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Northwoods Mystery #2
Dead, White, and Blue
It's the 4th of July in the Wisconsin Northwoods, and no one is more excited than Emmy Cooper. She's happy to be back in her hometown, settling once again into small-town living and helping her family run Cooper’s Cove, their lake cottage resort. Emmy and her teen crush, police officer Dean Erickson, are enjoying getting reacquainted, while she and bestie Whitney are closer than ever.
Lake Covington and its quaint namesake town are bustling with visitors celebrating during the annual three-day Independence Day Freedom Fest. Everything is Yankee Doodle Dandy until a local man with a reputation for trouble starts fireworks of his own. And the explosions just keep on coming when Emmy stumbles over a dead body at the celebrations!
The dead man is Jordan James, and as Emmy soon finds out, there are no shortage of people who might want him dead. From a jealous jerk to a conniving cousin and even a former friend from his past, suspects are more plentiful than ants at a July picnic! Despite promises to stay out of the investigation, Emmy finds herself smack in the middle of it. Can she and Whitney figure out the truth and find liberty and justice for all?
Lake Covington and its quaint namesake town are bustling with visitors celebrating during the annual three-day Independence Day Freedom Fest. Everything is Yankee Doodle Dandy until a local man with a reputation for trouble starts fireworks of his own. And the explosions just keep on coming when Emmy stumbles over a dead body at the celebrations!
The dead man is Jordan James, and as Emmy soon finds out, there are no shortage of people who might want him dead. From a jealous jerk to a conniving cousin and even a former friend from his past, suspects are more plentiful than ants at a July picnic! Despite promises to stay out of the investigation, Emmy finds herself smack in the middle of it. Can she and Whitney figure out the truth and find liberty and justice for all?
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
49 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Annie McEwen
5 books100 followersAnnie McEwen is the author of the Northwoods Mysteries Series, set amongst the tall pines and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin where she spent vacations as a kid. Because of a sweet love story between her youngest sister and a local Wisconsin boy (storyline idea!), she’s still been able to keep on visiting the beautiful place that means so much to her.
Annie and her husband are empty nesters—their son is married to his high-school sweetheart, and their daughter is married with two adorable toddler boys. Being grandparents is definitely the best gig ever! They also have four fur babies.
When Annie isn’t writing or playing with her grandsons, she works as a radiological technologist, aka, she takes pictures of bones...you can’t hide much from her! Writing, though, is her first love.
Annie and her husband are empty nesters—their son is married to his high-school sweetheart, and their daughter is married with two adorable toddler boys. Being grandparents is definitely the best gig ever! They also have four fur babies.
When Annie isn’t writing or playing with her grandsons, she works as a radiological technologist, aka, she takes pictures of bones...you can’t hide much from her! Writing, though, is her first love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 28, 2024
The Fourth of July is a great time to return to the Northwoods of Wisconsin and visit with Emmy and friends. Emmy's family owns a resort camp on a lake and have many families return year after year. This year is no exception and when a murder occurs on the 4th that appears to have ties to a group of young people staying at the camp, Emmy and her friends put their heads together to solve the mystery. But there are other suspects to mix the pot. This series is so fun with a great setting and a lovely group of characters, and a little romance rounds it out. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
July 2, 2024
What I liked:
🇺🇸WI lake resort setting during 4th of July festival
🇺🇸Emmy! She is such a great character. I love that she’s returned home to work at the family business, has a great group of friends and is reconnecting with her childhood crush
🇺🇸Spooner the golden retriever and Chappy the yorkie
Final thoughts: I loved this book! Great setting and descriptions that make the resort come alive. Her friends, Whitney and Marcus, are great additions and I enjoyed how they all sleuth together to solve the crime. Then there’s Officer Dean. Swoon! I love the addition of his character and the hint of romance sub plot. The mystery was also good. I liked that the victim was likable and small suspect pool, still kept me guessing. Basically I want to vacation here and be Emmy’s friend!
🇺🇸WI lake resort setting during 4th of July festival
🇺🇸Emmy! She is such a great character. I love that she’s returned home to work at the family business, has a great group of friends and is reconnecting with her childhood crush
🇺🇸Spooner the golden retriever and Chappy the yorkie
Final thoughts: I loved this book! Great setting and descriptions that make the resort come alive. Her friends, Whitney and Marcus, are great additions and I enjoyed how they all sleuth together to solve the crime. Then there’s Officer Dean. Swoon! I love the addition of his character and the hint of romance sub plot. The mystery was also good. I liked that the victim was likable and small suspect pool, still kept me guessing. Basically I want to vacation here and be Emmy’s friend!
June 13, 2024
Emmy is back home in Wisconsin and ready to enjoy the July 4th celebrations , and renewing her relationship with her old high scrush, Dean, now a police officer. But when the fireworks start, what she discovers is a dead man! And definitely not someone she wanted to get to know, as he had way more enemies than friends. So when she and Whitney get to investigating, there are quite a few potential suspects! A fun book and the second in this delightful new series! I received an add copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2024
This was a fun entry in this series. Emmy Cooper is settling back into helping out at her family's Wisconsin's Northwoods Resort, Cooper's Cove, and reconnecting with some of the guest that had been the children of guests when she was a child. She also thought she had reconnected with Dean, who was a visitor to the lake and one of her good "summer" friends. Now a policeman with the Covington PD, he was there for her in the last book, but this time, not so much. As she tries to figure out what is happening with them, she stumbles over another dead body. Now Emmy and her BFF's Whitney and Marcus, along with new group member Sam, need to find out who killed Jordan, before it's too late.
I liked continuing getting to know Emmy and her crew. The writing is terrific for making you feel like you are in the Northwoods, and there was just enough misdirection to make the killer a surprise for me! I know the next book won't be out until the winter, but honestly, I can't wait!
I liked continuing getting to know Emmy and her crew. The writing is terrific for making you feel like you are in the Northwoods, and there was just enough misdirection to make the killer a surprise for me! I know the next book won't be out until the winter, but honestly, I can't wait!
June 22, 2024
I love everything about this series! This book is a great continuation from book #1. Easy to read. Small town. Wonderful protagonist who leaves big city job to return to hometown. Wonderful mystery. And a little romance!
June 11, 2025
Another wonderful book in this series. Emmy and Whitney are absolutely not going to investigate the latest murder... right? That's what they told the police chief... right? Um, hardly. Remarkably, they stumble upon witnesses and key players and have to ask questions. This book is well plotted with just enough red herrings to make you know (or doubt) whodunnit. Solid story and engaging characters. I love "visiting" Cooper's Cove in Wisconsin.
February 4, 2025
Oh, what fun to return to Lake Covinton and Cooper Cove. After her adventures, Emmy decided to settle back in her hometown. She realizes she is happiest here and can help her folks following her Dad's surgery, can do some freelance design and decorating, and spend time with friends and family. While celebrating the 4th of July with her friends, she ends the evening by tripping over the body of her friends friend, a man she had met for the first time earlier that afternoon. When the police determined he was murdered, Emmy, Whitney, and Marcus get pulled in when they overhear conversations and realize guests at the Cove have ties to the victim that go back 15 years. Can they find answers while staying out of trouble? Can Emmy figure out what's going on with Dean? Will the crew escape with their lives and answers? Come along for a summer vacation at the Cove. You never know what's going to happen next.
July 3, 2025
I listened to Dead, White, and Blue (Northwoods Mystery 2), written by Annie McEwen and narrated by Patricia Burgos. I loved it and am looking forward to listening to the next one in the series in the winter! It has everything I love in a cozy - community, family (including fur family), friends, and of course a well-crafted mystery.
Read my full review at https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
Read my full review at https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
July 25, 2024
I am so glad to be back at Cooper’s Cove. I love that it feels like spending time with family when reading this series. The friendship motto around peas and carrots was very intriguing. I have never heard that before. Whitney’s new kitten, Gordon, is just adorable. This one had me more on the edge of my seat than the last book. A part of that had to do with Dean and the “Barbie". I wanted more answers surrounding Dean than the murder.
May 10, 2025
THIS IS JUST NOT THE SERIES FOR ME AND THAT'S OK.
PREMISE: Lake Covington and its quaint namesake town are bustling with visitors celebrating during the annual three-day Independence Day Freedom Fest. Everything is Yankee Doodle Dandy until a local man with a reputation for trouble starts fireworks of his own. And the explosions just keep on coming when Emmy stumbles over a dead body at the celebrations!
The dead man is Jordan James, and as Emmy soon finds out, there are no shortage of people who might want him dead. From a jealous jerk to a conniving cousin and even a former friend from his past, suspects are more plentiful than ants at a July picnic! Despite promises to stay out of the investigation, Emmy finds herself smack in the middle of it. Can she and Whitney figure out the truth and find liberty and justice for all?
THOUGHTS: I thought book 1 in the series was ok and gave it 4 stars as it was a debut cozy mystery novel for this author. But book 2 seemed to just highlight all the things I didn't like about book 1 and pull back on all the things I did like.
I sadly don't like Emmie as our Protagonist, I found the book to be incredibly slow moving. There was way too much going on at once and most importantly, the series does not focus on the Resort anywhere near enough. The book started off ok and the ending was really good (that is the ending post 'the reveal') but a good beginning and ending doesn't make an amazing book. The filler in the middle was just too much and it's just not the series for me so I will not be continuing on.
I highly recommend this for readers who: Love many threads in their stories, MC's that seem to be quite childish, next to no mention of the resort or the dogs.
Sadly, just not for me.
2 Stars.
xoxo.
PREMISE: Lake Covington and its quaint namesake town are bustling with visitors celebrating during the annual three-day Independence Day Freedom Fest. Everything is Yankee Doodle Dandy until a local man with a reputation for trouble starts fireworks of his own. And the explosions just keep on coming when Emmy stumbles over a dead body at the celebrations!
The dead man is Jordan James, and as Emmy soon finds out, there are no shortage of people who might want him dead. From a jealous jerk to a conniving cousin and even a former friend from his past, suspects are more plentiful than ants at a July picnic! Despite promises to stay out of the investigation, Emmy finds herself smack in the middle of it. Can she and Whitney figure out the truth and find liberty and justice for all?
THOUGHTS: I thought book 1 in the series was ok and gave it 4 stars as it was a debut cozy mystery novel for this author. But book 2 seemed to just highlight all the things I didn't like about book 1 and pull back on all the things I did like.
I sadly don't like Emmie as our Protagonist, I found the book to be incredibly slow moving. There was way too much going on at once and most importantly, the series does not focus on the Resort anywhere near enough. The book started off ok and the ending was really good (that is the ending post 'the reveal') but a good beginning and ending doesn't make an amazing book. The filler in the middle was just too much and it's just not the series for me so I will not be continuing on.
I highly recommend this for readers who: Love many threads in their stories, MC's that seem to be quite childish, next to no mention of the resort or the dogs.
Sadly, just not for me.
2 Stars.
xoxo.
July 5, 2024
I am absolutely in love with this series. I actuality read it in the north woods of Wisconsin on the 4th of July. A very timely read. It’s fun to read cozy mysteries that take place in a familiar setting. This series is original & well written. I look forward to seeing what happens next. I hope there will be many more books to enjoy in this series.
July 3, 2024
Dead, White, and Blue is another Northwoods Mystery. I love this series, the small town vibe, Emmy, her family, her teen crush Dean, the dogs, her best friend Whitney, the resort and more. There are always plenty of suspects. I never guess the murderer. A touch of romance is an added bonus. I am eager to read the next book in this well plotted series!
July 14, 2024
I think both books currently out in this series are 2 star books but since they have so few ratings right now - I don’t want to tank their average ratings so I’m giving them 3 stars.
The good: the setting is cozy, the parents are supportive, Whitney (the best friend) is fun and quirky
The bad:
This book was slow and boring. There were too many characters and the fact that the cabins and the MC’s car also have names to keep track of is just way too much. SO MANY NAMES.
The dialogue is not written well at all. The mixture between actual dialogue with quotations mixed with summaries of the convos in the same paragraphs is confusing and comes across as lazy writing. Either have the conversation on the page or summarize the complete conversation after it happens. Mixing the two together in the same paragraph is jarring.
In this book, some tweens were overheard discussing which Jonas brother was the cutest in the year 2024! What?! Really?! Tweens? The Jonas brothers? Seriously?
And finally since I didn’t gripe about this in the first book of the series, I have to do it here. I HATE the constant talk of Marcus’s mullet. Seriously. What grown ups call their friend “mullet man” or “our mullet buddy” or “mullet headed buddy” or “Marcus with a mullet” every time they see him or think about him??? Can we move on from the mullet? These people are 27 years old - surely this guy’s defining quality is not his mullet? The mullet was mentioned at least a dozen times in this book and possibly more in the previous book. It was TOO MUCH.
The good: the setting is cozy, the parents are supportive, Whitney (the best friend) is fun and quirky
The bad:
This book was slow and boring. There were too many characters and the fact that the cabins and the MC’s car also have names to keep track of is just way too much. SO MANY NAMES.
The dialogue is not written well at all. The mixture between actual dialogue with quotations mixed with summaries of the convos in the same paragraphs is confusing and comes across as lazy writing. Either have the conversation on the page or summarize the complete conversation after it happens. Mixing the two together in the same paragraph is jarring.
In this book, some tweens were overheard discussing which Jonas brother was the cutest in the year 2024! What?! Really?! Tweens? The Jonas brothers? Seriously?
And finally since I didn’t gripe about this in the first book of the series, I have to do it here. I HATE the constant talk of Marcus’s mullet. Seriously. What grown ups call their friend “mullet man” or “our mullet buddy” or “mullet headed buddy” or “Marcus with a mullet” every time they see him or think about him??? Can we move on from the mullet? These people are 27 years old - surely this guy’s defining quality is not his mullet? The mullet was mentioned at least a dozen times in this book and possibly more in the previous book. It was TOO MUCH.
August 6, 2024
Great Second Book
As a long time reader of mysteries whenever an author can put one over on me I have to give it rave reviews. McEwen has crafted a wonderful story, filled with lots of Red Herrings, and placed it in a fabulous dream vacation spot.
As a long time reader of mysteries whenever an author can put one over on me I have to give it rave reviews. McEwen has crafted a wonderful story, filled with lots of Red Herrings, and placed it in a fabulous dream vacation spot.
July 11, 2024
4th of July, Family, Friends and a murder
Dead, White and Blue is the 2nd wonderful book in Annie McQueen's North woods Mysteries and it was as fabulous as the first book! The characters are very likable and easy to get to know. The cozy mystery was good and kept me guessing and I didn't guess the culprit. Emmerlyn (Emmy) Cooper is back at Cooper's Cove Resort in VT helping her family, along with her brother Noah, with their lodge and cabins.. Emmys best friend is Whitney and they are there for each other. They see a fight between two local guys and later one of them is found dead. Emmy, Whitney, their friend Marcus and his cousin Sam are the sleuthing team and they are a fun group. There is a group of college friends who are staying at one of the cabins and a few of them end up as suspects or at least have secrets. On top of that Emmy's crush Officer Dean Erickson is not around and not answering texts like usual and Emmy is hurt by his indifference. The 4th of July has never been this exciting! This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery and the family relationships and friendships take it to the next level. I loved every minute and I can't wait for the next book. #DeadWhiteAndBlue #NorthwoodsMysteries #GemmaHallidayPublishing
Dead, White and Blue is the 2nd wonderful book in Annie McQueen's North woods Mysteries and it was as fabulous as the first book! The characters are very likable and easy to get to know. The cozy mystery was good and kept me guessing and I didn't guess the culprit. Emmerlyn (Emmy) Cooper is back at Cooper's Cove Resort in VT helping her family, along with her brother Noah, with their lodge and cabins.. Emmys best friend is Whitney and they are there for each other. They see a fight between two local guys and later one of them is found dead. Emmy, Whitney, their friend Marcus and his cousin Sam are the sleuthing team and they are a fun group. There is a group of college friends who are staying at one of the cabins and a few of them end up as suspects or at least have secrets. On top of that Emmy's crush Officer Dean Erickson is not around and not answering texts like usual and Emmy is hurt by his indifference. The 4th of July has never been this exciting! This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery and the family relationships and friendships take it to the next level. I loved every minute and I can't wait for the next book. #DeadWhiteAndBlue #NorthwoodsMysteries #GemmaHallidayPublishing
July 15, 2024
A twisty tale
It was fun to visit Cooper's Cove again. I really like Emmy and her family and friends. The fourth of July in the Northwoods sounds like so much fun.
The murder and the tale behind it are the twisty part of the story.
I enjoyed the mystery and the way Emmy and Dean's story is progressing.
I want to keep returning to Cooper"s Cove.
It was fun to visit Cooper's Cove again. I really like Emmy and her family and friends. The fourth of July in the Northwoods sounds like so much fun.
The murder and the tale behind it are the twisty part of the story.
I enjoyed the mystery and the way Emmy and Dean's story is progressing.
I want to keep returning to Cooper"s Cove.
July 8, 2024
What a blast to be back at Lake Covington with Emmy and the whole Cooper’s Cove crew! McEwen's follow up to Resort To Murder will have you turning the pages at a fast clip to find out whodunit! I'm ready for book three!
July 23, 2025
I'm very much a seasonal mood reader and after reading Resort to Murder, a fantastic start to the Northwoods Mysteries series, I couldn't wait to read this one. Saving it until summer was tough but well worth the wait. Summer vibes, a puzzling mystery, and a cast of loveable characters was just what I was hoping for. I can't wait to reconnect with Emmy and the Cooper's Cove gang with the next book!
June 29, 2024
This new Northwoods Mystery starts out with Emma deciding that Cooper’s Cove and the family business is where she belongs. In case you have not read the series starter, there was a bit of a cliff hanger but nothing that impedes the understanding or enjoyment of book two, as a plus, the killer from book one isn’t mentioned. Cooper’s Cove is an amazing lake front rustic resort situated on the shores of Lake Covington in the Wisconsin Northwoods. The resort is made up of the cutest cabins, a dock complete with boat house, and all the flora and fauna you could want for an outdoorsy atmosphere. It is the sort of place where families go to visit year after year after year.
What starts out as a fun 4th of July becomes a murder laced with memories from the past. The victim, Jordan James, was admired and liked by the locals, except for Ralph Grisby Jr or R.J. as most people call him. R.J. is a rather unsavory individual who publically threatened Jordan. Then there are the old college friends of Jordan’s who aren’t all friendly and at least one harbors some serious ill will.
Thank goodness Emma has her friends, Whitney and mullet haired Marcus and no that is not a derogative remark it is a term of endearment. This group of three is the proverbial three musketeers and they are on the case. Don’t tell Detective Tom, he would not approve of their digging and asking somewhat pointed questions. Questions to which we all want to know the answers. This mystery will have you turning pages trying to figure out who did it (nope I didn’t) and avoid the red herrings (nope I didn’t). When Emma isn’t searching for clues, she is searching for some patience as a particularly prickly guest is keeping the staff i.e. Emma and brother, Noah, on their toes with the most laughable comments and complaints. I have no idea how someone would be able to get a pair of squirrels to settle down.
That just leaves us with the warm fuzzies of the story. In the forefront of Emma’s mind but the background of the story is officer Dean. Dean Erickson the boy who came to visit his aunt and uncle every summer and is Emma’s lifelong crush. I am a bit of a romantic and really enjoy the cozy slow build between two characters including the miscommunications and awkward moments. There were a few that will have you laughing and near crying. I realize that these are fictional characters, but Annie McEwen has such a talent for bringing them to life. I have enjoyed books one and two so much that I can’t wait to see what she brings us in book three.
What starts out as a fun 4th of July becomes a murder laced with memories from the past. The victim, Jordan James, was admired and liked by the locals, except for Ralph Grisby Jr or R.J. as most people call him. R.J. is a rather unsavory individual who publically threatened Jordan. Then there are the old college friends of Jordan’s who aren’t all friendly and at least one harbors some serious ill will.
Thank goodness Emma has her friends, Whitney and mullet haired Marcus and no that is not a derogative remark it is a term of endearment. This group of three is the proverbial three musketeers and they are on the case. Don’t tell Detective Tom, he would not approve of their digging and asking somewhat pointed questions. Questions to which we all want to know the answers. This mystery will have you turning pages trying to figure out who did it (nope I didn’t) and avoid the red herrings (nope I didn’t). When Emma isn’t searching for clues, she is searching for some patience as a particularly prickly guest is keeping the staff i.e. Emma and brother, Noah, on their toes with the most laughable comments and complaints. I have no idea how someone would be able to get a pair of squirrels to settle down.
That just leaves us with the warm fuzzies of the story. In the forefront of Emma’s mind but the background of the story is officer Dean. Dean Erickson the boy who came to visit his aunt and uncle every summer and is Emma’s lifelong crush. I am a bit of a romantic and really enjoy the cozy slow build between two characters including the miscommunications and awkward moments. There were a few that will have you laughing and near crying. I realize that these are fictional characters, but Annie McEwen has such a talent for bringing them to life. I have enjoyed books one and two so much that I can’t wait to see what she brings us in book three.
October 10, 2025
"Dead, White And Blue" is book #2 in the "Northwoods Mystery" series by Annie McEwen.
Emmy Cooper, along with her best friends Whitney and Marcus along with his visiting cousin Sam decide to work together to figure out who killed a young man at the Fourth of July celebration. With some creative sleuthing and a few lucky interactions, they gather info on some of the main suspects. Emmy is surprised to learn that a group of guests actually went to college with the victim but something happened in their final year that changed the dynamics of the friendships.
There were a few potential suspects. I changed my mind a couple of times before narrowing it down to two near the end - one of which was the killer.
Of course Emmy and Whitney get themselves into a bit of a pickle at one point and Emmy finds her life in danger as she realizes who the killer is.
I really enjoy this series. The core characters are well developed and interesting. The Cooper family is close, loving and supportive. The friendship between Emmy, Whitney and Marcus is tight. Marcus's cousin Sam is visiting for the summer and fits in very well with the group! (I hope he sticks around for future books!) Emmy isn't sure what is going on between her and Dean. He isn't responding to texts or calling as much.
The story is well written with some very good twists and misdirection along the way. Several scenes involving guests at Coopers Cove also add to the entertainment of the story. The setting, dialogue, playful banter and descriptions of yummy food make me wish I could visit with these characters.
Overall, an entertaining cozy mystery!
Emmy Cooper, along with her best friends Whitney and Marcus along with his visiting cousin Sam decide to work together to figure out who killed a young man at the Fourth of July celebration. With some creative sleuthing and a few lucky interactions, they gather info on some of the main suspects. Emmy is surprised to learn that a group of guests actually went to college with the victim but something happened in their final year that changed the dynamics of the friendships.
There were a few potential suspects. I changed my mind a couple of times before narrowing it down to two near the end - one of which was the killer.
Of course Emmy and Whitney get themselves into a bit of a pickle at one point and Emmy finds her life in danger as she realizes who the killer is.
I really enjoy this series. The core characters are well developed and interesting. The Cooper family is close, loving and supportive. The friendship between Emmy, Whitney and Marcus is tight. Marcus's cousin Sam is visiting for the summer and fits in very well with the group! (I hope he sticks around for future books!) Emmy isn't sure what is going on between her and Dean. He isn't responding to texts or calling as much.
The story is well written with some very good twists and misdirection along the way. Several scenes involving guests at Coopers Cove also add to the entertainment of the story. The setting, dialogue, playful banter and descriptions of yummy food make me wish I could visit with these characters.
Overall, an entertaining cozy mystery!
December 1, 2024
The Northwoods Mystery series is turning into one of my favourite cozies. The author has created the perfect balance between cozy and mystery with a whole lot of family and friend bonding time to round things out. Love Emmy's supportive family and her friend group! Besties since their school days, Whitney and Marcus are what Honey is to Trixie or Bess and George to Nancy! Can't delve into amateur sleuthing without some trustworthy backup! There's also a wee bit of romance that comes with a hefty dose of angst -- wasn't certain if my tender heart could take it, but, phew, everything worked out wonderfully by the end!
The engaging mystery kept me guessing...I was totally wrong on this one! I really like Emmy's relationship with law enforcement. She's not perfectly on the up and up all the time, but they have a mutual understanding and respect which is refreshing in this genre.
I listened to the audio book and Patricia Burgos narration is excellent. Made for a fun listen.
The engaging mystery kept me guessing...I was totally wrong on this one! I really like Emmy's relationship with law enforcement. She's not perfectly on the up and up all the time, but they have a mutual understanding and respect which is refreshing in this genre.
I listened to the audio book and Patricia Burgos narration is excellent. Made for a fun listen.
July 8, 2025
I love these stories set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin at the Cooper’s Cove campgrounds. I love Emmy and how clutzy she is, her hunky cop boyfriend Dean, and her best friends. Plus her whole family. Emmy is a great character. And this town sounds like a great place to visit.
Well, except for the murder(s).
In this one, Emmy stumbles onto the body of Jordan James. While she didn’t know him well, she does know his uncle who is a nice businessman in town. And Jordan was a nice guy from what everyone says. So why was he dead?
Emmy and her friends can’t help looking into his death, even though she promised the cops she wouldn’t. But there are so many suspects, including a group of friends staying in one of their cabins.
This was a good cozy with lots of interesting characters and a satisfying ending. I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
Recommended.
Well, except for the murder(s).
In this one, Emmy stumbles onto the body of Jordan James. While she didn’t know him well, she does know his uncle who is a nice businessman in town. And Jordan was a nice guy from what everyone says. So why was he dead?
Emmy and her friends can’t help looking into his death, even though she promised the cops she wouldn’t. But there are so many suspects, including a group of friends staying in one of their cabins.
This was a good cozy with lots of interesting characters and a satisfying ending. I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
Recommended.
April 10, 2025
This series is really growing on me. I thought both the main murder plot and the relationship plot were well done and interesting. As in the first book, I didn't get a full sense of resolution, but in real life one rarely does. I've already started on the 3rd book.
I wonder if the author shares the main character's problem of blushing all the way down her neck? Seeing how it increases to her sense of fluster makes me feel bad about teasing one of my cousins about it. I never had that problem myself and never really thought about how the blusher feels about having no control over that sudden flush of red to face and neck.
I wonder if the author shares the main character's problem of blushing all the way down her neck? Seeing how it increases to her sense of fluster makes me feel bad about teasing one of my cousins about it. I never had that problem myself and never really thought about how the blusher feels about having no control over that sudden flush of red to face and neck.
June 5, 2024
4th of July and summer at the lake in Wisconsin. Good friends and a special guy. It's a wonderful place to be for Emmy Cooper until she stumbles over a body of a friend. Now along with three friends, Emmy is trying to solve the murder. So many oddities discovered make this a challenge that keeps everyone clueless. Wonderful characters, a terrific setting, and a challenging mystery made this book hard to put down. It's definitely a series that draws the reader in and left me wanting more. I wish I could visit in person, and am looking forward to the next in the series!
July 31, 2024
Emmy is settling in back at her family’s cottage resort. She’s also getting reacquainted with her teenage crush Dean, who is a police officer in town. Jordan James is a troublemaker in town who has problems with just about everyone. As the town begins their celebration of the Independence Day Freedom Fest, Emmy comes across a dead body who is none other than Jordan James. While Dean tells her to stay out of the investigation, Emmy just can’t help herself. She and best friend Whitney set out to solve the case.
January 7, 2026
Definitely enjoyed this!
This book went into a deeper dive into the resort life Emmy was now deciding was the life she wanted to embrace. It hones her focus in on Detective Dean as her boyfriend, but the book proposed many options she could chose from as a slew of former friends came to the resort and were embroiled in the mystery of who had killed their friend Jordan and what was the truth of his past. This one definitely keeps you guessing. Twists and turns a many.
This book went into a deeper dive into the resort life Emmy was now deciding was the life she wanted to embrace. It hones her focus in on Detective Dean as her boyfriend, but the book proposed many options she could chose from as a slew of former friends came to the resort and were embroiled in the mystery of who had killed their friend Jordan and what was the truth of his past. This one definitely keeps you guessing. Twists and turns a many.
June 18, 2024
This series is so fun. I love the characters and this story really kept me guessing. I completely thought the killer was someone else entirely. It totally threw me for a loop when that person became a victim as well. Can’t wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
November 26, 2024
Emmerlynn Cooper is back and does not disappoint in the Sophomore book of the Northwoods series. Twists and turns, red herrings, a beautiful town in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and a lake resort that is somewhere I would have loved to have gone growing up. You won't be able to put it down as Emmy and her friends try to solve another murder.
July 18, 2025
Interesting
It was quite the mystery. A group of young adults try to find out who killed their friend. It's a quirky group of people and all sorts of things happening..it was surprising at TBE end to find out who the killer was because it wasn't anyone I thought it was. It's worth ready a d very enjoyable
It was quite the mystery. A group of young adults try to find out who killed their friend. It's a quirky group of people and all sorts of things happening..it was surprising at TBE end to find out who the killer was because it wasn't anyone I thought it was. It's worth ready a d very enjoyable
August 3, 2024
Another fun visit to the Northwoods! I enjoyed the summer fun at Cooper’s Cove Resort and Lake Covington. This book gave me all the cozy feels, just like the first book in the series. The mystery kept me guessing and the little romances made me smile! I can’t wait for book three!
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