Tragedy has struck a small town resort on Port Davis Bay, one of the guests has died a suspicious death.
Emma Lang, a longtime employee, found a woman dying on the resort property. There was nothing Emma could do. But before the woman's last breath, she shared an encrypted message. It was poetic, but very mysterious.
Intrigued, Emma starts a probe into the victims' life. She encourages her quirky friends/co-workers to help. Together, they covertly peek, prod and peel back layers of clues.
The authorities are convinced it was suicide. But the sleuthing co-workers believe she was poisoned. The initial shock to the family is not what it seems. Some are emotional, yet others express good riddance.
Emma is reeling, the possibility the killer is still at the resort is unthinkable. Are they all in danger? There isn’t much time. If she doesn’t solve this case soon, it’s viable the murderer will escape without a trace. Or worse yet, kill again!
Classy Cohorts: the next generation. Now it makes me wish I’d already read that previous series, because I suspect there may be some clues to how this current generation interacts in the exploits of their grandparents. In any case, I was quickly captivated by this mystery and glued to the pages. I was rather proud of myself for correctly identifying the villain before the big reveal, but I'm not sure I entirely understand their motive. However, I'm very curious to see what this modern-day cohort gets up to next.
A Toxic Murder Medley: An unputdownable murder mystery full of secrets and suspense by Nelly Stein
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.
"A Toxic Murder Medley" is an engaging work of fiction by Nelly Stein. The book follows a group of employees who respond to a murder at the beautiful resort of Port Davis Bay. The story delves into relatable themes such as friendship, revenge, crime, and betrayal, which resonate with readers. Readers gain insight into the roles of Emma and her co-workers and their impact on solving the crime. After the victim is discovered in suspicious circumstances, the friends' lives spiral into a never-ending series of nightmares. The central mystery revolves around identifying the murderer and uncovering their motives.
The book follows a young group as they face various challenges and work together to solve a crime. Each member brings their individual talent to help uncover questionable details about the guests at the resort, all of whom have their own motives for committing the crime. While Detective Beltz sees nothing unusual about the incident, Emma and her companions decide to uncover the truth. As they dig deeper into their investigations, they encounter new suspects and people of interest, leading to more questions than answers. The unexpected events create a captivating and intriguing storyline for the book.
I love several aspects of this book. First, Nelly Stein is a talented storyteller who immediately draws the reader into the storyline from the first page. Second, the author skillfully uses vivid descriptions and imagery to narrate the story, creating a sensation for the reader as if they are witnessing the events firsthand. Third, despite all the tension and danger in the plot, I appreciate how the group approaches the risks they are undertaking enthusiastically. Finally, the book has a simple storyline, which provides readers with a seamless reading experience.
While reading, I found that the multiple points of view, each from a different member of the group, made it difficult for me to connect with any of the characters. When I read, I prefer to have a strong connection with the main characters, to understand their thoughts and motivations. With this book, due to the constant change in perspective with each chapter, I couldn't establish that connection. However, I understand that this is just my opinion.
I rate this book four out of five stars because of the positive aspects previously mentioned. I recommend A Toxic Murder Medley to lovers of cozy mystery novels.
In A Toxic Murder Medley, the first book in Nelly Stein’s Emma Lang Cozy Mystery series, we’re introduced to Emma Lang, a long-time employee at the Port Davis Resort, who, along with her quirky friends, finds herself embroiled in a chilling mystery. The book opens with Emma and her co-workers, Zac, Sophie, and Olivia, taking a break after a long day, their banter light and playful against the backdrop of the resort's idyllic setting. However, the tone quickly shifts when Emma spots a mysterious light in an abandoned restaurant, setting the stage for an eerie, tension-filled investigation.
As Emma ventures to investigate, she discovers Evelyn Montgomery, a wealthy guest of the resort, gravely injured and on the brink of death. Evelyn’s final, cryptic words—“Lilies bloomed in the shadows”—send Emma down a dark and twisting path. This pivotal scene is a perfect blend of suspense and intrigue, immediately pulling readers into the unfolding mystery and establishing the tone for the rest of the novel. From this moment, the stakes are set: was this a tragic accident, or was something more sinister at play?
The plot thickens as Emma, joined by her co-workers, dives into Evelyn’s life, determined to uncover the truth behind her death. Despite the authorities ruling it a suicide, Emma's instincts tell her otherwise, and the group soon becomes convinced that Evelyn was poisoned. The character development here is strong, as Stein crafts a close-knit group of friends who balance lighthearted humor with moments of real tension. Emma’s inner strength and curiosity drive the investigation forward, while her friends each bring unique skills and quirks to their amateur sleuthing.
Stein’s writing expertly weaves together a cozy setting with a dark mystery, filled with red herrings and unexpected twists. The narrative keeps readers guessing as Emma unearths secrets about the Montgomery family, some of whom seem almost relieved by Evelyn’s passing. The looming question of whether the killer is still lurking at the resort adds a palpable sense of danger, keeping the tension high as Emma races against time to solve the case before the murderer strikes again.
With its blend of mystery, humor, and suspense, A Toxic Murder Medley is a compelling start to a series that promises more clever investigations and quirky character dynamics. Fans of cozy mysteries will find Emma Lang’s debut both gripping and endearing.
The Montgomery family traditionally vacations together at the Port Davis Bay Resort where our main character, Emma and her friends, Zac, Sophie, and Olivia, work there. While the group was taking their break outside, Emma sees a light moving around in the closed down restaurant on the resort property. It was spooky, but Emma wanted to investigate. Her friends, bowed out. Fearfully, Emma goes into the restaurant to find Evelyn Montgomery, the matriarch of the family there and then she falls into Emma's arms, but before she dies, she says one last thing to Emma, "Lilies Bloomed in the Shadows." What could that mean? The police deem it a suicide but Emma is convinced it was murder. Finally convincing her friends they need to look into it, they reluctantly agree. But they really get into it, questioning the family members, following them, digging deep into their business history as well as their family relationships. Will they find a murderer? What does the cryptic statement from the victim mean and how does it relate to her death...or does it? Who is Lily? Who is the strange gardener? Through all the twists and turns and red-herrings, can the group solve this? This is a really good page turner and the first book in a very promising new series that I can't wait to see where it goes! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here is strictly my own.
This is an immersive mystery story set in Port Davis Bay resort. Following Emma Lang and friends who also work there, Olivia, Sophie and Zac who have her back. When Matriarch of the Montgomery family Evelyn falls into Emma’s arms , she utters her final words on this earth ‘ Lilies Bloomed in the Shadows’ well of course the others gave a wide berth . Whatever’s occurring? Well one thing is for certain of this mystery death Emma and co must ascertain when they do some stirring. As the local constab are treating the death so drab. Well you see the police who reside here called it suicide. Oo er It’s up to the sleuthing pals to get justice for the old gal’s rest at peace . It’s the least they can do for the deceased. With the strange gardener the twists and the turns and the sinister the friends administer a pardoner. What comes from those last words uttered at the last breath of death? And what of the family? Some are relieved and others aggrieved at her passing , each opportunity to unearth a clue , the avid sleuths must do. Wonderful prose by Nellie Stein,made this a divine read for me a mighty fine and splendid book. I searched for the outcome in every nook of my brain to pick up a few clues as I tried to decipher along. This truly was a splendid read and it was awesomely done and did t take long to read. Perfect indeed!
Although it works perfectly well as a standalone book, I suspect this will be of special interest to those who have read and enjoyed the Classy Cohorts Series. This is because it is what I choose to call a generational sequel—not involving the same characters as the first series, but carried on by a later generation. The main protagonist is the granddaughter of the main protagonist of the CC series. As with the Classy Cohorts, we have a group of characters, all with their own special skill sets, who work together and complement each other's efforts. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, though if I am perfectly honest, I wish I had taken notes to keep track as the POV shifts from one to another. It is a quick read, with a lot of the stock extras, such as a lawman who is not initially impressed with our protagonist (just because your grandmother was a successful private investigator, you think you can do my job for me? Just get out of the way, why don't you?) Note: I received an advance copy, and this is my candid impression based on it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is an independent review.
To read or not to read: that is the question
I was going to knock off a star, because how realistic is it that this super rich family would be discussing anything with the teens working at a ritzy resort after the matriarch of the family commits a suicide (or was it a murder)? Then I remembered that this is a cozy mystery and just like a good Hallmark Channel love story, realism is not the point. Four friends who work at a resort find a patron at a brink of death at the abandoned restaurant on the property. With her last breath, she leaves a mysterious message. After police believe it to be a suicide, the four keep sleuthing by talking to the rest of the family. Will they be able to prove or disprove the suicide and uncover a long buried family secret? Super cozy, well written, fast paced. I loved the characters and how the story flowed.
Looks like the beginning of another great series. A group of friends working at a resort get involved in trying to figure out if a woman dies from suicide or murder? Authorities say suicide... The detective on the case is not pleased that they are interfering.. But are they ever?? It moves pretty quickly and a number of people could be suspect. I did tend to lean toward one suspect early on but didn't lose interest and admit to staying up too late reading! It's too early to tell - but the connection between Emma and her grandmother being one of the Classy Cohorts works to give her a reason for being obsessed with solving the mystery... When the different chapters are from the perspective of different members of the group, I find that sometimes it is hard to follow and I have to go back and see who is speaking. All that - I look forward to book 2 to see what trouble this group gets into next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Toxic Medley is the first book in a new series by Nelly Stein.
Emma and her friends have worked at the Port Davis Bay resort for a while now. Emma notices lights at the restaurant which shouldn't be there.
After investigating, she finds one of the wealthy guest dying. The police determine it's a suicide, in which Emma doesn't agree. She and her friend dive into the death going against the police advice.
Pro's: Developed characters, a bit of intrigue, and a decent plotline. The main character is the granddaughter of an investigator in another series making this one a spinoff.
Con's: Athough I do like some of Shakespear's work, I didn't care for the constant quotes at every turn of the investigation. It became a bit tedious after a bit.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this story and all opinions are my own.
I think my title sums up my feelings. I felt like everything was overly dramatic. If it was a play or a movie I’d say the actors were hamming it up. I really didn’t get the whole Shakespeare thing. I mean I love The Bard and am always down to read one of his plays but randomly quoting him in every situation seems excessively weird to me. If this is her thing the book starts with four friend lounging on a break why not explain it. I don’t like to be overly critical so I’ll save further oddness and sum up my feelings here. Is it a good mystery yes. Would I read another book in this series no. My two cents, your mileage may vary.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read the "Classy Cohorts" series and I thought this was just a continuation of where the last one left off. Little did I know that they have been overtaken by the younger generation. Will this new generation be able to take over where their elders left off? When an elderly hotel guest passes away unexpectedly, her death is assumed to be from natural causes. Certain things, however don't seem to be adding up to the satisfaction of the hotel staff. They decide to pursue an investigation of their own to determine what really happened, much to the dismay of the local police department. A quick read that will keep you wondering. Several suspects, but who has the most to lose?
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a well-written murder mystery, full of twists and turns. The sleuths are interesting although it seemed unreal that four teens would put themselves in danger in order to solve a murder, but then again that has happened in other stories. It turns out the wealthy family looks on the surface like they haven't a care in the world, although there is one man who is constantly coming on to young women who find him repulsive, a secret from the past, and some who insist on keeping up appearances no matter what. There is a lawman who isn't at all impressed with the young sleuths despite not really making any headway on the case himself. The friendship among the young people is great as was the love of a father.
This was another great book. It was a page turner and the suspense was interested. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The Montgomery family went on trip to this place called Port Davis Bay Resort were they all wanted to have fun and relaxed. They had to solve a murder of this person that had walk up on when they are having to much fun and laughter. Will the police find out who had killed this person or was it suicide I highly recommend this book and won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
Friends Emma, Olivia, Sophie and Zac all work at a resort on Port Davis Bay. Then when tragedy strikes and one of the residents dies, as they thought, ‘mysteriously’, they decide to investigate even though the authorities state that it was suicide. There are plenty of twists and turns, and family secrets to keep you intrigued. My one reservation is that each chapter is narrated by a different person. If you only read a couple of chapters a day, as I do, it can become a little confusing and you tend to forget who is who. Having said that it is an enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a totally voluntary and unbiased review.
An entertaining and engaging cozy mystery! Emma, Olivia, Sophie and Zack all work at the Port Davis Resort. When Emma discovers the textile matriarch, Evelyn Montgomery, dying, her dying words are about not forgetting Lily. The death is ruled suicide, but the group disagrees and think poisoning is much more likely. So they begin to investigate, following in the footsteps of Emma’s grandmother and the Classy Cohorts Detective Agency! Without any knowledge of who Lily might be, they start to track the clues, much to Detective Beltz’s displeasure. Some secrets and a few twists make for an interesting mystery!
Solving mysteries is in Emma Lang's genes. Her grandmother is one of the Classy Cohorts which is another series by this author. I loved the passing of the crime-solving baton. This story is set at Emma's job which is a fancy resort. She comes upon a special guest who gives her a cryptic message before passing away. Was it suicide or something more sinister? Emma and her friends do their best to find answers before they are fired or harmed. This was a good start to a series and can be read as a standalone.
Emma, Olivia, Sophie and Zac are working at the resort when one of their wealthiest guests suddenly dies. Is it self-inflicted, or ... ? This is an amazing book. Once I started I could not put it down. It just kept getting better and better. The characters are so realistic and with the switch between the different characters you are always there as they figure out what happened. A really fantastic book to relax with.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The next generation of the Classy Cohorts. Just as smart and adventurous as the original sleuths Dorthey's granddaughter is on the case. Still in Port Davis murder is part of the life running a resort. A secret child, a failing business, and a murder don't stand a chance against Sophie, Emma, Zac and Olivia. The four friends face danger and questions trying to prove that the death wasn't a suicide but a homicide. Using their jobs as cover the four listen and observe in the best Miss Marple tradition. Highly recommended for a cozy, quick read. I am awaiting the next book.
An entertaining read, maybe not the most complex mystery, but plenty of family secrets and suspects to keep things interesting.
The chapters alternative been 4 people's point of view and the author did a good job of giving each character a different voice.
Apparently this is a spinoff of her other series (the grandchildren of the original are the sleuths in this one). I haven't read that series yet, but it didn't stop me from liking this book. There are a few nods to the original characters throughout the story.
This was another excellent written murder mystery with lots of twist and turns. It show you how a very good group of friends can work together to solve a crime even if the police don't there has been a crime. You also get to see how a very weathly family can try and cover up any problems they have by using money and their position in society. The weathly have as many problems as an one else does but they just try and hind it from everyone. I loved the way the author uses this to tell her story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy a good murder mystery.
This was a really appealing book with plenty of herrings to throw the reader off. However, it was not in the same style as the other EXCELLENT Nelly Stein books I have read. Family secrets surface while visiting this resort, and Emma Lang, along with her friends, try to investigate the matriarch's death - while working at the small town resort. The chapters in this book are written with the point of view from Emma and her friends. Thank you, Jelly for a new & interesting read. Leona
Emma Long working at the Port Davis Resort as Supervisor finds the body of Evelyn Montgomery dying and before she died she shared a few words. Emma was determined that it was murder and with the help of the other staff members Zac, Sophie and Olivia who were her friends go on a strange journey trying to solve this mystery. There was more than meets the eye which makes this an intriguing read. I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
Did she or did she not?Going to a murder resort is not exactly what you might expect unless it is in Port Davis Bay. How do you tell if a person is murdered or killed themselves? This was a good tracking murder mystery, that Emma Lang had to work hard to be able to work the clues. Did she kill herself as they say, or was she killed? This was a good first book in a series. Thank you, Nelly Stein, for a good story. I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Emma is the granddaughter of Dorothy, one of the Classy Cohort s detective agency. She is an employee at the local resort centre, and has some of her friends working there. I liked how, when an elderly lady dies suddenly, they rally round to investigate the death. Lots of well rounded characters. My only criticism is that the chapters were each told by one of the friends, which could be confusing.
As you can see, I did not really enjoy this book. I did like the character but the dialogue felt extremely unnatural and everything felt overly dramatic. I kept rolling my eyes at every second sentence to be honest. The mystery wasn’t really interesting or well plotted either. However, if you like contemporary writing, want a book that’s an easy and quick read and don’t care about the mystery too much, I think you might enjoy this book.
This isn't your usual family reunion resort visit. First the matriarch of the family dies in an unused old restaurant and then things get really interesting. The staff get involved in solving this suicide/murder and that's when the family's dirty laundry comes out and you find that you don't really know the people you work with.
Working with your best friends has the added advantage of knowing just what the other needs when things go sideways. And there are family secrets that put everyone’s lives and jobs in jeopardy. Just another day at the office…right?
I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and it's a great read plus a great follow up to the Classy Cohorts series as the main characters in this book are their grandchildren. A good mystery to solve with plenty of twists and clues, very unputdownable! I love the relationship between Emma, Olivia, Zac and Sophie and look forward to reading more of their exploits.
Super book with a clever storyline, and dynamic characters that bring the book its life (even if it’s about death). You will enjoy this whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the very end. While it’s a little longer than I like a book to be, it was still a superb, thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery. Start reading and stay with it and you, too, will be impressed.
A Toxic Murder Medley written by Nelly Stein. What an awesome murder mystery. It grab me from the beginning to the end. With murder and with Emma & friends sleuth they try and figure out who done it. There’s excitement & danger around the corners? You should get the book & read it it’s mystery murder and excitement. Yes I have the book and it’s great.