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Off the Beaten Path: A Stone's Throw Mystery
Stone’s Throw State Park Ranger Maudy Lorso spends her days playing cards and sipping drinks with her millennial gal pals, hiking steep sand dunes with her scruffy dog, Martin Short, and trying to ignore the pain of a recent, devastating breakup. After building a quiet life in the Lake Michigan coastal village of Stone’s Throw, Maudy’s emotional safety net is turned inside out when her boss informs her of looming budget cuts that threaten to permanently close the park—and eliminate her job. Determined to prove the park’s value, Maudy throws herself into organizing a successful campground opening weekend, just one week away. But when the body of a missing tourist is discovered in the park, her hope of saving Stone’s Throw State Park quickly begins to fade. In order to save her dream job and maintain her quirky, quiet life, Maudy jumps in to solve the murder of the dead man.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
35 people are currently reading
9846 people want to read
About the author
Eloise Corvo
2 books43 followersAuthor Eloise Corvo finds inspiration and peace of mind while skulking around her home library which her husband affectionately (?) says embodies an "Edgar Allan Poe meets Applebee's" aesthetic. Eloise has short fiction published in literary magazines like The Corner Bar, and her debut novel is set to release on April 29, 2025 through Level Best Books. She loves mint chocolate chip ice cream, appreciates a good puzzle, and is terrified of clowns. To learn more, visit EloiseCorvo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 22, 2025
We meet Maudy Lorso, a park ranger, during a pretty peaceful time in her life. Living in the picturesque community of Stone's Throw in Michigan, hiking and outdoorsy activities are the focus, and Maudy and her dog- Martin Short (I die) have a pretty chill life.
Until a body is found in the park, and Maudy is left to solve the crime. Add in the rumblings of park closure, VERY quirky side characters and some cozy (yet blood) murder mystery scenes, and you've got one fun story.
I like how this equally made me laugh and nervous in sections, and I think the author for the chance to read this, I will highly recommend to all my cozy mystery book besties.
Until a body is found in the park, and Maudy is left to solve the crime. Add in the rumblings of park closure, VERY quirky side characters and some cozy (yet blood) murder mystery scenes, and you've got one fun story.
I like how this equally made me laugh and nervous in sections, and I think the author for the chance to read this, I will highly recommend to all my cozy mystery book besties.
April 13, 2025
A tourist has gone missing the town of Stone's Throw. Maudy, the park ranger, is tasked to find the missing guy, and help solve the mystery of what exactly happened.
“...we need to make sure every inch of that park is clear, off the beaten path.”
The intriguing premise in combination with the stunning cover made me pick this book up. I struggled to get into the story being confronted with stilted, awkward prose from the get-go. Corvo is (overly) direct and descriptive when it comes to characters and environments. We get to know what every major or minor character is wearing immediately when we meet them. This plus the sheer size of the cast took me out of the story several times. I myself prefer more subtlely and artistry in prose and storytelling.
Once we get to the mystery itself the story starts to take off. We get a little bit of intrigue and snippets of promise. However it's quite early on that it's obvious who the perpetrator is. There are few red herrings or diversions to be found here. Which leads to a disappointingly predictable conclusion to the main mystery covered in this book. Corvo then decides to tack on an extra 'gotcha' chapter which seems to be set-up for a subsequent book, but I could have done without that. I would have preferred for this to be a contained story.
While there were some characters that I liked in this book, like the dog Marty and the enthusiastic colleague Zach, the main character and law enforcement got on my nerves. Maudy is uncooperative, has horrible intuition and takes unbelievably stupid risks. On top of that cop Kelly seems to not be too fussed about solving the case. The romance aspect in this novel felt out of place and forced to me.
Off the Beaten Path will appeal to people who love cozy, small town vibes and predictably comfortable mystery stories. If the combination of chicklit meets cozy mystery appeals to you, then you might want to give this book a try.
Thank you Eloise Corvo and Level Best Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
“...we need to make sure every inch of that park is clear, off the beaten path.”
The intriguing premise in combination with the stunning cover made me pick this book up. I struggled to get into the story being confronted with stilted, awkward prose from the get-go. Corvo is (overly) direct and descriptive when it comes to characters and environments. We get to know what every major or minor character is wearing immediately when we meet them. This plus the sheer size of the cast took me out of the story several times. I myself prefer more subtlely and artistry in prose and storytelling.
Once we get to the mystery itself the story starts to take off. We get a little bit of intrigue and snippets of promise. However it's quite early on that it's obvious who the perpetrator is. There are few red herrings or diversions to be found here. Which leads to a disappointingly predictable conclusion to the main mystery covered in this book. Corvo then decides to tack on an extra 'gotcha' chapter which seems to be set-up for a subsequent book, but I could have done without that. I would have preferred for this to be a contained story.
While there were some characters that I liked in this book, like the dog Marty and the enthusiastic colleague Zach, the main character and law enforcement got on my nerves. Maudy is uncooperative, has horrible intuition and takes unbelievably stupid risks. On top of that cop Kelly seems to not be too fussed about solving the case. The romance aspect in this novel felt out of place and forced to me.
Off the Beaten Path will appeal to people who love cozy, small town vibes and predictably comfortable mystery stories. If the combination of chicklit meets cozy mystery appeals to you, then you might want to give this book a try.
Thank you Eloise Corvo and Level Best Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2025
"The usual pastel color palette of downtown...is drained to a stark black and white this morning.
Covering every flat surface are flyers with MISSING PERSON plastered boldly across the top."
OFF THE BEATEN PATH is Eloise Corvo's debut mystery and it was riddled with charm and that small town feel.
Taking place in Michigan, this story leaned heavily into its Midwestern-ness, which I adored, and the main character being a park ranger was so fun as well - I love books that feature nature and parks and, paired with the small town atmosphere of Stone's Throw, this worked really well!
We have a quirky cast of characters (whom I couldn't help but compare to characters in Stars Hollow lol) and a cozy (yet bloody 👀) mystery to boot!
While the main character made some ~choices~ I found this book to be a great one to cozy up with for an afternoon or two!
Thanks to Eloise for the early copy for review - out April 29!
Covering every flat surface are flyers with MISSING PERSON plastered boldly across the top."
OFF THE BEATEN PATH is Eloise Corvo's debut mystery and it was riddled with charm and that small town feel.
Taking place in Michigan, this story leaned heavily into its Midwestern-ness, which I adored, and the main character being a park ranger was so fun as well - I love books that feature nature and parks and, paired with the small town atmosphere of Stone's Throw, this worked really well!
We have a quirky cast of characters (whom I couldn't help but compare to characters in Stars Hollow lol) and a cozy (yet bloody 👀) mystery to boot!
While the main character made some ~choices~ I found this book to be a great one to cozy up with for an afternoon or two!
Thanks to Eloise for the early copy for review - out April 29!
July 11, 2025
This was a good debut and first in a series with just enough backstory to keep you interested in learning more. Maudy, the main character, was interesting. I liked her and how the author showed her anxiety and how she dealt with it, but man did that girl go beyond sleuthing by withholding evidence and putting herself in danger. I love the premise of a state park series and look forward to more. Hopefully book 2 will actually have the spaghetti dinner scene we heard about the whole book though! Lol
March 28, 2025
Nature lovers, rejoice! There is a new cozy mystery series coming and if you love the great outdoors then you're going to love Off the Beaten Path by Eloise Corvo.
Maudy Lorso is a park ranger in the picturesque community of Stone's Throw in Michigan. There is nothing she loves more than hiking and enjoying time with her friends. However, all that peace is about to be disturbed when she finds a dead body! With Stone's Thrown State Park possibly being permanently closed due to budget cuts, Maudy knows she must find a killer and save her park too.
Set in the back drop of a picturesque National Park, this mystery was the perfect spring-time read. Where I live, there is still a lot of snow on ground, and trying to solve this mystery alongside Maudy it had me dreaming of spring and hitting the trails. Without the murder of course!!
I really enjoyed the mystery. It is fast paced and kept me on my toes. Even with a few carefully placed red herrings, I couldn't solve it before Maudy. I love when a mystery stumps me and keeps me guessing until the end and this one definitely did.
If you're looking for the perfect spring-time read that has you craving a walk in the great outdoors, then this mystery needs to be on your reading list. Eloise Corvo delights in this debut, and I can't wait for the second book.
Maudy Lorso is a park ranger in the picturesque community of Stone's Throw in Michigan. There is nothing she loves more than hiking and enjoying time with her friends. However, all that peace is about to be disturbed when she finds a dead body! With Stone's Thrown State Park possibly being permanently closed due to budget cuts, Maudy knows she must find a killer and save her park too.
Set in the back drop of a picturesque National Park, this mystery was the perfect spring-time read. Where I live, there is still a lot of snow on ground, and trying to solve this mystery alongside Maudy it had me dreaming of spring and hitting the trails. Without the murder of course!!
I really enjoyed the mystery. It is fast paced and kept me on my toes. Even with a few carefully placed red herrings, I couldn't solve it before Maudy. I love when a mystery stumps me and keeps me guessing until the end and this one definitely did.
If you're looking for the perfect spring-time read that has you craving a walk in the great outdoors, then this mystery needs to be on your reading list. Eloise Corvo delights in this debut, and I can't wait for the second book.
April 29, 2025
Tis the season for a campground/park cozy mystery…
I am in love with this cover! I love that the MC is a State Park Ranger. It’s something different. A few times I thought Officer Kelly was a little harsh. That could just be her personality. Luckily, Maudy was able to keep her composure. I am not sure I could have!
Maudy is a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer so I know we would bond over the show. Maudy's dog, Martin Short, is adorable. I kept picturing the actual Martin Short every time I read his name.
I hate to give out spoilers, but I was literally happy screaming at the end. A part of me wanted one part in the ending to work out differently. I am holding out hope if there’s more to the series. But wait- there’s more. I thought it was all done but then I screamed again at the very end- when you read it, you will scream too!! Total twister!
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am in love with this cover! I love that the MC is a State Park Ranger. It’s something different. A few times I thought Officer Kelly was a little harsh. That could just be her personality. Luckily, Maudy was able to keep her composure. I am not sure I could have!
Maudy is a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer so I know we would bond over the show. Maudy's dog, Martin Short, is adorable. I kept picturing the actual Martin Short every time I read his name.
I hate to give out spoilers, but I was literally happy screaming at the end. A part of me wanted one part in the ending to work out differently. I am holding out hope if there’s more to the series. But wait- there’s more. I thought it was all done but then I screamed again at the very end- when you read it, you will scream too!! Total twister!
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2025
Maudy Lorso is trying to get over a bad relationship. She gets a job as a park ranger at Stone’s Throw State Park, and she loves every minute of it. She’s happy to have the companionship of her dog, Martin Short “Marty”. Then, things get a bit crazy when a tourist goes missing in the park and Marty discovers the dead body. The park is closed until the case is solved. Now, the future of the park is in jeopardy and so is Maudy’s job.
Maudy is determined to find out what happened and who is responsible for the murder. She quickly discovers there are many people who didn’t like the guy. She vows to find out which one is the culprit so she can re-open the park.
The book started off slow for me, but then the story really took off. I liked the nature setting as well as the small-town atmosphere. The characters are well-written, even Marty is a fun character. Maudy has much to learn to be an amateur sleuth but she’s getting there.
The storyline is an intriguing adventure. This is a mystery with a touch of romance thrown in. It felt like Maudy was putting a jigsaw puzzle together. The author did a great job throwing me off track with that ending. I was really surprised by it. It’s a good lead for a sequel. The series is off to a solid start. I’ll be looking for the next book.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from BookSirens and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Maudy is determined to find out what happened and who is responsible for the murder. She quickly discovers there are many people who didn’t like the guy. She vows to find out which one is the culprit so she can re-open the park.
The book started off slow for me, but then the story really took off. I liked the nature setting as well as the small-town atmosphere. The characters are well-written, even Marty is a fun character. Maudy has much to learn to be an amateur sleuth but she’s getting there.
The storyline is an intriguing adventure. This is a mystery with a touch of romance thrown in. It felt like Maudy was putting a jigsaw puzzle together. The author did a great job throwing me off track with that ending. I was really surprised by it. It’s a good lead for a sequel. The series is off to a solid start. I’ll be looking for the next book.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from BookSirens and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 12, 2025
Off the Beaten Path follows State Park Ranger Maudy as her once calm and peaceful life and job is thrown into disarray when a man goes missing and shows up murdered in the park.
