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OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery #2
Stomped
An OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery
A warm and witty turn-of-the-century Texas cozy mystery
Minnie Mae Harper has learned one thing from the last time McKinney had a don't move until you've got something to move with.
It's February 1900, and the square is strung with paper hearts and fiddle music for the Ladies Aid Society's Valentine's Day Square-Dance-a-thon. Three nights. The whole county. And Amos Pruitt who is caller, collector of secrets, and the sort of man nobody much liked but everybody tolerated, is found dead behind the Magnolia House before sunrise on day two.
Everybody on that dance floor had reason. And everyone else is pointing fingers.
The trouble is, the person who looks most likely is someone Minnie Mae trusts. And trust, she is discovering, is a terrible thing to have when you're trying to see straight.
Six church ladies with quilting needles and strong opinions are on the case. The answer isn't hiding in the dark. It's in plain sight, on a crowded dance floor, disguised as something that has nothing to do with murder at all.
In a small town in 1900, everything is connected. And the OWL Ladies know that coincidences are never what they seem.
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.
A warm and witty turn-of-the-century Texas cozy mystery
Minnie Mae Harper has learned one thing from the last time McKinney had a don't move until you've got something to move with.
It's February 1900, and the square is strung with paper hearts and fiddle music for the Ladies Aid Society's Valentine's Day Square-Dance-a-thon. Three nights. The whole county. And Amos Pruitt who is caller, collector of secrets, and the sort of man nobody much liked but everybody tolerated, is found dead behind the Magnolia House before sunrise on day two.
Everybody on that dance floor had reason. And everyone else is pointing fingers.
The trouble is, the person who looks most likely is someone Minnie Mae trusts. And trust, she is discovering, is a terrible thing to have when you're trying to see straight.
Six church ladies with quilting needles and strong opinions are on the case. The answer isn't hiding in the dark. It's in plain sight, on a crowded dance floor, disguised as something that has nothing to do with murder at all.
In a small town in 1900, everything is connected. And the OWL Ladies know that coincidences are never what they seem.
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.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2026
About the author
Bessie Barr
26 books64 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 5, 2026
What is supposed to be a friendly square dance competition to celebrate Valentine’s Day turns into a murder investigation when Amos Pruitt is found dead behind the Magnolia House the next morning. Amos might not have been the most well-liked person in McKinney, Texas, but he was good at calling a square dance. He was also good at snooping on his neighbors and publicly embarrassing them—which is what he did to Tillie at the square dance just mere hours before he was murdered. With Tillie and her husband at the top of the suspect list, the OWL Ladies make it their personal mission to find the killer and finish uncovering the dirt on their neighbors that Amos died while trying to dig up.
STOMPED is a boot-stomping good time of a mystery. Amos Pruitt isn’t the most sympathetic of victims. In fact, the townspeople of McKinney might be better off without Amos and his constant surveillance. But one of the OWL Ladies is at the top of the suspect list—with her husband right behind her—and that’s enough to drive our group of amateur investigators, one determined cat, and the readers to find the murderer. The cat was my favorite character, but I also really enjoyed the dix members of the OWL Ladies. They are a variety of ages and come from different backgrounds/social situations, and their alternating perspectives give the reader a thorough look at the investigations, the suspects, and the other main characters. I look forward to their next case.
Thanks to the author and Book Sprout for the complimentary ARC.
STOMPED is a boot-stomping good time of a mystery. Amos Pruitt isn’t the most sympathetic of victims. In fact, the townspeople of McKinney might be better off without Amos and his constant surveillance. But one of the OWL Ladies is at the top of the suspect list—with her husband right behind her—and that’s enough to drive our group of amateur investigators, one determined cat, and the readers to find the murderer. The cat was my favorite character, but I also really enjoyed the dix members of the OWL Ladies. They are a variety of ages and come from different backgrounds/social situations, and their alternating perspectives give the reader a thorough look at the investigations, the suspects, and the other main characters. I look forward to their next case.
Thanks to the author and Book Sprout for the complimentary ARC.
September 21, 2026
This one is a doozy! The OWL ladies have their hands full when a dead man is found after the Valentine’s hoedown where he had an altercation with one of their own. They won’t let that stand and so their society has its next case. This one is shrouded in secrets. Can they crack it in time?
Fun story. I really like this town and this group of ladies. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for anything Old West but the stories are light and yet full of intricately planned mysteries for us and the ladies to unravel. Lots of twists and a couple of omg I can’t believe it moments with a very happy surprise at the end. An enjoyable and relaxing read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun story. I really like this town and this group of ladies. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for anything Old West but the stories are light and yet full of intricately planned mysteries for us and the ladies to unravel. Lots of twists and a couple of omg I can’t believe it moments with a very happy surprise at the end. An enjoyable and relaxing read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2026
Six OWL Ladies + one male cat help solve a Valentine's Square Dance murder mystery!
OWL is an abbreviation for Only Women League.
Minnie Mae Harper and Opal Granger have been close friends for fifty years, & Minnie Mae has always treasured Opal. Bettie Jean is Minnie Mae's religious sister-in-law. Tilly's husband owns Reed's Mercantile. Clara owns a millinery (hat making), and Beulah is the Doc's daughter, who is also his apprentice. Then we also have Huck, the town's cat, who helps these women solve mysteries in February of 1900. 😼
I LOVE THIS SUPREME STORY & SERIES!! Never had I imagined I could be entertained by a historical fiction book, but Bessie Barr has succeeded in blending the two together along with lots of fantastical humor!!!!!😄😅😂
In lieu of giving away any clues, I am going to share some of my favorite quotes/phrases/sentences from this SUPREME STORY!
Minnie Mae tells Opal she is a treasure. Opal's response: "Well, don't tell the others. I have a reputation to protect."
Tillie looked around the room, doing a quick count. "Who else are we waiting on?" "Just you, Tillie," Opal said. "Always you."
Talking about Huck: "Well, he likes someone's opinion," Opal muttered.
"Flyers just give Know-It-All Loretta something to correct the spellin' on."
....if there was one thing Tillie Reed could not abide, it was being late to her own gossip.
Minnie Mae believes there are two kinds of women, those who like to help, and those who pretend to supervise, like Loretta Pickens and Augusta Worthington.
"That cat's got the right idea," Opal said. Minnie Mae glanced down at Huck. "What's that?" "Show up. Sit down. Let everybody else work."
While Minnie Mae & Tillie were preparing the dancing plans: “Nothing complicated.”Except for the fact that anything involving people was always complicated.
Loretta Pickens said something rude about Tillie, and Bettie Jean's response:
"You shut your pie hole, Loretta Pickens." Then, "No. I take back the pie hole portion. That was uncharitable."
These are my main reasons for giving this book (& series) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!
The splendid plot & storyline were well thought out, leading to the exuberant & whimsical characters, unique drama situations, commanding place settings, and the zany + witty humor throughout.
Ohhhh!! The ending is a FANTASTICAL WINNER!!!
Thank you, Bessie, for yet another SUPREME BOOK EXPERIENCE, and for inviting me to your ARC TEAM, to which I truly enjoy & appreciate!
💝🤗📚
Leona
[This is my Amazon+ Goodreads + Booksprout Review]
OWL is an abbreviation for Only Women League.
Minnie Mae Harper and Opal Granger have been close friends for fifty years, & Minnie Mae has always treasured Opal. Bettie Jean is Minnie Mae's religious sister-in-law. Tilly's husband owns Reed's Mercantile. Clara owns a millinery (hat making), and Beulah is the Doc's daughter, who is also his apprentice. Then we also have Huck, the town's cat, who helps these women solve mysteries in February of 1900. 😼
I LOVE THIS SUPREME STORY & SERIES!! Never had I imagined I could be entertained by a historical fiction book, but Bessie Barr has succeeded in blending the two together along with lots of fantastical humor!!!!!😄😅😂
In lieu of giving away any clues, I am going to share some of my favorite quotes/phrases/sentences from this SUPREME STORY!
Minnie Mae tells Opal she is a treasure. Opal's response: "Well, don't tell the others. I have a reputation to protect."
Tillie looked around the room, doing a quick count. "Who else are we waiting on?" "Just you, Tillie," Opal said. "Always you."
Talking about Huck: "Well, he likes someone's opinion," Opal muttered.
"Flyers just give Know-It-All Loretta something to correct the spellin' on."
....if there was one thing Tillie Reed could not abide, it was being late to her own gossip.
Minnie Mae believes there are two kinds of women, those who like to help, and those who pretend to supervise, like Loretta Pickens and Augusta Worthington.
"That cat's got the right idea," Opal said. Minnie Mae glanced down at Huck. "What's that?" "Show up. Sit down. Let everybody else work."
While Minnie Mae & Tillie were preparing the dancing plans: “Nothing complicated.”Except for the fact that anything involving people was always complicated.
Loretta Pickens said something rude about Tillie, and Bettie Jean's response:
"You shut your pie hole, Loretta Pickens." Then, "No. I take back the pie hole portion. That was uncharitable."
These are my main reasons for giving this book (& series) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!
The splendid plot & storyline were well thought out, leading to the exuberant & whimsical characters, unique drama situations, commanding place settings, and the zany + witty humor throughout.
Ohhhh!! The ending is a FANTASTICAL WINNER!!!
Thank you, Bessie, for yet another SUPREME BOOK EXPERIENCE, and for inviting me to your ARC TEAM, to which I truly enjoy & appreciate!
💝🤗📚
Leona
[This is my Amazon+ Goodreads + Booksprout Review]
September 12, 2026
It’s February 1900 in McKinney, Texas, and the Valentine’s Day hoedown is the talk of the town. Amos Pruitt isn’t well-liked in McKinney except on hoedown night, when he calls the dance moves and is usually on his best behavior. This year is an exception: he returns to form and insults one of the townspeople, Tillie Reed, who storms off into the night, followed by her husband, Coleman. The next morning, Amos is found stomped to death (hence the title), and Tillie and Coleman are the prime suspects. However, Amos had a nasty habit of getting all up into people’s business and had quite a few enemies. Who really killed him? Enter the OWL ladies, six of the town’s womenfolk who get together under the guise of quilting for the young boys' home, when in fact they like to solve murders. Can they figure out what happened to Amos? Find out in Stomped by Bessie Barr.
The OWL ladies series is a delightful look at turn-of-the-century life in rural Texas in 1900. The cast of characters is as quirky as you’d expect; there’s even the town cat who belongs to nobody but still manages to be very well fed. Millie Mae is the primary protagonist, and she’s the one the rest of the town seems to revolve around. While not the official leader of the OWL ladies, she’s the one who features most throughout the story. While Stomped is book two of the series, it can be perfectly read as a standalone. I’m a huge fan of Bessie Barr and am anxiously awaiting book three.
The OWL ladies series is a delightful look at turn-of-the-century life in rural Texas in 1900. The cast of characters is as quirky as you’d expect; there’s even the town cat who belongs to nobody but still manages to be very well fed. Millie Mae is the primary protagonist, and she’s the one the rest of the town seems to revolve around. While not the official leader of the OWL ladies, she’s the one who features most throughout the story. While Stomped is book two of the series, it can be perfectly read as a standalone. I’m a huge fan of Bessie Barr and am anxiously awaiting book three.
Review of advance copy
I love these ladies!
In the early 1900's, Mckinney Texas is a small town getting ready to celebrate Valentin's Day. The town square is decorated, and the Ladies Aid Society has organized a Square-Dance competition that will last three nights. Amos Pruitt the dance caller is someone that no one really likes, is tolerated, and has been digging into a situation that concerns the entire town. His dead body is discovered the morning after the first night's dance, behind Magnolia House, and Minnie Mae with the rest of the OWL Ladies will have to prove someone they trust is not a murderer.
This is a must-read historical mystery that made me chuckle. Some surprising twists and turns in the plot, a group of lady investigators, and a cat that has a whole town eating out of his paws, will step up and solve a murder and mystery that has left the entire town reeling. These are all beautifully written, compassionate when they need to be, but tough as nails women who keep the town where they live safe in their own way, and their men in line. (Although I'm pretty sure most of those men don't even realize that they are being handled:) I loved this book and recommend it to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
In the early 1900's, Mckinney Texas is a small town getting ready to celebrate Valentin's Day. The town square is decorated, and the Ladies Aid Society has organized a Square-Dance competition that will last three nights. Amos Pruitt the dance caller is someone that no one really likes, is tolerated, and has been digging into a situation that concerns the entire town. His dead body is discovered the morning after the first night's dance, behind Magnolia House, and Minnie Mae with the rest of the OWL Ladies will have to prove someone they trust is not a murderer.
This is a must-read historical mystery that made me chuckle. Some surprising twists and turns in the plot, a group of lady investigators, and a cat that has a whole town eating out of his paws, will step up and solve a murder and mystery that has left the entire town reeling. These are all beautifully written, compassionate when they need to be, but tough as nails women who keep the town where they live safe in their own way, and their men in line. (Although I'm pretty sure most of those men don't even realize that they are being handled:) I loved this book and recommend it to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The OWL ladies are busy decorating for the square dance and doing a little match making as well. Amos Pruitt has been calling the square dance for 22 years, a fact he continually throws in everyone's face. He is not a nice man.
The new school teacher is an excellent instructor, but she's nervous, and hiding something.
The town busy bodies, Loretta and Augusta, are in rare form, sniping over every inconsequential thing they can find.
Amos purposefully upset Tillie during the square dance, and she runs away. Her square is given to the nasty Augusta and her husband.
Amos is found dead the next morning, and Tillie and her husband are suspects.
Minnie Mae and her pals work to find the real killer.
I absolutely loved Opal's relationship with Huck, the cat!
I received an ARC of this in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The new school teacher is an excellent instructor, but she's nervous, and hiding something.
The town busy bodies, Loretta and Augusta, are in rare form, sniping over every inconsequential thing they can find.
Amos purposefully upset Tillie during the square dance, and she runs away. Her square is given to the nasty Augusta and her husband.
Amos is found dead the next morning, and Tillie and her husband are suspects.
Minnie Mae and her pals work to find the real killer.
I absolutely loved Opal's relationship with Huck, the cat!
I received an ARC of this in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy
This was a wonderful read, blending historical intrigue and a cozy mystery, set against the bustling backdrop of the early 1900s. This book took me back to the 1900s, with horse-drawn carriages, gas lamps, and whispered scandals, all wrapped in the era's genteel manners. The story follows the sharp-witted amateur sleuths of the OWL ladies, whose curiosity and keen sense of justice lead them into the heart of the investigation.
This book balanced lighthearted humor with genuine suspense. This mystery was cleverly plotted with plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing until the final reveal. The story was peppered with period details that made the setting feel authentic without bogging down the pace. The characters are delightful, from the quick-tongued protagonist to the quirky townsfolk, each of them adding depth and charm to the story.
This book balanced lighthearted humor with genuine suspense. This mystery was cleverly plotted with plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing until the final reveal. The story was peppered with period details that made the setting feel authentic without bogging down the pace. The characters are delightful, from the quick-tongued protagonist to the quirky townsfolk, each of them adding depth and charm to the story.
September 13, 2026
The OWL Ladies of McKinney, Texas are on the case again.
A square dance, lots of strangers from other areas and a caller nobody seems to like..so when he ends up dead they're too many suspects and not a lot of time to find the killer.
But the ladies gather together and each brings their own thoughts and opinions to get to the bottom of things.
Another well written story that pulls you in and keeps your attention all the way to the end. The characters and town seem to come to life on the pages. You feel like you can actually picture the town and people as if you're a part of it.
I love the women in this book and the way that they work together to find the truth, with the help of Huck the cat of course.
I highly recommend this book if you love a good cozy mystery that really draws you in.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
A square dance, lots of strangers from other areas and a caller nobody seems to like..so when he ends up dead they're too many suspects and not a lot of time to find the killer.
But the ladies gather together and each brings their own thoughts and opinions to get to the bottom of things.
Another well written story that pulls you in and keeps your attention all the way to the end. The characters and town seem to come to life on the pages. You feel like you can actually picture the town and people as if you're a part of it.
I love the women in this book and the way that they work together to find the truth, with the help of Huck the cat of course.
I highly recommend this book if you love a good cozy mystery that really draws you in.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
September 10, 2026
Stomped is a Superb story and series about Minnie Mae Harper and her Husband Jack Harper. The town is holding Ladies Aid Society Valentine Day Square Dance- a-Thon. Amos Pruitt was doing the calling for the dancing. After the second day Amos was found dead behind Magnolia House Sheriff Knox and Deputy Deuce Dill come to investigate. Minnie Mae and her friends are known as the OWL ladies and they are also looking for pieces of this puzzle as a friend is under suspicion. But what will be uncovered and can they discover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2026
Minnie Mae Harper and her husband have moved into their new home. She's waiting for her group of friends fondly called the Owls. Then turn their attention to the square dance.
Things are hectic and the ladies are all into decorating the hall. And a bit into match making. The night of the dance Amos Pruitt is calling. Then he interrupts with an innuendo about a respectable warried woman and another man. The next day his body is found. Now the ladies are investigating. Certain things are found and raises more questions.
Will the murderer be found? Will the woman and man be exonerated?.
I sooooooooo enjoyed this story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things are hectic and the ladies are all into decorating the hall. And a bit into match making. The night of the dance Amos Pruitt is calling. Then he interrupts with an innuendo about a respectable warried woman and another man. The next day his body is found. Now the ladies are investigating. Certain things are found and raises more questions.
Will the murderer be found? Will the woman and man be exonerated?.
I sooooooooo enjoyed this story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2026
You are not going to want to miss a word of this mystery! It's got lots of amusing little scenes that will warm your heart. The mystery has multiple threads and it's solved with a tiny clue that you'd never think could be it. Read it and get to know and love the OWL ladies as well as the menfolk. Friendship is real and so very solid when the accusations fly! No spoilers ~ but there's one mystery you'll solve immediately though you'll need confirmation 😇‼️‼️‼️ This is shaping up to be one of my favourite series!
September 18, 2026
It's 1900 and the Ladies Aid Society is sponsoring a Valentine's Day Square-Dance-a-Thon. Lasting over 3 days, by the second day, Amos the caller is found dead behind the Magnolia House. Amos was not very well liked, so everyone who was participating had a motive and everyone was pointing fingers! The OWL Ladies, a group of church ladies, are on the case! Can they find the killer? Full of period charm, some very strong, opinionated ladies, enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and a touch of humor and romance! A very enjoyable read!
September 20, 2026
This is a sweet “down home” type of mystery. I love reading about women with intelligence and strength, and these ladies have those qualities in spades. They are women who see everything and talk about everything they see. Others take them for granted or dismiss them at their own peril. The characters are wonderful, the mystery engaging, and the writing grabs you and holds on until the last word. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
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
Very entertaining and kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the interactions between characters and emotional Tillie (especially her outcome at the end of the story.) Let's square dance for Valentines! A fun and engrossing story and a wonderful cat Huck. What a very observant and heroic cat. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another good cozy murder mystery read whether a young or young at heart.
Another good cozy murder mystery read whether a young or young at heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the 2nd book in The OWL Ladies Cozy Mystery Series by Bessie Barr.
Set in McKinney, TX in 1900, wonderful characters, good mystery and a cat nobody owns but everyone feeds.
Minnie Mae and the OWL Ladies are getting ready for the Valentine Square Dance 3 day Hoedown.
People from other counties are coming in and it's going to be great for McKinney.
That is until the Square dance caller Amos Pruitt is found dead the morning of the second day of the event.
Night before he embarrassed several people right there in the middle of the square in front of everyone. Including Tillie.
With no real alibi, Sheriff Knox had to look and consider anyone that Amos had put in an embarrassing situation.
A few of those people mean a lot to The OWL Ladies and they set out to find out what happened to Amos.
With all the out of towners, locals there are many options for suspects.
Can The OWL Ladies figure out who is responsible for the murder before they hop that Northbound Train and get away with murder?
I highly recommend this book and this series.
Set in McKinney, TX in 1900, wonderful characters, good mystery and a cat nobody owns but everyone feeds.
Minnie Mae and the OWL Ladies are getting ready for the Valentine Square Dance 3 day Hoedown.
People from other counties are coming in and it's going to be great for McKinney.
That is until the Square dance caller Amos Pruitt is found dead the morning of the second day of the event.
Night before he embarrassed several people right there in the middle of the square in front of everyone. Including Tillie.
With no real alibi, Sheriff Knox had to look and consider anyone that Amos had put in an embarrassing situation.
A few of those people mean a lot to The OWL Ladies and they set out to find out what happened to Amos.
With all the out of towners, locals there are many options for suspects.
Can The OWL Ladies figure out who is responsible for the murder before they hop that Northbound Train and get away with murder?
I highly recommend this book and this series.
September 14, 2026
This is a wonderful series that takes you straight into the 1900s. Interesting characters that are sometimes a little unexpected for their time, but are full of heart and warmth. A storyline that keeps shifting as you read along and follow the OWL Ladies as they investigate. I really enjoy the setting and the little history lesson that you didn't even realize you were getting. Fun 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.
September 11, 2026
I just fell in love with this series. I thought Tanked was wonderful, but Stomped was just as wonderful. I love the relationship and true friendship between the OWLS. Misty Mae and Jack's love and relationship makes me smile. Their love is so sweet. These magnificent six are a group of smart women of all ages, but their friendship works. They are a gossipy bunch with attitude, but have an amazing knack for amateur sleuthing. With the help of Huck the funny cat, the actual murderer was caught. although Della did wrong by what she did, the OWLS and the town stood by her and finally gave her a place to call home. The news regarding Follow had me so happy and Coleman's reaction had me hooting and cheering for them. Book three has some big shoes to fill because Bessie could not possibly out do this one😀
September 11, 2026
It's February, and it's time for a square dance! Minnie Mae and her friends are excited about the dance, getting everything set up and decorating. There might even be a love match or two in the works. The dance starts out just fine, but Amos, the caller, causes Tilly some grief, and she ends up leaving the dance. The next morning, Amos is found dead, and Tilly and her husband are the prime suspects! Minnie Mae and the OWLs are on the case. It's extra important because it's one of their own!.
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.
September 12, 2026
Valentines Day 1900 in McKinney Texas and Amos Pruitt the square dance caller insults one of the dancer, Tillie, who runs off with her husband chasing after her. The next morning Amos is found dead and Tillie and her husband are the prime suspects. The OWL ladies begin investigating because one of there own is a suspect. Fast moving story with many suspects and set in a rural town. Great book
September 13, 2026
I enjoyed this light hearted humorous western cozy mystery with female amateur sleuths trying to figure out who killed Amos an unlikable guy on the second night of the dance. The OWL ladies are very intuitive and funny at times and they are determined to sort through the suspects and find the one responsible.
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.
September 16, 2026
The Owl ladies are back and must solve another murder. Lots of drama, trouble and twists to keep me guessing the who and why. Enjoyed seeing everyone and entertained by how many people could be the 'bad guy'. Enjoyed that it was a light easy read and not dark or depressing. And the ladies are as always fun to watch do their thing.
September 25, 2026
This was a good cozy mystery set in the 1900s, this is the second in the series and even though I hadn't read the first one I was able to grasp a feeling for the characters and setting with ease. I enjoyed it and would probably go back to the first entry and then continue on with the series.
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.
September 12, 2026
This was a charming story the characters are fun and the story keeps you guessing. Bessie Barr is truly talented keeps me wanting to read more about these characters and see where life leads them next
September 16, 2026
What a lovely book - you feel you're actually in McKinney and part of the OWLS. I loved all the characters, especially Tillie, who brings a smile to your face without trying. The story was good too, very captivating, I absolutely loved it, can't wait to read another.
September 17, 2026
Stomped is a wonderful cozy mystery set in 1900. The OWL ladies are a hoot! They are compassionate, good Christian women who love a good mystery. Huck, the town cat, is always right where he needs to be. I love the setting and the plot was great. I highly recommend it.
October 4, 2026
A really good book by author Bessie Barr.
The characters are so good and so is the plot.
I highly recommend it. Loved reading...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are so good and so is the plot.
I highly recommend it. Loved reading...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2026
This is a lovely, funny, and entertaining cozy mystery! Ms. Barr has a gift for creating wonderful cozies!.
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.
September 19, 2026
I love these ladies! The author makes the times come alive, and the characters are rich and full. I can hardly wait for the next one!
October 9, 2026
I loved it!!!
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