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Lt. Dekker Mystery #6
Murder at the Art & Craft Fair
In the sixth book in the series, only one thing can convince Lt. Dekker and Sgt. Murdock they need to attend the local art and craft fair. A woman. Actually two women. In the sixth book in the series, Murder at the Art & Craft Fair, the two homicide detectives realize that they would have been attending the event eventually, because before the weekend is over, one person is murdered. It is up to the two detectives to look at all the possible suspects, disgruntled customers and jealous vendors, to see who had both motive and opportunity to end the victim’s life, and then to make sure they have not overlooked anything or anyone.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
128 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 26, 2018
This was my first Dekker Cozy Mystery and I really enjoyed it. The mystery itself kept me guessing with just enough humorous dialogue and suspense.
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
August 7, 2014
Really? There are five other books by this author? Tedious descriptions, lists of irrelevant information, such as the list of murder mystery books and the authors the character has read, and new ones he is considering. Really? Like I care? It is as if the author wishes to show off his knowledge of the genre by a grocery list of things. I finally gave up on the book unable to will myself to continue any further. Don't waste your time.
July 4, 2014
Lighthearted conversational style in 1st person POV is a good background for the humorous musings and dialog between friends. The romance element has sweetness and humor, and a sense of loyalty that's nice to read. I do wish I didn't have to read more than 20% of the book to find out when the 'murder mystery' is going to start.
April 4, 2015
Murder at the art and craft fair, by Steve Demaree, is told with great voice and pitch perfect dialog. It’s a fun ramble combined with cool mystery, as a close-to-retirement cop, of a certain age and weight, embarks on dating, dieting, and solving heinous crime. The nonsense chatter between him and his colleague doesn’t make for fast reading, but it’s certainly fun and intriguing. Soon though, these two cops are down at their wits end with no resolution in sight. Luckily they’ve got their trusty girlfriends to help, and some nighttime premonitions – not that dreams really offer much in the way of aid. And not that unplanned bakery stops aid in cutting crime or calories.
It’s a fun tale, relaxed, and filled with one-liners, two-liners and more; a great way to read your way through some donuts and coffee too.
Disclosure: It was free and I couldn’t resist.
It’s a fun tale, relaxed, and filled with one-liners, two-liners and more; a great way to read your way through some donuts and coffee too.
Disclosure: It was free and I couldn’t resist.
January 10, 2022
Another good book with unique humor, devotion to God, and being positive regardless of the situation. Good plot but it took a while for the mystery to begin. Cute way of working the authors last name into the book as a minor character. Very interesting for me because I live near Murray and Benton, Ky, both of which are mentioned in the book. Would've been cute if he'd mentioned Paducah, the nations quilt capital. It was good to see Ky painted in a good light. Typically it is portrayed with mountain people and dueling bangos. It's good to see an author say such nice things about it. After all, we are the home of The Kentucky Derby, and rolling pastures for beautiful horses.
May 9, 2015
I really enjoy this author's books. He immediately draws the reader into his characters. I have read six of the books in the author's Dekker Cozy, one of the books in the Off the Beaten Path series and one of the books in the Aylesford Place series and can highly recommend them all, proving that a good story with great characters and humor does not need obscenity, graphic violence or sex. Please keep writing these wonderful books!!
August 9, 2016
This one was a little odd. It had a very slow, almost tedious start, with a very heavy focus on the main character's use of a Wii to lose weight. It then got much better, but then after all of the investigation and clues, it was wrapped up in about two pages with someone who wasn't even on the radar as a suspect! It came across as very weak.
March 4, 2015
These books are always good
The books are always good. The killer is never who you suspect. More info could be given about the killer so you could figure out who did it before the end of the books, but the characters are fun so it is ok.
The books are always good. The killer is never who you suspect. More info could be given about the killer so you could figure out who did it before the end of the books, but the characters are fun so it is ok.
September 24, 2015
Hysterical!
Laughed out loud many times! The author kept me guessing, but I felt that it ended a little too quickly. However, it was well written, and at times, it made me very hungry.
Laughed out loud many times! The author kept me guessing, but I felt that it ended a little too quickly. However, it was well written, and at times, it made me very hungry.
October 29, 2018
A other great read by Mr. Demaree
I have read several books on this series and book 6 did not disappoint. Looking forward to the next. Wonderful
I have read several books on this series and book 6 did not disappoint. Looking forward to the next. Wonderful
August 17, 2020
Only about half of this novel has anything to do with the murder of a vendor at the local art and craft fair. In fact, the murder doesn't happen until almost a third of the way through the book. The author fills the rest with descriptions of meals, exercising, books, arts and crafts, and dating. Most of it is corny. The dialog is improving but could use some sharpening and a good editor to get rid of the repetitions. Some of the relationship descriptions are silly (lip massages!). My one real quibble is him writing himself into the book as an author at the fair.
If you are looking for lighthearted fluff to kill a few hours - fluff that is completely clean - you might give this a try. If you are looking for a heart pounding murder mystery, keep going.
If you are looking for lighthearted fluff to kill a few hours - fluff that is completely clean - you might give this a try. If you are looking for a heart pounding murder mystery, keep going.
September 9, 2021
Kindle Customer
RECOMMENDED MYSTERY
Surprisingly, it's not until reaching chapter fourteen until a body is discovered and the murder mystery begins... I found it interesting that Steve Demaree included himself and his wife as vendors at the Art & Craft Fair, which is probably one of the ways that he markets his books and it's likely where he got the inspiration for this one? Also, isn't it likely that many of the characters from the Fair are drawn from the actual vendors who also participated in selling their wares? No doubt, many of them also purchased this murder mystery...
Overall, like others in this Dekker Mystery series, this one is a funny and engaging storyline which keeps you guessing.
RECOMMENDED MYSTERY
Surprisingly, it's not until reaching chapter fourteen until a body is discovered and the murder mystery begins... I found it interesting that Steve Demaree included himself and his wife as vendors at the Art & Craft Fair, which is probably one of the ways that he markets his books and it's likely where he got the inspiration for this one? Also, isn't it likely that many of the characters from the Fair are drawn from the actual vendors who also participated in selling their wares? No doubt, many of them also purchased this murder mystery...
Overall, like others in this Dekker Mystery series, this one is a funny and engaging storyline which keeps you guessing.
March 27, 2019
They did it again.
I love Steve Demaree's Dekker series. They are clean with no vulgar language or descriptive sex scenes. I love that Cy and Lou read their Bibles and pray before starting their day. I love that they go to church on Sunday and discuss their pastor's sermons. I am a Christian and am so fed up with authors who cannot write a book without using the f word and my God's name in vulgar fashion. Thank you so much Mr. Demaree for such enjoyable reading.
I love Steve Demaree's Dekker series. They are clean with no vulgar language or descriptive sex scenes. I love that Cy and Lou read their Bibles and pray before starting their day. I love that they go to church on Sunday and discuss their pastor's sermons. I am a Christian and am so fed up with authors who cannot write a book without using the f word and my God's name in vulgar fashion. Thank you so much Mr. Demaree for such enjoyable reading.
April 12, 2020
Good mystery
I like reading series. When i finish one book it's nice to continue to read about the same characters.
I'm glad to see the main character, Cy Dekker, is improving himself by eating better and exercising more. I'm also glad he's found a significant other.
I appreciate that Steve Demaree doesn't feel the need to include bad language or crude situations.
Thank you for a well-written, interesting book that includes characters who include God in their lives.
I like reading series. When i finish one book it's nice to continue to read about the same characters.
I'm glad to see the main character, Cy Dekker, is improving himself by eating better and exercising more. I'm also glad he's found a significant other.
I appreciate that Steve Demaree doesn't feel the need to include bad language or crude situations.
Thank you for a well-written, interesting book that includes characters who include God in their lives.
January 12, 2019
Stupid
Only a man could spend so much time trying to write all those endless,senseless details. I kick myself for actually spending time reading this. I did however love many of the authors he quoted. The stabbing at being funny was corny. Hope you gave a day job. No I would be embarrassed if any of my friends even knew I took time to read this.
Only a man could spend so much time trying to write all those endless,senseless details. I kick myself for actually spending time reading this. I did however love many of the authors he quoted. The stabbing at being funny was corny. Hope you gave a day job. No I would be embarrassed if any of my friends even knew I took time to read this.
February 25, 2023
I love that the author throws Cy’s personal hobbies and activities (like exergaming) into the story. He even lists his all-time favorite books and movies. All of these personal tidbits make for a very humorous and entertaining story. In this book #6, Detectives Cy and Lou, accompanied by their dates, attend an Arts & Craft Fair.
June 25, 2023
Murder, shopping and a little romance
What could possibly happen at an Art & Craft Fair? Well, you will soon see when you read this fun mystery.
Two ‘mostly retired’ homicide detectives follow the path to the guilty party as they dine, travel, hang with their girlfriends, get stranded and shop for treasures.
Enjoy!
What could possibly happen at an Art & Craft Fair? Well, you will soon see when you read this fun mystery.
Two ‘mostly retired’ homicide detectives follow the path to the guilty party as they dine, travel, hang with their girlfriends, get stranded and shop for treasures.
Enjoy!
February 26, 2018
Fun read!
Cya and Lou are at it again. Their girlfriends persuade them to go to an art and craft show and they end up with a murder to solve. This is a clean fun mystery and is laugh out loud funny at times.. I plan to read more of this series.
Cya and Lou are at it again. Their girlfriends persuade them to go to an art and craft show and they end up with a murder to solve. This is a clean fun mystery and is laugh out loud funny at times.. I plan to read more of this series.
June 5, 2018
Great Story
Another wonderful story that keeps you thinking until the very end. I like that you do not have to read the whole series in order. Each story can stand alone. Though I will read them all before I am done.
Another wonderful story that keeps you thinking until the very end. I like that you do not have to read the whole series in order. Each story can stand alone. Though I will read them all before I am done.
August 21, 2020
I was hesitant about starting another book in this series. I regret I did anyway. The first 30% was introduction, repeating things from previous books and repeating jokes. Too bad, I really enjoyed the first books of the series.
May 28, 2024
excellent, clean book
I want clean books to read. I enjoy mystery novels. Someone recommended this series and I’m enjoying them. Can be read out of order if desired. Enjoy the southern hospitality.
I want clean books to read. I enjoy mystery novels. Someone recommended this series and I’m enjoying them. Can be read out of order if desired. Enjoy the southern hospitality.
January 2, 2018
Not my favorite in the series but still a good mystery with a lot of humor.
June 12, 2020
Laughter and murder
October 24, 2020
Art & Craft
I enjoy Demaree's tongue in cheek characters Cu and Lou, but in moderation. The stories are always clean and well developed.
I enjoy Demaree's tongue in cheek characters Cu and Lou, but in moderation. The stories are always clean and well developed.
April 27, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up.
December 31, 2021
Love this series, Cy and Lou are funny but always solve the murder.
April 13, 2024
A good puzzle
There is always some humor between My and Lou, and a touch of Christian belief as well. No foul language and always a twist at the end.
There is always some humor between My and Lou, and a touch of Christian belief as well. No foul language and always a twist at the end.
April 5, 2015
Murder at the Art and Craft F air is by Steve Demaree. It is a humorous detective story. The myster that is to be solved is very realistic as are the characters. However, the detectives are almost portrayed as bumbling idiots. The funny parts of the book are surrounding these two and their actions as well as their conversations are humorous.
Tom Kincaid was a vendor at the Art and Craft Fair. He had come to several in the immediate area lately. He made wooden 3-D puzzles. He was a quiet man who helped others when he could but generally stayed to himself. His wife preferred to stay home and not accompany him to the fairs. This year seemed to be ordinary. A couple of boys ran into his display knocking several to the ground. Tom caught one of them and advised him to be more careful. The boy’s father came up later and wanted to get into a fight with Tom but was pulled back by others. Late Saturday night, a customer came back and tried to talk Tom into refunding his money for a puzzle he had purchased. Tom refused to take the puzzle back. A late customer kept him at the fair after all the other vendors had left. It wasn’t until the next afternoon that he was discovered dead in his tent.
Lt. Cy Dekker and Sgt. Lou Murdock were the only homicide detectives on the force. They worked only when there was a homicide in the area. The rest of the time they were on their own. They had attended the Art and Craft Fair on Saturday because their girlfriends, Jennifer and Thelma Lou wanted to go. They had gone through the vendors purchasing some books and each one purchased one of Kincaid’s puzzles. After an evening with the girls, the girls dragged them back on Sunday. Cy wanted to see more of Kincaid’s puzzles; but he was not open. After going through the vendors again, he still wasn’t there and the people who were around him were worried as it was not like him at all. Cy was persuaded to look in the tent and found Tom Kincaid’s body. He then informed Lou and the girls that they were now on duty. They began investigating his murder.
Their investigation was to lead them to several nearby towns and out in the country. Along the way they ran into some interesting people and problems that led to humorous situations. All the time they were in their private vehicles- a yellow VW Bug and a 57 Chevy. Even the vehicles are involved in humorous situations. The book was good and I did enjoy it very much.
Tom Kincaid was a vendor at the Art and Craft Fair. He had come to several in the immediate area lately. He made wooden 3-D puzzles. He was a quiet man who helped others when he could but generally stayed to himself. His wife preferred to stay home and not accompany him to the fairs. This year seemed to be ordinary. A couple of boys ran into his display knocking several to the ground. Tom caught one of them and advised him to be more careful. The boy’s father came up later and wanted to get into a fight with Tom but was pulled back by others. Late Saturday night, a customer came back and tried to talk Tom into refunding his money for a puzzle he had purchased. Tom refused to take the puzzle back. A late customer kept him at the fair after all the other vendors had left. It wasn’t until the next afternoon that he was discovered dead in his tent.
Lt. Cy Dekker and Sgt. Lou Murdock were the only homicide detectives on the force. They worked only when there was a homicide in the area. The rest of the time they were on their own. They had attended the Art and Craft Fair on Saturday because their girlfriends, Jennifer and Thelma Lou wanted to go. They had gone through the vendors purchasing some books and each one purchased one of Kincaid’s puzzles. After an evening with the girls, the girls dragged them back on Sunday. Cy wanted to see more of Kincaid’s puzzles; but he was not open. After going through the vendors again, he still wasn’t there and the people who were around him were worried as it was not like him at all. Cy was persuaded to look in the tent and found Tom Kincaid’s body. He then informed Lou and the girls that they were now on duty. They began investigating his murder.
Their investigation was to lead them to several nearby towns and out in the country. Along the way they ran into some interesting people and problems that led to humorous situations. All the time they were in their private vehicles- a yellow VW Bug and a 57 Chevy. Even the vehicles are involved in humorous situations. The book was good and I did enjoy it very much.
July 28, 2014
I liked this book in spite of itself, don't really know why except that the characters were likeable. The two main ones, detectives, along with nearly everyone else in the book, continuously spouted bon mots, jibes, and puns, past the point of being sickening. There were detailed descriptions of every meal and both main characters ate all the time, even while in the midst of major weight losses and with constant references to their Wii workouts. I rather enjoyed reading about the food though. The murder solution was wrapped up in a quick denouement without any clues for the reader. Why did I like it?? Well, it was a freebie. In addition, the writer has potential, and I really enjoyed the fact that both main protagonists read mysteries and there was a list of their favorite books, which of course were the author's favorites. I marked them down to read, since all were by well-known and respected writers. Also, the characters (and author) were Christians, who regularly attended church, did daily Bible studies and prayer, and had romantic but chaste relationships with their girlfriends. They were good role models, something very rare in murder mysteries, especially for homicide detectives.
July 16, 2014
A good mystery
A good mystery
I enjoy most mysteries. this is not the first in this series that I have read. but I was disappointed in the continuity of the story. first the murder weapon was an Empire State Building, then the Statue of Liberty, then back to the ESB and once again the SoL. make up your Steve. which is it? I like that Cy has a girlfriend in this story, but what happened to the widow he was spending time with in the first three books? I realize that was probably explained in the fourth or fifth book, but I haven't read those. I also like that Officer Davis was given a first name. ( I don't remember it being mentioned in the previous stories I have read, once again I have not read the fourth and fifth stories). also that Cy seems to have a little more respect for the young officer. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes whodunit's. but read the books in order.
A good mystery
I enjoy most mysteries. this is not the first in this series that I have read. but I was disappointed in the continuity of the story. first the murder weapon was an Empire State Building, then the Statue of Liberty, then back to the ESB and once again the SoL. make up your Steve. which is it? I like that Cy has a girlfriend in this story, but what happened to the widow he was spending time with in the first three books? I realize that was probably explained in the fourth or fifth book, but I haven't read those. I also like that Officer Davis was given a first name. ( I don't remember it being mentioned in the previous stories I have read, once again I have not read the fourth and fifth stories). also that Cy seems to have a little more respect for the young officer. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes whodunit's. but read the books in order.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews