Buried in Books

April May #4

by Hazel Smith

A hated author, a mysterious murder, and a city girl with a knack for trouble. April May is about to dive deep into the secrets of Laurel Lake.

When fashion journalist turned reporter April May stumbles over a dead body in the woods, she lands in a perfect mystery . Someone ruthlessly killed a famous horror author, and she’s determined to get the real story.

As April navigates a maze of gossiping locals, she finds buried grudges and cryptic clues everywhere. It seems everyone in town had a reason to want the loathsome author gone, from his jealous editor to aspiring authors in April’s crochet club.

Between dodging threats and juggling her blossoming romance with the local vet, April has her hands full.

But the deeper she and her clue-sniffing Boxer Ralph dig, the more dangerous things become. Someone in town is desperate to keep the truth buried. If April doesn’t crack the case quickly, she’ll become the next chapter in the killer’s story.

** Author Hazel Smith books can be read in any order and are free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities. Bonus recipes included!)

Genres: Cozy Mystery

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2024

Reviews

[Tracy Condie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the April May Mystery series and it does well as a stand-alone. April May is a former fashion journalist from Chicago who has relocated and settled into the small town life of Laurel Lake. Check out the series starter The Secret Inheritance, to learn about her relocation as the result of a mysterious inheritance from an unknown family member. Laurel Lake is not a fashion forward location; the number one accessory for most residents is a good pair of rubber boots; so April is now a freelance investigative journalist for the local paper thanks to her ability to solve mysteries. April still cares about fashion, so much so that she has named her furry side-kick, Ralph, after her favorite designer, Ralph Lauren. Ralph has a penchant for finding things, like dead bodies. This time it is Laurel Lake’s local horror author LDLDLDL who was about to showcase his latest release at the local books store.
April had the chance to interview DKDKD and she was not really impressed by his dark and stormy attitudes. The rest of the town either loves or hates his work and possibly the writer himself, it seems that Damian Hemlock gets character inspiration from the locals but not in a good way. His latest book, Buried by the Black Oak, seems rather prophetic, perhaps he should have consulted some beta readers before making the locals the crazed killers in his stories.
I like that April has a decent “working” relationship with Officer Kate Greensley, no animosity, unlike the new junior officer, Shaun Tanner, who resembles a weasel in looks and actions and is really antagonistic for no apparent reason. Tanner even suggests that April called in the body drop discovery to create news. The last thing April wanted to do while hiking with boyfriend, Wesley, was to find a dead body. Incidentally, April does end up getting assigned to cover the story and everyone figures that she will be investigating and asking all those “nosy” questions. How else is she going to get to the bottom of this mystery?
April is a fun character who has a running fashion commentary going through her mind as she interacts with both friends and not so friendly folks. Not even April’s friends are excluded from an outfit evaluation, but they are left off of the suspect list. There are plenty of suspects, including the writer’s nephew who inherited everything, the underappreciated editor, and even Isaac the local grump. Chances are that I would be grumpy too if an author used me in their story to do horrific things that were completely against my nature.
This was an entertaining story with some well-placed clues and great red herrings. The story development is paced and the character interactions keep you snickering. One of my favorite things about the Hazel Smith’s books is that she shares recipes such as the Maple Bacon Cupcake recipe located at the end which looks easy enough to make. The only thing that I think is missing from this book is Jo’s recipe for fig cake.

[Mark Menard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Snobbish Protagonist
A hated author, a mysterious murder, and a city girl with a knack for trouble. April May is about to dive deep into the secrets of Laurel Lake.
When fashion journalist turned reporter April May stumbles over a dead body in the woods, she lands in a perfect mystery. Someone ruthlessly killed a famous horror author, and she’s determined to get the real story.
As April navigates a maze of gossiping locals, she finds buried grudges and cryptic clues everywhere. It seems everyone in town had a reason to want the loathsome author gone, from his jealous editor to aspiring authors in April’s crochet club.
Between dodging threats and juggling her blossoming romance with the local vet, April has her hands full.
But the deeper she and her clue-sniffing Boxer Ralph dig, the more dangerous things become. Someone in town is desperate to keep the truth buried. If April doesn’t crack the case quickly, she’ll become the next chapter in the killer’s story.
The story and writing were good, and there were enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep my attention. But one of my issues with books is when the protagonist is not very likeable or relatable. Let’s talk about April May. She has some redeeming qualities but unfortunately for me the bad overshadowed the good. The biggest issue I have with her is that she is a snob. All she cares about is fashion and what people are wearing. That then leads to her being condescending when she talks about lecturing and trying to change the people of Laurel Lake.
Here is what I am talking about . . .
. . . his blue Henley discolored with dirt and his denim jeans ripped at the knee. April found herself thankful that Wesley had moved away from home to become a vet.
. . . she wasn’t sure she could date someone who bore the grass-stained, disheveled appearance of a dairy farmer. Even one as stacked as Erik.
. . . he wore a smart pea-green cardigan fastened over a tan button-up. Not her favorite color combo, but she was hopeful that soon enough, the locals would start listening to her fashion advice.
She wore an old-fashioned brown turtleneck sweater that April would love to use as bonfire kindling and faded burgundy corduroy pants that she’d expect to see in a thrift store.
. . . even if they thought it was acceptable to pair denim on — shudder — denim.
My assessment of April is that she is rude, pretentious, condescending, judgmental, and materialistic. I just couldn’t accept her as the protagonist. And lastly, why did we need Junior Officer Tanner? He brought nothing to the book or story - he was just annoying.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Krystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible Sleuth and Very Vain

This is book 4 in the April May Cozy Mystery series. This review is being completed without having read books 1-3, however, the characters were all very easy to follow and I didn’t have a hard time keeping up with any of the storyline since there wasn’t really anything from previous books mentioned that I could tell.

April seemed like a completely spoiled brat. I’m
Not sure her age but she sounded like a petulant 12 year old that didn’t get her way on literally page 1 of this book. By page 3 she admitted to not getting him a 4 month anniversary gift even though she talked about how important all the relationship milestones were??

And the first thing April and Wesley do is go start telling people at the bakery about the death? They both agreed that the deceased’s family members should be notified before they said anything and they literally blurt it out to the first two people they talk to.

I have never seen someone freak out so much about a dead mouse. I mean seriously. You would have thought it was going to come back to life, jump on her, bite her, and she would die from rabies or something. And that’s after yelling at Wesley to not use her Egyptian Cotton towel.

The spilled cider isn’t going to ruin her table! Just get a wet cloth and wipe it up! She’s acting like the cider being spilled just ruined the last item from her family she’ll ever have.

I did not really enjoy April’s character…..at all. She seems vain, shallow, and vapid. She wants to be an investigative journalist but all she cares about are her expensive clothes and how everybody looks in what they are wearing. She ignores everything everyone says and doesn’t really seem to appreciate her boyfriend.

I would not recommend this series based off of this book.

1 star

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in return for an early review on the book.

April May and her boyfriend and their dogs are enjoying a hike when the dogs unearth the shallow grave of a local novelist in town.

Instead of being a well liked individual, this man was despised by most everyone because he changed their names but used them all as murderers in his horror novels. Thus there isn’t a shortage of suspects as to who could have wanted him dead because the locals all knew who the characters in the
books were in real life!

April can’t resist the mystery as to who killed the novelist and when her editor asks her to find out she jumps at the chance! She unearths strong motives from several individuals but a phone call from her mother who has been reading the last book gives her a clue which leads her to the spot where she finds a clue and the killer! Luckily her dog is with her and she has told her boyfriend where she was going and he arrives shortly thereafter with the sheriff as well.

This is a great whodunnit! It kept me guessing throughout the book and I must admit the real killer was a surprise to me! I was totally surprised! I love this series and the characters in this series! April May loves the people in her rural town she has come to call hime after inheriting her grandmother’s lakeside house but she wishes all the streets and paths were oiled so her shoes wouldn’t get ruined! She’s still a city girl at heart and wants to wear nice clothes but doesn’t want them ruined by mud and rain!!

I heartily recommend this book as one I know you’ll enjoy! There is humor, excitement, adventure, suspense, everything you’re looking for in a good cozy murder mystery! Turns out man’s best friend also applies to women as well!

I urge you to pick up this book today and if you haven’t read the other books in this series yet, I urge
you to get them as well. It’s a great series and you’ll
find yourself smiling and laughing at the antics that
April May gets herself into.! Luckily she has made friends who come to her aid and help her out and she
finds she likes this country life after all!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well here’s fashion journalist turned reporter April May and her boxer dog Ralph of Laurel Lake , and tagging along is her boyfriend Wesley with his dogs ,they end up having an impromptu meeting with an horror author in the wood. If she could make it up she would but there he lies in front of their eyes dead. With a name like Damian Hemlock ,what do we suppose is cause of death that has April May all bereft? It’d be a bit ironic but stranger things have happened in this small town . This being book number four , it’s three down . Clues aplenty and gossip rife . Ooh perhaps they must look for a knife. It’s a little bit iffy , he was gone in a jiffy. Who’s hiding the truth thinks this amateur sleuth and her vet . We’ll best look for proof and real soon. The thing is that’s a big concern is that it’s someone she knows , her editor she supposed or even the crochet crew or his nephew . Well they form quite a queue when you tally them up . Who to turn to ,what to do . He wasn’t a good man,everyone knew , he used the people of the town as characters in his horror stories .Yes he changed their names slightly but they all knew who was who and that wasn’t on , they all complained and quite rightly to , to find whats up. Well it’s all by the by now, moot too. Now it’s time to unbury a secret or two ,as the answer lies in her mum reading her books…honest it’s the truth . It’s not as strange as it looks or appears. This is why she pinned back her ears.Like I said you couldn’t make it up. Great writing , pure brilliance . She might not be popular to some but April May is such fun! , she’s certainly one on her own is that one. She likes what she likes and lets other people know the way she would go. At least shes honest…you know 🧐

[Sandy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok but not as good as the previous ones in the series. April is settling in her new home and town while enjoying working at the small local paper. There are certain aspects of her character in this book which makes me not to like her. For example, she is obsessed with fashion but hasn't learn how not to destroy her fashionable shoes and clothes. And I wonder how she pays for all the designer items. I though her reactions (and her girlfriends) to the dead mice were extreme. I also thought the scene with the spilled cider was very inaccurate. If you have a dining room table which is going to be ruined by spilled cider then the finish on the table is not the correct finish for a dining table. She comes across as being very materialistic. I am optimistic based on the ending her character will change for the better. She did puts boots on for her walk in the woods in the rain!

The mystery itself was interesting although the victim was not very likeable. But everyone deserves justice and April was determined to solve the case. I thought two days to write about the murder case was too long especially since she said she was wanting to be the "first" to publish.

The story was a quick read. I haven't given up on the series so I will be reading the next one.

Thank you to the author for the free advance copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first April May book. I had no problem following along with the story, even with things that I could only surmise happened in previous books.

I liked Wesley, Erik, Kate, and Josephine's characters. I was on the fence about Lucy. I think that was because she spent so much of the book being angry at Erik, and I didn't understand the reason for her anger. Lucy seemed to only behaved that way towards Erik.

Being completely honest, April May did not give me the warm fuzzies. She didn't strike me as a very nice person in many situations. The whole fashionista thing with name dropping designer items was kind of off putting. She seemed a bit shallow. And a bit of a user to reach her goals.

Then, she traipsed off into the woods because she didn't want to ruin Wesley's date he planned for them, which did not seem to be in character with her personality. That type of thing happened a couple of times. I feel like I need to read the first books to get a better sense of April May"s character.

I enjoyed the mystery. It took me a while, but I was able to figure out parts of it. I was also surprised when certain situations occurred that exonerated my suspect, lol. Overall, this was a fast paced read that kept me intrigued in spite of my reservations about April May.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start at the ending with a comment that will set the stage for the story. April was going out to possibly confront the killer and was worried about her outfit. That was one of the many scenes with her in the story that were both LOL and relatable. I often worry about my clothes and am a bit of a clothes horse. I also found her fear of mice relatable as I could almost see her reaction. Been there done there. I love it when you can read a line or a part of a story and it resonates with you as if the words were about you.
Overall those escapades made this a fun story. Lest we not forget Ralphie and BamBam, they also had their share of moments in this story. I mostly enjoyed it and thought the mystery was well done. We were pushed toward the killer being this mysterious figure in the victim's life but it was up to us to figure out who that person was. I was both surprised and thinking I figured who the person was.
April May, love the name, is a good character as is Wesley. That actually brought us to another super funny moment in the story. We know the characters we read about and it was amusing to see how those same people were portrayed in the victim's stories.
Overall, I would recommend.

[Dan Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest, there are times when I find April May's fastidiousness a bit wearing, although at the same time, it creates a lot of comic relief to the mysteries. Case in point, where BamBam the kitten deposits a dead mouse on her foot, and she totally freaks out. The mystery, involving the death of a local best-selling horror author, is an intriguing one, which seems from the beginning to somehow relate to his literary output, with the suspect list containing individuals who may have been jealous of him or other similar motives. When the true perpetrator is revealed {BEWARE: *potential* spoiler appears here, but in non-spoilerish ambiguity}, it is a person that would not normally have been considered a suspect, but whose motive still rings true. And, of course, what would one of these mysteries be without a warning note to the protagonist?
Overall I enjoyed it, but not everyone will relate well to the main character.

Added note: since I was reading an ARC of this book, I rather enjoyed the discussion (since this is about the death of an author with a new book coming out) on the subject of ARCs and how they work.

[Ilse · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is April and Wesley's four month anniversary and they are going to celebrate. However, things are not as April suspected. She thought they were going to Ike's, one of their favorite eating places, but Wesley actually planned for them to take a hike. April is dressed to the nines and really is not the athletic type, so she very disappointed. She decides to be a good sport and go on the hike. She is not thrilled when her new Gucci boots are ruined and even more unhappy when she falls in a puddle and destroys her new Ralph Lauren coat! To add insult to injury, now she is definitely not in a presentable condition to go to Ike's after the hike.

Just when things can't possibly get worse, they stumble onto a body! April now feels it is her obligation to solve what happened, why it happened and who committed the murder.

A woven tale of murder, intrigue, town dynamics, human resentments, and human curiosity. Follow the story and the clues to discover the who, what, why, where and when of the story...just as April, an investigative journalist, does. This is a quick, entertaining read that armchair detectives will enjoy.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wesley, April May's boy friend has a surprise to celebrate his and April's 4 month anniversary. So, April has to dress for the occasion figuring they're going to a wonderful restaurant. She is obsessed with people's fashion choices, especially her own since she was a fashion journalist when she lived in the city. So when Wesley picks up April with her dog, Ralphie and Wesley's dogs and take them for a hike in the woods, April is upset to say the least. In her restaurant clothes and shoes, she breaks down and goes on the hike. When she trips in the mud over a dead body, we have the beginning of an investigation. IT so happens, the dead body is a famous author, Damien Hawthorne, who was supposed to go to the bookstore for the signing of his latest book. He was killed in a similar manner as the murder in his book. He wasn't well liked in town with many accusations and possible suspects surrounding him - everyone from townspeople to his editor. There are many twists and turns and keeps you guessing until the end. I recommend this entire series and this book is a good addition. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed April May's previous stories, and this was no exception! Her career at the newspaper continues to flourish and she is tasked with solving the mystery of the death of Damien Hawthorne. The plot thickens as they realize that Damien was killed in the exact same manner as the main character in his Advanced Reader Copies of his book! As April and her friends dig deeper, they notice striking similarities between the characters in Damien's books and the townsfolk, and some of them are none too pleased about their representation. The list of suspects keeps adding up as tiffs between the famous author become more evident (he didn't want copies of his books in the library because he felt readers should pay, he ruined birdwatching, etc.). He also was hiding many things, including threatening notes and a hidden romance? Will April May be able to find the right suspect in time? This is a great small town cozy mystery, and the juxtaposition of April May's "city slicker" attitude with the small town vibes is fun to watch!

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

April and Wesley are on a hike for their four-month anniversary when the discover the body of Damien Hemlock, a local author, buried in a shallow grave. The murder weapon? A copy of his latest thriller novel. Could the murderer be his nephew, who’s writing dreams he so gleefully crushed? Or the editor who’d been with him for years and was being tossed to the curb? Or maybe one of the towns people he used for inspiration when creating his evil, psychotic characters?

Once again, Hazel Smith has written a terrific mystery with a fun plot, great characters and a mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I love April and Wesley’s relationship and the whatever-it-is going on with her best friend, Lucy, and Wesley’s brother, Erik. I completely enjoyed this trip to Laurel Lake, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have at least one other April May book waiting on my Kindle but this was the first I've read in the series. I've read books in two other Hazel Smith series' and really enjoyed them but found I didn't love this one. The mystery itself was good and the murderer wasn't really obvious. I didn't figure it out before the reveal. The story felt really dark to me but that could be because the murdered man was an author of horror books and he seemed to live in a world of darkness. And he wasn't a very nice person. I imagine that darkness could change from book to book. But the truth is I just didn't love April May. I was more annoyed by her than anything else. However, I didn't dislike her enough to say I'm done with this series. I'll try another from the series and see if she grows on me.

No sex or language

[Willow Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

While out on a hike with her boyfriend Wesley and their three dogs, April Mays’ dog, Ralph, uncovers the body of a local author in a shallow grave. The author has been writing horror novels using thinly veiled descriptions of the local townsfolk as characters in his books.
Needless to say, he's not the most popular person in town. From his editor to his own nephew, he has made enemies of almost everyone.
With the encouragement of her editor at the newspaper, April begins an investigation into the murder. Her interviews with the suspects bring threats and there's someone lurking in the shadows watching her.
This was a well written book that I couldn't put down. There are many plot twists and the conclusion is shocking!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

April May’s going to be put off nature for good first her beloved wardrobe and now a dead body! Local author and controversial figure Damian Hemlock is found dead buried under a tree in the woods. Suspicions abound as the persnickety writer was short on manners and long on bad attitudes. April May is on the case and the search for answers and the truth for her story may just turn her into the next victim.
I really loved this book! This town is full of colorful characters and small town quirks. I enjoy how new people are woven into the stories seamlessly with the established characters. The plot is filled with surprises and red herrings I was super shocked to find out who the culprit was. I love when that happens. A sweet, funny and engaging story that’s a perfect cozy read!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my sincere and honest review.

[Roselady · Rating 5 out of 5]

April enjoys being with Wesley, but she had not realized they were going for a hike. She is afraid she will ruin her clothes—again! What they find is much worse than ruined clothes—even Ralph Lauren boots. As April tries to solve this case, she is also playing cupid for her friend Lucy and Wesley’s brother. Solving the case and playing cupid are both up-and-down activities. When one person agrees, the other disagrees; when one suspect seems likely, another suspect seems to arise. Will either of these problems be solved? Surely the culprit is not one of the town’s people, right? That is unthinkable, but who else would know Damien well enough to want him dead? Ms. Smith keeps us guessing until the end of the story. Thank you, Hazel, for allowing me to read and review an early copy of this book. It was so enjoyable, I did not want to put it down.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m happy to share a release day book review for Buried in Books by Hazel Smith.

“A hated author, a mysterious murder, and a city girl with a knack for trouble. April May is about to dive deep into the secrets of Laurel Lake.”

This was my first time reading a book featuring April May and I can attest that it reads easily as a stand-alone. April May is an entertaining character, embracing her life in a small, rural town while also hanging onto her fashionista ways! We contain multitudes, right?

Clocking in at 214 pages, this was a fast-paced, whodunnit that I finished in one sitting and was a fun escape from all the chores and tasks of everyday! I didn’t guess the true culprit, but I enjoyed piecing together the clues. It’s fun to see April May approach crime with her journalist mind, and I always enjoy mysteries with bookish themes. A fun, quick read and it won’t be my last by Hazel Smith!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is the fourth book in this series, it was my first encounter with this heroine and the people (including her love interest) in her new home. The plot had so many layers to it that made it a delight to read! Everything from the descriptions of high fashion (which unfortunately was often worn in the wrong circumstances), to a budding romance, match making efforts, time with girl friends, a variety or animals-some loved and some not, lots of good food, red herrings with plot twists and a heart pounding scene near the end made this a true page turner. Our heroine, April May, is young and driven yet also has her insecurities and quirks that make her both a savvy and endearing character. I am glad I have met her and now have to read the first books and look forward to more to come!

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series! The protagonist is a city girl who, through family connections, becomes a small town girl. Her character is honest and sincere. She works hard at the things she does and wants to make a positive impact. As an adult, she has lived a lonely life, concentrating on her career. When she settles in this small town, she realizes that she can work and have good friends. Her character is very endearing. Ms. Smith combines dramatic details with humor in her storylines. There is even some sweet romance in this one. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting the series from Book #1 - Secret Inheritance. Starting at the beginning will help you understand the character of April May.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book to love from author Hazel Smith. This time April May has been thrust into a new mystery by her boyfriend of 4 months who has taken her for an anniversary hike which she misheard as 'to Ike's', her fave local restaurant, and she's so not dressed for a hike! But she perseveres, apologizing to her Gucci boots the whole way! All is well until the dogs sniff out a body. It's a local author and April is determined to find out what happened. Almost everyone seems to be on the list! But in the end it will shock you I think.

Along the way April is trying hard to play Cupid for her bestie Lucy and Wesley's brother Erik, perfect her crocheting and learn to cook. A yummy recipe is in the back of the book.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

April May is settling into Laurel Lake. She has a job at the paper, a boyfriend, Wesley, and a few good friends. While walking in the woods with Wesley and their dogs, her dog Ralph finds a dead body buried in the dirt. The body was that of Damien Hemlock, a local horror author and it seems he was killed with one of his books. As April and her friends investigate she finds out that his writing has gone down hill over the years. He his disappointed fans, an angry agent and a nephew who lives with him that are all suspects to them. But it seems there was something more sinister going on that Damien kept secret.
A great book, with some twists and turns on the way to finding the killer.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

April May is back and finds herself in the midst of another murder mystery. The book starts with April May and her boyfriend, Wesley, on a hike with Ralph, her boxer, and Jack and Russell, Wesley's dogs. The dogs discover a body buried in a shallow grave.

With encouragement from April's editor at the paper and also the victim's nephew, April investigates the murder.

This book has a lot of twists and turns along the way, as well as April playing matchmaker to her bestie, Lucy, and Erik, Wesley's brother.

I did think April's reaction to the dead mice was a bit over the top but really enjoyed the book and recommend it. I received a free advance copy (it was fun that advance reader copies were part of the storyline) and this is my honest review.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read some of this author's other books, including in this series, and find them at times twee, but in the main a refreshing change from the more hard-boiled crime fiction that I usually read.

The characters are quirky, their relationships between them well-defined, and the banter is realistic.

I didn't guess who the killer was in this one until right at the end, and the provision of the final clue and saving of our heroine at the last minute a bit deax et machina-ish, but it was still an enjoyable, light read.

The sort of crime novel you wouldn't mind your young daughter or sainted aunt reading, with little violence, and a mild touch of (clean) romance.

Oh, and my wife loves the recipes at the end too.

I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

This book is book four of a series but can be read as a standalone which is what I did. There is no foul language or spicy situations which was refreshing to find as it wasn’t necessary. I do wish that the characters were fleshed out a bit more but I fully realize that may be remedied by reading the author’s previous books.

TBH I really didn’t like the protagonist. She comes across as spoiled and superficial. Where she’s the smartest in the room and the only people she doesn’t get along with are the town grumps. It gets stale after a while. The main plot was thankfully resolved and all the loose edges in peripheral plots could conceivably be resolved in future books in the series. This was a very quick and easy read.

[Robin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4. April May and her boyfriend Wesley are walking their dogs in the woods when April’s boxer Ralph digs up a body. The dead man is a mystery author, and has based the characters in his books on the people in the town. So there a lots of suspects, and April uses her newspaper job as cover to interview all of them. I really enjoyed the previous books in this series, but this one not as much. This is a quick read, and it is entertaining, but some of April May’s actions that were meant to be humorous seemed over the top to me. I do plan to continue with this series.
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Tara D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series about April May’s adventures in her new home in the Minnesota woods. A transplanted fashion reporter from the big city, April is finding that that small towns can provide lots of mystery and intrigue. When she discovers the body of a famous, but cantankerous, writer in the damp woods, a great “whodunnit” begins. April’s newly adopted home town provides lots of colorful and fun characters, or should I say suspects?! Even people in her inner circle are acting suspicious. This book had me guessing until the very end. It’s also fun to watch new relationships blossom in this April May mystery series. This is a very well crafted adventure.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Addition to the Series
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book and the guessing of who did it! It does narrow down as to who was the real culprit. April,, Wesley and their dogs are on a hike and lo and behold the pets find a body. I read some of the other reviews and they didn't see the humor intended by the nice clothes and boots and the mice - I do. I would react the same way or leave the house with the mice. The new police officer is a jerk - but he is meant to be. I like the storyline and I like the characters in this series. I did receive an ARC version. I would honestly recommend to anyone who enjoys a cozy and with some quirky characters.

[Jean Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series and I enjoyed it. It is a clean, well-written story with drama, danger, humor, dogs and cats, romance and the murder of an author of Horror Stories. The scenes with the cat and some mice are funny, although I think April May was really upset about it and practically wanted to disinfect the whole house. The writer was not well liked because of how he wrote his books and the way he treated the people of the town. I didn't figure out who the killer was until it was revealed. Good ending. I received an ARC copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was a thriller of and page turner and the suspense was interested and intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. April navigates a maze of locals gossiping surrounded a person death it was very strange. Who killed this person and she was new to the town. Will she be able to solve this mystery death. The personality and the interaction was fun and curious of danger and excitement.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones