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A Redwoods Country Mystery #1
Rivers and Creaks: A Redwoods Country Mystery
A grumpy innkeeper. A dead guest. Can he solve the locked-room mystery before his business crumbles into chaos?Imagine “Grumpy Old Men” merged with “Schitt's Creek.” In the heart of Redwoods Country, where even the towering trees whisper secrets, there's an innkeeper who's anything but welcoming. Meet Andy Shirley—a man who's made grumpiness an art form, detesting both guests and life's little inconveniences. Now a dead guest and a killer on the loose threaten not only Andy's solitude but his livelihood.His cherished wife’s memory keeps him tethered to the small-town bed and breakfast they dreamt of running together. When a guest is found dead in a locked room, can this retired copy editor use his meticulous attention to detail to uncover the truth and save his business?Fearing this shocking event will deter future guests and buyers, Andy's frustration intensifies as the sheriff shifts his focus to a higher profile case. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Andy’s even more shocked when the most unexpected event happens as he hunts for clues . . . he strikes up an unlikely friendship.Rivers and Creaks launches the humorous Redwoods Country cozy mystery series. If you like cranky but lovable characters, classic closed-door conundrums, and light-hearted fun, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s laugh-out-loud tale.Buy Rivers and Creaks to dive into this captivating mystery today.
231 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2023
141 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Marc Jedel
17 books72 followersMarc Jedel writes funny, feel-good murder mysteries filled with quirky characters, twisty plots, and the kind of humor that goes down easy with a cup of tea—or glass of wine.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 13, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Andy Shirley didn't want to run a bed and breakfast. His wife did but sadly she passed away. Now a year later he has to take possession of the place and he is downright grumpy about it. He was supposed to be the fix-it guy and his wife was supposed to deal with the guests, their problems, and their breakfast.
Well, now he has a problem and something else to fix. One of his guests has been found dead in a locked room and another guest broke the door down to find her.
His B&B is now a crime scene. The current guests must find other accommodations. If that isn't enough to affect his bottom line, who is going to want to stay somewhere there has been a murder. The killer has to be apprehended quickly or his entire investment will go down the drain.
_____
Cozy mysteries have quirky characters and in Rivers and Creaks, there are plenty including protagonist Andy Shirley. He's a grump who loved his wife so much but is struggling to follow through on her dream of owning and running a B&B in California Redwoods Territory. He trusts no one and runs off a couple of contractors thinking they were padding their bills. He has his wife's teacup poodle, Fifi, for company, and that's all he needs. My first thought was boy, Andy is out of his element, in the wrong line of work, and this is going to end badly. That was just after reading chapter one and then the dead body was found.
I have read other books by Mr. Jedel and he knows very well how to bring humor to his stories and that starts with the characters he creates and that sure is the case here but the characters are nuanced. My heart broke for Andy being without his wife but some of his internal dialogues were so funny, as were some of his interactions with townspeople.
The mystery was very well-plotted and I enjoyed the way Andy used his knowledge and contacts as an editor to work through the clues. He also made keen observations that solved another serious case the police were working on. The Agatha Christie-esque reveal of the killer didn't go exactly as planned at first but it finally came together after some crazy drama. With all the twists I was completely surprised when the actual killer was ultimately revealed.
Rivers and Creaks has set this series off to a grand start. The ending has me very intrigued about the future of Andy's Quilt House Inn. I am anxious to see what Mr. Jedel has planned for Andy and his new friends next.
Andy Shirley didn't want to run a bed and breakfast. His wife did but sadly she passed away. Now a year later he has to take possession of the place and he is downright grumpy about it. He was supposed to be the fix-it guy and his wife was supposed to deal with the guests, their problems, and their breakfast.
Well, now he has a problem and something else to fix. One of his guests has been found dead in a locked room and another guest broke the door down to find her.
His B&B is now a crime scene. The current guests must find other accommodations. If that isn't enough to affect his bottom line, who is going to want to stay somewhere there has been a murder. The killer has to be apprehended quickly or his entire investment will go down the drain.
_____
Cozy mysteries have quirky characters and in Rivers and Creaks, there are plenty including protagonist Andy Shirley. He's a grump who loved his wife so much but is struggling to follow through on her dream of owning and running a B&B in California Redwoods Territory. He trusts no one and runs off a couple of contractors thinking they were padding their bills. He has his wife's teacup poodle, Fifi, for company, and that's all he needs. My first thought was boy, Andy is out of his element, in the wrong line of work, and this is going to end badly. That was just after reading chapter one and then the dead body was found.
I have read other books by Mr. Jedel and he knows very well how to bring humor to his stories and that starts with the characters he creates and that sure is the case here but the characters are nuanced. My heart broke for Andy being without his wife but some of his internal dialogues were so funny, as were some of his interactions with townspeople.
The mystery was very well-plotted and I enjoyed the way Andy used his knowledge and contacts as an editor to work through the clues. He also made keen observations that solved another serious case the police were working on. The Agatha Christie-esque reveal of the killer didn't go exactly as planned at first but it finally came together after some crazy drama. With all the twists I was completely surprised when the actual killer was ultimately revealed.
Rivers and Creaks has set this series off to a grand start. The ending has me very intrigued about the future of Andy's Quilt House Inn. I am anxious to see what Mr. Jedel has planned for Andy and his new friends next.
January 10, 2024
Rivers and Creaks by Marc Jedel is the first book in the Redwoods Country Mystery series. I’ve read almost all of the author’s cozy mystery books, and I can honestly say that this is my favorite! I’ve really enjoyed all of his books I’ve read, but there’s just something about this main character that makes it my favorite.
If you were staying at an inn, you probably wouldn’t want Andy Shirley as your innkeeper unless you’re one of the types of people who go to restaurants where the employees are intentionally rude (but that’s a different story). One year ago, Andy and his wife purchased a bed and breakfast in a small town in Northern California. Sadly, Andy’s wife died a month later. Now, he’s moving in, sight unseen. He trusted his wife’s judgment. She was going to run the place, and he’d putter around finding stuff to fix. Now, everything is Andy’s responsibility, and the day he arrives, he finds out what he’s in for!
Rivers and Creaks is hilarious! I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book. There was even a time when I had sad tears in my eyes because of a touching moment. Other than Andy, there are at least 3 (probably more if I include some characters I can’t talk about, or I’d spoil it for you!) characters that I’m sure will be regulars, and I just love these characters to bits! Jedel just writes such great, quirky characters and dialogue. The characters that you wouldn’t characterize as quirky are still so humorously written that you crack up at their dry wit (and more spoilers that I won’t share). And Andy’s dog…well, you just have to read it to get it!
One of the first things that happens when Andy takes over is that he finds out that a bridesmaid, from the wedding party staying there, is dead. The local police arrive first, but being a small town, the county gets involved. However, when the “in charge” police get called away to another case, Andy figures he’s going to have to find out what happened by himself. And tons of funny stuff happens while he investigates and when he finds out whodunit.
If you are someone who enjoys their cozies with lots of hilarity, you will love Rivers and Creaks! I highly recommend it for its totally entertaining cast of characters and for the crazy, zigzagging way that Andy solves the case.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
If you were staying at an inn, you probably wouldn’t want Andy Shirley as your innkeeper unless you’re one of the types of people who go to restaurants where the employees are intentionally rude (but that’s a different story). One year ago, Andy and his wife purchased a bed and breakfast in a small town in Northern California. Sadly, Andy’s wife died a month later. Now, he’s moving in, sight unseen. He trusted his wife’s judgment. She was going to run the place, and he’d putter around finding stuff to fix. Now, everything is Andy’s responsibility, and the day he arrives, he finds out what he’s in for!
Rivers and Creaks is hilarious! I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book. There was even a time when I had sad tears in my eyes because of a touching moment. Other than Andy, there are at least 3 (probably more if I include some characters I can’t talk about, or I’d spoil it for you!) characters that I’m sure will be regulars, and I just love these characters to bits! Jedel just writes such great, quirky characters and dialogue. The characters that you wouldn’t characterize as quirky are still so humorously written that you crack up at their dry wit (and more spoilers that I won’t share). And Andy’s dog…well, you just have to read it to get it!
One of the first things that happens when Andy takes over is that he finds out that a bridesmaid, from the wedding party staying there, is dead. The local police arrive first, but being a small town, the county gets involved. However, when the “in charge” police get called away to another case, Andy figures he’s going to have to find out what happened by himself. And tons of funny stuff happens while he investigates and when he finds out whodunit.
If you are someone who enjoys their cozies with lots of hilarity, you will love Rivers and Creaks! I highly recommend it for its totally entertaining cast of characters and for the crazy, zigzagging way that Andy solves the case.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 2, 2023
Perfect series for raining sick day under blankets with cocoa.
I've read Marc's other series, and was excited to meet more of his characters.
Plot down below, but let me also say, hoping to learn the real names and learn more from Ned/Ed/Ted and Fred. And... More Fifi! More Nadia.
Ok... plot here.
Curmudeon extaordinarre Andy Shirley (and did anyone else get a quick hit of Anne of Green Gables when reading the name the first time?) narrates the tale of a widowed retiree coming to take over a Sonoma Area bed and breakfast, just in time for a murder to be discovered.
I won't go into depth about Andy's motivation for solving the murder, but I will say that his internal monologe and observations about himself and those around him had my chortling with great frequence.
I'll not spoil any spoilers, but we have a clever man here, with a lot of time on his hands, and a host of useful (mostly) insights from his editors job, so in addition to solving the murder, he also foils a kidnapping.
You can tell there are going to be some series regulars, who will get to learn more backstory, mostly Joann and Charlie, and it really does capture some of the charm of smaller towns reinventing themselves for todays economy.
Read it! You will enjoy.
I've read Marc's other series, and was excited to meet more of his characters.
Plot down below, but let me also say, hoping to learn the real names and learn more from Ned/Ed/Ted and Fred. And... More Fifi! More Nadia.
Ok... plot here.
Curmudeon extaordinarre Andy Shirley (and did anyone else get a quick hit of Anne of Green Gables when reading the name the first time?) narrates the tale of a widowed retiree coming to take over a Sonoma Area bed and breakfast, just in time for a murder to be discovered.
I won't go into depth about Andy's motivation for solving the murder, but I will say that his internal monologe and observations about himself and those around him had my chortling with great frequence.
I'll not spoil any spoilers, but we have a clever man here, with a lot of time on his hands, and a host of useful (mostly) insights from his editors job, so in addition to solving the murder, he also foils a kidnapping.
You can tell there are going to be some series regulars, who will get to learn more backstory, mostly Joann and Charlie, and it really does capture some of the charm of smaller towns reinventing themselves for todays economy.
Read it! You will enjoy.
November 30, 2023
If you’ve read Marc Jedel’s Silicon Valley mysteries, you probably love the quirky characters and silly fun, with laugh out loud humor.
This book has all that, and more. It has many very tender, touching emotional moments. I found it to be more “mature” in certain themes, even with no graphic sex, violence or cursing. The main character’s loss of a loved one permeates his thoughts and life decisions and actually had me shedding a tear here and there.
The mystery itself is really well done (I’ll let other readers describe the plot) and had me guessing to the end. The conclusion was very satisfying, for me.
This was a wonderful read that I truly enjoyed, and hope this becomes a series.
This book has all that, and more. It has many very tender, touching emotional moments. I found it to be more “mature” in certain themes, even with no graphic sex, violence or cursing. The main character’s loss of a loved one permeates his thoughts and life decisions and actually had me shedding a tear here and there.
The mystery itself is really well done (I’ll let other readers describe the plot) and had me guessing to the end. The conclusion was very satisfying, for me.
This was a wonderful read that I truly enjoyed, and hope this becomes a series.
February 24, 2024
I've been loving the cozy mystery genre lately and I'm so happy that I won a copy of this book from Library Thing!
The main character is a grumpy widower who is trying to make the best of things as events continuously spiral out of his control. When a guest dies at his inn he tries to find the killer while also keeping his inn running with hilarious results.
I've been missing a friend who reminds me so much of the main character and I could see him in this book. It was a quick and fun read and I'd definitely recommend!
The main character is a grumpy widower who is trying to make the best of things as events continuously spiral out of his control. When a guest dies at his inn he tries to find the killer while also keeping his inn running with hilarious results.
I've been missing a friend who reminds me so much of the main character and I could see him in this book. It was a quick and fun read and I'd definitely recommend!
November 15, 2023
Clever, funny and suspenseful
Not your standard cozy mystery. Although set at a B&B, Rivers & Creaks has a unique and fun approach to setting the scene for a murder. Jedel created fun and quirky characters with a depth and complexity not common to cozies. It's a great read, pulling you in with vivid descriptions and making you feel at home with the eclectic cast of characters in the beautiful setting of the California redwoods.
Not your standard cozy mystery. Although set at a B&B, Rivers & Creaks has a unique and fun approach to setting the scene for a murder. Jedel created fun and quirky characters with a depth and complexity not common to cozies. It's a great read, pulling you in with vivid descriptions and making you feel at home with the eclectic cast of characters in the beautiful setting of the California redwoods.
February 6, 2024
When Andy Shirley retired from his job as a copy editor, he and his wife decided to buy a bed and breakfast but before they could take over, his wife died and now he has to manage the place alone. Right from the start, things just seem to get out of hand. The original owner takes off as soon as he gets there and the inn is full of guests preparing for a wedding. The inn needs repairs but Andy’s curmudgeonly ways turn away the repairman. And if that’s not bad enough, one of the wedding guests is murdered. When the police seem unable to solve it, Andy worries this could hamper his hopes of selling so he decides to do his own investigation. After all, he was a copy editor so what could go wrong, right?
Rivers and Creaks is the first book in the new Redwoods Country Mystery series by Marc Jedel and what an entertaining tale it is. The story is told by Andy and, despite being the very definition of curmudgeon, he is very likeable. There is also a nice thread of humour running through the story and Andy’s final uncovering of the murderer had me in stitches. And if that is not enough reason to read this book, Andy has a tiny dog named Fifi as a sidekick. Oh, and the mystery’s not too bad either. Overall, a very entertaining cozy mystery and I look forward to reading future books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing Early ReviewersP
Rivers and Creaks is the first book in the new Redwoods Country Mystery series by Marc Jedel and what an entertaining tale it is. The story is told by Andy and, despite being the very definition of curmudgeon, he is very likeable. There is also a nice thread of humour running through the story and Andy’s final uncovering of the murderer had me in stitches. And if that is not enough reason to read this book, Andy has a tiny dog named Fifi as a sidekick. Oh, and the mystery’s not too bad either. Overall, a very entertaining cozy mystery and I look forward to reading future books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing Early ReviewersP
January 10, 2025
Andy Shirley and his late wife had planned to run a bed and breakfast in Monte Rio after they retired. Now that the time has come, he has to take it on by himself. While he’s been figuring out how to be a good host, something that doesn’t come naturally to him, he runs into a problem he wasn’t expecting – murder. When he takes over the business, there is a wedding party staying there, and one of the bridesmaids has been killed. Can he solve the crime, or will it destroy his business?
This author has been on my radar to try for a while, and I finally got a chance with this book. Sadly, the results were mixed for me. I grew up near where this book is set, so I enjoyed that aspect of things. However, the plot was uneven, with as much focus on Andy settling into his new life as the murder. This led to a weak climax that at least did answer our questions. Meanwhile, Andy was a bit pricklier that I found enjoyable. I get it, but it took a while to warm up to him. Some of that came from the new relationships he is forming, and I enjoyed reading about those. I also enjoyed the humor of the book. I’d give a second book in this series a try, but I hope the issues with the first are ironed out.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This author has been on my radar to try for a while, and I finally got a chance with this book. Sadly, the results were mixed for me. I grew up near where this book is set, so I enjoyed that aspect of things. However, the plot was uneven, with as much focus on Andy settling into his new life as the murder. This led to a weak climax that at least did answer our questions. Meanwhile, Andy was a bit pricklier that I found enjoyable. I get it, but it took a while to warm up to him. Some of that came from the new relationships he is forming, and I enjoyed reading about those. I also enjoyed the humor of the book. I’d give a second book in this series a try, but I hope the issues with the first are ironed out.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 19, 2024
I liked the main subject of the story, Andy Shirley. and his grumpiness. The dog Fifi was a nice (and an important!) addition. The interaction with Charlie was good, I do like intergenerational interaction.
Please keep all this positiveness in mind, because now comes the grumpy part.
The grumpiness of Andy took too long in the book. It slowed the pace.
I noticed the existence of Fifi quite late in the book, I do think it should have come earlier.
I do not want to spoil too much, but, forgetting such an enormous important part of a Bed and Breakfast: really?
And Charlie in the last chapter: no, I do not think that was a good idea. I do not know the english translation, but in Dutch we say: 'dat wordt er met de haren bijgesleept'.
Notwithstanding my grumpiness: I liked the book and I do hope there will be a following book about this Bed and Breakfast.
Please keep all this positiveness in mind, because now comes the grumpy part.
The grumpiness of Andy took too long in the book. It slowed the pace.
I noticed the existence of Fifi quite late in the book, I do think it should have come earlier.
I do not want to spoil too much, but, forgetting such an enormous important part of a Bed and Breakfast: really?
And Charlie in the last chapter: no, I do not think that was a good idea. I do not know the english translation, but in Dutch we say: 'dat wordt er met de haren bijgesleept'.
Notwithstanding my grumpiness: I liked the book and I do hope there will be a following book about this Bed and Breakfast.
May 5, 2026
What a fun, fun series! Grumpy old men, cute little dog, strong, feisty women, quirky characters blended with a murder. What's not to love. This is the first book in the series regarding a retired book editor who is trying to adjust to life without his beloved spouse. They had bought a bed and breakfast to run in their retirement years when she unexpectedly died in a car accident. This is my first book by the author. I enjoyed it so much I immediately purchased the 2nd book in the series. One of the things I enjoyed about the author's writing style is he wrote the story plot as a stand alone vs making you read multiple books to complete the story. I enjoyed his sarcastic, wise cracking characters and look forward to reading more of his books .
January 15, 2024
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Summary: Andy and his late wife bought an inn in Northern California. A year after her death Andy decides to move into the inn and takeover the day to day operations. Unfortunately he’s met with a host of maintenance problems and a dead guest. Andy decides to take the investigation into his own hands when the police are distracted by another case.
Honestly, I didn’t love it. Andy was an unlikable jerk for the majority of the book. Minimal character development and it just kind of ended. The supporting characters were ok.
Summary: Andy and his late wife bought an inn in Northern California. A year after her death Andy decides to move into the inn and takeover the day to day operations. Unfortunately he’s met with a host of maintenance problems and a dead guest. Andy decides to take the investigation into his own hands when the police are distracted by another case.
Honestly, I didn’t love it. Andy was an unlikable jerk for the majority of the book. Minimal character development and it just kind of ended. The supporting characters were ok.
November 27, 2023
Living in a small town and running a bed and breakfast in the California redwoods was his wife's dream, and Andy Shirley loved his wife. Now, it's just Andy, a curmudgeonly widower, and his wife's dog Fifi, left to manage the B&B and maybe sell it, but first, he has to fix it up and solve a murder because who wants a dead guest in their real-estate disclosures? The town of Monte Rio is full of California ambiance and entertaining characters that will keep Andy on his toes as he tries to grump his way through finding the murderer. It is a fun, colorful read that perfectly starts a new series.
November 21, 2023
Andy is taking over a B&B that he and his wife bought a year ago, right before she died. He is a grumpy old man that wants to be left alone. He manages to chase off three different contractors that were to help fix issues around the place. However, a guest is found dead in her bed, so now Andy has to solve the mystery of the dead guest. Can he solve the case, while trying to get the contractors back, and maybe sell the B&B?
November 21, 2023
Off to a slow start, but it picks up once you get to know the whacky characters.
A unique town with its own one of a kind characters that will grow on you!
First book in this series where the main character has to deal with the consequences of life after the loss of his wife.
The town where he was supposed to spend his golden years with his wife changes with the help of the small town.
I was given an ARC copy for my honest review.
A unique town with its own one of a kind characters that will grow on you!
First book in this series where the main character has to deal with the consequences of life after the loss of his wife.
The town where he was supposed to spend his golden years with his wife changes with the help of the small town.
I was given an ARC copy for my honest review.
December 4, 2023
This was a fun mystery from the author of the Silicon Valley Mysteries and Ozark Lake Mysteries. This one has a grumpy old man sleuth named Andy Shirley. Andy is a widower who is fulfilling his late wife's dream of running a bed and breakfast in a small town. There is a murder that happens after opening the B&B. There is a wonderful set of side characters and also the mystery was great with plenty of leads to follow.
December 15, 2023
Jedel has done it again! In his first book of this new series, he has developed a group of well developed characters, in a fun setting. Andy, is the lead, a crotchety, but lovable gentleman who has just lost the love of his life, and inherited her dream, although not necessarily his. He finds himself the owner of an inn, and soon learns he needs to use his both his best repair and detective skills. Such a fun read, with many twists and turns, and a truly unexpected ending. Enjoy!!
March 6, 2024
Andy and Catherine Shirley have purchased a B&B for their retirement. Unfortunately, Catherine was killed in a car accident and now Andy is left to handle the Inn all alone. He shows up on the first day to see the in in good hands and a full house. The next morning one of the guests is found dead, not a good start for Andy. He must solve this murder in order to save his Inn. Andy not only solves the murder, he also finds a kidnapped child.
January 26, 2024
What a refreshing, feel good read. I loved it! This book touched on all of my emotions from feeling sad for Andy then thinking he was an old grumpy man; enjoying the funny parts as well as following Andy through his awkward fact finding trying to solve a murder. I recommend this book to anyone, even tweens, as this was enjoyable on so many levels.
May 7, 2026
I listened to the audio version of this book. It was read by AI and not a person. It was monotone and boring to listen to. I enjoy the change of voices afforded by a reading done by a real person. The parts that I actually managed to listen to were enjoyable, but most of the time it was a droning noise in the background of my activities. Read the book, skip the audiobook.
May 7, 2026
Rivers and Creaks: A Redwoods Country Mystery (Book 1)
Marc Jedel, gives us a story filled with characters from all walks of life. It is a most enjoyable cozy mystery. You will love trying to figure out who did it, and why? The murder is solved by the most unlikely character. It is so entertaining and you will not want to put it down. Enjoy!
Marc Jedel, gives us a story filled with characters from all walks of life. It is a most enjoyable cozy mystery. You will love trying to figure out who did it, and why? The murder is solved by the most unlikely character. It is so entertaining and you will not want to put it down. Enjoy!
January 1, 2024
A little slow to start but well written The main character starts out as a bit of a stereotypical grouch but as he gets to know the townspeople his character becomes multi-dimensional. Enjoyed this book and would continue the series.
February 16, 2024
A murder mystery starring a curmudgeon. This book gave me similar vibes to "A Man Called Ove" - lots of growth in the main character. This had a very light airiness to it - despite being surrounded by murder, it was still cozy.
May 3, 2026
Clean read and entertaining
I enjoyed Marc Jedel's sense of humor. Even when Andy thought he was being grumpy, he really wasn't. He actually is a very likable person. The whole story line was well thoughtout.
I enjoyed Marc Jedel's sense of humor. Even when Andy thought he was being grumpy, he really wasn't. He actually is a very likable person. The whole story line was well thoughtout.
April 11, 2024
Too much "boomer" attitude for my taste. Will not read more.
January 11, 2024
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2024/01/11/4-...
Author Marc Jedel delivers the first book in A Redwoods Country Mystery series, Rivers and Creaks, a cozy mystery with both lightness and humor, even when a dead body is found after Andy takes over the ownership of the B&B that he and his wife had closed on the year before. Unfortunately, his wife died, and now he’s the sole owner and doesn’t like dealing with people. How’s that going to work out?
We not only get to know Andy, but there’s a core group of locals we are introduced to, including the police chief, Joann, and her daughter Charlie, who’s training to be a plumber and an electrician and is hired by Andy to do some repairs at the B&B on the grounds and in the cottage he’ll be living in. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, especially with Andy being an amateur sleuth. He solves the crime with the help of the bridal party and their family members staying at the B&B, and he also ends the kidnapping and saves the day.
The story has many storylines, twists, and turns despite Andy and his curmudgeonly ways now that he’s retired and his plans have gone astray. There is some choppiness to the story that takes place over a four-day period, and so much is packed into each day. There are clues galore, and Andy keeps gathering them, wondering if they will be important or not.
Rivers and Creaks is a humorous, cozy mystery set in a small northern California town that had me turning the pages to see whodunnit as I got to know the city and its inhabitants. Pull up a chair and dive in. You’ll be glad you did.
https://novelsalive.com/2024/01/11/4-...
Author Marc Jedel delivers the first book in A Redwoods Country Mystery series, Rivers and Creaks, a cozy mystery with both lightness and humor, even when a dead body is found after Andy takes over the ownership of the B&B that he and his wife had closed on the year before. Unfortunately, his wife died, and now he’s the sole owner and doesn’t like dealing with people. How’s that going to work out?
We not only get to know Andy, but there’s a core group of locals we are introduced to, including the police chief, Joann, and her daughter Charlie, who’s training to be a plumber and an electrician and is hired by Andy to do some repairs at the B&B on the grounds and in the cottage he’ll be living in. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, especially with Andy being an amateur sleuth. He solves the crime with the help of the bridal party and their family members staying at the B&B, and he also ends the kidnapping and saves the day.
The story has many storylines, twists, and turns despite Andy and his curmudgeonly ways now that he’s retired and his plans have gone astray. There is some choppiness to the story that takes place over a four-day period, and so much is packed into each day. There are clues galore, and Andy keeps gathering them, wondering if they will be important or not.
Rivers and Creaks is a humorous, cozy mystery set in a small northern California town that had me turning the pages to see whodunnit as I got to know the city and its inhabitants. Pull up a chair and dive in. You’ll be glad you did.
September 30, 2025
Fun characters and an intriguing murder make this debut cozy mystery a winner!
River and Creaks is the first book in veteran author Marc Jedel’s new cozy mystery series, the Redwood Country Mysteries, and with its fun characters and intriguing murder, it’s a definite winner. Great characterizations, snappy dialogue, the protagonist’s entertaining inner monologue, and a mysterious death in the first chapter immediately hooked me.
Andy Shirley is a recent widower, novice innkeeper, and, of necessity, an amateur sleuth. He’s still well within the grip of grief over his wife’s sudden death the previous year, and the idea of purchasing and running a B&B was really her dream, not his. I felt he was torn by trying to make a go of her vision for their future or turning around and selling the inn without taking too much of a loss and completely withdrawing from life. (He says his plan is to become a recluse.) The death of a young guest is discovered within minutes of his taking possession of the place, and as the day progresses, things get even more complicated. He’s completely unprepared to manage his new business, although he does possess some skills in minor maintenance. However, even his planned maintenance activities hit snags at every turn, and I was reminded of the 1986 Tom Hanks film, The Money Pit, by the plethora of mishaps. His cantankerous attitude also hits a sour note with the local tradespeople, and he finds himself on the outs with a few of the locals.The plot features more than one mystery, and Andy’s amateur sleuthing, as he tries to save his inn from a reputation as a place of death, uncovers key pieces of information. The story has a couple of twists that kept things interesting and me reading well into the night. But, even with my dedication, I still didn’t catch on to whodunnit until the reveal.
I recommend RIVERS AND CREAKS to cozy mystery readers looking for a great new series, especially those who enjoy humor and a clever plot.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
Want to Read
May 2, 2026Sore Like an Eagle, book three of the Redwoods Country Mystery just released on April 20th.
Look for a Guest Author Post and a series review on Storybooklady.net on May 12th.
Look for a Guest Author Post and a series review on Storybooklady.net on May 12th.
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