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Family Fortune Mystery #3
A Fright to the Death
From the author of Be Careful What You Witch For, here is the newest Family Fortune Mystery, starring former cop Clyde Fortune, who—snowbound with her kooky family in a creepy castle—is climbing the walls and combing the halls, looking for a cold-blooded killer…
After their flight to Mexico is cancelled, Clyde and her detective boyfriend, Mac, end up snowed in with their families at a supposedly haunted hotel. Clyde’s tarot card reading mother, Rose, is making dire predictions for the weekend, and self-proclaimed pet psychic Aunt Vi is enchanted by the legend of the hotel’s ghost—until the power goes out and a body turns up.
With a hotel full of stranded suspects, Clyde will have to draw on all her skills—both the police ones she’d rather forget and the psychic ones she’d rather ignore—to solve the bone-chilling mystery before someone else gets iced…
After their flight to Mexico is cancelled, Clyde and her detective boyfriend, Mac, end up snowed in with their families at a supposedly haunted hotel. Clyde’s tarot card reading mother, Rose, is making dire predictions for the weekend, and self-proclaimed pet psychic Aunt Vi is enchanted by the legend of the hotel’s ghost—until the power goes out and a body turns up.
With a hotel full of stranded suspects, Clyde will have to draw on all her skills—both the police ones she’d rather forget and the psychic ones she’d rather ignore—to solve the bone-chilling mystery before someone else gets iced…
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
26 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Eastman
8 books415 followersDawn lived in Michigan for many years, in a house full of animals, unusual people, and laughter. She now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, daughter, and one extremely bossy small dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 14, 2020
A Fright to the Death by Dawn Eastman is the third book in the Family Fortune series and is set in a lovely castle amidst a winter snow storm. A quickly paced plot with all of the family pitching in to solve the crime. A little humor and a lot of twists kept me turning the pages.
April 4, 2021
This was my first Family Fortune Mystery but it certainly won't be my last. The wacky family and friends is a common trope in cozy mysteries, and sometimes the author goes overboard with the wackiness, but in this novel, Eastman gets the perfect amount of family craziness. This balances out the common-sense sensibilities of main characters Clyde and Mac. This is a great example of a snowbound country house mystery, when everyone is stranded at an inn during a blizzard, and the multiple suspects with multiple secrets made the mystery extremely compelling. I can't wait to read other books in the series.
March 1, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
All Clyde and Mac wanted was to get away from the Michigan cold and their overwhelming families. Time alone catching rays on a beach in Mexico is delightful, it was for me and Mr. Dollycas but Clyde and Mac don’t even make it to the airport before it starts snowing and I mean really snowing. Mac tries to save the day by taking Clyde to a wonderful castle/hotel to wait out the storm but as soon as the arrive who do they find? Their mothers and Aunt Vi and a bunch of knitters on a weekend retreat. To make matter worse there are no vacancies and Clyde ends up sharing a room with her aunt and her mother and Mac joins his mother in her room. I definitely would have set things up a little differently, sent Mac’s mom to bunk with Rose and Vi and let Mac and Clyde have a room to themselves, but with this family that was not happening. The blizzard seems to camp right over the hotel so everyone is stuck there and the power and phones go out. Oh and one of the owners is murdered shortly thereafter. Now Clyde and Mac have a hotel full of suspects and Aunt Vi wanting to help them investigate. Can their relationship endure this much family togetherness?
Eastman has given us quite a closed room (building) mystery. One of the guests or the staff is a murderer and surprisingly almost anyone could have done it. Vi is even accused at one point. I liked the way Mac and Clyde took charge and interviewed almost everyone. Someone called them on their authority but it didn’t stop them.
Sitting here in the Wisconsin cold with the snow blowing outside I snuggled under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and escaped right into this book. As you can see from the cover the dogs even show up at the hotel (their arrival is pretty funny) and I had my Nerabelle curled right up at my feet too.
These characters are a lot of fun. The Fortunes are a unique bunch with their tarot cards and such, but lovable in their own overbearing way. Clyde is getting close to the one-year mark when she needs to decide whether or not she is going to stay in Crystal Haven and her family can’t help but share their opinions. The men in this family are truly outnumbered and outmatched. Eastman has poured her all into these characters.
Carlisle Castle is a wonderful place. The home has been turned into a hotel and the place is full of antiques. Their are rooms in the turrets and hidden stairways and big fireplaces. It is rumored to have a resident ghost too! I wonder if this is based on a real place in Michigan. I would love to visit.
The paranormal aspect in this story was pretty light. Vi and Rose’s attempts to use their “powers” to help wasn’t too successful and Clyde is still learning her capabilities. Seth has some keen insights.
The knitter’s retreat really added some entertaining moments. I learned about yarn bombing and was in awe at some of the items. It would have been a perfect event without the dead body. Snowed in with all the yarn you could imagine with plenty of time to just knit and purl and create.
This is just the 3rd book in this series so I do recommend you start at the beginning so you meet this Fortune – ate family from the start. They have been called “kooky” by several reviewers but I don’t think they are on the same plane as the kooky Adam’s Family, but they are special. You deserve to enjoy them from the beginning. If you are already a fan you know just what I mean.
All Clyde and Mac wanted was to get away from the Michigan cold and their overwhelming families. Time alone catching rays on a beach in Mexico is delightful, it was for me and Mr. Dollycas but Clyde and Mac don’t even make it to the airport before it starts snowing and I mean really snowing. Mac tries to save the day by taking Clyde to a wonderful castle/hotel to wait out the storm but as soon as the arrive who do they find? Their mothers and Aunt Vi and a bunch of knitters on a weekend retreat. To make matter worse there are no vacancies and Clyde ends up sharing a room with her aunt and her mother and Mac joins his mother in her room. I definitely would have set things up a little differently, sent Mac’s mom to bunk with Rose and Vi and let Mac and Clyde have a room to themselves, but with this family that was not happening. The blizzard seems to camp right over the hotel so everyone is stuck there and the power and phones go out. Oh and one of the owners is murdered shortly thereafter. Now Clyde and Mac have a hotel full of suspects and Aunt Vi wanting to help them investigate. Can their relationship endure this much family togetherness?
Eastman has given us quite a closed room (building) mystery. One of the guests or the staff is a murderer and surprisingly almost anyone could have done it. Vi is even accused at one point. I liked the way Mac and Clyde took charge and interviewed almost everyone. Someone called them on their authority but it didn’t stop them.
Sitting here in the Wisconsin cold with the snow blowing outside I snuggled under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and escaped right into this book. As you can see from the cover the dogs even show up at the hotel (their arrival is pretty funny) and I had my Nerabelle curled right up at my feet too.
These characters are a lot of fun. The Fortunes are a unique bunch with their tarot cards and such, but lovable in their own overbearing way. Clyde is getting close to the one-year mark when she needs to decide whether or not she is going to stay in Crystal Haven and her family can’t help but share their opinions. The men in this family are truly outnumbered and outmatched. Eastman has poured her all into these characters.
Carlisle Castle is a wonderful place. The home has been turned into a hotel and the place is full of antiques. Their are rooms in the turrets and hidden stairways and big fireplaces. It is rumored to have a resident ghost too! I wonder if this is based on a real place in Michigan. I would love to visit.
The paranormal aspect in this story was pretty light. Vi and Rose’s attempts to use their “powers” to help wasn’t too successful and Clyde is still learning her capabilities. Seth has some keen insights.
The knitter’s retreat really added some entertaining moments. I learned about yarn bombing and was in awe at some of the items. It would have been a perfect event without the dead body. Snowed in with all the yarn you could imagine with plenty of time to just knit and purl and create.
This is just the 3rd book in this series so I do recommend you start at the beginning so you meet this Fortune – ate family from the start. They have been called “kooky” by several reviewers but I don’t think they are on the same plane as the kooky Adam’s Family, but they are special. You deserve to enjoy them from the beginning. If you are already a fan you know just what I mean.
April 10, 2015
This was my favorite Eastman yet! We have all of the characters that we love. Clyde and Mac. Clyde’s wacky family including her Mother a Tarot Card reader and her Aunt a Pet Psychic and Pendulum pro. We also get to know Mac’s mom Lucille a bit more in this one and she was a great foil to Clyde’s family.
Unlike the previous two books, this one takes place at an awesome Victorian Castle turned Bed and Breakfast complete with secret rooms and hidden passages. Throw in a blizzard during a knitting convention (confession time – I so want to be a knitter!!) that effectively snows everyone in and downs the power and phone lines and we have the perfect setting for a murder mystery. A cozy version of Christie novel.
I loved the how Clyde and Mac finally got to actually work together to solve a case and even how Mac begrudgingly let Aunt Vi in on the case. Their relationship and his acceptance of her gift and her family is growing nicely:)
The paranormal aspects remained fairly minimal in this third edition of the Family Fortune Mysteries…but I wasn’t as disappointed as I was with Pall in The Family and Be Careful What You Witch For. I already knew that they were more character development than plot and I enjoyed this one that much more for it.
A great cozy mystery that will keep you guessing as you meet suspect after suspect, I can’t recommend this series enough. Perfect for cuddling on the couch with a cup of tea…A Fright to the Death will leave you feeling warm and satisfied and itching for the next book in the series.
NOTE: These can be read out of order without the reader being lost, but I strongly suggest starting at Book 1: A Pall in the Family for maximum enjoyment.
The Cover:
Can we talk about that cover for a moment? Absolutely perfect as are all of the covers in this series!
Unlike the previous two books, this one takes place at an awesome Victorian Castle turned Bed and Breakfast complete with secret rooms and hidden passages. Throw in a blizzard during a knitting convention (confession time – I so want to be a knitter!!) that effectively snows everyone in and downs the power and phone lines and we have the perfect setting for a murder mystery. A cozy version of Christie novel.
I loved the how Clyde and Mac finally got to actually work together to solve a case and even how Mac begrudgingly let Aunt Vi in on the case. Their relationship and his acceptance of her gift and her family is growing nicely:)
The paranormal aspects remained fairly minimal in this third edition of the Family Fortune Mysteries…but I wasn’t as disappointed as I was with Pall in The Family and Be Careful What You Witch For. I already knew that they were more character development than plot and I enjoyed this one that much more for it.
A great cozy mystery that will keep you guessing as you meet suspect after suspect, I can’t recommend this series enough. Perfect for cuddling on the couch with a cup of tea…A Fright to the Death will leave you feeling warm and satisfied and itching for the next book in the series.
NOTE: These can be read out of order without the reader being lost, but I strongly suggest starting at Book 1: A Pall in the Family for maximum enjoyment.
The Cover:
Can we talk about that cover for a moment? Absolutely perfect as are all of the covers in this series!
May 19, 2015
I hate Aunt Vi. Not just a little bit either, she's messing up a great series by acting like a narcissistic 8 year old with ADHD. Otherwise this is a good story, with good writing and good characters and I'm excited to read more about.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/116836...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/116836...
May 9, 2018
I found it very difficult to get through this 3rd installment. I loved the first 2 books in the series and was so excited to read this one. But it just did not draw me in. At times I was actually bored while reading it. I am hoping the 4th will be better.
November 3, 2022
While I thought this was cute and funny, I felt it lacked on the murder mystery part. Still a good time and I'm glad the rest of the gang made an appearance; the first half of the book was lackluster without them!
August 13, 2020
In the previous books in the series, I began to get very annoyed by a certain character, and this book made that feeling grow. I don’t want to dislike this certain character, but I do. If there wasn’t only one book left in the series, I probably would not have continued.
May 4, 2015
I'm bucking a trend that annoys me and I'm not going to give a synopsis of the book, if you've read it you already know what it's about, if you haven't that's what the description on Goodreads is for!
What I like in this series: I love Clyde, Mac, Seth and the dogs, but I have to admit, the rest of Clyde's family, especially Vi, is getting on my nerves. No wonder Clyde and Mac wanted to get away for a bit! I loved that Clyde and Mac actually worked together this time, instead of Clyde working behind the scenes with Mac getting annoyed, like in the two previous books. I'd love to see more of their relationship without Clyde's family always about to interrupt.
I liked the knitting retreat aspect of this one, from some of the things Ms. Eastman has in here, I wonder if she read's the Yarn Harlot's blog or has been to one of her retreats (the yarn bombing is very like what happens in Port Ludlow, haha).
I liked that we got out of Crystal Haven, on to more neutral ground. The castle setting was fun, even if the ghost part was kept up too long long.
Which brings me to what I didn't like: We didn't get as much of the rest of the family this time, but Vi bulled her way into nearly every scene, severely getting on my nerves by the end. "I know how to act at a crime scene--I've been Googling police procedures for months." Oh, ok then, sure that makes you an expert. Too bad you don't seem to know how to act around people. The interfering, busybody character is not my favorite, most of the time I just end up wishing the police would arrest her for Obstruction of Justice ;(~ I know she's family, but she's rude, bitchy and seems to believe the world revolves around her.
I'd like to see Vi's character toned down a bit in future books, but I fear that the deal she made Clyde in this book will rear its ugly head in future novels, and eventually ruin this series for me. I will keep reading until then.
What I like in this series: I love Clyde, Mac, Seth and the dogs, but I have to admit, the rest of Clyde's family, especially Vi, is getting on my nerves. No wonder Clyde and Mac wanted to get away for a bit! I loved that Clyde and Mac actually worked together this time, instead of Clyde working behind the scenes with Mac getting annoyed, like in the two previous books. I'd love to see more of their relationship without Clyde's family always about to interrupt.
I liked the knitting retreat aspect of this one, from some of the things Ms. Eastman has in here, I wonder if she read's the Yarn Harlot's blog or has been to one of her retreats (the yarn bombing is very like what happens in Port Ludlow, haha).
I liked that we got out of Crystal Haven, on to more neutral ground. The castle setting was fun, even if the ghost part was kept up too long long.
Which brings me to what I didn't like: We didn't get as much of the rest of the family this time, but Vi bulled her way into nearly every scene, severely getting on my nerves by the end. "I know how to act at a crime scene--I've been Googling police procedures for months." Oh, ok then, sure that makes you an expert. Too bad you don't seem to know how to act around people. The interfering, busybody character is not my favorite, most of the time I just end up wishing the police would arrest her for Obstruction of Justice ;(~ I know she's family, but she's rude, bitchy and seems to believe the world revolves around her.
I'd like to see Vi's character toned down a bit in future books, but I fear that the deal she made Clyde in this book will rear its ugly head in future novels, and eventually ruin this series for me. I will keep reading until then.
April 7, 2015
A FRIGHT TO THE DEATH is a wonderful addition to an already great series. I think this is my favorite book in the Family Fortune series so far. It reminded me so much of classic murder mystery books and movies from bygone years. Having Clyde and her family stranded in a “haunted” hotel castle where a murder takes place is an absolutely perfect setting for this quirky cast of characters.
Author Dawn Eastman has an easy style of writing. Her words flow so clearly. I never found myself having to go back and reread something unless I enjoyed it so much I wanted to reread read it. And that happened often.
The death in this book and why it happened really was an intriguing mystery. You’d really have to be a mind reader to figure it out. All the scenes leading up to the reveal were packed with fun and excitement. There was always something to keep it interesting.
You don’t have to be psychic to know Dawn Eastman has a long running series in her future with the Family Fortune Mysteries.
Author Dawn Eastman has an easy style of writing. Her words flow so clearly. I never found myself having to go back and reread something unless I enjoyed it so much I wanted to reread read it. And that happened often.
The death in this book and why it happened really was an intriguing mystery. You’d really have to be a mind reader to figure it out. All the scenes leading up to the reveal were packed with fun and excitement. There was always something to keep it interesting.
You don’t have to be psychic to know Dawn Eastman has a long running series in her future with the Family Fortune Mysteries.
April 17, 2017
I knew Mac scoffed at all things psychic, but why must he taunt the fates?
Clyde and Mac are trying to escape Winter by flying off to sunny Mexico for a romantic getaway. A sudden storm side tracks them to Carlisle Castle where they hope to still keep the romance going. Unfortunately, there is a knitters conference being held at the hotel which Clyde's mother and Aunt Vi along with Mac's mother are all attending. So much for romance. Add in a story of ghostly haunting and the weekend seems pretty much shot. Then one of the owners is found dead. Clyde and Mac assume positions of authority and try to preserve the murder scene when they realize that the police are not going to be able to get to the hotel because of the blizzard.
This is a fun addition to the series. Aunt Vi is a force to be reckoned with! She has her own agenda and desperately wants to be a part of the investigation. Her attempts to question the resident cat are amusing. The knitters are a varied group. The hotel staff is interesting and we quickly learn that a number of people are suspects in the murder.
The power outage adds intrigue and the handyman on site has a few secrets of his own. I wondered how Clyde's dad and nephew, Seth would be included in the story along with the dogs, Baxter and Tuffy. It was plausible and added Seth's abilities to the puzzle. Clyde also is acknowledging her gift and working on a way to entwine it into her life.
There are twists and turns, interesting back stories and lies that keep the action moving. An most enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book.
Clyde and Mac are trying to escape Winter by flying off to sunny Mexico for a romantic getaway. A sudden storm side tracks them to Carlisle Castle where they hope to still keep the romance going. Unfortunately, there is a knitters conference being held at the hotel which Clyde's mother and Aunt Vi along with Mac's mother are all attending. So much for romance. Add in a story of ghostly haunting and the weekend seems pretty much shot. Then one of the owners is found dead. Clyde and Mac assume positions of authority and try to preserve the murder scene when they realize that the police are not going to be able to get to the hotel because of the blizzard.
This is a fun addition to the series. Aunt Vi is a force to be reckoned with! She has her own agenda and desperately wants to be a part of the investigation. Her attempts to question the resident cat are amusing. The knitters are a varied group. The hotel staff is interesting and we quickly learn that a number of people are suspects in the murder.
The power outage adds intrigue and the handyman on site has a few secrets of his own. I wondered how Clyde's dad and nephew, Seth would be included in the story along with the dogs, Baxter and Tuffy. It was plausible and added Seth's abilities to the puzzle. Clyde also is acknowledging her gift and working on a way to entwine it into her life.
There are twists and turns, interesting back stories and lies that keep the action moving. An most enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book.
January 19, 2020
I knew that I would be snowed in, and I wanted a book to go with the weather. I don't usually read cozy mysteries, but A Fright to the Death sounded like the perfect blizzard read.
Unfortunately, there wasn't a strong sense of place, so I was disappointed. The mysteries were just okay, and I didn't feel any connection to the characters. This book would be great for cozy-mystery-reading knitters, though!
Unfortunately, there wasn't a strong sense of place, so I was disappointed. The mysteries were just okay, and I didn't feel any connection to the characters. This book would be great for cozy-mystery-reading knitters, though!
April 4, 2015
A Fright To The Death is the third book in the A Family Fortune Mystery series.
Clyde and Mac are heading for Chicago to catch a plane for Mexico. They are driving in a blinding snow storm when find out that their has been cancelled. Just a few miles from home Mac decides to stop by the Carlisle Castle, a private home that has been turned into a hotel to wait out the storm. As luck would have it, the hotel is booked up by a group of knitters. As if their planned vacation on hold isn't bad enough, they soon learn that Clyde's mom and Aunt Vi and Mac's mother are there as part of the knitting group.
That evening at while everyone is having their dinner and getting to know each the hotel loses it's electricity and for some unexplainable reason the back-up generator refuses to start. Wallace Prescott, Linda Garrett, the owner and her daughter start to scurry around finding candles and flashlights and thinking that the generator will start anytime. A short time later there is a loud scream. Linda Garrett has gone to her niece Clarissa's room with a lamp, only to find her dead.
During dinner, Clyde and Mac observed some disagreements between Linda and her daughter Jessica, and Clarissa. They also overheard some of the knitters talking of run-ins that they had with Clarissa in the past. Mac decides that the death is definitely suspicious and decides, even though he has no real authority, that he and Clyde should begin to interview the owners, staff and guests. This way they can protect the crime scene and police can take over once the snow lets up and the roads are cleared.
Quite naturally Clyde's mom and her aunt want to help with the investigation and intend to use their psychic powers, as they have in the past. But it seems that the more questions that are asked the muddier the water become.
This is a very enjoyable series with an interesting cast of characters. Clyde and Mac's romance is blossoming. It's also enjoyable to listen mom and Aunt Vi to use their psychic abilities to sleuth and to provide pertinent clues to Clyde. Dad and Seth also arrive to help with investigation. For the pet lovers, Baxter, a Mastiff, and Tuffy, A Shit tzu had a paw in helping to solve the case.
Looking forward to the next book in this fun series.
Clyde and Mac are heading for Chicago to catch a plane for Mexico. They are driving in a blinding snow storm when find out that their has been cancelled. Just a few miles from home Mac decides to stop by the Carlisle Castle, a private home that has been turned into a hotel to wait out the storm. As luck would have it, the hotel is booked up by a group of knitters. As if their planned vacation on hold isn't bad enough, they soon learn that Clyde's mom and Aunt Vi and Mac's mother are there as part of the knitting group.
That evening at while everyone is having their dinner and getting to know each the hotel loses it's electricity and for some unexplainable reason the back-up generator refuses to start. Wallace Prescott, Linda Garrett, the owner and her daughter start to scurry around finding candles and flashlights and thinking that the generator will start anytime. A short time later there is a loud scream. Linda Garrett has gone to her niece Clarissa's room with a lamp, only to find her dead.
During dinner, Clyde and Mac observed some disagreements between Linda and her daughter Jessica, and Clarissa. They also overheard some of the knitters talking of run-ins that they had with Clarissa in the past. Mac decides that the death is definitely suspicious and decides, even though he has no real authority, that he and Clyde should begin to interview the owners, staff and guests. This way they can protect the crime scene and police can take over once the snow lets up and the roads are cleared.
Quite naturally Clyde's mom and her aunt want to help with the investigation and intend to use their psychic powers, as they have in the past. But it seems that the more questions that are asked the muddier the water become.
This is a very enjoyable series with an interesting cast of characters. Clyde and Mac's romance is blossoming. It's also enjoyable to listen mom and Aunt Vi to use their psychic abilities to sleuth and to provide pertinent clues to Clyde. Dad and Seth also arrive to help with investigation. For the pet lovers, Baxter, a Mastiff, and Tuffy, A Shit tzu had a paw in helping to solve the case.
Looking forward to the next book in this fun series.
April 16, 2015
A Fright to the Death by Dawn Eastman
The Third Family Fortune Mystery
Rule # 1, Don’t tempt the fates.
Clyde and Mac are together at last and driving to Chicago for a flight to Mexico to escape their well meaning, but always there families, as well as Michigan's winter weather, for some alone time. Fate has other plans, however, as an incoming storm has closed the airport. Fortunately, Mac knows of a romantic castle nearby. It's no warm getaway, but it's still a getaway. Until they discover the castle, which is supposedly haunted, is booked solid for members of a knitting retreat-and that both of their mothers, along with Aunt Vi, are in attendance! With no extra rooms it's decided they'll share-Mac with his mother and Clyde with hers. So much for that romantic getaway. They meet the other guests, including Clarissa, one of the not so liked owners. As the blizzard hits, the power goes out, and Clarissa is found dead. With the phone lines also dead, Mac and Clyde take charge of the investigation as they believe her death was no accident!
A Fright to the Death is a slight departure from the previous books in the Family Fortune Mystery series. Gone is the psychic town of Crystal Haven, replaced with a reputably haunted mansion. Although present, I didn’t feel as much of the paranormal in this entry to the series.
We welcome new characters here, the owners and employees of Carlisle Castle as well as the knitters staying there for a conference, and learn the joy of yarn bombing. Unfortunately for Clyde and Mac we also get their families. Their appearance turns out to be fortuitous as well as fun for us readers. Dawn Eastman shows us the importance of families, however aggravating they might be. Aunt Vi’s meddling may just have shown Clyde her purpose in life and given her a reason to remain in Crystal Haven. Their partnership in the events at the castle coupled with an increased understanding of each other cement Clyde and Mac’s relationship even further.
With a healthy dose of humor and an intriguing puzzle A Fright to the Death is a great read.
The Third Family Fortune Mystery
Rule # 1, Don’t tempt the fates.
Clyde and Mac are together at last and driving to Chicago for a flight to Mexico to escape their well meaning, but always there families, as well as Michigan's winter weather, for some alone time. Fate has other plans, however, as an incoming storm has closed the airport. Fortunately, Mac knows of a romantic castle nearby. It's no warm getaway, but it's still a getaway. Until they discover the castle, which is supposedly haunted, is booked solid for members of a knitting retreat-and that both of their mothers, along with Aunt Vi, are in attendance! With no extra rooms it's decided they'll share-Mac with his mother and Clyde with hers. So much for that romantic getaway. They meet the other guests, including Clarissa, one of the not so liked owners. As the blizzard hits, the power goes out, and Clarissa is found dead. With the phone lines also dead, Mac and Clyde take charge of the investigation as they believe her death was no accident!
A Fright to the Death is a slight departure from the previous books in the Family Fortune Mystery series. Gone is the psychic town of Crystal Haven, replaced with a reputably haunted mansion. Although present, I didn’t feel as much of the paranormal in this entry to the series.
We welcome new characters here, the owners and employees of Carlisle Castle as well as the knitters staying there for a conference, and learn the joy of yarn bombing. Unfortunately for Clyde and Mac we also get their families. Their appearance turns out to be fortuitous as well as fun for us readers. Dawn Eastman shows us the importance of families, however aggravating they might be. Aunt Vi’s meddling may just have shown Clyde her purpose in life and given her a reason to remain in Crystal Haven. Their partnership in the events at the castle coupled with an increased understanding of each other cement Clyde and Mac’s relationship even further.
With a healthy dose of humor and an intriguing puzzle A Fright to the Death is a great read.
April 14, 2015
A Fright to the Death is the third book in the Family Fortune Mystery series. Clyde and Mac are on their way to Chicago to catch a flight to Mexico. They were not prepared for the news that their flight was canceled due to weather conditions and that they would soon be driving right into the approaching blizzard. Mac had heard about a Victorian Castle that is a hotel and drives to it thinking it would just be an overnight stay and they would leave the next day. They were ready for an romantic evening that was not be. Much to the dismay of Mac and Clyde, Clyde's zany family is there for a knitting conference. A murder soon occurs soon after they arrive.
This mystery is a snowed in murder mystery where a murder is committed and no one can leave. The murder was committed by someone in the house. They are cut off from the outside world. Mac and Clyde team up to solve the murder. Mac is a policeman and Clyde is an ex policewoman. I did not know who committed the murder until the author divulged who it was. I thought I knew from the start but I was wrong. I like mysteries that are not easy to solve. . I hope the character of Neila Whittle will be featured in an upcoming book. She is a recluse from the second book in the series. She is working with Clyde on developing Clyde's paranormal skills. She could be a intriguing character. She is mentioned in this book.
I know some reviewers have written that this was their favorite of the three books in the series. It was the opposite for me as it was my least favorite. My favorite parts of previous books was the interaction between Clyde and her nephew Seth. When Seth appeared almost midway in the book, it picked up for me. I also have read quite a few snowed in or closed room mysteries so perhaps it wasn't fresh for me. I do like this series and am looking forward to the next book.
This mystery is a snowed in murder mystery where a murder is committed and no one can leave. The murder was committed by someone in the house. They are cut off from the outside world. Mac and Clyde team up to solve the murder. Mac is a policeman and Clyde is an ex policewoman. I did not know who committed the murder until the author divulged who it was. I thought I knew from the start but I was wrong. I like mysteries that are not easy to solve. . I hope the character of Neila Whittle will be featured in an upcoming book. She is a recluse from the second book in the series. She is working with Clyde on developing Clyde's paranormal skills. She could be a intriguing character. She is mentioned in this book.
I know some reviewers have written that this was their favorite of the three books in the series. It was the opposite for me as it was my least favorite. My favorite parts of previous books was the interaction between Clyde and her nephew Seth. When Seth appeared almost midway in the book, it picked up for me. I also have read quite a few snowed in or closed room mysteries so perhaps it wasn't fresh for me. I do like this series and am looking forward to the next book.
April 9, 2015
I was so excited to see this book tour come out. I read the first book, Pall in the Family, for Great Escapes Book Tours and gave it 5 stars. Last year, when Be Careful What You Witch For came out, I managed to win a copy to read and enjoy.
Clyde and Mac are trying to sneak away for a week's vacation in Mexico. Sun, Sand and No Psychics. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other ideas. When their flight is grounded due to snow, Mac suggests a nearby castle hotel to wait out the storm. Clyde doesn't really care where they go, as long as they can have some alone time. It's only to find Clyde's mom and aunt as well as Mac's mother all there for a knitting conference. And since they arrived just ahead of the storm, they have no other option but to stay... in rooms with their respective moms. But that's not the worst that happens. When the power goes out, and one of the owners is found murdered, it's up to Clyde and Mac to put their law enforcement experience to work and find a killer.
This story was very much a play on a locked room mystery. Everyone trapped due to the raging storm; the murderer has to be one of the people at the hotel. I enjoyed seeing Clyde and Mac work together instead of at cross purposes. Clyde was also actively working to understand and control her psychic gifts and so she was integrating them into the investigative process, too. Clyde and Mac's relationship had some nice forward momentum. Plus it looks like there might be some resolution on her employment situation that comes about.
The characters continue to make me smile. Mac's mom added some normality to help balance out all of Clyde's family wackiness. This was a nice addition to the series. I am giving A Fright to the Death, 5 stars. As an added bonus, I just love the covers!
Thanks to Great Escapes and Berkley for the opportunity to read and review the book.
Clyde and Mac are trying to sneak away for a week's vacation in Mexico. Sun, Sand and No Psychics. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other ideas. When their flight is grounded due to snow, Mac suggests a nearby castle hotel to wait out the storm. Clyde doesn't really care where they go, as long as they can have some alone time. It's only to find Clyde's mom and aunt as well as Mac's mother all there for a knitting conference. And since they arrived just ahead of the storm, they have no other option but to stay... in rooms with their respective moms. But that's not the worst that happens. When the power goes out, and one of the owners is found murdered, it's up to Clyde and Mac to put their law enforcement experience to work and find a killer.
This story was very much a play on a locked room mystery. Everyone trapped due to the raging storm; the murderer has to be one of the people at the hotel. I enjoyed seeing Clyde and Mac work together instead of at cross purposes. Clyde was also actively working to understand and control her psychic gifts and so she was integrating them into the investigative process, too. Clyde and Mac's relationship had some nice forward momentum. Plus it looks like there might be some resolution on her employment situation that comes about.
The characters continue to make me smile. Mac's mom added some normality to help balance out all of Clyde's family wackiness. This was a nice addition to the series. I am giving A Fright to the Death, 5 stars. As an added bonus, I just love the covers!
Thanks to Great Escapes and Berkley for the opportunity to read and review the book.
May 24, 2015
Eastman's Family Fortune Mysteries are fun and full of Fortune family craziness. I love the hint of paranormal elements and the family psychic gifts. I also love that they are set in my home state, Michigan.
In A Fright to the Death, Book Three of The Family Fortune Mystery Series, Clyde and Mac are on their way to a tropical getaway when a blizzard leaves them Michigan bound in the Kalamazoo Area.
They end up at Carlisle Castle, a bed and breakfast (loosely based on Kalamazoo's very real Henderson Castle which is also a B&B). Surprise, Clyde's mother and aunt along with Mac's mother are at the Castle for their knitting convention. So everyone gets snowed in together at the Castle. And of course, a murder happens. Cell phone towers are down, the land line is not working and they are completely snowed in and cut off from the rest of the world.
Mac being a detective and Clyde being an officer on leave, they step in to secure the scene and investigate the murder. Clyde's family is determined to help. Once again the entire family is embroiled in mystery and hijinks's to try and solve a murder with Clyde's Aunt and Mother ready to help with pet psychic readings, pendulums and tarot card readings.
Twists, turns, and surprises abound in an old castle full of secrets...and the guests may have more secrets than the castle.
If you love cozy mysteries, this series is must read.
In A Fright to the Death, Book Three of The Family Fortune Mystery Series, Clyde and Mac are on their way to a tropical getaway when a blizzard leaves them Michigan bound in the Kalamazoo Area.
They end up at Carlisle Castle, a bed and breakfast (loosely based on Kalamazoo's very real Henderson Castle which is also a B&B). Surprise, Clyde's mother and aunt along with Mac's mother are at the Castle for their knitting convention. So everyone gets snowed in together at the Castle. And of course, a murder happens. Cell phone towers are down, the land line is not working and they are completely snowed in and cut off from the rest of the world.
Mac being a detective and Clyde being an officer on leave, they step in to secure the scene and investigate the murder. Clyde's family is determined to help. Once again the entire family is embroiled in mystery and hijinks's to try and solve a murder with Clyde's Aunt and Mother ready to help with pet psychic readings, pendulums and tarot card readings.
Twists, turns, and surprises abound in an old castle full of secrets...and the guests may have more secrets than the castle.
If you love cozy mysteries, this series is must read.
December 7, 2017
If you haven't read this series I highly recommend it. Great mystery, great read and very entertaining.
Clyde and her detective boyfriend Mac are hoping to get away from their families for some much needed rest in Mexico when their flight is cancelled due to bad weather and they end up in a 'haunted' hotel with their families. Clyde's family is not your normal family. Aunt Vi is a pet psychic and her mom reads tarot cards. So when a murder happens at the hotel Mac and Clyde take charge since they are both officers and they are snowed in and the local police can't get to them. But everyone seems to be lying or not telling everything they know which makes the investigation harder. Did I mention that the knitters club was also at the hotel which only adds to all the drama. This book is full of surprises, humorous moments and all kinds of interesting characters.
Clyde and her detective boyfriend Mac are hoping to get away from their families for some much needed rest in Mexico when their flight is cancelled due to bad weather and they end up in a 'haunted' hotel with their families. Clyde's family is not your normal family. Aunt Vi is a pet psychic and her mom reads tarot cards. So when a murder happens at the hotel Mac and Clyde take charge since they are both officers and they are snowed in and the local police can't get to them. But everyone seems to be lying or not telling everything they know which makes the investigation harder. Did I mention that the knitters club was also at the hotel which only adds to all the drama. This book is full of surprises, humorous moments and all kinds of interesting characters.
July 16, 2016
Clyde and Mac are finally getting away from their family and heading off to Mexico! They are almost out of town when the call comes to tell them their flight has been canceled! Hoping to find a quiet getaway they head off to find a haunted hotel tucked away in the woods! Unfortunately half the family is already there and when someone gets murdered and they are snowed in it's up to Mac and Clyde to find the killer! Nothing is ever easy when it comes to murder but add a few psychic relatives and a hotel filled with knitters and things really get out of control! I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
May 7, 2015
I REALLY like this series. I like Clyde and she has a believable relationship with Mac. Her family can be a bit much, especially aunt Vi who just annoyed the crap out of me in this one. Good thing the story was a good one so it overshadowed that! The victim here was a class A bitch and got what she probably had coming to her, but it's not nice to kill people. Liked the setting and the story. RECOMMEND!
January 8, 2016
Another great read in the family fortune mystery series. Clyde and her psychic family made me laugh and smile with the antics they go through while solving a murder during a local yarn knitting convention. Kudos to Dawn Eastman. Keep up with this awesome series. Definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys fun cozy mysteries.
March 3, 2016
I loved this story! I am a big fan of this series and I was not disappointed with this installment.
Expecting to be on a romantic getaway, Clyde has no idea her romantic trip will include her zany family.
A bunch if knitters and hidden secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Be sure to check out this fantastic book!
Expecting to be on a romantic getaway, Clyde has no idea her romantic trip will include her zany family.
A bunch if knitters and hidden secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Be sure to check out this fantastic book!
February 6, 2017
This series is fast becoming one of my favourites! This third in the series was an absolute delight to read. I really enjoy the interesting characters and the well written whodunit kept me guessing right until the end. I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
August 10, 2015
Great read
I hope there are more of these on the way. So far I've loved every one of them. Thank you.
I hope there are more of these on the way. So far I've loved every one of them. Thank you.
October 5, 2016
Good series with psychic ex-cop woman and dogs
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2021
This book is a collage of classic and contemporary cozy conventions. (How's that for alliteration?)
It features people who have prior conflicts, trapped in a large old house away from civilization (like And Then There Were None and countless imitators).
It's got a set of craftspeople at the center: not cake decorators as in A Sheetcake Named Desire, not dressmakers and tchotchke collectors as in Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My, not milliners as in At the Drop of a Hat, but knitters.
It's got the crazy family that, for all their good intentions, make the couple's lives hard, like Meg Langslow's family in Owls Well That Ends Well. It's got the witches or psychics, like Spell Booked.
And it's got animals who help solve the mystery, but fortunately, not as speaking characters!
I thought the book was just too too, like an outfit with spots, stripes, plaids, paisleys, and sequins all thrown together. The twist that I did like was that it's the female former cop who's haunted by her past, and instead of trying to shoulder her out of the way, her male cop lover wants to get her back in the game. That is a fresh take in what was otherwise a bunch of reworked cliches.
It features people who have prior conflicts, trapped in a large old house away from civilization (like And Then There Were None and countless imitators).
It's got a set of craftspeople at the center: not cake decorators as in A Sheetcake Named Desire, not dressmakers and tchotchke collectors as in Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My, not milliners as in At the Drop of a Hat, but knitters.
It's got the crazy family that, for all their good intentions, make the couple's lives hard, like Meg Langslow's family in Owls Well That Ends Well. It's got the witches or psychics, like Spell Booked.
And it's got animals who help solve the mystery, but fortunately, not as speaking characters!
I thought the book was just too too, like an outfit with spots, stripes, plaids, paisleys, and sequins all thrown together. The twist that I did like was that it's the female former cop who's haunted by her past, and instead of trying to shoulder her out of the way, her male cop lover wants to get her back in the game. That is a fresh take in what was otherwise a bunch of reworked cliches.
July 3, 2022
Police officer Clytemnestra "Clyde" Fortune and her homicide detective boyfriend Mac are enroute to fly to Mexico for a romantic getaway from both their families when a blizzard forces a detour to a luxury historic hotel called Castle Carlisle near Kalamazoo, MI. Alas, as they are being told there is no room because it is fully booked by a knitting retreat. Any hope of still having their romantic getaway evaporates as they discover their families are at the retreat and willing to share their rooms. Clyde and Mac are hopeful the storm will blow through overnight, but it worsens, the power goes out, and one of the owners is murdered in the haunted turret room. Now their romantic getaway has them solving a murder in a snowed-in haunted castle with secret passageways and rooms, with the dubious assistance of paranormally gifted family, a frightened cat eye-witness, and knitters busy yarn bombing the public rooms.
This is third in a series that I definitely want to continue reading. It also read fine as a standalone. The paranormal and ghost aspects were handled with a light hand, the characters and various pets were funny and engaging, there was a great setting and it had a sufficient number of red herrings to keep you guessing and engaged.
This is third in a series that I definitely want to continue reading. It also read fine as a standalone. The paranormal and ghost aspects were handled with a light hand, the characters and various pets were funny and engaging, there was a great setting and it had a sufficient number of red herrings to keep you guessing and engaged.
August 13, 2017
Even though I didn't read #books 1 and 2 of this series, book 3 stands on its own and well. The Fortune family is one of psychic abilities from tarot reader to animal communication; each person is quirky, comedic and plain, old fun. Clyde's (full name Clytemnestra) talent is billing able to find things, or read people after touching a personal object; she fights her talents as well as uses them. She's in a state of flux, about her career in the police force, and her psychic abilities. She and her man, Mac (homicide detective) decide to go on a trip to Mexico during winter season. Plans go awry when a severe snowstorm hits and they end up at a rural mansion which is holding a knitters convention...and most of Clyde's family are there! So much for a romantic getaway alone.
A murder occurs leaving the reader with many suspects, a cat that seems hell bent on killing everyone herself; Mac and Clyde trying to solve the murder using police procedures, with her family all trying to solve it via psychic talents. Of course the murder is only part of secrets within secrets within, oh, did I forget to mention the ghost?
A murder occurs leaving the reader with many suspects, a cat that seems hell bent on killing everyone herself; Mac and Clyde trying to solve the murder using police procedures, with her family all trying to solve it via psychic talents. Of course the murder is only part of secrets within secrets within, oh, did I forget to mention the ghost?
October 13, 2017
Former police officer, Clyde (short for Clytemnestra) Fortune, and her boyfriend, Detective Mac McKinsey, are finally about to get some private time away from their loving, but sometimes overly involved, family members. Unfortunately, they don't even make it to the airport before they get caught in a snow storm and have to head for safety in an old castle that has been converted into a hotel. Plans go even more astray when they discover their mothers and aunt are staying at the same hotel for a knitting seminar. When the power goes out and a dead body is found, it's up to Clyde and Mac to keep things under control and discover who among them is a killer.
Once again, I enjoyed the humor brought to the story line by Clyde's Aunt Vi, a self-proclaimed pet psychic, who's favorite saying is, "I knew it!". Clyde is becoming more comfortable with her own psychic abilities, even using her gift of finding things to help move things forward in the investigation. Clyde does not want to return to her former job as a police officer, but is unsure of her next step career wise. She needn't worry, however, because as usual, Aunt Vi has everything all figured out!
Once again, I enjoyed the humor brought to the story line by Clyde's Aunt Vi, a self-proclaimed pet psychic, who's favorite saying is, "I knew it!". Clyde is becoming more comfortable with her own psychic abilities, even using her gift of finding things to help move things forward in the investigation. Clyde does not want to return to her former job as a police officer, but is unsure of her next step career wise. She needn't worry, however, because as usual, Aunt Vi has everything all figured out!
December 19, 2019
I was browsing the library shelves for a Christmas cozy when this book caught my eye. I liked the book cover --the dogs and the castle. Little did I know when I checked it out that I'd be down with food poisoning and a reaction to a shingle shot soon after. I can't say how many cozies disappoint me in the first 20 pages by throwing too many characters at me and a few scatty details before someone is found dead. This one drew me in with the premise of being snowbound in this fabulous place with a possible ghost and secret passages. Just the kind of place I'd want to stay in. The knitters were fun-- I am totally inept at knitting, but loved the knitting bomb notion of knitting little surprises and hiding them around the place. Fun. The pace was good, characters diverse enough, and the suspects plentiful. A fun read.
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