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Maycroft Mystery #7
Sharpe Note: Sour Grapes of Wrath: Maycroft Mysteries, Book 7
You’re never too old for a midlife crisis!
As Deena and Gary Sharpe celebrate their anniversary, things are not all wine and roses. Gary is restless at his job while Deena just wishes she still had one.
To make matters worse, one of Gary’s clients, a local vineyard owner, commits suicide. However, the victim’s sister thinks he was murdered, and her suspicions lead Deena and Gary to team up to unearth the truth.
Can Deena impress the local newspaper editor enough to get her old job back? Will Gary quit his firm and risk everything he’s worked for on a new business venture?
The stakes are high in Sharpe Note, book seven in the Maycroft Mysteries series. This traditional mystery will put listeners’ investigative chops to the test.
Listen and snoop for clues along with your favorite amateur sleuth, Deena Sharpe.
As Deena and Gary Sharpe celebrate their anniversary, things are not all wine and roses. Gary is restless at his job while Deena just wishes she still had one.
To make matters worse, one of Gary’s clients, a local vineyard owner, commits suicide. However, the victim’s sister thinks he was murdered, and her suspicions lead Deena and Gary to team up to unearth the truth.
Can Deena impress the local newspaper editor enough to get her old job back? Will Gary quit his firm and risk everything he’s worked for on a new business venture?
The stakes are high in Sharpe Note, book seven in the Maycroft Mysteries series. This traditional mystery will put listeners’ investigative chops to the test.
Listen and snoop for clues along with your favorite amateur sleuth, Deena Sharpe.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
Audible Audio
Published April 18, 2019
72 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 16, 2019
Deena and Gary married for thirty six years She was ready for another case using her investigating skills. A woman wanted to talk with her. saying she knew who killed her brother, police say suicide, but she doesn’t. Her boss calls her into his office, no funding, so no job for her. While in his office the client left. She is offered a job back at. the newspaper, as a crime reporter, will she take it. The man was a client of Gary’s,that had committed suicide, how will he feel about her investigating and interviewing them. Good plot, and changes are going to be happening.
October 29, 2018
I have read all of this series and enjoyed them a lot. I had a really hard time finishing this book. I found it very choppy and kept wondering where the story was going. I hope it was just me and the next book in this series will be easier for me to follow.
May 22, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
It's already book seven in the Maycroft Mysteries series and you still don't have enough of it; again, it's sheer entertainment:)
Deena never slows down, even when she loses the job she loves and tries to get to grips with her new old one:) Which of her two sides will prevail this time: investigator or journalist?
As always with Deena, you don't know where her inquisitive, curious mind will take her, how she will interprete the pieces of information she gathers here and there, and what impact meetings with new people will have on her (and vice versa:)); all we know is that it's going to be fun, relaxing and definitely entertaining. The plot, as in all the previous books, is fast paced, the humour a bit crazy, and the new characters either amiable or repelling:) And as endings go, this one is a good one, with the solution to the crime logically following the clues and a bit of a tease for the next book in the series:)
Narration by Ms Hazen, like in all the previous books in the series, is fantastic. The pace is good, the interpretation of the characters' personalities faultless, and emotions ring true.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's already book seven in the Maycroft Mysteries series and you still don't have enough of it; again, it's sheer entertainment:)
Deena never slows down, even when she loses the job she loves and tries to get to grips with her new old one:) Which of her two sides will prevail this time: investigator or journalist?
As always with Deena, you don't know where her inquisitive, curious mind will take her, how she will interprete the pieces of information she gathers here and there, and what impact meetings with new people will have on her (and vice versa:)); all we know is that it's going to be fun, relaxing and definitely entertaining. The plot, as in all the previous books, is fast paced, the humour a bit crazy, and the new characters either amiable or repelling:) And as endings go, this one is a good one, with the solution to the crime logically following the clues and a bit of a tease for the next book in the series:)
Narration by Ms Hazen, like in all the previous books in the series, is fantastic. The pace is good, the interpretation of the characters' personalities faultless, and emotions ring true.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 10, 2018
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was both a new author & series to me. To be honest, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up on my own. The cover isn't a typical cute cozy cover, so it didn't grab my attention. And the woman on the cover doesn't resemble a 60 yr. old, slightly out of shape woman. But it would have been my loss because this was a very well crafted book.
Deena & Gary come across as a real, long married couple. Comfortable together & know each others flaws & love each other. Very normal. I loved that both are unsure what they want for the next chapter in their lives.Gary's feeling like 6 more years till retirement felt like forever was so easy to relate to. And Deena's bouncing from job to job since retiring from teaching was equally as real. I really thought that they were going to end up opening their own investigating business together at the end, but the outcome was much better.
The mystery was unique, with plenty of clues & red herrings. I did figure it out, but it took nothing away from my enjoyment of the story. Plus, I wasn't completely sure till about three quarters of the way thru the story.
The flow of the book was excellent, with no dead spots. It truly kept me turning pages.
Deena doesn't do anything risky or stupid & has good instincts. Going back to reporting will give her the opportunity for many more adventures & I plan to come along with her.
This is a true example of "don't judge a book by it's cover". I believe that even though this is book 7 you can read it as a stand alone, although this is one series I think you'd benefit by reading in order.Pick it up, & if you enjoy it as much as I did go back & read the first six. That's my plan.
Happy Reading!
This was both a new author & series to me. To be honest, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up on my own. The cover isn't a typical cute cozy cover, so it didn't grab my attention. And the woman on the cover doesn't resemble a 60 yr. old, slightly out of shape woman. But it would have been my loss because this was a very well crafted book.
Deena & Gary come across as a real, long married couple. Comfortable together & know each others flaws & love each other. Very normal. I loved that both are unsure what they want for the next chapter in their lives.Gary's feeling like 6 more years till retirement felt like forever was so easy to relate to. And Deena's bouncing from job to job since retiring from teaching was equally as real. I really thought that they were going to end up opening their own investigating business together at the end, but the outcome was much better.
The mystery was unique, with plenty of clues & red herrings. I did figure it out, but it took nothing away from my enjoyment of the story. Plus, I wasn't completely sure till about three quarters of the way thru the story.
The flow of the book was excellent, with no dead spots. It truly kept me turning pages.
Deena doesn't do anything risky or stupid & has good instincts. Going back to reporting will give her the opportunity for many more adventures & I plan to come along with her.
This is a true example of "don't judge a book by it's cover". I believe that even though this is book 7 you can read it as a stand alone, although this is one series I think you'd benefit by reading in order.Pick it up, & if you enjoy it as much as I did go back & read the first six. That's my plan.
Happy Reading!
January 3, 2019
The books in this series are all so well written and the main characters so familiar and endearing you just have to read the series. Deena is a retired teacher who loves to write and has on again off again jobs writing for the local paper. Her husband Gary is an accountant who handles large accounts and seems to be bored and ready for retirement although he has a few years to go. One of Gary's major clients, a vineyard owner seems to have committed suicide. Or did he? His sister doesn't think so. With many twists and turns and Ah Ha moments, combined with some pretty good red-herrings, we are lead through, the threads of a fun story line and murder which Deena seems to gotten herself into solving. After all, he was one of Gary's clients who seems to have influenced Gary to wanting to own his own vineyard....midlife crisis? We meed some strange relatives and employees of the deceased, each one possibly having a motive to kill. Who dun it? Will Deena's sleuthing help her get her job back at the newspaper? You must read to find out. I Love this 7th book in the series and I am looking forward to number 8! Great Ending. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
November 28, 2018
he Maycroft Mystery series is a fun read with very likeable characters. A client of Deena's husband Gary dies and so goes the beginning of a good murder mystery when the sister of the deceased believes it's murder and wants Deena to find the truth. We have many threads woven deftly through the mystery including identity theft, criminal activity and people who are not what they seem. While untying all these threads lead you on a red-herring roller coaster with a surprise ending. Add to all this that Gary seems to be going through a mid-life crisis and wants so much to quit his accounting job to farm, while Deena wants to work for the paper again! How does this all come together you may ask...no spoilers here. A Must read series with really nice main characters you feel you are well acquainted with. I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I can't wait for the next crazy mystery Deena finds herself mixed up in.
April 27, 2019
You will always hear narrators say a writer gets better and better as they, the narrator, narrates deeper and deeper in to a series. But I gotta tell you, with Lisa B. Thomas and Deena Sharpe and The Maycroft Mysteries, it's just plain true! SHARPE NOTE brings us an intriguing and many layered murder straight from a wine tasting. Mistaken identity, double indemnity, voices from the grave, AND voices from the neighbor's parrot all intertwine to form an A+ mystery. And Lisa's wonderful down home Texas humor has fans flocking to this wonderful cozy mystery series. I'm so happy to get to bring Deena and the hilarious town of Maycroft to life. I look forward to many more collaborations with the wonderful Ms. Thomas.
August 4, 2019
Sharpe Note by Lisa B Thomas pulled me in immediately. I love the Maycroft Mysteries series, and add wine, its an automatic winner. The author is very clever and witty like the character of Deena Sharpe. The descriptions made it so easy to visualize so many details. Kelley Hazen was magical bringing the characters to life, She gives them distinguishable voices, so its easy to hear exactly who is speaking. Deena and Gary shared more of this investigation, and I loved the twists and turns. Was it Murder or Suicide? Listen and find out. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review, I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.
January 29, 2019
A Murder Mystery with Some Amusing Turns
If you have ever watched Murder She Wrote, you will most likely enjoy reading this whodunit story with some complex and condescending characters. The check-to-cheek dialogue and interaction between crime reporter, Deena, and Gary, her restless husband, keep the narrative moving in so many different directions. There is plenty of drama that exposes greed, fraud, secrets and lies, betrayal, and shocking twists and turns, sloppy police work, scandal, making for an interesting page-turner and an ending that will leave you admiring Deena.
If you have ever watched Murder She Wrote, you will most likely enjoy reading this whodunit story with some complex and condescending characters. The check-to-cheek dialogue and interaction between crime reporter, Deena, and Gary, her restless husband, keep the narrative moving in so many different directions. There is plenty of drama that exposes greed, fraud, secrets and lies, betrayal, and shocking twists and turns, sloppy police work, scandal, making for an interesting page-turner and an ending that will leave you admiring Deena.
April 13, 2019
Well written and kept ones interuntil the end. From finishing the book. Even though I suspected the relationship twist it did not deter me from finishing the book in one sitting. The ending was a bit surprising regarding Gary. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a casual, easy reading book just toasts a couple hours.
Well written and kept ones interest until the end. Even though I suspected the relationship twist early on it did not detract from finishing the book. Good quick read.
Well written and kept ones interest until the end. Even though I suspected the relationship twist early on it did not detract from finishing the book. Good quick read.
May 2, 2019
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it very entertaining. How much trouble can a small time journalist get herself into? The adventure never stops in this small Texan town for retire school teacher turned jounalist, Deena Sharpe. Deena finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation when one of her husband's clients die. Caught between her editor and the police, Deena uses all her skills to solve yet another mystery. I enjoyed very much. Well worth the listen.
May 3, 2019
Another great cozy mystery where amateur sleuth Deena Sharpe pulls on her experience and resources to help solve the latest mystery to hit her small town. Was it murder or suicide?
This series just keeps getting better and better. I feel like I really have gotten to know the characters, and I find myself wondering what they will get up to next. I hope we don’t need to wait too long for the next book in the series... fantastic writing and narration!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I feel like I really have gotten to know the characters, and I find myself wondering what they will get up to next. I hope we don’t need to wait too long for the next book in the series... fantastic writing and narration!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
April 17, 2019
This one holds some surprises!
This is actually the first Maycroft Mystery I have read, but I definitely plan to read the rest! Even in this fairly short story I got a good handle on the various characters. It might be a typical small town with all the cliches, but the story provided humor along with a well-written murder mystery. The ending was definitely not what I expected!
This is actually the first Maycroft Mystery I have read, but I definitely plan to read the rest! Even in this fairly short story I got a good handle on the various characters. It might be a typical small town with all the cliches, but the story provided humor along with a well-written murder mystery. The ending was definitely not what I expected!
May 5, 2019
Sharpe Note: Sour Grapes of Wrath was another great read by Lisa B. Thomas. Deena and Gary seem to be going through midlife crisis' while celebrating their anniversary. Gary seems restless at work while she had a job to go to. Gary and Deena team up to find out who killed one of his clients although the police think it was a suicide. I really enjoyed reading this seventh installment in the Maycroft Mysteries series. I can't wait to read more by Lisa B. Thomas.
February 27, 2020
Sharp Note
What do you get when you cross a journalist major and a teacher of journalism?A reporter with integrity that leads to a humorous cozey murder mystery with the outrageous caracters ,vibrantly witty curves from one suspect to another written by one very talented author. If you enjoy a mystery full of twisted dilemmas then what are you waiting for aquier a copy this moment and start enjoying "Sharp Note "as much as I have. 🤔😋😀🤔🙄🤔Kat
What do you get when you cross a journalist major and a teacher of journalism?A reporter with integrity that leads to a humorous cozey murder mystery with the outrageous caracters ,vibrantly witty curves from one suspect to another written by one very talented author. If you enjoy a mystery full of twisted dilemmas then what are you waiting for aquier a copy this moment and start enjoying "Sharp Note "as much as I have. 🤔😋😀🤔🙄🤔Kat
December 2, 2018
Deena returns to work as a private investigator only to find she has lost her job. Deena's husband Gary seems to be having a mid-life crisis and thinks he should start a winery. One of his clients, a vineyard owner, has just committed suicide. However, Deena isn't sure.
This is my first Maycroft Mystery and although a self-standing story, I feel I missed some background on the characters.
This is my first Maycroft Mystery and although a self-standing story, I feel I missed some background on the characters.
January 3, 2019
This is the first book I have read in the series and I really enjoyed it. Gary’s client has committed suicide...or has he? Deena investigates. This complex mystery is tightly plotted and extremely well-written, with many twists and story lines. I look forward to future books! I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
July 5, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review
It features Deena Sharpe the heroine in her Sharpe cozy series. While attending a funeral with her husband takes her on a journey to find out his killer and to take on another job that she is familiar with. Once again it proves that all is not quiet in suburban when Deena is around as dead bodies seem to be drawn to her.
A fun cozy read.
It features Deena Sharpe the heroine in her Sharpe cozy series. While attending a funeral with her husband takes her on a journey to find out his killer and to take on another job that she is familiar with. Once again it proves that all is not quiet in suburban when Deena is around as dead bodies seem to be drawn to her.
A fun cozy read.
January 3, 2019
Another Great Cozy
Deena is involved in another murder in Maycroft,full of plenty twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the interesting characters.This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Deena is involved in another murder in Maycroft,full of plenty twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the interesting characters.This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
April 17, 2019
Another winner
I have read several deena sharpe books and I like them all. This is no exception. Deena uses her head most of the time and tends not to be the airhead so many female sleuths seem to be. Looking forward to the next one.
I have read several deena sharpe books and I like them all. This is no exception. Deena uses her head most of the time and tends not to be the airhead so many female sleuths seem to be. Looking forward to the next one.
September 11, 2019
Deena, at her best
Snooping in places she shouldn't be, asking questions that get her in trouble, just a day's work for Deena Sharpe! (Spoiler alert) but she doesn't get hurt this time!
Snooping in places she shouldn't be, asking questions that get her in trouble, just a day's work for Deena Sharpe! (Spoiler alert) but she doesn't get hurt this time!
November 28, 2018
Lisa B. Thomas, you ROCK!!!
January 4, 2024
Deena was looking forward to returning to work, after she had taken a stint out to help Sandra with her new baby but Ian, her boss had to let her go because there was insufficient funding. However, as they say, when God closes a door, he opens a window and Deena find herself being offered a job writing for the local newspaper, part-time of course and covering only major interesting crimes. Deena was not sure how her husband Gary would feel about this, but surprisingly, he was totally supportive, because he himself was getting itchy feet and thinking of leaving his full time accountancy job to start a new career, possibly as a vintner, growing grapes and producing wine, probably inspired by the recent suicide of one of his clients and friends, Andrew. Deena's editor though, felt that the apparent suicide was too easily written off my the police and wanted Deena to take a closer look, and boy, when she did, there were a lot of reasons why the man who appeared to have it all - money, successful business, loving (?) wife, perfect (?) life - would want to kill himself or be murdered.
Another enjoyable read from Lisa B Thomas. Although this is the 7th book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Lisa's Sharpe mysteries always make me smile and for the first time, I managed to guess the killer - Woo Hoo! although it was not really obvious, so don't let that spoil your enjoyment. I received an ARC and this is my honest review
Another enjoyable read from Lisa B Thomas. Although this is the 7th book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Lisa's Sharpe mysteries always make me smile and for the first time, I managed to guess the killer - Woo Hoo! although it was not really obvious, so don't let that spoil your enjoyment. I received an ARC and this is my honest review
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews