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Braxton Mystery #1
The Demise
Tiny Braxton, Tennessee, is a quiet, tight-knit community wrapped around an old town square just a stone's throw from Nashville. But when the town's most prominent citizen is found dead at the base of its water tower, news of Peter Lanham's apparent suicide roars through town like a massive tsunami.
Peter, the handsome, beloved CEO of Lanham's Fine Foods, had taken a small, family-owned grocery store founded in 1927, and grew it into a successful national chain. With most of Braxton's residents employed by Lanham's corporate headquarters, word of Peter's demise left them searching for answers. What could possibly have made him take a swan dive off that tower?
Julie Parker is convinced he didn't. As receptionist at Lanham's executive office suite, she's determined to find out what really happened to her boss. An aspiring actor who also stars as "The Lanham Girl" in the company's TV commercials, Julie prides herself on her perceptive observations and people-skills. Who better to find out what happened to Peter up on that water tower?
Matt Bryson, on assignment as a rookie Special Agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, isn't about to let the attractive receptionist intrude on his first case. She may be a hometown insider, but he's perfectly capable of solving the case without "Miss Marple" screwing up his investigation.
A perfect setting, a cast of oddball characters, and just enough drama to raise lots of suspicion. The stage is set.
311 pages, ebook
First published August 11, 2014
2406 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Diane Moody
35 books219 followersBorn in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Diane Hale Moody is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. She lives with her husband Ken in the rolling hills just outside of Nashville. They are the proud parents of two grown and extraordinary children, Hannah and Ben.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 3, 2017
Wow! Was that ever an incredible book! It was the characters that made it! They were awesome!
January 25, 2016
Although this was a mystery and you really don't know who did it until the very end....and it is a real surprise, I just wasn't that taken with the story.
Peter Lanham, owner of a national grocery chain seemingly jumps to his death off a water tower. Julie, an aspiring actor and receptionist at the grocery chain is summoned, along with many employees to answer questions about their boss.
What procedes from there is the basis of the mystery. Was it suicide or was he pushed? Julie offers to help the young investigator. She knows most everyone in this small town, and can get an audience with anyone, or into places this new investigator probably couldn't.
She gets way too involved in the investigation and threatens (through trouble from her nosing around) the murder investigation. The agent blows his top at her about every 4 chapters and yet he's strangely attracted to her.
It's all a bit convoluted for me and simplistic. The writing was simple, nothing amazing, but clean and easy to follow.
Nothing I would read again.
Peter Lanham, owner of a national grocery chain seemingly jumps to his death off a water tower. Julie, an aspiring actor and receptionist at the grocery chain is summoned, along with many employees to answer questions about their boss.
What procedes from there is the basis of the mystery. Was it suicide or was he pushed? Julie offers to help the young investigator. She knows most everyone in this small town, and can get an audience with anyone, or into places this new investigator probably couldn't.
She gets way too involved in the investigation and threatens (through trouble from her nosing around) the murder investigation. The agent blows his top at her about every 4 chapters and yet he's strangely attracted to her.
It's all a bit convoluted for me and simplistic. The writing was simple, nothing amazing, but clean and easy to follow.
Nothing I would read again.
August 2, 2020
Probably should be one star
I was hoping the main character wasn't the whiner in the opening, but sadly she is. After chapter 1, I was hoping this mystery would be to find who bumped her off. Then a few more chapters later, she proves to be a dumb blonde too. Really, she can help with an investigation because she watches crime drama shows? Not one character introduced has been likeable. (I keep picturing Gabe in The Office as the young investigator.) If I forget that I have started a book and would rather work on my to-do list than relax and read, it's not worth the time to finish. If I could finish, I would probably give one star, but I'm giving two for the benefit of the doubt.
I was hoping the main character wasn't the whiner in the opening, but sadly she is. After chapter 1, I was hoping this mystery would be to find who bumped her off. Then a few more chapters later, she proves to be a dumb blonde too. Really, she can help with an investigation because she watches crime drama shows? Not one character introduced has been likeable. (I keep picturing Gabe in The Office as the young investigator.) If I forget that I have started a book and would rather work on my to-do list than relax and read, it's not worth the time to finish. If I could finish, I would probably give one star, but I'm giving two for the benefit of the doubt.
September 2, 2015
When a prominent man and CEO of the small town's major employer takes a swan dive off of a water tower and plunges to his death, is it suicide or murder? In comes the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) to investigate but receptionist Julie Parker believes she has the skills to solve the case herself. Murder mystery with a budding love story intertwined. Not the best by Moody but an easy read.
June 12, 2017
I have enjoyed several of Diane Moody's novels, but this one was a disappointment. I didn't like either of the main characters and didn't feel that their actions matched their professed faith. Of course, all of us Christians sin and make mistakes, but their repeated deception and temper tantrums were excessive. The ending wasn't satisfying, either.
September 15, 2015
A really good read.
For me, the book had a very slooooow beginning. But I am not one to abandon the story, so I kept reading. Boy am I glad I did! I found myself reading late into the night. Very good ending!
For me, the book had a very slooooow beginning. But I am not one to abandon the story, so I kept reading. Boy am I glad I did! I found myself reading late into the night. Very good ending!
September 9, 2020
#1 in the Braxton mystery series set in the small town of Braxton, Tennessee near Nashville.
When the CEO of a major store chain and Braxton's major employer plunges to his death from the town's water tower: is it suicide or murder? In comes rookie Matt Bryson of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate setting up the revolving investigative dance and romance with Lanham's executive office suite receptionist Julie Parker (young, blond and attractive) who believes it wasn't suicide and that she has the skills to solve the case herself so involves herself. After all she once once played Miss Marple in a play. She is also an aspiring actor so is constantly seeing and interpreting things and people as scenes from various plays and movies so there are tons of such references.
It is a nice cozy type mystery while Julie's character wore out her welcome for me. She gets upset at Matt's being upset at her while being completely responsible for his becoming upset while being driven by her attitude of being indispensable for solving the mystery and she'll show them and solve it first which produces no end of problems.
When the CEO of a major store chain and Braxton's major employer plunges to his death from the town's water tower: is it suicide or murder? In comes rookie Matt Bryson of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate setting up the revolving investigative dance and romance with Lanham's executive office suite receptionist Julie Parker (young, blond and attractive) who believes it wasn't suicide and that she has the skills to solve the case herself so involves herself. After all she once once played Miss Marple in a play. She is also an aspiring actor so is constantly seeing and interpreting things and people as scenes from various plays and movies so there are tons of such references.
It is a nice cozy type mystery while Julie's character wore out her welcome for me. She gets upset at Matt's being upset at her while being completely responsible for his becoming upset while being driven by her attitude of being indispensable for solving the mystery and she'll show them and solve it first which produces no end of problems.
September 22, 2020
Yes, it took me a while to get back to this title. My narration work pushed this title off until this weekend. I'm so glad for the opportunity to jump back in. Here goes...
Dare I say 'nail-biter'? From beginning to the very very end, I wanted to know more and more about the people of this little town in Tennessee (Braxton). The main characters Julie and Matt are rich in description, tone and interaction. The supporting a characters are just as rich. By rich I mean colorful, believable and relatable. I felt like I was watching a mini-series!
Just as promised, we start of with a suicide...or was it murder? If you saw this year's movie Knives Out, you'll love this story. What appears to be a clear cut case is not as clear as it should be. Skeletons start coming out closets and the plot thickens and becomes quite juicy! I dare not say any more, for fear of accidental spoilers. Author Diane Moody adds humor, drama and has fun with this mystery. Truly a joy. AND...a sneak peek to book #2 in the series. How cool is that?!
Highly recommend!
Mature Content - some may be offended by the word 'whore'. Overall no graphic violence, language or sex
Dare I say 'nail-biter'? From beginning to the very very end, I wanted to know more and more about the people of this little town in Tennessee (Braxton). The main characters Julie and Matt are rich in description, tone and interaction. The supporting a characters are just as rich. By rich I mean colorful, believable and relatable. I felt like I was watching a mini-series!
Just as promised, we start of with a suicide...or was it murder? If you saw this year's movie Knives Out, you'll love this story. What appears to be a clear cut case is not as clear as it should be. Skeletons start coming out closets and the plot thickens and becomes quite juicy! I dare not say any more, for fear of accidental spoilers. Author Diane Moody adds humor, drama and has fun with this mystery. Truly a joy. AND...a sneak peek to book #2 in the series. How cool is that?!
Highly recommend!
Mature Content - some may be offended by the word 'whore'. Overall no graphic violence, language or sex
June 13, 2024
The lead female, Julie, is so annoying that I almost quit reading. She is so annoying, so frustrating, and willful. However, I'm glad I kept on! The story itself came to a surprise ending that I didn't expect!
Also, Julie had a good character arc, growing as a person, and learning that her assumptions about people did them great harm. She felt that her nonchalant dismissal of people who didn't fit her selfish worldview was warranted and harmless, but it wasn't, and never is. Excellent lesson there for everyone. People matter.
The romantic aspect was just weird. She makes the investigator so angry that he explodes at her all the time. She whines and makes lame excuses, almost getting herself killed because she's so stubborn. But then they love each other? But they just met like 2 weeks ago. Also, she's a Christian, and he's not. Red flags abound. But it isn't the end of their story, so I'll let it go.
I enjoyed the mystery enough to make me want to read book 2.
Also, Julie had a good character arc, growing as a person, and learning that her assumptions about people did them great harm. She felt that her nonchalant dismissal of people who didn't fit her selfish worldview was warranted and harmless, but it wasn't, and never is. Excellent lesson there for everyone. People matter.
The romantic aspect was just weird. She makes the investigator so angry that he explodes at her all the time. She whines and makes lame excuses, almost getting herself killed because she's so stubborn. But then they love each other? But they just met like 2 weeks ago. Also, she's a Christian, and he's not. Red flags abound. But it isn't the end of their story, so I'll let it go.
I enjoyed the mystery enough to make me want to read book 2.
October 23, 2022
This book was a super fun read, that kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. That last little bit at the end absolutely shocked me! Definitely did not see that coming!
I loved a lot of things about this book, but there were also some things I didn't really like, or had issues with. I really related to Julie in the beginning, but I liked her character less and less as the story went on. Matt was cool, but had anger issues. XD Sometimes he had good reason to be angry (Julie WAS pretty exasperating sometimes!) but other times it seemed overkill. The main thing that I actually had an issue with was that Julie got into a relationship with a man who, though he was a great guy, he wasn't a Christian and she knew it. She also only barely attempted to witness him.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this, and I'd be interested in reading more by this author!
I loved a lot of things about this book, but there were also some things I didn't really like, or had issues with. I really related to Julie in the beginning, but I liked her character less and less as the story went on. Matt was cool, but had anger issues. XD Sometimes he had good reason to be angry (Julie WAS pretty exasperating sometimes!) but other times it seemed overkill. The main thing that I actually had an issue with was that Julie got into a relationship with a man who, though he was a great guy, he wasn't a Christian and she knew it. She also only barely attempted to witness him.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this, and I'd be interested in reading more by this author!
November 26, 2023
When Braxton's wealthiest CEO is found dead at the base of a water tower, the entire town is abuzz. Aspiring actress Julie Parker, who acted in the company commercials, can't seen to help snooping around -- to the dismay of a certain TBI agent -- even when it gets dangerous. Turns out, the town has more secrets than anyone knew.
Great book! Love the small town mystery. Lots of suspects with potential motives. Huge twist at the end. Julie is a hoot. She has a personality that could easily cross into annoying, but doesn't. Love her relationships with her brother and Matt (though unequally yoked with Matt). And she's a good friend. She definitely could have compromised the investigation, though, if the court argued that snooped with the encouragement or approval from police. And they could have called a judge for a warrant instead of waiting until morning. Good narrator.
Great book! Love the small town mystery. Lots of suspects with potential motives. Huge twist at the end. Julie is a hoot. She has a personality that could easily cross into annoying, but doesn't. Love her relationships with her brother and Matt (though unequally yoked with Matt). And she's a good friend. She definitely could have compromised the investigation, though, if the court argued that snooped with the encouragement or approval from police. And they could have called a judge for a warrant instead of waiting until morning. Good narrator.
February 20, 2018
When the book commences with a suicide, it left little to my imagination. But was it actually a suicide, or was there another person on that watertower? TBI agents want answers, but so does the media face for the deceased business man's company. With the turns and twists, added mystery, and personalities that develop with the story, this reader was soon "caught up" in this book. Reading this mystery kept me awake on a flight from Nashville to Houston. (I NEVER stay awake on airplanes.) I could not put the book down last night until it was finished! I admire Moody's ability to bring characters to life and to paint pictures of scenes that make her readers feel like they can actually picture the settings in her stories.
January 29, 2024
Here's the reality: I love good, clean fiction that has Christian overtones. The Demise has all that - and is a great read. Diane Moody weaves an interesting story about a small-town local girl who can't seem to help herself when a good mystery arises . . . like when the larger-than-life town benefactor shows up dead one morning. She simply has to investigate, and ends up getting in the way of the officials handling the case. Add to that some good, clean romance with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation detective assigned to the case, and you have a good, clean, compelling read. There are lots of twists and turns in the story, and the ending really took me by surprise!
Some of the dialogue could use a bit of work, but I'd recommend the book!
Some of the dialogue could use a bit of work, but I'd recommend the book!
August 19, 2020
The Demise was an intriguing read, with an unpredictable mystery. The tiny town of Braxton is filled with creative characters. The mystery is central to the story, but there is a large element of romance. To be honest, Julie breaks Matt's trust so many times, it's a little hard to believe he would continue to be interested in her, but the story reads well. Julie mentions she is a Christian, and prays before meals a few times, but there is no Christian storyline to the plot. What really shines in the book is the treatment of the mystery. I always enjoy an unpredictable ending, and Diane Moody delivered!
February 21, 2022
The more I think about it, the more annoyed I am at this story.
The mystery was fine. The romance was stupid.
If the girl is repeatedly ignoring boundaries, lying, breaking promises, putting you and your job in danger, and making you lose your temper because she is a lying idiot with no sense of self-preservation, man you gotta run far, far away no matter how much you think you like her after 2 days.
Rather amusing (snort) to see how she presents herself as a good "it's not a religion, it's relationship" Christian while still being an utter shit.
The mystery was fine. The romance was stupid.
If the girl is repeatedly ignoring boundaries, lying, breaking promises, putting you and your job in danger, and making you lose your temper because she is a lying idiot with no sense of self-preservation, man you gotta run far, far away no matter how much you think you like her after 2 days.
Rather amusing (snort) to see how she presents herself as a good "it's not a religion, it's relationship" Christian while still being an utter shit.
July 27, 2019
Suicide ? Why
The story revolves around the death of Peter Lanham , grocery store mogul . Julie Parker , an aspiring actor , , her brother Gevin, a photographer , Matt from the TBI, and numerous others from the small town of Braxton , TN. Multiple move references, and a nosy Julie who pushes her way into the investigation , much to Matt ' s dismay . Some surprises .
The story revolves around the death of Peter Lanham , grocery store mogul . Julie Parker , an aspiring actor , , her brother Gevin, a photographer , Matt from the TBI, and numerous others from the small town of Braxton , TN. Multiple move references, and a nosy Julie who pushes her way into the investigation , much to Matt ' s dismay . Some surprises .
August 4, 2023
A Good Mystery
So... I don't normally read mysteries but this was a good story.. the only issue I had was some paragraphs were to descriptive.. focusing on unnecessary adjectives. She could have easily reduced 2 or 3 chapters. The killer did surprise me. Ms. Moody wrapped the story up not addressing how Peter's death was completely solved. I stopped reading the last chapter 1/2 through because there were WAY to many plots setting up for book #2.
So... I don't normally read mysteries but this was a good story.. the only issue I had was some paragraphs were to descriptive.. focusing on unnecessary adjectives. She could have easily reduced 2 or 3 chapters. The killer did surprise me. Ms. Moody wrapped the story up not addressing how Peter's death was completely solved. I stopped reading the last chapter 1/2 through because there were WAY to many plots setting up for book #2.
November 13, 2023
Entertaining
Julie and Matt have an interesting relationship. While trying to figure out what happened to Peter Latham, they constantly butt heads. Meanwhile the case continues to intrigue. It's a good read and an interesting story but it is a tad weak in a few places. Julie definitely gets annoying and I wouldn't blame Matt for jailing her. Lack of proper respect for legallydoing things the proper way is NOT adorable.
Julie and Matt have an interesting relationship. While trying to figure out what happened to Peter Latham, they constantly butt heads. Meanwhile the case continues to intrigue. It's a good read and an interesting story but it is a tad weak in a few places. Julie definitely gets annoying and I wouldn't blame Matt for jailing her. Lack of proper respect for legallydoing things the proper way is NOT adorable.
April 7, 2018
Ok
The plot has a good mystery but the main character is really annoying. She claims to be Christian but doesn't know how to keep a promise. As for the story, it has quite a few twists and turns with one big one at the end. I appreciate the fact that there was no profanity or explicit sex scenes.
The plot has a good mystery but the main character is really annoying. She claims to be Christian but doesn't know how to keep a promise. As for the story, it has quite a few twists and turns with one big one at the end. I appreciate the fact that there was no profanity or explicit sex scenes.
February 21, 2020
Awesome, exciting book!
This story just picks you up & sweeps you along through all the action leading up to the "who dunnit"! And then when you have it solved in your mind, it turns out you were wrong! Then, after the final will is read, the author throws you another curve ball & a big twist to the story the leaves you with your mouth hanging open! Super writing, Diane!!!
This story just picks you up & sweeps you along through all the action leading up to the "who dunnit"! And then when you have it solved in your mind, it turns out you were wrong! Then, after the final will is read, the author throws you another curve ball & a big twist to the story the leaves you with your mouth hanging open! Super writing, Diane!!!
August 22, 2017
This was a slow read and took me longer than normal to finish. I just couldn't get motivated to read it. It wasn't a bad story per say just a lot of fluff that I found unnecessary. I did enjoy the ending because I didn't see it coming.
April 5, 2018
A fun read but a rather unrealistic ending (but definitely a surprise ending). This book held my attention and kept me guessing about "who done it?". I enjoy this author and hope to read the next book in the series.
May 2, 2018
Interesting written story about the employees account of their employer to law enforcement. Where characteristics of Miss Marple was very hard to sit on when they wanted to help find out the who/why about the life and motive someone would have to push Peter over the edge.
November 20, 2018
Wonderful read!
What an enjoyable story. Mission accomplished without offensive language, gross descriptions, or sexual stuff. There was mystery, loving relationship, and a terrific twist ending!
What an enjoyable story. Mission accomplished without offensive language, gross descriptions, or sexual stuff. There was mystery, loving relationship, and a terrific twist ending!
February 22, 2019
This was an excellent book to read. There was laughter, intrigue, romance and mystery all in this book. Diane Moody is a great writer. Looking forward to reading more of her books. This mystery kept me guessing till the end. I was surprised to learn about the blackmailer and how it worked in the story. It was a great read.
March 3, 2020
The Demise
Enjoyed the story. Have to say I got the biggest kick out of Harley. Made me laugh. The mystery was good but I felt bad for Brad. Kind of felt he had a good reason to feel the way he did.
Enjoyed the story. Have to say I got the biggest kick out of Harley. Made me laugh. The mystery was good but I felt bad for Brad. Kind of felt he had a good reason to feel the way he did.
March 15, 2020
Death and romance
A good, simple old "Who done it" complicated with family ties and a suicide, that may have been murder, with a growing romance. A bit confusing in places, but, overall, a good.
A good, simple old "Who done it" complicated with family ties and a suicide, that may have been murder, with a growing romance. A bit confusing in places, but, overall, a good.
June 16, 2020
Julie was “spunky” - to the point of annoying, in my opinion. Matt was solid, but the romance moved much too quickly. The Christian references were okay but peripheral. The mystery was convoluted and mostly sad.
July 22, 2020
Not the ending I expected
This was the first book I read by this author. Loved it. Characters were great. Lots of humor, frustration, and mystery. Fantastic ending, not the expected one. Great story.
This was the first book I read by this author. Loved it. Characters were great. Lots of humor, frustration, and mystery. Fantastic ending, not the expected one. Great story.
July 28, 2020
A great mystery!
I always enjoy reading a good mystery and this one didn’t disappoint me. It had a lot of twist and turns and even a surprise at the end! It is very well written and deserves 5 stars!
I always enjoy reading a good mystery and this one didn’t disappoint me. It had a lot of twist and turns and even a surprise at the end! It is very well written and deserves 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews