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Charlotte Ross Mysteries #3
Once Upon a Crime
Fleeing her life for a short break, Charlotte Ross, along with her best friend Jane Marshall, find themselves at her aunt’s home in the sleepy town of Raven’s Caw, Michigan. Charlotte hopes to recover from a breakup with her fiancé, and her friend Jane, a new mystery writer, is looking forward to somewhere relaxing. But life has different plans for the two friends and they find themselves swept up in a whirlwind of romance, mystery and murder.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Cullet
10 books81 followersI write mysteries with warm romance and a little humor.When I'm not reading mysteries, I'm writing and maintaining my blog, and reviewing novels. I was a former member of the Agatha Christie Society and am currently a member of Sisters In Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 3, 2014
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. The characters are great - I wanted to know more about both Charlotte and Jane, as well as the other characters, from the very beginning. The mystery was a lot of fun to read. The light romance mixed in wasn't actually too bad (I am not a fan of romance, but don't mind it when it's mixed in with things I do like) and didn't take away from the storyline. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to read more of this series. I would definitely recommend this to people who like light mysteries.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.
July 26, 2016
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. *
Unfortunately I wasn't able to find anything worth quoting
The novel starts off with a heartbroken Charlotte Ross who's trying to abolish the traces of her broken engagement by heading with her best friend Jane Marshall, a mystery novelist, to her aunt's countryside cottage. There Jane is introduced to Charlotte's cousin , Kenny, and her ex ,Rex. Charlotte warns Jane before hand that Kenny is always in need of money, so he sweet talks women and tricks them to obtain his goals. The four decide to dine out together at a restaurant near Swan Lake. Whilst they're chatting, a red headed woman approaches their table seemingly familiar. It turns out she's Ari Michaels, a childhood friend whom Charlotte doesn't like much. Ari tells Charlotte that she's here to sell her parent's old house, but she's afraid to go there by her own due to a past accident. Twelve years ago Alec, Ari's brother, was found dead in his father's office, and since then the family left never returning. After being persuaded, the four accompany her to the old luxurious house. Questions begin to swarm in Jane's mind upon learning that the killer was not found. What secrets does the Michaels' house hold? And why is Ari so afraid that she assumes her brother's ghost is hunting the house? As Charlotte and Jane plunge into the mystery, secrets threaten to unfold and deceits are woven behind the curtains. Who should they trust?
As you can see the synopsis seems interesting enough, but the novel didn't live up to that expectation.
There are somethings that got on my nerves. Insta-no-sense love tops the list. I mean at the beginning of the novel Jane was stating confidently that she doesn't have time for romance, but then after a FEW days of meeting Kenny a 'magical' connection happens between them. I felt like I was reading some Disney thing. Moreover, Charlotte was pretty much devastated upon her break up stating that she needs space, but suddenly when Rex shows up she begins floating in her old feelings towards him forgetting her sadness at moments then remembering it at others. She's like a see-saw of messed emotions. I also need to point out that the first 50% of the book was kinda boring but the next was better by a few notches. Now to the grand finale. This is supposed to be a mystery novel; I was supposed to wrack my brain to figure things out, I was supposed to be shocked by the revelations, and I was supposed to feel amused by the way my mind was -if- manipulated. Yet, I was pretty much able to tell what happened from the beginning; who's the bad guy and stuff like that. So it wasn't much of a 'mystery', it was more like a romance novel. A not so pleasant one at that.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this was a bad book, or else I wouldn't have finished it. In fact it was ok; not good but fine, kind of bearable. Definitely not the best, but also not the worst. I recommend this to anyone who wants a light brained easy read with a whiff of insta-love.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to find anything worth quoting
The novel starts off with a heartbroken Charlotte Ross who's trying to abolish the traces of her broken engagement by heading with her best friend Jane Marshall, a mystery novelist, to her aunt's countryside cottage. There Jane is introduced to Charlotte's cousin , Kenny, and her ex ,Rex. Charlotte warns Jane before hand that Kenny is always in need of money, so he sweet talks women and tricks them to obtain his goals. The four decide to dine out together at a restaurant near Swan Lake. Whilst they're chatting, a red headed woman approaches their table seemingly familiar. It turns out she's Ari Michaels, a childhood friend whom Charlotte doesn't like much. Ari tells Charlotte that she's here to sell her parent's old house, but she's afraid to go there by her own due to a past accident. Twelve years ago Alec, Ari's brother, was found dead in his father's office, and since then the family left never returning. After being persuaded, the four accompany her to the old luxurious house. Questions begin to swarm in Jane's mind upon learning that the killer was not found. What secrets does the Michaels' house hold? And why is Ari so afraid that she assumes her brother's ghost is hunting the house? As Charlotte and Jane plunge into the mystery, secrets threaten to unfold and deceits are woven behind the curtains. Who should they trust?
As you can see the synopsis seems interesting enough, but the novel didn't live up to that expectation.
There are somethings that got on my nerves. Insta-no-sense love tops the list. I mean at the beginning of the novel Jane was stating confidently that she doesn't have time for romance, but then after a FEW days of meeting Kenny a 'magical' connection happens between them. I felt like I was reading some Disney thing. Moreover, Charlotte was pretty much devastated upon her break up stating that she needs space, but suddenly when Rex shows up she begins floating in her old feelings towards him forgetting her sadness at moments then remembering it at others. She's like a see-saw of messed emotions. I also need to point out that the first 50% of the book was kinda boring but the next was better by a few notches. Now to the grand finale. This is supposed to be a mystery novel; I was supposed to wrack my brain to figure things out, I was supposed to be shocked by the revelations, and I was supposed to feel amused by the way my mind was -if- manipulated. Yet, I was pretty much able to tell what happened from the beginning; who's the bad guy and stuff like that. So it wasn't much of a 'mystery', it was more like a romance novel. A not so pleasant one at that.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this was a bad book, or else I wouldn't have finished it. In fact it was ok; not good but fine, kind of bearable. Definitely not the best, but also not the worst. I recommend this to anyone who wants a light brained easy read with a whiff of insta-love.
November 11, 2014
Charlotte Ross is still reeling over the breakup with her fiancé. She decides to pay a visit to her aunt in her hometown of Raven’s Caw, Michigan. Her good friend, Jane Marshall - a mystery writer - agrees to go along for some rest and relaxation. However, things don’t go as smoothly as they would have liked. Jane falls for Charlotte’s cousin Kenny, against Charlotte's advice. While Charlotte’s high school love, Rex, comes back into her life.
Then they are dragged into an old murder case that occurred twelve years ago. When a recent murder happens after they arrive in town, things really get complicated as family and friends become suspects. Charlotte and Jane do some investigation on their own, but things take a dangerous turn and they find their own lives in jeopardy.
This is a sequel to the author’s previous book, Masterpiece of Murder. I didn’t read the first one but I don’t think this story suffered because of that. I still want to read the first book as I always enjoy reading more about the characters and how they grow from book to book, but I thought Once Upon a Crime stood on its own merit.
There is a nice mix of romance and mystery, although I think the murder mystery is the stronger part and grabbed my interest. The romance is nice, but I didn’t find myself too wrapped up with that aspect of the story. I found that Jane became too easily involved with Kenny. From the day they met, he seemed like more trouble than he was worth. Charlotte is still hung up on her fiance, but Rex is a nice diversion for her.
The secondary characters such as Charlotte’s aunt Nettie and an old acquaintance Ari literally came to life on each page. I had a vivid image of them in my head as I read this. They added both humor and drama to this book.
The mystery kept me guessing right along with the characters. A twelve year old murder mixed in with a present day crime? What could be more fascinating for a lover of mysteries? There are so many possibilities and this book did not disappoint. It is filled with intrigue, excitement, and humor. This story took several twists and turns. The author did a great job at keeping the reader on their toes. I was totally captivated by this story. I definitely plan to go back and see what other trouble Charlotte and Jane get themselves into.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Then they are dragged into an old murder case that occurred twelve years ago. When a recent murder happens after they arrive in town, things really get complicated as family and friends become suspects. Charlotte and Jane do some investigation on their own, but things take a dangerous turn and they find their own lives in jeopardy.
This is a sequel to the author’s previous book, Masterpiece of Murder. I didn’t read the first one but I don’t think this story suffered because of that. I still want to read the first book as I always enjoy reading more about the characters and how they grow from book to book, but I thought Once Upon a Crime stood on its own merit.
There is a nice mix of romance and mystery, although I think the murder mystery is the stronger part and grabbed my interest. The romance is nice, but I didn’t find myself too wrapped up with that aspect of the story. I found that Jane became too easily involved with Kenny. From the day they met, he seemed like more trouble than he was worth. Charlotte is still hung up on her fiance, but Rex is a nice diversion for her.
The secondary characters such as Charlotte’s aunt Nettie and an old acquaintance Ari literally came to life on each page. I had a vivid image of them in my head as I read this. They added both humor and drama to this book.
The mystery kept me guessing right along with the characters. A twelve year old murder mixed in with a present day crime? What could be more fascinating for a lover of mysteries? There are so many possibilities and this book did not disappoint. It is filled with intrigue, excitement, and humor. This story took several twists and turns. The author did a great job at keeping the reader on their toes. I was totally captivated by this story. I definitely plan to go back and see what other trouble Charlotte and Jane get themselves into.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 9, 2014
Once Upon a Crime reads more like a romance novel for the first 20% of the book–that’s when the mystery is introduced. It is told in third person, but from two different points of view – Charlotte and her friend Jane. There were times I felt like screaming at Jane, “Don’t get involved with Kenny! He’s bad news!” But at the same time, I wanted them to get together. It’s like Jane’s own thoughts were in my head! I could see myself being friends with someone like Jane. So, what does that tell me? It says the author’s characters were very real! A great job on the author’s part. Besides the main characters, I loved their quirky friends and Kenny’s mom is hoot as well. I was surprised at the turn of events, and can’t say I saw it coming.
A solid book that made me want to keep reading more!
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Great Escapes Book Tour.
A solid book that made me want to keep reading more!
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Great Escapes Book Tour.
July 24, 2016
No one is who they seem!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Treachery is the key word to describe the relationships in this story with an ending I didn't see coming. Everyone is hiding something from the very person they should trust. A very satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Treachery is the key word to describe the relationships in this story with an ending I didn't see coming. Everyone is hiding something from the very person they should trust. A very satisfying read.
October 14, 2014
I loved this book. I am not really a fan of murder mystery books but this was a wonderful book. It had murder and romance and kept me guessing through the whole book.
August 23, 2015
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. This was a cute fun little mystery that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed the cast of characters and had quite a few chuckles.
June 14, 2020
Charlotte Ross finds Mystery in her Home Town
Charlotte returns to her home town to stay with her aunt. Her cousin is her nemesis who was always playing tricks on her. It is hard to figure out if he is a good guy or a villain.Rick, who is Charlotte's hero,but he is either a villain or a hero?
Charlotte returns to her home town to stay with her aunt. Her cousin is her nemesis who was always playing tricks on her. It is hard to figure out if he is a good guy or a villain.Rick, who is Charlotte's hero,but he is either a villain or a hero?
July 6, 2025
I liked this one better than book two.
This was a pretty good murder mystery, but I would have liked a good wrap up at the end. I'm a little confused about some of the weird involvement of some of the characters. No spoilers, so I'm moving on.
This was a pretty good murder mystery, but I would have liked a good wrap up at the end. I'm a little confused about some of the weird involvement of some of the characters. No spoilers, so I'm moving on.
January 21, 2023
Who killed Alec and the Gus and Ralph Striker and why??? AND then there is Kenny!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
November 10, 2014
"Once Upon A Crime" is a twisty story of love, betrayal, trickery, and murder. Families are not always as warm, loving, or honest as we might wish. Events and people that we thought we knew and understood are not always as we remember them and trying to relive our childhood doesn't really work.
Charlotte and Jane are both looking for a break when they arrive at Charlotte's aunt's house. Instead, they get family drama, old mysteries, new mysteries, acquaintances in need of help, an old flame for Charlotte, and a new flame for Jane.
Cullet gives lots of red herrings, some twists that were truly a surprise, and some that I saw coming. None of the characters are quite what they seem at first and no one, not even Jane and Charlotte, are all good or all bad but a mix of both. Jane could abrasive and Charlotte judgemental which was annoying but also realistic. The mysteries kept me guessing, never certain who was guilty and who was not and motives frequently shifting as Jane and Charlotte tried to determine what was going on. I did have trouble with Jane and Kenny's romance; I never felt it. It just didn't feel genuine, the sparks weren't there and I couldn't believe Jane would lose her head the way she did. Charlotte's and Rex's romance was more believable with its up and downs. I could see his appeal to her where I couldn't see Kenny's appeal for Jane.
If you like lots of twists, shades of gray, and characters who are never boring, pick up "Once Upon A Crime".
Charlotte and Jane are both looking for a break when they arrive at Charlotte's aunt's house. Instead, they get family drama, old mysteries, new mysteries, acquaintances in need of help, an old flame for Charlotte, and a new flame for Jane.
Cullet gives lots of red herrings, some twists that were truly a surprise, and some that I saw coming. None of the characters are quite what they seem at first and no one, not even Jane and Charlotte, are all good or all bad but a mix of both. Jane could abrasive and Charlotte judgemental which was annoying but also realistic. The mysteries kept me guessing, never certain who was guilty and who was not and motives frequently shifting as Jane and Charlotte tried to determine what was going on. I did have trouble with Jane and Kenny's romance; I never felt it. It just didn't feel genuine, the sparks weren't there and I couldn't believe Jane would lose her head the way she did. Charlotte's and Rex's romance was more believable with its up and downs. I could see his appeal to her where I couldn't see Kenny's appeal for Jane.
If you like lots of twists, shades of gray, and characters who are never boring, pick up "Once Upon A Crime".
November 23, 2014
This novel starts out with Charlotte and Jane getting away from their normal setting. Soon two men enter their lives and they both make decisions with their hearts and heads. I can’t say I would make the same decisions Jane did. Everywhere Kenny went there seemed to be a woman flirting with him or angry at him. Can you say “warning sign?”
The people you meet in this town are quirky but realistic. We all know a gal that gets others to ‘do for her’ when the other women around know she is perfectly capable. She’s not really that helpless. There are others that can’t do without their coffee in the morning. And what would a local diner or hair salon be without those ‘regulars’ that tell you what goes on around town. Things begin to happen that seem to be related to an old unsolved murder in town. Before long they are knee deep in clues, suspects, and motives along with some fresh bodies. If you like twists and turns and a dash of drama, you will probably like this book. I'm giving this a 3 instead of a 4 due to the ending where it felt like everything was just thrown at you.
I was provided a free copy in order to read and write and honest review
The people you meet in this town are quirky but realistic. We all know a gal that gets others to ‘do for her’ when the other women around know she is perfectly capable. She’s not really that helpless. There are others that can’t do without their coffee in the morning. And what would a local diner or hair salon be without those ‘regulars’ that tell you what goes on around town. Things begin to happen that seem to be related to an old unsolved murder in town. Before long they are knee deep in clues, suspects, and motives along with some fresh bodies. If you like twists and turns and a dash of drama, you will probably like this book. I'm giving this a 3 instead of a 4 due to the ending where it felt like everything was just thrown at you.
I was provided a free copy in order to read and write and honest review
September 10, 2014
Charlotte Ross and her best friend, Jane Marshall, a mystery writer, drive to Raven's Caw, Michigan to visit Charlotte's aunt, looking for a safe haven where Charlotte can get over the emotional trauma of her breakup with her fiance. However, the visit isn't what they expected it to be. Instead of the peace and quiet they sought, both women soon find themselves in the middle of solving an old murder and, against their better judgement, emotionally involved with two local men.
I highly recommend "Once Upon A Crime" by Evelyn Cullet.
I highly recommend "Once Upon A Crime" by Evelyn Cullet.
November 23, 2014
Charlotte Ross is at it again when she and her closest friend, mystery writer Jane Marshall, travel to Michigan to visit her relatives. Charlotte is trying to recover from a broken heart and her friend wants to help.
They find more than they bargained for when romance raises its head and murder lowers their expectations. People aren’t always what they seem, and these two women can attest to that.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy being entertained. Like I said, this one has it all.
They find more than they bargained for when romance raises its head and murder lowers their expectations. People aren’t always what they seem, and these two women can attest to that.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy being entertained. Like I said, this one has it all.
July 30, 2016
Enjoyed this book as it gave a glimpse into small town life, where everyone knows your business. Had my suspicions about a few of the characters, but couldn’t place how they fit in. The two brother’s from Skippy’s, as well as Sally the clairvoyant hairdresser were a hoot. Once you were past the first few chapters the book became fast paced and kept my interest. The ending was definitely a surprise. Since this was book 3 of The Charlotte Ross Mysteries, I look forward to reading books 1 and 2.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. **
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. **
August 15, 2016
I found this book refreshing with it's twist on the romance and mystery intersecting. The characters seem realistic as they are taking time out from their lives and problems, only to step into a new possibility of romance and of course murder... It's too bad one's first true love may not be what it seems. I can't wait to see the next book in the series as they continue in their new lives and realize their paths. I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
September 11, 2016
Charlotte and her friend Jane take a trip to Michigan to visit Charlotte's Aunt Nettie. Charlotte has recently broken up with her fiance, Brett, and she is hoping the trip will help her to get over it. Jane gets involved with Charlotte's cousin Kenny, despite the fact he seems like trouble. When there is a murder Charlotte and Jane get involved. They start to investigate, but can they keep themselves out of danger? This story has a good mystery and likable characters.
August 21, 2016
Once Upon a Crime
A good read. Wished I had known it was the third book in the series as I would have read the other ones first, but I didn't feel like I missed any thing as it was explained well. I received this book for free from the author through the read and review program.
A good read. Wished I had known it was the third book in the series as I would have read the other ones first, but I didn't feel like I missed any thing as it was explained well. I received this book for free from the author through the read and review program.
August 2, 2016
I was given this book for a review.
It was a good read. I would have wanted more action a little more suspense but overall a good read.
It was a good read. I would have wanted more action a little more suspense but overall a good read.
July 28, 2016
Dull
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review I'm sorry to say I could not even get into the first chapter I found the beginning predictable and dull dialogue.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review I'm sorry to say I could not even get into the first chapter I found the beginning predictable and dull dialogue.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews