Murder at the Art & Craft Fair

Lt. Dekker Mystery #6

by Steve Demaree

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.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2013

Reviews

[Emilie Smith]

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.

[N.N. Heaven]

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

[Monica Willyard Moen]

This book is written in a friendly, chatty style, almost like a letter from a relative who lives far away. It’s definitely unlike other books I have read, and I plan to enjoy more titles from the series.

[LLona Cunningham]

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.

[Sheila]

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.

[Vickie]

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.

[RO G'ma]

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!!

[Sharon Kennedy]

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.

[Penny Harper]

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.

[Melinda Taylor]

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.

[wanda chamberlin]

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

[Sue]

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.

[Rick Farlee]

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.

[Juquita Self]

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.

[Jean]

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.

[Elizabeth T. Sandifer]

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.

[Karol L. Peterson]

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.

[Denise]

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!

[Dewey Carroll Brackett]

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.

[Lee Simpson]

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.

[Josje Nap]

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.

[Carol Mellin]

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.

[Nancy]

If you want to know a middle aged man's diet plan and which books he buys, this is the book for you. The murder doesn't happen till after chapter 18. I listened to the audiobook. I fell asleep. The best part of the book was the narrator.

[Anna Marie]

Witty

This author is quite witty. I was glad that the emphasis on food was a little less than the previous books. The murder didn't take place until at least a third of the book was finished. I would definitely recommend that the books be read in order.

[Terri]

Not my favorite in the series but still a good mystery with a lot of humor.

[Michele bookloverforever]

Laughter and murder

[Dan A. Foster]

Art & Craft

I enjoy Demaree's tongue in cheek characters Cu and Lou, but in moderation. The stories are always clean and well developed.

[Theresa]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

[Mary]

Love this series, Cy and Lou are funny but always solve the murder.

[Carlene]

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.