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A 1900s Historical Cozy Murder Mystery: A Warm & Witty Turn-of-the-Century Texas Cozy Mystery
New Year's Day, 1900. A new century. A dead man floating face-down in the McKinney, Texas, courthouse square water tank. And one farmwife who cannot — will not — let a wrong answer stand.
Minnie Mae Harper is sixty years old, armed with a basket of eggs and thirty-five years of reading people, and she is the most dangerous thing in Collin County. When Leroy McMurtry turns up dead on the first morning of the twentieth century, the whole town settles comfortably on the obvious a livery argument, two brothers with a history of fire, and motive stacked three ways. Minnie Mae helps build the case herself. Then a quiet man in a jail doorway says four words that won't leave her alone.
She isn't working alone. She never has been. There's a knitting circle — a boarding house owner, a milliner, a mercantile wife, a doctor's daughter, and her own sister-in-law — who gather in barns and reading rooms with their needles out and their ears open. They don't have badges. They don't need them. They have something a town that underestimates them completely.
Before there was the Only Women's League, there was just a knitting circle, a dead man in a water tank, and one farmwife who couldn't let a wrong answer stand
Tanked is the first book in the OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery Series — warm, witty, and set in the turn-of-the-century Texas town of McKinney, where six very different women are about to discover what they actually are.
The OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery Series is a clean, cozy historical mystery series filled with older (and younger) women sleuths, small-town Texas secrets, frontier-era charm, found-family friendship, amateur investigation, western wit, clever clues, lighthearted humor, cozy danger, and twisty whodunits.
If you like Verity Bright, Beth Byers, Magda Alexander and Tonya Kappes, you'll love this series. You can read each book as a stand-alone mystery. But TANKED will introduce you to many of the characters.
New Year's Day, 1900. A new century. A dead man floating face-down in the McKinney, Texas, courthouse square water tank. And one farmwife who cannot — will not — let a wrong answer stand.
Minnie Mae Harper is sixty years old, armed with a basket of eggs and thirty-five years of reading people, and she is the most dangerous thing in Collin County. When Leroy McMurtry turns up dead on the first morning of the twentieth century, the whole town settles comfortably on the obvious a livery argument, two brothers with a history of fire, and motive stacked three ways. Minnie Mae helps build the case herself. Then a quiet man in a jail doorway says four words that won't leave her alone.
She isn't working alone. She never has been. There's a knitting circle — a boarding house owner, a milliner, a mercantile wife, a doctor's daughter, and her own sister-in-law — who gather in barns and reading rooms with their needles out and their ears open. They don't have badges. They don't need them. They have something a town that underestimates them completely.
Before there was the Only Women's League, there was just a knitting circle, a dead man in a water tank, and one farmwife who couldn't let a wrong answer stand
Tanked is the first book in the OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery Series — warm, witty, and set in the turn-of-the-century Texas town of McKinney, where six very different women are about to discover what they actually are.
The OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery Series is a clean, cozy historical mystery series filled with older (and younger) women sleuths, small-town Texas secrets, frontier-era charm, found-family friendship, amateur investigation, western wit, clever clues, lighthearted humor, cozy danger, and twisty whodunits.
If you like Verity Bright, Beth Byers, Magda Alexander and Tonya Kappes, you'll love this series. You can read each book as a stand-alone mystery. But TANKED will introduce you to many of the characters.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2026
About the author
Bessie Barr
23 books54 followersYou found me! I'm Bessie!
I love reading and writing, particularly with a cup of Lady Grey tea and an orange-glazed scone. This word-loving discovery started as a youngster. Picture this: 8 years old. A quiet corner of a quiet room. Beanbag. Thunderstorm booming. My first mystery. A brother and sister crime-solving duo, attempting to scale the slippery stone walls of an old, spooky estate. I was hooked!
I still love a good cozy mystery. And so, I naturally leaned into this genre as my life pivoted to allow more creativity!
Also, I am a wife to my highschool sweetheart, mom to 3 adult kids, and groveling attendant to 2 entitled cats and a wet-nose-nudging dog. I am blessed to call the beach my home & thankful for the creativity it spurs. Many a plot develops at the rising of the Texas sun over the gulf coast— just saying!
I hope you love Bessie Barr Cozy Mysteries as much as I love writing them!
Find my Facebook Bessie Barr Books for a F•R•E•E novella!
I love reading and writing, particularly with a cup of Lady Grey tea and an orange-glazed scone. This word-loving discovery started as a youngster. Picture this: 8 years old. A quiet corner of a quiet room. Beanbag. Thunderstorm booming. My first mystery. A brother and sister crime-solving duo, attempting to scale the slippery stone walls of an old, spooky estate. I was hooked!
I still love a good cozy mystery. And so, I naturally leaned into this genre as my life pivoted to allow more creativity!
Also, I am a wife to my highschool sweetheart, mom to 3 adult kids, and groveling attendant to 2 entitled cats and a wet-nose-nudging dog. I am blessed to call the beach my home & thankful for the creativity it spurs. Many a plot develops at the rising of the Texas sun over the gulf coast— just saying!
I hope you love Bessie Barr Cozy Mysteries as much as I love writing them!
Find my Facebook Bessie Barr Books for a F•R•E•E novella!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 4, 2026
Good start
I loved the setting. Old West mysteries or stories in general are a favorite of mine. I liked the women who bound together and set out to find the truth. Women getting on with it just like they do every day in every way. It’s half scary how effective they are and half comforting. I liked the diversity of the group nice to see women of different ages pooling their intellects and talents and working together. I will say this the story took the long way round to center if you catch my drift. In other words it’s a bit long for a cozy. Not necessarily a bad thing or a good thing just a my opinion thing. I look forward to seeing what else is in store for the OWL ladies.
I loved the setting. Old West mysteries or stories in general are a favorite of mine. I liked the women who bound together and set out to find the truth. Women getting on with it just like they do every day in every way. It’s half scary how effective they are and half comforting. I liked the diversity of the group nice to see women of different ages pooling their intellects and talents and working together. I will say this the story took the long way round to center if you catch my drift. In other words it’s a bit long for a cozy. Not necessarily a bad thing or a good thing just a my opinion thing. I look forward to seeing what else is in store for the OWL ladies.
July 7, 2026
Tanked is the delightfully charming debut novel in Bessie Barr’s OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery series. Set at the dawn of a new era, this historical cozy mystery introduces readers to a tight-knit community, small-town Texas secrets, and a sharp-eyed group of amateur women sleuths. The story opens on New Year’s Eve, 1899, in the small town of McKinney, Texas. As the townspeople celebrate the turn of the century and look forward to the future, the festive mood is instantly shattered by a bizarre and grim discovery. A trouble-followed man, formerly from Louisiana, is found dead, floating face-down inside the town’s water tank. At the heart of the story is Minnie Mae Harper, a practical, observant farmwife who finds herself drawn directly into the unfolding drama. When the local sheriff starts looking in the wrong direction and asking questions that threaten the innocent, Minnie Mae decides she can’t just sit back and let it happen. She doesn’t investigate alone, however. She is backed by a group that eventually forms the backbone of the series: six distinct local church ladies with sharp minds, quilting needles, and strong opinions. Together, this intergenerational group of older and younger women uses their unique social access, Western wit, and sharp observational skills to catch what the official investigation doesn’t uncover. In a small town in 1900, everyone is connected, and these women know exactly how to untangle the web of local gossip to find the truth.
“Tanked” by Bessie Barr vividly captures the essence of early-1900s Texas, blending historical frontier grit with cozy mystery charm. The setting is so richly described that I could almost feel the crisp Texas weather and hear the whispers of small-town gossip. Minnie Mae and her group of knitting friends (who eventually name themselves the OWL Ladies) are an intriguing bunch, offering a dynamic that is both heartwarming and attention-capturing. Each character brings a unique flair to the sleuthing team, and I found myself rooting for their friendship as much as their detective skills.
Minnie Mae Harper serves as the steady anchor of the group, being relatable, observant, and deeply loyal. The six women have vastly different personalities, ages, and perspectives, but their found-family friendship bonds them together. I feel that the older church ladies, formidable and fiercely opinionated, use their social standing to navigate the town’s grudges, while the younger independent-minded women explore the town’s darker corners and bridge the gap between old-world traditions and the fast-approaching modern era. The intergenerational mix of characters provides a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre. With clever tropes like the motley crew/band of friends and historical frontier realism, each subplot was seamlessly woven into the main narrative and kept me engaged and entertained. Bessie Barr expertly crafted a plot filled with red herrings and surprising twists that kept me turning pages well into the night.
Bessie Barr writes this story with a blend of brevity and complexity, featuring metaphoric and philosophical insights that add plenty of depth. My favorite part of the dialogue and narrative was the use of gnomic aphorisms (those short, wise sayings that pack a massive punch by using deep metaphors). These areas were introspective and reflective, encouraging me to ponder deeper meanings. For example, Bessie Barr writes: “There was a moment near the middle when he said, “Some roads tell a man where he has been more plainly than they tell him where he is going. Wisdom is knowing which one you are reading.” That statement sat down somewhere in Minnie Mae’s chest and did not get back up. She thought of the road into McKinney. The crossed ruts and old marks. Big Jack’s voice beside her. A man doesn’t always mean to leave a story. But he does.”
While Bessie Barr is known to me by her Pelican Shores series, I really enjoy how this installment of her new series has a totally different vibe, different tone, different everything… making it easy to distinguish between the two series. “Tanked” is a clean and intriguing historical whodunit, where, in McKinney, the biggest secrets will float to the surface, leaving no stone – or water tank – unturned. It perfectly celebrates found-family friendship and the sharp intellect of women who refuse to be overlooked. This story will pull you in, hook, line, and sinker.
“Tanked” by Bessie Barr vividly captures the essence of early-1900s Texas, blending historical frontier grit with cozy mystery charm. The setting is so richly described that I could almost feel the crisp Texas weather and hear the whispers of small-town gossip. Minnie Mae and her group of knitting friends (who eventually name themselves the OWL Ladies) are an intriguing bunch, offering a dynamic that is both heartwarming and attention-capturing. Each character brings a unique flair to the sleuthing team, and I found myself rooting for their friendship as much as their detective skills.
Minnie Mae Harper serves as the steady anchor of the group, being relatable, observant, and deeply loyal. The six women have vastly different personalities, ages, and perspectives, but their found-family friendship bonds them together. I feel that the older church ladies, formidable and fiercely opinionated, use their social standing to navigate the town’s grudges, while the younger independent-minded women explore the town’s darker corners and bridge the gap between old-world traditions and the fast-approaching modern era. The intergenerational mix of characters provides a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre. With clever tropes like the motley crew/band of friends and historical frontier realism, each subplot was seamlessly woven into the main narrative and kept me engaged and entertained. Bessie Barr expertly crafted a plot filled with red herrings and surprising twists that kept me turning pages well into the night.
Bessie Barr writes this story with a blend of brevity and complexity, featuring metaphoric and philosophical insights that add plenty of depth. My favorite part of the dialogue and narrative was the use of gnomic aphorisms (those short, wise sayings that pack a massive punch by using deep metaphors). These areas were introspective and reflective, encouraging me to ponder deeper meanings. For example, Bessie Barr writes: “There was a moment near the middle when he said, “Some roads tell a man where he has been more plainly than they tell him where he is going. Wisdom is knowing which one you are reading.” That statement sat down somewhere in Minnie Mae’s chest and did not get back up. She thought of the road into McKinney. The crossed ruts and old marks. Big Jack’s voice beside her. A man doesn’t always mean to leave a story. But he does.”
While Bessie Barr is known to me by her Pelican Shores series, I really enjoy how this installment of her new series has a totally different vibe, different tone, different everything… making it easy to distinguish between the two series. “Tanked” is a clean and intriguing historical whodunit, where, in McKinney, the biggest secrets will float to the surface, leaving no stone – or water tank – unturned. It perfectly celebrates found-family friendship and the sharp intellect of women who refuse to be overlooked. This story will pull you in, hook, line, and sinker.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bessie Barr has done it again.
Tanked, the first book in her new series, OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery.
It's December 31,1899, in McKinney, TX . Locals and out of towners were getting ready for the turn of the century.
Minnie Mae and Big Jack Harper had an extra reason to celebrate. Their 35th wedding anniversary was coming up on January 8th
.
Minnie Mae went to help Opal get ready for the hundreds of people that were going to come through her door wanting to be fed.
Big Jack got comfy in the front room and pulled his hat over his eyes. Cat nap and everyone knew that's what Big Jack did.
A young man, Leroy, was to bunk at Opal's establishment and follow her orders in order to stay. Next to no one spoke up against Opal.
Celebration got on its way, smoking of the hog to the angel eggs, Loretta refused to call them deviled eggs.
The Harper's spent the night at Opal's, and like every morning Minnie Mae rose before Sunrise.
On her walk, she spotted Huck, the town's Mascot, a stray intelligent cat.
Something had the cat's attention in the courthouse square water tank.
As Minnie Mae got closer she could see a man face down in the water.
She went to get Big Jack and he went for the Sheriff Knox.
After a few conversations, Knox went to interview the man who had smoked the hog.
Minnie Mae told him about a argument she and most of the town had witnessed between the dead man and two local brothers.
Knox arrested the loud mouth brother who had argued with the dead man.
Minnie Mae was certain they had the right man. That certainty started to fade the next day.
She, Opal, Tillie, Clara, Beulah and Bettie Jean set out to find the truth before there was a hanging of innocents.
Huck always seemed to be where the action was or where it was about to take place.
Never underestimate a cat's instinct.
Nor the instinct of six intelligent, opinionated women.
I liked this book a lot. Great characters that I am looking forward to seeing what paths they end up on.
Of course I want to see who Huck claims as the right human!
Tanked, the first book in her new series, OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery.
It's December 31,1899, in McKinney, TX . Locals and out of towners were getting ready for the turn of the century.
Minnie Mae and Big Jack Harper had an extra reason to celebrate. Their 35th wedding anniversary was coming up on January 8th
.
Minnie Mae went to help Opal get ready for the hundreds of people that were going to come through her door wanting to be fed.
Big Jack got comfy in the front room and pulled his hat over his eyes. Cat nap and everyone knew that's what Big Jack did.
A young man, Leroy, was to bunk at Opal's establishment and follow her orders in order to stay. Next to no one spoke up against Opal.
Celebration got on its way, smoking of the hog to the angel eggs, Loretta refused to call them deviled eggs.
The Harper's spent the night at Opal's, and like every morning Minnie Mae rose before Sunrise.
On her walk, she spotted Huck, the town's Mascot, a stray intelligent cat.
Something had the cat's attention in the courthouse square water tank.
As Minnie Mae got closer she could see a man face down in the water.
She went to get Big Jack and he went for the Sheriff Knox.
After a few conversations, Knox went to interview the man who had smoked the hog.
Minnie Mae told him about a argument she and most of the town had witnessed between the dead man and two local brothers.
Knox arrested the loud mouth brother who had argued with the dead man.
Minnie Mae was certain they had the right man. That certainty started to fade the next day.
She, Opal, Tillie, Clara, Beulah and Bettie Jean set out to find the truth before there was a hanging of innocents.
Huck always seemed to be where the action was or where it was about to take place.
Never underestimate a cat's instinct.
Nor the instinct of six intelligent, opinionated women.
I liked this book a lot. Great characters that I am looking forward to seeing what paths they end up on.
Of course I want to see who Huck claims as the right human!
July 2, 2026
At first, I wasn't sure, but...
I loved it. New Years Day, turn of the century in McKinney, TX and a man with a past has arrived in town. Not everyone is happy with that turn of events, and the man is found dead. Minnie Mae Harper is a sixty-year-old woman who decides to "help out" the town sheriff by building a case that leads to two men, brothers, who had words with the stranger the night before. But Minnie Mae soon realizes that she was wrong, and with the help of the ladies knitting circle it will be a race against time to prove that the men sitting in jail cells did not, in fact, commit the crime.
I absolutely adore this author and just had to see where this new series would take me. I loved these new characters, all women, some older some younger, and probably smarter than any man of that era would probably prefer. They are all beautifully narrated, compelling, and entertaining. I think this is a must-read cozy mystery set in the year 1900 and it made me laugh out loud, had an interesting twist, a group of lady investigators, and a cat that turns up at the most opportune moments. They call themselves the Only Women League and I am already looking forward to the future antics of these ladies in future books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
I loved it. New Years Day, turn of the century in McKinney, TX and a man with a past has arrived in town. Not everyone is happy with that turn of events, and the man is found dead. Minnie Mae Harper is a sixty-year-old woman who decides to "help out" the town sheriff by building a case that leads to two men, brothers, who had words with the stranger the night before. But Minnie Mae soon realizes that she was wrong, and with the help of the ladies knitting circle it will be a race against time to prove that the men sitting in jail cells did not, in fact, commit the crime.
I absolutely adore this author and just had to see where this new series would take me. I loved these new characters, all women, some older some younger, and probably smarter than any man of that era would probably prefer. They are all beautifully narrated, compelling, and entertaining. I think this is a must-read cozy mystery set in the year 1900 and it made me laugh out loud, had an interesting twist, a group of lady investigators, and a cat that turns up at the most opportune moments. They call themselves the Only Women League and I am already looking forward to the future antics of these ladies in future books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this new series starter and can’t wait to see where it goes! Starting a brand new series is always a bit of an adjustment, and I did find it a little challenging at first to keep all of the side characters straight. There are a lot of people to meet in a short amount of time! I also found myself wishing for a map of the town, especially since I loved having one in the author’s other series. I think it would make it even easier to become immersed in the setting.
The story takes its time getting to the central mystery, so it felt a little slower in the beginning while I waited for “the thing” to happen. That said, once it did, the mystery completely hooked me. I genuinely couldn’t figure out how it could have happened (though I honestly suck at figuring these things out!), and I loved how all the clues came together in the end. My only lingering wish was for a little more insight into the culprit’s motivations and why they became the person they were.
Even with those small critiques, this was a wonderful introduction to a new world and a cast of characters I already want to spend more time with. I’m excited to watch the series grow, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!
The story takes its time getting to the central mystery, so it felt a little slower in the beginning while I waited for “the thing” to happen. That said, once it did, the mystery completely hooked me. I genuinely couldn’t figure out how it could have happened (though I honestly suck at figuring these things out!), and I loved how all the clues came together in the end. My only lingering wish was for a little more insight into the culprit’s motivations and why they became the person they were.
Even with those small critiques, this was a wonderful introduction to a new world and a cast of characters I already want to spend more time with. I’m excited to watch the series grow, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!
July 4, 2026
Tanked was such a fun historical cozy mystery and a refreshing change from the contemporary cozies I usually read. I loved being transported to turn-of-the-century Texas, where the historical details added so much charm without taking away from the mystery.
I really enjoyed the blend of humor and suspense throughout the story. The mystery kept me guessing, and I liked that the clues were revealed at a steady pace, giving me a chance to play detective alongside the characters. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, another twist made me rethink my theory.
The OWL Ladies were definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. Their personalities, friendships, and determination made them an entertaining group to follow, and I found myself smiling at many of their interactions. They brought warmth and heart to the story while never losing sight of solving the case.
By the final chapter, I was completely invested and didn’t want the story to end. This book had the perfect mix of history, mystery, humor, and memorable characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a unique historical setting and plenty of small-town charm, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the blend of humor and suspense throughout the story. The mystery kept me guessing, and I liked that the clues were revealed at a steady pace, giving me a chance to play detective alongside the characters. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, another twist made me rethink my theory.
The OWL Ladies were definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. Their personalities, friendships, and determination made them an entertaining group to follow, and I found myself smiling at many of their interactions. They brought warmth and heart to the story while never losing sight of solving the case.
By the final chapter, I was completely invested and didn’t want the story to end. This book had the perfect mix of history, mystery, humor, and memorable characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a unique historical setting and plenty of small-town charm, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Minnie Mae and her husband Big Jack are coming up on their 35th wedding anniversary shortly after 1900 rolls in. They have agreed on no presents, but each of them have a big surprise for the other.
The town of McKinney has a huge party planned to ring in the New Year. Folks from miles around have brought food to the potluck that is headquartered at the Magnolia Boarding House, run by Minnie Mae's friend Opal. People will fix their plates there and head to other venues to eat.
A young man, fresh from a prison stretch, has come to town, and Opal assumes he will be trouble. She explains her house rules firmly, but doesn't think he'll honor them. He almost immediately gets into a confrontation with the two livery stable owners that is broken up by the sheriff. New Year's morning, he is found drowned in the water trough in front of the stables.
Minnie Mae and her group of women friends work to find the killer.
I loved Huck, the busybody stray cat, and Minnie's horse Thunder.
This is a sweet story that kept me guessing --- I had no idea who the killer was.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The town of McKinney has a huge party planned to ring in the New Year. Folks from miles around have brought food to the potluck that is headquartered at the Magnolia Boarding House, run by Minnie Mae's friend Opal. People will fix their plates there and head to other venues to eat.
A young man, fresh from a prison stretch, has come to town, and Opal assumes he will be trouble. She explains her house rules firmly, but doesn't think he'll honor them. He almost immediately gets into a confrontation with the two livery stable owners that is broken up by the sheriff. New Year's morning, he is found drowned in the water trough in front of the stables.
Minnie Mae and her group of women friends work to find the killer.
I loved Huck, the busybody stray cat, and Minnie's horse Thunder.
This is a sweet story that kept me guessing --- I had no idea who the killer was.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Although I haven't read many Historical Fiction books, this one turned out to be SPLENDID!! It has a cozy slow pace with plenty of author narrations to help you feel "in the time frame".
The pace begins to pick up as the plot thickens, and of course there is a SURPRISE ending!!
Bessie Barr has a FANTASTIC style of introducing this story's diverse characters, multiple scene selections, the camaraderie of the several women, serious & silly antics of the special guest helper (Huck, the town's cat), as well as the men who have strong attitudes & feelings about the guilty person.
Thank you, Bessie, for another SPLENDID READ, and for inviting me to your ARC Team!! I truly enjoyed this first book of your new series!!
🙏 💝 🤗
Leona E...
[This is my Amazon & Goodreads & Booksprout Review].
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pace begins to pick up as the plot thickens, and of course there is a SURPRISE ending!!
Bessie Barr has a FANTASTIC style of introducing this story's diverse characters, multiple scene selections, the camaraderie of the several women, serious & silly antics of the special guest helper (Huck, the town's cat), as well as the men who have strong attitudes & feelings about the guilty person.
Thank you, Bessie, for another SPLENDID READ, and for inviting me to your ARC Team!! I truly enjoyed this first book of your new series!!
🙏 💝 🤗
Leona E...
[This is my Amazon & Goodreads & Booksprout Review].
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
July 2, 2026This story is absolutely priceless. Two people still in love after 5 years and a murder.
The heroine is Minnie Mae. Down-home Texas as it gets. She leads the sheriff astray in a murder investigation and realizes her mistake and needs to somehow guide him back to the correct villain. Problem is, she doesn’t know who that might be. So she enlists the help of the knitting group, all women who live in the background, but see, hear and listen to everything.
The truth is discovered, the sheriff gets his man, and the women decide solving a murder was fun. It’s a riot of subtly stated facts, perfect undercurrents and woman's observations of each other and everyone else.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. Keep ‘em coming!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The heroine is Minnie Mae. Down-home Texas as it gets. She leads the sheriff astray in a murder investigation and realizes her mistake and needs to somehow guide him back to the correct villain. Problem is, she doesn’t know who that might be. So she enlists the help of the knitting group, all women who live in the background, but see, hear and listen to everything.
The truth is discovered, the sheriff gets his man, and the women decide solving a murder was fun. It’s a riot of subtly stated facts, perfect undercurrents and woman's observations of each other and everyone else.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. Keep ‘em coming!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2026
Whether she is writing Pelican Shores cozy mysteries or delving in new cozy mysteries like, Tanked, Bessie Barr knows how to keep her readers entertained! This book cover is absolutely beautiful and the story captivating. Set in the 1900s in McKinney, Texas gave me a historical description of the town and life back then. Minnie is one smart cookie and I love how she is in her 60s and still sassy. The knitting group of ladies are so witty and Minnie's husband adorable. The name Only Women’s League (OWL) is catchy and perfect. The suspect in this story had zero chance of getting away with murder with this group of amatuer sleuthers😆. This group of women are sure to get in trouble and I look forward to the next book in this series. I am excited to read the other books in this new series because I loved this book!
July 28, 2026
This is so not my go-to book... and I loved it! Bessie's dry wit and humour throughout had Minnie-Mae and her five friends coming alive (along with Huck the cat).
A stranger arrives in town — with bad history but an apparent willingness to earn his spot in society. But some of the locals are suspicious and can't help but look down their nose or gossip.
The stranger is found dead in a water tank — murder? Minnie-Mae et al are on the case... or are they chasing red herrings?
There's a lovely story in the background playing out. Minnie-Mae and Big Jack's thirty-fifth wedding anniversary — all in the week after New Year.
So, not my normal go-to type book... but I'll definitely be reading the next one!
A stranger arrives in town — with bad history but an apparent willingness to earn his spot in society. But some of the locals are suspicious and can't help but look down their nose or gossip.
The stranger is found dead in a water tank — murder? Minnie-Mae et al are on the case... or are they chasing red herrings?
There's a lovely story in the background playing out. Minnie-Mae and Big Jack's thirty-fifth wedding anniversary — all in the week after New Year.
So, not my normal go-to type book... but I'll definitely be reading the next one!
July 18, 2026
This was a great start to the new OWL series.
A small Texas town ends the year 1899 with a big celebration. Most people spend the night in town instead of making the long trip home. The next morning the year starts off not with a bang but with a body.
When some of the women in town feel the sheriff made a wrong arrest and then quit looking for the real culprit they start meeting in secret to do their own investigating. This is how the Only Women's League {OWL} was born.
I love this group of women. They felt a wrong had been done and decided to take matters into their own hands to make sure justice was done.
I can't wait to see what happens next with this group of ladies.
A small Texas town ends the year 1899 with a big celebration. Most people spend the night in town instead of making the long trip home. The next morning the year starts off not with a bang but with a body.
When some of the women in town feel the sheriff made a wrong arrest and then quit looking for the real culprit they start meeting in secret to do their own investigating. This is how the Only Women's League {OWL} was born.
I love this group of women. They felt a wrong had been done and decided to take matters into their own hands to make sure justice was done.
I can't wait to see what happens next with this group of ladies.
July 22, 2026
I enjoyed Tanked very much! It's the first book I've read by Bessie Barr, and I'm looking forward to what comes next in this series. The characters are well-written, and I enjoyed getting to know the women both as individual characters as well as in a group. Their unique personalities really stood out, so it was easy to distinguish who was who even though this was the first book in the series. Sometimes it's difficult getting a bunch of characters thrown at you at once, but this wasn't. The small town 1900s Texas setting was charming, so I'm looking forward to more mysteries set there. The mystery was puzzling but not impossible to solve. If you're a fan of small town historical mysteries with fun characters and a lot of charm, give Tanked a read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tanked is an Excellent story and start of a series about Minnie Mae Harper and her husband Big Jack and his Sister Bettie Jean Harper. Someone is found dead in a Tank and Sheriff Knox comes to investigate. Minnie Mae with Bettie Jean and the Ladies of the town start to work together to look into the mystery. But what will the Ladies uncover and can they find the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and look forward to reading the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this story very much and look forward to reading the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2026
This new cozy mystery is so fun! Travel back to 1899 and participate in a New Year's Eve celebration that turns into murder! I love getting to know the characters as they gather their knitting circle to figure out what happened. Minnie Mae sees things that other people don't, and she sees the murderer or murderers.
I love this new series. Cozy mysteries in the 1900s are new to me, and I love reading about the world 100+ years ago.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this new series. Cozy mysteries in the 1900s are new to me, and I love reading about the world 100+ years ago.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Strong formidable female characters.....no nonsense attitudes! Love them.....that's what pioneer stock must have had to be in order to survive the conditions. New Year's Eve they serve several hundred people a pot luck dinner across three venues without any hitches! Jack is very laid back yet strong and caring. The six ladies cleverly work together to solve the murder by piecing together clues with uncanny sense. There are some very touching moments between Minnie Mae and big Jack that might possibly require a box of tissue. An excellent start to the OWL mystery series!
July 1, 2026
This is the first in a series and it was a little hard at first keeping the characters straight but after awhile I was able to learn more about them and really liked the various characters and how they intertwined in the story. Really liked the setting and the strong women portrayed in the story. I really enjoy the author’s writing style also. Just a very enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2026
I was excited to read this, the first book of a new series by Bessie Barr, one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I love her Pelican Shores mysteries, and, to be honest, I love this just as much, if not more! This is unique, with a setting in a small Texas town at the very beginning of the 20th century. The characters are fantastic! This book unfolds at just the right pace so you can get to know the characters and their personalities.
Very highly recommended!
Very highly recommended!
July 1, 2026
This story was a hoot. It combines a historical feel and mystery together in a town where everyone knows everyone. Well except the new kid that moved into town for a fresh start who ends up dead. And the ladies decide to help figure out what happened. It made me laugh and groan and feel like I was in their small town as I tried to put the clued they uncover together too. Enjoyed it and the characters.
Review of advance copy
This was a good book to start a series. I would have liked the side characters to be more clearly defined, because there were so many that I got confused. It was a good read and a little too easy to figure out. I plan to read the other books in the series and hope their characters develop further.
July 2, 2026
A very cozy clean old western style gossipy little town murder. Sitting around knitting sweaters and putting 2 and 2 together.
Horses, straw, and pig roasting. The old fashioned way of bringing in the New Year. But toss a murder in the midst... I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good for young and old alike.
Horses, straw, and pig roasting. The old fashioned way of bringing in the New Year. But toss a murder in the midst... I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good for young and old alike.
July 2, 2026
This was a charming turn of the century mystery. The characters were great and had a depth to them that made me want to meet them. The Harpers were amazing how they were together was just wonderful. The story makes you want for that simpler time when things meant more to people and hard work meant something. Cannot wait to read more.
July 9, 2026
This mystery will move you right into Texas in 1900. Intriguing characters that paint a vivid picture of the time. A storyline that keeps pulling you in as the mystery is being investigated. Wonderful to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2026
I loved the western setting The characters felt like family and friends. Loved the details about life in Texas during this time. A wonderful mystery that kept me turning pages. I enjoyed reading and highly recommend it...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a cozy who done it mystery based in Texas at the turn of the 1900's - a recently released man from jail, turns up in town and we have a murder. The women, with help oof Minnie Mae Harper, make sure that justice is served and the correct person is hung.
July 14, 2026
Gentle historical cozy mystery
An engaging group of people in this small town. While I do usually read contemporary cozy mysteries, this was an enjoyable experience. Thanks to the author for providing a copy which I won in her contest. My review is voluntary.
An engaging group of people in this small town. While I do usually read contemporary cozy mysteries, this was an enjoyable experience. Thanks to the author for providing a copy which I won in her contest. My review is voluntary.
July 10, 2026
A SPLENDID Historical Mystery with a truly SURPRISING end!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2026
Format: Kindle
Although I haven't read many Historical Fiction books, this one turned out to be SPLENDID!! It has a cozy slow pace with plenty of author narrations to help you feel "in the time frame".
The pace begins to pick up as the plot thickens, and of course there is a SURPRISE ending!!
Bessie Barr has a FANTASTIC style of introducing this story's diverse characters, multiple scene selections, the camaraderie of the several women, serious & silly antics of the special guest helper (Huck, the town's cat), as well as the men who have strong attitudes & feelings about the guilty person.
Thank you, Bessie, for another SPLENDID READ, and for inviting me to your ARC Team!! I truly enjoyed this first book of your new series!!
🙏 💝 🤗
Leona E...
[This is my Amazon & Goodreads & Booksprout Review]
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2026
Format: Kindle
Although I haven't read many Historical Fiction books, this one turned out to be SPLENDID!! It has a cozy slow pace with plenty of author narrations to help you feel "in the time frame".
The pace begins to pick up as the plot thickens, and of course there is a SURPRISE ending!!
Bessie Barr has a FANTASTIC style of introducing this story's diverse characters, multiple scene selections, the camaraderie of the several women, serious & silly antics of the special guest helper (Huck, the town's cat), as well as the men who have strong attitudes & feelings about the guilty person.
Thank you, Bessie, for another SPLENDID READ, and for inviting me to your ARC Team!! I truly enjoyed this first book of your new series!!
🙏 💝 🤗
Leona E...
[This is my Amazon & Goodreads & Booksprout Review]
July 5, 2026
This was so different and I am so glad that I found this book. I do like books by this author but this time period was unique to me and it worked really well - looking forward to how it develops.
July 11, 2026
I loved it!!!
June 28, 2026
Bessie Barr has done it again.
Tanked, the first book in her new series, OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery.
It's December 31,1899, in McKinney, TX . Locals and out of towners were getting ready for the turn of the century.
Minnie Mae and Big Jack Harper had an extra reason to celebrate. Their 35th wedding anniversary was coming up on January 8th
.
Minnie Mae went to help Opal get ready for the hundreds of people that were going to come through her door wanting to be fed.
Big Jack got comfy in the front room and pulled his hat over his eyes. Cat nap and everyone knew that's what Big Jack did.
A young man, Leroy, was to bunk at Opal's establishment and follow her orders in order to stay. Next to no one spoke up against Opal.
Celebration got on its way, smoking of the hog to the angel eggs, Loretta refused to call them deviled eggs.
The Harper's spent the night at Opal's, and like every morning Minnie Mae rose before Sunrise.
On her walk, she spotted Huck, the town's Mascot, a stray intelligent cat.
Something had the cat's attention in the courthouse square water tank.
As Minnie Mae got closer she could see a man face down in the water.
She went to get Big Jack and he went for the Sheriff Knox.
After a few conversations, Knox went to interview the man who had smoked the hog.
Minnie Mae told him about a argument she and most of the town had witnessed between the dead man and two local brothers.
Knox arrested the loud mouth brother who had argued with the dead man.
Minnie Mae was certain they had the right man. That certainty started to fade the next day.
She, Opal, Tillie, Clara, Beulah and Bettie Jean set out to find the truth before there was a hanging of innocents.
Huck always seemed to be where the action was or where it was about to take place.
Never underestimate a car's instinct.
Nor the instinct of six intelligent, opinionated women.
I liked this book a lot. Great characters that I am looking forward to seeing what paths they end up on.
Of course I want to see who Huck claims as the right human!
Tanked, the first book in her new series, OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery.
It's December 31,1899, in McKinney, TX . Locals and out of towners were getting ready for the turn of the century.
Minnie Mae and Big Jack Harper had an extra reason to celebrate. Their 35th wedding anniversary was coming up on January 8th
.
Minnie Mae went to help Opal get ready for the hundreds of people that were going to come through her door wanting to be fed.
Big Jack got comfy in the front room and pulled his hat over his eyes. Cat nap and everyone knew that's what Big Jack did.
A young man, Leroy, was to bunk at Opal's establishment and follow her orders in order to stay. Next to no one spoke up against Opal.
Celebration got on its way, smoking of the hog to the angel eggs, Loretta refused to call them deviled eggs.
The Harper's spent the night at Opal's, and like every morning Minnie Mae rose before Sunrise.
On her walk, she spotted Huck, the town's Mascot, a stray intelligent cat.
Something had the cat's attention in the courthouse square water tank.
As Minnie Mae got closer she could see a man face down in the water.
She went to get Big Jack and he went for the Sheriff Knox.
After a few conversations, Knox went to interview the man who had smoked the hog.
Minnie Mae told him about a argument she and most of the town had witnessed between the dead man and two local brothers.
Knox arrested the loud mouth brother who had argued with the dead man.
Minnie Mae was certain they had the right man. That certainty started to fade the next day.
She, Opal, Tillie, Clara, Beulah and Bettie Jean set out to find the truth before there was a hanging of innocents.
Huck always seemed to be where the action was or where it was about to take place.
Never underestimate a car's instinct.
Nor the instinct of six intelligent, opinionated women.
I liked this book a lot. Great characters that I am looking forward to seeing what paths they end up on.
Of course I want to see who Huck claims as the right human!
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