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Olivia Penn Mysteries #1
Where the Light Shines Through: An Olivia Penn Mystery: The Olivia Penn Mystery Series, Book 1
A shocking murder.... Family secrets revealed.... Her life will never be the same.
“Bailey’s winning debut will thrill fans of the cozy mystery genre.... Olivia’s vividly sketched hometown of Apple Station is so alive with warmth and local color that it brings to mind a southern version of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls.... With these engaging, well-conceived characters, and expertly crafted twists that will keep readers guessing, this mystery is sure to please readers looking for an adventure with plenty of intrigue and a comforting conclusion.” (BookLife Review)
Olivia Penn is looking forward to visiting her father before she moves to New York for a job promotion. Spring is in bloom, and all is beautiful in Apple Station, Virginia, until someone she knows is murdered within hours of her arriving home.
When a body is found at an abandoned manor house and the police accuse her childhood friend of the crime, Olivia searches for evidence that will clear his name. As she investigates clues left behind by the victim, she discovers a secret linking her friend to the crime scene that changes everything.
With the clock ticking, Olivia races to save an unlikely ally and reveal the killer’s identity before the truth remains buried forever. Her friend’s future hangs in the balance, and she’ll have to put her life on the line. Justice hinges on a leap of faith, and her trust in where the light shines through.
Will Olivia save her friend and herself from the killer’s scheme? Or will it be lights out for both?
If you like Clue, Nancy Drew, and small-town cozy mysteries with heart and humor, a charming cast of characters, and a twisty plot, you’ll love Where the Light Shines Through, the first book in the Olivia Penn Mystery series.
“Bailey’s winning debut will thrill fans of the cozy mystery genre.... Olivia’s vividly sketched hometown of Apple Station is so alive with warmth and local color that it brings to mind a southern version of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls.... With these engaging, well-conceived characters, and expertly crafted twists that will keep readers guessing, this mystery is sure to please readers looking for an adventure with plenty of intrigue and a comforting conclusion.” (BookLife Review)
Olivia Penn is looking forward to visiting her father before she moves to New York for a job promotion. Spring is in bloom, and all is beautiful in Apple Station, Virginia, until someone she knows is murdered within hours of her arriving home.
When a body is found at an abandoned manor house and the police accuse her childhood friend of the crime, Olivia searches for evidence that will clear his name. As she investigates clues left behind by the victim, she discovers a secret linking her friend to the crime scene that changes everything.
With the clock ticking, Olivia races to save an unlikely ally and reveal the killer’s identity before the truth remains buried forever. Her friend’s future hangs in the balance, and she’ll have to put her life on the line. Justice hinges on a leap of faith, and her trust in where the light shines through.
Will Olivia save her friend and herself from the killer’s scheme? Or will it be lights out for both?
If you like Clue, Nancy Drew, and small-town cozy mysteries with heart and humor, a charming cast of characters, and a twisty plot, you’ll love Where the Light Shines Through, the first book in the Olivia Penn Mystery series.
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First published November 30, 2021
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About the author
Kathleen Bailey
7 books74 followersKathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. For over twenty years, she worked as a pediatric physical therapist with children who have special needs, drawing on degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She now writes in Virginia with her feline assistant, who insists on supervising every draft. When she’s not writing, Kathleen can usually be found covered in cat hair, surrounded by far too many sticky notes, and plotting new twists to keep readers guessing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime. Visit her online at https://www.kathleenbaileyauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 16, 2022
I was drawn to Where the Light Shines Through by the cover and the premise, and while I don’t think that ‘Castle meets Clue’ really applies after reading it, this story was thoroughly enjoyable in its own right!
Olivia is on the cusp of a lot of changes as she heads home from DC for a brief visit with her father. Still recovering from a recent break-up, she’s also about to leave the safety of her comfort zone and take a big career promotion in New York. Yet, when one of her best friends is murdered shortly after Olivia’s arrival in Apple Station, Virginia, those five days at home turn into an investigation that may change her trajectory. I really liked Olivia and her father (and his adorable beagle puppy), as well as Olivia’s friends and various residents of Apple Station. Particularly Floyd and Dorothy who made me chuckle every time Olivia encountered them – they were both sweet, as well as entertaining, and they really added the ‘cozy’ to this mystery. I also adored Sophia’s family and the generational warmth they exuded. (Olivia’s editor, on the hand, got on my last nerve lol)
The mystery is smartly-drawn, with great suspense & plenty of suspects. I loved how the author described it as “Names were not an endangered species” (in the context of who might be trying to hurt Olivia). On that note, the writing is beautifully descriptive and engaging, and while it might get a bit wordy at times I never felt that it distracted from the overall flow of the story. I enjoyed trying to solve this murder mystery along with Olivia, and I also loved the romantic sparks between her and swoony Detective Hills!! Looking forward to seeing where that leads in future books.
Bottom Line: Where the Light Shines Through by Kathleen Bailey is charming from beginning to end. The engaging writing voice instantly draws you into the story and keeps you glued to the page, with plenty of chances to grin and a hint of romance too. Olivia is a protagonist who is exceptionally easy to like, and the mystery is intriguing and smartly written. Make sure this one is on your TBR list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Olivia is on the cusp of a lot of changes as she heads home from DC for a brief visit with her father. Still recovering from a recent break-up, she’s also about to leave the safety of her comfort zone and take a big career promotion in New York. Yet, when one of her best friends is murdered shortly after Olivia’s arrival in Apple Station, Virginia, those five days at home turn into an investigation that may change her trajectory. I really liked Olivia and her father (and his adorable beagle puppy), as well as Olivia’s friends and various residents of Apple Station. Particularly Floyd and Dorothy who made me chuckle every time Olivia encountered them – they were both sweet, as well as entertaining, and they really added the ‘cozy’ to this mystery. I also adored Sophia’s family and the generational warmth they exuded. (Olivia’s editor, on the hand, got on my last nerve lol)
The mystery is smartly-drawn, with great suspense & plenty of suspects. I loved how the author described it as “Names were not an endangered species” (in the context of who might be trying to hurt Olivia). On that note, the writing is beautifully descriptive and engaging, and while it might get a bit wordy at times I never felt that it distracted from the overall flow of the story. I enjoyed trying to solve this murder mystery along with Olivia, and I also loved the romantic sparks between her and swoony Detective Hills!! Looking forward to seeing where that leads in future books.
Bottom Line: Where the Light Shines Through by Kathleen Bailey is charming from beginning to end. The engaging writing voice instantly draws you into the story and keeps you glued to the page, with plenty of chances to grin and a hint of romance too. Olivia is a protagonist who is exceptionally easy to like, and the mystery is intriguing and smartly written. Make sure this one is on your TBR list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 5, 2021
Olivia returned to her hometown for a week of R&R before moving to the Big Apple for a new job. But when an old friend is murdered and another friend is accused, she goes into overdrive to prove his innocence. Will she be able to unravel the mystery and finger the killer?
This series starter was an entertaining cozy mystery read. The plot is interesting enough to keep reading and the characters are not difficult to take.
I did find the writing to be a little confusing at times with the way things were described and the dialogue is sometimes a little awkward. I also found myself not caring for the main character as the book progressed. And I felt the book lacked an “urgency” in terms of why the character really needed to solve the mystery.
Though all in all, I didn’t mind it enough to stop reading. This is a series starter and I’m not sure I’d feel compelled to continue along with the characters, but I found this book entertaining and would tell most people to give it a try!
This series starter was an entertaining cozy mystery read. The plot is interesting enough to keep reading and the characters are not difficult to take.
I did find the writing to be a little confusing at times with the way things were described and the dialogue is sometimes a little awkward. I also found myself not caring for the main character as the book progressed. And I felt the book lacked an “urgency” in terms of why the character really needed to solve the mystery.
Though all in all, I didn’t mind it enough to stop reading. This is a series starter and I’m not sure I’d feel compelled to continue along with the characters, but I found this book entertaining and would tell most people to give it a try!
May 3, 2023
“Where the Light Shines Through” Earns 5/5 Advice Tips…Entertaining & Clever!
Arriving in Apple Station, Virginia, starts out with an almost collision with her friendly foe Cassandra Collins, who, as she boasts, is lead reporter for the Apple Station Times covering the more juicy topics in crime, business, and council affairs. The snarky repartee was typical for the relationship they’ve had for decades, but no time to spar, Liv has a few errands to run before heading out to her dad’s. She picks up the tiller from her godfather “Frank the Tank,” makes plans to catch up with her BFF Paige Warner, and stops to say “hi” to more close friends. Everyone is so exciting to see her, but obviously worry the break-up with Daniel is more bothersome than Liv lets on. However, when she arrives at her dad’s, she gets shocking news.
Liv gets an urgent call. Her BFF Paige has been found dead. It’s difficult even grasping the word “dead” since she’d just seen her friend and made plans to meet the next day. Paige and Liv had bonded as members of their high school paper which led to Paige becoming a well-respected, hard-hitting journalist with the local paper and colleague of snarky Cassandra. Paige mentioned she was working on something “special” and was heading out to the dilapidated Grove Manor estate ahead of an auction that would sell the house and the land. Now…she’s dead, and the suspect arrested at the scene adds angst to Liv’s devastation, but it does strengthen her resolve to know more, and when Paige’s mother pleads for her help, she’s in.
Brilliant Fun! Kathleen Bailey’s first book in her Olivia Penn Mystery series is a delightfully fun, complex mystery offering traditional cozy elements, a strong female lead, stifled “heart chakra,” diverse multi-generational personalities, small town connections, and interesting family dynamics. The mystery was a mystery within a mystery. The murder, of course, has it’s rumors of professional jealousy, “sort of” sibling rivalry, connections to an exposé, long-ago secrets, and a seemingly spooky manor house, but Liv finds a name and curious phone number when rummaging through her late mother’s things. Of course, snooping leads to threats which leads to stalking which in turn puts Liv and others in jeopardy and the local detective, Preston Hills, on high alert...dimple and all! Engaging. Couldn’t put it down.
Bailey’s writing is entertaining, well-paced, and witty with several poignant moments between father and daughter, Liv and Buddy the beagle, and the detective and the snoop. There are lots of characters with direct or indirect involvement, but it is easy to follow along. Incorporating some of the “Dear Ms. Penn” inquiries along with her advice was a plus illustrating well how Olivia has a handle on realistic responses. Don’t miss the Shedding Some Light at the end which adds insights, “light,” into some of the stories key details.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, Kathleen Bailey. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Arriving in Apple Station, Virginia, starts out with an almost collision with her friendly foe Cassandra Collins, who, as she boasts, is lead reporter for the Apple Station Times covering the more juicy topics in crime, business, and council affairs. The snarky repartee was typical for the relationship they’ve had for decades, but no time to spar, Liv has a few errands to run before heading out to her dad’s. She picks up the tiller from her godfather “Frank the Tank,” makes plans to catch up with her BFF Paige Warner, and stops to say “hi” to more close friends. Everyone is so exciting to see her, but obviously worry the break-up with Daniel is more bothersome than Liv lets on. However, when she arrives at her dad’s, she gets shocking news.
Liv gets an urgent call. Her BFF Paige has been found dead. It’s difficult even grasping the word “dead” since she’d just seen her friend and made plans to meet the next day. Paige and Liv had bonded as members of their high school paper which led to Paige becoming a well-respected, hard-hitting journalist with the local paper and colleague of snarky Cassandra. Paige mentioned she was working on something “special” and was heading out to the dilapidated Grove Manor estate ahead of an auction that would sell the house and the land. Now…she’s dead, and the suspect arrested at the scene adds angst to Liv’s devastation, but it does strengthen her resolve to know more, and when Paige’s mother pleads for her help, she’s in.
Brilliant Fun! Kathleen Bailey’s first book in her Olivia Penn Mystery series is a delightfully fun, complex mystery offering traditional cozy elements, a strong female lead, stifled “heart chakra,” diverse multi-generational personalities, small town connections, and interesting family dynamics. The mystery was a mystery within a mystery. The murder, of course, has it’s rumors of professional jealousy, “sort of” sibling rivalry, connections to an exposé, long-ago secrets, and a seemingly spooky manor house, but Liv finds a name and curious phone number when rummaging through her late mother’s things. Of course, snooping leads to threats which leads to stalking which in turn puts Liv and others in jeopardy and the local detective, Preston Hills, on high alert...dimple and all! Engaging. Couldn’t put it down.
