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Maid Ivy #8
Bridal Bedlam
A dream wedding, a fatal crime, and a maid who won’t let murder crash the party.
Ivy Stone is ready to swap her feather duster for a bridesmaid’s bouquet as her best friend’s wedding takes center stage at London’s upscale Hotel LaFontaine.
But when the wedding photographer is found bludgeoned to death, Ivy’s to-do list takes a deadly detour.
With the help of her friends on staff and Monty, her clue-sniffing Great Dane, Ivy dives into the matrimonial mess.
Finding whodunit would be a piece of cake if the guest list wasn’t full of suspicious characters: a lovesick best man, a secretive bridesmaid, and a monster-in-law with a tongue sharper than a cake knife.
When a second murder brings the bride to her brink, Ivy may be unable to solve the mystery before the bouquet toss. Especially once the killer decides to end Ivy’s investigation…permanently.
Ivy Stone is ready to swap her feather duster for a bridesmaid’s bouquet as her best friend’s wedding takes center stage at London’s upscale Hotel LaFontaine.
But when the wedding photographer is found bludgeoned to death, Ivy’s to-do list takes a deadly detour.
With the help of her friends on staff and Monty, her clue-sniffing Great Dane, Ivy dives into the matrimonial mess.
Finding whodunit would be a piece of cake if the guest list wasn’t full of suspicious characters: a lovesick best man, a secretive bridesmaid, and a monster-in-law with a tongue sharper than a cake knife.
When a second murder brings the bride to her brink, Ivy may be unable to solve the mystery before the bouquet toss. Especially once the killer decides to end Ivy’s investigation…permanently.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2024
46 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
November 30, 2025
Comming back to Ivy series was, indeed, good and worthy.
Being involved in providing help for her friend, Jenna, who was about to marry and celebrate this right at the hotel where Ivy is, now, head maid, it comes to reason that things are not to go so smooth as thought and prepared for :-D. A murder takes place right then - the photographer of the weading. And, later even the woman hired to provide the bride's cake.
Also, toward the end, Ivy herself is about to be made a new victim, but is saved by ... (read the book to find for youself :-) )
Being involved in providing help for her friend, Jenna, who was about to marry and celebrate this right at the hotel where Ivy is, now, head maid, it comes to reason that things are not to go so smooth as thought and prepared for :-D. A murder takes place right then - the photographer of the weading. And, later even the woman hired to provide the bride's cake.
Also, toward the end, Ivy herself is about to be made a new victim, but is saved by ... (read the book to find for youself :-) )
December 11, 2024
Bridal bedlam by hazel smith
This is the first book I have read by this author although this is midway through a series of books. It’s a good stand alone book if, like me, you haven’t read the others in the series.
The story follows Ivy who works in a hotel and her friends, one of whom is getting married. A murder takes place and the story begins weaving its way around whilst keeping us guessing as to who the murderer is.
It’s a cozy mystery so no gory or scary details. The plot is interesting and written in a way that you don’t get bored or manage to guess early on who did the deed.
Well written, fun to read and keeps you engrossed. Highly recommend it. I received my copy as an ARC reader.
This is the first book I have read by this author although this is midway through a series of books. It’s a good stand alone book if, like me, you haven’t read the others in the series.
The story follows Ivy who works in a hotel and her friends, one of whom is getting married. A murder takes place and the story begins weaving its way around whilst keeping us guessing as to who the murderer is.
It’s a cozy mystery so no gory or scary details. The plot is interesting and written in a way that you don’t get bored or manage to guess early on who did the deed.
Well written, fun to read and keeps you engrossed. Highly recommend it. I received my copy as an ARC reader.
December 27, 2024
Lovely romantic clean mystery with a happy ever after ending. All of Hazel Smiths books in this series show a good connection of family, friendship and support with a really good mystery that the reader cannot solve easily.
I was happy to see a resolution to a certain character in the hotel works and l thoroughly enjoyed the story.
RECOMMENDED ROMANTIC MYSTERY
I was happy to see a resolution to a certain character in the hotel works and l thoroughly enjoyed the story.
RECOMMENDED ROMANTIC MYSTERY
December 23, 2024
Although it is the 7th book in this cozy crime murder mystery, it is my first book I ever read about the smart and brave head housekeeper Ivy solving the murder case that happened right before her best friend's wedding. The writing is surprisingly good and the story kept my attention until the last page. Who doesn't want to have a loyal friend like Ivy! She is stubborn and observant, intelligent and friendly, always put her friends' interests above hers. And I totally enjoyed the guessing game of finding the killer. Looking forward to read the rest in this amazing series!
December 28, 2024
The protagonist of the Maid Ivy series, Ivy Stone, is an American transplant to England after the death of her beloved grandmother who raised her and with whom she shared a cleaning maid service in the US. The first book in the series has her starting at the prestigious Hotel LaFontaine. (Read the book Mystery Maid for the background of the hotel's name, where it is an important plot element!) Since she started, she has become the Head of Housekeeping, as the hand-picked successor to the previous Head, who now has her own series (recommended reading). In this book, the hotel is hosting a Scottish friend of Ivy's, whom we met in the prequel novella entitled Twisted Wedding. Although the author gives this Author Guarantee: "Hazel Smith books can be read in any order," I do highly recommend getting a better feeling of the background to Bridal Bedlam that is found in Mystery Maid and Twisted Wedding. The current book does contain all the information you really need to know about the characters, and in fact adds some info about Ivy's relationship to Jenna that was not in Twisted Wedding as far as I know, so it certainly does work as a standalone.
In this book, the assigned wedding photographer is found bludgeoned with his own camera, and he is not the only murder victim before all is said and done. The culprit has a motive that is not too surprising, but at the same time is not so obvious that you would guess it too easily.
My only caveat about this book, or the series it is in, is the same one that we meet in pretty much every cozy mystery series. How could so many crimes (including murders) happen in such a small setting (small village, single hotel, or whatever) and inevitably involve the same amateur detective? We all recognize this, and we all just suspend our disbelief because the stories are so compelling. I do recommend the book (and series), especially because of the second part of the Author Guarantee: "...free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities."
Note: I did receive an Advance Reader Copy, but as always, my comments are my own thoughts, presented in my own style!
In this book, the assigned wedding photographer is found bludgeoned with his own camera, and he is not the only murder victim before all is said and done. The culprit has a motive that is not too surprising, but at the same time is not so obvious that you would guess it too easily.
My only caveat about this book, or the series it is in, is the same one that we meet in pretty much every cozy mystery series. How could so many crimes (including murders) happen in such a small setting (small village, single hotel, or whatever) and inevitably involve the same amateur detective? We all recognize this, and we all just suspend our disbelief because the stories are so compelling. I do recommend the book (and series), especially because of the second part of the Author Guarantee: "...free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities."
Note: I did receive an Advance Reader Copy, but as always, my comments are my own thoughts, presented in my own style!
December 19, 2024
Murder where you least expect it…
Twisted Wedding was my first book that introduced me to the character Ivy Stone and her story. A series that started with helping a friend (Jenna) host a wedding to hosting that friend’s (Jenna’s) wedding as a maid of honor felt like a full circle moment.
A wedding with only the best professionals, the bestest of friends and a monster-in-law controlling every moment of the wedding including the bride and groom, what could possibly go wrong. But when a murder happens, things get turned upside down at the last minute, but having Ivy as the maid of honor has its perks. However, would Ivy, her entourage of friends and trusty Dane would be able to find the killer hidden among the Guest List and Professionals and stop them before things get twisted beyond repair?
The maid ivy cozy mystery series always keeps me captivated till the very end and surely this book didn’t disappoint either. The pace was perfect, the mystery aspect was maintained till the very end. As most mystery fanatics, I tend to play detective and end up guessing the killer earlier on, and it is easier to lose one’s interest after that. But the author's unique writing style keeps you on the edge even after knowing the truth because the way things end up unwinding is always interesting. With adorable characters that bring the perfect amount of charm, this book was simply perfect.
Another best thing about this series is that any book can be read as a standalone, so you can still enjoy this book without prior knowledge of the characters. I also adore how the cover shows Ivy and her trusty Monty’s growth as characters.
I am glad to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Twisted Wedding was my first book that introduced me to the character Ivy Stone and her story. A series that started with helping a friend (Jenna) host a wedding to hosting that friend’s (Jenna’s) wedding as a maid of honor felt like a full circle moment.
A wedding with only the best professionals, the bestest of friends and a monster-in-law controlling every moment of the wedding including the bride and groom, what could possibly go wrong. But when a murder happens, things get turned upside down at the last minute, but having Ivy as the maid of honor has its perks. However, would Ivy, her entourage of friends and trusty Dane would be able to find the killer hidden among the Guest List and Professionals and stop them before things get twisted beyond repair?
The maid ivy cozy mystery series always keeps me captivated till the very end and surely this book didn’t disappoint either. The pace was perfect, the mystery aspect was maintained till the very end. As most mystery fanatics, I tend to play detective and end up guessing the killer earlier on, and it is easier to lose one’s interest after that. But the author's unique writing style keeps you on the edge even after knowing the truth because the way things end up unwinding is always interesting. With adorable characters that bring the perfect amount of charm, this book was simply perfect.
Another best thing about this series is that any book can be read as a standalone, so you can still enjoy this book without prior knowledge of the characters. I also adore how the cover shows Ivy and her trusty Monty’s growth as characters.
I am glad to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 27, 2024
This is the 7th book in the series and it is a fantastic addition to the series! Ivy Stone is the head housekeeper at The Hotel LaFontaine, a very prestigious hotel in London. She is thrilled that her best friend Jenna has decided she wanted to hold her wedding to Clyde at the hotel! In her normal manner, she has made all the details ready for her friend and as her maid of honor, she has a dual role to fill. When her friend and their entourage arrived, there was excitement and anticipated fun. That is until the monster-in-law put her two cents in and decided to take control of the arrangements with the wedding planner, Imogene. When the grand hall was opened to see if everything was in order, there was a dead wedding photographer lying on the floor. Why? Who killed him? Can Ivy, her side kick Monty her Great Dane and her friends solve the murder before the wedding so Jenna can have a stress-free wedding even though Pauline, her monster-in-law and her fastidious planner, Imogene pushes everyone to a strict schedule. The hotel's owner, Max who is Ivy's boyfriend does help with some of the activity planning to keep things going as smooth as possible. They all went to dress fittings, cake testing on Imogene's strict plan. OF course, negative Pauline had some criticism at each turn. Then there was the wedding cake baker's murder. What next? Can Ivy put it all together with so many potential suspects before the nuptials? Can Ivy find the murderer without putting herself in danger? This is a fast paced read that keeps you totally entertained trying to figure out the whodunit! I highly recommend the series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
December 19, 2024
This was nicely written.
I liked Ivy. Refreshing change how she doesn’t butt heads with the police. She’s quite helpful, in fact, sharing her findings with them, instead of trying to do it all herself. The sleuthing in this book is quite minimal. Ivy doesn’t really go out of her way to search for clues regarding the murder, even though she’s concerned for her friend Jenna’ safety; the clues just kind of fall into place after a lot of thought and some “accidental” eavesdropping.
There are a lot of characters, and while I was momentarily confused trying to keep up, each one has some distinct quirks that help differentiate them. (Perhaps it’s also my fault for jumping into the series at Book 7, but oh well 😅.) The pacing’s also really good. Each scene works to advance the plot or develop a character, instead of being gratuitous.
It is a more grim cozy mystery than most, with lots of mentions of “unease,” and “tension,” but I guess it wouldn’t be something to giggle about if the buildup to a wedding was a series of lows. The one thing I didn’t like as much were the constantly repeated phrases, of chills, and shivers, and spines, and weight, and heaviness, and breaths catching, and all that. I however REALLY liked that I guessed the culprit IMMEDIATELY this person was introduced (go me!).
Altogether, really nice. The friendships between the women were lovely.
I liked Ivy. Refreshing change how she doesn’t butt heads with the police. She’s quite helpful, in fact, sharing her findings with them, instead of trying to do it all herself. The sleuthing in this book is quite minimal. Ivy doesn’t really go out of her way to search for clues regarding the murder, even though she’s concerned for her friend Jenna’ safety; the clues just kind of fall into place after a lot of thought and some “accidental” eavesdropping.
There are a lot of characters, and while I was momentarily confused trying to keep up, each one has some distinct quirks that help differentiate them. (Perhaps it’s also my fault for jumping into the series at Book 7, but oh well 😅.) The pacing’s also really good. Each scene works to advance the plot or develop a character, instead of being gratuitous.
It is a more grim cozy mystery than most, with lots of mentions of “unease,” and “tension,” but I guess it wouldn’t be something to giggle about if the buildup to a wedding was a series of lows. The one thing I didn’t like as much were the constantly repeated phrases, of chills, and shivers, and spines, and weight, and heaviness, and breaths catching, and all that. I however REALLY liked that I guessed the culprit IMMEDIATELY this person was introduced (go me!).
Altogether, really nice. The friendships between the women were lovely.
December 21, 2024
Oh my goodness. The action started early and it just did not stop.
I do recommend starting with book 1 in this series. I think there’s just a lot going on, and a lot of established relationships that the background makes the book better.
This book is aptly named. There was a wedding planned and it was absolute bedlam. So many things going wrong, people taking control who don’t need to be, and of course the dead body. We can’t forget that. It’s Ivy’s friend getting married, so of course she’s in the thick of it. She’s trying to help her friend with the wedding and trying to solve a murder as well. Yep, bedlam.
We meet more cute furries in this book. Our regulars are present and another staff member turns out to be a dog person as well. The new addition is Monty approved.
It was kind of funny when Ivy gets accused of being all stiff and proper and told she should try ha a bit of fun, considering who she replaced to be head maid. lol.
I did receive this book as a free ARC from the author, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do recommend starting with book 1 in this series. I think there’s just a lot going on, and a lot of established relationships that the background makes the book better.
This book is aptly named. There was a wedding planned and it was absolute bedlam. So many things going wrong, people taking control who don’t need to be, and of course the dead body. We can’t forget that. It’s Ivy’s friend getting married, so of course she’s in the thick of it. She’s trying to help her friend with the wedding and trying to solve a murder as well. Yep, bedlam.
We meet more cute furries in this book. Our regulars are present and another staff member turns out to be a dog person as well. The new addition is Monty approved.
It was kind of funny when Ivy gets accused of being all stiff and proper and told she should try ha a bit of fun, considering who she replaced to be head maid. lol.
I did receive this book as a free ARC from the author, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 15, 2024
I love all things Hazel Smith and this does not disappoint, this is book seven in The Maid Ivy Stone Mystery series. Ivy Stone is the head housekeeper at The Hotel LaFontaine. Max Humphrey is the owner of the hotel, and Ivy's boyfriend. Ivy's best friend Jenna and her wedding ontorage arrive at the hotel days before the wedding. Ivy will be Jenna's maid of honor. As Ivy is giving everyone a tour of the hotel; they find Clifford Hill, the photographer dead in the ballroom. Why would someone want to kill the photographer? Jenna's future mother in law Pauline shows up; she is controlling and a perfectionist, but really a monster in law. Also the wedding planner Imogene is also a bit odd. Can Ivy help solve the case as she has in the past, or does this one totally stump her? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Hazel Smith!!!
December 19, 2024
Bridal Bedlam was a great story from start to finish. I could imagine every detail as described and felt like I was watching a sweet, cozy murder mystery on TV. I know sweet and murder don't belong in the same sentence but in this case, they work. This whodunit was free of gory, dark details despite the murders, and it was lighthearted and fun. I liked all the characters because they were written so well, even those you'd roll your eyes at while groaning in frustration. I couldn't figure out who the murderer was until the reveal.
While this was the first story I read about Ivy and her friends, I had no problems keeping up with the characters' names and relationships to one another. It was so engaging that I didn't want to put it down. Only the need to sleep forced me to take breaks.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I will certainly be reading more mysteries by Hazel Smith.
I received an ARC copy of Bridal Bedlam. This review represents my honest opinion and was provided voluntarily.
While this was the first story I read about Ivy and her friends, I had no problems keeping up with the characters' names and relationships to one another. It was so engaging that I didn't want to put it down. Only the need to sleep forced me to take breaks.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I will certainly be reading more mysteries by Hazel Smith.
I received an ARC copy of Bridal Bedlam. This review represents my honest opinion and was provided voluntarily.
December 19, 2024
“A dream wedding, a fatal crime, and a maid who won’t let murder crash the party.” This was a fun, cozy treat, and at just over 200 pages, it was a fast-paced read – the perfect break during a busy time. While this is book seven in the series, this was my first entry and this worked well as a standalone.
Ivy Stone, the head maid at London’s upscale Hotel LaFontaine, is excited to celebrate her best friend’s wedding at the hotel! But then, just as the wedding party is arriving, the wedding photographer is found bludgeoned to death in the hotel! Ivy’s, of course, on the case, but then there’s a second murder!
The list of suspects was long, and I enjoyed sorting out the clues along with Ivy. She’s a clever sleuth, and her Great Dane Monty is an adorable pet side-kick. The setting is also vivid and made for a great escape as I could easily picture Ivy sleuthing her way around the posh hotel.
A fun, quick read that cozy mysteries are sure to enjoy!
Ivy Stone, the head maid at London’s upscale Hotel LaFontaine, is excited to celebrate her best friend’s wedding at the hotel! But then, just as the wedding party is arriving, the wedding photographer is found bludgeoned to death in the hotel! Ivy’s, of course, on the case, but then there’s a second murder!
The list of suspects was long, and I enjoyed sorting out the clues along with Ivy. She’s a clever sleuth, and her Great Dane Monty is an adorable pet side-kick. The setting is also vivid and made for a great escape as I could easily picture Ivy sleuthing her way around the posh hotel.
A fun, quick read that cozy mysteries are sure to enjoy!
December 23, 2024
Here Comes the Murderer
A dream wedding, a fatal crime, and a maid who won’t let murder crash the party.
Ivy’s best friend is getting married, and it is happening at the Hotel LaFontaine. But trouble intervenes when the wedding photographer is found dead. There are plenty of suspects on the guest list and with the help of her friends, her boyfriend and her Great Dane, Ivy sets out to find the killer before the wedding begins.
Ivy, Max, Elise, Moira and Kat make a perfect team, and they all fit together to create a cohesive story, oh, and let’s not forget Monty.
The supporting characters were equally wonderful and brought plenty of drama to the wedding and the murder.
The story progressed well and kept my interest from beginning to end. Just enough twists and turns to make you want to continue to the perfect surprise ending. A wonderful story.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
A dream wedding, a fatal crime, and a maid who won’t let murder crash the party.
Ivy’s best friend is getting married, and it is happening at the Hotel LaFontaine. But trouble intervenes when the wedding photographer is found dead. There are plenty of suspects on the guest list and with the help of her friends, her boyfriend and her Great Dane, Ivy sets out to find the killer before the wedding begins.
Ivy, Max, Elise, Moira and Kat make a perfect team, and they all fit together to create a cohesive story, oh, and let’s not forget Monty.
The supporting characters were equally wonderful and brought plenty of drama to the wedding and the murder.
The story progressed well and kept my interest from beginning to end. Just enough twists and turns to make you want to continue to the perfect surprise ending. A wonderful story.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 28, 2024
Bedlam may not do justice to all that happens in this story! Hotel LaFontaine’s favorite head maid, Ivy, is back again! This time she’s serving as maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding, which will be held at the hotel. As we expect, it isn’t long before Ivy is knee deep in wedding duties and using her detective skills to make sure all goes as planned for a wedding that seems doomed at every turn! From a future mother-in-law who can’t be pleased to murder, everything comes up a tangled mess!
Hazel Smith continues to captivate her readers with Ivy’s story! She never disappoints! This book may be my favorite! I enjoyed the peek into the characters of Ernest and Tallulah and getting to know Drew. I certainly hope these characters appear again in her books!
I thoroughly enjoyed Bridal Bedlam and can’t wait for the next installment of this series! I also appreciate the opportunity to read the ARC of the book and leave my review.
Hazel Smith continues to captivate her readers with Ivy’s story! She never disappoints! This book may be my favorite! I enjoyed the peek into the characters of Ernest and Tallulah and getting to know Drew. I certainly hope these characters appear again in her books!
I thoroughly enjoyed Bridal Bedlam and can’t wait for the next installment of this series! I also appreciate the opportunity to read the ARC of the book and leave my review.
December 10, 2024
Maid of honor, Ivy Stone is excited to host her best friend for her upcoming wedding. Many of the bridal events will be held at the beautiful Hotel LaFontaine where Ivy is the head housekeeper therefore, she must be sure the hotel looks its best. But when the wedding photographer is found murdered, the hotel owner, the police and Ivy are stumped. The bride’s future mother-in-law, a perfectionist, well-intentioned but controlling and demanding woman does not help the touchy situation. Soon, Ivy discovers a multitude of suspects in the victims. Hoping to clear the murder and help her friend have the perfect wedding, has Ivy busy searching for clues and she also navigates the wedding preparations. This is a terrific series. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
December 19, 2024
I received an ARC from the author in return for an
early review.
I have really enjoyed this series and this time the action starts off right away with the wedding photographer being found dead on the day Ivy’s best friend and her wedding party arrives at the hotel in preparation for her upcoming wedding later on that week!
As maid of honor to the bride, Ivy is close to what is going on to the upcoming celebration besides trying to do her job at the hotel. Certainly there is a lot of stress going on and she finds some satisfaction in finally catching and sacking one maid who has been a thorn in her side for many months!
Clues point towards a couple of suspects in the murder and one is arrested but then another person is murdered so as the wedding day dawns no one knows for sure who exactly did the deed! Unfortunately Ivy finds out the individual but at the last moment she is saved by a little dog belonging to one of her best friends who arrives shortly afterwords with the brother of the bride! Who says help can’t come in small packages!
I throughly enjoyed this wonderful whodunnit! I enthusiastically recommend it to cozy mystery readers everywhere who love light sleuthing adventures! This one will keep you guessing to the very end!
After you read this book why not pick up the other books in this series and enjoy how Ivy meets her new friends in London and at the London hotel where she
finds herself working! If you get the very first book in this series, you’ll meet Jenna who is the bride to be in this book and where Ivy also meets Monty her Great Dane for the first time!
It’s a great series and you’ll fall in love with Ivy just like I have!
early review.
I have really enjoyed this series and this time the action starts off right away with the wedding photographer being found dead on the day Ivy’s best friend and her wedding party arrives at the hotel in preparation for her upcoming wedding later on that week!
As maid of honor to the bride, Ivy is close to what is going on to the upcoming celebration besides trying to do her job at the hotel. Certainly there is a lot of stress going on and she finds some satisfaction in finally catching and sacking one maid who has been a thorn in her side for many months!
Clues point towards a couple of suspects in the murder and one is arrested but then another person is murdered so as the wedding day dawns no one knows for sure who exactly did the deed! Unfortunately Ivy finds out the individual but at the last moment she is saved by a little dog belonging to one of her best friends who arrives shortly afterwords with the brother of the bride! Who says help can’t come in small packages!
I throughly enjoyed this wonderful whodunnit! I enthusiastically recommend it to cozy mystery readers everywhere who love light sleuthing adventures! This one will keep you guessing to the very end!
After you read this book why not pick up the other books in this series and enjoy how Ivy meets her new friends in London and at the London hotel where she
finds herself working! If you get the very first book in this series, you’ll meet Jenna who is the bride to be in this book and where Ivy also meets Monty her Great Dane for the first time!
It’s a great series and you’ll fall in love with Ivy just like I have!
December 13, 2024
Ivy works at the Hotel La-Fontaine, one of London's finest, and today she is excitedly waiting for her best friend, Jenna, to arrive. Jenna is getting married and the hotel is her venue. Ivy is determined to make sure that her friend's wedding goes smoothly. However, fate has plans of it's own and this path to a true love wedding is not going to run smoothly. Jenna and the bridal party no sooner arrive and before they can even settle in, a murder quickly follows. Ivy and Chief Inspector Clayburn are determined to solve this mystery before Jenna walks down the aisle.
This is a very entertaining, enjoyable read with drama, suspense, and mystery. The characters are well-developed and believable. As in real like, some of the people you will like, some you won't. Enjoy this well-written story; I know I did!
This is a very entertaining, enjoyable read with drama, suspense, and mystery. The characters are well-developed and believable. As in real like, some of the people you will like, some you won't. Enjoy this well-written story; I know I did!
December 14, 2024
I was excited to read the next book in the Maid Ivy series and this book didn't disappoint at all.
This time, Ivy's good friend, Jenna, is getting married and Ivy is her maid of honor. A lot of the events are happening at Hotel LaFontaine so Ivy is torn between simply enjoying her friend and fulfilling maid of honor duties and her work duties.
The action starts right off with the wedding photographer murdered and found in the hotel's ballroom and the clues seem to point in various directions making it a challenging puzzle for Ivy.
There is a satisfying conclusion with a troublesome employee, Kat has a date, Ivy is in danger, and more.
This is another entertaining and lovely cozy mystery in this series that I highly recommend. I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.
This time, Ivy's good friend, Jenna, is getting married and Ivy is her maid of honor. A lot of the events are happening at Hotel LaFontaine so Ivy is torn between simply enjoying her friend and fulfilling maid of honor duties and her work duties.
The action starts right off with the wedding photographer murdered and found in the hotel's ballroom and the clues seem to point in various directions making it a challenging puzzle for Ivy.
There is a satisfying conclusion with a troublesome employee, Kat has a date, Ivy is in danger, and more.
This is another entertaining and lovely cozy mystery in this series that I highly recommend. I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.
December 14, 2024
Ivy Stone, head housekeeper at Hotel LaFontaine in London is excited that her good friend, Jenna, has chosen the hotel for her wedding venue. Once the wedding party has arrived Ivy takes them on a tour of the historic hotel, accompanied by the hotel’s owner (and Ivy's boyfriend), only to discover the wedding photographer has been brutally murdered in the Grand Ballroom.
The guest list is full of suspicious people, especially…well, you just have to read it!
This is a wedding with some big surprises!
Is the bride just unlucky or does someone want to stop this wedding from happening?
I found this book hard to put down- much to my husband's dismay. The characters work wonderfully together and the plot kept me guessing until the shocking conclusion.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and am happy to leave this voluntary review.
The guest list is full of suspicious people, especially…well, you just have to read it!
This is a wedding with some big surprises!
Is the bride just unlucky or does someone want to stop this wedding from happening?
I found this book hard to put down- much to my husband's dismay. The characters work wonderfully together and the plot kept me guessing until the shocking conclusion.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and am happy to leave this voluntary review.
December 17, 2024
A visit from an old friend for her wedding weekend is a joy for Ivy until the bodies start dropping. Happiness turns to chaos and that’s not even counting the monster in law. Ivy and friends new and old must hurry to find the culprit before the bride starts her walk down the aisle.
With all her prim nonsense and overbearingly rude attitude I was sure the mil was the culprit boy was I wrong. No I won’t be spoiling the surprise you’ll just have to read and figure it out on your own. It was quite the shocker I must say. But really doesn’t that just make a mystery book more fun when you’re absolutely blindsided as to who the real villain is? Plenty of the usual shenanigans that go along with the running of a hotel and the familiar faces that make it work. Delightful and devious in equal measure and all fun!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my sincere and honest review.
With all her prim nonsense and overbearingly rude attitude I was sure the mil was the culprit boy was I wrong. No I won’t be spoiling the surprise you’ll just have to read and figure it out on your own. It was quite the shocker I must say. But really doesn’t that just make a mystery book more fun when you’re absolutely blindsided as to who the real villain is? Plenty of the usual shenanigans that go along with the running of a hotel and the familiar faces that make it work. Delightful and devious in equal measure and all fun!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my sincere and honest review.
January 11, 2025
In book 7of the Maid Ivy Cozy mystery series, Ivy will be stepping into a different sort of maid role. Ivy is the maid of honor for her Scottish friend Jenna’s wedding and the wedding party will be staying at Hotel LaFonFntaine. Ivy and Jenna had quite the adventure in Twisted Wedding, a Maid Ivy prequel, and Ivy is so excited to help Jenna to have the wedding of her dreams. Alas, all too quickly that dream becomes a nightmare when the wedding photographer, Clifford Hill, is found dead in the ballroom shortly after the wedding party arrives at the hotel to check in.
This and all the other books in the series are stand-alone cozies so there is no need to have read the prequel to be able to see how close Ivy and Jenna are as friends. I couldn’t imagine anyone not wanting to be friends with Ivy. She is Midwestern girl with mad cleaning skills and a good head on her shoulder thanks to her Gramma Stone. Ivy is also incredibly kind and looks for the good and bright in situations. Unless those situations involve murder, then she is looking for clues. Ivy isn’t alone in her sleuthing, in addition to her furry sidekick; Monty the Great Dane, Ivy also has Élise, Moira, and Kat who are friends as well as coworkers.
Ivy has several suspects to choose from when she isn’t busy balancing her maid of honor duties and her head housekeeper duties. Our author did a great job of creating a soon to be Monster-in-law who is a very likely suspect. Clifford’s body had not even left the building yet and Pauline Elloway, the aforementioned MIL has already hired a replacement photographer. Surely it could have waited or been left to the efficient wedding planner Imogen. Susan Klein, the replacement photographer has nothing good to say about the deceased, and seems a little smug about getting the job. The groom’s sister, Addison, on the other hand seems somewhat distraught and bothered by the murder. Secrets abound but that is nothing new for Ivy, one thing she has learned while working among the rich and elite is that everyone something they are trying to hide, like the aloof best man Thatcher Witherspoon whose gaze seems to linger a little more on Jenna than one would expect. This wedding seems to run into more than the usual hiccups but Ivy is determined to see to it that Jenna and Clyde make to the church on time.
Ms. Smith delivers a well-crafted cozy that checks all the boxes while keeping you entertained, guessing, and craving really good food. Thankfully, this story has the recipe for Simple Canapes like the ones served by Moira during the initial dinner at the start of the story. My advice is to turn to the very back first so that you have a little something to nosh on while turning pages because you are not going to want to put this book down until you know who did the deed.
This and all the other books in the series are stand-alone cozies so there is no need to have read the prequel to be able to see how close Ivy and Jenna are as friends. I couldn’t imagine anyone not wanting to be friends with Ivy. She is Midwestern girl with mad cleaning skills and a good head on her shoulder thanks to her Gramma Stone. Ivy is also incredibly kind and looks for the good and bright in situations. Unless those situations involve murder, then she is looking for clues. Ivy isn’t alone in her sleuthing, in addition to her furry sidekick; Monty the Great Dane, Ivy also has Élise, Moira, and Kat who are friends as well as coworkers.
Ivy has several suspects to choose from when she isn’t busy balancing her maid of honor duties and her head housekeeper duties. Our author did a great job of creating a soon to be Monster-in-law who is a very likely suspect. Clifford’s body had not even left the building yet and Pauline Elloway, the aforementioned MIL has already hired a replacement photographer. Surely it could have waited or been left to the efficient wedding planner Imogen. Susan Klein, the replacement photographer has nothing good to say about the deceased, and seems a little smug about getting the job. The groom’s sister, Addison, on the other hand seems somewhat distraught and bothered by the murder. Secrets abound but that is nothing new for Ivy, one thing she has learned while working among the rich and elite is that everyone something they are trying to hide, like the aloof best man Thatcher Witherspoon whose gaze seems to linger a little more on Jenna than one would expect. This wedding seems to run into more than the usual hiccups but Ivy is determined to see to it that Jenna and Clyde make to the church on time.
Ms. Smith delivers a well-crafted cozy that checks all the boxes while keeping you entertained, guessing, and craving really good food. Thankfully, this story has the recipe for Simple Canapes like the ones served by Moira during the initial dinner at the start of the story. My advice is to turn to the very back first so that you have a little something to nosh on while turning pages because you are not going to want to put this book down until you know who did the deed.
December 14, 2024
Another awesome story staring maid Ivy in this entertaining cozy murder mystery series. Her best friend is getting married where Ivy works, the glamorous London's Hotel LaFontaine. Things go wrong immediately when their wedding photographer is found dead in the grand ballroom. The author, Hazel Smith, has written an intriguing murder mystery with a few twists keeping you guessing on the whodunit. I enjoy the series' main characters, their pets, and seeing Ivy's romantic relationship developing. Each book is a standalone but I recommend reading the whole fun series. The storyline moves quickly making the book an entertaining quick read.
Thank you to the author for a free advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author for a free advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 17, 2024
Hazel Smith has written another winner featuring Ivy Stone - head maid at the Hotel LaFountaine. Of course, the book starts out with a murder that needs to be solved, but the focus of this book is Ivy planning and participating in her good friend's wedding. There are multiple characters (suspects?) which will keep you guessing whodunit.
These books are all so wonderful! Ms. Smith writes great books that are enjoyable to read. I don't think I've spotted the "killer" in any of her books before the last chapter or two, when she actually reveals who is the killer. Fun to read with just enough suspense to keep you guessing.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
These books are all so wonderful! Ms. Smith writes great books that are enjoyable to read. I don't think I've spotted the "killer" in any of her books before the last chapter or two, when she actually reveals who is the killer. Fun to read with just enough suspense to keep you guessing.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 19, 2024
Murders Abound . . .
Ivy Stone, the head housekeeper working in the Hotel LaFontaine, is delighted to be at her best friend Jenna’s wedding to Clyde. But before the wonderful event can occur, the wedding photographer Clifford Hill is murdered! Ivy’s friends and Monty, her Great Dane, do not hesitate to get on the trail of the murderer. Unfortunately, the list of potential suspects is a long one. And before that one is solved, the lifeless body of Melinda Mint, the baker of the wedding cakes, was found slumped over on the kitchen island of her
bakery, the handle of a knife still protruding from her chest. Will Ivy and her friends be able to solve this one before the murderer decides to put an abrupt end to their investigation?
Ivy Stone, the head housekeeper working in the Hotel LaFontaine, is delighted to be at her best friend Jenna’s wedding to Clyde. But before the wonderful event can occur, the wedding photographer Clifford Hill is murdered! Ivy’s friends and Monty, her Great Dane, do not hesitate to get on the trail of the murderer. Unfortunately, the list of potential suspects is a long one. And before that one is solved, the lifeless body of Melinda Mint, the baker of the wedding cakes, was found slumped over on the kitchen island of her
bakery, the handle of a knife still protruding from her chest. Will Ivy and her friends be able to solve this one before the murderer decides to put an abrupt end to their investigation?
December 20, 2024
Ivy Stone’s best friend, Jenna (from the prequel “Twisted Wedding”), is getting married, and the wedding party is booked in at Hotel LaFontaine. When the wedding photographer is killed, Ivy and her friends are on the hunt for clues. And neither the wedding planner’s tight schedule nor the future mother-in-law’s critical attitude will prevent Ivy from fulfilling her maid-of-honor duties and finding the killer. Entertaining mystery with lots of heart and a little romance. Great relationship between the four friends employed at the hotel, and some fun antics with their pets. Looking forward to the next mystery!
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 21, 2024
Another great addition to the series!
I have read the entire series, but I think this would work fine as a stand alone. Ivy's best friend Jenna has arrived at the Hotel LaFontaine for a very upscale wedding with Ivy as the maid of honor. Before the wedding can take place, the photographer is bludgeoned to death with his own camera in the ballroom. Can Ivy solve the crime in time for the wedding? With Jenna's soon to be monster-in-law and rather odd soon to be sister-in-law, an over-the-top wedding planner, and a love-sick best man, there is no shortage of suspects. When a second body turns up, will the wedding happen at all or will Ivy be the next victim? This is a quick, fun read.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I have read the entire series, but I think this would work fine as a stand alone. Ivy's best friend Jenna has arrived at the Hotel LaFontaine for a very upscale wedding with Ivy as the maid of honor. Before the wedding can take place, the photographer is bludgeoned to death with his own camera in the ballroom. Can Ivy solve the crime in time for the wedding? With Jenna's soon to be monster-in-law and rather odd soon to be sister-in-law, an over-the-top wedding planner, and a love-sick best man, there is no shortage of suspects. When a second body turns up, will the wedding happen at all or will Ivy be the next victim? This is a quick, fun read.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
December 10, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy and read it in one sitting! I was familiar with the majority of the characters and was delighted to follow them in this new offering. I had narrowed down the villain to one of two characters (primarily because there was one you just had to love to hate)! How and why events turned out as they did had an engaging twist and kept me reading far later than I intended. Our heroine Ivy acted as head housekeeper for the posh hotel, maid of honor and sleuth as she pulled all the pieces together so that justice was served, relationships mended and a wedding ultimately takes place. An excellent addition to the series!
December 16, 2024
Hazel Smith has done it again with this intriguing cozy mystery. Ivy becomes involved in the murder investigations of two participants in her best friend Jenna's wedding. Ivy is Jenny's maid of honor for her wedding, and the wedding reception is to be held at Ivy's workplace, the Hotel LaFontaine. Clifford Hill, the wedding photograph and Melinda Mint, the wedding baker were murdered. Who killed then and why? Find out the answers to these questions by reading this excellent book, which I highly recommend to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
December 16, 2024
I love this series. In fact I love all Hazel Smith’s books. A wedding is happening at the hotel. Ivy is the head maid at the hotel, her friend Jenna is getting married. And of course, there is a murder. Clifford Hill the wedding photographer is found dead. Of course Chief Inspector Clayborn arrives to solve the case. And of course Ivy and her friends, Elise, Kat, and Moria want to help solve the case. This time the bride-to-be Jenna wants to help. The characters are wide and varied. From mean and nasty to very lovable. The book has twists and turns, they make the book hard to set down. I loved it. I received this ARC to review this book. It’s an awesome book.
December 17, 2024
Maid Ivy mysteries are always a hit with me. I enjoyed Bridal Bedlam. The mystery was good and I didn't find it too obvious. In fact, I narrowed down my suspect list to 2 and eventually decided on the wrong one. The bride in this one had the patience of a saint. Good grief. Talk about momzilla. I mean I didn't care much about the details of my wedding plan but I don't think I'd ever be as easy going as this bride. I do think I would have eloped instead of dealing with all of it. But that is neither here nor there for this story. It was an enjoyable read.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes
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