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A Goode-Grace Mystery #1
American Goth
A crime only she can see. A community hellbent on keeping secrets. Can she crack a homicide and live to tell the tale?
Goth artist Trinity Goode never needed to fit in. Despite finding her creative niche in the big city, she longs to return to the simple life of her salt-of-the-earth hometown. So she races back to her farming roots in search of answers when her grandfather dies under mysterious circumstances.
Suspecting foul play, Trinity teams up with a dashing deputy to pry the truth from the tight-lipped small-towners. But with a cult pulling the strings, vicious rumors of the past hurting her chance at a fresh start, and the bodies piling up… she may be risking her inheritance to solve the murder.
Can she find her grandparent’s killer before she’s dead and buried?
American Goth is the intriguing first story in the Goode-Grace cozy mystery series. If you like quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and clever twists, then you’ll love Cyn Mackley’s captivating adventure.
Buy American Goth to tie up loose ends today!
Goth artist Trinity Goode never needed to fit in. Despite finding her creative niche in the big city, she longs to return to the simple life of her salt-of-the-earth hometown. So she races back to her farming roots in search of answers when her grandfather dies under mysterious circumstances.
Suspecting foul play, Trinity teams up with a dashing deputy to pry the truth from the tight-lipped small-towners. But with a cult pulling the strings, vicious rumors of the past hurting her chance at a fresh start, and the bodies piling up… she may be risking her inheritance to solve the murder.
Can she find her grandparent’s killer before she’s dead and buried?
American Goth is the intriguing first story in the Goode-Grace cozy mystery series. If you like quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and clever twists, then you’ll love Cyn Mackley’s captivating adventure.
Buy American Goth to tie up loose ends today!
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
About the author
Cyn Mackley
33 books19 followersHi! I’m Cyn Mackley, and I write love stories littered with corpses… and cats. Always cats.
I’ve been telling stories since I was six years old, when I wrote my first “book” in crayon. These days, I write mystery series like Goode Grace, Camelot West Virginia, Purgatory County, and Martha Garrett, plus a stand-alone romantic mystery called Big Break. My books are a mix of humor, murder, romance, and action—because why choose?
By day, I’m a crime journalist and tech writer (yes, I can help you with your Kindle). I’ve lived my whole life in Ohio and take a lot of inspiration from my Appalachian roots and the true crime cases I’ve covered in Southern and Northwest Ohio.
When I’m not writing or reporting, I’m probably barefoot in the garden obsessing over tomatoes, cooking up something delicious, or surrounded by cats and miniatures.
I’ve been telling stories since I was six years old, when I wrote my first “book” in crayon. These days, I write mystery series like Goode Grace, Camelot West Virginia, Purgatory County, and Martha Garrett, plus a stand-alone romantic mystery called Big Break. My books are a mix of humor, murder, romance, and action—because why choose?
By day, I’m a crime journalist and tech writer (yes, I can help you with your Kindle). I’ve lived my whole life in Ohio and take a lot of inspiration from my Appalachian roots and the true crime cases I’ve covered in Southern and Northwest Ohio.
When I’m not writing or reporting, I’m probably barefoot in the garden obsessing over tomatoes, cooking up something delicious, or surrounded by cats and miniatures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 28, 2017
E-Reader. Mystery
Trinity Goode lives in one room, in NYC, as a kind of goth artist. Very talented.
Her favorite person her Grandfather dies at his Ohio farm. She gets an airline ticket to get back home.
His will leaves her the main house & land. Plus most of his finances. She decides to stay & not sell it to her cousin who owns half of the property & runs everything. He's married with two children.
Her Grandfather died when it was dark out. He was not found right away. When she went to the house his breakfast dishes were on the kitchen table. That was very unusual. He was found under his tractor. It was ruled accidental death.
Trinity didn't feel it was an accident & asked her old friend Sheriff Deputy Bobby Grace, to help her investigate.
After the coroner rechecked his findings he asked another coroner to feel the file. It ended up they exhumed Hiram Goode, he was murdered.
There so much more to this story it will blow you away. It gets quite emotional through. There is violence & many suspects. A weird group dressed in black live on next to the farm.
Enjoy this book. Life takes many twists & turns including love!
Trinity Goode lives in one room, in NYC, as a kind of goth artist. Very talented.
Her favorite person her Grandfather dies at his Ohio farm. She gets an airline ticket to get back home.
His will leaves her the main house & land. Plus most of his finances. She decides to stay & not sell it to her cousin who owns half of the property & runs everything. He's married with two children.
Her Grandfather died when it was dark out. He was not found right away. When she went to the house his breakfast dishes were on the kitchen table. That was very unusual. He was found under his tractor. It was ruled accidental death.
Trinity didn't feel it was an accident & asked her old friend Sheriff Deputy Bobby Grace, to help her investigate.
After the coroner rechecked his findings he asked another coroner to feel the file. It ended up they exhumed Hiram Goode, he was murdered.
There so much more to this story it will blow you away. It gets quite emotional through. There is violence & many suspects. A weird group dressed in black live on next to the farm.
Enjoy this book. Life takes many twists & turns including love!
July 16, 2017
American Goth
Trinity Goode, an artist who dresses in what Ohioans consider goth style, receives a call from her mother telling her that her beloved grandfather has died. Her mother also requests that she wear something normal to the funeral. Trinity is met at the airport by her friend and Deputy Sheriff Bobby Grace.
There are several things that don't seem right to Trinity upon arrival--the circumstances of her grandfather's death and why everyone thinks that she is a slut. Bobby Grace seems determined to help her get to the bottom of both oddities.
The characters in the book are entertaining and diverse. The storyline was varied enough to keep one interested. I liked the coziness of the homestead but some of the other features of living in a small town were not as attractive i.e. everybody thinking they know your business and the rumor mill.
Trinity Goode, an artist who dresses in what Ohioans consider goth style, receives a call from her mother telling her that her beloved grandfather has died. Her mother also requests that she wear something normal to the funeral. Trinity is met at the airport by her friend and Deputy Sheriff Bobby Grace.
There are several things that don't seem right to Trinity upon arrival--the circumstances of her grandfather's death and why everyone thinks that she is a slut. Bobby Grace seems determined to help her get to the bottom of both oddities.
The characters in the book are entertaining and diverse. The storyline was varied enough to keep one interested. I liked the coziness of the homestead but some of the other features of living in a small town were not as attractive i.e. everybody thinking they know your business and the rumor mill.
July 23, 2018
Young Goth Trinity got a farm
An amazing story of multi-generational families in middle America. An artistic and talented young woman named Trinity moves back to the mid-west family farm after her grandfather wills the farm to her following his untimely death.
Trinity is a goth and the small town she returns to is filled with family, friends and gossipy small minds.
Story is squeaky clean and contains a YA and Christian viewpoint.
Trinity’s authentic approach to life is engaging and profound.
I think I have discovered a new author to follow.
An amazing story of multi-generational families in middle America. An artistic and talented young woman named Trinity moves back to the mid-west family farm after her grandfather wills the farm to her following his untimely death.
Trinity is a goth and the small town she returns to is filled with family, friends and gossipy small minds.
Story is squeaky clean and contains a YA and Christian viewpoint.
Trinity’s authentic approach to life is engaging and profound.
I think I have discovered a new author to follow.
June 17, 2018
Homecoming and the Truth.
5 gold stars plus 100 more gold stars. This is on of the best Mystery Reads I've read in a long time. When they say " You can take the City out of the girl , but You can't take the Country out of the girl is very true. Cyn Mackley is truly a great writer. There is nothing in this book the will have people of reading it. A truly truly great series. Starting on book 2 after I write this review.
5 gold stars plus 100 more gold stars. This is on of the best Mystery Reads I've read in a long time. When they say " You can take the City out of the girl , but You can't take the Country out of the girl is very true. Cyn Mackley is truly a great writer. There is nothing in this book the will have people of reading it. A truly truly great series. Starting on book 2 after I write this review.
July 26, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character is unique: a bit different, but a really good person who has been through a lot. I don't want to get into the plot as it might spoil the reading experience for others. Just know that it is well worth reading. One of those books where, as soon as I finished, I just had to look and see whether there was a sequel (there is). Now I'm on to it. If you decide to read this, enjoy!
May 9, 2017
Completely adorable from start to finish! I love the idea of a small-town girl who moves back from the big city. I love each and every one of the characters—even the "slimiest" ones! Trinity reminds me of a dear friend who moved away several years ago. This book left me giggling. Hands-down a WINNER! :)
October 19, 2017
Very good
This is a very entertaining book. The plot was interesting and while Bobby and Trinity are the main characters, the secondary characters are also interesting and complex. I will read more of this author's work.
This is a very entertaining book. The plot was interesting and while Bobby and Trinity are the main characters, the secondary characters are also interesting and complex. I will read more of this author's work.
March 20, 2018
Excellent characters and dialogue and interesting plot.
March 15, 2018
A Modicum of Mystery & Not Much Goth
This book has some mystery elements and only a semblance of police work. The main plot line is about artist Trinity Goode returning from big, bad NYC and going back to rural Ohio to live on her grandfather’s farm.
Trinity is written as an almost perfect person. Her surname is Goode, for goodness sake! Goth clothing supposedly makes her “different,” but only because small-town folks equate wearing black with being a Goth. She admits that in NYC, hardcore Goths wouldn’t be seen on the same side of the street with her.
Other characters are also cliches: 1) a country-cousin who hates/fears everything and everyone in the Big City, 2) a handsome deputy/good guy/boyfriend who tells the MC that she’s “gosh darn cute,” and 3) a pretty blonde named Tiffany—a former cheerleader who loves pastels and pink.
I find it difficult to read books with characters I cannot relate to, so I zipped through 3/4 of this book. I did finish the book.
This book has some mystery elements and only a semblance of police work. The main plot line is about artist Trinity Goode returning from big, bad NYC and going back to rural Ohio to live on her grandfather’s farm.
Trinity is written as an almost perfect person. Her surname is Goode, for goodness sake! Goth clothing supposedly makes her “different,” but only because small-town folks equate wearing black with being a Goth. She admits that in NYC, hardcore Goths wouldn’t be seen on the same side of the street with her.
Other characters are also cliches: 1) a country-cousin who hates/fears everything and everyone in the Big City, 2) a handsome deputy/good guy/boyfriend who tells the MC that she’s “gosh darn cute,” and 3) a pretty blonde named Tiffany—a former cheerleader who loves pastels and pink.
I find it difficult to read books with characters I cannot relate to, so I zipped through 3/4 of this book. I did finish the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2023
Great story with plenty of mysteries to solve including the unusual death of Trinity's grandfather, the odd farming cult that lives next door, and who started the vicious rumors about Trinity when she was a teenager that still linger.
* The story and writing would ordinarily be 5 stars; however, I took one star away for the offensive language and sex that starts about halfway through the book. For a book categorized as a "Cozy Mystery", I felt it went too far.
* I took another star away for the main character who has sworn off pre-marital sex, yet halfway through the book she flips on this issue. This decision seems out of character for someone who agonizes over her self-image and wants to overcome over a decade of rumors circulating about her moral character. I'm disappointed in the way the author changed the direction of the story; it just didn't feel right.
* The story and writing would ordinarily be 5 stars; however, I took one star away for the offensive language and sex that starts about halfway through the book. For a book categorized as a "Cozy Mystery", I felt it went too far.
* I took another star away for the main character who has sworn off pre-marital sex, yet halfway through the book she flips on this issue. This decision seems out of character for someone who agonizes over her self-image and wants to overcome over a decade of rumors circulating about her moral character. I'm disappointed in the way the author changed the direction of the story; it just didn't feel right.
July 16, 2017
Lovely who dunnit with a bit of romance.
Trinity was a bit too perfect for me, but overall I liked the story line.
The kindle version I read, did have some editing errors that took me out of the story,
missing words in the sentence, and at times I had
to re read a passage as I was confused as to who
was saying what, but overall a really enjoyable read.
I bought book 2 and 3 after reading this book.
Trinity was a bit too perfect for me, but overall I liked the story line.
The kindle version I read, did have some editing errors that took me out of the story,
missing words in the sentence, and at times I had
to re read a passage as I was confused as to who
was saying what, but overall a really enjoyable read.
I bought book 2 and 3 after reading this book.
April 17, 2023
I liked the first half of the book. Nice atmosphere. Interesting people. Intriguing things going on.
But then the romance takes over. The intriguing things get out of hand. In an over the top way. And suddenly it’s over. Like she had no more patience to really finish the book.
If you are looking for a romance, you probably like this book. If you are looking for a good detective, better try something else.
But then the romance takes over. The intriguing things get out of hand. In an over the top way. And suddenly it’s over. Like she had no more patience to really finish the book.
If you are looking for a romance, you probably like this book. If you are looking for a good detective, better try something else.
July 31, 2017
Very Entertaining little murder mystery
I very much enjoyed this little book. It includes well-developed, interesting characters in a plot with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. It gets a little preachy for me at times, but has a nice message. Does contain a little bit of sex and violence.
I very much enjoyed this little book. It includes well-developed, interesting characters in a plot with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. It gets a little preachy for me at times, but has a nice message. Does contain a little bit of sex and violence.
December 19, 2017
Okay...
I admit it. This was a freebie. I didn't think I would like it. It hung around and I thought I'd read and delete. I won't be deleting it or the ones I bought. I want to read the others in the set. She throws in so many viable suspects and twists. I really enjoyed this..
I admit it. This was a freebie. I didn't think I would like it. It hung around and I thought I'd read and delete. I won't be deleting it or the ones I bought. I want to read the others in the set. She throws in so many viable suspects and twists. I really enjoyed this..
August 20, 2018
I loved this book with one huge exception, too many dialogue tags. He said, She said is not needed every conversation, sometimes its just obvious who is speaking. I loved the characters and will try the second book in this series.
October 11, 2020
The female lead is very close to being a Mary Sue but otherwise a good read
Neat little easy mystery that cuts away when things get too heated so great for readers that want sweet instead of heat and murder without dark mind games.
Neat little easy mystery that cuts away when things get too heated so great for readers that want sweet instead of heat and murder without dark mind games.
October 30, 2020
This is an adorable book.
CW for one fat joke, but it was kinda funny and said in a loving way.
Trinity Goode is an adorable, confident, and quick witted goth artist. She inherited a farm and moves back to the little farm town. Hijinks and banter fly.
CW for one fat joke, but it was kinda funny and said in a loving way.
Trinity Goode is an adorable, confident, and quick witted goth artist. She inherited a farm and moves back to the little farm town. Hijinks and banter fly.
September 15, 2022
Good
This is an awesome start to what I hope will be a long series. The characters are engaging and the story is just the right amount of mystery. Bobby and Trinity are my new favorite book couple.
This is an awesome start to what I hope will be a long series. The characters are engaging and the story is just the right amount of mystery. Bobby and Trinity are my new favorite book couple.
October 21, 2022
A Great Start to a great series
I was intrigued by the title of this book, so I bought it. It's a very enjoyable beginning to a new cozy mystery set. I very much liked the characters, and the dialogue. Now I'm going to get book two!
I was intrigued by the title of this book, so I bought it. It's a very enjoyable beginning to a new cozy mystery set. I very much liked the characters, and the dialogue. Now I'm going to get book two!
April 27, 2023
Really enjoyed this story. I liked the main characters and the quirky characters and the small town. I found myself rooting for Trinity and Bobby and all the situations they go through. I will look for more in this series
February 25, 2024
Engaging characters, however, it is more of a light open-door romance than an actual mystery. The 1st mystery storyline was primarily in regards to who started vicious rumors. The 2nd mystery storyline was about if a Grandfather was murdered & by whom.
July 12, 2017
Wow! Loved it!
Really loved this one. Awesome characters, awesome story. Twists and turns, great plotting. Kept me guessing! That's what I want in a mystery.
Really loved this one. Awesome characters, awesome story. Twists and turns, great plotting. Kept me guessing! That's what I want in a mystery.
July 15, 2017
Quite good. I really enjoyed this one.
July 22, 2017
Interesting story and mystery. I liked the characters and want to read the next book in the series. The romance and mystery are pretty straight forward but the writing kept me reading till the end.
July 24, 2017
A good read
Keeps the reader interested the whole way thru the book. Interesting, likeable characters. Will read more books by Cyn Mackley
Keeps the reader interested the whole way thru the book. Interesting, likeable characters. Will read more books by Cyn Mackley
January 2, 2018
Good
I love it... Funny and sadness. The way the main character except life and see others as a person and no different. I could not stop reading.
I love it... Funny and sadness. The way the main character except life and see others as a person and no different. I could not stop reading.
February 25, 2018
Great characters. A slow burn mystery with enough to keep you guessing.
June 30, 2020
Goods and Grace are a couple of Goodies
American Goth is a page turner, for sure . It seems simple and bucolic, but it is a psychological, suspenseful, thriller.
American Goth is a page turner, for sure . It seems simple and bucolic, but it is a psychological, suspenseful, thriller.
January 27, 2021
I loved this book. I am a sucker for a strong female leading character and this one did not disappoint. I highly recommend it to everyone.
February 21, 2024
Sharp funny dialogue and good characters. It got a little salty but I enjoyed the genuine communication between the two main characters. Worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews