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Handle With Scare
Queenie’s dad is being framed. At least, that’s the only explanation that makes sense to his family. The evidence is all there. He was working a handyman job at one of the creepier houses in town, found its occupant murdered, and just as he was about to call for help, the cops arrived to take him in for questioning—as the prime suspect in the murder.
Queenie isn’t keen on getting involved in another murder investigation, but she’d do anything to prove her father’s innocence.
When clues start showing up at Queenie’s place of work, she’s wary, to say the least. First of all, she can’t figure out who’s leaving the cryptic clues on the shipments of pickle jars. Secondly, it’s unclear if the clues are meant to help her father or entrap her.
But Queenie might just have to risk her own safety to clear her dad’s name.
Seeing as it’s the week before Halloween, and creepy happenings are going on all around Brine, she’ll have to follow the advice of the pickle boxes that local teens have been vandalizing and handle with scare.
Queenie isn’t keen on getting involved in another murder investigation, but she’d do anything to prove her father’s innocence.
When clues start showing up at Queenie’s place of work, she’s wary, to say the least. First of all, she can’t figure out who’s leaving the cryptic clues on the shipments of pickle jars. Secondly, it’s unclear if the clues are meant to help her father or entrap her.
But Queenie might just have to risk her own safety to clear her dad’s name.
Seeing as it’s the week before Halloween, and creepy happenings are going on all around Brine, she’ll have to follow the advice of the pickle boxes that local teens have been vandalizing and handle with scare.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2025
15 people want to read
About the author
Eryn Scott
75 books472 followersEryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 30, 2025
Welcome to Brine, Washington, where you meet the residents of this quirky, pickle-themed, tiny town. The main character, Queenie Beane and her black feline companion are fun to meet, not to mention her unique family. And who is this Pickle Prince?
When Queenie’s dad is suspected of murder, she knows she must find the real culprit, given the lack of interest by local law enforcement.
This book is perfect for the Halloween season, considering it includes a murder victim, a movie in a cemetery, the black cat, spiders in their webs, and the local Slasher Game. Who is the mystery person on the town app that Queenie developed? Who is responsible for missing yard items? And how do mysterious clues written on delivery boxes, as well as a Pickleball tournament, fit into the investigation? This is a must-read to find out all the answers!
This is the second book in the series but can be a stand-alone. I cannot wait for the next installment. Another enjoyable book by Ms. Scott. The story was well written, easy to read, and held my interest. I most definitely recommend this book.
When Queenie’s dad is suspected of murder, she knows she must find the real culprit, given the lack of interest by local law enforcement.
This book is perfect for the Halloween season, considering it includes a murder victim, a movie in a cemetery, the black cat, spiders in their webs, and the local Slasher Game. Who is the mystery person on the town app that Queenie developed? Who is responsible for missing yard items? And how do mysterious clues written on delivery boxes, as well as a Pickleball tournament, fit into the investigation? This is a must-read to find out all the answers!
This is the second book in the series but can be a stand-alone. I cannot wait for the next installment. Another enjoyable book by Ms. Scott. The story was well written, easy to read, and held my interest. I most definitely recommend this book.
October 27, 2025
5 Star Review Handle With Scare (A Black Cat Investigation Mystery #2) By Eryn Scott
Queenie Beane’s father is in trouble and it is up to her to find the truth. From chapter one I was drawn into the story that the author wove.
This is an entertaining, cozy mystery that was well written with characters you cannot help but become invested in.
The intrigue and suspense kept me invested from the first to the last paragraph.
There were some surprises in Handle With Scare as Queenie follows the clues.
Queenie Beane’s father is in trouble and it is up to her to find the truth. From chapter one I was drawn into the story that the author wove.
This is an entertaining, cozy mystery that was well written with characters you cannot help but become invested in.
The intrigue and suspense kept me invested from the first to the last paragraph.
There were some surprises in Handle With Scare as Queenie follows the clues.
November 5, 2025
A howling good read!
Halloween in Brine is quite the experience. I think the whole idea of the Brine Slasher sounds like crazy good fun! Interesting and enlightening developments in the enigma that is Mercer Printz. What better place to hold a Pickleball tournament than in a town whose identity revolves around pickles. That’s just genius! All fun aside Queenie is once again caught up in an investigation this time it’s extremely personal as her poor sweet dad is being framed. Lots of twists and surprises in the course of this investigation make for a wonderful read. Never would have guessed at the identity of the culprit. Absolutely had a blast reading about Halloween in Brine and eager to see what is next for the town and its colorful inhabitants!
Halloween in Brine is quite the experience. I think the whole idea of the Brine Slasher sounds like crazy good fun! Interesting and enlightening developments in the enigma that is Mercer Printz. What better place to hold a Pickleball tournament than in a town whose identity revolves around pickles. That’s just genius! All fun aside Queenie is once again caught up in an investigation this time it’s extremely personal as her poor sweet dad is being framed. Lots of twists and surprises in the course of this investigation make for a wonderful read. Never would have guessed at the identity of the culprit. Absolutely had a blast reading about Halloween in Brine and eager to see what is next for the town and its colorful inhabitants!
November 8, 2025
Absolutely loved this book….the mystery, the town, the character progression. It has it all! Thanks Eryn for keeping me so entertained as always!
October 27, 2025
I am loving this small town community, in fact it is making me want to move there, well if there was slightly less murders of course. Not so good if you live there but great if you are reading the book. This is only the second book in the series but the characters already feel like family that you actually want to spend time with. I love the way the community all comes together to celebrate things, even investigate a murder. The app idea is a great way for that to happen, it's entertaining especially the way the author does it.
The story has two stories running. The murder which gets wrapped up nicely but kept me guessing the whole way through. And there is also a side story which continues from book to book which explains the problems Mercer has with his uncle and the real reason he is back in town, the reader learns a little bit more of what is going on with each book and this is why I would recommend reading the books in order. I can't wait for the next book to learn more.
It's Queenie's favourite time of year and being back in her home town she plans to make the most of the Halloween fun but it's not all fun and games. The police are being kept busy by teenage prankster, her co worker is being nice to her and then Queenie gets the call her father has been arrested for murder. Nobody in town really believes he was responsible but he was present around the time of death and the victim made a call to the police pointing the finger at him. Queenie has no choice but find the killer of the most hated man in town. Her co worker Mercer wants to prove to Queenie that he has changed for the better and one way to do that is to help her dad but he has problems of his own that need investigating. Can the two of them work together and find the killer or will Halloween turn into a nightmare?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The story has two stories running. The murder which gets wrapped up nicely but kept me guessing the whole way through. And there is also a side story which continues from book to book which explains the problems Mercer has with his uncle and the real reason he is back in town, the reader learns a little bit more of what is going on with each book and this is why I would recommend reading the books in order. I can't wait for the next book to learn more.
It's Queenie's favourite time of year and being back in her home town she plans to make the most of the Halloween fun but it's not all fun and games. The police are being kept busy by teenage prankster, her co worker is being nice to her and then Queenie gets the call her father has been arrested for murder. Nobody in town really believes he was responsible but he was present around the time of death and the victim made a call to the police pointing the finger at him. Queenie has no choice but find the killer of the most hated man in town. Her co worker Mercer wants to prove to Queenie that he has changed for the better and one way to do that is to help her dad but he has problems of his own that need investigating. Can the two of them work together and find the killer or will Halloween turn into a nightmare?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 1, 2025
As Halloween approaches in Brine, pranks are heating up and the Brine Slasher game is on. So when Queenie’s dad, Dean, is arrested for murder, she thinks it’s a Halloween’s Fool joke at first. The victim, Moe, was maybe the most disliked man in town, and certainly caused a lot of trouble on Queenie’s town app. But who would want to kill him and why frame her dad? As if clearing her dad’s name wasn’t enough, she’s also puzzling over her feelings around former bully turned co-worker, Mercer. Can she trust that he’s really reformed? Is his apology just a check-off on some therapy atonement list, or could they possibly be becoming friends? And then there’s Mystery Guy, DR29. So far he’s proven to be helpful and understanding in their text exchanges, but why is he hiding his identity? Queenie will need to put all those questions on hold when she comes face to face with a killer on Halloween night.
Handle With Scare, the second book in Eryn Scott’s newest series is a delightful Halloween read. We get an atmospheric setting in the quirky town of Brine, strategically placed spider webs for unsuspecting citizens to stumble into, and a cemetery showdown. Not to mention a strong emotional core with Mercer’s redemption arc and plenty of humor throughout. I like the slow unfolding of Mercer’s backstory and my heart ached with the revelations about his mother. Meeting Grady and the Bird Dog regulars was a treat that showed how found family can save us. Ms. Scott has given these characters such depth that they feel true to life. Queenie’s anxiety around both her ex’s behavior and whether she can trust Mercer are so relatable to me. And Mercer’s defense mechanisms ring true for someone recovering from an abusive childhood. The mystery itself was well executed with some great twists and misdirects. I can’t wait to return to Brine in book 3.
Handle With Scare, the second book in Eryn Scott’s newest series is a delightful Halloween read. We get an atmospheric setting in the quirky town of Brine, strategically placed spider webs for unsuspecting citizens to stumble into, and a cemetery showdown. Not to mention a strong emotional core with Mercer’s redemption arc and plenty of humor throughout. I like the slow unfolding of Mercer’s backstory and my heart ached with the revelations about his mother. Meeting Grady and the Bird Dog regulars was a treat that showed how found family can save us. Ms. Scott has given these characters such depth that they feel true to life. Queenie’s anxiety around both her ex’s behavior and whether she can trust Mercer are so relatable to me. And Mercer’s defense mechanisms ring true for someone recovering from an abusive childhood. The mystery itself was well executed with some great twists and misdirects. I can’t wait to return to Brine in book 3.
October 28, 2025
Queenie Beane does it again! Set on Halloween, it is the perfect time for the Black Cats to solve another murder mystery in Brine, this time to clear Dean Beane's name. Again, Eryn Scott enlists plentiful puns to bring humor into an otherwise gruesome tale. From the pickle package prompts to the pickleball play in Halloween costumes, Queenie and her merry band of sleuths work the case. Her best friends can only help from afar. Her online Mystery Man can only help virtually. However, the Dandies get into the case, as well as her new "friend" the Pickle Prince. Nail guns are blasting, slasher attackers are stalking, people are breaking and entering, and Batman is saving the day in the cemetery. Possibly the best part is that we are left hanging on the proverbial cliff! I can't wait for #3. Queenie Beane is like Elsbeth meets "Murder in a Small Town." I love it.
October 31, 2025
This was a really great 2nd instalment to this new small town cosy mystery series! I love that we get more of Mercer’s backstory and really enjoyed the interactions between him and Queenie - can’t wait to see more of that in the next books. And also looking forward to finding out who mystery guy is (I’m suspicious 🤨) , AND double also, I am prayingggg for a Brine and Button crossover at some point. This series has so much potential, how exciting 🖤
I received an advance reader copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance reader copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2025
Handle with Scare is another great cozy mystery from Eryn Scott.
l love the small town of Brine and Queenie and Mercer. this crime hits closer to homework her dad being implicated and the clues being sent to her job. The mystery and clues played out at a good pace and I enjoyed trying to solve it alongside Queenie.
I was hooked from the moment I picked it up and I can't wait for more of the series.
l love the small town of Brine and Queenie and Mercer. this crime hits closer to homework her dad being implicated and the clues being sent to her job. The mystery and clues played out at a good pace and I enjoyed trying to solve it alongside Queenie.
I was hooked from the moment I picked it up and I can't wait for more of the series.
October 26, 2025
Such a great 2nd book in the series! This book continued to develop our main characters beautifully! I love love love Queenie. The way the killer reveals itself in a split second is completely ingenious. I never thought I’d like quirky Brine after loving adorable Button - but I love Brine. It’s the perfect opposite to Button.
November 2, 2025
Lots Going On
This book was so good! Lots going on to keep me glued to the story. I really can’t wait for the next one, I need to know what comes next! I especially enjoyed the family dynamic and the changing relationship between Queenie and Mercer!
This book was so good! Lots going on to keep me glued to the story. I really can’t wait for the next one, I need to know what comes next! I especially enjoyed the family dynamic and the changing relationship between Queenie and Mercer!
October 31, 2025
Things seem to be going well for Queenie as Halloween approaches. Until her dad is accused of murder. It seems it's up to Queenie to find out who really wanted a neighbor gone, but with so many possible suspects, it's a doozy of a case.
I like that there is a recap of book 1 to jog one's memory or if the reader skipped book one. And this book has a map of Brine! I love a map of a town so I can get a better idea of the layout. The chapters have names; I adore that detail. It's those little touches that really solidify why I love Eryn as a writer, aside from her fabulous ability to write amazing stories, of course.
The main story is finding out who murdered a neighbor. And the story is so good. The ending was different than I expected, in a good way, it was unexpected and so clever. I love that these books have endings that aren't the typical culprit. Aside from the main story, there are pieces of Mercer's back story that come to light surrounding his parents. A little more detail about Queenie and her life prior to returning to Brine. And a mystery man. Who is DR29?
I love the quirky characters and the relationships that they have. Queenie has such a solid family that is supportive and kind. She has few friends, but they are fiercely on her side. Brine is a quirky town that they all live in and sounds like such a fun place to visit. And their Halloween tradition sounds both creepy and so fun! Which feels on par for the town.
I loved the suspense of the book and that unexpected ending. Its sprinkled with fun traditions and plenty of quirky yet great characters. The town and characters really come to life while reading. It's such a fun read. I can't wait to read the next one and see how things develop and find out who Mystery man is.
I like that there is a recap of book 1 to jog one's memory or if the reader skipped book one. And this book has a map of Brine! I love a map of a town so I can get a better idea of the layout. The chapters have names; I adore that detail. It's those little touches that really solidify why I love Eryn as a writer, aside from her fabulous ability to write amazing stories, of course.
The main story is finding out who murdered a neighbor. And the story is so good. The ending was different than I expected, in a good way, it was unexpected and so clever. I love that these books have endings that aren't the typical culprit. Aside from the main story, there are pieces of Mercer's back story that come to light surrounding his parents. A little more detail about Queenie and her life prior to returning to Brine. And a mystery man. Who is DR29?
I love the quirky characters and the relationships that they have. Queenie has such a solid family that is supportive and kind. She has few friends, but they are fiercely on her side. Brine is a quirky town that they all live in and sounds like such a fun place to visit. And their Halloween tradition sounds both creepy and so fun! Which feels on par for the town.
I loved the suspense of the book and that unexpected ending. Its sprinkled with fun traditions and plenty of quirky yet great characters. The town and characters really come to life while reading. It's such a fun read. I can't wait to read the next one and see how things develop and find out who Mystery man is.
October 30, 2025
More Brine!!
Do you have authors whom you know will get a 5 star review before you even start their next book? Eryn Scott is one for me. I loved the series starter, and was not disappointed with the 2nd book, which lived up to and maybe exceeded my expectations.
I like that the book begins with a "Previously in Brine" segment, to catch everyone up with what happened in the last book and set you up for this one.
The book had me with a big smile on my face right from the first page.
When Queenie's father finds a man he was doing handywork for, dead in his house, he is arrested for murder. Of course, Queenie knows he is innocent and has been framed, so sets about to prove it.
Definitely read book 1 first, as you'll follow the characters better.
I adore the characters, who are quirky and complex. We get to find out more about Mercer and why he came back to Brine.
The mystery is solid, the story so well written. There's potential romance, humor, and a wonderful setting. Easy to read, hard to put down. I highly recommend it!!!
I'm waiting for Book 3!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Do you have authors whom you know will get a 5 star review before you even start their next book? Eryn Scott is one for me. I loved the series starter, and was not disappointed with the 2nd book, which lived up to and maybe exceeded my expectations.
I like that the book begins with a "Previously in Brine" segment, to catch everyone up with what happened in the last book and set you up for this one.
The book had me with a big smile on my face right from the first page.
When Queenie's father finds a man he was doing handywork for, dead in his house, he is arrested for murder. Of course, Queenie knows he is innocent and has been framed, so sets about to prove it.
Definitely read book 1 first, as you'll follow the characters better.
I adore the characters, who are quirky and complex. We get to find out more about Mercer and why he came back to Brine.
The mystery is solid, the story so well written. There's potential romance, humor, and a wonderful setting. Easy to read, hard to put down. I highly recommend it!!!
I'm waiting for Book 3!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2025
Handle with Scare is the second book in the Black Cat Investigation Mystery series by Eryn Scott.
I really enjoyed the first book Screamish and was so excited to read this next installment.
Queenie is back and its Halloween week, her favorite time of the year.
There is another murder in Brine and the Black Cats are on it.
Can I say how much I love the pickle puns, I mean in a town named Brine how can you not!
I love the enemies to lovers romance with Queenie and the Pickle Prince.
This story has two storylines that are seamlessly executed kept me guessing the whole way.
And that end? EXCUSE ME! I can't wait for the 3rd book in this fun series.
This is a fantastic Halloween read!!!!!
I really enjoyed the first book Screamish and was so excited to read this next installment.
Queenie is back and its Halloween week, her favorite time of the year.
There is another murder in Brine and the Black Cats are on it.
Can I say how much I love the pickle puns, I mean in a town named Brine how can you not!
I love the enemies to lovers romance with Queenie and the Pickle Prince.
This story has two storylines that are seamlessly executed kept me guessing the whole way.
And that end? EXCUSE ME! I can't wait for the 3rd book in this fun series.
This is a fantastic Halloween read!!!!!
November 6, 2025
Queenie is shocked to hear her father is being framed for murder. She and Mason search for clues before he is put away for a crime he didn't commit. The town of Brine has some strange going ons and Queenie decides to participate. Meanwhile Mason has his own personal project and Queenie is just nosy enough to try to figure out what it is. However, due to the sensitive nature, she is respectful. I loved how everything tied together in the end of the story. And a valuable lesson was learned. Don't leave your tools laying about! This can be enjoyed as a standalone and should be read while eating a pickle!
November 20, 2025
Great Cozy Mystery! Eryn Scott is Cozy Mystery Queen!
Slight spoilers below:
I really enjoyed this second addition to the series! Queenie yet again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, this time with her father as the main suspect!
The relationship building between Queenie and Mercer was great. They are slowly opening up to each other, and I am rooting for an enemies to lovers ending in this series!! I know there’s Mystery Guy… but I don’t quite trust him.
Also, that ending! The twists were twisting! Queenie as Batman, hilarious! When Mercer sees her and she is talking to her abs, I laughed out loud!
Can’t wait for the next one!
Slight spoilers below:
I really enjoyed this second addition to the series! Queenie yet again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, this time with her father as the main suspect!
The relationship building between Queenie and Mercer was great. They are slowly opening up to each other, and I am rooting for an enemies to lovers ending in this series!! I know there’s Mystery Guy… but I don’t quite trust him.
Also, that ending! The twists were twisting! Queenie as Batman, hilarious! When Mercer sees her and she is talking to her abs, I laughed out loud!
Can’t wait for the next one!
October 28, 2025
This 2nd book was even better than the first and the books should be read in order to see how the characters really develop over time. Great mystery with plenty of suspects since the victim was hated even more than the Beane family with Dad Beane even being a suspect. Queenie's life becomes very interesting and help comes from surprising places. And we learn much more about Mercer. A hard to put down read. Definitely need the next right away.
November 1, 2025
Thank you to Eryn Scott and team for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another wonderful installment in this spooky cozy series. I love the progression of Queenie and Mercer’s relationship. I wish he would have told her about the tattoo though. My heart breaks for him also but I like how he is opening up a bit more. I am also thinking something might happen between Jaclyn and Kurt. And I thought I knew who DR29 is but I’m questioning myself. I love how we get little snippets of other mysteries while also solving the main murder in the book. Cannot wait for more.
Another wonderful installment in this spooky cozy series. I love the progression of Queenie and Mercer’s relationship. I wish he would have told her about the tattoo though. My heart breaks for him also but I like how he is opening up a bit more. I am also thinking something might happen between Jaclyn and Kurt. And I thought I knew who DR29 is but I’m questioning myself. I love how we get little snippets of other mysteries while also solving the main murder in the book. Cannot wait for more.
November 7, 2025
I can’t get enough of Queenie and the Brine characters. I adore them all. This series is so positive and uplifting. I laugh throughout the book. The mystery is really good and it’s interesting the twists that are taken. I wish I were a writer so I could write a review good enough to explain how good this book and series is.
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