Jolly jamboree. It’s nice to be home visiting her family in their quiet little town instead of being involved in a murder case for a change. Or at least that's what Aly was thinking before she and her mother found a body.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery. There is a good plot, interesting characters, and some twists to keep the reader guessing. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Aly accompanies her mom to rehearsal for the Twelve Days of Christmas presentation in the Holly Jolly jamboree. It’s nice to be home visiting her family in their quiet little town instead of being involved in a murder case for a change. Or at least that's what Aly was thinking before she and her mother found a body.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery. There is a good plot, interesting characters, and some twists to keep the reader guessing. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews