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Magnolia Manor #8

A Dead Giveaway

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Have your eyes ever deceived you? They’re about to…

In sleepy Drifter’s Cove, a fall town raffle to restore the old Starlight Lounge and Theater brings an eclectic crowd—and deadly consequences.

Still haunted by a recent car bomb that killed a guest instead of her, amateur sleuth Lilly Livingston tries to juggle managing busy Magnolia Manor with her role as a civilian FBI cold case consultant.

Just as the inn's charming reputation had finally been established, an impossibly demanding elite guest arrives—as well as a mysterious job applicant who seems to have risen from the grave.

When a raffle attendee turns up dead, the cozy small-town vibe goes south, and indisputable evidence points exactly where Lilly dreads it will.

Refusing to believe her own eyes, she races against the clock to unravel both the local and FBI cases, finding herself entangled in a cryptic web far more sinister than she’d ever imagined—and her own life hanging in the balance.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

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21 people want to read

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Joy Patrick

31 books52 followers

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5 stars
68 (70%)
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17 (17%)
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9 (9%)
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2 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
6,726 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🏙🎎🎧🤗🎶

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book ten of ten

More to come?

Lily is hiring a housekeeper. It turns out to be the sister of a woman who died in the town. One of the guests dies. Lily is working on a cold case with the FBI which she helps in the arrest of the criminal. She then helps clear the housekeeper.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 🤔😎 2024
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,953 reviews29 followers
March 23, 2025
Another good adventure for Lilly. For some reason I missed this one and read the other ones in the series first. This one introduces Gert and she’s a hoot. Another guest at the in dies, though not on site, and once again the must investigate and clear a staff member. At the same time, Lily and the FBI task force have a cold case to work on. In this book Lily and Quiggly’s relationship moves forward and he comes through for her and Gert in a big way. The books are medium paced but you want to keep reading to find out what’s happening next.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,163 reviews76 followers
October 18, 2024
Drifter’s Cove is a sleepy town that has secrets to tell if you delve deep enough. There’s a Fall town raffle to raise funds to restore the old Starlight Lounge and Theatre , it has a following and generates fresh traffic in their town. Lilly Livingston amateur sleuth is still reeling to tell the truth since she escaped death by a gnat’s breath when a car bomb that was meant for her killed another…She’s finally gotten her coveted documentation for the National Registry of Historic Places . The Historical Society thing is huge for her but these dead bodies that keep turning up have got to leave their marks . She’s an FBI Cold Case Consultant and runs Magnolia Manor , her hands and her mind are full to bursting. It’s a case of here we go again when a body of one of her guests Archibald turns up at a Chamber of Commerce Street party implicating the hotel once again. Her staffing problem after the sad demise of her employee in the car bomb meant for her. , the deceased lady’s sister another guest Gertrude/ Gert turns up on alert to work at the hotel . She’s a bit of a character , an acquired taste but she’s a good worker who gets things done. So Lilly can follow up with the cold case files and get answers for their present predicament before another turns up in the cement…thanks to a serial killer on the loose. Another riveting story from Joy Patrick . Very good writing. Great plotting and the series gets better with age as we get familiarity.
Profile Image for Angela Meehan.
40 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
Another great adventure for Lily although with a dead body to deal with it doesn't start off that well.

Lily finally has her longed for document from the Historical Society so she is now officially a member of the National Registry of Historic Places and has the certificate to prove it, sadly she is also infamous for dead bodies turning up with a worrying regularity. The latest story is no different with yet another dead body and this one turns up during the Chamber of Commerce Street Party giving her Inn yet more bad publicity. Added to that she has the Sister of one of her guests Edna who was murdered in the last book turn up and decide to be her new Housekeeper and yet another Serial Killer to catch with her part time FBI job.

I love these books as the characters are so rounded and are getting better as the series goes on, the story is well built and the tension builds nicely till the end of the story and we find out who actually murdered the latest victim with the added tension of the FBI Investigation she goes solo on getting into trouble and also nearly killed. If you haven't read the beginning of the series it's well worth going back to read all the exciting adventures and read how the characters are developing throughout the books. Joy is a great author and I can't wait for the next adventure.

I read an Arc Copy of this book but my opinions are my own
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,108 reviews47 followers
October 14, 2024
What an entertaining read! This was my first in the Magnolia Manor series and while this read easily as a standalone, I enjoyed it so much that I’ve added the previous titles to my TBR.

Lilly is an admirable character who works hard both owning and running her five star inn (Magnolia Manor) AND as a civilian consultant for an arm of the FBI devoted to cold cases. In desperate need of a housekeeper, she hires Gerturde (or Gert) – without checking references and fueled by a little guilt for Gert’s connection to a victim in a previous story. Gert is a hoot! She’s a straight-shooter, telling it like it is, even when it probably would be better for her not to do so. I loved her scenes and rooted for her the entire story. The other characters who Lilly seems to have collected over the years give the mystery a lovely found-family feeling and add so much life to the story.

And I was certainly impressed that there were not one but two mysteries contained in this novel! Joy’s skill as a writer shines as she gets a lot in this shorter mystery without overwhelming readers. The humor and tension mix perfectly and kept me turning the pages. I would have read this in one sitting if adulting hadn’t got in the way. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Ruth McDaniel.
274 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2024
This is another Magnolia Manor mystery by Joy Patrick.
I'm not going to waste any time here.
I really enjoyed this story. Lilly takes on a new house keeper who just happens to be Ethel's sister (Ethel is from the previous book). Lilly, perhaps because she still feels guilty over Ethel's death, hires her sister, who is called Gert (short for Gertrude). She's a grizzled woman with a past and definitely has a mouth. But Lilly decides to give her a shot anyway.
Meanwhile, a very rich man named Archibald checks in and he is persnickety!
There are quite a few other ppl staying at the inn, and so when things start happening, there's no shortage of potential perps. I'm not going to give anymore than that away.
There's also a lot happening on the FBI front, with Lilly being part of the team who's on the hunt for the Sizzle Strangler.
As always, Joy Patrick brings a lot to this book. Plenty of description, well written characters, and vivid scenery.
My only issue is that the method used to lure the last book's criminal (FBI team) is the same one used for this capture, as well. Perhaps another method could be used next time? This is the reason I give this story 4 stars.
Well done, Joy Patrick!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
2,691 reviews12 followers
October 13, 2024
Too many cases!

Accommodations are filling up in Drifter’s Cove in preparation for the benefit raffle for renovating the town’s aging theater. Lily still needs a housecleaner for Magnolia Manor but is not prepared for the woman who answers her employment ad or the demanding guest referred by her friend at the Carrington. Magnolia Manor just received a Historic Designation and Lily has worked hard to give it a 5-star reputation. A bad review from such an elite guest could undo all of her hard work.

Lily is also a civilian FBI cold case consultant. Their new case could make or break their FBI funding. When the benefit raffle is put on hold due to the death of an attendee, evidence points to foul play. Now Lily has two cases to solve and to complicate her life even more – her mother is back at Magnolia Manor.

The eclectic characters in this series always bring humor and chaos to the storyline. I can’t decide which is my favorite! There were exciting scenes of danger and drama with a little taste of romance between Quigley and Lily. It was a fun book. I received an advance copy of the book but my review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,563 reviews15 followers
October 16, 2024
Two confounding cases

Great mystery or mysteries really as this book deals with two cases simultaneously. One a cold case which ties in with Lilly’s work with the FBI and another murder one of her guests in which her newly minted housekeeper is arrested on what seems to be irrefutable evidence. Two confounding cases and two very unusual methods of investigation that lead to justice for the victims.
Gotta say this was a little wacky. Mostly due to Gert and her antics. Wasn’t sure I liked her at first but she grew on me. Lilly is definitely original and thinks outside the box. Sometimes that’s good other times it gets you into some very dangerous situations. My drawback was I felt the solution to the case with Gert was a bit rushed. The wrapped up the cold case and then it just seemed like it got tacked on at the end to wrap things up with a bow. Just my impression. All in all though a fun read with a great cast of unforgettable characters.
I received an ARC from the author this review reflects my honest opinion.
455 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2024
Lily can't ever catch a break. After two unexpected people show up at the inn, one is murdered and one becomes a member of Lily's family. Thow in a FBI cold case and Lily has her hands full. I adore the characters Ms. Patrick has created. And she introduces a new one that I hope becomes a staying family member. Gert is a hoot. Brash and rough with a heart of gold, everyone needs someone like her in their life. Putting herself in danger to solve the cold case wasn't one of Lily's better ideas and you will be holding your breath as you read about that part of her adventure. Quigly is still around trying to provide some reason and sanity but what can he do with this bunch. Lily has the steadfast loyalty that all of us hope to find in a friend. She will fight for them and do anything to keep them safe. Get your beverage of choice, curl up and get ready for some fun and excitement with Lily and the Gang.
1,397 reviews16 followers
October 16, 2024
I love all things Joy Patrick and this does not disappoint. Lily Livingstone is the owner operator of The Magnolia Manor in Drifters Cove. Lily is also an FBI civilian cold case consultant. The Magnolia Manor is going to be packed with guests because of the upcoming festival; to raise money to renovate the old Starlight Theater. Lily needs a housekeeper, and no sooner is the ad placed; Gertrude (Gert) shows up. She looks just like her sister Ethel who had worked for Lily. She is in such a jam for a housekeeper, she hires her on the spot (sort of). Things are not always as they seem, even with the guests. Gert is hilarious and couldn't get enough, I hope she is back in another book. I thought it was great with the reference to Buffalo, and the Buffalo Bills; because that's where I live!! Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Joy Patrick!!!
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,592 reviews24 followers
October 20, 2024
This is a fast read that grabs you from the beginning and never lets you go until the end. Lily finally got the documentation for the National Registry of Historic Places which is a big deal and very influential for Magnolia Manor. Running the Manor and being a FBI Cold Case Consultant, is a lot on her plate. She hires Gert, the sister of one of the guests that had lost her life in a car bombing meant for Lily. But when another body, one of her guests is found dead at the Chamber of Commerce party, the hotel seems to be implicated again. With a cold case to solve from the FBI and now this new murder, once again, Lily has to get involved with the new case. With so much on her plate, Lily takes them both on. This is a fast paced read that keeps you involved until the end. I received an ARC of this book bu the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
96 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2024
Drifter's Cove is filling up for the raffle raising funds to restore the theater. Lilly, with her cast of unique friends, desperately needs a housekeeper and is frustrated with her team leader at the FBI who doesn't seem to respect her and her ideas.

She is astonished with the woman who answers her ad for a housekeeper but decided to give it a try. Gert is a bit rough around the edges but a wiz at getting things done. Then Lilly gets an unexpected, very challenging, guest and she is concerned that Gert and the guest won't get along.

Challenges ensue and Lilly saves the day with the solution. I love how unique the characters are and I recommend this book. It is a fun read.

I received a free advanced copy and this is my honest review.

Profile Image for Lynda.
1,054 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2024
Another great Magnolia Manor Story! Lilly and her staff at Magnolia Manor get a new employee named Greta that was a sister to a guest that previously gotten blown up in the van from the manor last year. She is definitely a character and Lilly was worried about how the guests would like her as she was gruff and no nonsense. Then one of the guests Archibald dies at their festival and a video shows up with Greta messing with the medication of this hard to deal with person and Lilly must find the real murderer while helping the FBI with a cold case. Everything gets solved and life goes on at Magnolia Manor.
2,791 reviews30 followers
October 14, 2024
A Dead Giveaway by Joy Patrick is a fun, action-packed mystery featuring Lily, a heroine who just can’t seem to escape chaos. With a murder, an unexpected new family member, and an FBI cold case, Lily’s life is turned upside down. The quirky characters, especially the tough yet lovable Gert, bring humor and warmth to the story. The tension builds as Lily gets caught up in solving the mystery, and the budding romance with Quigley adds a sweet touch. A delightful blend of danger, drama, and humor, this book is an engaging and enjoyable read.
I received a free ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion, freely shared.
1,038 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2024
ARC received from the author.

An entertaining cozy mystery. This is my first read in this series. While there were some references to previous stories, I was certainly able to follow the story.

Lily runs an upscale B&B and also works with a local FBI office, solving cold cases. This story gives you two murder cases to solve. Lily is working on the FBI cold case and then, gosh darn it, one of her guests drops dead from poison. While the murderer was not too difficult to figure out, motive certainly was.
Profile Image for CJ Earls.
117 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2024
This entry in the Magnolia Manor mystery series finds Lilly trying to hire a housekeeper. She is surprised when a former Buffalo, Nee York bar owner, who is the sister of a former guest, applies and just assumes she has the job. It is a rough start and becomes more complicated when a guest dies. At the same time Lilly continues her assignment with the FBI cold case team. I enjoyed this novel and appreciated the interweaving of two mysteries to be solved by Lilly, her mother and her eclectic group of friends.
Profile Image for Cat B..
793 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2024
The Magnolia Manor Mysteries are fun little reads and this one follows right on the heel of the previous books in the series. Wonderfully quirky characters fill the pages from Lilly's mother Marissa and the eccentric librarian Penelope to the newest employee of Magnolia Manor. Lilly seems to take in all kinds of oddballs, embraces them, and makes them feel right at home. It's smart of her as they come in handy when solving crimes. Love this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
Profile Image for Tina Lincoln.
471 reviews6 followers
October 16, 2024
Perfect place for (Another) Murder!
What a quaint, beautiful place to stay! Magnolia Manor has many things, including the murders that just keep happening, all for different reasons.
Lilly loves working to solve murders. Whether it is helping out the local FBI on cold cases, or for a current one.
This is a wonderful story, one good for people of all ages and stages.
Thank you, Joy Patrick, for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa Borsey.
1,890 reviews37 followers
October 19, 2024
Lily is proud that her Magnolia Manor Inn has been placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and she has finally hired a housekeeper. Unfortunately, when a guest of the Inn drops dead under questionable circumstances and her new housekeeper is arrested, Lily is determined to help. There is also a serial strangler on the loose and Lily has just the plan to lure him out, but at what cost? I found both mysteries to be very suspenseful and I just love Lily and all of her eclectic friends. I look forward to the next book in this fun series.
165 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2024
Lilly Livingston is beyond busy. Trying to run Magnolia Manor, along with helping as a civilian on solving FBI cold cases. When an unexpected arrival shows up and Lilly hires her to become the housekeeper, she thinks life will get easier. Unfortunately, she gets in deep when an aggravating guest that is staying at Magnolia Manor ends up dead while participating in the local Fall festival. All evidence seems not right. So, she is frantically looking to solve that murder, as well as solving the current FBI case. Loved the way all the friends interact.
Profile Image for Christina.
559 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2024
“A Dead Giveaway” by Joy Patrick is a fun mystery with not one but two intriguing plot lines to follow. Lily, a civilian managing Magnolia Manor, also serves as a consultant to the FBI on local cold cases. When a new guest arrives—vocal, particular, and difficult to please—the challenge is real. But when he dies unexpectedly, suspicion falls on Magnolia Manor’s new maid, based on seemingly irrefutable evidence. This was my first book in the series, and it won’t be my last. A high 4 1/2 stars from me!
293 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this story of two separate crime cases being investigated and solved. Lilly's doggedness brings clarity and a solution. But not without a lot of suspense and heart thumping. I liked Gert, the new housekeeper. She brought laughter, sass and levelheadedness to many of the situations. This was an all around good story, with good people that I really enjoyed reading and I definitely want more of!!!
270 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2024
I loved this book. The story drew me in right away and kept my interest until the last page. The pacing was perfect. The back and forth between the dual storylines worked. There was just the right amount of time spent on one storyline before going back to the next. I loved the many characters in the story. They made it a very entertaining read. I highly recommend this book. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
667 reviews
October 12, 2024
Lily runs Magnolia Manor B&B and is a civilian consultant for the FBI. A guest dies and there's a cold cold case to solve. This series is new to me but I loved this book. It can be read as a standalone. The new housekeeper is hilarious. When you like a fun mystery with interesting characters then you'll like this book. I'm going to put this series on my wish list.
I received an advance review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.





1,687 reviews27 followers
October 13, 2024
Lily was happy having the Magnolia Manor being recognized officially.  She gets a quirky housekeeper, a videographer and an eccentric upper class guest suddenly descending on her. This leads to the death of Archibald Worthington who was poisoned.  Lily with her skills is able to solve two cases successfully.  A intriguing read. I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
2,590 reviews45 followers
October 15, 2024
Well this one was a twist with twists. Gert was a very colorful character that certainly added her own splash on the B &B
Marissa never fails to flounce in and expect "her room" regardless of others. I Iiked Lilly's tenacity and perseverance to get to the bottom and free her housekeeper. This was a humorous unique story that kept me guessing and laughing throughout. I never put it all together. Great job author!!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,610 reviews22 followers
October 18, 2024
Lilly Livingston manages Magnolia Manor and also works as a cold case consultant for the FBI. When one of her guests ends up dead at a festival, Lilly’s newly hired housekeeper is arrested for the murder. But things aren’t always as they seem and Lilly is determined to prove her new friend’s/employee’s innocence, while also helping solve a cold case.

This was a fun, quick read that kept me guessing until the end. I loved reading about the unusual mix of friends and employees in Lilly's daily life.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
90 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2024
A Dead Giveaway by Joy Patrick

Enjoyable who done it mystery
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
The eccentric characters in this quick read will have you second guessing as you try to solve this small town murder mystery. Owner of this small town historical Inn, Lilly needs staffing help at the Inn while she consults on FBI cold cases. Lots of twists will have you turning the pages to get to the end.
Profile Image for Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews).
1,313 reviews24 followers
October 22, 2024
It's been a bit of a cozy mystery fest for me this year and it's easy to to get to the point where all the various series and characters begin to blur into one huge confusing mess.

The Magnolia Manor Mysteries are my antidote with their fun characters and varied plots.

A Dead Giveaway is a real fun read with some laugh out loud moments particularly with the new housekeeper at the hotel.

245 reviews19 followers
November 25, 2024
Lily is helping the police department with the cold case, "The Sizzler Strangler". The strangler finds wealthy women to steal their money. Lily enlists her mother and Annie to help capture him, a great side story with some comedy added. At the manor, we have a new maid, Gertrude, sister to Edna a past guest. One of the guests is murdered at the fair that is in town and all guests and workers, including Lisa are suspects in the murder. Lots of action is this book.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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