I am an enjoyer of cozy stories. This is a cozy mystery. On paper this should have been an enjoyable read for me. In execution this is one of if not the most infuriating mystery I have read in a long long time.
The key to a cozy story is the characters. Unfortunately, our heroine Maudy is extremely unlikeable, makes really stupid decisions, throws herself into danger willingly and unnecessarily and seemingly has no respect for her own life or livelihood. She could have been killed or fired at least a dozen times during this book; and honestly I don't think I would have cared if either happened. I'm also tired of authors telling us that their main character is so smart and then showing us that they're a complete imbecile.
The plot. Oh dear. If a mystery being cozy means that it is blatantly obvious then I don't want to ever read a cozy mystery again. If a reader, namely myself, is able to correctly guess the entire twist and solution, as well as the sequel bait, by the 60% mark..... then there is something empirically wrong with your story telling. I was wasting my time reading the second half of this book.
I'm going to keep this spoiler free and not talk about the ending.... but my God it made me so mad.
Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
I am an enjoyer of cozy stories. This is a cozy mystery. On paper this should have been an enjoyable read for me. In execution this is one of if not the most infuriating mystery I have read in a long long time.
The key to a cozy story is the characters. Unfortunately, our heroine Maudy is extremely unlikeable, makes really stupid decisions, throws herself into danger willingly and unnecessarily and seemingly has no respect for her own life or livelihood. She could have been killed or fired at least a dozen times during this book; and honestly I don't think I would have cared if either happened. I'm also tired of authors telling us that their main character is so smart and then showing us that they're a complete imbecile.
The plot. Oh dear. If a mystery being cozy means that it is blatantly obvious then I don't want to ever read a cozy mystery again. If a reader, namely myself, is able to correctly guess the entire twist and solution, as well as the sequel bait, by the 60% mark..... then there is something empirically wrong with your story telling. I was wasting my time reading the second half of this book.
I'm going to keep this spoiler free and not talk about the ending.... but my God it made me so mad.
Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
May 17, 2025
First off, a big thank you to NetGalley and author Eloise Corvo for providing access to this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This wasn't a special approval, but one of the titles available to read freely-and I truly appreciate that option.
As a fan of cozy mysteries, the cover immediately caught my eye with its charming and mysterious vibe. Unfortunately, I struggled to get into the story, and that didn't improve as I continued reading. The writing felt a bit unpolished, and the dialogue relied too much on telling rather than showing. While I really wanted to enjoy this one, it just wasn't the right fit for me.
That said, I'm sure other readers might connect with it more-it just didn't work for me personally.
As a fan of cozy mysteries, the cover immediately caught my eye with its charming and mysterious vibe. Unfortunately, I struggled to get into the story, and that didn't improve as I continued reading. The writing felt a bit unpolished, and the dialogue relied too much on telling rather than showing. While I really wanted to enjoy this one, it just wasn't the right fit for me.
That said, I'm sure other readers might connect with it more-it just didn't work for me personally.
Read
November 10, 2025I got to spend an evening with Eloise Corvo at my local indie bookstore during a murder mystery event, and it was such a fun experience. Eloise is incredibly kind, and her passion for her stories is evident. I will be picking up book #2!
April 20, 2025
A cozy small town murder mystery!
I really liked the sense of community in stones throw. It kind of reminded me of Gilmore girls!
However I didn’t care for the romantic subplot at all:(
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬!
I really liked the sense of community in stones throw. It kind of reminded me of Gilmore girls!
However I didn’t care for the romantic subplot at all:(
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬!
April 27, 2025
Read full review at: https://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.c...
Off the Beaten Path has everything you'd want from your cozy mystery - a small town setting, a sense of community, secrets, and of course, lots of food. The addition to the setting is the Stone Throw's State Park with a backdrop of Lake Michigan, both of which give the author a great chance to add wonderful descriptions. To be honest, I found the outdoors vibe of the book perfect for a summer read.
Maudy Lorso, our protagonist, works at the park. With the state of the park up in the air, and a dead body found on its grounds right before opening weekend, she feels the pressure to solve the murder before it's too late. For the most part, the mystery moved as I was expecting, yet remaining entertaining. Even though I had guessed the murderer, I still found it a very interesting read.
My main complaint about this book is Maudy's behaviour. Of course, we have red herrings in all mystery books, cozy or not. However, Maudy was so fixated on one of the suspects - and the one that was the least plausible. And the reason why she was so determined to prove their guilt was simply because they didn't get along. In addition to this, I found some of her actions a bit reckless and weird, as they would hinder the investigation (i.e. taking evidence without notifying the police, or confronting suspects without enough evidence). Sidenote: if you hate pop culture references in book, be warned that Maudy is always talking about Veronica Mars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
As far as the rest of the cast goes, Maudy's dog, Martin Short, was by far my favourite. He was the best boy, and one that I couldn't get enough of. And Maudy also finds a black cat at the park, and I am a proud black cat owner. When it comes to the human characters, I really liked Eli and I would definitely want to see more of him. We also get mentions of other people from the small town, but no one played a significant role to see them long enough in the book.
By the end of the book, we also have a romance developing, but it's never the main focus of the story. I'm not sure how I feel about it on its own. However, I do have to say that the epilogue seems to imply that this romance is going to lead to the mystery in the following installment of the series, and I would be curious to find out more about it.
All in all, Off the Beaten Path is an enjoyable and quick read. It is a perfect book for the summer due to its settings, and it feels so cozy and light that it would be great after something darker and more challenging. Since it's just a debut novel, I would expect that the author will find her voice and improve in future installments.
Off the Beaten Path has everything you'd want from your cozy mystery - a small town setting, a sense of community, secrets, and of course, lots of food. The addition to the setting is the Stone Throw's State Park with a backdrop of Lake Michigan, both of which give the author a great chance to add wonderful descriptions. To be honest, I found the outdoors vibe of the book perfect for a summer read.
Maudy Lorso, our protagonist, works at the park. With the state of the park up in the air, and a dead body found on its grounds right before opening weekend, she feels the pressure to solve the murder before it's too late. For the most part, the mystery moved as I was expecting, yet remaining entertaining. Even though I had guessed the murderer, I still found it a very interesting read.
My main complaint about this book is Maudy's behaviour. Of course, we have red herrings in all mystery books, cozy or not. However, Maudy was so fixated on one of the suspects - and the one that was the least plausible. And the reason why she was so determined to prove their guilt was simply because they didn't get along. In addition to this, I found some of her actions a bit reckless and weird, as they would hinder the investigation (i.e. taking evidence without notifying the police, or confronting suspects without enough evidence). Sidenote: if you hate pop culture references in book, be warned that Maudy is always talking about Veronica Mars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
As far as the rest of the cast goes, Maudy's dog, Martin Short, was by far my favourite. He was the best boy, and one that I couldn't get enough of. And Maudy also finds a black cat at the park, and I am a proud black cat owner. When it comes to the human characters, I really liked Eli and I would definitely want to see more of him. We also get mentions of other people from the small town, but no one played a significant role to see them long enough in the book.
By the end of the book, we also have a romance developing, but it's never the main focus of the story. I'm not sure how I feel about it on its own. However, I do have to say that the epilogue seems to imply that this romance is going to lead to the mystery in the following installment of the series, and I would be curious to find out more about it.
All in all, Off the Beaten Path is an enjoyable and quick read. It is a perfect book for the summer due to its settings, and it feels so cozy and light that it would be great after something darker and more challenging. Since it's just a debut novel, I would expect that the author will find her voice and improve in future installments.
August 18, 2025
What a fun cozy mystery!
This book follows Maudy, a State Park Ranger in Stone's Throw, Michigan. Her job is in jeopardy after incoming budget cuts. And to make matters worse, the body of a missing tourist is found in the state park keeping it closed right when they need it open most.
I liked Maudy. She really cared about the park and her job and was willing to do anything to keep the park open. She ended up working with the police to help them figure out who the murderer was. She was very anxious due in part to a toxic past relationship, but was able to work through things well and had great coping mechanisms. The community of Stone's Throw is such a cute, close knit community. It seems everyone knows everyone and is friendly and helpful. They welcome tourists in to the state park campground and are happy to have them there. Some great side characters were Maudy's best friend Eli who works as a chef at Pop's restaurant and the group of girls that Maudy plays euchre with. Maudy also has a dog (Martin Short) who is by her side the whole book. He is such a good boy.
The plot was interesting and engaging. There were several plausible suspects. While a lot of the book was about Maudy trying to figure out who committed this murder so she could open the park, there was a lot of connection with the people in town and just day to day stuff that makes it a cozy mystery to me.
The ending was really exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. It was someone who made sense and not someone thrown in out of the blue.
I'm really excited to see what other adventures Maudy gets herself in to!
This book follows Maudy, a State Park Ranger in Stone's Throw, Michigan. Her job is in jeopardy after incoming budget cuts. And to make matters worse, the body of a missing tourist is found in the state park keeping it closed right when they need it open most.
I liked Maudy. She really cared about the park and her job and was willing to do anything to keep the park open. She ended up working with the police to help them figure out who the murderer was. She was very anxious due in part to a toxic past relationship, but was able to work through things well and had great coping mechanisms. The community of Stone's Throw is such a cute, close knit community. It seems everyone knows everyone and is friendly and helpful. They welcome tourists in to the state park campground and are happy to have them there. Some great side characters were Maudy's best friend Eli who works as a chef at Pop's restaurant and the group of girls that Maudy plays euchre with. Maudy also has a dog (Martin Short) who is by her side the whole book. He is such a good boy.
The plot was interesting and engaging. There were several plausible suspects. While a lot of the book was about Maudy trying to figure out who committed this murder so she could open the park, there was a lot of connection with the people in town and just day to day stuff that makes it a cozy mystery to me.
The ending was really exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. It was someone who made sense and not someone thrown in out of the blue.
I'm really excited to see what other adventures Maudy gets herself in to!
March 29, 2025
*3.5*
I had a great time with this book! It was cute and a super quick read. A great cozy mystery that really is not to heavy at all. For me the main character was a little "not like other girls" for me, just with her dialogue mainly. She was also a little oblivious to suspects and the people she surrounds herself with especially for being a huge fan of Buffy and Veronica Mars. There were times when she was making leaps and bounds to connect things together, and then other times where she could not make the simplest connections. The book also hit every major plot point of a mystery very predictably, which is not a bad thing but does make it little less fun sometimes. I also felt like there was a little bit to much happening outside the murder plot until the end of the book, because there were characters in the book that were supposedly the best friends of the main girl but they only interacted a handful of times. This book reminds me of the show "Grosse Pointe Garden Society" in the way that all of the characters are cringey millennials but the storyline is somewhat captivating enough to look past it. When I was about 90% through the book it was a 2.5-3 star read for me but the epilogue really got me and if the this author continues this series I would be interested to see where she takes it.
I had a great time with this book! It was cute and a super quick read. A great cozy mystery that really is not to heavy at all. For me the main character was a little "not like other girls" for me, just with her dialogue mainly. She was also a little oblivious to suspects and the people she surrounds herself with especially for being a huge fan of Buffy and Veronica Mars. There were times when she was making leaps and bounds to connect things together, and then other times where she could not make the simplest connections. The book also hit every major plot point of a mystery very predictably, which is not a bad thing but does make it little less fun sometimes. I also felt like there was a little bit to much happening outside the murder plot until the end of the book, because there were characters in the book that were supposedly the best friends of the main girl but they only interacted a handful of times. This book reminds me of the show "Grosse Pointe Garden Society" in the way that all of the characters are cringey millennials but the storyline is somewhat captivating enough to look past it. When I was about 90% through the book it was a 2.5-3 star read for me but the epilogue really got me and if the this author continues this series I would be interested to see where she takes it.
May 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Eloise Corvo for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc.
I love cozy mysteries and the cover just radiates cozy, forest and mystery. I really struggled getting into the story and it didn't get better the more I read. something about the writing style bugged me. it felt clunky and unedited. the conversations consisted of too much "telling" and not enough "showing".
I didn't connect with the main character at all. we don't really get to know her backstory, only snippets here and there. she took unnecessary risks for someone who'd been assigned ranger barely a year ago. the other characters didn't feel very developed either and the best friend/love interest aspect annoyed me, mostly because he was just rude for no reason. the presence of jeremy felt out of place and forced. there was no chemistry besides him being "super attractive" and he weirded me out the whole time.
