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Party Planning Can Be Murder
Wish List: pick up my pills from the pharmacy, plan my party, be there when I die…
Despite a few harrowing incidents with nervy Bridezillas, Addy Winters’ small town party planning business has been murder free – until now. But then, she’s never before been hired to throw a star-studded after-death party for a client who has their death scheduled on their calendar.
When Leno Masterson—former classmate, now legendary rocker with a flair for drama—turns up dead four days earlier than he’d planned, Addy suspects that someone helped him along. Sure, he left a melodramatic goodbye letter and his right-to-die paperwork is all in order, but even when the coroner rules natural causes, Addy isn’t buying it.
Addy’s family and friends – and Leno’s smolderingly hot brother Owen – warn her that she’s diving in over her head, and they’re right. She’s woefully unprepared for either the media onslaught or the secrets the people she thought she knew are hiding. But nothing is going to stop her from getting justice for Leno – and throwing a killer party while she’s at it.
If you love your mysteries with humor, heart, and a side of romance, this is your next must-read. Perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan and The Thursday Murder Club!
Despite a few harrowing incidents with nervy Bridezillas, Addy Winters’ small town party planning business has been murder free – until now. But then, she’s never before been hired to throw a star-studded after-death party for a client who has their death scheduled on their calendar.
When Leno Masterson—former classmate, now legendary rocker with a flair for drama—turns up dead four days earlier than he’d planned, Addy suspects that someone helped him along. Sure, he left a melodramatic goodbye letter and his right-to-die paperwork is all in order, but even when the coroner rules natural causes, Addy isn’t buying it.
Addy’s family and friends – and Leno’s smolderingly hot brother Owen – warn her that she’s diving in over her head, and they’re right. She’s woefully unprepared for either the media onslaught or the secrets the people she thought she knew are hiding. But nothing is going to stop her from getting justice for Leno – and throwing a killer party while she’s at it.
If you love your mysteries with humor, heart, and a side of romance, this is your next must-read. Perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan and The Thursday Murder Club!
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2025
35 people are currently reading
2045 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Schafer
22 books217 followersKerry Schafer (aka Kerry Anne King) is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of thirteen novels. An incorrigible genre hopper, Kerry has written fantasy, paranormal mystery and book club fiction. Known for her lyrical writing and memorable characters, Kerry weaves deep emotional insights, humor, and often a touch of magic into all of her tales. Her most recent writing venture is an amateur sleuth novel, Party Planning Can Be Murder, releasing in March of 2025.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 18, 2025
4+ Stars.
This is a funny mystery. The story is told from the point of view of a party planner in a small town. It was fast paced. It contained characters of depth, as well as complex relationships of family members and friends.
I won this book from the author.
All opinions are my own.
If you want to laugh and you enjoy mysteries, read this book.
This is the first book I read by Kerry Schafer/ Kerry Anne King. It won’t be my last.
I highly recommend this novel!
Party Planning Can Be Murder is expected to be released on March 18, 2025.
This is a funny mystery. The story is told from the point of view of a party planner in a small town. It was fast paced. It contained characters of depth, as well as complex relationships of family members and friends.
I won this book from the author.
All opinions are my own.
If you want to laugh and you enjoy mysteries, read this book.
This is the first book I read by Kerry Schafer/ Kerry Anne King. It won’t be my last.
I highly recommend this novel!
Party Planning Can Be Murder is expected to be released on March 18, 2025.
March 18, 2025
This was such a fun and compelling read, with lots of twists and turns and surprises along the way! The characters are complex in this page-turner, and although it’s a murder mystery, the book is funny and poignant as it all comes together. I received an advance reader copy of this book.
March 16, 2025
Need a book that will make you smile? Party Planning Can Be Murder will have you chuckling along the way in this witty (and often poignant) mystery. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
April 22, 2025
Party Planning Can Be Murder by Kerry Schaf
Love this book it was funny throughout the book.
Love this book it was funny throughout the book.
January 12, 2025
This book is hilarious and awesome! It starts with the death of Grandma Geneva at 95 and it goes uphill and downhill from there. Addy and Vic are twins and must deal with it as well. This is one of those novels that has you laughing and crying at the same time because there is just the right amount of humor and pathos. It's truly amazing and I simply can't wait for book #2 in this awesome series!
Thanks to the authors for this ARC!
Thanks to the authors for this ARC!
April 18, 2025
3.5 stars … barely
This book wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good. The plot was a good idea but the execution took forever.
Why did this party planner have to be a grumpy frizzy haired woman? It had nothing to do with the story and she could have easily been a curvy curly haired redhead.
Why did this group of misfits that want to plan this party but also want to prove there is a murder … why did they have to constantly meet at the 2 locations in town! It made me feel like “this could have been an email…” They bounced around from location to location - and it felt repetitive and got them no where.
THEN THEN we get this haircut scene. WTF was that! Who sits there and lets a person just snip curls at your scalp?! Like get up! Stop her! It was such a bizarre thing to happen in the book … I did not get it.
In the end, the book comes around and we get the mystery solved but it was very difficult to enjoy that when I was just ready for the book to be over.
This book wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good. The plot was a good idea but the execution took forever.
Why did this party planner have to be a grumpy frizzy haired woman? It had nothing to do with the story and she could have easily been a curvy curly haired redhead.
Why did this group of misfits that want to plan this party but also want to prove there is a murder … why did they have to constantly meet at the 2 locations in town! It made me feel like “this could have been an email…” They bounced around from location to location - and it felt repetitive and got them no where.
THEN THEN we get this haircut scene. WTF was that! Who sits there and lets a person just snip curls at your scalp?! Like get up! Stop her! It was such a bizarre thing to happen in the book … I did not get it.
In the end, the book comes around and we get the mystery solved but it was very difficult to enjoy that when I was just ready for the book to be over.
February 24, 2025
The last thing event planner Addy Winters thought she’d do is throw a death party for her terminally ill old classmate-turned-rock-star, but when Leno Masterson makes the bash his dying wish and his death occurs sooner than expected, Addy suspects murder and is determined to solve the case. This lively, witty small-town mystery will appeal to fans of Janet Evanovich and Elle Cosimano.
January 20, 2025
Wow, what a fun and engaging book this was. I loved, loved the story and most of all I loved the main character Addy, she's extraordinary. I laughed out loud reading her comments, she has a very witty personality that grabs you since the beginning of the book, but also a seriousness within her when she's determined to do the right thing for Leno and honor his last wishes.
From the description of the book, the cover and especially the story in the book you'll not be disappointed if you decide to read it, which I wholeheartedly advice you to do.
From the description of the book, the cover and especially the story in the book you'll not be disappointed if you decide to read it, which I wholeheartedly advice you to do.
January 13, 2025
“ I’m going to get justice for Leno. And I’m going to throw him an amazing party. Any influencer or reporter or murderer- or hairdresser- who wants to get in the way of that can kiss my ass.”
This was a fun read, with twists and turns, humor as I read. I was hooked from the start.
Addy is a party planner, hired to follow requests of dead people who want her to coordinate their send off parties.
Funny, surprises, entertaining, page turner mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
This was a fun read, with twists and turns, humor as I read. I was hooked from the start.
Addy is a party planner, hired to follow requests of dead people who want her to coordinate their send off parties.
Funny, surprises, entertaining, page turner mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
January 18, 2025
It is an interesting and fun premise of planning a death party instead of a somber wake and funeral.
March 18, 2025
This was such a fun and crazy book that had me guessing till the very end. Addy and Leno used to be best friends. That is, until Leno became a rockstar and left Addy in the dust. Now Leno has come home to ask a favor of Addy, plan his death party. He is dying of cancer and wants a huge party after he passes. He is set to pick up his “death pills” from the pharmacy and to take them on Tuesday. But, Leno didn’t make it till Tuesday like he planned. Did someone help him along or did he decide to do it earlier? Should Addy still plan the party?
February 5, 2025
I love this cast of misfit characters solving crimes.
Thirty-one year old Addison Winters is the go-to party planner in Fox Valley. Okay, she is pretty much the only party planner in this tiny town of Fox Valley which almost explains why big time musician Leno Masterson of Leno and the Lonely contacts Addy when he wants to plan a party. I mean, he hasn't spoken to Addy since he started his band back in High School, even if they were friends since Middle School, but whatever.
Leno overheard Addy stand up to her family at her grandmother's funeral and stating that Geneva wanted a big party at the park celebrating life, not a somber affair at a funeral home. Leno has returned to Fox Valley because he is dying of cancer and he has petitioned the court under the dying with dignity laws to end his life on his own terms. Now, he wants Addy to plan a huge black-tie, Hollywood-type blow out celebration after he dies to celebrate his rockstar life. He wants everyone discussing his life and his success and not to focus on the wreck his body has become due to the cancer. ...And if she wouldn't mind picking up his prescription and staying with him when he takes the drugs prescribed by the doctor so he won't die alone, that would be great too.
Addy refuses to be manipulated by Leno and tells him flat out that she isn't interested in his crazy party no matter how much money he tosses at her and she won't be helping with his end of life plans. Leno wants to meet up again the next day, in another attempt to talk her into his party planning, soft-hearted Addy agrees to at least hear him out.
But when Addy hears that Leno has died, she decides she wants to give him this last wish. But Addy also realizes that there are too many questions surrounding Leno's death: such as the fact that they were supposed to meet that morning for coffee, and he kept asking her to pick up his prescription from the pharmacy...which she didn't want to do...so if he didn't pick up his pills, why is everyone saying Leno committed suicide? Obviously Addy wasn't with Leno, so who called in the 911 call? And why didn't they stick around?
Addy is not only determined to give Leno the big rockstar send off he wanted so badly, but Addy is also determined to figure out who "helped" Leno before his planned termination date and was it suicide or murder?
THOUGHTS:
What a fun group! Addison "Addy" Winters is our main character and tries to solve this mystery with the help of her twin brother, Vic, and her long time BFF Britt. In this story, she was also working with Leno's brother Owen (although we weren't certain if he was involved or not).
I imagine it is hard to commit murder in this tiny town of Fox Valley since everyone knows everyone but it also allows Addy to do what she does best and ask nosy questions and no one questions it because everyone knows Addy.
As this was the first story of the series, there was a lot of time setting up the characters and the relationships, such as her estranged Dad and an awkward relationship with her mom, as well as being introduced to the town. Things should definitely pick up with the next story. I think this series will be a lot of fun.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thirty-one year old Addison Winters is the go-to party planner in Fox Valley. Okay, she is pretty much the only party planner in this tiny town of Fox Valley which almost explains why big time musician Leno Masterson of Leno and the Lonely contacts Addy when he wants to plan a party. I mean, he hasn't spoken to Addy since he started his band back in High School, even if they were friends since Middle School, but whatever.
Leno overheard Addy stand up to her family at her grandmother's funeral and stating that Geneva wanted a big party at the park celebrating life, not a somber affair at a funeral home. Leno has returned to Fox Valley because he is dying of cancer and he has petitioned the court under the dying with dignity laws to end his life on his own terms. Now, he wants Addy to plan a huge black-tie, Hollywood-type blow out celebration after he dies to celebrate his rockstar life. He wants everyone discussing his life and his success and not to focus on the wreck his body has become due to the cancer. ...And if she wouldn't mind picking up his prescription and staying with him when he takes the drugs prescribed by the doctor so he won't die alone, that would be great too.
Addy refuses to be manipulated by Leno and tells him flat out that she isn't interested in his crazy party no matter how much money he tosses at her and she won't be helping with his end of life plans. Leno wants to meet up again the next day, in another attempt to talk her into his party planning, soft-hearted Addy agrees to at least hear him out.
But when Addy hears that Leno has died, she decides she wants to give him this last wish. But Addy also realizes that there are too many questions surrounding Leno's death: such as the fact that they were supposed to meet that morning for coffee, and he kept asking her to pick up his prescription from the pharmacy...which she didn't want to do...so if he didn't pick up his pills, why is everyone saying Leno committed suicide? Obviously Addy wasn't with Leno, so who called in the 911 call? And why didn't they stick around?
Addy is not only determined to give Leno the big rockstar send off he wanted so badly, but Addy is also determined to figure out who "helped" Leno before his planned termination date and was it suicide or murder?
THOUGHTS:
What a fun group! Addison "Addy" Winters is our main character and tries to solve this mystery with the help of her twin brother, Vic, and her long time BFF Britt. In this story, she was also working with Leno's brother Owen (although we weren't certain if he was involved or not).
I imagine it is hard to commit murder in this tiny town of Fox Valley since everyone knows everyone but it also allows Addy to do what she does best and ask nosy questions and no one questions it because everyone knows Addy.
As this was the first story of the series, there was a lot of time setting up the characters and the relationships, such as her estranged Dad and an awkward relationship with her mom, as well as being introduced to the town. Things should definitely pick up with the next story. I think this series will be a lot of fun.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2025
What a blast! Kerry Schafer has paired up with Kerry Anne King to write a new book entitled Party Planning Can Be Murder. If you have read any of her books you already know you are in for an experience. I have truly enjoyed everything I have read by her. I am only guessing that her two names come from her books being several different genres. I loved how this book came together and I think you will too.
There is mystery, was there a murder? There are hurt feelings from a snub from a male friend in high school that suddenly found fame. There are expectations that are not being met. There is a new love starting that comes out of left field. There is also an attempted murder. There is so much going on in this book. It will definitely hold your attention until the very last page.
Addy is the Party Planner. The book opens at the funeral of her grandmother. She dares to wear a bright yellow polka dot dress to the funeral at the request of her grandma who also wanted a send off party which was squashed by the rest of the family in favor of a traditional funeral. She doesn’t go to the cemetery because Leno, her friend from high school, requested a meeting with her. Leno is dying and wants a huge send off and again not a traditional funeral. Addy wasn’t able to do it for her grandma and so she is determined to see Leno have his send off. Then…the fun begins!
The characters are delightful. They are all a little bit different (if you know what I mean). The setting is a small town which I love. This book hit all my favorite things!
If you have read anything by either Kerry, you must put this book on your TBR. It deserves the top spot on your nightstand but, fair warning, be careful! You will find yourself up until the wee hours of the morning reading this book or just lying in bed and trying to figure out how it will all end up. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
There is mystery, was there a murder? There are hurt feelings from a snub from a male friend in high school that suddenly found fame. There are expectations that are not being met. There is a new love starting that comes out of left field. There is also an attempted murder. There is so much going on in this book. It will definitely hold your attention until the very last page.
Addy is the Party Planner. The book opens at the funeral of her grandmother. She dares to wear a bright yellow polka dot dress to the funeral at the request of her grandma who also wanted a send off party which was squashed by the rest of the family in favor of a traditional funeral. She doesn’t go to the cemetery because Leno, her friend from high school, requested a meeting with her. Leno is dying and wants a huge send off and again not a traditional funeral. Addy wasn’t able to do it for her grandma and so she is determined to see Leno have his send off. Then…the fun begins!
The characters are delightful. They are all a little bit different (if you know what I mean). The setting is a small town which I love. This book hit all my favorite things!
If you have read anything by either Kerry, you must put this book on your TBR. It deserves the top spot on your nightstand but, fair warning, be careful! You will find yourself up until the wee hours of the morning reading this book or just lying in bed and trying to figure out how it will all end up. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 12, 2025
I’ve just finished the fabulous Party Planning Can Be Murder by Kerry Schafer / Kerry Anne King and am eagerly awaiting book number two. If you love the Finlay Donovan or Eleanor Dash series, this is a must-read.
It’s a fast-paced, compelling, darkly funny—and poignant—cozy mystery with plenty to say about small town life. There’s a twist or two, a budding romance, a full cast of unique characters, and an unforgettable heroine (who has the best twin brother).
Addy Winters is a party planner used to dealing with bridezillas. When we meet her, she’s attending the funeral of her beloved grandmother, who left specific instructions for how the family should handle her death. None of her wishes included a church or a burial, and no one but Addy listened.
Sporting a yellow, polka dot sundress, she stands up mid-service to commandeer the lectern and read a letter from her grandmother. Addy's outfit plus the contents of the letter = quite the showstopper. Most people in the congregation, including family members, are horrified.
One person watches in awe: Leno, her high school BFF. He dissed her to become a rock star legend. Now frail and unrecognizable, he’s come home to die. He has his right-to-die paperwork and a prescription for the pills. All he needs is help from Addy to plan the actual death and a memorial party that will rock the town.
Despite the obscene amount of money he’s offering, Addy’s not so easily bought and not so quick to forgive. But still, she arranges to meet him the next day.
When he turns up dead, she knows he was murdered. Now she has to prove it AND plan the party of the decade. And convince friends to help. And avoid Leno's sexy big brother who clearly thinks she's a gold-digger. And stay alive … all while making peace with the scary Maserati Leno insisted on leaving her in his will.
Such a fun read full of shenanigans.
It’s a fast-paced, compelling, darkly funny—and poignant—cozy mystery with plenty to say about small town life. There’s a twist or two, a budding romance, a full cast of unique characters, and an unforgettable heroine (who has the best twin brother).
Addy Winters is a party planner used to dealing with bridezillas. When we meet her, she’s attending the funeral of her beloved grandmother, who left specific instructions for how the family should handle her death. None of her wishes included a church or a burial, and no one but Addy listened.
Sporting a yellow, polka dot sundress, she stands up mid-service to commandeer the lectern and read a letter from her grandmother. Addy's outfit plus the contents of the letter = quite the showstopper. Most people in the congregation, including family members, are horrified.
One person watches in awe: Leno, her high school BFF. He dissed her to become a rock star legend. Now frail and unrecognizable, he’s come home to die. He has his right-to-die paperwork and a prescription for the pills. All he needs is help from Addy to plan the actual death and a memorial party that will rock the town.
Despite the obscene amount of money he’s offering, Addy’s not so easily bought and not so quick to forgive. But still, she arranges to meet him the next day.
When he turns up dead, she knows he was murdered. Now she has to prove it AND plan the party of the decade. And convince friends to help. And avoid Leno's sexy big brother who clearly thinks she's a gold-digger. And stay alive … all while making peace with the scary Maserati Leno insisted on leaving her in his will.
Such a fun read full of shenanigans.
March 18, 2025
Party Planning Can Be Murder is such a great genre-blender, spiked with mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance.
When Addy is hired to plan her former classmate's star-studded after-death party in her small town, she isn't expecting to become embroiled in a murder mystery. But when rock god Leno Masterson turns up dead four days before he'd planned to, Addy is suspicious. Yes, Leno, who was suffering from terminal cancer, had filed right-to-die paperwork, and made his wishes known to Addy, as well as in the letter found near his deathbed. But despite the coroner's insistance that Leno died of natural causes, something isn't adding up. Enlisting the help of her best friend, Britt, Leno's brother, Owen, and a cast of colorful small town characters, Addy is determined to discover the truth behind Leno's premature death...even if it puts her in the real killer's sights.
Addy makes for a lovable and relatable lady sleuth in this zany, cozy mystery. Having been in the wedding and event planning industry myself for many years, I found Addy's plight familiar, as she juggles disappointed brides, vendors, and contracts in the midst of her amateur murder investigation. Even though the novel, the first in a planned series, touches on some dark themes, it never feels heavy. Lightened by the author's deft, witty hand, and Addy's conversational and engaging voice, this is an enjoyable small town romp with heart that will have you smiling as you whip through the pages at lightning speed.
I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans Addy finds herself in next!
When Addy is hired to plan her former classmate's star-studded after-death party in her small town, she isn't expecting to become embroiled in a murder mystery. But when rock god Leno Masterson turns up dead four days before he'd planned to, Addy is suspicious. Yes, Leno, who was suffering from terminal cancer, had filed right-to-die paperwork, and made his wishes known to Addy, as well as in the letter found near his deathbed. But despite the coroner's insistance that Leno died of natural causes, something isn't adding up. Enlisting the help of her best friend, Britt, Leno's brother, Owen, and a cast of colorful small town characters, Addy is determined to discover the truth behind Leno's premature death...even if it puts her in the real killer's sights.
Addy makes for a lovable and relatable lady sleuth in this zany, cozy mystery. Having been in the wedding and event planning industry myself for many years, I found Addy's plight familiar, as she juggles disappointed brides, vendors, and contracts in the midst of her amateur murder investigation. Even though the novel, the first in a planned series, touches on some dark themes, it never feels heavy. Lightened by the author's deft, witty hand, and Addy's conversational and engaging voice, this is an enjoyable small town romp with heart that will have you smiling as you whip through the pages at lightning speed.
I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans Addy finds herself in next!
May 3, 2025
I just finished reading the party planner cozy mystery, and I burst into tears. So I went to FB and posted this on the Tattered Page Book Club, which is where I won this autographed copy: OMG. I just finished reading this book. I won it during the TATTERED PAGE BOOK CLUB anniversary on Facebok, a hardcopy of it (and I love hardcopy books, especially when they're autographed to me!), and I finally had time to read it. I loved it from the first page. The characters! The town! The cat that steals stuff from neighbors (often personal and embarrassing)! Party Planning Can Be Murder By Kerry Schafer and Kerry Anne King.
On social media I posted about the book, and I had planned to do a selfie with my smiling face next to the book, but my eyes are bloodshot and my nose is red and running. When I finished reading, I was (and still am) bawling like a baby. No spoilers! So many emotions gut-punch me to tears (bad and good), and I think most of them came roaring at me, more rapidly with each page I turned. The book ended PERFECTLY, in so many ways.
Anyway. I've got a date with a baseball game. The SF Giants (with my favorite announcers, the best in the business, Kruk & Kuip) will be starting in a few minutes. I need to blink all the tears out of my eyes so I don't miss the game. The Giants are on fire this season. Whew. Good thing I finished this great mystery in time. I would have hated to miss the beginning of the game.
On social media I posted about the book, and I had planned to do a selfie with my smiling face next to the book, but my eyes are bloodshot and my nose is red and running. When I finished reading, I was (and still am) bawling like a baby. No spoilers! So many emotions gut-punch me to tears (bad and good), and I think most of them came roaring at me, more rapidly with each page I turned. The book ended PERFECTLY, in so many ways.
Anyway. I've got a date with a baseball game. The SF Giants (with my favorite announcers, the best in the business, Kruk & Kuip) will be starting in a few minutes. I need to blink all the tears out of my eyes so I don't miss the game. The Giants are on fire this season. Whew. Good thing I finished this great mystery in time. I would have hated to miss the beginning of the game.
January 12, 2025
I loved this new offering from the remarkably talented Kerry Scafer and her alter ego. The characters, especially main character Addy, are enormously fun and relatable. But there’s a genuine mystery to be solved.
Leno, an old high school chum who has made it musically comes back to town and wants Addy to throw him a party in lieu of a funeral. What? He isn't dead yet!
Turns out he is terminally ill and has done all the necessaries to choose an assisted death. But before he can even pick up the prescriptions, he is found dead in his condo. Was it suicide or murder?
You won't believe the number of pickles Addy gets into before she wraps the party up with a bow (and maybe a beau—Leno’s brother is kind of hunky).
Read this one and then tell somebody else about it. It's that entertaining!
Leno, an old high school chum who has made it musically comes back to town and wants Addy to throw him a party in lieu of a funeral. What? He isn't dead yet!
Turns out he is terminally ill and has done all the necessaries to choose an assisted death. But before he can even pick up the prescriptions, he is found dead in his condo. Was it suicide or murder?
You won't believe the number of pickles Addy gets into before she wraps the party up with a bow (and maybe a beau—Leno’s brother is kind of hunky).
Read this one and then tell somebody else about it. It's that entertaining!
February 18, 2025
Gah! Party Planning Can Be Murder is excellent! Such good storytelling, great character development, and classic-Kerry writing style that I love!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Party planner Addy Winters is coerced into facilitating a farewell party for her estranged high school friend Leno Masterson-his literal last dying wish, and helping him inform his family of his dying with dignity concept. When those plans are suddenly interrupted by his death, four days earlier than planned, Addy is compelled to not only continue to plan the rock star’s death party, but also turn on full-sleuth-mode and figure out if Leno’s death was murder and if so-who committed the surprise pre-show silencing of lead singer Leno.
I enjoyed reading an advance reader’s copy of Party Planning Can Be Murder and I hope this turns into a series-I’d love to read more about Addy & friends in Fox Valley.
Party planner Addy Winters is coerced into facilitating a farewell party for her estranged high school friend Leno Masterson-his literal last dying wish, and helping him inform his family of his dying with dignity concept. When those plans are suddenly interrupted by his death, four days earlier than planned, Addy is compelled to not only continue to plan the rock star’s death party, but also turn on full-sleuth-mode and figure out if Leno’s death was murder and if so-who committed the surprise pre-show silencing of lead singer Leno.
I enjoyed reading an advance reader’s copy of Party Planning Can Be Murder and I hope this turns into a series-I’d love to read more about Addy & friends in Fox Valley.
January 13, 2025
From the moment I picked up this book, I was hooked by the unique premise—a party planner tasked with throwing an after-death bash for a legendary rocker who winds up dead ahead of schedule. Addy’s determination to uncover the truth behind Leno Masterson’s untimely demise is both endearing and exhilarating. She's such a refreshing character who speaks openly and honestly about death.
What truly sets this book apart is its heart. Schafer doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes like grief, the complexities of family, and the idea of finding closure. Yet she balances these moments of poignancy with levity and charm, making the book both thought-provoking and entertaining.
What truly sets this book apart is its heart. Schafer doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes like grief, the complexities of family, and the idea of finding closure. Yet she balances these moments of poignancy with levity and charm, making the book both thought-provoking and entertaining.
February 17, 2025
Brilliantly Witty & Utterly Addictive!
Darkly hilarious and utterly unputdownable, Party Planning Can Be Murder delivers a fresh, sharp-witted mystery with a twist no one saw coming. Addy Winters is a firecracker of a protagonist—equal parts savvy, stubborn, and snarky—as she juggles party planning, nosy small-town drama, and a suspiciously premature death. The banter crackles, the mystery keeps you guessing, and the sizzling chemistry with Leno’s broodingly handsome brother? Chef’s kiss. If you love a mystery that’s as clever as it is thrilling, with a side of humor and heart, clear your schedule—this one’s a must-read!
Darkly hilarious and utterly unputdownable, Party Planning Can Be Murder delivers a fresh, sharp-witted mystery with a twist no one saw coming. Addy Winters is a firecracker of a protagonist—equal parts savvy, stubborn, and snarky—as she juggles party planning, nosy small-town drama, and a suspiciously premature death. The banter crackles, the mystery keeps you guessing, and the sizzling chemistry with Leno’s broodingly handsome brother? Chef’s kiss. If you love a mystery that’s as clever as it is thrilling, with a side of humor and heart, clear your schedule—this one’s a must-read!
January 8, 2025
Very thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were everything you want characters to be, including very real and relatable. Finally a protagonist who isn't a size 4 with luxurious hair and disposable income! Addy is your typical adult in her twenties who is tries really hard to get her sh!t together. She is just the beginning of this unforgettable cast of characters oozing personality and I sincerely hope I see them in more books! This is not what I'd call a cozy mystery. It has meat to it and the storyline is strong and solid.
100% recommend.
100% recommend.
March 12, 2025
I really like when an amateur becomes an investigator into a crime! Addy is such a person. When an old high school friend reaches out to her to help plan his "afterlife party" but when his assisted passing happens ahead of schedule....Addy turns to his older brother (at first hesitantly) to figure out who might have done it.
I like small towns. There is this cozy murder mystery, gossip galore, unhinged moments of some townspeople, crazy media, and a small maybe budding romance that made up this ride.
I hope we get to see more of Addy from this author and please make Owen come back 🙏🥺
I like small towns. There is this cozy murder mystery, gossip galore, unhinged moments of some townspeople, crazy media, and a small maybe budding romance that made up this ride.
I hope we get to see more of Addy from this author and please make Owen come back 🙏🥺
March 27, 2025
I liked the beginning. Lines like “it’s not so much her death that’s bothering me at the moment; it’s the funeral” and “diverting some of their grief into gossip” were really funny and relatable. Made me think about life in a small Southern town.
However, the victim was a jerk. A remorseful jerk but still a jerk. He had a terminal illness and was using his right to die to have a medically assisted suicide in a few days… and was murdered… and it was so hard to care. I didn’t like him to start with, and I have trouble caring that someone was murdered who was dying in three days anyway.
However, the victim was a jerk. A remorseful jerk but still a jerk. He had a terminal illness and was using his right to die to have a medically assisted suicide in a few days… and was murdered… and it was so hard to care. I didn’t like him to start with, and I have trouble caring that someone was murdered who was dying in three days anyway.
January 2, 2026
This wonderful page-turner is a perfect blend of mystery, murder, and mayhem and is perfect for fans of Alice Feeney and Janet Evanovich. Addy Winters, who runs a successful party planning business, gets a unusual request: help her formal classmate and now famous rock star, Leo Masterson, throw a party to celebrate his own coming death. When he dies suspiciously and earlier than expected, Addy teams up with her brother to solve Leo's potential murder. This amateur sleuth novel is a fun, light, small town story and well worth the read!
January 12, 2025
Is Addy in over her head? She has been hired by super rock star, Leno Masterson, to throw him a "send off" party after he dies - the works - stars, best foods, beverages, no expense to be spared!! Leno has already planned his death - all right-to-die paperwork is in order, however he turns up dead 4 days too soon! What will Addy do? Will she be able to solve his murder as she continues to throw his party? A great read with a twist and the first in a new series from the Kerrys!
February 3, 2025
Entertaining, funny and laugh out loud mystery that will keep you wanting more.
I loved the characters in this book and was laughing from the beginning to the end.
This was a bit different from what I have read by Kerry Schafer thus far but was definitely loving it.
A light, page-turning mystery is precisely what you will get and what you will love too!!
I received an advanced copy of this from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
I loved the characters in this book and was laughing from the beginning to the end.
This was a bit different from what I have read by Kerry Schafer thus far but was definitely loving it.
A light, page-turning mystery is precisely what you will get and what you will love too!!
I received an advanced copy of this from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
March 19, 2025
Zingy and fun, I absolutely adored this delightful cozy mystery from comedy-thriller writer Kerry Schafer. The dialogue pops, and the plot chugs along at breakneck speed.
Main character Addi's world is filled with larger-than-life characters, and I loved watching her navigate the treacherous landscape of planning a party for dead person, while also investigating his murder.
If you're ready for something that will uplift and entertain, look no further! This is the book! Can't wait for book 2!
Main character Addi's world is filled with larger-than-life characters, and I loved watching her navigate the treacherous landscape of planning a party for dead person, while also investigating his murder.
If you're ready for something that will uplift and entertain, look no further! This is the book! Can't wait for book 2!
April 1, 2025
This was such a good read. Funny but also had some serious topics. I loved the characters and the small conflicts they had and how they resolved it. I liked that the characters were realistically flawed and had issues with each other and resolved them like people. I loved the mystery and it kept me guessing and switching my guesses. I really enjoyed this and will check out more books from Kerry!
February 4, 2025
This is such a fun enjoyable read. This had me rolling with laughter and had so many twists and turns and so many surprises I just couldn't put it down. Addy was determined to honor Leno's wishes and also find out how he really died. This was so enjoyable and fun to read. You will not be disappointed and won't be able to stop reading it. Thank you for the ARC for my honest opinion.
March 29, 2025
This story was told in a light hearted manner even though the subject matter was serious. There was plenty of drama throughout the book. I liked the main characters, Addison, her twin brother Vic, and Leno’s brother Owen. Addison was tenacious, kind and dedicated. I look forward to hearing much more from her in the future.
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