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Killing Spring
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 28, 2026
I like Claudia. She is a good-hearted soul who listens to everyone and has a tendency to be too helpful. This gets her into serious trouble. While her fiancé is at a conference, she meets Harvey in a coffee shop. Afterward, Harvey disappears and yet no one seems concerned except Madge. Harvey has been her grandfather’s best friend. Madge asks Claudia to assist her in checking for Harvey in an abandoned building. They find disturbing clues but they do not find Harvey. From that point on, the trouble escalates. This book contains several harrowing moments and a number of twists I didn’t see coming. Hats off to Ms. Klumpers who knows how to weave a wonderful mystery.
August 27, 2026
There are several draws to this story. First, the setting resembles Galena, Illinois. Secondly, the unique and quirky characters surround the protagonist, Claudia. And third, the author’s wit and style never disappoints.
Plus, there’s the mystery of what happened to old-timer Harvey Kaluza. Not to mention two bodies showing up quite unexpectedly.
Claudia and Ezra were engaged in a previous novel, Winter Watch. They visit Portia for the weekend while Ezra is attending a limnology conference. Yes, limnology! I’d never heard of it. It has to do with the study of aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, and streams. Meanwhile, Claudia freely roams the streets of Portia, meets Harvey in a coffee shop, and then finds herself embroiled in a search to find him.
That leads her from one person to another. Soon, she’s practically friends with everyone in Portia. Except the police and a few shady characters she has to watch out for.
One of those newfound “friends” is Madge, a college student who works at the hotel where Claudia stays. Madge is a hoot—most of the time. Except when she’s in a bad mood. She has a tough exterior, but for good reason.
There’s also Jed, a good-guy hunk but forever fumbling through life with his clumsiness. Lyle, Madge’s grandfather, lives in style up on the hill and is engaged to Heloise. Moose and Melody run one of the shops. Steve runs the coffee shop.
Each character is distinct and full-fledged with a unique voice. Gerta the pet rabbit makes several appearances as well.
However, Claudia’s empathy, compassion, and curiosity don’t always serve her well. For as many times as she helps the cause, she also prompts a setback or gets herself into a pickle.
Since I don't generally read mysteries, sometimes I don’t follow each clue or remember every necessary detail. That’s on me, not the author. I think I had the right to be angry at a few of the characters at certain parts of the story—assuming I was understanding things correctly.
Just when I thought things were winding down, they ramped back up. The mystery continues . . . but eventually comes to a satisfying conclusion. And a wish to spend another day in Galena.
Plus, there’s the mystery of what happened to old-timer Harvey Kaluza. Not to mention two bodies showing up quite unexpectedly.
Claudia and Ezra were engaged in a previous novel, Winter Watch. They visit Portia for the weekend while Ezra is attending a limnology conference. Yes, limnology! I’d never heard of it. It has to do with the study of aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, and streams. Meanwhile, Claudia freely roams the streets of Portia, meets Harvey in a coffee shop, and then finds herself embroiled in a search to find him.
That leads her from one person to another. Soon, she’s practically friends with everyone in Portia. Except the police and a few shady characters she has to watch out for.
One of those newfound “friends” is Madge, a college student who works at the hotel where Claudia stays. Madge is a hoot—most of the time. Except when she’s in a bad mood. She has a tough exterior, but for good reason.
There’s also Jed, a good-guy hunk but forever fumbling through life with his clumsiness. Lyle, Madge’s grandfather, lives in style up on the hill and is engaged to Heloise. Moose and Melody run one of the shops. Steve runs the coffee shop.
Each character is distinct and full-fledged with a unique voice. Gerta the pet rabbit makes several appearances as well.
However, Claudia’s empathy, compassion, and curiosity don’t always serve her well. For as many times as she helps the cause, she also prompts a setback or gets herself into a pickle.
Since I don't generally read mysteries, sometimes I don’t follow each clue or remember every necessary detail. That’s on me, not the author. I think I had the right to be angry at a few of the characters at certain parts of the story—assuming I was understanding things correctly.
Just when I thought things were winding down, they ramped back up. The mystery continues . . . but eventually comes to a satisfying conclusion. And a wish to spend another day in Galena.
May 29, 2026
I received an early copy of this book and have been wanting to write a review ever since I finished it.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery paired with a bit of romance and Nancy Drew adventure then I believe you will also enjoy this book. With a diverse cast of characters, the story twists about as much as the hilly town it’s located in. While it includes characters from Winter’s Watch, it can stand alone. Overall, it gets 4.5/5 from me.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery paired with a bit of romance and Nancy Drew adventure then I believe you will also enjoy this book. With a diverse cast of characters, the story twists about as much as the hilly town it’s located in. While it includes characters from Winter’s Watch, it can stand alone. Overall, it gets 4.5/5 from me.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews