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Zoe Chambers Mysteries #10
Til Death Lib/E
When one of Chief Pete Adams’ first murder convictions is overturned, he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are assigned to reinvestigate the case. As new theories about the murder surface, Pete begins to question not only the original suspect’s guilt, but his own investigative skills from the days when he first took over the Vance Township Police Department.
Did Pete put his personal feelings ahead of his quest for justice and lock up an innocent man? Or is the defendant as devious as Pete first believed?
Meanwhile, Zoe Chambers, Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner, struggles with the turmoil of two mysterious deaths—including someone close to her heart—as she tries to master her new job and plan her upcoming wedding.
But her investigation soon links to Pete’s case, making Zoe the target of a killer determined to keep the truth from getting out. Can Zoe see the danger in time, and get to the church for her wedding…alive?
Did Pete put his personal feelings ahead of his quest for justice and lock up an innocent man? Or is the defendant as devious as Pete first believed?
Meanwhile, Zoe Chambers, Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner, struggles with the turmoil of two mysterious deaths—including someone close to her heart—as she tries to master her new job and plan her upcoming wedding.
But her investigation soon links to Pete’s case, making Zoe the target of a killer determined to keep the truth from getting out. Can Zoe see the danger in time, and get to the church for her wedding…alive?
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First published June 16, 2020
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About the author
Annette Dashofy
28 books505 followersAnnette Dashofy is the USA Today best-selling author of 12 novels in the multi Agatha Award nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. In addition, her standalone, Death by Equine, about a veterinarian at a second-rate thoroughbred racetrack, won the 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. The second in her new Detective Honeywell Mystery series, Keep Your Family Close, was released in December 2023. Her upcoming What Comes Around (Zoe Chambers #13) is scheduled for release in May 2024. Annette and her husband live on ten acres of what was her grandfather’s dairy farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with their very spoiled cat, Kensi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 18, 2024
With two weeks until their wedding, Zoe Chambers and Pete Adams are trying to juggle final prep with some puzzling cases. In Zoe’s case, it’s a friend from high school who died under mysterious circumstances with no clues after the autopsy. Meanwhile, Pete is reopening a case he solved nine years ago. A man was convicted of killing his wife, but the conviction has been overturned. Pete got it right the first time, didn’t he?
If you are new to the series, I don’t recommend you start here. Aside from the spoilers for the previous book (and they can’t be avoided), you also get some conclusions for several ongoing story arcs. However, fans will be hooked from the beginning. Zoe, Pete, and the gang are as fantastic as always, and I appreciated the growth we got. There is a lot going on here, so I never wanted to put the book down, but the mystery is always front and center and comes to a logical conclusion. Since these are police procedural, there’s a little more language and violence than in a cozy, but they are kept to a minimum. A couple of threads are left for the next book, so I can’t wait to see where things go for our characters next. Fans will delight with this book. If that isn’t you yet, fix that today.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
If you are new to the series, I don’t recommend you start here. Aside from the spoilers for the previous book (and they can’t be avoided), you also get some conclusions for several ongoing story arcs. However, fans will be hooked from the beginning. Zoe, Pete, and the gang are as fantastic as always, and I appreciated the growth we got. There is a lot going on here, so I never wanted to put the book down, but the mystery is always front and center and comes to a logical conclusion. Since these are police procedural, there’s a little more language and violence than in a cozy, but they are kept to a minimum. A couple of threads are left for the next book, so I can’t wait to see where things go for our characters next. Fans will delight with this book. If that isn’t you yet, fix that today.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 18, 2020
‘Til Death
Zoe Chambers Mystery, Book # 10
Annette Dashofy
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
When one of Chief Pete Adams’ first murder convictions is overturned, he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are assigned to reinvestigate the case. As new theories about the murder surface, Pete begins to question not only the original suspect’s guilt, but his own investigative skills from the days when he first took over the Vance Township Police Department.
Did Pete put his personal feelings ahead of his quest for justice and lock up an innocent man? Or is the defendant as devious as Pete first believed?
Meanwhile, Zoe Chambers, Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner, struggles with the turmoil of two mysterious deaths—including someone close to her heart—as she tries to master her new job and plan her upcoming wedding.
But her investigation soon links to Pete’s case, making Zoe the target of a killer determined to keep the truth from getting out. Can Zoe see the danger in time, and get to the church for her wedding…alive? (Goodreads)
Review:
Any time I get to spend time with Zoe and Pete I am a happy camper. They are such great characters and their love is such a beautiful thing. Zoe is strong and smart, and she is also loving and caring. She is struggling with the fact that she is no longer a paramedic, and struggling to become the new chief deputy coroner. Pete is having his own struggles with the fact that he may have put an innocent man behind bars. Even though they are both struggling, they have each other and that is a big help.
The supporting characters add a lot to the story. Zoe’s mom is back, and sometimes that is not a good thing. But for the sake of the wedding, Zoe has to try and get along with her. I was so happy that Pete’s dad, Harry, was in this book and there were some heartfelt moments between him and Zoe.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions added a lot to my reading experience. The mystery was well plotted and had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. The mysteries were intertwined and I liked how Zoe and Pete worked together to solve it.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and they have all been excellent, and I would not change a thing.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and Edelweiss, which I greatly appreciate.
Zoe Chambers Mystery, Book # 10
Annette Dashofy
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
When one of Chief Pete Adams’ first murder convictions is overturned, he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are assigned to reinvestigate the case. As new theories about the murder surface, Pete begins to question not only the original suspect’s guilt, but his own investigative skills from the days when he first took over the Vance Township Police Department.
Did Pete put his personal feelings ahead of his quest for justice and lock up an innocent man? Or is the defendant as devious as Pete first believed?
Meanwhile, Zoe Chambers, Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner, struggles with the turmoil of two mysterious deaths—including someone close to her heart—as she tries to master her new job and plan her upcoming wedding.
But her investigation soon links to Pete’s case, making Zoe the target of a killer determined to keep the truth from getting out. Can Zoe see the danger in time, and get to the church for her wedding…alive? (Goodreads)
Review:
Any time I get to spend time with Zoe and Pete I am a happy camper. They are such great characters and their love is such a beautiful thing. Zoe is strong and smart, and she is also loving and caring. She is struggling with the fact that she is no longer a paramedic, and struggling to become the new chief deputy coroner. Pete is having his own struggles with the fact that he may have put an innocent man behind bars. Even though they are both struggling, they have each other and that is a big help.
The supporting characters add a lot to the story. Zoe’s mom is back, and sometimes that is not a good thing. But for the sake of the wedding, Zoe has to try and get along with her. I was so happy that Pete’s dad, Harry, was in this book and there were some heartfelt moments between him and Zoe.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions added a lot to my reading experience. The mystery was well plotted and had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. The mysteries were intertwined and I liked how Zoe and Pete worked together to solve it.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and they have all been excellent, and I would not change a thing.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and Edelweiss, which I greatly appreciate.
August 8, 2020
TIL DEATH
The course of true love never did run smooth, at least not for Pete and Zoe. Wedding planning, moving to the farm, a cold case, mysterious deaths and illnesses, Zoe overwhelmed by coroner duties . . . the Bard called that one accurately.
Annette Riggle Dashofy has written a twisty, surprising, nail-biting adventure, with a most satisfying conclusion, and the sweetest wedding scene ever. There were also lessons about being too hasty to judge others and the importance of forgiveness, seasoned with good plotting, description, and characters one cares about. Sigh, why did it have to end? When’s the next one? I used to tell my Shakespeare students that with a tragedy, they should expect many dead bodies, and with a comedy, there would be happy couples hand in hand with bright futures. This book has both — hats off to a modern bard!
The course of true love never did run smooth, at least not for Pete and Zoe. Wedding planning, moving to the farm, a cold case, mysterious deaths and illnesses, Zoe overwhelmed by coroner duties . . . the Bard called that one accurately.
Annette Riggle Dashofy has written a twisty, surprising, nail-biting adventure, with a most satisfying conclusion, and the sweetest wedding scene ever. There were also lessons about being too hasty to judge others and the importance of forgiveness, seasoned with good plotting, description, and characters one cares about. Sigh, why did it have to end? When’s the next one? I used to tell my Shakespeare students that with a tragedy, they should expect many dead bodies, and with a comedy, there would be happy couples hand in hand with bright futures. This book has both — hats off to a modern bard!
March 26, 2022
Adoro questa serie è dopo aver letto l'ultimo capitolo di questo libro avrei paura che fosse finita, se non sapessi che l'autrice ha trovato una nuova casa editrice e un nuovo libro dovrebbe uscire nei prossimi mesi. E io non vedo l'ora di poter leggere un'altra avventura di Zoe, Pete e compagnia. In questo, poi, non avevo minimamente sospettato di chi è poi risultato colpevole...
October 2, 2020
I continue to enjoy this smart cozy mystery series. Protagonist, Zoe Chambers had her professional world turned upside down in this story. When her boss suffers a heart attack and dies, she is now the Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner. It is hard to investigate death when it is someone near and dear to your heart. Meanwhile Chief Pete Adams, Zoe's fiance and County Detective Wayne Baronick are asked to reopen a case and investigate everything now that the man convicted has been granted a retrial. As the story moves forward there is another death and it looks like Zoe's case and Pete's case are linked.
Zoe and Pete are great characters. Zoe is strong, smart, caring, loyal, persistent and loving. She is dealing with her new life as deputy coroner but is still a paramedic in her heart. Pete is having his own struggles with the fact that he may have put an innocent man behind bars and dealing with his father's dementia and the decline that goes with that. Even though they are both struggling, they have each other and their romantic relationship is beautiful. The secondary characters are also well written and add a lot to the story. The writing flows smoothly and the book is a quick and easy read. The plot is well developed and with a few twists, several suspects and some red herrings, it kept this fan guessing. I enjoyed how the two mysteries were intertwined and I liked how Zoe and Pete worked together to solve them. I definitely recommend not just this book, but the series to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Romy Nordlinger. I have listened to other books she has narrated, including others in this series. She has a pleasant reading voice and performs the various characters well, giving them individual voices. She added emphasis and inflection in all the right places to make this a delightful audiobook experience. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Zoe and Pete are great characters. Zoe is strong, smart, caring, loyal, persistent and loving. She is dealing with her new life as deputy coroner but is still a paramedic in her heart. Pete is having his own struggles with the fact that he may have put an innocent man behind bars and dealing with his father's dementia and the decline that goes with that. Even though they are both struggling, they have each other and their romantic relationship is beautiful. The secondary characters are also well written and add a lot to the story. The writing flows smoothly and the book is a quick and easy read. The plot is well developed and with a few twists, several suspects and some red herrings, it kept this fan guessing. I enjoyed how the two mysteries were intertwined and I liked how Zoe and Pete worked together to solve them. I definitely recommend not just this book, but the series to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Romy Nordlinger. I have listened to other books she has narrated, including others in this series. She has a pleasant reading voice and performs the various characters well, giving them individual voices. She added emphasis and inflection in all the right places to make this a delightful audiobook experience. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
June 17, 2020
Excellent, amazing, awesome, and so good! A typical Zoe Chambers Mystery! I loved every minute of Til Death, even that one hold-your-breath intense moment; I knew it would come out ok, but it still felt real and frightening. Making every moment feel real is one of Annette Dashofy's special talents. Her characters, especially but not only Zoe, think and react like I would or people I know. I hurt for her and laugh with her and get angry for her and cheer for her. That level of character development is rare in any type of book much less a mystery series that is often identified as a cozy series. I think the books are too serious for that classification but cozy readers as are likely to be drawn to the series as much those who prefer traditional mysteries.
An old case comes back to haunt Pete, a wily murderer is on the hunt, tragedy touches Zoe and changes her life again, and their wedding is only a week away.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Henery Press for allowing me to read this ARC. I adore the series and Til Death was great!!!!! Loved it so much and everyone will hear about. I was just as excited as ever to get my purchased copy.
An old case comes back to haunt Pete, a wily murderer is on the hunt, tragedy touches Zoe and changes her life again, and their wedding is only a week away.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Henery Press for allowing me to read this ARC. I adore the series and Til Death was great!!!!! Loved it so much and everyone will hear about. I was just as excited as ever to get my purchased copy.
September 21, 2020
5 stars
This is the tenth book in the Zoe Chambers mystery series.
This had better not be the last book in this series. I will cry. But this totally feels like a finale to me. Death of a major secondary character AND a wedding to boot. I am surprised these two even made it to the wedding considering all the stumbling blocks in this storyline. Wow. How greatly plotted was this?
All the characters read like real people and they just jump off the page. When Zoe gets thrust into the role of coroner and then has to deal with his ex-wife and all her nonsense. Wow. I am just blown away by this. This series definitely justifies a re-read from beginning to end. Love this so much!
Definitely read this one for sure! Start at book one and then send me a thank you note for introducing you to Annette!
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank Edelweiss, Henery Press and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the tenth book in the Zoe Chambers mystery series.
This had better not be the last book in this series. I will cry. But this totally feels like a finale to me. Death of a major secondary character AND a wedding to boot. I am surprised these two even made it to the wedding considering all the stumbling blocks in this storyline. Wow. How greatly plotted was this?
All the characters read like real people and they just jump off the page. When Zoe gets thrust into the role of coroner and then has to deal with his ex-wife and all her nonsense. Wow. I am just blown away by this. This series definitely justifies a re-read from beginning to end. Love this so much!
Definitely read this one for sure! Start at book one and then send me a thank you note for introducing you to Annette!
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank Edelweiss, Henery Press and the author for allowing me to read this title.
April 16, 2020
Well-written and characters you root for long after the book is over, the ending still has me smiling.
As Zoe & Pete's wedding approaches their careers have critical situations arise.
Zoe is the Deputy Coroner and longing for her EMT Paramedic job. Moving the coroner's office and hiring an assistant while dodging Franklin Marshall's rival and a reporter Lauren Sanders, gives Zoe little time to decide who will give her away at her wedding.
Pete's first murder case in Vance County has the conviction of Dustin Landis overturned. Re-investigating it with Wayne Baronick;s help, staff issues and fresh mysterious deaths add stress to Pete's move out of his house into Zoe's farm house. before the wedding day
Fast paced, easy to follow all the twists and turns, made this a pleasure to read and review.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Henery Press. Release date June 16 2020.
As Zoe & Pete's wedding approaches their careers have critical situations arise.
Zoe is the Deputy Coroner and longing for her EMT Paramedic job. Moving the coroner's office and hiring an assistant while dodging Franklin Marshall's rival and a reporter Lauren Sanders, gives Zoe little time to decide who will give her away at her wedding.
Pete's first murder case in Vance County has the conviction of Dustin Landis overturned. Re-investigating it with Wayne Baronick;s help, staff issues and fresh mysterious deaths add stress to Pete's move out of his house into Zoe's farm house. before the wedding day
Fast paced, easy to follow all the twists and turns, made this a pleasure to read and review.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Henery Press. Release date June 16 2020.
July 15, 2020
Another excellent addition to wseries. Zoe is the new chief deputy coroner, a job she's just settling into when her boss is murdered. Her fiance, Pete, is Chief of Police and has just found out he might have helped put an innocent man behind bars. Both Pete and Zoe face these challenges with their wedding only a week away.
It was good to revisit these two, as well as other family and friends that play a part in this series. The mystery is always good, the books highly entertaining. If you haven't read them I recommend you start with the first book so as not to miss out on anything.
It was good to revisit these two, as well as other family and friends that play a part in this series. The mystery is always good, the books highly entertaining. If you haven't read them I recommend you start with the first book so as not to miss out on anything.
December 30, 2020
Boy was I way off on who did it. Dashofy wrote a great novel with some great characters especially Zoe and Pete. It was well written and I really thought the story line was good. I love the Zoe Chambers series.
July 7, 2020
love the series!!!
November 25, 2023
Fun series Great characters.
June 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. Zoe’s adventures get better with every book. We see layers to both Pete and Zoe as individuals that are engaging. The book is a page turner and had me hooked – I stayed up too late finishing it on the same day I started the book.
https://cozyexperience.com/til-death-...
https://cozyexperience.com/til-death-...
December 18, 2020
Zoe Chambers's life is changing: she's planning her wedding to Chief Pete Adams, sheriff of Vance Township, Pennsylvania. She's also left her EMT position to accept one as the deputy coroner, working with Franklin Marshall, who's waiting for a kidney transplant. On top of that, she's helping move everything from Pete's house to her farm, and her mother, Kimberly, is arriving soon for the wedding - something she'd really rather not to have to deal with. Her life is busy and she's feeling overwhelmed...
But then a fatality is brought into the morgue, and she knows the young woman, Gina Wagner. Gina apparently died suddenly with no indications of illness; so the forensic pathologist is doing an autopsy with both Zoe and Franklin looking on. But suddenly Franklin falls ill, and they call paramedics, believing it to be his diabetes causing it. Now, with Franklin out of the picture, Zoe has to take on every responsibility.
Pete is having his own problems: an old case from nine years ago is being reopened: Dustin Landis was accused and convicted of killing his wife Elizabeth even though he insists he's innocent. It seems there is new information that might prove to be true, even if Pete doesn't believe it. So now he and County Detective Wayne Baronick have to re-investigate the information to see if something was missed.
Then something terrible happens to someone dear to Zoe, and she's thrust into trying to determine if Gina's death had anything to do with Pete's case; while he's starting to wonder if his first instincts - that Dustin was innocent - may have been right, or if the man is guilty as everyone thought. When there's another death and it looks like it's connected to the one from nine years ago, Pete and Zoe are racing to find out what that connection is before someone else gets killed....
I have to tell you that I absolutely devour this series. From the first paragraph you are pulled into the story and follow Zoe and Pete as they race against time to find a killer and keep people alive. While Zoe's life is being turned upside down, she can't allow her personal life to affect her professional one, and you can feel the turmoil within her as she struggles with her new duties while trying to leave her paramedic life behind. I root for Zoe all the way, and want her to succeed and be the person she was meant to -- she's not only strong, but smart, logical, and doesn't back down from people who try to threaten her. She's also caring and gentle with those who mean something to her; and this combination makes her someone you want the best for.
The mystery, as always, is a string of threads that starts out easy enough to see, but then they start weaving in and out of each other until they're pulled tight together and the colors blur against each other; leaving Pete and Zoe to slowly unravel them one by one until they see the tapestry underneath that makes up what they've been looking for all along. While we wonder, as Pete does, if Dustin is guilty as sin, when Pete discovered a secret he'd held; or if Dustin was indeed framed for his wife's murder.
When the threads lead to someone unexpected, they think they've found the answer. Or have they? When we do discover the answers, we can finally let out the breath we've been holding throughout the book - and what a journey it was. Exhilarating, like being on a roller coaster that wouldn't stop (and I dislike roller coasters, so that's saying something).
Yet the ending gives us promise of something else, and it feels like we are coming home. Not only satisfying, but endearing and looking eagerly forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and Edelweiss but this in no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
But then a fatality is brought into the morgue, and she knows the young woman, Gina Wagner. Gina apparently died suddenly with no indications of illness; so the forensic pathologist is doing an autopsy with both Zoe and Franklin looking on. But suddenly Franklin falls ill, and they call paramedics, believing it to be his diabetes causing it. Now, with Franklin out of the picture, Zoe has to take on every responsibility.
Pete is having his own problems: an old case from nine years ago is being reopened: Dustin Landis was accused and convicted of killing his wife Elizabeth even though he insists he's innocent. It seems there is new information that might prove to be true, even if Pete doesn't believe it. So now he and County Detective Wayne Baronick have to re-investigate the information to see if something was missed.
Then something terrible happens to someone dear to Zoe, and she's thrust into trying to determine if Gina's death had anything to do with Pete's case; while he's starting to wonder if his first instincts - that Dustin was innocent - may have been right, or if the man is guilty as everyone thought. When there's another death and it looks like it's connected to the one from nine years ago, Pete and Zoe are racing to find out what that connection is before someone else gets killed....
I have to tell you that I absolutely devour this series. From the first paragraph you are pulled into the story and follow Zoe and Pete as they race against time to find a killer and keep people alive. While Zoe's life is being turned upside down, she can't allow her personal life to affect her professional one, and you can feel the turmoil within her as she struggles with her new duties while trying to leave her paramedic life behind. I root for Zoe all the way, and want her to succeed and be the person she was meant to -- she's not only strong, but smart, logical, and doesn't back down from people who try to threaten her. She's also caring and gentle with those who mean something to her; and this combination makes her someone you want the best for.
The mystery, as always, is a string of threads that starts out easy enough to see, but then they start weaving in and out of each other until they're pulled tight together and the colors blur against each other; leaving Pete and Zoe to slowly unravel them one by one until they see the tapestry underneath that makes up what they've been looking for all along. While we wonder, as Pete does, if Dustin is guilty as sin, when Pete discovered a secret he'd held; or if Dustin was indeed framed for his wife's murder.
When the threads lead to someone unexpected, they think they've found the answer. Or have they? When we do discover the answers, we can finally let out the breath we've been holding throughout the book - and what a journey it was. Exhilarating, like being on a roller coaster that wouldn't stop (and I dislike roller coasters, so that's saying something).
Yet the ending gives us promise of something else, and it feels like we are coming home. Not only satisfying, but endearing and looking eagerly forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and Edelweiss but this in no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
August 1, 2020
As always, I preface my reviews of books in this series with the information that Annette Dashofy has been a friend for years. I also need to preface this review with the information that I was a beta reader for this entry in the series. Then she gave me this copy as a thank you for that.
In my review of Under the Radar, the prior book in the series, I said it was the best so far. Til Death tops it.
Pete and Zoe again cope with hitches in their personal and professional lives. A voided conviction has Pete re-investigating a murder case and the sudden death of Zoe’s mentor puts a big load on her shoulders. She also has to contend with an irate widow and the human hurricane that is her mother while he has to handle love troubles between two of his officers.
As always, they stumble down many blind alleys on their way to solving both deaths but learn one surprising thing after another as they do.
What makes these books work, though, along with the interesting plots and great storytelling is that you care about Zoe and Pete. You want to see them succeed, nail the bad guys and capture their happily ever after.
If you haven’t read any of these books, pick up Circle of Influence, the first one. I guarantee you’ll be back for the rest of them.
In my review of Under the Radar, the prior book in the series, I said it was the best so far. Til Death tops it.
Pete and Zoe again cope with hitches in their personal and professional lives. A voided conviction has Pete re-investigating a murder case and the sudden death of Zoe’s mentor puts a big load on her shoulders. She also has to contend with an irate widow and the human hurricane that is her mother while he has to handle love troubles between two of his officers.
As always, they stumble down many blind alleys on their way to solving both deaths but learn one surprising thing after another as they do.
What makes these books work, though, along with the interesting plots and great storytelling is that you care about Zoe and Pete. You want to see them succeed, nail the bad guys and capture their happily ever after.
If you haven’t read any of these books, pick up Circle of Influence, the first one. I guarantee you’ll be back for the rest of them.
October 11, 2021
One of the joys of reading an author's series from beginning to the end is seeing the growth. Characters grow, settings become more vivid, plots more puzzling, and the author matures with each new volume. Dashofy published the first Zoe Chambers series in 2014. She introduced the leads, Zoe Chambers, the EMT and Deputy Coroner, and Pete Adams, the Chief of Police for Vance Township Pennsylvania. I was drawn to the author due to her precise and chilling characterizations of people who are 'less than'. People who a reader might think "good' when something bad happens to them.
As Dashofy continued her series, character development expanded. Like life, the reader learned more about the primary cast, bringing further depth to the novel. In addition, Dashofy introduced themes that spoke to issues of primary importance, such as fracking, homelessness, and drug abuse, that spoke to real problems of the early 21st century.
Setting each novel in a different season of the year, brought Vance Township vividly alive. I feel if I were to be driving through rural Pennsylvania today, I might think.. oh yes, Zoe and Pete are just around the corner.
Book 10 brings us back to Pete Adams early days as Chief of Police in Vance Township. Was he unduly influenced it his first investigation of a non convicted murderer? Now Wayne and Pete are investigating the reopened case. Zoe? no longer an EMT she is fully engaged in her role as a Deputy Coroner. What will happen if her mentor, Franklin, ill health creates more problems? And the wedding.. only a week away, with moving, with deaths, with family pressures.. oh my. Once again, this reader was left with the choice stay up all night or read the last chapter first. Either way a reader wins.
In her acknowledgement, Dashofy dedicated this book to her readers. What a lovely gift it is. May we all hope for further work from this talented writer.
As Dashofy continued her series, character development expanded. Like life, the reader learned more about the primary cast, bringing further depth to the novel. In addition, Dashofy introduced themes that spoke to issues of primary importance, such as fracking, homelessness, and drug abuse, that spoke to real problems of the early 21st century.
Setting each novel in a different season of the year, brought Vance Township vividly alive. I feel if I were to be driving through rural Pennsylvania today, I might think.. oh yes, Zoe and Pete are just around the corner.
Book 10 brings us back to Pete Adams early days as Chief of Police in Vance Township. Was he unduly influenced it his first investigation of a non convicted murderer? Now Wayne and Pete are investigating the reopened case. Zoe? no longer an EMT she is fully engaged in her role as a Deputy Coroner. What will happen if her mentor, Franklin, ill health creates more problems? And the wedding.. only a week away, with moving, with deaths, with family pressures.. oh my. Once again, this reader was left with the choice stay up all night or read the last chapter first. Either way a reader wins.
In her acknowledgement, Dashofy dedicated this book to her readers. What a lovely gift it is. May we all hope for further work from this talented writer.
February 24, 2021
If all mysteries were as good as Til Death, readers would be glued to their easy chairs and no work would get done. Annette Dashofy continues her series with main character Zoe Chambers being promoted to Chief Deputy Coroner and giving up her job as an EMT. This is a huge change with lots of responsibilities, a big learning curve, and people and events that challenge her.
The story opens with County Coroner Franklin Marshall collapsing in the autopsy suite—and not out of a squeamish response to the procedure. The action takes off from there and doesn’t stop until the last period. There are several deaths, a cold case, attacks on law enforcement, and berserk ex-wives. Among all the cases could there be more than one criminal? There are three modes of murder, so maybe? Or do they all somehow tie together?
Philandering Dustin Landis is released from prison when a judge overturns his conviction. The D.A. is going to try him again. Dustin has always insisted on his innocence. Now pieces are coming to light that indicate a serial killer was operating in the area at the time. When Franklin’s most recent ex-wife explodes on the scene, chaos follows her. She tears Franklin’s office apart, apparently in search of a document, and summarily kicks out Zoe and the Coroner’s Office with her.
Zoe’s attention is divided as she and Police Chief Pete Adams are getting married in two weeks, an event that brings seemingly inevitable family drama to the forefront. A staff romance in the Vance Township Police force causes a crisis of a different sort. Meanwhile Zoe and Pete have to work together and independently to fit all of the puzzle pieces together with the goal of solving all those mysteries simultaneously.
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with County Coroner Franklin Marshall collapsing in the autopsy suite—and not out of a squeamish response to the procedure. The action takes off from there and doesn’t stop until the last period. There are several deaths, a cold case, attacks on law enforcement, and berserk ex-wives. Among all the cases could there be more than one criminal? There are three modes of murder, so maybe? Or do they all somehow tie together?
Philandering Dustin Landis is released from prison when a judge overturns his conviction. The D.A. is going to try him again. Dustin has always insisted on his innocence. Now pieces are coming to light that indicate a serial killer was operating in the area at the time. When Franklin’s most recent ex-wife explodes on the scene, chaos follows her. She tears Franklin’s office apart, apparently in search of a document, and summarily kicks out Zoe and the Coroner’s Office with her.
Zoe’s attention is divided as she and Police Chief Pete Adams are getting married in two weeks, an event that brings seemingly inevitable family drama to the forefront. A staff romance in the Vance Township Police force causes a crisis of a different sort. Meanwhile Zoe and Pete have to work together and independently to fit all of the puzzle pieces together with the goal of solving all those mysteries simultaneously.
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2020
Til Death is the tenth book in Annette Dashofy’s Zoe Chambers Mysteries series. The storyline is well plotted, the characters are well developed, and the mystery is complex. This series is more intense than most cozy mysteries and contains some adult language. This is a fast-paced book and hard to put down, with lots of twists and red herrings.
Zoe Chambers has given up her job as a paramedic for Monongahela County, Pennsylvania, and has accepted a full-time position as Chief Deputy Coroner. The farmhouse that Zoe’s mother, Kimberly Chambers Jackson, gifted her is finally habitable, and Zoe and her fiancé, Vance Township’s Police Chief, Pete Adams, are preparing to move in and will be wed in a few weeks. After Zoe’s friend and mentor, County Coroner Franklin Marshall, collapses during the autopsy of Gina Wagner, a young woman with no indications of illness, he’s rushed to the hospital, where he appears to have been stabilized and doing well, but he suddenly dies the following day. Meanwhile, a murder case Pete investigated nine years ago has been overturned, and District Attorney Frattini has ordered Pete and County Detective Wayne Baronick to investigate the case as if it just occurred to prepare for the re-trial and re-convict Dustin Landis of murdering his wife, Elizabeth. Zoe insists that her office autopsy Franklin, and when the lab work is returned, she not only discovers that he was murdered, but that there is a link to Gina’s death. As Zoe looks into the mysterious deaths of Franklin and Gina, she begins to suspect there’s a link to the Dustin Landis case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Zoe Chambers has given up her job as a paramedic for Monongahela County, Pennsylvania, and has accepted a full-time position as Chief Deputy Coroner. The farmhouse that Zoe’s mother, Kimberly Chambers Jackson, gifted her is finally habitable, and Zoe and her fiancé, Vance Township’s Police Chief, Pete Adams, are preparing to move in and will be wed in a few weeks. After Zoe’s friend and mentor, County Coroner Franklin Marshall, collapses during the autopsy of Gina Wagner, a young woman with no indications of illness, he’s rushed to the hospital, where he appears to have been stabilized and doing well, but he suddenly dies the following day. Meanwhile, a murder case Pete investigated nine years ago has been overturned, and District Attorney Frattini has ordered Pete and County Detective Wayne Baronick to investigate the case as if it just occurred to prepare for the re-trial and re-convict Dustin Landis of murdering his wife, Elizabeth. Zoe insists that her office autopsy Franklin, and when the lab work is returned, she not only discovers that he was murdered, but that there is a link to Gina’s death. As Zoe looks into the mysterious deaths of Franklin and Gina, she begins to suspect there’s a link to the Dustin Landis case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 7, 2020
Zoe Chambers has a lot on her plate this winter. She is now the new chief deputy coroner for Monongahela County and is currently dealing with the mysterious death of Gina Wagner. Then Zoe's world turns upside down when her mentor, Franklin Marshall, suddenly dies in hospital. Franklin had been seriously ill with kidney failure and a sudden heart attack does seem suspicious, at first. Then Franklin's ex-wife Loretta arrives in town and makes nasty demands on Zoe and her staff. And to top it all, Zoe is getting married to Chief Pete Adams on Valentine's Day.
Meanwhile, Pete is stunned to learn his first murder conviction is being overturned and that he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are assigned by the DA to reinvestigate the case. Pete was convinced that Dustin Landis had killed his wife Elizabeth 9 years ago. But when the FBI reveals that a serial killer known as the Deserted Lot Killer was responsible for a number of unsolved murders of women shot dead in their cars, Pete starts to doubt he caught the right man for Elizabeth's murder.
Zoe's insistence that an autopsy is conducted on Franklin reveals that her beloved mentor was murdered. And soon other signs links his death, as well as Gina's, with the Dustin Landis case.
This was another excellent and thrilling read, with a fitting conclusion to the Zoe Chambers mystery series.
I received an eARC from Henery Press and Edelweiss with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
Meanwhile, Pete is stunned to learn his first murder conviction is being overturned and that he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are assigned by the DA to reinvestigate the case. Pete was convinced that Dustin Landis had killed his wife Elizabeth 9 years ago. But when the FBI reveals that a serial killer known as the Deserted Lot Killer was responsible for a number of unsolved murders of women shot dead in their cars, Pete starts to doubt he caught the right man for Elizabeth's murder.
Zoe's insistence that an autopsy is conducted on Franklin reveals that her beloved mentor was murdered. And soon other signs links his death, as well as Gina's, with the Dustin Landis case.
This was another excellent and thrilling read, with a fitting conclusion to the Zoe Chambers mystery series.
I received an eARC from Henery Press and Edelweiss with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
June 17, 2020
DYNAMIC!
I discovered Annette Dashofy’s Zoe Chamber’s Mystery Series somewhere in the middle. I quickly discovered what I had been missing and quickly made sure I made up for lost time! Dashofy has a formula that works - quirky characters that quickly work their way into your heart, an interesting little town for a setting, Zoe Chambers as an EMT growing into the role of the Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner and her soon to be husband Chief Pete Adams of the Vance Township Police Department and always a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! TIL DEATH is exceptional as it plunges both Zoe and Pete into digging deep into their pasts and putting all their own personal feelings aside to solve the cases that have come before them. The unusual factor is that can the two new cases be tied to an old murder case that has just been overturned? Leave it to Dashofy to give you a read that keeps you hanging on every word ... only this time they must hurry to solve things as Zoe and Pete have a date ... a Wedding Date!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Henery Press & Edelweiss. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
I discovered Annette Dashofy’s Zoe Chamber’s Mystery Series somewhere in the middle. I quickly discovered what I had been missing and quickly made sure I made up for lost time! Dashofy has a formula that works - quirky characters that quickly work their way into your heart, an interesting little town for a setting, Zoe Chambers as an EMT growing into the role of the Monongahela County’s new chief deputy coroner and her soon to be husband Chief Pete Adams of the Vance Township Police Department and always a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! TIL DEATH is exceptional as it plunges both Zoe and Pete into digging deep into their pasts and putting all their own personal feelings aside to solve the cases that have come before them. The unusual factor is that can the two new cases be tied to an old murder case that has just been overturned? Leave it to Dashofy to give you a read that keeps you hanging on every word ... only this time they must hurry to solve things as Zoe and Pete have a date ... a Wedding Date!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Henery Press & Edelweiss. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
July 19, 2020
I just finished reading Til Death the most current Zoe Chambers mystery and although every one of the books in this series is excellent, I believe this one is the best yet! Other reviewers have written about the plot, so I won't bore you with a rehash, but I will say the writing is tight, descriptive in a complete, but spare way, and the characters come alive on the page. I have felt from the first book that Zoe and Pete and other characters in this series are people I know and care about long after each book is read.
I stumbled upon the first book by reading a review of it somewhere and once I read it, I ordered the rest as they came out. Then the world mystery convention came to St. Petersburg, FL and I went last year, mainly to say, "Hello" to some fellow writers and to support them by buying their books. I had not realized Annette Dashofy would be attending. When I found out, I went to her discussion panel and later her signing and I was equally impressed with her as a delightful person and author.
I can only hope that there will be many, many more Zoe Chambers books coming!!!!! I highly recommend her books!!!!!
I stumbled upon the first book by reading a review of it somewhere and once I read it, I ordered the rest as they came out. Then the world mystery convention came to St. Petersburg, FL and I went last year, mainly to say, "Hello" to some fellow writers and to support them by buying their books. I had not realized Annette Dashofy would be attending. When I found out, I went to her discussion panel and later her signing and I was equally impressed with her as a delightful person and author.
I can only hope that there will be many, many more Zoe Chambers books coming!!!!! I highly recommend her books!!!!!
July 8, 2020
Dashofy Does it Again*
*Spoiler alert - This review reveals a major plot point.
In the tenth installment of the Zoe Chambers Mystery Series, author Annette Dashofy brings her characters full circle. Zoe and Pete are getting married, but before the big day arrives they have to combine households, deal with some family drama, and work together to find out if Pete helped send an innocent man to prison. Elizabeth Landis' murder was one of Chief Pete Adams' first cases in Vance Township, and the man convicted of the crime is getting a new trial. The case seemed airtight, but could he have made a mistake? When the county coroner and witnesses from the trial who testified for the defense begin dying under mysterious circumstances, Zoe is thrust into the role of acting county coroner. It's now up to her to find answers for the victims. Is Zoe ready for the challenge or should she return to her EMS family and the job she knows so well? Adding to these stresses is her mother Kimberly who is pushing Zoe to have the wedding she's always dreamed of for her daughter and Zoe's recently found half brother who has issues with Pete. Can Zoe fix her family, find a killer, and get to the church on time? If you've come to care for these characters as I have, you'll appreciate the journey Zoe and Pete have taken to get to the aisle. Dashofy makes her characters question themselves and the decisions they have made personally and professionally, but they never question their love for each other or their desire to spend the rest of their lives together. Til Death is not the end of the series, it's the start of new adventures for Zoe and Pete.
*Spoiler alert - This review reveals a major plot point.
In the tenth installment of the Zoe Chambers Mystery Series, author Annette Dashofy brings her characters full circle. Zoe and Pete are getting married, but before the big day arrives they have to combine households, deal with some family drama, and work together to find out if Pete helped send an innocent man to prison. Elizabeth Landis' murder was one of Chief Pete Adams' first cases in Vance Township, and the man convicted of the crime is getting a new trial. The case seemed airtight, but could he have made a mistake? When the county coroner and witnesses from the trial who testified for the defense begin dying under mysterious circumstances, Zoe is thrust into the role of acting county coroner. It's now up to her to find answers for the victims. Is Zoe ready for the challenge or should she return to her EMS family and the job she knows so well? Adding to these stresses is her mother Kimberly who is pushing Zoe to have the wedding she's always dreamed of for her daughter and Zoe's recently found half brother who has issues with Pete. Can Zoe fix her family, find a killer, and get to the church on time? If you've come to care for these characters as I have, you'll appreciate the journey Zoe and Pete have taken to get to the aisle. Dashofy makes her characters question themselves and the decisions they have made personally and professionally, but they never question their love for each other or their desire to spend the rest of their lives together. Til Death is not the end of the series, it's the start of new adventures for Zoe and Pete.
June 16, 2020
Zoe and Pete are engaged and their wedding is only weeks away. But as chief deputy coroner and police chief, respectively, they'll have to work fast on their newest cases in order to make it to the wedding.
One of Pete's first murder convictions has been overturned and he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are tasked with reinvestigating in order to put the defendant back on trial. Zoe is dealing with two mysterious deaths while trying to acclimate to her new job, but soon it looks like her investigation may link to Pete's putting them all in danger.
A well-written mystery with some heartwarming (and heartbreaking) scenes. Recommended for fans of traditional mysteries. Till Death is part of a series, but although I'd recommend reading in order I believe this book would be enjoyable as a standalone.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
One of Pete's first murder convictions has been overturned and he and County Detective Wayne Baronick are tasked with reinvestigating in order to put the defendant back on trial. Zoe is dealing with two mysterious deaths while trying to acclimate to her new job, but soon it looks like her investigation may link to Pete's putting them all in danger.
A well-written mystery with some heartwarming (and heartbreaking) scenes. Recommended for fans of traditional mysteries. Till Death is part of a series, but although I'd recommend reading in order I believe this book would be enjoyable as a standalone.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
July 2, 2020
Four stars for the latest entry in Annette Dashofy's Zoe Chambers series! This book really kept my interest. Between Zoe's job as deputy coroner, planning for her wedding and witnesses to a murder dropping like flies she had her hands full. Fiance Pete was busy as well with several murder investigations. I actually began to wonder if they would find the time to make it to their wedding. There were plenty of surprises and suspense. I didn't figure out who the murderer was until just before it was revealed. There were a few plot holes but I was able to overlook them. Mostly. A couple of times I really didn't see how something happened the way it was written but whatever. As always, I'm already looking forward to the next book.
March 14, 2021
There is a lot going on with Zoe and Pete in this latest book, both personally and professionally. Zoe is getting used to her new job, but there are a lot of challenges. One of Pete's first cases as Police Chief has just been overturned and he has to re-investigate the crime, and question if the wrong man was convicted of the crime. Zoe and Pete's wedding is fast approaching and Zoe's mom is involved and will be in town soon. All of these story lines kept the book moving at a fast pace and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was surprised by the ending and can't wait to see what will happen next with Zoe and Pete.
September 21, 2020
Fantastic! I had a hard time putting this book down because it was so good! A mysterious death, an unexpected death, and the re-opening of a 9-year-old homicide case all are keeping Zoe and Pete busy in the weeks leading to their wedding. Add in moving from Pete's house to Zoe's farmhouse, two officers whose romance has gone bad, Zoe's mom, and Franklin's ex-wife and it makes for chaos. I found this story to be intriguing, a bit sad, and a happy ending. The identity of the person behind everything was surprising. I hope to see more of Zoe and Pete and see what's next for them!
June 19, 2020
A great Series
I really enjoyed this series. The characters are believable and they have many quirks. I realized when I read this book that it was the end of the series. There is a lot going on in all the books of the series There are family dynamics , friendships lost and found, and mysteries to be solved. If you are looking for a new series try this one. You won't be sorry.
I really enjoyed this series. The characters are believable and they have many quirks. I realized when I read this book that it was the end of the series. There is a lot going on in all the books of the series There are family dynamics , friendships lost and found, and mysteries to be solved. If you are looking for a new series try this one. You won't be sorry.
June 20, 2020
Annette Dashofy is one of my favorite writers. Her books never disappoint. This books is no exception. I cried...I laughed...I cheered! That is the criterion for a good book--or movie--for me. I've seen her characters Pete and Zoe from first meeting through their wedding in this book. Annette has let them grow, make mistakes, and learn to trust their instincts. If you haven't started this series yet, please do. It is definitely binge-worthy.
June 27, 2020
Yet another page turner!
I absolutely love this series of Annette Dashofy books. The characters become like old friends and even when you're not reading you wonder what they're up to. Each book is better than the last and I think #10 is by far the best in the series. Keep 'em coming, Annette!!
I absolutely love this series of Annette Dashofy books. The characters become like old friends and even when you're not reading you wonder what they're up to. Each book is better than the last and I think #10 is by far the best in the series. Keep 'em coming, Annette!!
June 30, 2020
A great book with real characters. I have enjoyed the books in this series. And all her fans waited for the long hoped for marriage of Zoe Chambers to chief of police Pete Adams.
A old murder case and the arrival of Coroner Franklins ex wife/maybe wife create drama that may ruin the chance that the nuptials take place.
A old murder case and the arrival of Coroner Franklins ex wife/maybe wife create drama that may ruin the chance that the nuptials take place.
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