Deadliest in Show

Creative Woman Mysteries #7

by Christy Barritt

A murder of one of the artist at Apple Grove's, Arts and Craft Show.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

226 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great whodunit with plenty of twists and turns.

[Doreen Marr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all books by Christy Barritt and wanted to read some of her earlier works, before the Squeaky Clean Series. I enjoyed this book, as Shannon and her friends try to solve the mystery of who killed the stained glass artist at the craft fair where Shannon is showing her jewelry. Since this is not the first book in the series (by various authors), I wished I had read the others first as I felt a little behind, but this book can also be read as a stand-alone novel. Sunny has a lot on her plate, including decisions to make in her professional life, and in her personal life, all while trying to solve the murder. It was fun to get to know the group of friends and to try to guess "whodunit." I look forward to reading another book in this series written by the same author, "Murder in Two Acts."

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute series, however it is very predictable...Shannon is in the vicinity of a murder; she "feels" she must look into it; the Police Chief tells he to stay out of it; her friend/boyfriend tells her to stay clear; she doesn't and he has to save her, but she somehow solves the mystery. Just change the setting of the murder and the names of miscellaneous cast and you too could write a book!

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on whether site allows half star ratings). It's closer to a 3 than a 4 for me for those sites where I have to pick a whole number.

I enjoy this series but this one seemed to drag a bit more than usual. I enjoyed the craft show part and that crafts other than the ones Shannon does were featured. Predictably, someone drops dead and Shannon cannot leave the investigation to the police. I'm honestly surprised that she hasn't been arrested for obstruction of justice or tampering with evidence etc. at some point in this series.

I did suspect the character that ended up being the perpetrator but then changed my mind and then changed it back. I'm a little tired of reading suspense/mystery books where the female main character gets into a life or death situation that the love interest needs to rescue her from. Plus that scene is used as the impetus for the main character to realize what's important (in this case, Apple Grove or moving though in most of the novels it's that the characters really love each other--though that may have happened on Michael's side of the equation).

[Kea4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of these have been hit or miss but I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Shannon makes jewelry and gets to showcase her work at a local art fair.

Yes, we get it she’s really good at making her trinkets. It’s said a few too many times. But otherwise, I did like the build-up and the mystery of who killed her fellow artisan. It keeps one guessing.

Sure Shannon almost always gets killed in these books but this was one of the better ones.

https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other Creative Woman Mysteries but really enjoyed this story about Shannon as she works to solve the murder of Sunny. Christy Barritt is a great mystery writer and this story does not disappoint. She keeps you guessing until the very end! This book was a gift from the author for an honest review. These are my true views about this book. You will enjoy!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Shannon is drawn into catching a murder. She has as opportunity to accept another job in another state to get away from the crime-ridden town. Author Barritt draws you into this tangled tale of hate, self-indulgence, and sacrifice.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative Woman Mysteries is a delightfully fun suspense series and you will enjoy this read from Christy Barritt. The characters are smart and witty and the mysteries are quite complex. You'll be drawn into the plot, but be careful not to talk out loud to the characters! :)

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cozy mystery.