The Type-A Guide to Solving Murder

A Sunset Ridge Mystery #1

by Elizabeth Spann Craig

Sam turns murder into her most challenging project yet.Samantha Prescott has a knack for getting things done. Whether it’s organizing a bake sale, hosting a book club, or volunteering at the local animal shelter, she always has a plan and a smile. But when she and her husband move to the sleepy neighborhood of Maple Hills, she wonders if she's in over her head.Maple Hills is a chaotic mess of barking dogs, a draconian homeowners association, and an enigmatic neighbor who's more rumor than reality. Undeterred by disorder, Sam plunges headfirst into her new community, armed with checklists and a determined smile.The chaos reaches a crescendo with the sudden demise of the HOA president at a seemingly idyllic neighborhood picnic. Armed with her keen organizational skills, Sam is determined to unravel the mystery behind the murder.Will Sam solve the murder? Or will her meddling lead her down a perilous path, jeopardizing not only her reputation, but her life?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Author also writes under Elizabeth Craig

Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...

Reviews

[Stacey L. Clifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very different from author's previous style

I gave this book 3 stars since I'm not sure if I like this story line. I've always like all the other books by this author but had a difficult time warming up to the main character Sam. The story didn't flow like her usual mysteries and it seemed the ending was just put there to close the book. I think I'll pass on this series unless the next book is free.

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character of this book is a hard one for me to like because she is the type of person I don't get along with well in real life. Her obsessive need for order got on my last nerve. I like a little clutter. I had a poster taped to my desk when I was teaching that showed a desk piled with papers that were loosely stacked and teetering and the quote, attributed to Albert Einstein, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Her desire to be head of the HOA also makes her questionable to me. WHO in their right mind would want that job except for a control freak? I think an HOA is an abomination and should be declared unconstitutional. I'm so glad I live in an area free of that type of control. However, I liked some of her neighbors, even Nora (though I suspect if the series continues Nora may eventually end up being a murder victim). The relationship between her and her husband seemed awkward and totally lacking any sort of sense of compatibility or chemistry. She did win me over a little when she rescued the dog, and I love that dog.

The book was well written, and the mystery kept me guessing. I'll definitely give the series another try.

[Gwendolyn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel in a new series by one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, Elizabeth Spann Craig. I really enjoyed this book, as much her other mysteries. I think there 3 or 4 others, and so far, all of them are really great!

Until this book, my favorite was Spann's Myrtle Clover series, but, after reading this one, I believe that Samantha and her sweet rescue Arlo are going to give Myrtle and her sidekick Miles some serious competition for the title, "best cozy mystery sleuths."

Like her other mystery solvers, Craig's Samantha has several quirks, and I really love that she's given Sam such a penchant for list-making! The twist at the end, and the way that the killer is revealed was unexpected (looking back it should have been obvious, but hindsight is always 20/20!) and deftly handled!

Great start to a new series, and a "most satisfactory," read!

[Jamie Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into this one and it took me awhile to finish because I kept getting bored. The main character, Samantha, was likable enough but the big reveal was a letdown. I figured out the killer beforehand but I didn’t know why. The motive was a bit of a stretch and when everything was revealed, I thought Samantha should have seen the warning signs. The clues that finally helped her figure it out weren’t as obvious as other signs she missed along the way. Apparently this is the first book of a series and I haven’t ruled out reading the second. I liked Samantha and I’m curious to see where life takes her next. Maybe the next mystery will be more interesting.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Fabulous read!

Wow! Just WOW! I never saw this end coming. Total surprise ending. Loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. Sam is a great leading character. Write more like this one!! Loved the neighborhood residents. Can hardly wait to see how Nora, Olivia, and Alfred and Mandy neighbors grow into key characters in future books. Love the couple’s involvement! So endearing and lifelike for southern neighborhoods.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fine start to a new series! When the HOA president suddenly drops dead at a neighborhood picnic, Sam investigates. This fun cozy murder mystery has a nice twisty plot, nicely developed characters, and fine storytelling. Recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not with this novel. The main character Sam is annoying as all get up. She is not "type-a personality" she is nosy, controlling, rude, know-it-all, and OCD. The husband is a lazy louse, their marriage/relationship seems SO forced and weird. This cozy mystery was not cozy, was annoying and I was so bored from the beginning. Even though this is for a book club, I cannot waste any more time reading this utter trash. Book club will be fun!

[Karen Babri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as I really the author’s series featuring Myrtle Clover. Those books are filled with fun and humor. Type-A was flat. The characters weren’t engaging. The mystery was easy to solve. I’ll stick with Myrtle.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good start to a cozy series. I enjoyed the story but had it figured out most of the way. Still needed Sam’s expertise at the finish. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Sandra J. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Page Turner

Excellent reading. I also loved the Myrtle Clover series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Jemi Fraser]

A fun start to a new series with a new amateur sleuth!
Great cast of characters and a mystery that has lots of twists and red herrings!

[Kathy Wivell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacking story

To my mind this was the most improbable tale I've read for a long time. The characters were poorly described and all unlikeable and the ending came from nowhere.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written with a bit of excitement! I love a new series and this one didn't disappoint. I can't wait to see what happens next time!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the list making, take charge heroine in this cozy mystery.

[P.R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like main character at all.

[Shannon Oehlerking · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was for a book club but I could not get past how annoying the main character was… and it definitely wasn’t a thriller . I am not a big fan of cozy murder mysteries apparently

[Katie Harder-schauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I need to not read cozy mystery books. I’m not sure I’ve read one I really enjoyed. I’ll have a more in depth review posted here after it goes live on my blog.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Typically a huge fan of this author. The premise had promise but the problem is the main character is extremely annoying.

[Cassie Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Samantha and her husband move into a large new home in a good neighborhood, she doesn’t expect for things to be all that exciting. But then the president of the HOA ends up dead at a neighborhood luncheon, and Sam can’t help but be concerned. Following her Type-A personality quirks, she begins to make a list of suspects. But when another body turns up, Sam realizes all is not as it seems in this neighborhood. Chan she figure out who’s killing the neighbors, or is she next in line?

This is a wonderful introduction to a new series by Elizabeth Spann Craig. Samantha is a delightful change from Myrtle Clover and her antics, so different yet unique. Her Type-A traits lend credence to her surprising sleuthing abilities, and the mystery has a twist that will shock you. The other characters are all interesting, and it’s fun to wonder who will become recurring characters. Overall, a good start to a new series that I hope will become as beloved (to me) as Myrtle Clover. Though it is hard to top the gnomes, if you enjoyed Craig’s other cozies, give this one a shot. Or if you’re looking for a new series with a new sleuth, this book is a great one to try out.