I liked seeing maudy pick up clues here and there but the conclusion was pretty predictable. at the end, the author added a chapter that introduces a possible next book but it felt forced and out of place and I'd rather had the book as a standalone.
I love cozy mysteries and the cover just radiates cozy, forest and mystery. I really struggled getting into the story and it didn't get better the more I read. something about the writing style bugged me. it felt clunky and unedited. the conversations consisted of too much "telling" and not enough "showing".
I didn't connect with the main character at all. we don't really get to know her backstory, only snippets here and there. she took unnecessary risks for someone who'd been assigned ranger barely a year ago. the other characters didn't feel very developed either and the best friend/love interest aspect annoyed me, mostly because he was just rude for no reason. the presence of jeremy felt out of place and forced. there was no chemistry besides him being "super attractive" and he weirded me out the whole time.
I liked seeing maudy pick up clues here and there but the conclusion was pretty predictable. at the end, the author added a chapter that introduces a possible next book but it felt forced and out of place and I'd rather had the book as a standalone.
July 5, 2025
First off, I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was drawn to the book cover, as well as the allure of a story set in a state park with the park ranger as our heroine. That is a bit out of the ordinary. It was perfect for a relaxing summer read. I've never been to the area of Michigan in the story, but it piqued my interest to learn more about the scenery and the overall vibe of the area.
Without giving any spoilers, I found the story engaging and it kept my interest going to find out "who dunnit it".
My one small quibble with the book is that the author has an odd habit of putting things in parentheses mid-sentence, which I found distracting. I would suggest cleaning that up.
All in all, it met my expectations of a good read, and I would be interested in reading the next in the series.
I was drawn to the book cover, as well as the allure of a story set in a state park with the park ranger as our heroine. That is a bit out of the ordinary. It was perfect for a relaxing summer read. I've never been to the area of Michigan in the story, but it piqued my interest to learn more about the scenery and the overall vibe of the area.
Without giving any spoilers, I found the story engaging and it kept my interest going to find out "who dunnit it".
My one small quibble with the book is that the author has an odd habit of putting things in parentheses mid-sentence, which I found distracting. I would suggest cleaning that up.
All in all, it met my expectations of a good read, and I would be interested in reading the next in the series.
April 20, 2025
This was such a cozy mystery story, I absolutely loved the small town setting and the animal sidekick. It wasn’t a heavy read and would be nice for those who like cozy, small town vibes with a not so complicated mystery. However, the writing seemed a bit awkward as a few passages had grammatical errors and recurring phrases. The main character was a bit inconsistent and the mystery itself was very predictable, also I couldn’t care less about the romance. Still there’s potential here, especially if future books focus more on gradual character and relationship development. All in all I wouldn’t mind revisiting this world if the author decides to continue the series.
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC.
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC.
June 1, 2025
2.5
First, thank you to the author and Goodreads for the free copy of this book.
I like cozy mysteries. Well written ones are good summer reads, but this one just did not resonate with me. The main character, Maudy, was quite annoying. She fixated on a suspect simply because she didn't like her, and was easily charmed by another. The descriptions of people and places were too long. There was a lot of "telling" rather than "showing" and I learned more about what people and places looked like than was necessary for the story. And, if I had to read about Marty's love of peanut butter one more time...
Having said that, Marty was one of my favorite characters, along with Eli. And there was a surprise ending. No spoilers.
First, thank you to the author and Goodreads for the free copy of this book.
I like cozy mysteries. Well written ones are good summer reads, but this one just did not resonate with me. The main character, Maudy, was quite annoying. She fixated on a suspect simply because she didn't like her, and was easily charmed by another. The descriptions of people and places were too long. There was a lot of "telling" rather than "showing" and I learned more about what people and places looked like than was necessary for the story. And, if I had to read about Marty's love of peanut butter one more time...
Having said that, Marty was one of my favorite characters, along with Eli. And there was a surprise ending. No spoilers.
April 6, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I enjoyed the characters and the setting in northern Michigan. The cozy town was described well and it was lovely to "visit" while I read the book. It was a fun mystery with more surprises than I expected!
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC! I look forward to a sequel story from this author!
Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC! I look forward to a sequel story from this author!
October 31, 2025
The mystery wasn’t that compelling, Maudy was a bit annoying and the ending sets it up for a sequel. If this had been a stand alone book I would have given it a higher rating, I just don’t think there’s enough there to milk a sequel out of it.
April 12, 2025
✨
Review
✨
⭐⭐⭐.5
This book is a fluffy murder mystery set in a small town with cozy vibes (I'd never have thought I'd say that). Okay, so basically Maudy, our main female character, and her fluffy buddy Martin are solving a murder that happened in the Stone Throw.
I loved how the story was easygoing but still very interesting. Martin is our star show diva, and we love him so much.
The plot twist was truly amazing because I didn't suspect a thing until it happened, and that last chapter absolutely had me gasping.
Overall a great book, with an easygoing story and a nice plot twist, with very likable and relatable characters.
⭐⭐⭐.5
This book is a fluffy murder mystery set in a small town with cozy vibes (I'd never have thought I'd say that). Okay, so basically Maudy, our main female character, and her fluffy buddy Martin are solving a murder that happened in the Stone Throw.
I loved how the story was easygoing but still very interesting. Martin is our star show diva, and we love him so much.
The plot twist was truly amazing because I didn't suspect a thing until it happened, and that last chapter absolutely had me gasping.
Overall a great book, with an easygoing story and a nice plot twist, with very likable and relatable characters.
December 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ The twist at the end!! Excited to read the next when it comes out!
May 31, 2025
Nicely done cozy murder mystery that sets the first book up for a great book series. It all happens in Northern Lower Michigan and if you're from this area, you are constantly reminded fondly of where these events might have happened. The main protagonist and her faithful dog, is colorful and very witty as she sets about trying to keep the State Park open while also trying to solve a murder.
Take this one to the beach for sure!
Take this one to the beach for sure!
March 30, 2025
#OfftheBeatenPath #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author.
Maudy is a State Park Ranger who seems to love her job.
When she receives word that her park may be closed due to lack of campers, she's determined to make it a great season.
When a missing person is discovered, dead, in the park, Maudy is scared of what this will do to the camping season.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book, I couldn't relate to Maudy, or any of the other characters, they seemed kind of stiff, no colorful personalities that made them stand out.
If another book is written, I would give it a read, only book first in a new series dont always capture the true characters unique qualities.
This is a 3 star review
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Maudy is a State Park Ranger who seems to love her job.
When she receives word that her park may be closed due to lack of campers, she's determined to make it a great season.
When a missing person is discovered, dead, in the park, Maudy is scared of what this will do to the camping season.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book, I couldn't relate to Maudy, or any of the other characters, they seemed kind of stiff, no colorful personalities that made them stand out.
If another book is written, I would give it a read, only book first in a new series dont always capture the true characters unique qualities.
This is a 3 star review
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
May 12, 2025
Book Review: Off the Beaten Path: A Stone’s Throw Mystery by Eloise Corvo
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scoring Breakdown:
Plot & Pacing: 4/5 – Well-constructed mystery with steady buildup, though slightly predictable
Characters: 5/5 – Vibrant, believable cast with strong protagonist development
Setting & Atmosphere: 5/5 – Immersive small-town charm that enhances the narrative
Writing Style: 4/5 – Clean, engaging prose with authentic dialogue
Originality: 3/5 – Familiar cozy mystery tropes executed well but not groundbreaking
Synopsis & Setting
Eloise Corvo’s Off the Beaten Path: A Stone’s Throw Mystery introduces readers to the quaint village of Stone’s Throw, where bookstore owner Eleanor “Ellie” Stone stumbles upon a murder that disrupts the town’s peaceful veneer. The novel excels in crafting an atmospheric setting, with vivid descriptions that make the fictional village feel like a character itself. The small-town dynamics—gossip, hidden rivalries, and communal bonds—add depth to the mystery, grounding it in a believable world.
Character Development & Relationships
Corvo’s greatest strength lies in her well-drawn characters. Ellie Stone is a relatable and intelligent protagonist, balancing curiosity with realistic amateur sleuthing limitations. The supporting cast—including a skeptical police chief, a nosy neighbor, and Ellie’s loyal but meddling friends—add humor and emotional weight. Their interactions feel authentic, enhancing both the mystery and the novel’s cozy, community-driven tone.
Plot Structure & Mystery Execution
The mystery unfolds methodically, with clues carefully placed to engage readers without overwhelming them. Corvo avoids contrived twists, instead relying on character-driven revelations. While the pacing is generally strong, the middle section slows slightly as the narrative lingers on town dynamics. The resolution, though satisfying, adheres closely to cozy mystery conventions, which may leave some readers wishing for a bolder twist.
Themes & Social Commentary
Beyond the whodunit, the novel subtly explores themes of trust, secrecy, and the duality of small-town life. Corvo examines how close-knit communities can both conceal and expose truths, adding a layer of social observation to the genre’s typical charm. However, deeper exploration of systemic issues (e.g., class divides or institutional corruption) could have elevated the story’s impact.
Prose & Readability
Corvo’s writing is accessible and polished, with crisp dialogue and evocative descriptions. The prose balances coziness with suspense, making it an easy yet engaging read. While the style doesn’t take experimental risks, its clarity and warmth suit the genre perfectly.
Final Verdict
Off the Beaten Path is a standout cozy mystery that delivers on atmosphere, character, and classic whodunit appeal. Though it follows familiar genre beats, Corvo’s strong storytelling and immersive setting make it a rewarding read. Recommended for fans of small-town mysteries with heart.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Eloise Corvo, for providing an advance copy of Off the Beaten Path: A Stone’s Throw Mystery in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scoring Breakdown:
Plot & Pacing: 4/5 – Well-constructed mystery with steady buildup, though slightly predictable
Characters: 5/5 – Vibrant, believable cast with strong protagonist development
Setting & Atmosphere: 5/5 – Immersive small-town charm that enhances the narrative
Writing Style: 4/5 – Clean, engaging prose with authentic dialogue
Originality: 3/5 – Familiar cozy mystery tropes executed well but not groundbreaking
Synopsis & Setting
Eloise Corvo’s Off the Beaten Path: A Stone’s Throw Mystery introduces readers to the quaint village of Stone’s Throw, where bookstore owner Eleanor “Ellie” Stone stumbles upon a murder that disrupts the town’s peaceful veneer. The novel excels in crafting an atmospheric setting, with vivid descriptions that make the fictional village feel like a character itself. The small-town dynamics—gossip, hidden rivalries, and communal bonds—add depth to the mystery, grounding it in a believable world.
Character Development & Relationships
Corvo’s greatest strength lies in her well-drawn characters. Ellie Stone is a relatable and intelligent protagonist, balancing curiosity with realistic amateur sleuthing limitations. The supporting cast—including a skeptical police chief, a nosy neighbor, and Ellie’s loyal but meddling friends—add humor and emotional weight. Their interactions feel authentic, enhancing both the mystery and the novel’s cozy, community-driven tone.
Plot Structure & Mystery Execution
The mystery unfolds methodically, with clues carefully placed to engage readers without overwhelming them. Corvo avoids contrived twists, instead relying on character-driven revelations. While the pacing is generally strong, the middle section slows slightly as the narrative lingers on town dynamics. The resolution, though satisfying, adheres closely to cozy mystery conventions, which may leave some readers wishing for a bolder twist.
Themes & Social Commentary
Beyond the whodunit, the novel subtly explores themes of trust, secrecy, and the duality of small-town life. Corvo examines how close-knit communities can both conceal and expose truths, adding a layer of social observation to the genre’s typical charm. However, deeper exploration of systemic issues (e.g., class divides or institutional corruption) could have elevated the story’s impact.
Prose & Readability
Corvo’s writing is accessible and polished, with crisp dialogue and evocative descriptions. The prose balances coziness with suspense, making it an easy yet engaging read. While the style doesn’t take experimental risks, its clarity and warmth suit the genre perfectly.
Final Verdict
Off the Beaten Path is a standout cozy mystery that delivers on atmosphere, character, and classic whodunit appeal. Though it follows familiar genre beats, Corvo’s strong storytelling and immersive setting make it a rewarding read. Recommended for fans of small-town mysteries with heart.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Eloise Corvo, for providing an advance copy of Off the Beaten Path: A Stone’s Throw Mystery in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
Note: This ebook was provided to me by the author from BookSirens for an honest and unpaid advance review. This book has been published in Apr’25.
A cozy murder mystery is comprised of what? A small town, a murder, an increasing list of suspects as you read further on and a smart detective/protagonist. This book has it all. It’s promising with a clever plot. Also the town/village Stone’s Throw, which is fictional, makes you feel like you are on a vacation.
This is a cozy murder mystery set in Stone’s Throw, a small but beautiful coastal village near Lake Michigan with a scenic view. Maudy is a park ranger who will probably lose her job if the camping season doesn’t bring in a good revenue. To add to her worries, there is a tourist missing from the town. His dead body turns up at the park during the search and the park has to be closed until the investigation is over. Maudy is asked to be a part of the investigation as a consultant due to her familiarity of the park to help speed up the investigation and catch the culprit. With the camping season coming in a few days, Maudy wants this to be done as soon as possible and she agrees to help. With a few tourists on the suspect list, Maudy realises, the murderer could be someone from Stone’s Throw itself! With her faithful fluffy friend Marty in tow, she braces herself for any surprises this investigation might lead to. My rating for this book: 4 out of 5 stars.
And now for the reason I enjoyed it. The first thing that makes me go further into a murder mystery is the accurate description of the premises and the surroundings. In this case, the park, the village and everything in the village has been detailed and can be easily visualised for the reader I also liked the tension build-up when I came closer to reading the possibility of a suspect on the list, to have a clear motive to kill. Lastly, the ending had me shocked and amazed. If you love cozy murder mysteries, curl up with this book, put on some soft music and start with this book. You will not be disappointed. Suitable for anyone who loves a good murder. No age restrictions here.
A cozy murder mystery is comprised of what? A small town, a murder, an increasing list of suspects as you read further on and a smart detective/protagonist. This book has it all. It’s promising with a clever plot. Also the town/village Stone’s Throw, which is fictional, makes you feel like you are on a vacation.
This is a cozy murder mystery set in Stone’s Throw, a small but beautiful coastal village near Lake Michigan with a scenic view. Maudy is a park ranger who will probably lose her job if the camping season doesn’t bring in a good revenue. To add to her worries, there is a tourist missing from the town. His dead body turns up at the park during the search and the park has to be closed until the investigation is over. Maudy is asked to be a part of the investigation as a consultant due to her familiarity of the park to help speed up the investigation and catch the culprit. With the camping season coming in a few days, Maudy wants this to be done as soon as possible and she agrees to help. With a few tourists on the suspect list, Maudy realises, the murderer could be someone from Stone’s Throw itself! With her faithful fluffy friend Marty in tow, she braces herself for any surprises this investigation might lead to. My rating for this book: 4 out of 5 stars.
And now for the reason I enjoyed it. The first thing that makes me go further into a murder mystery is the accurate description of the premises and the surroundings. In this case, the park, the village and everything in the village has been detailed and can be easily visualised for the reader I also liked the tension build-up when I came closer to reading the possibility of a suspect on the list, to have a clear motive to kill. Lastly, the ending had me shocked and amazed. If you love cozy murder mysteries, curl up with this book, put on some soft music and start with this book. You will not be disappointed. Suitable for anyone who loves a good murder. No age restrictions here.
May 20, 2025
Unterhaltsame cozy mystery Geschichte mit National Park Vibes und Kleinstadtfeeling.
Die Geschichte habe ich mir speziell für meinen USA Roadtrip durch die Nationalparks ausgesucht und obwohl ich nicht am Lake Michigan unterwegs war, hat die Stimmung perfekt gepasst.
Typisch cozy Mysterie, stehen neben dem Mord, den es aufzuklären gilt, vor allem die Haupt-und Nebencharaktere im Vordergrund. Wir begleiten Maudy, die als Park Rangerin, zusammen mit ihrem Hund "Martin Short" in einem kleinen Ort am Lake Michigan lebt und arbeitet. Kurz bevor die Campingseason in ihrem Park wieder eröffnet werden soll, verschwindet ein Tourist und taucht als Leiche wieder auf. Dadurch steht nicht nur die Eröffnung sondern auch ihr Job auf dem Spiel.
Der Schreibstil hat mir gut gefallen und die Geschichte konnte mich gut unterhalten. Wie in dem Genre zu erwarten war, war die Spannung zwar vorhanden, aber nicht so, dass ich mir deswegen die Fingernägel abgebissen hätte :-)
Es werden einige Charaktere und die Stadt vorgestellt, da dies ein Reihenauftakt ist, und auch mit einem Cliffhanger endet. Für meinen Geschmack waren es aber fast etwas viele Infos und Personen, die man sich merken musste.
Maudy als Hauptcharakter mochte ich gerne und vor allem ihren Hund "Martin Short" habe ich ins Herz geschlossen. Maudy war mir zwar sympatisch, blieb aber stellenweise etwas blass. Man erfährt hier und da etwas aus ihrer Vergangenheit, aber die Zusammenhänge waren mir nicht immer klar. Auch ihre Gefühle und Beweggründe hätten noch etwas mehr ausgebaut werden können.
Da ich die "ARC" Version des Buches gelesen habe (danke an Netgally), hatte es ein paar Stellen, die man meiner Meinung nach noch anpassen bzw. kürzen könnte. Das wurde vermutlich in der finalen Version auch gemacht.
Ich würde das Buch empfehlen und werde auch gerne in der Reihe weiterlesen. Ein sehr solider cozy Mystery Roman für alle die das Setting Kleinstadt und Camping/ National Park mörgen.
Die Geschichte habe ich mir speziell für meinen USA Roadtrip durch die Nationalparks ausgesucht und obwohl ich nicht am Lake Michigan unterwegs war, hat die Stimmung perfekt gepasst.
Typisch cozy Mysterie, stehen neben dem Mord, den es aufzuklären gilt, vor allem die Haupt-und Nebencharaktere im Vordergrund. Wir begleiten Maudy, die als Park Rangerin, zusammen mit ihrem Hund "Martin Short" in einem kleinen Ort am Lake Michigan lebt und arbeitet. Kurz bevor die Campingseason in ihrem Park wieder eröffnet werden soll, verschwindet ein Tourist und taucht als Leiche wieder auf. Dadurch steht nicht nur die Eröffnung sondern auch ihr Job auf dem Spiel.
Der Schreibstil hat mir gut gefallen und die Geschichte konnte mich gut unterhalten. Wie in dem Genre zu erwarten war, war die Spannung zwar vorhanden, aber nicht so, dass ich mir deswegen die Fingernägel abgebissen hätte :-)
Es werden einige Charaktere und die Stadt vorgestellt, da dies ein Reihenauftakt ist, und auch mit einem Cliffhanger endet. Für meinen Geschmack waren es aber fast etwas viele Infos und Personen, die man sich merken musste.
Maudy als Hauptcharakter mochte ich gerne und vor allem ihren Hund "Martin Short" habe ich ins Herz geschlossen. Maudy war mir zwar sympatisch, blieb aber stellenweise etwas blass. Man erfährt hier und da etwas aus ihrer Vergangenheit, aber die Zusammenhänge waren mir nicht immer klar. Auch ihre Gefühle und Beweggründe hätten noch etwas mehr ausgebaut werden können.
Da ich die "ARC" Version des Buches gelesen habe (danke an Netgally), hatte es ein paar Stellen, die man meiner Meinung nach noch anpassen bzw. kürzen könnte. Das wurde vermutlich in der finalen Version auch gemacht.
Ich würde das Buch empfehlen und werde auch gerne in der Reihe weiterlesen. Ein sehr solider cozy Mystery Roman für alle die das Setting Kleinstadt und Camping/ National Park mörgen.
May 27, 2025
I really expected to like this story more than I did. I mean the FMC, Maudy, is a Park Ranger with a really sweet dog, in a park located in a small Michigan village. She has a great staff, good friends and she is doing something she loves.
Sounds like a great setup for a cozy mystery or the introduction of characters in a cozy mystery series. Just a guess, as there were indications that might be the case. Oh yeah, and a dead body found in her park.
I feel like there were a few reasons I wasn’t as invested in the story. First, I feel like the author tried to fit too much information into the book that felt misplaced. There were multiple references to a devastating break up the FMC had, with no additional information except that she still uses the stationary set he got her so it’s always front and center, reminding her, and she can’t move past it.
Second, she got bad news from her boss about the future of the park, and while yes, Kelly, the officer stationed there asked for her help and the park couldn’t open until the murder was solved, she was so focused on the murder that the park took a back seat. She could have asked her staff who hadn’t been cleared to brainstorm ideas, but she focused on the murder and put herself in harm’s way.
Third, there was the local guy, jealous of two outsiders. Cozy murder mysteries can have a secondary romance storyline, unfortunately this one felt added after and could probably have waited until book 2, if this is a series.
The story itself was good, although not as cohesive as it could have been. I did enjoy the dual POV at the end.
I would like to thank the author, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!
Sounds like a great setup for a cozy mystery or the introduction of characters in a cozy mystery series. Just a guess, as there were indications that might be the case. Oh yeah, and a dead body found in her park.
I feel like there were a few reasons I wasn’t as invested in the story. First, I feel like the author tried to fit too much information into the book that felt misplaced. There were multiple references to a devastating break up the FMC had, with no additional information except that she still uses the stationary set he got her so it’s always front and center, reminding her, and she can’t move past it.
Second, she got bad news from her boss about the future of the park, and while yes, Kelly, the officer stationed there asked for her help and the park couldn’t open until the murder was solved, she was so focused on the murder that the park took a back seat. She could have asked her staff who hadn’t been cleared to brainstorm ideas, but she focused on the murder and put herself in harm’s way.
Third, there was the local guy, jealous of two outsiders. Cozy murder mysteries can have a secondary romance storyline, unfortunately this one felt added after and could probably have waited until book 2, if this is a series.
The story itself was good, although not as cohesive as it could have been. I did enjoy the dual POV at the end.
I would like to thank the author, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!
September 29, 2025
Off the Beaten Path is book one in the Stone's Throw Mystery series, and if you enjoy seasonal reads or are dreaming up sultry days in the summer sun, you may want to pick up this summer cozy mystery book!
Maudie Lorso is a park ranger in the small town of Stone's Throw, near Traverse City, Michigan. Just when Maudie was was preparing for the busy summer season, she received a call from her boss about budget cuts that could potentially put her job at risk for termination. Hoping for a smooth summer opening, a local man goes missing but is soon determined to be deceased in the park. This rough start to the summer season has quickly become a thorn in Maudie's side as the park will have to close for further investigation. When the chief of police brings Maudie in to help catch the murderer, Maudie will have to race against the clock to solve this case, open the park, save the job she loves, and keep from becoming the next victim.
This book is a fun summer cozy mystery with a nice little love triangle thrown into the story. There were a couple of details within the plot that felt disjointed: the character building behind Eli and Maudie and the actual ending. I felt like there needed to be a bit more background given on Eli and Maudie and their friendship. I also did not care for the ending, but I won't give spoilers.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the twisty mystery itself, Maudie's dog (Martin Short), the small-town feel of this book, and the fact that it was written in summer. We all need a good summer read, and if you are looking for a cozy mystery set in a small town, you will enjoy this mystery. I am looking forward to seeing what Eloise Corvo has in store for the next book.
3.75 rounded up!
Triggers: language, death, violence
Maudie Lorso is a park ranger in the small town of Stone's Throw, near Traverse City, Michigan. Just when Maudie was was preparing for the busy summer season, she received a call from her boss about budget cuts that could potentially put her job at risk for termination. Hoping for a smooth summer opening, a local man goes missing but is soon determined to be deceased in the park. This rough start to the summer season has quickly become a thorn in Maudie's side as the park will have to close for further investigation. When the chief of police brings Maudie in to help catch the murderer, Maudie will have to race against the clock to solve this case, open the park, save the job she loves, and keep from becoming the next victim.
This book is a fun summer cozy mystery with a nice little love triangle thrown into the story. There were a couple of details within the plot that felt disjointed: the character building behind Eli and Maudie and the actual ending. I felt like there needed to be a bit more background given on Eli and Maudie and their friendship. I also did not care for the ending, but I won't give spoilers.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the twisty mystery itself, Maudie's dog (Martin Short), the small-town feel of this book, and the fact that it was written in summer. We all need a good summer read, and if you are looking for a cozy mystery set in a small town, you will enjoy this mystery. I am looking forward to seeing what Eloise Corvo has in store for the next book.
3.75 rounded up!
Triggers: language, death, violence
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