Bailey’s writing is entertaining, well-paced, and witty with several poignant moments between father and daughter, Liv and Buddy the beagle, and the detective and the snoop. There are lots of characters with direct or indirect involvement, but it is easy to follow along. Incorporating some of the “Dear Ms. Penn” inquiries along with her advice was a plus illustrating well how Olivia has a handle on realistic responses. Don’t miss the Shedding Some Light at the end which adds insights, “light,” into some of the stories key details.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, Kathleen Bailey. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
November 11, 2021
First, I enjoyed this cozy murder mystery. I couldn't help reminisce a bit while reading because I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone plus everyone knew everyone's business - and what they didn't know - they made up! I enjoyed the author's writing style...the flow of words and delightful descriptions. I could easily picture one of the characters as a child and as an adult when I read: "The overgrown branches from an oak tree tapped on her window, but they no longer scared her the same as when she was a child." Forgive me for being a bit philosophical, but I loved that the author included a scene of planting the garden as I felt it was an "ideal activity" to represent time passing since the characters had completed the same routine for 18 years...changing plant varieties based on successes and failures. This, for me, was symbolic of how many of us work through the successes and failures in our own lives. Great story with likable characters. I look forward to reading more adventures with Olivia. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2024
Little hooks in a book’s “about” blurb get me every time, and when I saw that Where the Light Shines Through (book one in the Olivia Penn Mysteries) by Kathleen Bailey was recommended for fans of Clue and Nancy Drew, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Thankfully my library’s Hoopla had access to the audiobook so I fired it up this weekend. This is a mysterious treat for sure and now I’m anxious to read books two-four. @cozycrimewriter
Olivia Penn is looking forward to a relaxing week visiting her cozy hometown of Apple Station, Virginia before she heads off to NYC for a new publishing career. She’s especially excited to spend time with her dad and his absolutely adorable dog, Buddy the beagle. (If I could reach through the pages and toss the ball for Buddy, I would do so happily).
Not long after her arrival in town, a dead body is found under mysterious circumstances and the police suspect Olivia’s childhood friend. Olivia just cannot believe her friend is guilty and dives head first into an investigation. The secrets and surprises she uncovers are big and will keep readers turning the page until the very end. I had a guess of the truly guilty party, but had to keep turning the pages to understand the how and why.
The small-town setting is so vivid and cozy that it’s a place I’d love to visit. The author does an excellent job of introducing us to all the characters without being overwhelming. There’s also just the perfect balance of humor with the seriousness of the mystery. I enjoyed every page and cannot wait to read more.
Olivia Penn is looking forward to a relaxing week visiting her cozy hometown of Apple Station, Virginia before she heads off to NYC for a new publishing career. She’s especially excited to spend time with her dad and his absolutely adorable dog, Buddy the beagle. (If I could reach through the pages and toss the ball for Buddy, I would do so happily).
Not long after her arrival in town, a dead body is found under mysterious circumstances and the police suspect Olivia’s childhood friend. Olivia just cannot believe her friend is guilty and dives head first into an investigation. The secrets and surprises she uncovers are big and will keep readers turning the page until the very end. I had a guess of the truly guilty party, but had to keep turning the pages to understand the how and why.
The small-town setting is so vivid and cozy that it’s a place I’d love to visit. The author does an excellent job of introducing us to all the characters without being overwhelming. There’s also just the perfect balance of humor with the seriousness of the mystery. I enjoyed every page and cannot wait to read more.
November 30, 2021
Thank you to BookSirens for the review copy of Where the Light Shines Through by Kathleen Bailey.
This book was intriguing to me because it was dubbed as Castle meets Clue. I think this falls a little short of describing the book. The main character is not a best selling author that can pay his/her way into working cases with the police, but an aspiring novelist with a gig writing an advice column.
Olivia Penn is a journalist who is spending some time in her hometown before moving to New York. Her advice column has paved the way for her fiction publishing aspirations to become more of a reality. However, shortly after arriving home, her best friend from childhood is brutally murdered - and another friend is accused of committing the crime. Olivia takes on the case to find justice for both.
This book has all the classic markers of a great cozy mystery series combined with beautifully descriptive writing. I really enjoyed the story, and loved the small town feel of this cozy. The characters were quirky, humorous, and realistic.
That being said, Olivia's complete unwillingness to listen to anyone around her was grating at times. This is not a spoiler, but if Olivia's head had an extra hole in it, she would probably feel that everyone around her was being unreasonable when they told her to get it checked out by a doctor…
This book was intriguing to me because it was dubbed as Castle meets Clue. I think this falls a little short of describing the book. The main character is not a best selling author that can pay his/her way into working cases with the police, but an aspiring novelist with a gig writing an advice column.
Olivia Penn is a journalist who is spending some time in her hometown before moving to New York. Her advice column has paved the way for her fiction publishing aspirations to become more of a reality. However, shortly after arriving home, her best friend from childhood is brutally murdered - and another friend is accused of committing the crime. Olivia takes on the case to find justice for both.
This book has all the classic markers of a great cozy mystery series combined with beautifully descriptive writing. I really enjoyed the story, and loved the small town feel of this cozy. The characters were quirky, humorous, and realistic.
That being said, Olivia's complete unwillingness to listen to anyone around her was grating at times. This is not a spoiler, but if Olivia's head had an extra hole in it, she would probably feel that everyone around her was being unreasonable when they told her to get it checked out by a doctor…
December 29, 2021
Olivia Penn is about to venture to New York in a much deserved career boost. Her promotion puts in line for not only a high profile newspaper column but possible a publishing contract. Before starting her new job, Olivia goes back home to Apple Station, Virginia to spend time with her dad and her friends.
Tragedy strikes within 24 hours of her being home, however, and Olivia's world is forever changed. The loss of a dear friend and the accusations toward another, have Olivia tied up in knots. As Olivia tries to make sense of the murder and suspected culprit, she gets a little too close to revealing the truth. She has very little time to help break the case wide open before she either has to leave for New York, or she finds herself 6-feet under.
Where the Light Shines Through is an amazing cozy mystery. The first in a new series, this novel pulled me in with excellently written characters and continued development. The book kept me engaged with a wonderful plot, fitting side stories, and world building that had me visualizing everything. The small town setting, petty rivalries, and secrecy bring realism to the story.
Tragedy strikes within 24 hours of her being home, however, and Olivia's world is forever changed. The loss of a dear friend and the accusations toward another, have Olivia tied up in knots. As Olivia tries to make sense of the murder and suspected culprit, she gets a little too close to revealing the truth. She has very little time to help break the case wide open before she either has to leave for New York, or she finds herself 6-feet under.
Where the Light Shines Through is an amazing cozy mystery. The first in a new series, this novel pulled me in with excellently written characters and continued development. The book kept me engaged with a wonderful plot, fitting side stories, and world building that had me visualizing everything. The small town setting, petty rivalries, and secrecy bring realism to the story.
November 20, 2021
Where The Light Shines Through is the first in a cozy new series! Olivia Penn is heading home to visit her dad and get ready for a big move to New York and her dream job in publishing. She’s just left a two-year relationship when we meet her. She isn’t home too long before a close friend is murdered and another very close friend is arrested. She can’t let her friend stay in jail and quickly makes it her mission to get to the bottom of the mystery. On top of this situation, she’s supposed to be in New York in just a week, so the clock is ticking! Someone is determined to make sure Olivia doesn’t solve this one! This new series has lots of potential. We learned a little bit about Olivia’s family, friends, and even a future potential love interest in this first story. On the mystery side of things, there were definitely plenty of potential suspects to keep you guessing until the end. I’m excited to see where Olivia’s story goes!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 26, 2021
Home for a brief respite before a move that signifies a huge life change, Olivia finds herself deeply mired in a mystery that she's somehow expected to solve. The internal struggles she faces as she comes to terms with long-held issues while racing against time make for suspense that pulls you to the edge of your seat.
Bailey's characters are well-drawn, engaging, and intriguing. Their stories are the stuff that keeps you invested, obsessively turning pages to get to the resolution.
A whodunnit with spunk, and a great start to a new series; I'm looking forward to more from this author.
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author via BookSirens, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Bailey's characters are well-drawn, engaging, and intriguing. Their stories are the stuff that keeps you invested, obsessively turning pages to get to the resolution.
A whodunnit with spunk, and a great start to a new series; I'm looking forward to more from this author.
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author via BookSirens, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
November 30, 2021
Olivia (known for Penn’s Pals, a syndicated advice columnist) is headed for home to visit her dad and friends in Apple Station before her big career move to New York City. But not long after she gets into town, Paige, her good friend is found murdered and another good friend is accused. accused! When June, Paige’s mother, asked her to look into it she can’t refuse. The mystery seems to revolve around Grove Manor, a decrepit property about to be auctioned off for taxes, with no one to inherit. Plenty of twists and surprises, including threats against her investigating, this is a cozy mystery that will, none the less, keep you guessing till the end! Received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens and write this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2021
Where the Light Shines Through is Book 1 in An Olivia Penn Mystery by Kathleen Bailey. Olivia Penn is coming home to visit her father before moving to NYC. Olivia only wants to spend quality time and a long weekend before beginning her new journalism job. Everything changed when Olivia's friend, Paige, is murdered. I thought that this mystery was really good and I loved the characters. This is the first book I read by Kathleen Bailey and I liked her writing. She told a great story with suspense and slowly unfolded the clues. I am looking forward to reading book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
November 24, 2021
This is a good story with characters that rings true and a mystery that’s not easy to see through.
My missing fifth star is only because I think sometimes the storytelling is to wordy.
I like thorough descriptions of characters and surroundings, but here I felt that I almost lost track of the story several times.
It could be me of course, reading experiences can be very different depending on your own state of mind.
Olivia is a good character though, and the story is good. It’s definitely a book worthy of many readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My missing fifth star is only because I think sometimes the storytelling is to wordy.
I like thorough descriptions of characters and surroundings, but here I felt that I almost lost track of the story several times.
It could be me of course, reading experiences can be very different depending on your own state of mind.
Olivia is a good character though, and the story is good. It’s definitely a book worthy of many readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2021
Olivia visits her father on her way to a new high-powered publishing job in NYC. While in her hometown, her friend Paige is found bludgeoned to death. When another old friend, A.J., is accused of the crime, Olivia decided to find the real killer.
Where the Light Shines Through is a cozy mystery with genuine characters and a small town setting. However, it really shines as a mystery. Despite having clues seen in hindsight, I did not suspect the killer at all. Any other armchair detectives will also enjoy this invigorating challenge. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Book Tours for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Where the Light Shines Through is a cozy mystery with genuine characters and a small town setting. However, it really shines as a mystery. Despite having clues seen in hindsight, I did not suspect the killer at all. Any other armchair detectives will also enjoy this invigorating challenge. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Book Tours for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
November 11, 2021
I wasn’t sure about this book at first, but it really just took off and continued to stay exciting! It was well written, with just a couple places that I just kinda skimmed over at first. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book with the small town and east coast feel. Looking forward to the next cozy mystery with Ms. Penn and the rest…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2025
Well played introduction
Ending a relationship, and starting a new phase in her career as an advice columnist in NYC, Olivia plans on spending a relaxing week visiting with her father. That is till an old friend is murdered, and another old friend is arrested. Fun, well written, and even better crafted, this first visit with Olivia is treat. Intelligent, and smart start to a new series.
Ending a relationship, and starting a new phase in her career as an advice columnist in NYC, Olivia plans on spending a relaxing week visiting with her father. That is till an old friend is murdered, and another old friend is arrested. Fun, well written, and even better crafted, this first visit with Olivia is treat. Intelligent, and smart start to a new series.
December 15, 2021
A great new cozy mystery series set in a small town where everyone knows everyone and everyone knows everyone's business. The plot is interesting and kept me engaged from start to finish.
I also find the characters to be realistic as well as likable. I look forward to reading book 2!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens.
I also find the characters to be realistic as well as likable. I look forward to reading book 2!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens.
March 2, 2023
So loved this book for the quaint town in my home state. . . . and the mystery was complex and twisty in all the best ways.
Also, I got hyper annoyed with the sleuth and the way she kept getting into danger, but I take that as a testament to great writing.
My only critique is that there was too much detail about some things for my taste, but I loved the factual essays at the end.
Also, I got hyper annoyed with the sleuth and the way she kept getting into danger, but I take that as a testament to great writing.
My only critique is that there was too much detail about some things for my taste, but I loved the factual essays at the end.
December 4, 2023
3.5 stars
An okay debut featuring advice columnist Olivia Penn, whose columns have positioned her on the brink of a book deal and big popular success if she is willing to move to NYC.
She stops at home in rural Virginia first to see her father. She had originally planned to make the move with her boyfriend, and now that the relationship has ended both she and her dad have misgivings about the relocation.
Interesting plot, some unexpected happenings and a good supporting cast. The main character gets a bit overwrought at times but this was quite readable.
An okay debut featuring advice columnist Olivia Penn, whose columns have positioned her on the brink of a book deal and big popular success if she is willing to move to NYC.
She stops at home in rural Virginia first to see her father. She had originally planned to make the move with her boyfriend, and now that the relationship has ended both she and her dad have misgivings about the relocation.
Interesting plot, some unexpected happenings and a good supporting cast. The main character gets a bit overwrought at times but this was quite readable.
December 22, 2024
A decent start to a series. Good enough that I will read the second. Some aspects were a bit confusing, but perhaps I hadn't paid enough attention to a few of the minor characters background info.
November 30, 2021
I read this book sitting on the edge of my seat! Lots of action and intrigue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2023
The audio narrator is amazing. Fun story as well!
May 30, 2025
This is well written, but just not quite my cup of tea.
March 1, 2024
Clean, light little murder mystery.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews