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Gracie Andersen Mystery #1
Family Matters
An odd gift from her troubled uncle draws kennel owner, Gracie Andersen into the details of a family tragedy from the past. An unsolved hit-and-run accident claimed her cousin’s life 20 years ago. Dissatisfied with the seemingly lax police investigation, she begins her own. Her friends and family in the rural village of Deer Creek warn her to leave the case alone. And then death strikes again. Although she’s overwhelmed with running her new dog business, and grief stricken over the recent of loss of her husband and unborn child, she’s determined to unravel the mystery of her cousin’s untimely death. With Haley, her intrepid Labrador by her side, Gracie follows a dangerous trail of clues to find a killer.
246 pages, ebook
First published April 9, 2013
451 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Laurinda Wallace
17 books43 followersLaurinda grew up in rural Western New York and was either reading mysteries or writing short stories when she wasn't horseback riding. A career in administration eventually led to freelance writing assignments in 2005, after she and her husband moved to the high desert of southeast Arizona. Her devotionals have been published in The Upper Room, Christian Devotions, and Faithwebbin. She's written many articles for magazines and in 2012 published both a novel and devotional book. Inspired by the Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3, The Time Under Heaven is a story of three sisters and their bittersweet journey of reconcilation. Gardens of the Heart, a 30-day devotional are observations of biblical truths from her years of gardening.
Variety is the spice of life and 3-Mice Productions published her first mystery in the spring of 2013, entitled Family Matters. Set in her native Western New York, the adventures of Gracie Andersen and her Labrador Retriever, Haley will be a series sure to entertain mystery lovers.
Stop by SimplyLife, the author's blog to discover what's happening in the high desert. You never know if it will be some Wild West history, current events, inspirational thoughts, or fond memories.
Variety is the spice of life and 3-Mice Productions published her first mystery in the spring of 2013, entitled Family Matters. Set in her native Western New York, the adventures of Gracie Andersen and her Labrador Retriever, Haley will be a series sure to entertain mystery lovers.
Stop by SimplyLife, the author's blog to discover what's happening in the high desert. You never know if it will be some Wild West history, current events, inspirational thoughts, or fond memories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 12, 2015
A great cozy that had me guessing until the very end
I've been reading mysteries of all types for decades and it is unusual for me to be surprised at the conclusion. This author misled me until the very end . This story was exciting and well written. I will be reading the next in the series!
I've been reading mysteries of all types for decades and it is unusual for me to be surprised at the conclusion. This author misled me until the very end . This story was exciting and well written. I will be reading the next in the series!
March 13, 2019
This book was an unexpected surprise. What I thought was a cozy mystery for a day curled up on the couch reading turned into a very good mystery. The ending was very unexpected and the twists and turns kept you thinking. Not heavy ready just a good who done it.
December 27, 2020
Couldn't Put it Down.
This book turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
I started it without having read the blurb and then discovered it was about a dog kennel. But I liked the cover and thought, I'd give it a try. So happy I did.
Gracie Andersen has lost a lot in the last couple of years. The death of her husband and baby has taken it's toll on her. Now with the death of her aunt everything has been brought back. Plus she has to put up with her obnoxious cousin Isabelle.
When her uncle gives her a bag full of books things take a turn and Gracie is obsessed into finding out who killed her cousin Charlotte 30 years ago.
Plus Gracie is starting up a new business with a friend from high school and while things are going great all of a sudden the business is in jeopardy.
With the police not taking her seriously, and her family wanting her to drop her obsession with the past, Gracie knows the killer is close and dangerous.
The story was one I couldn't stop reading. The description of places put me right in upper New York and the characters are ones that I want to get to know better.
This book turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
I started it without having read the blurb and then discovered it was about a dog kennel. But I liked the cover and thought, I'd give it a try. So happy I did.
Gracie Andersen has lost a lot in the last couple of years. The death of her husband and baby has taken it's toll on her. Now with the death of her aunt everything has been brought back. Plus she has to put up with her obnoxious cousin Isabelle.
When her uncle gives her a bag full of books things take a turn and Gracie is obsessed into finding out who killed her cousin Charlotte 30 years ago.
Plus Gracie is starting up a new business with a friend from high school and while things are going great all of a sudden the business is in jeopardy.
With the police not taking her seriously, and her family wanting her to drop her obsession with the past, Gracie knows the killer is close and dangerous.
The story was one I couldn't stop reading. The description of places put me right in upper New York and the characters are ones that I want to get to know better.
November 18, 2020
Family Secrets
I am new to this author but I'm not going anywhere. I'm from Upstate New York so imagine my surprise and smiles as I read along about places I've actually been to.
Gracie certainly has her arms full as her uncle snuggles her all the information from her cousins death years ago. As she goes through everything, more and more questions arise as well as information she digs up that no one knew previously.
This whodunit will have your brain working overtime as you are led on many twists and turns. I can honestly say that I didn't see that ending coming!
I am new to this author but I'm not going anywhere. I'm from Upstate New York so imagine my surprise and smiles as I read along about places I've actually been to.
Gracie certainly has her arms full as her uncle snuggles her all the information from her cousins death years ago. As she goes through everything, more and more questions arise as well as information she digs up that no one knew previously.
This whodunit will have your brain working overtime as you are led on many twists and turns. I can honestly say that I didn't see that ending coming!
February 1, 2015
Gracie Andersen has more than her share of problems to deal with. After losing her husband and unborn child, she is struggling to put the past behind her and to move on with her life. But, the past won't let her go. When her uncle gives her the diary that had belonged to her deceased cousin, Gracie finds herself involved in solving two murders.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
October 19, 2014
A great puzzle
I really liked the double mystery--one in the past and one in the present. The characters are believable and small town life is depicted accurately.
I really liked the double mystery--one in the past and one in the present. The characters are believable and small town life is depicted accurately.
December 31, 2014
Enjoyable
Really liked this book it had family, traditions and a cold case murder mystery. It had many possible suspects and misdirection. Will read next
Really liked this book it had family, traditions and a cold case murder mystery. It had many possible suspects and misdirection. Will read next
October 2, 2018
This book held my interest right to the surprising end that I didn't see coming. Set in my home area of Western New York it was easy to identify with the location. Gracie Andersen is a kennel owner who has suffered the loss, within a few days of each other, of both her husband and unborn son. It is two years later and she's starting to get her life back together, opening a boarding kennel with a friend. When her aunt dies, an expected death from cancer, her uncle gives her a bag of books that he's very anxious his daughter not know about. The books are ordinary books but when Gracie gets them home she discovers all the new stories, death certificate, and diary of her cousin who had been killed by a hit and run driver 20 years previously. Thus begins an exciting mystery as Gracie tries to solve the death of her cousin. You think you've figured out who did it but you'd probably be wrong, I was.
January 18, 2018
Ok
Ok this book was good. I liked the characters and the setting. Nice family story
Liked the dog kennel asdpect
Ok this book was good. I liked the characters and the setting. Nice family story
Liked the dog kennel asdpect
April 23, 2020
This was a Kindle freebie that I got a few years ago. It was a much better mystery than I was expecting! Takes place in a small town in western NY. I will read #2 and see how that goes.
June 30, 2013
Gracie is just a sweet, easy-going gal trying to recover from personal tragedy when life quickly spins out of control. Things in her world go from bad to worse at every turn, and the danger mounts as she gets closer to solving the mystery around her cousin's death. She's easy to root for, with her trusting personality and never-give-up attitude.
I pegged this book totally wrong. The lovable characters and small-town life lulled me into thinking I'd wrapped this mystery up pretty soon into reading, but the fun was just getting started. Not only did the crimes--old and new--intensify, but the deaths and suspects were piling up more quickly than I could make my next guess. I was pretty sure I'd picked out the love plot from the get-go, as well, but found myself surprised again by the time I'd turned the last pages. Just the way I like it!
I'm looking forward to the next volume of Gracie's adventures, already wondering what she and her faithful canine companion Haley will be getting into next.
PARENTAL RATING: PG. If your teens are into mysteries, this one is sure to grab their attention. (SPOILER ALERT) Charlotte's death involves an unwed pregnancy and there are a few scenes of danger, but I felt all of this was appropriately handled and wouldn't affect the placement of this book on my girls' shelves.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I pegged this book totally wrong. The lovable characters and small-town life lulled me into thinking I'd wrapped this mystery up pretty soon into reading, but the fun was just getting started. Not only did the crimes--old and new--intensify, but the deaths and suspects were piling up more quickly than I could make my next guess. I was pretty sure I'd picked out the love plot from the get-go, as well, but found myself surprised again by the time I'd turned the last pages. Just the way I like it!
I'm looking forward to the next volume of Gracie's adventures, already wondering what she and her faithful canine companion Haley will be getting into next.
PARENTAL RATING: PG. If your teens are into mysteries, this one is sure to grab their attention. (SPOILER ALERT) Charlotte's death involves an unwed pregnancy and there are a few scenes of danger, but I felt all of this was appropriately handled and wouldn't affect the placement of this book on my girls' shelves.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2016
Gracie Andersen is working to get her life back together after a personal tragedy. She, and business partner Jim, have opened Milky Way Kennels and business is going well. Then things change.
Her Aunt Shirley dies and at the funeral Uncle Stan gives her a bag of books. His insistence and cryptic remarks add to the mystery when she discovers what is buried in the pages of the books. This all brings up the tragic, accidental death of her cousin from 20 years ago. Or was it an accident?
Milky Way Kennels experiences some bad events and finds business starts to spiral down. These events are unusual for this small town in the hills of Western New York. Is there a tie between the current events and the past?
Gracie, with her black lab Haley by her side, works to solve the multiple mysteries while keeping business at the kennels going.
The style of writing and the characters and speed of action made this a pleasureable read. Clues appear along the way, but not all take you where you think they will. Descriptions of the area, characters and action add to the pleasure and the pace of the story. A Good Read.
Her Aunt Shirley dies and at the funeral Uncle Stan gives her a bag of books. His insistence and cryptic remarks add to the mystery when she discovers what is buried in the pages of the books. This all brings up the tragic, accidental death of her cousin from 20 years ago. Or was it an accident?
Milky Way Kennels experiences some bad events and finds business starts to spiral down. These events are unusual for this small town in the hills of Western New York. Is there a tie between the current events and the past?
Gracie, with her black lab Haley by her side, works to solve the multiple mysteries while keeping business at the kennels going.
The style of writing and the characters and speed of action made this a pleasureable read. Clues appear along the way, but not all take you where you think they will. Descriptions of the area, characters and action add to the pleasure and the pace of the story. A Good Read.
July 23, 2013
I enjoyed reading Laurinda Wallace's Family Matters. I was impressed from the start by her style of writing. The novelty of the dog kennels as the setting for this mystery made an interesting setting for her character, Gracie and is a bonus for dog-lovers. Laurinda's descriptions made it easy to picture her characters and it was not until close to the end that I was able to guess the real villain of the piece. I read it in three days as I grabbed every opportunity to read the next chapter!
October 16, 2013
An enjoyable read. Gracie is as imperfect as the rest of us and trying to muddle through a lot of mess in her life, not to mention the nay-saying of people close to her who mean well but are misguided in their advice. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 26, 2021
Excellent Read
Really enjoyed this book and I even got the bad guy wrong. I’d you like a good mystery and family drama this is a great read.
Really enjoyed this book and I even got the bad guy wrong. I’d you like a good mystery and family drama this is a great read.
December 15, 2017
After her aunt’s funeral, Gracie Andersen’s alcoholic uncle gives her an odd gift—a collection of old books that includes the diary of her cousin who had been killed in a hit and run accident 20 years earlier. It is clear to her that he wants her to find the truth of the ‘accident,’ but before she can get more details from him, he’s killed in a suspicious ‘accident.’ To add to her troubles, her dog kennel is suffering one tragedy after another, and someone wants her to stop prying into the past; chief among them, her annoying cousin, Isabel.
Family Matters by Laurinda Wallace is an interesting cozy mystery that follows Gracie as she begins to uncover family secrets that Isabel wants to keep hidden. She and Isabel have never gotten along, but she’s shocked to learn that, not only is Isabel somehow involved in the 20-year-old death, but the death of her uncle as well. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her life becomes, until the case reaches a conclusion that will come as a complete surprise.
A well plotted mystery, but the author could have done a better job of pacing, rather than the rather monotonous rhythm throughout. Not a bad first book, that I give three and a half stars. The author shows promise.
Family Matters by Laurinda Wallace is an interesting cozy mystery that follows Gracie as she begins to uncover family secrets that Isabel wants to keep hidden. She and Isabel have never gotten along, but she’s shocked to learn that, not only is Isabel somehow involved in the 20-year-old death, but the death of her uncle as well. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her life becomes, until the case reaches a conclusion that will come as a complete surprise.
A well plotted mystery, but the author could have done a better job of pacing, rather than the rather monotonous rhythm throughout. Not a bad first book, that I give three and a half stars. The author shows promise.
April 7, 2019
Blood is thicker then water?
A really great read. Down to earth but with a plot that is well thought and delivered. The family intricacies will be familiar to many. Although I must admit that i did have my suspicions on who the culprit was. The portrayal of the characters is also very real and as you read they become flesh before your eyes.
Her uncle had given her a box of things he said he wanted her to have. Although it might not have been the time and the place as they had just had her aunt's funeral. However it wasn't until a few days later that she found out why. It contained the diary of her dead cousin. A cousin that died in a hit and run. As she looks into this and tries to keep on top of the normal business of running the kennels she has mixed feelings. He obviously wanted her to look into this. Break-ins, thefts, a hurt employee, the suspicious death of her uncle, the demands from her cousin that she return everything she was given and the attempt on her life lead her to the conclusion that someone fears what she might find. Will she uncover what happened in the past and the present? Will the death of her husband and unborn child be eased by the handsome deputy?
A really great read. Down to earth but with a plot that is well thought and delivered. The family intricacies will be familiar to many. Although I must admit that i did have my suspicions on who the culprit was. The portrayal of the characters is also very real and as you read they become flesh before your eyes.
Her uncle had given her a box of things he said he wanted her to have. Although it might not have been the time and the place as they had just had her aunt's funeral. However it wasn't until a few days later that she found out why. It contained the diary of her dead cousin. A cousin that died in a hit and run. As she looks into this and tries to keep on top of the normal business of running the kennels she has mixed feelings. He obviously wanted her to look into this. Break-ins, thefts, a hurt employee, the suspicious death of her uncle, the demands from her cousin that she return everything she was given and the attempt on her life lead her to the conclusion that someone fears what she might find. Will she uncover what happened in the past and the present? Will the death of her husband and unborn child be eased by the handsome deputy?
August 7, 2021
free ebook
i would read more of this series. her husband died in car accident. she lost the baby trying to get up the bank to the cell phone
she started a kennel and a young worker there was bit by a dog, she and her parent sued till they found the cattle prod she must have used on teh dog and they dropped the lawsuit
her uncle gave her a bunch of papers and diary from her cousin who was killed in a hit and run accident years ago after her aunt died. her cousins sister was very upset and wanted them back
turned out her husband killed her sister when she found out she was preg by him. he also killed the uncle and tried to kill the owner of the kennel
she got to be friends with the deptuty investigating all this going on
i would read more of this series. her husband died in car accident. she lost the baby trying to get up the bank to the cell phone
she started a kennel and a young worker there was bit by a dog, she and her parent sued till they found the cattle prod she must have used on teh dog and they dropped the lawsuit
her uncle gave her a bunch of papers and diary from her cousin who was killed in a hit and run accident years ago after her aunt died. her cousins sister was very upset and wanted them back
turned out her husband killed her sister when she found out she was preg by him. he also killed the uncle and tried to kill the owner of the kennel
she got to be friends with the deptuty investigating all this going on
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2018
This book was interesting enough that I read it in one sitting. Gracie Andersen had a series of family deaths, including her aunt, uncle, cousin, husband, and baby. She is a fragile soul who finds her inner strength when her uncle gives her information about cousin Charlotte's untimely death 20 years earlier. Gracie decides to investigate Charlotte's death which causes a chain of events resulting in more deaths and attempted homicides.
Gracie finds peace and maybe, a new love, and more than anything else, a strength she didn't know she had.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes mysteries.
Gracie finds peace and maybe, a new love, and more than anything else, a strength she didn't know she had.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes mysteries.
May 9, 2018
Good read
This book has a lot to offer: a look into a small town & the people who live there, family dynamics & the importance of status to some, past heartaches & present dangers & an interesting plot. It was slow at times but worth getting to the end of the story. Family does matter but can also lead to some major terror! I enjoyed the slow build up of the beginning relationship between red haired, angry Gracie & Marc, the patient, more than competent officer.
This book has a lot to offer: a look into a small town & the people who live there, family dynamics & the importance of status to some, past heartaches & present dangers & an interesting plot. It was slow at times but worth getting to the end of the story. Family does matter but can also lead to some major terror! I enjoyed the slow build up of the beginning relationship between red haired, angry Gracie & Marc, the patient, more than competent officer.
July 7, 2019
Gracie Anderson receives some papers and her late cousin's diary from her uncle after her aunt dies. As one question is answered, it seems Gracie has two more questions. And there is so much going on right now with her kennel. All the pieces start to become intertwined and finally she has the deputies on board helping her, and saving her life! In the end, did NOT see that coming! I don't want to give anything away, so go read it!
September 19, 2021
Family Matters
Awesome read, characters and storyline! Started reading and couldn’t put it down. She runs a doggie kennel with a former school friend. Before her uncle dies he gives her some books that belonged to her cousin along with some he had gotten in dogs. After she receives these books lots. Then all kind of things start happening. A definite must read to find out all the interesting things that happen. I really think you’ll like it!!
Awesome read, characters and storyline! Started reading and couldn’t put it down. She runs a doggie kennel with a former school friend. Before her uncle dies he gives her some books that belonged to her cousin along with some he had gotten in dogs. After she receives these books lots. Then all kind of things start happening. A definite must read to find out all the interesting things that happen. I really think you’ll like it!!
August 14, 2017
Happy ending
I gave this four stars because the main female character was written as such a hairbrain. I didn't get why she was so silly to go into obviously dangerous situations. But the mystery was well thought out, and not easily solved. And I do prefer a good ending. There were a few scenes that made me uncomfortable due to personal ptsd issues. Overall not a bad book.
I gave this four stars because the main female character was written as such a hairbrain. I didn't get why she was so silly to go into obviously dangerous situations. But the mystery was well thought out, and not easily solved. And I do prefer a good ending. There were a few scenes that made me uncomfortable due to personal ptsd issues. Overall not a bad book.
April 27, 2020
Great new sleuth!!
This was a good read. Gracie, a fairly young widow whose life since her husband's death and the loss of her child, had been full of fears: if onlys. Nearly murdered several times while trying to unravel a long ago murder, Gracie over comes most of these fears. You will never guess the killer! Enjoy!!
This was a good read. Gracie, a fairly young widow whose life since her husband's death and the loss of her child, had been full of fears: if onlys. Nearly murdered several times while trying to unravel a long ago murder, Gracie over comes most of these fears. You will never guess the killer! Enjoy!!
November 16, 2020
Excellent!
Great new cozy mystery series! Gracie is delightful, as are all the dogs! Chasing her Labrador through the corn stalks and meeting an angry skunk is hilarious and a light touch. This is a relaxing, enjoyable search about family situations from 20 years prior. Details and surprising finale are very well written and riveting.
Great new cozy mystery series! Gracie is delightful, as are all the dogs! Chasing her Labrador through the corn stalks and meeting an angry skunk is hilarious and a light touch. This is a relaxing, enjoyable search about family situations from 20 years prior. Details and surprising finale are very well written and riveting.
April 27, 2021
Gone to the Dogs Murder Mystery
The plot of a dog kennel owner and her painfully quirky family escalated into danger. From having to give statements to investigative officers just after being sprayed by a skunk, it took a much more sinister twist. Between her faithful lab and a handsome detective, her life was rescued more than once.
The plot of a dog kennel owner and her painfully quirky family escalated into danger. From having to give statements to investigative officers just after being sprayed by a skunk, it took a much more sinister twist. Between her faithful lab and a handsome detective, her life was rescued more than once.
September 2, 2021
Enjoyed this book that I got for free for my Kindle. Grace and her partner Joe have opened a dog kennel, the new business is keeping her busy. Her cousin, Charlotte died may years ago in a hit and run accident. Grace's uncle Stan gives Grace papers about Charlotte's death and Charlotte's diary. Grace reads the information and begins to question who hit Charlotte.
November 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and the fact that it was a good introduction to this series. In it kennel owner Grace Andersen decides to finally look into the tragic hit and run that took the life of her cousin 20 years earlier. The book had a great mystery and characters. It had me longing for more
March 14, 2018
Don't ever discount family. Secrets can be deadly.
This is a good book
It keeps you guessing. The characters are engaging and likeable. I was drawn in after the first page. You'll never guess who done it
This is a good book
It keeps you guessing. The characters are engaging and likeable. I was drawn in after the first page. You'll never guess who done it
March 24, 2018
Great story Iine
Good story without all the extra hot sex It kept you guessing about who it was going to be. Involved a lot of characters that you got to start to know and able to visualize them.
Good story without all the extra hot sex It kept you guessing about who it was going to be. Involved a lot of characters that you got to start to know and able to visualize them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews