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Cassie Baxter Mysteries #1
Unbelievable
Small sleuth, tiny town, unfailing fun.
Welcome to Lake Elizabeth, Vermont, where the water is blue, the mountains are green, and Cassie Baxter is going nuts. Who wouldn’t go nuts in a town this size? What possessed Cassie to move in with her father? And why do they have to live next door to a mad scientist? A sexy mad scientist. Does such a thing even exist? And speaking of existing, what happened to the dead redhead? You know, the one Cassie found, and then lost? What’s up with that? Cassie Baxter intends to find out. Read Unbelievable and you will, too.
The Cassie Baxter Mysteries: They’re not Cue Balls, but they are screw balls.
Welcome to Lake Elizabeth, Vermont, where the water is blue, the mountains are green, and Cassie Baxter is going nuts. Who wouldn’t go nuts in a town this size? What possessed Cassie to move in with her father? And why do they have to live next door to a mad scientist? A sexy mad scientist. Does such a thing even exist? And speaking of existing, what happened to the dead redhead? You know, the one Cassie found, and then lost? What’s up with that? Cassie Baxter intends to find out. Read Unbelievable and you will, too.
The Cassie Baxter Mysteries: They’re not Cue Balls, but they are screw balls.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2014
178 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 17, 2015
Let me just say that I love a good, sassy, fun, smart Cozy Mystery and this one delivered! Smart dialogue with zany, lovable characters that had good chemistry between them and a mystery that actually had me guessing. From the author of The Cue Ball Mysteries, Cindy Blackburn has given me a new series to follow. I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you Cindy!
Thank you Cindy!
November 25, 2014
"Unbelievable," the first Cassie Baxter mystery, is absolutely hilarious!
Cassie has moved in with her father and he's making her crazy. They live in an old Victorian in Lake Elizabeth, Vermont, a normally peaceful small town with some "unique" residents. But the peaceful part changes when Cassie discovers the body of a woman floating in a canoe on the river.
If you enjoy a humorous mystery that will keep you turning the pages, you won't want to miss this one.
Cassie has moved in with her father and he's making her crazy. They live in an old Victorian in Lake Elizabeth, Vermont, a normally peaceful small town with some "unique" residents. But the peaceful part changes when Cassie discovers the body of a woman floating in a canoe on the river.
If you enjoy a humorous mystery that will keep you turning the pages, you won't want to miss this one.
March 9, 2015
Life should be peaceful in the small town of Lake Elizabeth in Vermont. However, that’s not the case for Cassie Baxter. She moves in with her father and that’s enough to drive her crazy. Not to mention that his house is painted a “jolly green” color, which Cassie intends to change immediately. When Cassie takes a little trip on their kayak wearing only her pajamas, she discovers a woman in a canoe. She is very much dead. Cassie leaves her there and goes to get help.
By the time the sheriff arrives, the body is gone. Cassie insists there had been a dead body, but all the sheriff sees is Cassie, dressed in her pajamas, shouting about a red headed dead woman. The gossips quickly label Cassie as “Wacko and Looney Tunes”. Cassie doesn’t care about their name-calling but she does care about the dead woman. She is determined to do some investigation on her own and find the woman. Then, she can begin trying to find out why she’s dead and who committed murder.
While all this is going on, Cassie is more than a little interested in her father’s next door neighbor…the hot mad scientist.
This book will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Cassie is a wonderful protagonist, although sometimes you have to wonder why she even bothers. The whole town seems to enjoy making her the butt of their jokes and nobody takes her very seriously. Even her father doubts her sanity. Still, Cassie perseveres.
To say the characters are quirky is putting it mildly. I can’t think of another word for them, but they are much more than quirky or eccentric. They are just all nuts…what a great, crazy town. I enjoyed every minute of my visit there.
There’s more mystery than romance in this story, which is exactly how I like my cozy mysteries. I like a touch of romance, but mostly I’m interested in the mystery storyline. This is a good one. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. It’s very good to be surprised in a mystery book :) It's a light read which leaves you smiling at the end. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series
On a side note, the author has another cozy mystery series, “Cue Ball Mysteries”. I read the first one and plan to read the rest. These, too, are very funny. Who doesn’t love mysteries with a touch of humor tossed into them? Cindy Blackburn is a master at creating them.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
By the time the sheriff arrives, the body is gone. Cassie insists there had been a dead body, but all the sheriff sees is Cassie, dressed in her pajamas, shouting about a red headed dead woman. The gossips quickly label Cassie as “Wacko and Looney Tunes”. Cassie doesn’t care about their name-calling but she does care about the dead woman. She is determined to do some investigation on her own and find the woman. Then, she can begin trying to find out why she’s dead and who committed murder.
While all this is going on, Cassie is more than a little interested in her father’s next door neighbor…the hot mad scientist.
This book will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Cassie is a wonderful protagonist, although sometimes you have to wonder why she even bothers. The whole town seems to enjoy making her the butt of their jokes and nobody takes her very seriously. Even her father doubts her sanity. Still, Cassie perseveres.
To say the characters are quirky is putting it mildly. I can’t think of another word for them, but they are much more than quirky or eccentric. They are just all nuts…what a great, crazy town. I enjoyed every minute of my visit there.
There’s more mystery than romance in this story, which is exactly how I like my cozy mysteries. I like a touch of romance, but mostly I’m interested in the mystery storyline. This is a good one. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. It’s very good to be surprised in a mystery book :) It's a light read which leaves you smiling at the end. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series
On a side note, the author has another cozy mystery series, “Cue Ball Mysteries”. I read the first one and plan to read the rest. These, too, are very funny. Who doesn’t love mysteries with a touch of humor tossed into them? Cindy Blackburn is a master at creating them.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 30, 2021
Now I know what a screw ball comedy is (not really my kind of stuff) but again I liked the characters, plot (even if totally convoluted and unrealistic) and the author's writting style (as soon as I got over this kind of humor it read itself). I'm glad this series is part of KU and from time to time when I'm desperate for an U-title (and plan to join KU for a month or two anyway) I'll read it there but I'm not willing to spend money on this series - I don't like it enough. I'll stick to the Cue Ball cozies - they are much more what I like.
This series is set in Vermont, though there are references to events in Boston, Woodstock & Albany (New York), New Jersey, Delaware and Burlington & Montreal (Canada)
This series is set in Vermont, though there are references to events in Boston, Woodstock & Albany (New York), New Jersey, Delaware and Burlington & Montreal (Canada)
December 30, 2016
Humorous, Action-Packed, Theories Galore, and a Fantastic Setting for a complex murder mystery. Can I say more? Yes, The location has you drooling to hit your kayak or canoe. Just not alone.
A single, middle aged, but spirited Professor moves in with her Father, Bobby, a retired Professor, now Sci-Fi author (first novel) at Lake Elizabeth, Vermont. Cassandra (Cassie) adores her Father, however, he is just the bit too interested in her movements and life. Such as why she isn't married at the age of forty four.
The humor begins on sentence number one. The prologue had me re-reading it aloud to my family as I was so tickled with it. The humor continues steadily throughout the entire tale. We have crime fighters that wear pajamas, we have visiting goats, we have Sheriff's, State Police, Police Department, Camp Counselors, Reporter (has an I-Tablet,) and more.
There is a woman dead in a canoe. Cassie has the misfortune to find her. Then, the body disappears, did Cassie see her or not? The entire town of 600 weigh in with their viewpoints. When the body reappears, Cassie realizes that she will have to find the killer.
I truly enjoyed every bit of this novel and know that I will enjoy further tales in this series.
A single, middle aged, but spirited Professor moves in with her Father, Bobby, a retired Professor, now Sci-Fi author (first novel) at Lake Elizabeth, Vermont. Cassandra (Cassie) adores her Father, however, he is just the bit too interested in her movements and life. Such as why she isn't married at the age of forty four.
The humor begins on sentence number one. The prologue had me re-reading it aloud to my family as I was so tickled with it. The humor continues steadily throughout the entire tale. We have crime fighters that wear pajamas, we have visiting goats, we have Sheriff's, State Police, Police Department, Camp Counselors, Reporter (has an I-Tablet,) and more.
There is a woman dead in a canoe. Cassie has the misfortune to find her. Then, the body disappears, did Cassie see her or not? The entire town of 600 weigh in with their viewpoints. When the body reappears, Cassie realizes that she will have to find the killer.
I truly enjoyed every bit of this novel and know that I will enjoy further tales in this series.
July 31, 2015
I dislike "dizzy" females as lead characters. What Professor of Ancient History at a University pick up a phone and say "What, what, what, what" not once but numerous times. Thanks goodness it was a free book as I would have felt even more disappointed.
January 13, 2019
Humor and Twists
I loved Cindy Blackburn’s Cue Ball Mysteries, so figured I’d give her new series a try. Cassie Baxter, a 40-something college professor, has moved in with her father, Bobby, in a rambling Victorian on a lake in a tiny Vermont town. When Bobby wakes her before dawn one morning, as he is in the habit of doing, Cassie, in a huff, refuses his offer of waffles, and still in her pajamas, takes off in a kayak for a paddle around the lake.
In one of the coves she sees a canoe with a redheaded woman... a dead redheaded woman!
Needless to say, Cassie is quite flustered. But when she reports the body, and the sheriff finally shows up to investigate, the dead woman is nowhere to be found!
Cassie won’t let this mystery go, despite (or perhaps egged on by) everyone thinking she’s nuts.
Meanwhile, she has to deal with a slew of oddball characters, from the neighbor on one side—a mad scientist type with a crush on her—to the neighbor on the other side—a librarian and journalist, who is always listening in on conversations and snapping unflattering photos with her i-tablet, to the neighbor across the lake with the goats who are always running away... and that’s just a start.
The plot has lots of good twists, and Cassie and Co. are entertaining, but I found Cassie a bit irritating in her eagerness to pin blame without evidence. I also found it hard to believe how much information the Vermont State Police officer was willing to share with Cassie. Still, it was an entertaining cozy.
If you’re willing to suspend disbelief, and overcome the main character’s somewhat irritating personality, it’s a fun read. (But the Cue Ball series is better.)
I loved Cindy Blackburn’s Cue Ball Mysteries, so figured I’d give her new series a try. Cassie Baxter, a 40-something college professor, has moved in with her father, Bobby, in a rambling Victorian on a lake in a tiny Vermont town. When Bobby wakes her before dawn one morning, as he is in the habit of doing, Cassie, in a huff, refuses his offer of waffles, and still in her pajamas, takes off in a kayak for a paddle around the lake.
In one of the coves she sees a canoe with a redheaded woman... a dead redheaded woman!
Needless to say, Cassie is quite flustered. But when she reports the body, and the sheriff finally shows up to investigate, the dead woman is nowhere to be found!
Cassie won’t let this mystery go, despite (or perhaps egged on by) everyone thinking she’s nuts.
Meanwhile, she has to deal with a slew of oddball characters, from the neighbor on one side—a mad scientist type with a crush on her—to the neighbor on the other side—a librarian and journalist, who is always listening in on conversations and snapping unflattering photos with her i-tablet, to the neighbor across the lake with the goats who are always running away... and that’s just a start.
The plot has lots of good twists, and Cassie and Co. are entertaining, but I found Cassie a bit irritating in her eagerness to pin blame without evidence. I also found it hard to believe how much information the Vermont State Police officer was willing to share with Cassie. Still, it was an entertaining cozy.
If you’re willing to suspend disbelief, and overcome the main character’s somewhat irritating personality, it’s a fun read. (But the Cue Ball series is better.)
April 17, 2023
I liked this author’s Cue Ball series well enough to look for more of her books. Given this book’s average rating here on GR, I expected it to be just as entertaining as the Cue Ball books, but that was not the case. If I hadn’t needed to fill a U spot in several of my challenges, I would have DNFd this book before the end of the first chapter.
I’ll admit that the Prologue made me chuckle, but it’s written in such a style that should have given me pause right from the start. It was unbelievable that the entire town cared more about the MC being out and about (on a secluded lake, at 5:00am) in her pajamas than the fact that she discovered a body while out in her kayak. It was unbelievable how so many characters had the annoying habit of saying everything not twice, but three times – “What, what, what?” “Why, why, why” “Who, who, who?” The book would probably have been 25% shorter if these repetitions had been eliminated. It was unbelievable how many times someone said “Spare me” – there have to be other ways to express the same sentiment! It was unbelievable how intrusive Cassie’s father was (and the rest of the town, for that matter), and at the same time, how Cassie thought her curiosity alone gave her the right to question anyone about anything at any time.
The best part of the book was the dogs, Charlie and Miss Rusty. They made me smile more than once, especially Miss Rusty. Fortunately, most of the law enforcement personnel were competent and diligent about their jobs, which resulted in the correct culprit being identified. I was happy to see that – and the end of the book. I do not plan to continue the series, even though all of the titles begin with U. I’ll find other U books for my challenge spots instead.
I’ll admit that the Prologue made me chuckle, but it’s written in such a style that should have given me pause right from the start. It was unbelievable that the entire town cared more about the MC being out and about (on a secluded lake, at 5:00am) in her pajamas than the fact that she discovered a body while out in her kayak. It was unbelievable how so many characters had the annoying habit of saying everything not twice, but three times – “What, what, what?” “Why, why, why” “Who, who, who?” The book would probably have been 25% shorter if these repetitions had been eliminated. It was unbelievable how many times someone said “Spare me” – there have to be other ways to express the same sentiment! It was unbelievable how intrusive Cassie’s father was (and the rest of the town, for that matter), and at the same time, how Cassie thought her curiosity alone gave her the right to question anyone about anything at any time.
The best part of the book was the dogs, Charlie and Miss Rusty. They made me smile more than once, especially Miss Rusty. Fortunately, most of the law enforcement personnel were competent and diligent about their jobs, which resulted in the correct culprit being identified. I was happy to see that – and the end of the book. I do not plan to continue the series, even though all of the titles begin with U. I’ll find other U books for my challenge spots instead.
August 2, 2018
The premise sounded interesting and I love books with "mature" (40+) main characters, so I expected to like this book, but unfortunately it disappointed me. I got so tired of Cassie repeating everything in triplicate--"What, what, what?" "No, no, no." "Why, why, why?" etc.--that I wanted to throw the book across the room. Since it was on my kindle I managed to restrain myself, but I definitely will not be trying another book in this series.
August 13, 2019
The silliness did not override the well plotted mystery. I do wish Cassie had backed off a couple of time talking in the confusing every-body-knows-what-I-mean manner like the locals. I felt the she was expressing her frustration, not making fun of them but when she used the same pattern with the sheriff who is not local, she went too far. I assume that she also went through her real thought process with him. I did enjoy those locals who have their own way of looking at things.
August 12, 2017
What do you get with murder comes to a small town in Vermont?
Cassie has no hope for this summer living with her dad in the small town in Vermont. But things get exciting when she finds a body floating on the Lake. Imagine her surprise when the body then disappears before anyone can see it. Cute story and a fun read
Cassie has no hope for this summer living with her dad in the small town in Vermont. But things get exciting when she finds a body floating on the Lake. Imagine her surprise when the body then disappears before anyone can see it. Cute story and a fun read
February 10, 2019
A fantastic and delightful read
I've had this book for awhile but hadn't gotten around to reading it. Having a lazy Saturday, I decided to give this a read and an so glad I did. Quirky characters, quirky writing, but such a funny, fantastic read. Give it a go; you won't be disappointed.
I've had this book for awhile but hadn't gotten around to reading it. Having a lazy Saturday, I decided to give this a read and an so glad I did. Quirky characters, quirky writing, but such a funny, fantastic read. Give it a go; you won't be disappointed.
December 29, 2021
For real...laugh out loud
First time reading this author. But not the last. Some books say laugh out loud funny but are not. But this book was written to keep your attention until the end. Loved characters and just everything about the story. Will be reading the rest of series and any more written by this author. Thanks for brightening my day.
First time reading this author. But not the last. Some books say laugh out loud funny but are not. But this book was written to keep your attention until the end. Loved characters and just everything about the story. Will be reading the rest of series and any more written by this author. Thanks for brightening my day.
July 23, 2017
This is another fun cozy mystery by the author of the Cue Balls series. It's sort of typical of the genre in some ways, but it's a fun and easy read, and I enjoyed the interaction between the characters.
October 13, 2017
A fun and funny new series
What Fun! Some silliness ensues while murder (s) is being investigated on summer break. Loved the dogs, especially the black Lab! Thank you Ms Blackburn for the entertainment, I'm off to download the next book in this series!
What Fun! Some silliness ensues while murder (s) is being investigated on summer break. Loved the dogs, especially the black Lab! Thank you Ms Blackburn for the entertainment, I'm off to download the next book in this series!
May 21, 2020
Unbelievable
Is a good name for this book. The heroine is in her 40s but act and behave like she 16! I was laughing throughout this whole book and I loved all the animals in this story.
Is a good name for this book. The heroine is in her 40s but act and behave like she 16! I was laughing throughout this whole book and I loved all the animals in this story.
June 8, 2020
This is a good book for a rainy afternoon. The humour was well done, and the story kept my attention. I will keep this author in mind for future reads. I recommend this for people who enjoy a light mystery.
July 31, 2021
Just ok
Seems like a good enough plot, but too…. All over the place. Too much rambling. I had to skim over all the explanations of the syfy cassies dad was writing. Too much talking to herself. Won’t be reading the rest of the series.
Seems like a good enough plot, but too…. All over the place. Too much rambling. I had to skim over all the explanations of the syfy cassies dad was writing. Too much talking to herself. Won’t be reading the rest of the series.
July 15, 2019
Quirky
A quirky humorous cozy set in Vermont with plenty of colorful characters. The one they call Looney is the safest one in the bunch
A quirky humorous cozy set in Vermont with plenty of colorful characters. The one they call Looney is the safest one in the bunch
July 10, 2020
I will continue to binge Cindy Blackburn's Cozy Mysteries until there are none left. They have taken over my life
March 1, 2021
A great Cozy and funny
New author to me and I enjoyed her book. A lakeside town in Vermont has a couple of murders. A college professor has moved back in with her dad, she bumps into a body in a canoe during an early morning kayaking run and the story goes from there. It’s more humorous than romantic and I did laugh out loud - first book in a series. No explicit sex.
New author to me and I enjoyed her book. A lakeside town in Vermont has a couple of murders. A college professor has moved back in with her dad, she bumps into a body in a canoe during an early morning kayaking run and the story goes from there. It’s more humorous than romantic and I did laugh out loud - first book in a series. No explicit sex.
May 6, 2022
Entertaining and engaging
March 2, 2017
I absolutely love and adore Lake Elizabeth, Vermont and it's cast of quirky characters. I couldn't turn pages fast enough and yet, now that I've finished reading, I wish the book had been a bit longer. But I'm happy to know there's a second book already on my Kindle, patiently waiting until I can get back for a visit.
Performing comedy is much harder than it seems. Much harder. But writing comedy? Now that is truly difficult. Almost anybody can write silliness, basing characters and events on stupid and trite stereotypes. Few can write believable characters in humorous situations. Cindy Blackburn has a marvelous gift for characterization, plotting, dialog, and comic creativity. Highly recommended!
Performing comedy is much harder than it seems. Much harder. But writing comedy? Now that is truly difficult. Almost anybody can write silliness, basing characters and events on stupid and trite stereotypes. Few can write believable characters in humorous situations. Cindy Blackburn has a marvelous gift for characterization, plotting, dialog, and comic creativity. Highly recommended!
December 15, 2014
Saving money is one thing, but Cassie discovers that her father gets up early, and wants her to join him for breakfast, and for bingo, and may be doing a bit of matchmaking besides. Her usual escape is to take the kayak out on the lake for some alone time but this one morning that plan backfires when she finds a dead body. Nobody takes her too seriously when she reports it - after all she doesn't have a good explanation for kayaking in the early morning hours in her pajamas. Gabe says he'll look into it, but Cassie can't help but wonder which of her neighbors is a murderer and tries to figure it out for herself.
From the quirky characters to the unusual witnesses (two goats and a dog), UNBELIEVABLE is definitely light, fun reading! But that doesn't mean there aren't mysterious twists and multiple suspects that keep you guessing. It's not easy to predict what's coming next or how all the pieces will fit together. This is a new series and it will be interesting to see what happens with Cassie and Joe and some of the other characters in future books.
I received a copy of the book from the author but that did not affect my rating.
From the quirky characters to the unusual witnesses (two goats and a dog), UNBELIEVABLE is definitely light, fun reading! But that doesn't mean there aren't mysterious twists and multiple suspects that keep you guessing. It's not easy to predict what's coming next or how all the pieces will fit together. This is a new series and it will be interesting to see what happens with Cassie and Joe and some of the other characters in future books.
I received a copy of the book from the author but that did not affect my rating.
January 27, 2024
A cross between Mayberry and Hooterville, Lake Elizabeth is a thoroughly charming and zany little town in Vermont. History professor Cassie Baxter is perpetually exasperated by her science fiction writing father, her neighbors and the wacky inhabitants of the town. When Cassie takes a kayak ride and discovers a body floating in a boat, she’s drawn into solving the mystery…especially when the body disappears, and, in a town of eccentric characters, she becomes labelled “looney tunes". If you want a cozy mystery that ratchets up the wacky, you’ll really enjoy this book.
July 13, 2016
Lots of twists and turns
This was a different kind of mystery with a lot of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I enjoyed this book very much, not as much as The Cue Ball series, but very close. The romance is moving at a slow pace which I prefer, I'm sure it will pick up through out the series. I borrowed this book from the Amazon lending library and I feel it was a great choice. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery readers.
This was a different kind of mystery with a lot of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I enjoyed this book very much, not as much as The Cue Ball series, but very close. The romance is moving at a slow pace which I prefer, I'm sure it will pick up through out the series. I borrowed this book from the Amazon lending library and I feel it was a great choice. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery readers.
October 19, 2016
Life is a little quiet at lake Bess until Cassie finds a dead women in a canoe. Then things get a bit mysterious when the body goes missing.
Life is a little quiet at lake Bess until Cassie finds a dead woman in a canoe.That's when things take a different turn as the body and the canoe go missing.Was there even a woman?
Life is a little quiet at lake Bess until Cassie finds a dead woman in a canoe.That's when things take a different turn as the body and the canoe go missing.Was there even a woman?
January 28, 2017
The book was well written and had great characters thrown in as well. Her dad is something else, along with the whole town. I think too much was made of the bumbling deputies but it held a certain charm too. I'm not a fan of romance in the late years but that's me, I just would've liked to have known before I started the book, that's all.
February 22, 2015
Unbelievable review
Unbelievable is an incredibly funny book written by author Cindy Blackburn. It's about Cassie Baxter, her father, friends, and residents of a quirky Vermont town. Very entertaining!
Unbelievable is an incredibly funny book written by author Cindy Blackburn. It's about Cassie Baxter, her father, friends, and residents of a quirky Vermont town. Very entertaining!
January 4, 2015
Great
I loved this book. Totally a book for laughter and for getting away from daily life. Can't wait to rejoin this cast of characters. Kind like family already
I loved this book. Totally a book for laughter and for getting away from daily life. Can't wait to rejoin this cast of characters. Kind like family already
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews