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Gracie Andersen Mystery #2
By the Book
No good deed goes unpunished as Gracie Andersen, owner of Milky Way Kennels learns. Who knew offering hospitality and volunteering at the library would land her in a murder investigation? A valuable Civil War knife, one very frozen body, some "funny" accounting, and a mysterious stalker are adding up to big trouble for the Deer Creek Library. Gracie is determined to track down the murderer during the worst cold snap in 75 years. With a growing suspect list, Gracie and her precocious Labrador, Haley are on the trail of an illusive cold-blooded killer.
244 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2014
175 people are currently reading
108 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 31 reviews
December 28, 2020
Needed a Cast of Characters Score Card
A house fire brings new librarian Terry Castor to Gracie Andersen's as a house guest. It also happens to be the coldest winter in Deer Creek in 75 yrs.
With the cold and the snow the kennel is hopping and Gracie, with her busy schedule finds out that no good deed goes unpunished when she drops Terry off at the library and discovers a dead body in a snow drift. And of course Gracie begins to investigate when things don't add up and she thinks the wrong person is sitting in jail.
This book has a lot going on and a lot of characters to keep track of. Plus with shifting story lines I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. Oh well, on to book 3
A house fire brings new librarian Terry Castor to Gracie Andersen's as a house guest. It also happens to be the coldest winter in Deer Creek in 75 yrs.
With the cold and the snow the kennel is hopping and Gracie, with her busy schedule finds out that no good deed goes unpunished when she drops Terry off at the library and discovers a dead body in a snow drift. And of course Gracie begins to investigate when things don't add up and she thinks the wrong person is sitting in jail.
This book has a lot going on and a lot of characters to keep track of. Plus with shifting story lines I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. Oh well, on to book 3
May 9, 2014
From a blustery winter storm that just won’t quit, in blows a stranger seeking refuge to Gracie’s already busy life. With a soft heart under all that fiery red hair, Gracie opens hearth and home, and then finds herself flung into the grips of a blizzard both outside and in. A missing Civil War knife and a discreet arrangement for the purchase of certain documents from a Revolutionary War double agent enter the mix as a frozen body is discovered in a snow bank beside a sleepy little library. It seems much more is going on there than meets the eye. An unseen stalker has Gracie and the new librarian looking over their shoulders as they investigate the murder. Amidst all this turmoil, Gracie has the normal everyday concerns of life. She keeps track of the dogs at the kennel, deals with crucial business matters and handles family emergencies. Although she’s still working through the loss of her husband, she begins to realize where her heart truly is with a particular law officer. It’s a good thing she has a faithful Labrador at her side.
This is a great story for a Sunday afternoon in the sun or an evening by the fire. I’m enjoying these cozy mysteries by this new author, and will be watching for her next mystery. Her characters and settings are fresh, and come to life as you turn the pages.
This is a great story for a Sunday afternoon in the sun or an evening by the fire. I’m enjoying these cozy mysteries by this new author, and will be watching for her next mystery. Her characters and settings are fresh, and come to life as you turn the pages.
November 16, 2018
Gracie befriends a woman and her dogs, getting a text later the fire was arson. Why would someone set the woman’s house on fire, it was only her and her dogs, and it was a rental. Terry was the new librarian, nobody knew much about her, was there more than just wanting a quieter life style. Missing artifacts from Civil and Revolution War, and now murder. Gracie and Haley track down a cold blooded killer, all for greed. Good characters and good plot to enjoy
November 18, 2020
Fishing For Truth
What do a house fire, Walker, dead body and poisoned dog have in common?...... Gracie Andersen! When Gracie befriends the new librarian as her house is on fire, who knew it was going to lead to a dead body, a Civil War knife and secrets. The red herrings are plenty and you really don't recognize them as you read along.
This new to me author has me hook, line and sinker ~
What do a house fire, Walker, dead body and poisoned dog have in common?...... Gracie Andersen! When Gracie befriends the new librarian as her house is on fire, who knew it was going to lead to a dead body, a Civil War knife and secrets. The red herrings are plenty and you really don't recognize them as you read along.
This new to me author has me hook, line and sinker ~
January 12, 2019
By the Book
This is the second book in the Gracie Anderson mystery series. Gracie is partners with her husband's best friend in owning Milky Way dog kennels. The book continues the excellent development of the characters, great plot, interesting setting and excellent set-up for another book, although the books do not need to be read in order.
This is the second book in the Gracie Anderson mystery series. Gracie is partners with her husband's best friend in owning Milky Way dog kennels. The book continues the excellent development of the characters, great plot, interesting setting and excellent set-up for another book, although the books do not need to be read in order.
March 15, 2019
So happy to find another great mystery and four more after this. Great plot and characters. My only problem with this 2nd book in the series was that they were a number of unnecessary characters added far too late. It was a little confusing but honestly at the end of the day they had literally nothing to do with the final outcome. If not for that I would have given it five stars.
November 17, 2020
Very Good!
Miserable winter weather is a real problem for the kennel , as well as a murder and a terrified new head librarian! Haley, the black lab, again provides comic relief after her encounter with a porcupine! Lots of changes in all the personal lives of all the major characters and another exciting, unexpected.solution to the murder!
Miserable winter weather is a real problem for the kennel , as well as a murder and a terrified new head librarian! Haley, the black lab, again provides comic relief after her encounter with a porcupine! Lots of changes in all the personal lives of all the major characters and another exciting, unexpected.solution to the murder!
October 11, 2018
A librarian motivated by greed leads to two murders, and once again dog kennel owner Gracie gets involved in figuring out who's on first so to speak. Set in Western New York during winter and lake effect snowstorms had me feeling right at home.
May 5, 2020
Quirky characters and fascinating plots!
I love this series. Who would have thought that so much crime could take place in a small place like Deer Lake? This one had to do with Revolutionary memorabilia and was top notch! I am looking forward to book #3!
I love this series. Who would have thought that so much crime could take place in a small place like Deer Lake? This one had to do with Revolutionary memorabilia and was top notch! I am looking forward to book #3!
December 14, 2020
By the Book (A Gracie Anderson Mystery 2)
I didn't enjoy reading this book as much as I have others that the author has written. It was slow in some places and then sluggish in others. I consider it to be an average book to recommend.
I didn't enjoy reading this book as much as I have others that the author has written. It was slow in some places and then sluggish in others. I consider it to be an average book to recommend.
June 1, 2018
Good small town mystery
I like the characters and also the relationships between several couples. I was totally surprised on who was the killer
I like the characters and also the relationships between several couples. I was totally surprised on who was the killer
July 2, 2018
Excellent ! Makes me miss home
I grew up in the same county as this book and it was a great treat to read about home ,!
I grew up in the same county as this book and it was a great treat to read about home ,!
August 23, 2019
Great cozy...forty year old kennel owner to solve the mystery.
April 27, 2020
A Kindle Unlimited selection. Pretty good mystery. Need this type of book during our quarantine. Easy reading.
July 21, 2020
By the book
Like the story. Very disappointed that the police officer relocated. I thought they would be a great couple on to the next book
Like the story. Very disappointed that the police officer relocated. I thought they would be a great couple on to the next book
November 29, 2020
I had high Hope's but this book wasn't as good as the first one. My disappointment might be due to the relationship issues in the book. I'll have to read the next book to find out.
December 11, 2020
Good.
Good story. Characters mostly likable. Plot flowed well and was engaging and well thought out. Lots of twists and surprises. Lousy unsatisfying conclusion
Good story. Characters mostly likable. Plot flowed well and was engaging and well thought out. Lots of twists and surprises. Lousy unsatisfying conclusion
February 14, 2021
Great Book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has lots of twist and turn. I enjoyed the different characters and look forward to her next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has lots of twist and turn. I enjoyed the different characters and look forward to her next book.
April 22, 2021
Fast paced read
I love the dog related theme & setting. The characters are easy to like. Quick fun read definitely will recommend.
I love the dog related theme & setting. The characters are easy to like. Quick fun read definitely will recommend.
February 12, 2022
really enjoying the series, can't wait to read the next...
January 11, 2021
>A Perfectly Acceptable Murder.Mystery <
This is the second in Laurinda Wallace's series featuring Gracie Anderson, widow and recent co-owner of a dog kennel and grooming establishment. I haven't read the first or third books in the series but By the Book does fine as a stand-alone . However, I plan to Read the others and that probably says all that needs saying. After all.if the plot and characters were sufficient to make me want to Read the rest of the series, that's a good recommendation. The characters were likeable enough and the plot twist enough to keep my interest for the short time it takes to read the book .
The character of Deer Creek, the fictional rural small town, in upstate New York
is A Major character in the story. The town reminds you of a hundred such rural towns you've stopped in or lived in. There were almost no surprises in the narrative.
And you don't need surprises to write a good book, but it helps.
So nothing is wrong with the book. It is just not a Great book. I'm going to go make an effort to see if I can find a great book to read. But I am also in time going to Read the other two books in this series.
This is the second in Laurinda Wallace's series featuring Gracie Anderson, widow and recent co-owner of a dog kennel and grooming establishment. I haven't read the first or third books in the series but By the Book does fine as a stand-alone . However, I plan to Read the others and that probably says all that needs saying. After all.if the plot and characters were sufficient to make me want to Read the rest of the series, that's a good recommendation. The characters were likeable enough and the plot twist enough to keep my interest for the short time it takes to read the book .
The character of Deer Creek, the fictional rural small town, in upstate New York
is A Major character in the story. The town reminds you of a hundred such rural towns you've stopped in or lived in. There were almost no surprises in the narrative.
And you don't need surprises to write a good book, but it helps.
So nothing is wrong with the book. It is just not a Great book. I'm going to go make an effort to see if I can find a great book to read. But I am also in time going to Read the other two books in this series.
January 1, 2017
Skullduggery at the small town library....murder, mischief, mayhem. Theft, worry, many questions.
September 29, 2015
Predictable but enjoyable cozy
I downloaded this book for free, which probably influences my rating, but I enjoyed this somewhat predictable mystery. I did wonder how many times I needed to be told that small dairy farmers and their communities are having economical difficulties. (I live in a farming community and, while it isn't all dairy, I can assure you that this is neither new nor confined to the northeast.) I kept wondering how the heroine kept her business afloat, staying away from it as much as she did, and how her deputy boyfriend kept his job, showing so little discretion. In the end I decided that it was a good story, and that I need to read the first book to help me figure those things out. So, while I knew relatively early in the book who the murderer was, I finished it with some questions of my own.
I downloaded this book for free, which probably influences my rating, but I enjoyed this somewhat predictable mystery. I did wonder how many times I needed to be told that small dairy farmers and their communities are having economical difficulties. (I live in a farming community and, while it isn't all dairy, I can assure you that this is neither new nor confined to the northeast.) I kept wondering how the heroine kept her business afloat, staying away from it as much as she did, and how her deputy boyfriend kept his job, showing so little discretion. In the end I decided that it was a good story, and that I need to read the first book to help me figure those things out. So, while I knew relatively early in the book who the murderer was, I finished it with some questions of my own.
March 15, 2015
I'm enjoying Gracie and her friends
If you enjoy a cozy mystery and you like animals and plucky heroines, this series may just be for you . I especially like that, as a veteran mystery reader, this author has fooled me yet again... Twisting and turning a plot that keeps me guessing is a job. I am looking forward to reading the next one .
If you enjoy a cozy mystery and you like animals and plucky heroines, this series may just be for you . I especially like that, as a veteran mystery reader, this author has fooled me yet again... Twisting and turning a plot that keeps me guessing is a job. I am looking forward to reading the next one .
October 11, 2014
Pretty good mystery
I liked the family feelings in the story and how real the small town life is depicted. The mystery itself was not as compelling, but had an interesting resolution.
I liked the family feelings in the story and how real the small town life is depicted. The mystery itself was not as compelling, but had an interesting resolution.
January 1, 2015
Interesting
I really like Gracie she makes me want her as a friend. The murder mystery was very confusing in a way and the ending was a surprise
I really like Gracie she makes me want her as a friend. The murder mystery was very confusing in a way and the ending was a surprise
January 6, 2015
Interesting
An almost mystery. Pretty dull. A couple of good sequences, but pretty slow throughout. I wouldn't give it a high recommendation.
An almost mystery. Pretty dull. A couple of good sequences, but pretty slow throughout. I wouldn't give it a high recommendation.
February 7, 2015
dog gone good book
Fast story line. Good read. It had me until the end. I look forward to reading more books by Wallace.
Fast story line. Good read. It had me until the end. I look forward to reading more books by Wallace.
January 22, 2016
Second in the Gracie Andersen series set in western New York, this is a dysfunctional family cozy with the main character running a dog boarding kennel. It is a nice cozy.
April 2, 2016
Good reading
This was a very good book that had a surprise ending. It was a story that had a surprise ending. I enjoyed the book because it was bat a kennel.
This was a very good book that had a surprise ending. It was a story that had a surprise ending. I enjoyed the book because it was bat a kennel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews