Crooks, Crows and Critics

by Fern Cooper

A missing painting. Suspicious guests. A dead body in a tent.

The Cottonwood Crossings First Annual Art Festival is not going as planned.

Emily Turner has her inn and glamping retreat fully booked. Instructors and amateur artists are enjoying the week-long getaway centered around the town’s event.

Too bad there appears to be a thief among them.

Random articles are disappearing, and no one knows who is taking them, or why. The thievery seems confined to her inn until someone steals an amateur artist’s paintings from the display tent.

Amid the chaos of the nudist full moon ritual, the curious crow, and the galumphing Newfoundland dog, it’s no wonder Emily struggles to locate the missing artwork.

When Emily stumbles upon the recently deceased body of everyone’s least favorite art critic, things go from bad to worse. Emily, her new friends and neighbors, and her ever-expanding group of critters are smack dab in the middle of another killer case .

Emily knows it’s all connected. The missing painting. The murder. But she has to prove it before it’s too late.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2024

About the author

Hi there! Welcome to my little corner of the bookiverse. I'm a mom, wife, farmer, accountant, pet parent, and all-around do-it-yourselfer. If it can be done you can bet I'll try it at least once (and I have the crafting and DIY supplies to prove it!).
I love to write cozy mysteries about small towns with quirky characters... because I love living in a small town full of quirky characters. I may be one myself!
Join me as we explore Cottonwood Crossings and the curious adventures of Emily Turner, Ingrid Jenkins, and all their neighbors and critters.

Reviews

[Stephanie Thode · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received an advanced reader's copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)

This is the first book in the series that I have read. It is written in a way that you don’t have to read the other books to know what's going on. The main characters of the story have piqued my interest enough to want to go back and read the other books so I have a better understanding of their personalities and how they all came together. Emily is one of the more realistic amateur sleuths I've come across in that she reacts to situations in a similar way to how I would; second guessing people when finding out new information and struggling to find herself, as well as what it means to be a true friend. This is a quick, fun read; with cute animals, a quirky (but sweet) neighbor and laughs thrown in at the right time. I was a little confused when it all came together in the end. The explanation for some of it seemed a bit convoluted, but that could've also been due to my lack of sleep and nothing to do with the author's storytelling abilities so take that piece of criticism with a grain of salt. I was able to solve the Whodunit, and had a good time doing so. Will you be able to solve it, too; or will the big reveal come as a big surprise? I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily who has a Bed and Breakfast has her farmhouse full of amateur artist who have come for the Fresh New Face Art Contest. Then Dora her assistant comes out with a secret and believes that someone is framing her for the theft as some articles  and a painting goes missing. Then the art critics Colleen Kensington is stabbed and found by Emily and her dog. There is a lot of twist and turns, great characters to this exciting read with a nail-biting finish.  I received this ARC copy via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Mark Menard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Entertaining
Emily Turner owns an inn and glamping retreat. It is booked solid with amateur artists and instructors. They are in town for the Cottonwood Crossings First Annual Art Festival. So far the festival isn’t going as planned. A painting has been stolen and other items have disappeared. And to top it all off an art critic (who no one seems to like) has been murdered. Can Emily get to the bottom of all the chaos before the festival ends?
The characters are fun albeit a little kooky. There is Emily who owns the inn and gets involved in murder and other unsavory dealings. Ingrid the next-door neighbor with her menagerie of animals and a little bit of a sixth sense where Emily is concerned. Then there are Emily’s friends - Dora, who is working for Emily during the festival and has a past with mob connections and Taylor who owns a gallery and came up with the idea of the festival. Add to that the sheriff, Paul, who seems frustrated with Emily on an ongoing basis. They are fun and funny. A great ensemble for this series.
The story and plot were wonderful. Easy reading and entertaining with a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily’s bed and breakfast and glamping is doing a great trade thanks to Cottonwood Crossing’s first ever annual Art Festival. There’s lots going amiss, she’s sure has something to do with giving her discredit . Because things at the Inn keep going missing but she has bigger problems when there’s further amiss at the glamping ground when an amateur artist has their Artwork taken…When her assistant Dora who has mob connections confides that she thinks she’s being set up for a fall , it won’t do at all! Then there’s an insufferable Art judge that’s turned up dead! Oh my , a lot to take in , but things aren’t going well as we can tell. No used dwelling , time and patience will do the telling … A brilliantly devised and executed murder mystery tale from the brilliance that is Fern Cooper’s story weaving prowess no less. Perfectly crafted and moulded into a perfect mystery tale with lots of detail and depth . The narrative is good with great descriptions and a whole host of characters that help weave the story well.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had lots of twist and turns with everyone who was staying at Emily's B&B and glamping plus sites. Emily's baby goat Houdini seems to get himself into alot of trouble so Emily & Ingrid feel that he would be better a friend with him all the time but it is hard to find an animal which will work well with Houdini. Plus Emily is booked sold with the Art Festival in town and her having art teacher giving class on different thing. But of course there has to be a murder that Emily finds the body of . The sheriff is trying to protect Emily but she just seem to get into trouble while she try to solve the murder and the mystery of all the small thiefs from her place and one of the artist lose one of her painting as well. So Emily is very busy trying to solve everything and keep all her guest happy at the same time. If you love a good clean murder mystery that also threw in a bit of laughter as well then you will love this book. Fern Cooper has done an excellant job of putting this book together for our enjoyment.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the time of the first annual art festival in town and Emily's inn and property is booked full with eccentric artists and a miserable art critic roaming around. This book in the series has you laughing a lot, especially with her mischievous pet goat and her dog, Sam. There is thefts happening and Emily knows it has to be someone at the inn. The upon walking the property, she finds the hated art critic dead. Now with Emily, her boyfriend, Paul, the sheriff and her friends and helpers Taylor, Dora, Ingrid she needs to find a murderer and thief feeling it is all tied together. Of course she has to have a crazy neighbor. This is a fun, fast paced mystery that keeps you laughing while you are totally engaged in the action. I highly recommend this book along with the series! Once you begin you can't put it down. I love this series and can't wait for the next book. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily owns a bed & breakfast along with glamping cabins and sites. She decides to bring in artists to teach art to adults. She manages to get the temperamental artists into their accommodations and everyone winds up at La Hacienda, the only place open, with her artists causing a scene with nude drawing lessons, etc! She and her best friend Taylor decide they’re all nuts! When Colleen Kensington, a rather nasty and unpopular art critic, shows up and is consequently murdered, no one is really surprised. Of course the Sheriff isn’t happy, especially when Emily decides she need to solve the murder herself! A fun and often funny novel, with zany artists, Houdini, her pet mini goat, who keeps escaping to cause trouble, assorted other animals, and a bunch of guests items disappearing! I received a free ARC of this book via BookSprout and write this review voluntarily.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read!

Considering this is the fourth book in a series and I haven’t read the other three, I am quite surprised that I had no problems at all following this story. And what a wonderful story it is. I admit, I laughed out loud at parts. Houdini the goat is absolutely adorable with the trouble she manages to get into, including getting on the roof. There’s a touch of romance—not the focal point of the story, but it is there. Of course, this is a cozy mystery, so there are all kinds of mysteries to be solved. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend anything by Fern Cooper, she is truly a talented writer.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The book is delight to read with well crafted, albeit a few are somewhat eccentric, nonetheless interesting characters and a big fluffy puppy that is full of joy! There's the main mystery thread running throughout but there's also a mysterious thief, a hint of nefarious activity, lots of witty and humorous conversation. When the end creeps up ~ it's unexpected and I can honestly say that I said out loud to myself~ well I didn't see that coming! Looking forward to more in the series and hope to see more of Rico and Ingrid. And yes I give it at least six stars!!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of this series that I have read. Once again the story takes place at Emily's Inn and Glamping establishment and it is filled with folks attending an art festival. It is great that Houdini (the goat) is back and up to the usual tricks and trouble.
You will find all the elements of a cozy mystery - things start to go missing, Emily stumbles upon a dead body, throw in a little romance and you have a fun book.
This was another page turner and a very quick read and I will be looking forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[April Flach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This and the prequel book are the only two in the series I have read, so far. However, this one is written in a way that you don't necessarily need to read the previous books. Although the mentioning of the previous cases/books have piqued my interest enough to look into the rest of the series. Not very suspenseful, but a good mystery with enough twists and turns to keep me interested, along with a few laugh out loud moments to keep me entertained. Kind of reminded me of a Hallmark Mystery movie. If you're into those movies, then you're sure to like this book. It was definitely worth the read.

I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always delighted when a new Fern Cooper book drops. I know that I am in for an entertaining murder mystery written in a simple language that is easy to enjoy. Along with that, there is the humor. At certain points in Crooks, Crows and Critics I chuckled in glee at the antics of Emily's neighbor and her menagerie of animals that she tries to foist upon Emily. Houdini, Emily's escape artist goat, is good for a few giggles as well. I very much enjoyed the book and with the setting there are sure to be many more stories of Emily, her animals, and her friends. I look forward to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilys up to her artist beret well she would be if she had one in this funny read with lovable characters and a history with a past.
Emily may have bit off a little more than she can chew when she hosts an artist camp at her farm.
An odd mix of zany characters, crazed animals, and a weeklong camp, with odd goings on, but for the good of the town if she can just make it a few more days of this insanity.
I think Ingrid, the odd neighbor across the pasture with strange ideas secretly has it out for Emily.
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, crazy story that had so many twists that it was hard to keep up. Emily is using her property as an artist retreat/training area for the week that the big art festival is in town. The artists were all a bit eccentric which made things even harder to figure out. Emily's friend Taylor is in charge of the festival and she has a new employee, Dora, helping out for the week. In all of this the horrible art critic is murdered and figuring out who had done was really difficult. Everyone read this book!
I received an ARC for this book and this is my honest review,

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crooks, Crows and Critics is book #4 in the Cottonwood Crossings Cozy Mysteries by Fern Cooper.

Emily had a good plan for her Glamping business during the art festival but things didn’t go as planned. I can see why Ingrid said Emil’s aura was muddy. There was so much going on in this story, maybe too much, that made the story a bit disjointed. There was Dora, missing items, animals, artwork, murder, and her maybe relationship with Paul. I love Houdini and Sams. It is an enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out with guests being precious and not in a driving the owner cuckoo. I read it in one day.
The antics of the crow and goat were funny and caused trouble.
I love trying to guess who done it but was nowhere near close to guessing the perpetrators.
Some of the characters had secrets and that’s all I’m telling.
I love it! Love blooming is always a favorite.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[L.a.l · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you first start reading this book, you wonder where it is heading. With so many twists to start the book, you have to keep reading just so you don't miss anything.
I loved the mixture of characters and how there just was no way to figure out which direction things would go next.
Including farm animals was really clever and made it that much more fun to read.
Now for the next "chapter" in this series. Cannot wait.

[Judy Kay Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living vicariously through these artists...

Is exhausting! But in a good way. I've never read a story with so much going on. What a week in story time! One thing after another and more happening simultaneously is headspinning, again, in a good way. Fern Cooper has so many plates spinning in the air at once, and she does it spectacularly, never letting one drop. I loved the fast-paced storyline with all the individual believable characters. Read it and see!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A missing painting. Suspicious guests. A dead body in a tent.
The Cottonwood Crossings First Annual Art Festival is not going as planned. Emily Turner has her inn and glamping retreat fully booked. Instructors and amateur artists are enjoying the week-long getaway centered around the town’s event. This is a good mystery.
Emily turns into a sleuth figuring out who the culprits are.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Thisin no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gathering of artists and classes to learn
Seems like a great idea - and there is a very well known painting there people really want to see. But it turns into a nightmare — things disappearing - who is stealing this stuff? And the most famous painting disappeared!! She has a talent for solving mysteries . . .. but this one seems to be impossible to solve!! GREAT mystery! Loved it. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally Gripping

This small town cozy drew me in from the first page all the way through the last page. There are many mysteries about the artists staying at Emily’s B&B and glamping on her large property. I love the eccentric neighbor Ingrid who has a Yoda-like quality about her. This book will have you laughing and trying hard to make sense of all the clues amidst the many red herrings. It’s another terrific installment of this fun series.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is having a hard enough time organizing her B&B with the crazy animals she has but finds herself immersed in a few mysteries, one of which is the murder of an annoying art critic. There were a lot of twists and turns and fun surprises. Sam, the dog Emily adopts, is a wonderful addition to the chaos. This is my favorite book in the series and can be read as a standalone.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thief or thieves?

What can possibly go wrong at a B & B with a goat, an art show and a group of temperamental artists? The result was what I found to be a fun and entertaining story with Emily, her friends, Taylor and Dora, the wacky neighbour, Ingrid and Emily's boyfriend, Paul, the sheriff.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily's first art retreat has a few more surprises than planned for.
Super fun book with great characters. I was guessing to the very end. I can only recommend this book. Get the whole series, even though all books can be read stand alone.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a book that will keep you enchanted, make you laugh out loud and not want to put it down, then give this a go. I received this as an advance reader for the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it, the story was great, the characters are well rounded and I'd love to be part of their group or maybe be a guest at the B&B. I can't wait to read more.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third installment in the Cottonwood Crossings Cozy Mysteries series. This engaging, fast paced page turner is a wonderful story. It's a quick and enjoyable read. Fun and suspenseful. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Fern Cooper might have given us her best book yet. Plenty of humor, lots of suspects, a mischievous goat, a big fluffy dog, a is he or isn’t he boyfriend, disappearing paintings and a murder plus a bed and breakfast plus campground to run. Oh, yes a crow with vengeance in mind. You will scratch your head and laugh with all the antics. I really enjoyed this book.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would really rate this 4.5 stars. Lots of action. Interesting characters. Plenty of suspects, including a crow. Art festival, glamping, stolen art, lost dog, a goat, burro, cow, and llama. Neighbors and friends create a close knit community. I would read more in the series. It can be read as a stand alone, however reading in order gives more background knowledge.

[Lisa Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was constantly moving! Emily had a lot of painters and other creative people stay at her B&B. They soon had a missing painting. Then Emily's neighbor decided she needs a dog! So much drama!!

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series, in my opinion, us getting better with each new book. The protagonist is an intelligent and capable woman who gets along with others, works with, rather than against, local law enforcement, and knows how to take care of herself. Very refreshing!