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The Sisters, Texas #1
Chicken Scratch
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00TYV10GY
When Madison Reynolds finds herself widowed and penniless before forty, she does the only thing she knows to do – she packs up her teenage twins and moves back home with her eighty-year-old grandmother. Life in The Sisters, Texas has not changed much since she’s been gone, but at least her best friend Genesis is there to soften the transition back into small-town life.
To make ends meet, Madison opens In a Pinch Temporary Services. Her first real client is Ronny Gleason, but when she shows up for the first day of work at the Gleason Poultry Farm, Madison makes a gruesome discovery. The dead body she finds belongs to Mr. Gleason. When a local man is arrested for murder, Madison takes on the job of proving his innocence. Even though she is not a private investigator, both mothers are desperate: Lucy Ngyen to clear her son’s name, and Madison to pay her bills. But as she begins asking questions around town, her interference is not welcome.
With a daughter determined to go back to Dallas, a son settling into small town life, a feisty grandmother who knows all the town gossip, bill collectors calling, and now someone trying to keep her silent, Madison has no time for re-kindling her high school crush with police chief Brash deCordova. She has her hands full just trying to stay alive.
If she survives her amateur investigation, Maddy has a decision to make. Will she go back to her life in Dallas, or will she build a new life here in The Sisters?
Named 2016 Best Mystery Series by Texas Association of Authors.
When Madison Reynolds finds herself widowed and penniless before forty, she does the only thing she knows to do – she packs up her teenage twins and moves back home with her eighty-year-old grandmother. Life in The Sisters, Texas has not changed much since she’s been gone, but at least her best friend Genesis is there to soften the transition back into small-town life.
To make ends meet, Madison opens In a Pinch Temporary Services. Her first real client is Ronny Gleason, but when she shows up for the first day of work at the Gleason Poultry Farm, Madison makes a gruesome discovery. The dead body she finds belongs to Mr. Gleason. When a local man is arrested for murder, Madison takes on the job of proving his innocence. Even though she is not a private investigator, both mothers are desperate: Lucy Ngyen to clear her son’s name, and Madison to pay her bills. But as she begins asking questions around town, her interference is not welcome.
With a daughter determined to go back to Dallas, a son settling into small town life, a feisty grandmother who knows all the town gossip, bill collectors calling, and now someone trying to keep her silent, Madison has no time for re-kindling her high school crush with police chief Brash deCordova. She has her hands full just trying to stay alive.
If she survives her amateur investigation, Maddy has a decision to make. Will she go back to her life in Dallas, or will she build a new life here in The Sisters?
Named 2016 Best Mystery Series by Texas Association of Authors.
316 pages, ebook
First published April 13, 2015
2752 people are currently reading
1759 people want to read
About the author
Becki Willis
44 books541 followersBest-selling indie and hybrid author Becki Willis loves crafting stories with believable characters in believable situations. Many of her stories stem from her own personal experiences. (No worries; she's never actually murdered anyone).
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews
January 16, 2020
I'm tempted to quickly label this as "chick-lit" and dismiss it, but I want to explain. I think "chick-lite" might be even better, as it includes a sense of being light on content as well as the casual ignorance or deliberate error involved in misspelling light.
The mystery is short and straightforward, resolved in a short read without major twists or surprises you couldn't see coming. That's not a bad thing though. I can enjoy a straightforward tale. I appreciate many of the author's themes on the power and strength of friends and family to help you through difficulties; the connected feeling of life in a small town where everyone knows each others' business; the ability to make positive change in our lives through work and effort.
I don't like the superficial "chick" presentation which focuses on the fashion choices of the characters, gossip at the spa while having nails done or springing for a new hairstyle, or gushing over all the random hunky men. The hard, masculine detective stories with their focus on guns, cars, fighting and raves over beautiful women can be a bit tiresome as well, so this I attribute to mere genre preference.
What really bothered me about the story is this: if you want to engage me, hire an editor! Spell-check is not an adequate final pass before publication. I found "white houses with black shudders,"
"putting the petal to the floor, " "ingenuous pocket doors" and "unchartered" in the course of my quick and casual reading. "A blimp on the radar," showed up as well, which could have been intentional given the context, but from the unsubtle nature of the humorous wordplay elsewhere it seems likely to have been an error.
Attention to detail is something you often don't notice if it's there, but sticks out like a sore thumb when it's lacking. If you know what a chignon is but don't understand why I called out "unchartered," you might enjoy this book. For me, I can get by just fine without any further stories from The Sisters, Texas.
The mystery is short and straightforward, resolved in a short read without major twists or surprises you couldn't see coming. That's not a bad thing though. I can enjoy a straightforward tale. I appreciate many of the author's themes on the power and strength of friends and family to help you through difficulties; the connected feeling of life in a small town where everyone knows each others' business; the ability to make positive change in our lives through work and effort.
I don't like the superficial "chick" presentation which focuses on the fashion choices of the characters, gossip at the spa while having nails done or springing for a new hairstyle, or gushing over all the random hunky men. The hard, masculine detective stories with their focus on guns, cars, fighting and raves over beautiful women can be a bit tiresome as well, so this I attribute to mere genre preference.
What really bothered me about the story is this: if you want to engage me, hire an editor! Spell-check is not an adequate final pass before publication. I found "white houses with black shudders,"
"putting the petal to the floor, " "ingenuous pocket doors" and "unchartered" in the course of my quick and casual reading. "A blimp on the radar," showed up as well, which could have been intentional given the context, but from the unsubtle nature of the humorous wordplay elsewhere it seems likely to have been an error.
Attention to detail is something you often don't notice if it's there, but sticks out like a sore thumb when it's lacking. If you know what a chignon is but don't understand why I called out "unchartered," you might enjoy this book. For me, I can get by just fine without any further stories from The Sisters, Texas.
August 23, 2018
Read some of the reviews and although I agreed with most of them, I had to think "Did these people REALLY read this book?" Did they not notice that Chapter Nineteen started "With a warped sense of dith a , Madison called 911..."? I still haven't figured out what the sentence was meant to read. Did they overlook the fact that Madison asks Eddie "So did you kill Eddie?" One of the biggest faux pas's, interchanging characters. And, there were more, but I am not going to proof read the book for the writer. Perhaps other readers overlook these errors, but I do not. I hate that I have to feel like an English teacher or critic rather than just a reader.
And to top it all, at the end when Madison gets out of the incinerator and runs to Genny, who has just arrived, and Cutter arrives and then Brash, the only one who comes to and comforts Madison is Genny. What happened to good ole Brash? It would appear that he doesn't give two hoots and a holler for Madison. And later, at the house when her friends and family were gathered around her, where was the elusive Brash?
Most likely he will come into play in the next book. You don't start a love connection and then just leave it hanging, which Ms. Willis did, making this one a cliff-hanger, which I abhor, so I doubt I will read any more of this series, as they most likely will all wind up to be cliff- hangers. And that is a shame, because I stayed up till 2:30 in the morning as I was so immersed in the book and would never have been able to sleep until I knew how it ended.
And to top it all, at the end when Madison gets out of the incinerator and runs to Genny, who has just arrived, and Cutter arrives and then Brash, the only one who comes to and comforts Madison is Genny. What happened to good ole Brash? It would appear that he doesn't give two hoots and a holler for Madison. And later, at the house when her friends and family were gathered around her, where was the elusive Brash?
Most likely he will come into play in the next book. You don't start a love connection and then just leave it hanging, which Ms. Willis did, making this one a cliff-hanger, which I abhor, so I doubt I will read any more of this series, as they most likely will all wind up to be cliff- hangers. And that is a shame, because I stayed up till 2:30 in the morning as I was so immersed in the book and would never have been able to sleep until I knew how it ended.
May 4, 2016
I am new to Becki Willis but I already love her writing. Chicken Scratch has something special that the best light mystery writers bring to us. The characters are great and are well developed, there were no stereotypes, and I found my self wanting to know most of them. I could related to so much about the town. It feels more like a small west Texas town based on my experience but I have not problem believing that this unique set of sister towns could be near many places that I know. The plot was excellent with reasonable clues but no giveaway. I can't wait to read the second book, which I am glad to see it out! Hurray!
I have placed it in my Cozy Mystery etc because that includes light mystery and small town mysteries but I did not count it towards my cozy mystery challenge.
I have placed it in my Cozy Mystery etc because that includes light mystery and small town mysteries but I did not count it towards my cozy mystery challenge.
February 20, 2025
This was simply not for me! The vivid descriptions of the chicken houses were particularly distressing. Having rescued ex-caged hens myself, it breaks my heart to reflect on the suffering these poor creatures endure during their short lives.
However, the cruelty doesn't end there; the book also exposes us to other forms of animal suffering. There’s a scene where one of the main characters runs over a dog. Additionally, the mentions of cockfighting, despite being illegal, are presented so casually that it feels as if this barbaric practice is just accepted as part of life.
Furthermore, the portrayal of the townspeople, who are described as nice but casually racist, did not sit well with me at all.
If you manage to push through the heavy emotions evoked by these depictions, the mystery itself unfolds at a painfully slow pace. By the time the truth about the killer is finally revealed, I found myself so disengaged that I no longer cared about the outcome. While the book is quite fast-paced, it focuses more on the main character's crush and family dynamics than on the mystery itself.
However, the cruelty doesn't end there; the book also exposes us to other forms of animal suffering. There’s a scene where one of the main characters runs over a dog. Additionally, the mentions of cockfighting, despite being illegal, are presented so casually that it feels as if this barbaric practice is just accepted as part of life.
Furthermore, the portrayal of the townspeople, who are described as nice but casually racist, did not sit well with me at all.
If you manage to push through the heavy emotions evoked by these depictions, the mystery itself unfolds at a painfully slow pace. By the time the truth about the killer is finally revealed, I found myself so disengaged that I no longer cared about the outcome. While the book is quite fast-paced, it focuses more on the main character's crush and family dynamics than on the mystery itself.
March 22, 2015
I enjoyed this book immensely! Great characters, interesting topic (I thought chicken houses were little wooden coops), convincing plot, and a good mystery.
When Madison Reynolds loses everything (her husband, her home, their business, her friends) she goes back home to Juliet, one half of the community of The Sisters. To make a living for herself and her teenage twins, she opens a temporary agency. (I'm guessing this will lead to more adventures in the future!) Her first job is at a commercial chicken house, and on the first day of work she finds a dead body -- the man who hired her.
Another chicken farmer is accused of killing him, so his mother hires Madison to find out the truth. She gets her best friend Genesis to help her on one of her 'missions', which results in a race through a dark pasture, chased by a man with a gun, dogs, and angry goats.
After several brushes with death, Madison knows she's getting close to finding the real killer. The ending had me holding my breath, wondering how she would escape a terrible fate.
There is a hint of romance with her former crush, now chief of police Brash deCordova. I'm hoping we'll see more of this relationship in future books. I would also like to see Genny get a story of her own.
Another fun character is Granny Bert, Madison's eighty year old grandmother who is full of energy and spunk. The whole community is filled with interesting characters and prospective future story lines.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and left me wanting to read more!
Excellent!
When Madison Reynolds loses everything (her husband, her home, their business, her friends) she goes back home to Juliet, one half of the community of The Sisters. To make a living for herself and her teenage twins, she opens a temporary agency. (I'm guessing this will lead to more adventures in the future!) Her first job is at a commercial chicken house, and on the first day of work she finds a dead body -- the man who hired her.
Another chicken farmer is accused of killing him, so his mother hires Madison to find out the truth. She gets her best friend Genesis to help her on one of her 'missions', which results in a race through a dark pasture, chased by a man with a gun, dogs, and angry goats.
After several brushes with death, Madison knows she's getting close to finding the real killer. The ending had me holding my breath, wondering how she would escape a terrible fate.
There is a hint of romance with her former crush, now chief of police Brash deCordova. I'm hoping we'll see more of this relationship in future books. I would also like to see Genny get a story of her own.
Another fun character is Granny Bert, Madison's eighty year old grandmother who is full of energy and spunk. The whole community is filled with interesting characters and prospective future story lines.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and left me wanting to read more!
Excellent!
March 21, 2021
Becki Willis is a great writer. I just got done reading Chicken Scratch #1 of the series The Sisters Texas Mystery. Madison Reynolds has a lot on her plate of life, first her husband dies, then she finds out there is no so she packs up everything and went back home to Sisters,Texas. This will have you in the books grip until you can't stand it anymore. Finding a dead body is one thing now she has to find away to do some snooping to help out a mother who says her boy didn't do it. She has to find the real killer before she herself winds up roasted to death.
June 20, 2019
You know a book is going to be good when it starts off:
"Finding a dead body was never good. Finding the dead body of your newest client - particularly on the first day of the job - was decidedly worse."
Welcome to The Sisters, Texas. Where rumors run rampant, small town bias is still alive, but where you will find some of the nicest people...well most of them anyway unless they are a killer! Madison's daughter, Bethanie, sums it up quite nicely:
"This is Juliet, the most boring town in the state of Texas. Of course, there were more rumors. It is, after all, the favorite pastime of rednecks near and far."
This story has so much going for it - small Texas town, dysfunctional/quirky characters, a killer on the loose, old loves, close friends, and family. I quickly grew to like Madison and her best friend Genesis. They have the kind of relationship that everyone should have, a best friend that will go to the ends of the earth for you...and maybe even jail should you get caught doing something a little crazy! Considering everything Madison has gone through, that friendship is one of the things that holds her together as she puts her life back together with her children. Madison has flaws but I see great potential for growth in her character over the rest of the series.
The mystery was well written and I was quite surprised when the killer was revealed because I don't think there were any (or very few) clues to point us in this character's direction. I have to say I will never look at a chicken quite the same way and learned things about raising chickens that I never knew. Considering Madison's job is running a sort of temp agency, I think she realizes that perhaps this isn't the sort of career she wants to pursue full time.
There is the beginning of a potential relationship between Maddy and her crush from high school, Brash. There are some assumptions on Maddy's part regarding Brash which throw her for a loop until correct information is provided to her.
I also appreciated the history regarding the two towns and how they came to be in existence. There was enough history to visualize and understand, but not so much that it detracted from the basic plot line.
There are a few things that I am predicting for the next book and eagerly await finding out if I am right or wrong. We give this book 4 paws up and if you are looking for a cozy series, definitely check this one out.
"Finding a dead body was never good. Finding the dead body of your newest client - particularly on the first day of the job - was decidedly worse."
Welcome to The Sisters, Texas. Where rumors run rampant, small town bias is still alive, but where you will find some of the nicest people...well most of them anyway unless they are a killer! Madison's daughter, Bethanie, sums it up quite nicely:
"This is Juliet, the most boring town in the state of Texas. Of course, there were more rumors. It is, after all, the favorite pastime of rednecks near and far."
This story has so much going for it - small Texas town, dysfunctional/quirky characters, a killer on the loose, old loves, close friends, and family. I quickly grew to like Madison and her best friend Genesis. They have the kind of relationship that everyone should have, a best friend that will go to the ends of the earth for you...and maybe even jail should you get caught doing something a little crazy! Considering everything Madison has gone through, that friendship is one of the things that holds her together as she puts her life back together with her children. Madison has flaws but I see great potential for growth in her character over the rest of the series.
The mystery was well written and I was quite surprised when the killer was revealed because I don't think there were any (or very few) clues to point us in this character's direction. I have to say I will never look at a chicken quite the same way and learned things about raising chickens that I never knew. Considering Madison's job is running a sort of temp agency, I think she realizes that perhaps this isn't the sort of career she wants to pursue full time.
There is the beginning of a potential relationship between Maddy and her crush from high school, Brash. There are some assumptions on Maddy's part regarding Brash which throw her for a loop until correct information is provided to her.
I also appreciated the history regarding the two towns and how they came to be in existence. There was enough history to visualize and understand, but not so much that it detracted from the basic plot line.
There are a few things that I am predicting for the next book and eagerly await finding out if I am right or wrong. We give this book 4 paws up and if you are looking for a cozy series, definitely check this one out.
December 17, 2019
Just didn’t like the characters’ lack of some sort of concern not only for chickens but a dog that gets run over. Author doesn’t seem to understand that dogs can get up and run and then die of internal injuries. I have an advanced degree in animal studies from the authors alma mater including courses in poultry sciences. Some information is true but with the amount of time spent talking chickens I wish there had been a bit more investment in research. The scenario at the end is not a likely choice someone would make without being drugged based on psychological aspects of that manner of death. Otherwise a fairly interesting plot that is easy to follow. Characters seem to be at development one would expect from a cozy mystery. Wish I could be more positive about this book. Had hoped for more based on location and personal history living in Brazos area. Won’t continue with the series. If the blasé attitude towards animals doesn’t bother you it may be a decent little read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2016
Can you go home again Madison Reynolds finds out in a cozy mystery book? It is the first book in the series. She has no choice but to return to Sisters, Texas after the death of her husband. She moves in her her Granny Bert along with her teenage children. Madison takes a job of daily walking a chicken farm. The first day on the job, she finds the owner dead in one of the buildings.
Her next job is to prove that the party arrested for the killing is innocent. Her questions are not well received and she is threatened.
The town is quaint and unique and the information on how chickens are prepared for the market is interesting. The characters are developed and there is her Best Friend, Genesis, the police chief, Brash, a fireman, Cutter. Romance in the background and a hint of something unusual in Madison's past. I recommend this book.
Her next job is to prove that the party arrested for the killing is innocent. Her questions are not well received and she is threatened.
The town is quaint and unique and the information on how chickens are prepared for the market is interesting. The characters are developed and there is her Best Friend, Genesis, the police chief, Brash, a fireman, Cutter. Romance in the background and a hint of something unusual in Madison's past. I recommend this book.
December 29, 2020
Not for the Animal Lover
There was probably a good story someplace in the words of this book. Unfortunately it laid hidden in the description of non- free range chicken farming and the world of cock fighting. But still I was turned off when the male lead hit a dog with his car. It was an unnecessary event and just something that made me dislike the book and author even more.
In regards to the story itself I struggled with having a heroine who couldn’t find a job or start a business but was able to do detective work and MacGuyver her way out of bad situations. Not to mention only requiring 1 day off after a very traumatic episode. I don’t think this is a series of stories for me.
There was probably a good story someplace in the words of this book. Unfortunately it laid hidden in the description of non- free range chicken farming and the world of cock fighting. But still I was turned off when the male lead hit a dog with his car. It was an unnecessary event and just something that made me dislike the book and author even more.
In regards to the story itself I struggled with having a heroine who couldn’t find a job or start a business but was able to do detective work and MacGuyver her way out of bad situations. Not to mention only requiring 1 day off after a very traumatic episode. I don’t think this is a series of stories for me.
September 21, 2015
I think this book was great! I loved Maddy and her family.The Sisters seems like a very interesting place to live. I loved the job Maddy has doing all the odd jobs no one else wants to do. Genny is a great friend too! I am really looking forward to more books about Maddy and Brash.
June 24, 2015
I received this (signed!) book as part of GoodReads First Reads program.
I really liked it. It was a quick, enjoyable read. I'd read another book from this series in a heart beat.
I really liked it. It was a quick, enjoyable read. I'd read another book from this series in a heart beat.
October 8, 2019
5 Stars
Chicken Scratch is the first book in The Sister, Texas Mystery series by Becki Willis. It is such a great cosy mystery- and also my introduction to Ms. Willis’ work. I really enjoyed this story, it was such a fun read- well woven, with a fantastic plot, a great pace, interesting and quirky characters, well-developed suspense, originality, lively action and antics, and witty humour.
Madison Reynolds returns to her hometown after losing everything. Her husband. Their business. Her home. Her friends. And her savings. She had nowhere else to turn, so she packed up her twins and moved in with her 80 year old grandmother- till she can get back on her feet. She decides to start a temp business- doing whatever she needs to pay the bills. Her first real job involves working at a poultry farm, not her ideal choice of work- but beggars can’t be choosers. Her first day was going quite well- till she discovers a dead body. The body of the man who hired her. And so, this story begins. When it’s discovered that the man had been murdered, an arrest is made. But then Madison gets an unexpected call from the accused man’s mother, pleading with Madison to investigate the murder and clear her sons name. Maddy knows she’s no PI, but she can’t afford to be turning away paying jobs- so she agrees. What happens when someone seems to have it out for Maddy? Is she getting too close to the truth? With several dangerous situations that threaten her life- Maddy will need to put the pieces together and figure it all out, before it’s too late. Who killed the chicken farmer and why? All these answers and other intriguing details can be found by reading this fun mystery. So, grab yourself a copy and dive in!
This may be my first read from Ms. Willis- but it certainly won’t be my last! I can’t wait to explore more of her work!
Thank you, Becki Willis!
Chicken Scratch is the first book in The Sister, Texas Mystery series by Becki Willis. It is such a great cosy mystery- and also my introduction to Ms. Willis’ work. I really enjoyed this story, it was such a fun read- well woven, with a fantastic plot, a great pace, interesting and quirky characters, well-developed suspense, originality, lively action and antics, and witty humour.
Madison Reynolds returns to her hometown after losing everything. Her husband. Their business. Her home. Her friends. And her savings. She had nowhere else to turn, so she packed up her twins and moved in with her 80 year old grandmother- till she can get back on her feet. She decides to start a temp business- doing whatever she needs to pay the bills. Her first real job involves working at a poultry farm, not her ideal choice of work- but beggars can’t be choosers. Her first day was going quite well- till she discovers a dead body. The body of the man who hired her. And so, this story begins. When it’s discovered that the man had been murdered, an arrest is made. But then Madison gets an unexpected call from the accused man’s mother, pleading with Madison to investigate the murder and clear her sons name. Maddy knows she’s no PI, but she can’t afford to be turning away paying jobs- so she agrees. What happens when someone seems to have it out for Maddy? Is she getting too close to the truth? With several dangerous situations that threaten her life- Maddy will need to put the pieces together and figure it all out, before it’s too late. Who killed the chicken farmer and why? All these answers and other intriguing details can be found by reading this fun mystery. So, grab yourself a copy and dive in!
This may be my first read from Ms. Willis- but it certainly won’t be my last! I can’t wait to explore more of her work!
Thank you, Becki Willis!
January 28, 2025
DNF at page 110. Not for me.
March 15, 2020
After losing both her husband and her job, Madison Reynolds finds she has little choice but to move back to The Sisters, Texas. To save money, Madison and her two children are living with her Grandmother, Granny Bert.
In an effort to earn some money, Madison opens "In a Pinch Temporary Services" and her first customer is Ronny Gleason. Mr. Gleason owns a chicken farm and wants Madison to tend to the chickens while he is on a fishing trip. Unfortunately, on her first day with the chickens, Madison finds Mr. Gleason in one of the chicken houses...Dead! A neighbor, Don Ngyen, who recently had an argument with Mr. Gleason was arrested for his murder. Then Don's mother hires Madison to prove his innocence.
How did Mr. Gleason die? Who had wanted him dead? Why was he in the chicken house when he was supposed to be fishing? Can Madison figure out what actually happened?
Becki Willis has a great start to this series! The characters are very realistic and you feel as if they have become your friends. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing clear to the end.
In an effort to earn some money, Madison opens "In a Pinch Temporary Services" and her first customer is Ronny Gleason. Mr. Gleason owns a chicken farm and wants Madison to tend to the chickens while he is on a fishing trip. Unfortunately, on her first day with the chickens, Madison finds Mr. Gleason in one of the chicken houses...Dead! A neighbor, Don Ngyen, who recently had an argument with Mr. Gleason was arrested for his murder. Then Don's mother hires Madison to prove his innocence.
How did Mr. Gleason die? Who had wanted him dead? Why was he in the chicken house when he was supposed to be fishing? Can Madison figure out what actually happened?
Becki Willis has a great start to this series! The characters are very realistic and you feel as if they have become your friends. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing clear to the end.
October 22, 2019
Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis is a thrilling mystery romance that you will keep turning page after page to get to the end. Who needs sleep? I have not read any of Becki’s work and I am truly impressed. The plot is superb, the pace just right, the characters are unique and a little quirky and lots of suspense to enjoy this tale to its fullest.
Maddison’s husband left her in a mess and having no choice returned to her hometown and into the arms of her grandmother with her twins in tow. To her surprise she discovers a body on her first day at a new job. Will she continue or has she put not only herself in danger but the rest of her family as well?
This is one of the best stories in this genre I have read this year and I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on the next instalment.
Maddison’s husband left her in a mess and having no choice returned to her hometown and into the arms of her grandmother with her twins in tow. To her surprise she discovers a body on her first day at a new job. Will she continue or has she put not only herself in danger but the rest of her family as well?
This is one of the best stories in this genre I have read this year and I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on the next instalment.
April 12, 2021
Loved it!
Love the characters, and the small town setting. Looking forward to the second book in the series, and finding out more about the late husband.
,
Love the characters, and the small town setting. Looking forward to the second book in the series, and finding out more about the late husband.
,
November 26, 2022
What a great book! Can't wait to read book 2!
November 19, 2020
A received a free electronic copy of this excellent novel from the author Becki Willis. Thank you for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Chicken Scratch of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Newly widowed Madison Reynolds is attempting to come back home to the Sisters, a couple of little Texas towns in the Brazos valley established in the early 1900s and named for the daughters of cotton plantation owner Bertrum Randolph, Naomi, and Juliet. Becki Willis has written several novels involved in The Sisters communities, and this one is a doozie.
Jobs are hard to come by all over, and Madison is attempting to fit into the local economic layout with a temporary services business. She has mild success - these communities together are only sheltering about 2,000 souls - but Madison will only be able to make a living with temporary, fill-in jobs if she is willing to work for the many commercial chicken broiler farms, now the main source of income for the residents of The Sisters. Very smelly, very nasty business, but she is willing to give it a try. And as she walks the chicken houses the first day of Ronnie Gleason's anticipated absence, she finds her chicken farmer dead in the chicken house. Not an easy way to die...
She loves being back with her Granny, who raised her, and her best friend Genesis is another draw to making ago of it in The Sisters though her teen-aged children want desperately to return to life in Dallas. Unfortunately, her deceased husband blew their money gambling and was so deeply in debt that she had to sell everything - home and cars and jewelry - just to break even. Making a living for the three of them in Dallas would be nearly impossible. At least here they have a roof over their heads. And of course, Madison already knows nearly everyone in town.
Reviewed on November 18, 2020, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
Newly widowed Madison Reynolds is attempting to come back home to the Sisters, a couple of little Texas towns in the Brazos valley established in the early 1900s and named for the daughters of cotton plantation owner Bertrum Randolph, Naomi, and Juliet. Becki Willis has written several novels involved in The Sisters communities, and this one is a doozie.
Jobs are hard to come by all over, and Madison is attempting to fit into the local economic layout with a temporary services business. She has mild success - these communities together are only sheltering about 2,000 souls - but Madison will only be able to make a living with temporary, fill-in jobs if she is willing to work for the many commercial chicken broiler farms, now the main source of income for the residents of The Sisters. Very smelly, very nasty business, but she is willing to give it a try. And as she walks the chicken houses the first day of Ronnie Gleason's anticipated absence, she finds her chicken farmer dead in the chicken house. Not an easy way to die...
She loves being back with her Granny, who raised her, and her best friend Genesis is another draw to making ago of it in The Sisters though her teen-aged children want desperately to return to life in Dallas. Unfortunately, her deceased husband blew their money gambling and was so deeply in debt that she had to sell everything - home and cars and jewelry - just to break even. Making a living for the three of them in Dallas would be nearly impossible. At least here they have a roof over their heads. And of course, Madison already knows nearly everyone in town.
Reviewed on November 18, 2020, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
November 8, 2017
Once you are introduced to the Sisters you will want to spend many hours there. Yes, the Sisters are a set of communities connected by family and divided by competition. Each town, Juliet and Naomi, has her own personality reflecting that of the original sister who designed it. While the real sisters are gone, the spirit of competition still thrives here.
We see it among the residents, from chicken farms to sports to women ogling the local hot fireman.
What also thrives is a strong motive to survive and create a better life, especially for Maddy who moves in with her spunky octogenarian grandmother when she becomes the single parent of her teenage twins. Maddy takes on odd jobs. The oddest may be working for a chicken raiser. I will admit that after learning about the conditions and procedures I may be eating less fowl.
The discovery of her employer's decaying body on her first shift is grizzly but sets the scene for how ruthless some people are. In a small town, or two, where secrets are known by many, there are still a couple worth killing over.
This first book sets the stage and introduces people you'll find fascinating.
Maddy finds herself in danger more than once but does whatever it takes to provide for and protect her family.
We see it among the residents, from chicken farms to sports to women ogling the local hot fireman.
What also thrives is a strong motive to survive and create a better life, especially for Maddy who moves in with her spunky octogenarian grandmother when she becomes the single parent of her teenage twins. Maddy takes on odd jobs. The oddest may be working for a chicken raiser. I will admit that after learning about the conditions and procedures I may be eating less fowl.
The discovery of her employer's decaying body on her first shift is grizzly but sets the scene for how ruthless some people are. In a small town, or two, where secrets are known by many, there are still a couple worth killing over.
This first book sets the stage and introduces people you'll find fascinating.
Maddy finds herself in danger more than once but does whatever it takes to provide for and protect her family.
November 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this book about Madison, her twins, and their move back to her childhood small town in Texas. The storyline was interesting, the murder mystery was intriguing, the cast of characters and setting were great. And once we found out "who done it", the villain was winterly someone that you love to hate.
I've downloaded books two and three already, and then getting ready to start Book 2! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to lovers of cozy Mysteries.
I've downloaded books two and three already, and then getting ready to start Book 2! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to lovers of cozy Mysteries.
May 6, 2017
Another new author and another new series, that are available on kindle unlimited for free. Well-developed characters with robust relationships that you can care for. Plenty of mystery and clues to follow, a little romance, and for those who don’t care for gore there is none, but still suspenseful. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2021
Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series
I started out enjoying this book but, it began having adult themes and cursing words which ruined it for me. It is not a clean read and I would not recommend it to anyone. I am deleting the whole series of it.
I started out enjoying this book but, it began having adult themes and cursing words which ruined it for me. It is not a clean read and I would not recommend it to anyone. I am deleting the whole series of it.
June 17, 2015
An enjoyable mystery with a likeable heroine. plenty of twists and turns, a great little read.
June 27, 2018
Chicken Scratch #1 - This is my first book by this author and I was greatly surprised at how well written, well thought out and laced with humor and intrigue; this little gem is packed. The area is near and dear to my heart since I was born in the area. The people, while not as easily identifiable as in a Jeff Abbott novel, are locals I know. The Texas speak is just as if Ms. Willis and I were at the Creamery (TAMU) sharing milk shakes and local gossip. The kinks and knots in the plot made it hard to put down the book, even to get a tea refill. You can't help but like the characters and root for them. The story, filled with life stories, is actually pretty substantial, not fluff, and Ms. W is an entertaining storyteller. 5*
When The Stars Fall #2 - This book is better than Chicken Scratch (#1), which is a good book, too. A lot of suspense, along with developing romances amongst several characters, keeps the reader immersed in this substantial story. Like the first book, the baddie is easily figured out, but the story is well worth reading. There are too many of the well rounded, well developed characters to shout out separately, but they're all interesting, funny, sincere and just plain folk. The Big House becomes a prominent character and helps the family with a huge change to their lives, maybe. Not a cliffhanger, but there's a tease about the future of Big and Madison. 5*
Stipulations and Complications #3 - This is a heavy, suspense filled book full of dark secrets and mysteries with the past and the present colliding and the darkness is felt by all involved. Yet, there's plenty of good and love along with the humor. This intriguing, substantial read is hard to put down with its interesting storylines and well thought out characters. This book is on the level with DeMille, Follette, Grisham and Ludlum. 5*
Home Again: Starting Over #4 - Amen Sister to that comment about Texans and wannabes! This series must be read in order; they keep getting better and better. I love the fact that what happens in the earlier books are just slightly mentioned, instead of being retold. All the characters keep growing and their past and secrets coming to light as the books go on. Multiple storylines in this book and the twists and surprises just keep the reader glued to the pages. I've chain read the first four books and don't have the next two available to me. But I'm diving into book seven, the newly released The Lilac Code. 5*
The Lilac Code #7 - Trouble even finds them outside of Texas! I missed the two books before this one, but it was still an interesting read. I was disappointed with the ending - the gun in her hand was forgotten. But the pages were full of intrigue and suspense, and the characters were intense. Again, there were multiple stories occurring, along with the main story. Current events were featured, which isn't surprising with all that's happened in Texas and other U.S. locations in the past year alone. While not a cliffhanger, there's definitely more books in the future. I chain read five books in three days and never once was bored with this series. 5*
When The Stars Fall #2 - This book is better than Chicken Scratch (#1), which is a good book, too. A lot of suspense, along with developing romances amongst several characters, keeps the reader immersed in this substantial story. Like the first book, the baddie is easily figured out, but the story is well worth reading. There are too many of the well rounded, well developed characters to shout out separately, but they're all interesting, funny, sincere and just plain folk. The Big House becomes a prominent character and helps the family with a huge change to their lives, maybe. Not a cliffhanger, but there's a tease about the future of Big and Madison. 5*
Stipulations and Complications #3 - This is a heavy, suspense filled book full of dark secrets and mysteries with the past and the present colliding and the darkness is felt by all involved. Yet, there's plenty of good and love along with the humor. This intriguing, substantial read is hard to put down with its interesting storylines and well thought out characters. This book is on the level with DeMille, Follette, Grisham and Ludlum. 5*
Home Again: Starting Over #4 - Amen Sister to that comment about Texans and wannabes! This series must be read in order; they keep getting better and better. I love the fact that what happens in the earlier books are just slightly mentioned, instead of being retold. All the characters keep growing and their past and secrets coming to light as the books go on. Multiple storylines in this book and the twists and surprises just keep the reader glued to the pages. I've chain read the first four books and don't have the next two available to me. But I'm diving into book seven, the newly released The Lilac Code. 5*
The Lilac Code #7 - Trouble even finds them outside of Texas! I missed the two books before this one, but it was still an interesting read. I was disappointed with the ending - the gun in her hand was forgotten. But the pages were full of intrigue and suspense, and the characters were intense. Again, there were multiple stories occurring, along with the main story. Current events were featured, which isn't surprising with all that's happened in Texas and other U.S. locations in the past year alone. While not a cliffhanger, there's definitely more books in the future. I chain read five books in three days and never once was bored with this series. 5*
October 13, 2019
Not your ordinary Who Done It
When Madison Reynolds husband died suddenly, her life changed completely. She had to sell her house in Dallas, pay off the debts left by her husband, and move herself and her twin teens to the sisters, twin towns of Juliet and Naomi in Texas. The three of them moved in with her grandmother where she had lived in her own teenage years. They thought life in a small town would be boring and quiet. Boy were they wrong! Madison put out ads and business cards advertising her business of doing odd jobs like pet sitting, house sitting, filing, house sitting, and whatever else she could find. One such job was walking the houses of a chicken farm. That involved walking through 6 barns check for and removing any dead chickens and making sure the water and feed systems and the ventilation and heating systems were working correctly. Things started out well, then she found a body in one of the "houses" as the barns were called. The investigation into the death was lead by the sheriff, a fellow she had a crush on as a teenager, Brash. There were a great many dead ends, miscues, false leads, strange happenings that it seemed they would never find out the truth. Madison became involved in the investigation, but not all went smoothly for her. Every time a new piece of information was found out, some other misinformation or clue would also turn up. Then Madison was attacked. This story, a murder mystery, is wonderfully filled with intrigue, clues and miscues, action, and danger. A very well written and fast paced story it will keep you mesmerized until the very last page. I loved it. I couldn't put it down so I read it right to the end before I could sleep. Masterful writing. I am going to look for more from this author.
When Madison Reynolds husband died suddenly, her life changed completely. She had to sell her house in Dallas, pay off the debts left by her husband, and move herself and her twin teens to the sisters, twin towns of Juliet and Naomi in Texas. The three of them moved in with her grandmother where she had lived in her own teenage years. They thought life in a small town would be boring and quiet. Boy were they wrong! Madison put out ads and business cards advertising her business of doing odd jobs like pet sitting, house sitting, filing, house sitting, and whatever else she could find. One such job was walking the houses of a chicken farm. That involved walking through 6 barns check for and removing any dead chickens and making sure the water and feed systems and the ventilation and heating systems were working correctly. Things started out well, then she found a body in one of the "houses" as the barns were called. The investigation into the death was lead by the sheriff, a fellow she had a crush on as a teenager, Brash. There were a great many dead ends, miscues, false leads, strange happenings that it seemed they would never find out the truth. Madison became involved in the investigation, but not all went smoothly for her. Every time a new piece of information was found out, some other misinformation or clue would also turn up. Then Madison was attacked. This story, a murder mystery, is wonderfully filled with intrigue, clues and miscues, action, and danger. A very well written and fast paced story it will keep you mesmerized until the very last page. I loved it. I couldn't put it down so I read it right to the end before I could sleep. Masterful writing. I am going to look for more from this author.
June 26, 2019
Chicken Scratch by Becki Willis is the first book in The Sisters Texas Series, and what a fabulous beginning it is! Madison (Maddy) Reynolds is back in her hometown of Juliet, Texas (sister city to Naomi, Texas), newly widowed and with her twin teens, Bethani and Blake. Unfortunately, Maddy inherited nothing but debt and heartache, so she opened In a Pinch Temporary Services to make ends meet. No job is obviously too menial or degrading, which is why Maddy finds herself knee deep in chicken poop, maintaining chicken houses for a week. But nowhere in the contract for this job does it say anything about finding a dead body.
What comes next is a delightful cozy mystery full of well-crafted characters and a little restaurant that sounds like the perfect place to grab dessert and a cup of coffee.
Maddy stumbles across the dead body in chapter 1, and she quickly becomes embroiled in a multi-layered mystery that proves quite dangerous, if not downright deadly. And running into her high school crush from 20 years ago, Brash deCordova, adds a new level of complication to Maddy's already complicated life.
The romance level in Chicken Scratch between several characters starts off quite tepid and uncertain, providing just enough intrigue and speculation on how some of these relationships will play out by the end of book 1 and going into book 2. Be prepared to fall in love with so many characters, especially Granny Bert, Genesis Baker, and Cutter Montgomery. I know I'm already head over heels!
What comes next is a delightful cozy mystery full of well-crafted characters and a little restaurant that sounds like the perfect place to grab dessert and a cup of coffee.
Maddy stumbles across the dead body in chapter 1, and she quickly becomes embroiled in a multi-layered mystery that proves quite dangerous, if not downright deadly. And running into her high school crush from 20 years ago, Brash deCordova, adds a new level of complication to Maddy's already complicated life.
The romance level in Chicken Scratch between several characters starts off quite tepid and uncertain, providing just enough intrigue and speculation on how some of these relationships will play out by the end of book 1 and going into book 2. Be prepared to fall in love with so many characters, especially Granny Bert, Genesis Baker, and Cutter Montgomery. I know I'm already head over heels!
October 27, 2019
3.5 stars
When I saw that this was a cozy mystery, I was expecting something similar to "Murder She Wrote" or something as sweet. Within the first 10 pages we learned the gruesome way someone died. BLECH I have never been in, nor will I now ever go into a chicken house. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I want to ever eat chicken after reading the workings of a chicken (slaughter) house. Has anyone ever survived on chocolate alone? I digress...
CHICKEN SCRATCH is the first book in "The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series" and it is a full set up on who Madison is and how she has found herself in the precarious position she is in. Madison ends up back in Juliet, Texas "the most boring town in the state of Texas" to live with her grandmother after a few life events left Madison and her children to fend for themselves in life.
The book has a mystery, some humor, great friends and familiar relationships. Madison and her best friend Genny definitely have a "Laverne and Shirley" vibe to them. "I always envisioned (personal shopping) as being a bit glitzier. I thought when you were a personal shopping, you got to buy things like fur coats and plush furnishings... So far, you've been stuck buying hearing aids supplies and bladder control pads."
There is a lot that goes on in the story and the protagonist certainly finds herself in some interesting, death defying situations. I didn't "bond" with her for some reason but it could be the space I am in.
Not everything is wrapped in a bow at the end, so I'm sure there is more high-jinx to come in the next book.
When I saw that this was a cozy mystery, I was expecting something similar to "Murder She Wrote" or something as sweet. Within the first 10 pages we learned the gruesome way someone died. BLECH I have never been in, nor will I now ever go into a chicken house. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I want to ever eat chicken after reading the workings of a chicken (slaughter) house. Has anyone ever survived on chocolate alone? I digress...
CHICKEN SCRATCH is the first book in "The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series" and it is a full set up on who Madison is and how she has found herself in the precarious position she is in. Madison ends up back in Juliet, Texas "the most boring town in the state of Texas" to live with her grandmother after a few life events left Madison and her children to fend for themselves in life.
The book has a mystery, some humor, great friends and familiar relationships. Madison and her best friend Genny definitely have a "Laverne and Shirley" vibe to them. "I always envisioned (personal shopping) as being a bit glitzier. I thought when you were a personal shopping, you got to buy things like fur coats and plush furnishings... So far, you've been stuck buying hearing aids supplies and bladder control pads."
There is a lot that goes on in the story and the protagonist certainly finds herself in some interesting, death defying situations. I didn't "bond" with her for some reason but it could be the space I am in.
Not everything is wrapped in a bow at the end, so I'm sure there is more high-jinx to come in the next book.
May 19, 2020
Not sure how I found this book on my kindle but I am glad I did. First, let me say I was in absolute awe that this author lives close to where I live. Also, I have friends who know her! Like they know I read why did they not turn me onto this author before? Can I truly call these people friends?
On to the review. We are introduced to Madison who is a single mom who has moved back to her home town (I think we can all relate going back to our hometown), and opened her own business to make ends meet. Yet, what ends up happening is far more than she hoped for. I really liked how the author described the chicken farm and how they sorta worked. I have never been in one before, and after reading this....ya girl is like naw....not gonna happen. Madison comes across as strong and determined especially when she knows that she can find herself in trouble. While trying to make a living, helping solve a murder by clearing someone's name, she does not have time for an old high school crush. Or will she?
There is more to this town than meets the eye and honestly the way the author described this town I felt like I was there. I could see it and imagine it. Also not gonna lie I kind of fangirled when she mentioned Bryan. I literally was like OMG she named my hometown what!!
The author did a great job with all the mystery surrounding this man's death that I honestly had no clue who was behind it until the end. I would not have even thought about this person killing someone. So great job with that!! Murder, coverup, love, money all wrapped up in a West Texas town sounds awesome right!
On to the review. We are introduced to Madison who is a single mom who has moved back to her home town (I think we can all relate going back to our hometown), and opened her own business to make ends meet. Yet, what ends up happening is far more than she hoped for. I really liked how the author described the chicken farm and how they sorta worked. I have never been in one before, and after reading this....ya girl is like naw....not gonna happen. Madison comes across as strong and determined especially when she knows that she can find herself in trouble. While trying to make a living, helping solve a murder by clearing someone's name, she does not have time for an old high school crush. Or will she?
There is more to this town than meets the eye and honestly the way the author described this town I felt like I was there. I could see it and imagine it. Also not gonna lie I kind of fangirled when she mentioned Bryan. I literally was like OMG she named my hometown what!!
The author did a great job with all the mystery surrounding this man's death that I honestly had no clue who was behind it until the end. I would not have even thought about this person killing someone. So great job with that!! Murder, coverup, love, money all wrapped up in a West Texas town sounds awesome right!
September 7, 2020
Chicken Scratch is definitely a page turner! The characters are well developed and very interesting. Madison is struggling to make ends meet after her hubby's sudden death. She and her twins, Blake and Bethani are temporarily living with her grandmother in her small home town in Texas called The Sisters, a place that doesn't even come close to Dallas. Fortunately her best friend Genesis lives there and owns a restaurant. Unfortunately her high school crush lives there, too. Madison starts a business she named In a Pinch Temporary Services and so far all she's done is pick up people's prescriptions and menial tasks. She's hired to walk the houses in a chicken farm while the owner, Mr. Gleason, goes on an alleged fishing trip for one week. To her shock and horror on her very first day she stumble across the body of the chicken farm owner. Some of the descriptions are kind of disgusting and unsettling and I admit to skimming over the parts that described the chicken farm workings. Madison's upset enough about finding Mr. Gleason only to discover her former crush is the police chief! A Vietnamese chicken farming rival is arrested for the murder and his mother begs Madison to help prove his innocence. Maddy's life and the lives of her children, grandmother and best friend are in danger. The story gets more and more exciting but I won't go any further nor will I say anything that would require a spoiler alert because I strongly dislike them. Read this book and find out for yourself.
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