Murder at the Oddity Shop: Silicon Valley techie meets Southern Gothic Granny Squad in this laugh-out-loud cozy murder mystery

by Arden Gray

Murder, Mayhem, and a Mini-Dachshund with a Nose for Trouble!

Emmy Forester inherited a quirky Oddity Shop full of secrets… and a corpse to go with it.

When Emmy Forester trades her Silicon Valley life for a fresh start in Hope Springs, Appalachia, she never expects to find a dead body on her porch. With the town divided by an ancient feud, Emmy becomes an instant suspect.

Determined to clear her name, Emmy follows a tangled trail of odd a missing gun, a rare truffle, and the victim’s lost phone.

Rumors swirl about an organized crime ring, but Emmy’s investigation soon leads to a hot-tempered ex-con and a ruthless strong-arm enforcer with an old score to settle.

With her protective neighbor Jack, the meddling Grumpy Grannies, and her clue-sniffing mini-dachshund, Wyatt Burp, Emmy races to solve the murder before the killer comes after her.

Just when she thinks she has it figured out, a surprise motive turns the entire case upside down—proving that in Hope Springs, even the most unlikely suspect can be deadly.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. I loved this story.I love the friendship between
Emmy's little dog and the town pig.

There's quite a mystery going on, family history, things that some people don't want anyone to know about.

But I truly enjoyed the story.Simply sweet, and a page turner.


Wyatt burp .
Her little dog, absolutely my favorite character, because well, you know, dog lover.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder at the Oddity Shop by Arden Gray is the second book An Emmy Forester Cozy Murder Mysteries. I believe it would be beneficial to read Jasper’s Junk and Jewels before embarking on Murder at the Oddity Shop. There was little background information provided on Emmy which made it difficult to connect with the character. There were some interesting characters, but the scene stealers were Emmy’s mini-dachshund, Wyatt Burp and Annabelle Thorne’s micro-mini pig, Ethel. They are just adorable. The steps that Jasper Thorne created for Wyatt to get onto the daybed were a work of art. The author’s description of Wyatt walking up the steps had me giggling. The mystery was different yet simple. The identity of the guilty party was evident upon introduction (at least to me). Emmy asks questions and searches for clues. She gets assistance from Jasper and her miniature sidekick, Wayne Burp as well as a friend with computer prowess. The ending was unusual. I liked the Spacetrailer that Emmy had brought in for her living quarters. It had modern conveniences like Starlink and a walk-in closet. I wish the story flowed better; the chapters did not transition smoothly. It was interesting learning about truffles. I had no idea that they were so valuable. Murder at the Oddity Shop takes readers to Hope Springs where Emmy finds a peculiar oddity shop, comfort food, grumpy grannies, a murdered man, valuable truffles, unwanted trespassers plus a special friend for a dachshund.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt Burp. 😁 What a great name for a dog, especially a mini dachshund. That alone is worth 5 stars.

Emmy, moves from Silicon Valley to Hope Springs, Appalachia, a very small town that her mother ran away from before Emmy was born. Where she has inherited a quirky Oddity shop from an unknown aunt
belonging to a family Emmy knew nothing about. Thus starts an adventure where Emmy discovers a corpse on the porch of her new shop. Which naturally make her a I just found out that there is a book before this one of interest. And she gets to meet a lot of quirky people that promises a new life that will never be boring.

I can't wait for after books because it promises to be interesting seeing designer clad Emmy getting to know the people she met at the local diner.

I just found out that there is another book that came out before this one: Murder at Jasper’s Junk and Jewels: An Emmy Forester Cozy Murder Mystery. For some reason, the books are not listed as in a series even though the title mentions that it's An Emmy Forrester Cozy Murder Mystery. I need to read that and hopefully it will fill in the blanks for this book. But first, I have to read the third book for which I got an ARC plus I bought the e-book today.

However, I do recommend this book and I imagine I will like the other books. I will review them as I read them.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book, Emmy and her mini-dachshund, Wyatt Burp, finally take possession of the Oddity Shop an aunt she never knew left her in the small town of Hope Springs, Appalachia. This is a town where everyone knows or is related to everyone else. Little did she know she would find a dead body in front of her shop. Of course, being the newbie in town, suspicion falls on Emmy and she must clear her name. Her neighbors, Jack and the grumpy grannies are there to help. And of course, Wyatt Burp, is a great clue sniffing dog and he develops a relationship with a little truffle sniffing pig, Ethel. With lots of twists and turns and red herrings, can Emmy clear her name? Can Wyatt help solve the crime? Is there something brewing between Jack and Emmy? This is a fun, fast paced mystery that takes you to a surprise ending I highly recommend, not only this book, the second in the series, but the first book as well and I can't wait for more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmy Forester and her dog called Wyatt Burp at last take receipt of her inherited shop. Here she finds a dead body ,what a shock! When she decided to trade Silicon Valley for Hope Springs she didn’t think she was going to find dead human beings?! With a host of characters and half the town feuding what else is there brooding. Well there’s Grannies who meddle and grumpy as well ,then there’s an ex con a ne’er do well. And an enforcer with a score to settle . Her neighbour is ever so sweet and protective ,perhaps one day he’ll be a detective. There’s Emmy’s mini-dachshund Wyatt Burp who also helps searching down the clues to track the perp, who makes friends with a porker ,no its no joker. They really do become friends . When will it ever end? What an immersive great series with fun and heart . I was so immersed from the start. With great writing ,that’s what Arden Gray does anyway ,always a pleasure to open a treasure that she’s put a pen to no matter the venue or what’s on the menu.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is the second book in the series An Emmy Foster Cozy Murder Mystery. Emmy finally makes it to the shop she inherited only to find a dead body on her porch. Who is the guy? Why was he killed? Who did it? Along the way she meets Jack and the Grumpy Grannies. With their help Emmy is able to figure out what happened. I was shocked when I found out what really happened. I loved the pig Ethel in this book and how her and Wyatt Burp (Emmy’s dog) got along and loved each other. It also seemed like in the coming books Emmy and Jack may have a relationship. This was a little slower than most cozy mysteries I read. It also had unanswered things that I wanted to know. I guess I have to wait for the next book to see if I get answers.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story begins with Emmy inheriting a thrift shop that’s in the middle of nowhere from her aunt. The day she arrives at Hope Springs, she finds a body on the porch of the Oddity Shop. From there, Emmy becomes involved in the mysterious circumstances of the man’s death and meets several quirky residents of the area. By the end of the book, most of the puzzle pieces fall into place but there is still one mystery to be solved (no spoilers here!)
Gray does a nice job of setting the scene and developing some interesting characters that lead Emmy on a twisted path to the killer. There were a couple of scenes that felt a little drawn out, but overall, I think this is decent read for cosy mystery fans.
*I received a free copy of this book from BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW this was a funny and interesting story. It was a page turner and the suspense was so much action packed. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Now Emily and her little dog and pet pig was on a mission to solve a mystery crime. Danger was around the corner could the clues will lead them to the culprit and the truth will come out soon. Will Emily life be in danger in this moment. It was so mind blowing and chaos.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmy and Wyatt Burp her mini dachshund are now in Hope Spring the place where her mother grew up and left long before Emmy was born. her mother's sister left Emmy her store the Oddity shop when she passed away and know Emmy is trying to figure out what it means to live there. There was a murder at the front of the store which Emmy found the day she arrived and now trying to solve the mystery. There are lots of twist and turns for Emmy to try and figure out about and see if she can make this place her home. If you like a good mystery this will definity be of interest to you. I would recommend reading this series. Emmy is trying to make friends with the locals.

[Genesia]

Love and Mystery

I enjoyed the book very much. It's at times very funny, especially the one time Emmy tried her hand at baking, not recommended. Emmy inherited a shop, and on the day she arrived in town, she found a body on the shop's porch. Curious and wanting to find out who is responsible for the murder puts her in danger. The animal characters Wyatt and Ethel are adorable, I never thought a pig and a dog could be such a good combination. I recommend the book to all cozy mystery fans.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in the story. Emmy has inherited the Oddity shop. Jack takes her under his wing. She is a genius at technology. Upon her arrival at Hope Springs, she discovered a dead man on her doorstep. The Thorne family has feuded with the Foresters for generations. Truffles and the truffle mafia are stalking her property. Underground tunnels, a hidden cabin, a journal, a family cemetery….. who is Emma Lou? There is a lot of open possibilities for more books in a series. What about the missing gun?

[L.a.l · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inheriting a business from a relative should not mean finding a dead body when you arrive.
Being a very small town where everyone knows everyone else or is related to someone there does not help.
From the neighbors like Aint Annabelle, Jack and the Grannies to the "truffle mafia" there is no boring minute throughout.
And wait until you find out who actually did the murder and why.
I know that the next novel in this series will keep you on your toes as this one did!!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book from this author and I received an ARC copy but I think it would've been best to read book one first as there was no background on Emmy so you couldn't connect to her character. I loved the enigmatic Jack though and the mystery itself was well written and I enjoyed the development of the relationships between Emmy and the townspeople, so I would definitely like to read more. Just make sure you read book one first before you read this one.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Forester having inherited the Oddity Shop at Hope Springs is horrified at having to deal with a dead body which turned out to be Luke Thorne . Secrets, corruption in this small town causes mayhem. A intriguing read with great characters and humour. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers .

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethel the pig and Wyatt Burp the miniature Daschund are the stars of this sweet story. Wyatt's owner Emmy moves to this small community and encounters the Oddity Shop. This strange shop has been in her mother's family and now has come to her through the death of her Aunt. As Emmy gets to know her new community she encounters more secrets she is determined to unveil!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmy inherits a shop so she sets off for an adventure but it starts off a little crazy with a body at her doorstep. She is trying to clear herself and make a home for herself and her trusty sidekick.

Well written story and entertaining. New author to me and kept me guessing until the end.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing cozy mystery by a new author that I can see becoming quite a regular on my to read list. This book was witty, with wonderful characters and a great storyline., Truly entertaining.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when Emmy thinks she has it figured out, a surprise motive turns the entire case upside down. In Hope Springs, even the most unlikely suspect can be deadly. With a Mini-Dachshund that finds himself in love with a truffle sniffing mini pig can they sniff out the mystery?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Isabel Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book.great plot.Unputdownable.I highly recommend it

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a good very good book.

I didn’t realize who the killer was until the second chapter or last chapter.