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Murder at the Blue Hour: An Estelle Burke Bed-and-Breakfast Cozy Mystery
A murdered old man with a bad temper, family secrets, and a mystery crime fan that gets to live out her wildest fantasy.
Estelle Burke, owner of the Blue Hour Bed-and-Breakfast, found it odd when her usual customer for breakfast never came down from his room.
So, she checked up on Marion Holt, a 74-year-old man, who was known in Snowhaven for his notorious temper and his loud outbursts. Estelle was shocked to find the old, but healthy man lying in his bed…dead.
Despite the odd and sudden death of Marion, the police refused to investigate it as a crime. That left mystery crime fan, Estelle ,with no choice but to solve it herself.
With the help of her intelligent dog, her gossipy best friend, and a police officer thirsty for justice. The team found a mountain of secrets hidden from Marion’s past.
As the group dove deeper into the investigation, they found that a murderer might be staying in close quarters. Too close for comfort actually.
Estelle and her trusty sidekicks better solve this case quickly before the murderer strikes again.
Estelle Burke, owner of the Blue Hour Bed-and-Breakfast, found it odd when her usual customer for breakfast never came down from his room.
So, she checked up on Marion Holt, a 74-year-old man, who was known in Snowhaven for his notorious temper and his loud outbursts. Estelle was shocked to find the old, but healthy man lying in his bed…dead.
Despite the odd and sudden death of Marion, the police refused to investigate it as a crime. That left mystery crime fan, Estelle ,with no choice but to solve it herself.
With the help of her intelligent dog, her gossipy best friend, and a police officer thirsty for justice. The team found a mountain of secrets hidden from Marion’s past.
As the group dove deeper into the investigation, they found that a murderer might be staying in close quarters. Too close for comfort actually.
Estelle and her trusty sidekicks better solve this case quickly before the murderer strikes again.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
7 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 13, 2024
3.75 stars. This one started out rough for me and I almost quit on it but surprisingly it got better so glad I stayed with it. It ended up being well paced, well plotted, pretty good characters and a good mystery overall.
June 30, 2024
Estelle is the owner of the Blue Hour B&B. Over the months she became friends with an older gentleman by the name of Marion Hart. He is a very grumpy old man and not many people deal with him. Estelle reminds him of his deceased daughter and treats her kindly. She invited him to stay at the B&B so he can get a good night's sleep, since he feels that someone is stalking his house. Sometime during the night someone snuck into his room and murdered him. The police detective ruled it natural causes and left. Estelle wouldn't accept this because she knew he was healthy. After the detective and the police chief decided not to investigate she decided to do her own. One police officer believed her and offered his help and his name is Andrew. Estelle's best friend Kate gets pulled into the investigation also. They came to the conclusion that it is possibly a employee of the B&B. Will they be able to track down the murderer before the chief and detective stop them? Or before their is another murder. Let's finish reading to find out.
June 13, 2024
Murder at the Blue Hour by Renee Lyles
Estelle Burke inherits her Grandmother Elle’s Bed & Breakfast in Colorado and tons of memories flash before her eyes. Excited to keep things running and business as usual, Estelle finds she doesn’t know many people,but becomes instant friends with the pharmacist Kate. They visit each other everyday, talking about all the quirky people in the town and the goings on.
Estelle also befriends Marion a grumpy old man that frequents the Bed & Breakfast in the mornings. She becomes concerned Marion isn’t sleeping well, something is agitating him, so she offers him a stay at the Bed & Breakfast, but gets worried when he doesn’t come down for breakfast. Everything unfolds after that morning and you are racing to find out what happened. Good book that restores your faith in kindness, friendship and love.
Estelle Burke inherits her Grandmother Elle’s Bed & Breakfast in Colorado and tons of memories flash before her eyes. Excited to keep things running and business as usual, Estelle finds she doesn’t know many people,but becomes instant friends with the pharmacist Kate. They visit each other everyday, talking about all the quirky people in the town and the goings on.
Estelle also befriends Marion a grumpy old man that frequents the Bed & Breakfast in the mornings. She becomes concerned Marion isn’t sleeping well, something is agitating him, so she offers him a stay at the Bed & Breakfast, but gets worried when he doesn’t come down for breakfast. Everything unfolds after that morning and you are racing to find out what happened. Good book that restores your faith in kindness, friendship and love.
June 14, 2024
Estelle has taken over the Blue Hour motel from her grandmother when she passed.
She is slowly settling into Snowhaven life and growing to love the small community, even its grumpy residents like Marion.
She tries desperately hard to befriend Marion despite his cantankerous ways and even offers him a short sleepover at the motel for a spot of good food, a restful night sleep and a bit of pampering.
Imagine her dismay when Marion passes in the night.
Not only that but it doesn't look like natural causes but one police officer and even Estelle herself suspects it's murder.
So she sets off along with her friend and sidekick, pharmacist Kate to try and solve the riddle of what really happened to poor Marion that night.
Loved this story, kept you guessing, really enjoyed the setting and the characters.
Looking forward to more Estelle adventures.
She is slowly settling into Snowhaven life and growing to love the small community, even its grumpy residents like Marion.
She tries desperately hard to befriend Marion despite his cantankerous ways and even offers him a short sleepover at the motel for a spot of good food, a restful night sleep and a bit of pampering.
Imagine her dismay when Marion passes in the night.
Not only that but it doesn't look like natural causes but one police officer and even Estelle herself suspects it's murder.
So she sets off along with her friend and sidekick, pharmacist Kate to try and solve the riddle of what really happened to poor Marion that night.
Loved this story, kept you guessing, really enjoyed the setting and the characters.
Looking forward to more Estelle adventures.
June 13, 2024
Loved the book! It's a thriller with a lot of coziness to it.
First things first, I love strong characters who know both their strengths and weaknesses, which is a quality I love about Estelle. She knew she was an amateur but she was strong willed to find the murderer. Liked how the author showed that the police department can be corrupt and negligent, which is often missing in a small town mystery.
Another thing I liked was how the chapters were labelled (2 yrs ago, before the incident, after the incident).
The writing in itself was good and captivating and I am really looking forward to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First things first, I love strong characters who know both their strengths and weaknesses, which is a quality I love about Estelle. She knew she was an amateur but she was strong willed to find the murderer. Liked how the author showed that the police department can be corrupt and negligent, which is often missing in a small town mystery.
Another thing I liked was how the chapters were labelled (2 yrs ago, before the incident, after the incident).
The writing in itself was good and captivating and I am really looking forward to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2024
This is a great story about a B&B called the Blue Hour which is what the locals call the sunset. A man that was kind of a grump has breakfast every morning at the restaurant there and when he isn't there for his meal Estelle, the owner, goes to his room to check on him and finds him deceased. She calls the police and they come and immediately say natural causes and go on about their daily duties. Estelle gets her friend, Kate, involved and they decide to look into it. They proceed to investigate it with the help of a young police officer, Andrew. It took alot to figure out the death and the story is dragging you along for the ride. '
I received this book as an ARC and this is my very honest review.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my very honest review.
June 21, 2024
Estelle Burke runs her own Bed and Breakfast called The Blue Hour which she inherited from Grandmother Elle. She finds it rather odd that her cantankerous overnight guest Marion Holt 74 years old there on his own as her guest hasn’t shown for breakfast yet. On checking his room , she finds the man lying in his bed…dead! The police aren’t going to do anything? Despite it being sudden ! So what’s the Inn keeper to do but investigate with the help of her dog , bestie Kate and a police officer who is perhaps the only one taking his death seriously…. Brilliant storytelling by Renee Lyles. Super immersive , great writing and set up of the story was worth it. I simply loved the book ! I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words.
June 13, 2024
This was another great book. I was on the edge of my seat and the suspense was a cozy thriller. I couldn’t even put it down. It was a quick paced and it was an humor of drama.
Estelle Burke has inherited her grandmother bed and breakfast inn. Will Estelle solve the mystery behind the door of chaos murders that was going on in this small town. Will the culprit be caught and will she find out the whole truth behind this mystery. Was the culprit someone she knew?
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
Estelle Burke has inherited her grandmother bed and breakfast inn. Will Estelle solve the mystery behind the door of chaos murders that was going on in this small town. Will the culprit be caught and will she find out the whole truth behind this mystery. Was the culprit someone she knew?
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
June 22, 2024
Murder at the Blue Hour written by Renee Lyles. Awesome book wow 😮. This book is awesome there is lots of mystery and excitement in it. Estelle takes over the Blue Hour B&B from her grandma after she passes. Everything is going great till it isn’t. So she has to figure out if it’s natural or murder. The police say it’s natural causes. Then Estelle & Andrew start to investigate together. You will have to read the book to figure out what happened. I loved this book and you will to so I recommend you read the book. Yes I have the book and I really recommend you get it. Yes this is my honest review.
Written by
Edith L 🐈⬛
Written by
Edith L 🐈⬛
June 25, 2024
Perhaps I am just too old to enjoy the main character. She seemed more like a teenager in her thought processes at times. I grew tired of her references to the crime books and shows she reads and watches to back up her “investigative processes”. A cocker spaniel that suddenly morphs into a potassium sniffing drug dog? All the early evidence collected would be inadmissible as there is no chain of evidence. All 3 main characters seem to have plenty of time to spare from their businesses or jobs. Did no one think to call County or State authorities when the detective and the Chief of Police ignored, or tore up evidence and basically threatened Estelle? No more for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
3.75 STARS
This was a great little read. No one , it seemed, cared for grumpy old Marion Holt. He was not the nicest person, a real curmudgeon. No one, that is, except for Estelle Burke, owner of the Blue Hour Bed-and-Breakfast. So when Marion was found dead in his bed the police barely investigated, calling it natural causes, Estelle thought someone should care more than that and that it deserved more than a perfunctory glance. It deserved some kind of investigating, and so that is just what she does. It was a fun read for the first of a series and I enjoyed it as such.
I received a free reader's copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This was a great little read. No one , it seemed, cared for grumpy old Marion Holt. He was not the nicest person, a real curmudgeon. No one, that is, except for Estelle Burke, owner of the Blue Hour Bed-and-Breakfast. So when Marion was found dead in his bed the police barely investigated, calling it natural causes, Estelle thought someone should care more than that and that it deserved more than a perfunctory glance. It deserved some kind of investigating, and so that is just what she does. It was a fun read for the first of a series and I enjoyed it as such.
I received a free reader's copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
June 27, 2024
Just finish this book and I enjoyed every minute of read Estelle and Kate adventure into figuring out who the murderer was. I loved how they work at trying to solve the crime even with the police tell them there was no crime. I was glad to see that at least one member the police force took what they had to say serious and was willing to help. It was really hard to put this book down because you just want them to find out the truth. I will recommend this author to my friends who enjoy a good mystery. And I can't wait to see what else that Estelle and Kate get themselves involved with. And I also love Estelle puppy Cara who seen to know when he is need.
July 5, 2024
Marion wasn't the most popular resident of Snowhaven. He was known for his horrible temper and and his sudden outbursts but Estelle had grown to care for him. When he didn't come to breakfast as usual Estelle went to his room to check on him only to find him dead. With the police refusing to look at his death as anything other than natural causes, Estelle is determined to solve it herself. With the help of her dog, her best friend and the only police officer who believes her, can they get past all the secrets and find the killer? Great book and wonderful characters! I hope to see more of Estelle Burke in the future!
July 23, 2024
Estelle, the owner of The Blue Hour B&B, notices that the cranky old man who normally eats breakfast at her establishment has failed to come downstairs. When she checks up on him, it appears as though he has had a heart attack. She calls the police and most of them want to close the case as a death by natural causes. However, Estelle and her friends are not satisfied. They believe he was murdered and take it upon themselves to sleuth out the truth despite the police department's desire to ignore it. This is an entertaining, cozy mystery with a not-too-hard solution in the end. Looking forward to the next book.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
June 12, 2024
Estelle has inherited the Blue Hour hotel from her Grandmother. She loves the hotel and enjoys managing it. She has made friends with an elderly gentleman that comes in every day for breakfast. She offers him to stay for free and he accepts. The next morning he is found dead in bed. Estelle determines to find out how. Even though the man was older, he was in perfect health. She investigates, with help from her friends, and finds clues. Together they put the pieces together and identify the killer. A fun good mystery full of clues and suspects. Enjoy.
June 13, 2024
An old curmudgeon is found dead in his room and the police are determined to declare natural causes to protect the reputation of the town being crime free. Estelle suspects there is something wrong with their speedy investigation and is determined to find answers. With the assistance of Detective Andrew who ignores his supervisor's orders to leave it alone, Andrew and Estelle work together before someone else is harmed. This was an enjoyable clean cozy mystery that can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to more in this series.
June 13, 2024
When someone thinks of a B&B, the word cozy immediately comes to mind, but usually not the murderous mystery kind. Lyles does a great job in integrating the literal and figurative sense to this series.
Just when I thought I was so smart and figured out a big clue early on as to who the culprit and motive is, she threw a curveball that only made me half right. The same can also be said about the feelings you may have for the victim, but does anyone really deserve to die?
I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Just when I thought I was so smart and figured out a big clue early on as to who the culprit and motive is, she threw a curveball that only made me half right. The same can also be said about the feelings you may have for the victim, but does anyone really deserve to die?
I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 16, 2024
This story is a delightful, cozy mystery.
The central mystery is original and interesting, with a powerful hook that draws readers in.
Estelle is a relatable and well-developed character whose journey from a nervous newcomer to a determined investigator is charming.
The exploration of conflicts, especially involving Detective Boyd, could be more thorough.
To maintain a balanced pace, some sections need to be tightened.
Estelle’s determination and the picturesque setting make for a delightful, page-turning experience.
This pleasing read will delight fans of cozy mysteries.
The central mystery is original and interesting, with a powerful hook that draws readers in.
Estelle is a relatable and well-developed character whose journey from a nervous newcomer to a determined investigator is charming.
The exploration of conflicts, especially involving Detective Boyd, could be more thorough.
To maintain a balanced pace, some sections need to be tightened.
Estelle’s determination and the picturesque setting make for a delightful, page-turning experience.
This pleasing read will delight fans of cozy mysteries.
June 17, 2024
Estelle moved to Snowhaven, CO two years ago to take over her grandmother's bed and breakfast. After running it with no issues for 2 years Marion Holt is found dead in his room at the Blue Hour. Marion is not the most well-liked man in town as a matter of fact not many like him as he is always looking for a confrontation. But for some reason Marion likes Estelle and she likes him. When the police blow off his death Estelle feels she needs to find out what happened to Marion. With help from a new friend and her bestie she is determined to figure it out.
June 21, 2024
I was wishing this book didn’t need to end that’s how awesome it was! I really love Estelle, Kate and Andrew’s characters and of course that adorable little crime-sniffer spaniel, Cara who Estelle’s grandma made sure she received. The mystery was super compelling and I could barely put down the Kindle. I enjoyed the planned showdown and perp takedown!
The end was very sweet for Estelle and a new guy she’d met working this case, as well as Estelle and her two amazing friends Kate and Maya. Maya told Estelle the coolest thing at the very end! I can’t wait for more in this series!
The end was very sweet for Estelle and a new guy she’d met working this case, as well as Estelle and her two amazing friends Kate and Maya. Maya told Estelle the coolest thing at the very end! I can’t wait for more in this series!
June 23, 2024
My first book by this author. It has all the ingredients of a cozy mystery. Small town, warm and caring friends, hint of romance, and inter generational friendships. Amateur sleuth Estelle teams up with best friend Kate and Andrew, a police officer. Lots of possibilities for suspects that want to see Marion dead. One event stood out to me as odd. There is lots of mention of snow and snow falling in Snowhaven, yet there is a character riding their red scooter through the town. I can imagine a sequel about the Blue Hour, Estelle, Andrew, and Kate.
December 3, 2024
Estelle, owner of the Blue Hour B&B, makes friends with Marion an older gentleman who has breakfast at the B&B every morning. Marion is a cranky man and is not pleasant to be around. Estelle offers him a night at the B&B when he complains that he hasn't been sleeping well and sees someone outside looking into his house. The unthinkable happens and Marion does in his sleep. The local police want to call it a heart attack and natural causes. Estelle, doesn't agree finds out what really happened.
June 12, 2024
Lovely read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a delightful little mystery with solid characters. My favourite is a minor one named Maya~ she is quite interesting and reminds you of all those sweet little old ladies you ofttimes meet. It's a fairly quick read with many clues presented throughout the narrative but you'll need to work a bit at connecting them and filling in missing pieces. Worthwhile to sit a bit with a cuppa and enjoy 'the joy of reading.' The author always delivers a solid read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a delightful little mystery with solid characters. My favourite is a minor one named Maya~ she is quite interesting and reminds you of all those sweet little old ladies you ofttimes meet. It's a fairly quick read with many clues presented throughout the narrative but you'll need to work a bit at connecting them and filling in missing pieces. Worthwhile to sit a bit with a cuppa and enjoy 'the joy of reading.' The author always delivers a solid read!
June 14, 2024
Estelle inherits her Grandmother's B and B in CO. She seems to find herself and starts to gain confidence and belief in herself! She meets and makes a new friend who hopefully will continue to be a friend or more? I like the development of the storyline and the characters. This is a good cozy mystery, hard to put down. I would recommend this one. I did receive an ARC version. I hope that there will be more in this series.
June 15, 2024
Great cozy mystery!
A great cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed as Estelle faces a murder after taking oer her grandmother's B&B. With her trusty new friend, Kate, they sink their teeth into a investigation with numerous challenges. Rather than giving up, they pursue justice and solve the case. I recommend this book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily providing this review.
A great cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed as Estelle faces a murder after taking oer her grandmother's B&B. With her trusty new friend, Kate, they sink their teeth into a investigation with numerous challenges. Rather than giving up, they pursue justice and solve the case. I recommend this book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily providing this review.
June 13, 2024
5 stars for the cutest cosy mystery
I am absolutely in love with this book. From page 1 I was hooked! The main character, Estelle as well as other characters were all super loveable and I got all the small town vibes. The mystery of the story left me guessing, and while I picked one thing, I did not pick the ending at all. 5 stars and recommend to all those cosy mystery lovers out there
I am absolutely in love with this book. From page 1 I was hooked! The main character, Estelle as well as other characters were all super loveable and I got all the small town vibes. The mystery of the story left me guessing, and while I picked one thing, I did not pick the ending at all. 5 stars and recommend to all those cosy mystery lovers out there
June 20, 2024
I loved this book. Great story, even better storytelling. Great characters. Great settings, even better backdrops and scenery. Like a great movie… That’s how great the storytelling was. Everything about this Renee Lyles offering is, well, perfect. I don’t often get a warm and fuzzy feeling after a great read, but that’s precisely how I felt about Murder at the Blue Hour.
June 12, 2024
This book was AMAZING!! Non-stop action in beautiful Colorado Hills up top of a cliff! The hotel was called Blue Hour.The characters were believable and the dog was so sweet. I can't wait for the next book!
Highly recommend this book!
Highly recommend this book!
June 12, 2024
This book was fun, enjoyable and I loved the clues strewn throughout. It gave the book an interactive feel. Cozy setting and likable characters! I was provided a chance to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion.
June 13, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book it has a well written storyline and interesting characters, with a small town feel, and it kept you guessing until the ending. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews