What do you think?
Rate this book
Cluttered Crime Mysteries #4
No Room to Hide
Her business plan doesn’t call for sleuthing—but murder changes everything.
Professional organizer Crystal Ward has nothing against publicity—as long as it’s the truth. But a local reporter is putting Crys in the headlines for her role in solving crimes, not clearing out clutter. Now she’s receiving requests for services that aren’t on her website, and the spotlight is wearing on her family.
At least something good comes out of the unwelcome Crys reconnects with an old friend, Eva, who hires her to sort through historical documents found in a Victorian house she wants to flip. Then a dead body turns up in the parlor, and Eva confesses she’s been receiving threatening notes.
Crys knows to draw the line on the services she’s willing to provide, but this is about friendship, not business. With the reporter hot on her trail, Crys tries to maintain a low profile as she sorts out the secrets. But good intentions aren’t enough. Will this client once again lure her into an appointment with a killer with no place to hide?
Professional organizer Crystal Ward has nothing against publicity—as long as it’s the truth. But a local reporter is putting Crys in the headlines for her role in solving crimes, not clearing out clutter. Now she’s receiving requests for services that aren’t on her website, and the spotlight is wearing on her family.
At least something good comes out of the unwelcome Crys reconnects with an old friend, Eva, who hires her to sort through historical documents found in a Victorian house she wants to flip. Then a dead body turns up in the parlor, and Eva confesses she’s been receiving threatening notes.
Crys knows to draw the line on the services she’s willing to provide, but this is about friendship, not business. With the reporter hot on her trail, Crys tries to maintain a low profile as she sorts out the secrets. But good intentions aren’t enough. Will this client once again lure her into an appointment with a killer with no place to hide?
Audio CD
Published June 18, 2024
3 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Carol Light
11 books28 followersWhat's life without a little mystery?
Carol Light is an avid reader and writer of mysteries. She loves creating amateur sleuths and complicating their normal lives with a crime that requires their talents and wits to solve. Her Cluttered Crime series features amateur sleuth Crystal Ward, a professional organizer in Chicago who solves crimes with the often reluctant assistance of her husband, Rick. Carol is currently writing her new Southern Secrets mystery series. The first book, Deadly Inheritance, will be released by Tule Publishing in March 2025. Follow Carol at https://www.carollightauthor.com
Carol has traveled worldwide and lived in Australia for eight years, teaching high school English and learning to speak “Strine.” Florida is now her home. If she’s not at the beach or writing, you can find her tackling quilting in much the same way that she figures out her mysteries—piece by piece, clue by clue.
Carol Light is an avid reader and writer of mysteries. She loves creating amateur sleuths and complicating their normal lives with a crime that requires their talents and wits to solve. Her Cluttered Crime series features amateur sleuth Crystal Ward, a professional organizer in Chicago who solves crimes with the often reluctant assistance of her husband, Rick. Carol is currently writing her new Southern Secrets mystery series. The first book, Deadly Inheritance, will be released by Tule Publishing in March 2025. Follow Carol at https://www.carollightauthor.com
Carol has traveled worldwide and lived in Australia for eight years, teaching high school English and learning to speak “Strine.” Florida is now her home. If she’s not at the beach or writing, you can find her tackling quilting in much the same way that she figures out her mysteries—piece by piece, clue by clue.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 20, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Tule Publishing via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“No Room to Hide”, book 4 of the Cluttered Crime Mysteries, by Carol Light, showcases professional organizer Chrystal Ward trying to keep her business restricted to this field but inevitably surrendering to the irresistible appeal of crime investigating.
I loved the tension between rationality and the drive to search for answers, which is so strong in Crystal. Innate curiosity and the need for the truth always win and watching her say one thing and do another is funny.
Crys struggles with unwanted or for the wrong reasons notoriety and has a difficult relation with the press, but the fact is trouble seems to be looking for her…
I also loved the interactions in the book, they feel real and engaging. The reconnecting of a lost, brief but intense, friendship, while their husbands were fighting critical injuries, and the concept of “situational friendship”, were also interesting.
The conflict involving Chelsea (a reporter) is handled in a very compelling way sending shock waves in Crys and her family but also in their relationship with colleague/friend Mitch and in Mitch’s personal life. I wonder what will happen about this in the future.
Despite all his reservations, Rick is always there for Crystal and the stoic investigator, who is always reminding his wife that she is “an organizer, not a detective”, is a key character in the story.
As usual I loved the picture Carol Light paints of paraplegia, with no sugarcoating of its impact in Rick and the family, but also showing how he faces and tries to overcome the limitations on a daily basis.
“No Room to Hide”, book 4 of the Cluttered Crime Mysteries, by Carol Light, showcases professional organizer Chrystal Ward trying to keep her business restricted to this field but inevitably surrendering to the irresistible appeal of crime investigating.
I loved the tension between rationality and the drive to search for answers, which is so strong in Crystal. Innate curiosity and the need for the truth always win and watching her say one thing and do another is funny.
Crys struggles with unwanted or for the wrong reasons notoriety and has a difficult relation with the press, but the fact is trouble seems to be looking for her…
I also loved the interactions in the book, they feel real and engaging. The reconnecting of a lost, brief but intense, friendship, while their husbands were fighting critical injuries, and the concept of “situational friendship”, were also interesting.
The conflict involving Chelsea (a reporter) is handled in a very compelling way sending shock waves in Crys and her family but also in their relationship with colleague/friend Mitch and in Mitch’s personal life. I wonder what will happen about this in the future.
Despite all his reservations, Rick is always there for Crystal and the stoic investigator, who is always reminding his wife that she is “an organizer, not a detective”, is a key character in the story.
As usual I loved the picture Carol Light paints of paraplegia, with no sugarcoating of its impact in Rick and the family, but also showing how he faces and tries to overcome the limitations on a daily basis.
June 8, 2024
I enjoyed this story quite a lot. I thought the premise of a professional organizer who happens to solve crimes is clever and I would think the skill set for organizer and detective would have a bit of crossover. This is book four of the series and for the most part it stands up well on its own. The relationships and characters are well developed so you don’t feel as if you’re missing out. One thing that really puzzled me was the reporter. I don’t understand how a person in a city the size of Chicago would make front page news like Cry’s did. I get that she helped put on cases in the past but it didn’t ring true to me. I’ve lived in NYC and I just can’t see how a story like that would garner such attention and press. That’s just me. Frankly the reporter was just an annoying character who I hope does not appear in any further books. All this being said I really enjoyed the story and the twists and surprises. I definitely will be reading more of this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2024
I think this was my favorite of the Cluttered Crime Mysteries, which is saying something. Carol Light is an excellent writer, and she takes you right to the setting. The cast of characters is fun and the mystery develops at a rate to keep you on the edge of your reading seat. I don't know what she's writing next, but I won't miss it!
June 7, 2024
This is book four in the Cluttered Crime Mystery series, but the first in the series that I’ve read. I found it easy to read as a standalone. I will say that there are occasional mentions of things that likely appeared in earlier books in the series. They were a bit baffling, but were of short duration and easy to read around.
Crys Ward and Eva Rolfe met five years before this book’s time period in a hospital ICU where each of their husbands were on the borderline between life and death. The two women clung to each other and bonded over a period of three days. When one of their husband’s died, it was difficult to find the time to stay in touch. It also seemed wrong to do so given the circumstances. Now, Crys has a reputation as a crime solver, thanks to a sensation-seeking journalist. Eva, having read about Crys, reaches out, seeking support as she and her business partner begin the process of putting a Victorian-era house on the National Historic Register and start the renovation of the house to its former glory.
It is a process, but support comes from some members of the Irving Park Historic Preservation Association in Chicago. Board member Professor Owen Chesterfield is enthusiastic about the project and wants to help. Deacon (Deke) Robinson, also a board member and an historical archivist, is less convinced that restoring the building is the right way to go. The two men were seen arguing right after the board meeting. It isn’t long before someone is murdered, rumors of other crimes arise, and things start to go wrong at the house.
This was an enjoyable read. It includes not only a murder but a disappearance, child abandonment, and racially motivated false arrest.
While I enjoyed the book, I did have a few problems with it. First, it started very slowly. It wasn’t until around the 50% mark that the story really picked up and started moving along. I had a hard time buying into the characters. They didn’t seem believable to me. Lastly, while the book is set in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago, it might have taken place anywhere, a small town, a village, a suburb. There was no indication of a big city anywhere. Everyone knew everyone, or quickly became friends with everyone, not exactly a think in Chicago. No one ever had a problem finding a parking spot on the street, anywhere. No traffic jams, no ethnic businesses, no Chicago-style bungalows in the neighborhood. There was nothing to define the location as being in Chicago other than the name of the neighborhood. My biggest question was why the perpetrator didn’t just move the incriminating evidence rather than committing murder, threatening people, and more? That person had access, so I didn’t get why they went to so much effort when they could easily have protected themself by removal. It didn’t make sense to me.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review.
Crys Ward and Eva Rolfe met five years before this book’s time period in a hospital ICU where each of their husbands were on the borderline between life and death. The two women clung to each other and bonded over a period of three days. When one of their husband’s died, it was difficult to find the time to stay in touch. It also seemed wrong to do so given the circumstances. Now, Crys has a reputation as a crime solver, thanks to a sensation-seeking journalist. Eva, having read about Crys, reaches out, seeking support as she and her business partner begin the process of putting a Victorian-era house on the National Historic Register and start the renovation of the house to its former glory.
It is a process, but support comes from some members of the Irving Park Historic Preservation Association in Chicago. Board member Professor Owen Chesterfield is enthusiastic about the project and wants to help. Deacon (Deke) Robinson, also a board member and an historical archivist, is less convinced that restoring the building is the right way to go. The two men were seen arguing right after the board meeting. It isn’t long before someone is murdered, rumors of other crimes arise, and things start to go wrong at the house.
This was an enjoyable read. It includes not only a murder but a disappearance, child abandonment, and racially motivated false arrest.
While I enjoyed the book, I did have a few problems with it. First, it started very slowly. It wasn’t until around the 50% mark that the story really picked up and started moving along. I had a hard time buying into the characters. They didn’t seem believable to me. Lastly, while the book is set in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago, it might have taken place anywhere, a small town, a village, a suburb. There was no indication of a big city anywhere. Everyone knew everyone, or quickly became friends with everyone, not exactly a think in Chicago. No one ever had a problem finding a parking spot on the street, anywhere. No traffic jams, no ethnic businesses, no Chicago-style bungalows in the neighborhood. There was nothing to define the location as being in Chicago other than the name of the neighborhood. My biggest question was why the perpetrator didn’t just move the incriminating evidence rather than committing murder, threatening people, and more? That person had access, so I didn’t get why they went to so much effort when they could easily have protected themself by removal. It didn’t make sense to me.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review.
June 6, 2024
No Room to Hide in’s the fourth book in Carol Light’s terrific series, Cluttered Crime Mysteries. The book features Chrys Ward who runs her own Organization business in Chicago. We’ve met many of the main characters in the book, including her husband Rick, his best friend Mitch and her friends Maggie and Connie. Five years earlier Rick, a Chicago police detective was injured in the line of duty and left paralyzed. He works a desk job now. Chrys receives requests for her services and Rick checks out the clients as she has had some trouble in the past.
As the book opens, Chrys is contacted by a woman she met in the hospital when both their husbands were brought in with life threatening injuries. Rick made it, Eva’s husband did not.The two had become close during the hospital stay but hadn’t been in contact since then. Eva flips houses and has a new partner, Zach. They purchased a Victorian home that they are considering getting historical home status for. It was where one of the suffragettes lived and this will help get it. Eva wants to hire Chrys to go through documents they found in the old house and help organize everything. Eva and Zach invite Chrys and Rick to attend a historic preservation association meeting to get some help on how to apply for the status. Chrys learns that Eva had reached out after reading the stories in the newspaper that alluded to Chrys being a “super sleuth”. She and Zack had received some threats warning them not to renovate the home. She was hoping to get Chrys to help solve the mystery.
The reporter that wrote the original article is back harassing Chrys and Eva. She does tell them about a woman who had lived in the house with her little boy and just vanished. Eva is afraid this will bring negative publicity for her project. Chrys does some research to learn more about the woman. One of the men on the association calls and asks Eva to meet him so he can show her something. When she arrives, he is dead; he was murdered and put in the Victorian house. The police are trying to determine who the killer is. Chrys is trying to stay out of the investigation as Rick has asked.
The book is fast paced and very exciting. There is a lot going on with the Victorian as well as the investigation for the killer, looking for what happened to the missing woman from 1983 and the man who was the little boy whose mother disappeared. Chrys is a wonderful heroine with lots of friends and neighbors she interacts with. The mystery is well written and I never guessed who the killer was. I was sad when the book ended as I was enjoying it so much. I live in the Chicago suburbs and I enjoy reading books that take place in this area. It was fun seeing the mention of Woodfield Mall and the Cubs game. This is another 5 star book for Carol that I loved reading.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
As the book opens, Chrys is contacted by a woman she met in the hospital when both their husbands were brought in with life threatening injuries. Rick made it, Eva’s husband did not.The two had become close during the hospital stay but hadn’t been in contact since then. Eva flips houses and has a new partner, Zach. They purchased a Victorian home that they are considering getting historical home status for. It was where one of the suffragettes lived and this will help get it. Eva wants to hire Chrys to go through documents they found in the old house and help organize everything. Eva and Zach invite Chrys and Rick to attend a historic preservation association meeting to get some help on how to apply for the status. Chrys learns that Eva had reached out after reading the stories in the newspaper that alluded to Chrys being a “super sleuth”. She and Zack had received some threats warning them not to renovate the home. She was hoping to get Chrys to help solve the mystery.
The reporter that wrote the original article is back harassing Chrys and Eva. She does tell them about a woman who had lived in the house with her little boy and just vanished. Eva is afraid this will bring negative publicity for her project. Chrys does some research to learn more about the woman. One of the men on the association calls and asks Eva to meet him so he can show her something. When she arrives, he is dead; he was murdered and put in the Victorian house. The police are trying to determine who the killer is. Chrys is trying to stay out of the investigation as Rick has asked.
The book is fast paced and very exciting. There is a lot going on with the Victorian as well as the investigation for the killer, looking for what happened to the missing woman from 1983 and the man who was the little boy whose mother disappeared. Chrys is a wonderful heroine with lots of friends and neighbors she interacts with. The mystery is well written and I never guessed who the killer was. I was sad when the book ended as I was enjoying it so much. I live in the Chicago suburbs and I enjoy reading books that take place in this area. It was fun seeing the mention of Woodfield Mall and the Cubs game. This is another 5 star book for Carol that I loved reading.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2024
No Room to Hide is a cozy mystery. Crystal Ward is a professional organizer. Her latest client, Eva Rolfe, hired Crys for her de-cluttering skills but really wants her expertise-amateur sleuthing. The Victorian home Eva and her partner are flipping has a history and Crys is asked to suss out the truth that could make or break their bottomline.
Bottom line: No Room to Hide is for you if cozy mysteries and cold cases are the perfect way to warm your Autumn nights
The star of this show is Crys Ward. She is a charming mix of curious and practical that first gets her into trouble and then gets her out. I both liked and respected her as our detective because she didn’t let a good lead die, but she also wasn’t foolishly rushing into proverbial dark alleys. Her husband, Rick, a Chicago PD financial crimes detective, is a nice balance to her. His position gives Crys the connection to the police every good cozy detective needs while being different enough that they aren’t trampling over each other. His often grumpy disposition was a fun comic relief.
There are several storylines here nicely woven together. We have the original job Crys is hired for – going through boxes salvaged from an attic. Then there is the potential that a famed suffragist lived in the house which could make it a historic landmark. And we can’t forget the young mother who put her son to bed and disappeared from the house some 30 years ago. There’s the drama around the restoration of the house itself including interesting characters from the local board. Finally, there’s a little antagonist action with a reporter who is splashing Crys’s life on the front page. One reason I think these worked together so well is because they are all related. Where in other books, you might feel like you are jumping around from one storyline to another, you don’t get that feel here. The transitions are smooth and reasonable.
Standing at the end of the story and looking to the beginning, I did have a few questions, primarily related to the bad guy. The logic of Crys’s actions were solid as she followed the trail paved by her client Eva and her own intuition. Eva is a little more difficult to figure out but that’s intentional and part of the fun. Crys made significant contributions to the story continuing forward. Often her role was more of advisor as Eva was deciding to continue to end the project. In the end, the bad guy asserted control, creating a nice little thriller moment.
The entertainment value on No Room to Hide is high. It is a fun read at just the right pace to hold your attention. This is the fourth book in the series and I have not read the others. With the majority of this story focused on the mystery, I did not feel like I was missing information or backstory needed to enjoy the book. In my opinion, new readers are good to start here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bottom line: No Room to Hide is for you if cozy mysteries and cold cases are the perfect way to warm your Autumn nights
The star of this show is Crys Ward. She is a charming mix of curious and practical that first gets her into trouble and then gets her out. I both liked and respected her as our detective because she didn’t let a good lead die, but she also wasn’t foolishly rushing into proverbial dark alleys. Her husband, Rick, a Chicago PD financial crimes detective, is a nice balance to her. His position gives Crys the connection to the police every good cozy detective needs while being different enough that they aren’t trampling over each other. His often grumpy disposition was a fun comic relief.
There are several storylines here nicely woven together. We have the original job Crys is hired for – going through boxes salvaged from an attic. Then there is the potential that a famed suffragist lived in the house which could make it a historic landmark. And we can’t forget the young mother who put her son to bed and disappeared from the house some 30 years ago. There’s the drama around the restoration of the house itself including interesting characters from the local board. Finally, there’s a little antagonist action with a reporter who is splashing Crys’s life on the front page. One reason I think these worked together so well is because they are all related. Where in other books, you might feel like you are jumping around from one storyline to another, you don’t get that feel here. The transitions are smooth and reasonable.
Standing at the end of the story and looking to the beginning, I did have a few questions, primarily related to the bad guy. The logic of Crys’s actions were solid as she followed the trail paved by her client Eva and her own intuition. Eva is a little more difficult to figure out but that’s intentional and part of the fun. Crys made significant contributions to the story continuing forward. Often her role was more of advisor as Eva was deciding to continue to end the project. In the end, the bad guy asserted control, creating a nice little thriller moment.
The entertainment value on No Room to Hide is high. It is a fun read at just the right pace to hold your attention. This is the fourth book in the series and I have not read the others. With the majority of this story focused on the mystery, I did not feel like I was missing information or backstory needed to enjoy the book. In my opinion, new readers are good to start here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
In "No Room to Hide" by Carol Light, readers are once again plunged into the fast-paced world of professional organizer Crystal Ward, where cluttered spaces are the least of her worries. Light deftly navigates the intricacies of small-town life and the complexities of friendship and loyalty in this gripping installment of the Cluttered Crime Mystery series.
Crystal Ward emerges as a relatable and resilient protagonist, whose commitment to truth and integrity is put to the test as she navigates the murky waters of unwanted publicity and unexpected danger. As a local reporter thrusts her into the spotlight for her crime-solving abilities rather than her clutter-clearing skills, Crystal finds herself grappling with the consequences of newfound fame and the impact it has on her family and friends.
The plot unfolds with tension and suspense, as Crystal is drawn into a web of secrets and deception when an old friend, Eva, hires her to sort through historical documents in a Victorian house. When a dead body is discovered and Eva receives threatening notes, Crystal is forced to confront the darker side of her profession and her own limitations. With the reporter hot on her trail and danger lurking around every corner, Crystal must rely on her wit and resourcefulness to uncover the truth before it's too late.
The small-town setting adds depth and authenticity to the story, as Light expertly captures the nuances of community dynamics and the bonds of friendship. As Crystal navigates the complexities of her relationships while untangling the mystery, readers are treated to a compelling blend of suspense, humor, and heart.
"No Room to Hide" is a riveting and immersive mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. With its engaging characters, intricate plot, and authentic small-town setting, Carol Light delivers another standout installment in the Cluttered Crime Mystery series. Prepare to be swept away on a thrilling journey of twists and turns as Crystal Ward races against time to uncover the truth and protect those she holds dear.
Crystal Ward emerges as a relatable and resilient protagonist, whose commitment to truth and integrity is put to the test as she navigates the murky waters of unwanted publicity and unexpected danger. As a local reporter thrusts her into the spotlight for her crime-solving abilities rather than her clutter-clearing skills, Crystal finds herself grappling with the consequences of newfound fame and the impact it has on her family and friends.
The plot unfolds with tension and suspense, as Crystal is drawn into a web of secrets and deception when an old friend, Eva, hires her to sort through historical documents in a Victorian house. When a dead body is discovered and Eva receives threatening notes, Crystal is forced to confront the darker side of her profession and her own limitations. With the reporter hot on her trail and danger lurking around every corner, Crystal must rely on her wit and resourcefulness to uncover the truth before it's too late.
The small-town setting adds depth and authenticity to the story, as Light expertly captures the nuances of community dynamics and the bonds of friendship. As Crystal navigates the complexities of her relationships while untangling the mystery, readers are treated to a compelling blend of suspense, humor, and heart.
"No Room to Hide" is a riveting and immersive mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. With its engaging characters, intricate plot, and authentic small-town setting, Carol Light delivers another standout installment in the Cluttered Crime Mystery series. Prepare to be swept away on a thrilling journey of twists and turns as Crystal Ward races against time to uncover the truth and protect those she holds dear.
June 4, 2024
No Room to Hide (Cluttered Crime Mysteries Book 4) by Carol Light has two of my favorite cozy mystery characters, Crystal and her husband, Rick. Life has not been easy for these two and their children after Rick is paralyzed after being shot in the line of duty. I admire how they are able to compromise, working together so that both have the support, love, and space needed.
In this story the mystery comes from a renovation to be done by a friend and someone who has hired Carol for some “uncluttering” of boxes found. The story develops slows with a missing woman cold case, then a murder. I found the pacing not as smooth as in the first two books. Mostly because Crystal’s friend, Maggie, is also having some work done at her home. There are some serious problems but I really didn’t see how this moved the story along. It seemed to cause a lack of focus instead.
One thing I do love in this series is that it is difficult to guess the guilty party. In this case, the clue is given but it went right by Crystal and me. Questions needed to be ask if the clue had been caught. Do I think this is still a great series, yes, I do.
In this story the mystery comes from a renovation to be done by a friend and someone who has hired Carol for some “uncluttering” of boxes found. The story develops slows with a missing woman cold case, then a murder. I found the pacing not as smooth as in the first two books. Mostly because Crystal’s friend, Maggie, is also having some work done at her home. There are some serious problems but I really didn’t see how this moved the story along. It seemed to cause a lack of focus instead.
One thing I do love in this series is that it is difficult to guess the guilty party. In this case, the clue is given but it went right by Crystal and me. Questions needed to be ask if the clue had been caught. Do I think this is still a great series, yes, I do.
June 7, 2024
No Room To Hide ~ A Cluttered Crime Mystery #4 by Carol Light
I have been following this series from the start, and I believe each book just keeps getting better.
I couldn't stop reading it, I was hooked from the start, Crys is back organising other people's homes.
Her new client happens to be Eva, the woman she met 5 years ago at the hospital when Rick was shot, and Eva's husband Will, didn't survive his fatal car crash.
Eva has bought an old Victorian house and is in the process of renovating it when she comes across people in the community who don't want her to complete it. Why? What secrets loom in the old house? Will Crys solve yet another crime?
Brilliantly written wonderful characters and a strong believable storyline, it is a truly great book, and I would recommend reading them in order, only to get to know the characters. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Informative, Inspirational, Page-turner, Realistic, Crime Mysteries, and Wonderful characters
I have been following this series from the start, and I believe each book just keeps getting better.
I couldn't stop reading it, I was hooked from the start, Crys is back organising other people's homes.
Her new client happens to be Eva, the woman she met 5 years ago at the hospital when Rick was shot, and Eva's husband Will, didn't survive his fatal car crash.
Eva has bought an old Victorian house and is in the process of renovating it when she comes across people in the community who don't want her to complete it. Why? What secrets loom in the old house? Will Crys solve yet another crime?
Brilliantly written wonderful characters and a strong believable storyline, it is a truly great book, and I would recommend reading them in order, only to get to know the characters. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Informative, Inspirational, Page-turner, Realistic, Crime Mysteries, and Wonderful characters
July 18, 2024
An okay thriller
No Room To Hide by Carol Light
This is my first book by Carol Light. It started, a little confusing but as you read more of the book, it doesn't seem confusing anymore. It was difficult to remember a few characters who only appeared maybe twice in the book.
I found the book quite repetitive especially Crys thinking about “how she met Eva” every other chapter or thinking “maybe Eva needs a friend more than an organizer or business partner” or using the phrase “super sleuth” extensively. Or “Eva pulled her ponytail over her shoulder”.
The characters are irritating at times. Crys seem to be desperate and clingy. Eva suddenly needs Crys for everything as if Crys is the only person Eva has known in her life when they barely know each other.
I feel like I missed the part or it's never explained what was the motive for the murder.
The chapters seemed long. I like short chapters so when I am trying to read one last, I can trick myself into reading a few of them. But that's just a personal choice. It needs some editing with grammatical errors. I have read better thrillers.
No Room To Hide by Carol Light
This is my first book by Carol Light. It started, a little confusing but as you read more of the book, it doesn't seem confusing anymore. It was difficult to remember a few characters who only appeared maybe twice in the book.
I found the book quite repetitive especially Crys thinking about “how she met Eva” every other chapter or thinking “maybe Eva needs a friend more than an organizer or business partner” or using the phrase “super sleuth” extensively. Or “Eva pulled her ponytail over her shoulder”.
The characters are irritating at times. Crys seem to be desperate and clingy. Eva suddenly needs Crys for everything as if Crys is the only person Eva has known in her life when they barely know each other.
I feel like I missed the part or it's never explained what was the motive for the murder.
The chapters seemed long. I like short chapters so when I am trying to read one last, I can trick myself into reading a few of them. But that's just a personal choice. It needs some editing with grammatical errors. I have read better thrillers.
May 4, 2024
I have read all of the Hannah Swensen Cookie Jar mysteries and this may replace that series and become my favorite cozy mystery sleuth series.
I read it uninterrupted in one afternoon and was thankful I did not have to stop reading until the end. I had several incorrect theories of “who done it” of the murder and wondered many times as I read the book about the missing person story and how it tied to the murder. I was surprised by the ending, which was good. It was also nice that the son got some answers. My only negative to the story was that the missing person connection and the murdered man found in the house was not totally explained - only implied. One more chapter could have resolved my confusion and my questions; but I understand with the murderer dead there was no one to confirm and answer if the missing person was murdered or if she died from another reason - has to be left unanswered. We can’t have everything answered, that is why I loved to read mysteries.
I received a free advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read it uninterrupted in one afternoon and was thankful I did not have to stop reading until the end. I had several incorrect theories of “who done it” of the murder and wondered many times as I read the book about the missing person story and how it tied to the murder. I was surprised by the ending, which was good. It was also nice that the son got some answers. My only negative to the story was that the missing person connection and the murdered man found in the house was not totally explained - only implied. One more chapter could have resolved my confusion and my questions; but I understand with the murderer dead there was no one to confirm and answer if the missing person was murdered or if she died from another reason - has to be left unanswered. We can’t have everything answered, that is why I loved to read mysteries.
I received a free advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2024
Chrystal Ward (Crys) is a home organiser , which takes her into people homes and workplaces to advice and help them de clutter . But she seems to get herself involved in crimes and murders along the way which is a distraction to her work but makes for a fascinating book to read .
Carol Light has written another absorbing novel with strong characters and clever twists woven into the story. I enjoyed meeting up with Crys again and her family and learning more about how Rick came to be a wheelchair user. The author re ignites the friendship between Crys and Eva who was also in the ICU unit with a very unwell husband when Rick and Crys were there following the accident which has left Rick disabled
Based in Chicago No Room to Hide will appeal to anyone who enjoys a crime novel and I will certainly be keen to read others by this author
Thanks to the author for an e-copy to read and review
Carol Light has written another absorbing novel with strong characters and clever twists woven into the story. I enjoyed meeting up with Crys again and her family and learning more about how Rick came to be a wheelchair user. The author re ignites the friendship between Crys and Eva who was also in the ICU unit with a very unwell husband when Rick and Crys were there following the accident which has left Rick disabled
Based in Chicago No Room to Hide will appeal to anyone who enjoys a crime novel and I will certainly be keen to read others by this author
Thanks to the author for an e-copy to read and review
June 9, 2024
This was a fun read. It's the fourth in the series and I haven't read the previous ones. It didn't matter as this worked perfectly well as a standalone.
Crys is someone you hire to help you declutter and organise and she reconnects with Eva when she seeks her out to use her organisational skills. Things escalate when a dead body is found in a house Eva is trying to renovate and flip and Eva admits to receiving threatening letters. Crys soon finds herself involved in more than reorganising. I found this easy to read, it was fun and light and I enjoyed how somehow Crys found herself in the middle of the investigation. The sense of danger related to the history of the old house felt quite real. I would definitely read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crys is someone you hire to help you declutter and organise and she reconnects with Eva when she seeks her out to use her organisational skills. Things escalate when a dead body is found in a house Eva is trying to renovate and flip and Eva admits to receiving threatening letters. Crys soon finds herself involved in more than reorganising. I found this easy to read, it was fun and light and I enjoyed how somehow Crys found herself in the middle of the investigation. The sense of danger related to the history of the old house felt quite real. I would definitely read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2024
Who knew when you own a business, your role can change in a drop of a hat. Thanks to people dying on her. She goes in to clean up areas, organizing documents, and houses. One of the benefits of her job is coming across new friends and old friends.
Now she is receiving assignments to solve people problems. The latest being figuring out who killed the person laying on the floor in Eva Livingroom. The only problem with helping her friend out with this issue, is the reporter. This reporter is trying to make her life hell by writing this story about her being this detective who can solve crimes and not for what she really does.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now she is receiving assignments to solve people problems. The latest being figuring out who killed the person laying on the floor in Eva Livingroom. The only problem with helping her friend out with this issue, is the reporter. This reporter is trying to make her life hell by writing this story about her being this detective who can solve crimes and not for what she really does.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2024
NO ROOM TO HIDE
by Carol Light
Release date June 6 2024
This is book 4 of the cluttered crime mysteries. But can definitely be read as a standalone.
Chrystal Ward (Cry’s) Is a professional organizer. But it seems like trouble is always following her.
She was hired by a woman that she met in a hospital five years ago. While their husbands were fighting to stay alive.
They lost touch over the last five years, but when called upon Cry’s couldn’t help jumping into help. Little did she know that she would be involved with murder and mayhem.
This was a fun mystery read with good characters and good friendship.
Thank you to Tule publishing for allowing me to read and review for you
by Carol Light
Release date June 6 2024
This is book 4 of the cluttered crime mysteries. But can definitely be read as a standalone.
Chrystal Ward (Cry’s) Is a professional organizer. But it seems like trouble is always following her.
She was hired by a woman that she met in a hospital five years ago. While their husbands were fighting to stay alive.
They lost touch over the last five years, but when called upon Cry’s couldn’t help jumping into help. Little did she know that she would be involved with murder and mayhem.
This was a fun mystery read with good characters and good friendship.
Thank you to Tule publishing for allowing me to read and review for you
November 21, 2024
Crys, a professional organizer, is recruited by her friend Eva to help go through a boat load of stuff in a Victorian house that she's trying to flip. And, of course, she then proceeds to accidentally fall into a murder mystery. Throw in a missing person and multiple threatening notes and you've got an intersting murder mystery. Overall, it was a good read but some parts could have used some improvements.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2024
House organizer Chrys is in the thick of murders again. Try as she might to stay out of the investigation of a death, she is drawn in. She only wanted to help her friend Eva organize old newspaper articles of the Victorian house she is renovating. Somebody wants Eva to stop. Chrys is accidentally on the case.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery, which is #4 in "Cluttered Crime Mystery" series. A pleasant change from books that have a lot of swearing and graphic sex etc.
I like the idea of a decluttering person also working through crime mysteries to find a solution.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I have now purchased the first book in the series, so I can read the rest of the books.
I received an advanced reader copy, with thanks. The opinions are my own.
I like the idea of a decluttering person also working through crime mysteries to find a solution.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I have now purchased the first book in the series, so I can read the rest of the books.
I received an advanced reader copy, with thanks. The opinions are my own.
June 8, 2024
I’ve read several of the books in this series. This is book 4 in the series and can be read as a stand alone. Crystal is hired by an old friend, Eva to help weed out junk at an old Victorian House that Ava and her partner are restoring. Eva begins to get threats to leave the house alone and when they discover a dead body in a secret room in the basement they know why. A good cozy and a great addition to the series. Enjoy this one.
June 14, 2024
Five years ago Crys and Eva although strangers bonded in the ICU waiting room awaiting the fate of their husbands. Crys and Eva reconnect when Eva contacts Crys for help regarding an old Victorian she and her partner Zach want to flip. This simple request leads to a dead body, a case of a missing person, threatening notes and ensuing danger. Did Eva contact Crys for her organizing skills or because she wanted a detective? Another exciting adventure involving Crys and company. I particularly enjoy the relationship between Crys and her husband, Rick. I am looking forward to the next decluttering mystery. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 5, 2024
This is book 4 of Cluttered Crime Mysteries. This book is very detailed in the story plot. You can tell that the author developed the characters to work with everyday people. Old friends get back together and then murder happens. It seems like decluttering goes further than reorganizing a room or space, murder is the main topic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2024
This is book fourth in the series and a wonderful addition to the series. I loved the story line. It is packed full of mystery, murder and intrigue. Lets be honest with those three things you know for sure that the book is going to be a page turner. This book is definitely that. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2024
This is an entertaining murder mystery romance book that holds your attention captive from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing and suspenseful as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2024
I loved this one! Book four in the Cluttered Crime Mysteries sees Crys reconnect with an old friend and is thrust into an old mystery and a murder. I love this series, it’s choc filled with mystery, family and friends.
September 16, 2024
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a fun read. I liked the pace and suspenseful elements of the book. Crys is a lovably flawed main character and the supporting characters were well integrated also. I would like to read more of this series.
This was a fun read. I liked the pace and suspenseful elements of the book. Crys is a lovably flawed main character and the supporting characters were well integrated also. I would like to read more of this series.
May 20, 2024
I enjoyed this mystery and digging into another book from the cluttered crimes series. Crys might be classified as a modern day Nancy Drew.
July 6, 2024
I received a copy on Kindle as part of a giveaway.
I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but I have not read the 3 previous books. I just could not get into the story, it was too slow for my taste.
I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but I have not read the 3 previous books. I just could not get into the story, it was too slow for my taste.
August 4, 2024
Fun cozy mystery that is perfect for a quick weekend read.
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads.
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads.
January 2, 2025
Cozy and good
This high quality cozy mystery was such a pleasure to read, embellished with all the glories of decorating and mishaps of decluttering and er, murder...
This high quality cozy mystery was such a pleasure to read, embellished with all the glories of decorating and mishaps of decluttering and er, murder...
June 9, 2024
Crys organises other peoples clutter, but she has picked up an unwanted reputation as a bit amateur sleuth thanks to an over eager journalist.
When a body turns up in the house of a friend she, once again, finds her talents in the spotlight.
An interesting murder mystery with a nice mix of characters that throws in a suitable portion of peril as the investigation starts to uncover the house's macabre past.
When a body turns up in the house of a friend she, once again, finds her talents in the spotlight.
An interesting murder mystery with a nice mix of characters that throws in a suitable portion of peril as the investigation starts to uncover the house's macabre past.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews