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Sibyl Potts #1
A Cereal Killer
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280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
118 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Morgana Best
200 books430 followersUSA Today best-selling author Morgana Best survived a childhood of deadly spiders and venomous snakes in the Australian outback. Morgana Best writes cozy mysteries and enjoys thinking of delightful new ways to murder her victims.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 3, 2015
First of all, why did the main character find it necessary to point out when she was using Australian English (as compared to any other English, I guess)? Not once, but at least 5 times. I know she's Australian, and I understand she's going to narrate in Australian English. And even if I didn't know the words, that's what dictionaries are for. I don't need Sybil to "translate" for me.
Anyway, the mystery was weak and not particularly interesting, the characters were quirky but predictable, and the main character was a bit on the oblivious side. The narrative was clunky (a whole page dedicated to Sybil making oatmeal in a microwave - just riveting), and I just didn't feel any spark to the story.
Anyway, the mystery was weak and not particularly interesting, the characters were quirky but predictable, and the main character was a bit on the oblivious side. The narrative was clunky (a whole page dedicated to Sybil making oatmeal in a microwave - just riveting), and I just didn't feel any spark to the story.
February 9, 2015
This is a perfect representation of a "cozy mystery".
As a cozy mystery, this book was exciting and enjoyable to read. I will look for other books by this author!
As a cozy mystery, this book was exciting and enjoyable to read. I will look for other books by this author!
March 5, 2015
An absorbing read
I love a book that I can get truly lost in, and nothing does that better than a good mystery. From the beginning of the book I was struck by the descriptive narrative that pulled me in without boring me. I could vividly see the scenes and characters in my head. I could also feel Sibyl’s discomfort at everything being thrown at her. From literally walking into a murder scene to trying to adjust to this new town and life.
The author definitely knows the quirks that are only found with a small town and she has artfully worked the character of the rural community into the story. As the story unfolded I found myself laughing at the comical antics performed by Cressida, felt frustrated for Sibyl, confused by officer Blake, and in love with Lord Farringdon and the rest of the crazy cast. As this town and its cast become the new normal for Sibyl she finds she might actually enjoy it here, well besides the fact there’s a murderer at large…
This is a very fun and captivating book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I was able to lose myself in this world, and to me that’s the sign of a good book.
I love a book that I can get truly lost in, and nothing does that better than a good mystery. From the beginning of the book I was struck by the descriptive narrative that pulled me in without boring me. I could vividly see the scenes and characters in my head. I could also feel Sibyl’s discomfort at everything being thrown at her. From literally walking into a murder scene to trying to adjust to this new town and life.
The author definitely knows the quirks that are only found with a small town and she has artfully worked the character of the rural community into the story. As the story unfolded I found myself laughing at the comical antics performed by Cressida, felt frustrated for Sibyl, confused by officer Blake, and in love with Lord Farringdon and the rest of the crazy cast. As this town and its cast become the new normal for Sibyl she finds she might actually enjoy it here, well besides the fact there’s a murderer at large…
This is a very fun and captivating book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I was able to lose myself in this world, and to me that’s the sign of a good book.
July 20, 2015
This was not the most exciting cozy mystery I have ever read, but for the most part it was enjoyable, pleasant, and fun. And, the paranormal aspects added an intriguing touch. I loved the dog quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the idea of a mobile pet grooming business. I just wish we had seen a little more of Sandy, the adorable rambunctious pup that Sibyl acquired part way through the book.
There were certainly plenty of eccentric, quirky characters in the book, but they could have been a little better developed. Perhaps they will be in future books.
One major issue I had with the book was the author’s constant translating of Australian terms into their U.S. counterparts. The terms weren’t that difficult to interpret, and this habit became very annoying after a while.
The mystery was quite light and predictable, but it was fun, too.
There were certainly plenty of eccentric, quirky characters in the book, but they could have been a little better developed. Perhaps they will be in future books.
One major issue I had with the book was the author’s constant translating of Australian terms into their U.S. counterparts. The terms weren’t that difficult to interpret, and this habit became very annoying after a while.
The mystery was quite light and predictable, but it was fun, too.
February 1, 2015
An interesting murder
This murder takes place in the Australian mountains. I never read anything in that particular place before. Most stories I have read about Australia have been about cattle ranches or the coast. I thought it was very interesting and she saw visions warning her about danger, which is something that has happened to me more than once so I know it isn't bogus. I believe anyone who likes mysteries will enjoy this book.
This murder takes place in the Australian mountains. I never read anything in that particular place before. Most stories I have read about Australia have been about cattle ranches or the coast. I thought it was very interesting and she saw visions warning her about danger, which is something that has happened to me more than once so I know it isn't bogus. I believe anyone who likes mysteries will enjoy this book.
March 28, 2015
I so enjoyed this book. It had a great story. Sybil was believable and smart. The whole cast of characters were just plain fun. I hope to read more of this series. This book proved to me that books can be totally enjoyable without the language and sex that seems to be stuck in some mysteries for no apparent reason. Read this book. You won't be sorry.
September 13, 2016
This book tried to be too many things at once: modern gothic, cozy mystery, and chick lit. Add in the info dumps about life in mountainous/rural Australia, weird characters, and stilted dialogue, and you got a not so great reading experience. Finally, get a copy editor stat! I won't read another book in this series or anything by this author.
February 12, 2015
Good
Enjoyed the story and the characters are likeable. Plot was entertaining and kept my interest. Will read next in series
Enjoyed the story and the characters are likeable. Plot was entertaining and kept my interest. Will read next in series
September 1, 2015
I liked it. Sibyl is smart, self-sufficient and learning from her past mistakes. I loved the folks living in the home next door, especially Mr.Buttons who is dealing with some issues of his own. And speaking of dealing, he pulls a Tarot card for everyone every day and who knows what the results of that might be. An interesting mystery and a possible love interest along with some fun characters makes for an enjoyable read.
May 29, 2020
This is a pleasant read with an interesting setting, quirky characters and, whilst I thought one of the perpetrators suspicious, there was not a point where the plot screamed itself out.
And I liked the fact that Morgana Best pointed out at the beginning that this is a book written by an Aussie, set in Australia, and so used Australian English rather than American. To be honest, as a Brit, Aussie English is much easier to read than American.
And I liked the fact that Morgana Best pointed out at the beginning that this is a book written by an Aussie, set in Australia, and so used Australian English rather than American. To be honest, as a Brit, Aussie English is much easier to read than American.
February 12, 2016
What a delightful read. A cozy mystery that takes place in a small Australian town. It has a little "if you could call it "paranormal in it.
A couple characters were eccentric but added character to the story. I loved the local and characters. If you are looking for a cute quick read this one is for you.
A couple characters were eccentric but added character to the story. I loved the local and characters. If you are looking for a cute quick read this one is for you.
June 13, 2015
Very clever.
The main character comes from a long line of family women who have visions of future events. Fortunately for her, she pays attention and it saves her life!
There are marvelously eccentric characters to add to the entertainment and a future romantic possibility.
The solution was not what I expected. It was quite a surprise, but worked perfectly. What nasty people!
The main character comes from a long line of family women who have visions of future events. Fortunately for her, she pays attention and it saves her life!
There are marvelously eccentric characters to add to the entertainment and a future romantic possibility.
The solution was not what I expected. It was quite a surprise, but worked perfectly. What nasty people!
May 24, 2015
A quick read. Not sure if the lead character is American? There were several references to verbiage being different in Australia. Also, found the plot difficult to follow - it seemed muddled in places.
February 5, 2015
Good Mystery
Nice mystery with an unexpected twist at the end. The characters dare eccentric but likable. The mystery was believable. Looking forward to book two.
Nice mystery with an unexpected twist at the end. The characters dare eccentric but likable. The mystery was believable. Looking forward to book two.
February 17, 2015
Quick and easy read--clean murder mystery. Follows pretty basic pattern for the heroine stumbling onto a murder, than solving it.
May 11, 2015
Cute and cozy mystery. Can't wait to jump into the next book of the series!
September 20, 2016
This was one of the cutest cozy I have read. The characters were quirky enough and the story tied everything up at the end. Will read more by this author.
March 12, 2022
The story had potential, but the writing was clunky and repetitive. There were several grammatical errors which pulled me out of the story, and there were multiple times when the author seemed to have forgotten what she had written on the previous page. For example, on one page Sybil is getting a microwave cinnamon bun, and on the next is microwaving oatmeal. Also, as the book is set in Australia, constantly pointing this out while translating the idioms, brands, and temperature, was unnecessary. It's a short book, but needs to be refined before it's worth the time it takes to read it.
October 18, 2017
Okay for a quick read
June 29, 2021
Sybil Potts moves to Little Tatterford to a rental that is rented for her by her ex-husband. Of course, the rental isn’t all it’s made out to be, but the neighbors in the adjacent boarding house make up for it. Soon after her move, one of the boarders is murdered. Sybil can’t help herself and becomes involved and almost becomes the next victim. Fun Read. Oh, and Sybil has a little secret of her own.
January 10, 2021
"Mord vor Zwölf : Sybill Potts ermittelt 1" von Morgana Best
Zum Inhalt:
Trügerische Idylle und ein Mord!
Nach ihrer schmutzigen Scheidung hat Sybil Potts sich in Little Tatterford eigentlich Ruhe erhofft. Wozu sonst zieht man ins australische Outback am Ende der Welt? Doch die Idylle trügt. Schon kurz nach ihrer Ankunft stolpert Sybil in der Pension ihrer Vermieterin über einen Mord.
Und auch sie selbst entkommt nur um Haaresbreite einem Anschlag.
Kurz entschlossen ermittelt Sybil auf eigene Faust. Ganz oben auf der Liste ihrer Verdächtigen stehen der vornehme englische Mr Buttons, der allen Tee und Gurkensandwiches serviert – natürlich mit abgeschnittener Rinde –, und ihre exzentrische Vermieterin Cressida Upthorpe, die angeblich die Gedanken ihres Katers Lord Farringdon lesen kann. Und dann ist da noch Blake Wessley, der attraktive Polizist, der den Fall aufklären soll und mit dem Sybil ständig aneinander gerät. Doch auch er tappt im Dunkeln. Nur wenn sie sich zusammenraufen, können sie den Fall aufklären, bevor ein weiterer
Mord geschieht. Denn der Täter hat es immer noch auf Sybil abgesehen …
Meine Meinung:
Mein erstes Buch von Morgana Best, wobei ich mir tatsächlich nicht sicher bin, ob bisher schon etwas von ihr ins Deutsche übersetzt wurde.
Ich mag den flüssigen und modernen Schreibstil der Autorin sehr.
Sie schreibt anschaulich und mit jeder Menge Humor. Bei dem ein oder anderem Gedankengangs Sybills musste ich tatsächlich laut auflachen.
Da auch noch einmal meinen herzlichen Dank an die Übersetzung! Sie hat einen echt tollen Job gemacht, denn die Geschichte wirkt nicht " unrund " und eckig sondern liest sich angenehm und flüssig.
Die Charaktere sind schon recht facettenreich angelegt und ich kann mir vorstellen das in den weitern Bänden der Reihe noch die ein oder andere charakterliche Überraschung wartet.
Insgesamt hab ich mich wirklich gut unterhalten gefühlt, die Story ist schlüssig, hat mich überrascht und hatte eine angenehme Spannung.
Gern gibt's 5 Sterne und den Hinweis von mir, das ich den 2 Band auch unbedingt lesen muss !!!
Zum Inhalt:
Trügerische Idylle und ein Mord!
Nach ihrer schmutzigen Scheidung hat Sybil Potts sich in Little Tatterford eigentlich Ruhe erhofft. Wozu sonst zieht man ins australische Outback am Ende der Welt? Doch die Idylle trügt. Schon kurz nach ihrer Ankunft stolpert Sybil in der Pension ihrer Vermieterin über einen Mord.
Und auch sie selbst entkommt nur um Haaresbreite einem Anschlag.
Kurz entschlossen ermittelt Sybil auf eigene Faust. Ganz oben auf der Liste ihrer Verdächtigen stehen der vornehme englische Mr Buttons, der allen Tee und Gurkensandwiches serviert – natürlich mit abgeschnittener Rinde –, und ihre exzentrische Vermieterin Cressida Upthorpe, die angeblich die Gedanken ihres Katers Lord Farringdon lesen kann. Und dann ist da noch Blake Wessley, der attraktive Polizist, der den Fall aufklären soll und mit dem Sybil ständig aneinander gerät. Doch auch er tappt im Dunkeln. Nur wenn sie sich zusammenraufen, können sie den Fall aufklären, bevor ein weiterer
Mord geschieht. Denn der Täter hat es immer noch auf Sybil abgesehen …
Meine Meinung:
Mein erstes Buch von Morgana Best, wobei ich mir tatsächlich nicht sicher bin, ob bisher schon etwas von ihr ins Deutsche übersetzt wurde.
Ich mag den flüssigen und modernen Schreibstil der Autorin sehr.
Sie schreibt anschaulich und mit jeder Menge Humor. Bei dem ein oder anderem Gedankengangs Sybills musste ich tatsächlich laut auflachen.
Da auch noch einmal meinen herzlichen Dank an die Übersetzung! Sie hat einen echt tollen Job gemacht, denn die Geschichte wirkt nicht " unrund " und eckig sondern liest sich angenehm und flüssig.
Die Charaktere sind schon recht facettenreich angelegt und ich kann mir vorstellen das in den weitern Bänden der Reihe noch die ein oder andere charakterliche Überraschung wartet.
Insgesamt hab ich mich wirklich gut unterhalten gefühlt, die Story ist schlüssig, hat mich überrascht und hatte eine angenehme Spannung.
Gern gibt's 5 Sterne und den Hinweis von mir, das ich den 2 Band auch unbedingt lesen muss !!!
February 18, 2021
Ein Neustart mit einer Leiche zu Beginn
Eigentlich hatte sich Sybil Potts den Start in ihr neues Leben ein bisschen ruhiger vorgestellt. Kaum im Nirgendwo angekommen, stolpert die junge Frau auch schon über eine Leiche. Und damit nicht genug. Es kehrt keine Ruhe ein und die Bedrohung kommt auch Sybil immer näher. Es bleibt ihr eigentlich nichts Anderes übrig als auf eigene Faust zu ermitteln und die Dinge selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Verdächtige gibt es im Umfeld mehr als genug. Und Hilfe bekommt Sybil in Form des gut aussehenden Polizisten Blake ja auch noch. Aber die Verbindung der beiden läuft erst einmal alles andere als harmonisch. Man könnte auch sagen Sybil nimmt jedes Fettnäpfchen mit. Und aus der Gefahrenzone ist sie immer noch nicht. Wird sich der Fall ohne weitere Opfer aufklären lassen?
Natürlich möchte ich es mir nicht nehmen lassen ein paar eigene Worte zu diesem Buch zu schreiben. Trotz Leiche zu Beginn des Buches hat die Geschichte einen Wohlfühlfaktor. Man kommt sich als Leser vor, als wäre man am anderen Ende der Welt einfach dabei. Sybil ist eine junge taffe Frau, die man einfach lieb haben muss. Naja, und gegen den Kater in der Geschichte kann man auch nichts sagen. Die Geschichte ist sehr flüssig geschrieben und nimmt eine interessante Wendung. Ich kann hier ohne Bedenken 5 Sterne vergeben!
Eigentlich hatte sich Sybil Potts den Start in ihr neues Leben ein bisschen ruhiger vorgestellt. Kaum im Nirgendwo angekommen, stolpert die junge Frau auch schon über eine Leiche. Und damit nicht genug. Es kehrt keine Ruhe ein und die Bedrohung kommt auch Sybil immer näher. Es bleibt ihr eigentlich nichts Anderes übrig als auf eigene Faust zu ermitteln und die Dinge selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Verdächtige gibt es im Umfeld mehr als genug. Und Hilfe bekommt Sybil in Form des gut aussehenden Polizisten Blake ja auch noch. Aber die Verbindung der beiden läuft erst einmal alles andere als harmonisch. Man könnte auch sagen Sybil nimmt jedes Fettnäpfchen mit. Und aus der Gefahrenzone ist sie immer noch nicht. Wird sich der Fall ohne weitere Opfer aufklären lassen?
Natürlich möchte ich es mir nicht nehmen lassen ein paar eigene Worte zu diesem Buch zu schreiben. Trotz Leiche zu Beginn des Buches hat die Geschichte einen Wohlfühlfaktor. Man kommt sich als Leser vor, als wäre man am anderen Ende der Welt einfach dabei. Sybil ist eine junge taffe Frau, die man einfach lieb haben muss. Naja, und gegen den Kater in der Geschichte kann man auch nichts sagen. Die Geschichte ist sehr flüssig geschrieben und nimmt eine interessante Wendung. Ich kann hier ohne Bedenken 5 Sterne vergeben!
March 5, 2015
A Cereal Killer is the first of the Sibyl Potts mysteries, a cozy series set in Little Tatterford, Australia. Awaiting her divorce settlement and wanting a new start in life, Sibyl moves to a small cottage in Little Tatterford. The town is filled with delightfully eccentric characters including Mr Buttons, a charming Englishman obsessed with cleaning, Cressida Upthorpe, her fashion-challenged landlady, and Lord Farringdon, Cressida's spoiled feline advisor. The characters are a joy to read about, and Sybil's acceptance of their quirks is refreshing.
The mystery is light, but with enough twists and red-herrings to keep the story interesting.
A Cereal Killer is a pleasant read, enjoyable for mystery lovers of all ages.
The mystery is light, but with enough twists and red-herrings to keep the story interesting.
A Cereal Killer is a pleasant read, enjoyable for mystery lovers of all ages.
May 18, 2015
I found this to be an interesting story with quirky characters that had great potential. The characters seemed a bit shallow and flat with no real emotions. At times the story seemed a bit disjointed and that I was missing something. As with other reviewers, I found the constant need of the author to explain the differences between phrases used in Australia and the US a bit tedious. In most cases it's obvious what the intended meaning is - if I can't figure it out then I'll look it up. I couldn't help but feel the author thought the reader couldn't figure it out. I'll give the next book a try and decide if I'll continue the series after that.
Read
January 20, 2016I love a great quick cozy mystery that grabs you from beginning to end. Morgana Best is awesome at writing great cozy mysteries and A Cereal Killer is no exception. Sibyl Potts is newly divorced and still recovering from the ordeal of being married to a narcissistic cheater. Morgana moves to a small country town in rural NSW where she yearns to live a quiet life grooming pets and relaxing in her small cottage she rents, but thats not meant to be from the second she arrives Morgana is hurled into a murder mystery that could have extra deadly results for her. Funny, Quirky and captivating the characters and the storyline keeps the reader wanting more.
July 14, 2015
This was an interesting read. I enjoyed it, although it is very different reading stories set in Australia as I really have very little frame of reference for Australia. All in all, a good read, and an interesting plot. I am curious about the next in the series, to see how the outcome of this one affects her financial status of her divorce... Also, to see how she will get along with the local sheriff...
February 6, 2015
Got this on Kindle Unlimited one night. I felt like this book needed proof reading before being published and the story was beyond lame and the plot had lots of BIG holes. The sighing idiot butler made things worse. Also, the protagonist claims her ex husband to be super rich and then claims that she worked to put him through school? huh?
April 2, 2015
This was a really quick read. As much as I liked a lot of the characters, I really did not care for the main character, Sibyl. Can't really put my finger on it I just didn't like her. I also didn't like the writing. I think I expected better by someone who has written as many novels as she has. Would I read another by this author, maybe.
October 2, 2017
Not bad for a cozy with paranormal undertones
I'm not a big cozy fan, but I loved this title.
Sibyl Potts, recently divorced, moved to Little Tarrington for peace and quiet and to launch her pet grooming business. As soon as she arrived at her rented cottage, she was confronted with a death. Was it natural causes or murder?
12
I'm not a big cozy fan, but I loved this title.
Sibyl Potts, recently divorced, moved to Little Tarrington for peace and quiet and to launch her pet grooming business. As soon as she arrived at her rented cottage, she was confronted with a death. Was it natural causes or murder?
12
September 7, 2015
A very interesting plot. Once getting settled into her new home, the heroine of the story finds herself suspect of a murder. It seems to be up to her to prove her innocence as the small town police seem to see evidence that would implicate her.
I found it to be a well written story that held my attention from the very beginning.
I found it to be a well written story that held my attention from the very beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews