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The Aspen Notch Mysteries #1
Murder in Aspen Notch
Sue and Alan fell in love while solving a murder mystery in No Gifts to Bring. Now newlyweds, they’d decided to relocate to Aspen Notch, a small town in the Poconos, where they could enjoy the mountain vistas and a restful retirement.
Out of the blue, Alan was offered an interim position as chief of police, Aspen Notch’s only cop. Thinking it would be an easy gig in a quiet town, Sue encouraged Alan to accept the job while she focused on the renovations to the home they bought.
They were barely settled before Sue found a dead body, inherited an unruly puppy, and was sent a death threat. Would Sue be able to help Alan solve the crime before the killer made good on the warning?
Murder in Aspen Notch, an engaging whodunit, is the first book of the Aspen Notch Mystery series.
Out of the blue, Alan was offered an interim position as chief of police, Aspen Notch’s only cop. Thinking it would be an easy gig in a quiet town, Sue encouraged Alan to accept the job while she focused on the renovations to the home they bought.
They were barely settled before Sue found a dead body, inherited an unruly puppy, and was sent a death threat. Would Sue be able to help Alan solve the crime before the killer made good on the warning?
Murder in Aspen Notch, an engaging whodunit, is the first book of the Aspen Notch Mystery series.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published October 28, 2025
About the author
Kathleen McKee
33 books88 followersKathleen McKee is a retired educator and registered dietitian who enjoys crafting stories that are uplifting and moving. Regardless of genre, she likes to include a touch of romance and mystery, with narratives that bring the characters to life.
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 19, 2021
A book about a retired couple looking to settle down for the duration of their twilight years was always going to be a bit faded, or bland. But in the end, the book won me over.
There are exciting things that do happen in the story. There is a murder, as mentioned in the title, and an explosion. That's it. It was enough. I thought this particular discovery - a new to me author - deserved 4 stars.
There are weaknesses in the plot armor. One of them is why did the culprit consider the MC a threat? The answers supplied doesn't pass muster. However, the way the book avoided a direct confrontation between the MC and the murderer made for a great resolution.
There are exciting things that do happen in the story. There is a murder, as mentioned in the title, and an explosion. That's it. It was enough. I thought this particular discovery - a new to me author - deserved 4 stars.
There are weaknesses in the plot armor. One of them is why did the culprit consider the MC a threat? The answers supplied doesn't pass muster. However, the way the book avoided a direct confrontation between the MC and the murderer made for a great resolution.
February 14, 2021
Fun story of when retirement doesn't go quite the way you expect. If you appreciate older characters who are not magical, then this is a great one. :)
October 17, 2019
Another winner!
Kathy McKee has written another captivating story of everyday people who find themselves in non-everyday situations. The characters are believable and like real people they are not always as they appear. Read this if you want to spend a few enjoyable hours away from your everyday life!
Kathy McKee has written another captivating story of everyday people who find themselves in non-everyday situations. The characters are believable and like real people they are not always as they appear. Read this if you want to spend a few enjoyable hours away from your everyday life!
July 31, 2020
Just a enjoyable read
January 13, 2021
I am on the second of this series and am enjoying it. The characters are believable and I love the small town atmosphere.
January 6, 2026
Alan and Susan Jaworski are house hunting in Aspen Notch, Pennsylvania. With Alan's house in New York already sold and Susan preparing to sell her home in Chester County in the southeast of the state, the couple eagerly anticipates starting their retirement together in one of the scenic towns in the Pocono Mountains. Little do they know, Alan will soon receive an unexpected job offer—and a Labrador puppy will quickly follow in their future, too.
Scouting for a new home is just the start of the challenges and joys of blending two lives—a widow and a widower beginning a new marriage filled with hopes, memories, and a wealth of emotions. The author brings Aspen Notch to life with vivid details and authentic small-town warmth. I was enchanted by the cozy atmosphere, drawn to the close-knit community, the inviting comfort of local hangouts like Dottie's Café, and the gentle rhythms of daily life. Yet beneath the surface, there is a subtle undercurrent of suspense—just enough to make you wonder whether everyone Alan and Susan meet is as open-hearted and trustworthy as they appear. This blend of coziness and intrigue made for a truly engaging read, keeping me invested in the characters and eager to see how the relationships would unfold.
Reviewer's Notes:
I highly recommend the mystery, but given the crime scene, I do not agree with marketing it as a cozy mystery.
The prequel, "No Gifts to Bring," is equally captivating. From the very first sentence, the vivid depiction of winter driving on a North-South interstate in Pennsylvania drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. The story beautifully weaves together the magic of Christmas, an intriguing mystery, and the heartfelt tale of how Susan Belcroft and Alan Jaworski first met and how their lives became intertwined at the Alpine Holiday Lodge before Christmas.
Scouting for a new home is just the start of the challenges and joys of blending two lives—a widow and a widower beginning a new marriage filled with hopes, memories, and a wealth of emotions. The author brings Aspen Notch to life with vivid details and authentic small-town warmth. I was enchanted by the cozy atmosphere, drawn to the close-knit community, the inviting comfort of local hangouts like Dottie's Café, and the gentle rhythms of daily life. Yet beneath the surface, there is a subtle undercurrent of suspense—just enough to make you wonder whether everyone Alan and Susan meet is as open-hearted and trustworthy as they appear. This blend of coziness and intrigue made for a truly engaging read, keeping me invested in the characters and eager to see how the relationships would unfold.
Reviewer's Notes:
I highly recommend the mystery, but given the crime scene, I do not agree with marketing it as a cozy mystery.
The prequel, "No Gifts to Bring," is equally captivating. From the very first sentence, the vivid depiction of winter driving on a North-South interstate in Pennsylvania drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. The story beautifully weaves together the magic of Christmas, an intriguing mystery, and the heartfelt tale of how Susan Belcroft and Alan Jaworski first met and how their lives became intertwined at the Alpine Holiday Lodge before Christmas.
December 31, 2025
Captivating
I very much enjoyed this adventure. Love when I find a new-to-me author who creates interesting and intriguing characters! This one had several twists and turns that “forced” me to keep reading. I am eager ing headed to turn pages in the Garden!
I very much enjoyed this adventure. Love when I find a new-to-me author who creates interesting and intriguing characters! This one had several twists and turns that “forced” me to keep reading. I am eager ing headed to turn pages in the Garden!
January 2, 2023
An enjoyable v easy read.
I enjoyed this fun read. It was just slightly predictable but still a fun read. I enjoyed the main character, and will continue in the series!
I enjoyed this fun read. It was just slightly predictable but still a fun read. I enjoyed the main character, and will continue in the series!
December 6, 2020
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I enjoyed it very much. The writing was good with enjoyable and likable characters. Will read more of her books and would recommend her books.
December 23, 2024
What a dull book! It was more about the house renovation than the mystery. Also the murderer was someone who wasn’t even in the story. I won’t bother reading the next one.
Read
April 11, 2026"Narrated by Linda Jones, " is a phrase that can make an audiobook irresistible for me, so after viewing the attractive cover and reading the description I didn't need my arm twisted to give it a go.
I immediately realized that there was a prelude to this story which I probably should have read first but I don't feel that this fact lessened my enjoyment any at all.
This is a cozy mystery about a newlywed retired couple who move to a quaint little town and are swept up in a murder investigation while doing extensive renovation on their newly purchased home and adjusting to ownership of a Labrador pup named Sophie. They make some lovely friendships along the way and continue building trust with each other as well. I enjoyed finding a new-to-me author whose writing is very enjoyable and as expected was not disappointed in the narration. I plan to read more of this series because I really like the characters.
I immediately realized that there was a prelude to this story which I probably should have read first but I don't feel that this fact lessened my enjoyment any at all.
This is a cozy mystery about a newlywed retired couple who move to a quaint little town and are swept up in a murder investigation while doing extensive renovation on their newly purchased home and adjusting to ownership of a Labrador pup named Sophie. They make some lovely friendships along the way and continue building trust with each other as well. I enjoyed finding a new-to-me author whose writing is very enjoyable and as expected was not disappointed in the narration. I plan to read more of this series because I really like the characters.
July 6, 2026
Sue and Alan move into Aspen Notch for new life together. Both having lost Spouses under different circumstances. Wanting to move to new home that they selected together sold their former houses and selected home that also included the first home in town.
Alan, Retired New York City Policeman, was asked immediately to become interim Police Chief. Small town with only one policeman no major crimes anticipated. But, soon the local owner of the Pizza / Sandwich Shop is found murdered in his shop by Sue and her new local friend Evelyn.
Thus sets - chain of events that has Sue involved with the police investigation while also wondering about her imagined movement in new home backyard and oldest Log Cabin next door. Sophie, new puppy in their lives provides humor and how she came into their lives so quickly is revealed.
Recommended……. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star
Alan, Retired New York City Policeman, was asked immediately to become interim Police Chief. Small town with only one policeman no major crimes anticipated. But, soon the local owner of the Pizza / Sandwich Shop is found murdered in his shop by Sue and her new local friend Evelyn.
Thus sets - chain of events that has Sue involved with the police investigation while also wondering about her imagined movement in new home backyard and oldest Log Cabin next door. Sophie, new puppy in their lives provides humor and how she came into their lives so quickly is revealed.
Recommended……. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star
July 14, 2026
I finished this book today. It is not Christian based, but it is definitely clean and ranks up there as a great cozy mystery. Here is my review on Goodreads: Although I’m not sure I would give this book a solid five stars I definitely would give it a 4 1/2, maybe even 4 3/4. If you are a cozy mystery fan, and prefer to have a story without all the blood and anxiety, this is the one for you. I can almost like it to the Hannah Swenson series, but it is different in its own way and can stand apart. The author is a little wordy on describing the characters, the settings, pretty much everything. However, I’m a reader that likes to really visualize the story and get to know the people; she accomplishes that and more. Hands-down recommend this book and I am looking forward to starting book two.
April 13, 2022
Pleasant read, likable characters
It’s fun to read a story about characters and situations similar to yourself, and that was the case with this book. Retired and recently married and remodeling a home, I could identify. When I found this book, my kitchen had just been completely removed. No stove or refrigerator or sink, etc. The difficulty in finding new friends in a new place is real to me too. The mystery was believable as were the characters. Altogether a fun book. I will read the others.
It’s fun to read a story about characters and situations similar to yourself, and that was the case with this book. Retired and recently married and remodeling a home, I could identify. When I found this book, my kitchen had just been completely removed. No stove or refrigerator or sink, etc. The difficulty in finding new friends in a new place is real to me too. The mystery was believable as were the characters. Altogether a fun book. I will read the others.
November 17, 2022
Somehow Alan and Sue retiring to a lovely home in the Pocono Mountains and renovating the new home turns into finding a dead body, gaining a new puppy and somehow becoming the target of someone who keeps trying to kill Sue. While they meet some of the lovely people who live in Aspen Notch Alan as interim deputy is working hard to solve the murder and protect his wife. After multiple plot twists and red herrings, they find the killers and they can finally settle down and enjoy their new home.
June 17, 2025
Enjoyable cozy mystery
I very much enjoyed this cozy mystery and didn't guess the murderer. Alan and Sue buy an old house, and he becomes interim police chief. Sue and her new friend Evelyn stop to get hoagies and find the owner murdered. Sue ends up with a lovable 8 month old Lab that the widow of the murder victim didn't want. I hope to read more in the series.
I very much enjoyed this cozy mystery and didn't guess the murderer. Alan and Sue buy an old house, and he becomes interim police chief. Sue and her new friend Evelyn stop to get hoagies and find the owner murdered. Sue ends up with a lovable 8 month old Lab that the widow of the murder victim didn't want. I hope to read more in the series.
August 3, 2025
Aspen Notch 1
This was a new author and mystery series to me. I was not disappointed with the storyline or the authors ability to build upon this great new mystery series. I would highly recommend this book to any kindle unlimited member looking for a new series to follow. I know I'm already waiting for book 2 to come out!!!
This was a new author and mystery series to me. I was not disappointed with the storyline or the authors ability to build upon this great new mystery series. I would highly recommend this book to any kindle unlimited member looking for a new series to follow. I know I'm already waiting for book 2 to come out!!!
February 6, 2026
Very enjoyable mystery series
I love series books and cannot wait to read more of this author’s work. Engaging characters, solid plot development, AND a sweet pup!
I particularly appreciate the lack of typos and grammatical errors which add to my enjoyment. Looking forward to reading about more adventures in Aspen Notch.
I love series books and cannot wait to read more of this author’s work. Engaging characters, solid plot development, AND a sweet pup!
I particularly appreciate the lack of typos and grammatical errors which add to my enjoyment. Looking forward to reading about more adventures in Aspen Notch.
February 21, 2026
Murder in Aspen
A great read...I like the characters and the way this book lets one get the flavor of the town as it will be helpful as the series continues! I loved the puppy Sophie, too! Since I visited the Pocono's slot in my younger days it brought back vivid scenes of the beauty there! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
A great read...I like the characters and the way this book lets one get the flavor of the town as it will be helpful as the series continues! I loved the puppy Sophie, too! Since I visited the Pocono's slot in my younger days it brought back vivid scenes of the beauty there! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
March 29, 2026
A mystery in a Small Town - A Perfect Cozy
I love this series. A retired couple start their life together in a small town, only to find themselves embroiled in a murder. The cast of characters were well developed and the main characters were both interesting and realistic. With strong women characters, this will appeal to all fans of cozy mysteries!
I love this series. A retired couple start their life together in a small town, only to find themselves embroiled in a murder. The cast of characters were well developed and the main characters were both interesting and realistic. With strong women characters, this will appeal to all fans of cozy mysteries!
July 28, 2026
Murder in Aspen Notch by Kathleen McKee
If you love cozy mysteries then you will love this book! It has mysteries,emotions and suspense! It is set in a small town in the mountains. It kept me reading until late at night! I gave it 5 stars because it's just that good!! Give it a try!
If you love cozy mysteries then you will love this book! It has mysteries,emotions and suspense! It is set in a small town in the mountains. It kept me reading until late at night! I gave it 5 stars because it's just that good!! Give it a try!
August 25, 2026
A Great Read!
I have been looking for a series to try and fill the void left by the death of author Dianne Green Muir and her Bellingwood series. Based on a recommendation from one of her followers, I tried this, the first of the series of her Adpen Notch books. Im about to order the second!
I have been looking for a series to try and fill the void left by the death of author Dianne Green Muir and her Bellingwood series. Based on a recommendation from one of her followers, I tried this, the first of the series of her Adpen Notch books. Im about to order the second!
September 20, 2024
love this series
This is a great series for mystery lovers. I plan on reading more. The characters are very believable and make you want to read more. Good plot, kept me guessing.
This is a great series for mystery lovers. I plan on reading more. The characters are very believable and make you want to read more. Good plot, kept me guessing.
September 29, 2025
This has become my new favorite mystery series. Looking forward to reading and enjoying new experiences with Alan and Sue as they make new friends, start a new business, solve new puzzles and settle into their newly renovated home in Aspen Notch
November 9, 2025
Murder in Aspen Notch
Awesome mystery. This has an intriguing plot twist and turns that keeps you turning the page. The characters are friendly, interesting and supportive. I think I've found a new favorite author and mystery to enjoy.
Awesome mystery. This has an intriguing plot twist and turns that keeps you turning the page. The characters are friendly, interesting and supportive. I think I've found a new favorite author and mystery to enjoy.
January 22, 2026
Great
Interesting premise, as well as character development this.was a pleasant read. Did keep me guessing to the end, but the writing wasn't as smooth as I would have liked and the ending was a bit abrupt.
Interesting premise, as well as character development this.was a pleasant read. Did keep me guessing to the end, but the writing wasn't as smooth as I would have liked and the ending was a bit abrupt.
February 19, 2026
Believable Characters
This was a nice story. The characters were believable and I enjoyed the puppy. It was a little long in getting started, but held my interest even up to that point.
This was a nice story. The characters were believable and I enjoyed the puppy. It was a little long in getting started, but held my interest even up to that point.
March 18, 2026
Many stories rolled into one.
I liked it was a more matured voile. Second love. So many peoples lives intertwined over decades. Many questions answered for several characters. Thank you. I will forward to several more books.
I liked it was a more matured voile. Second love. So many peoples lives intertwined over decades. Many questions answered for several characters. Thank you. I will forward to several more books.
May 22, 2026
Great Read
This was a great cozy read. My first boom by this author.
I love cozy mystery books and this none kept my attention. The book was simple and easy to read. Sue is my Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote.
This was a great cozy read. My first boom by this author.
I love cozy mystery books and this none kept my attention. The book was simple and easy to read. Sue is my Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote.
June 26, 2026
Very good story
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that she never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that she never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews