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Liz Lucas Mystery #2
Murder and Brandy Boy
Liz Lucas, the owner of the Red Cedar Spa, hires an intern to help her prepare family style meals served to guests at the lodge. Only days before graduation, his car crashes over a cliff and into the ocean. Was it suicide or murder?
Liz, along with her trusty dog, Winston, sets out to find the killer. Was it the high school computer genius, Nerdy Birdie? Brent, who was going to Stanford on a football scholarship? Kaitlin, the quarterback's girlfriend? Clamhammer, the gangster from San Francisco's Chinatown? Or Nerdy's mother, the president of the Women Whose Husbands Left Them Club?
Who would have thought Brandy Boy, the lovable but lazy St. Bernard who's the mascot of the Red Cedar Spa, would become a nationally recognized hero?
This is the second book in the best-selling Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series.
Liz, along with her trusty dog, Winston, sets out to find the killer. Was it the high school computer genius, Nerdy Birdie? Brent, who was going to Stanford on a football scholarship? Kaitlin, the quarterback's girlfriend? Clamhammer, the gangster from San Francisco's Chinatown? Or Nerdy's mother, the president of the Women Whose Husbands Left Them Club?
Who would have thought Brandy Boy, the lovable but lazy St. Bernard who's the mascot of the Red Cedar Spa, would become a nationally recognized hero?
This is the second book in the best-selling Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2015
335 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 21, 2022
So many people involved both before, during, and after that it make it hard to decide who did what when, But Brandy Boy saves the day and makes me believe in happy endings. As a retired teacher I enjoyed to story and recommend the book.
April 15, 2021
I enjoyed this fun cozy mystery. I have listened to a lot a books by this author (and not in the right order) and this is one of my favourite series, so it was nice to go back to the beginning to how Brandy boy became famous. Most authors now days include a cute dog or cat as a side kick to help solve the case but I just love the way Brandy boy plays his part. The rest of the characters are like able but it is definitely the dog that wins me over. The mystery it's self was interesting and covered a lot of subjects from bullying to computer hacking all of which provided a plethora of suspects. I had worked out who the killer was but that was mainly because I didn't like the character than any good detective work on my part. Off to start the next book in this great series.
Liz is shocked to find out her employee has committed suicide. It was only hours ago that they had been working side by side.and he did seem troubled but not suicidal. At his funeral she over hears a conversation about the local high school being broken into and the possibility of grades being changed. Just how far would somebody go to make sure they go to college? As far as murder? The idea doesn't seem that far fetched when she learns that his breaks were tempered with in her car park. Knowing the police sheriff is more worried about handing out parking tickets than looking into the murder and the hacking, Liz starts to look into both events because surely they have to be connected.
The narrator was good and came with some different sounding voices for the characters
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Liz is shocked to find out her employee has committed suicide. It was only hours ago that they had been working side by side.and he did seem troubled but not suicidal. At his funeral she over hears a conversation about the local high school being broken into and the possibility of grades being changed. Just how far would somebody go to make sure they go to college? As far as murder? The idea doesn't seem that far fetched when she learns that his breaks were tempered with in her car park. Knowing the police sheriff is more worried about handing out parking tickets than looking into the murder and the hacking, Liz starts to look into both events because surely they have to be connected.
The narrator was good and came with some different sounding voices for the characters
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 29, 2020
After meeting Liz Lucas and her friends in the first book of the series (Murder in Cottage #6), I was ready for more adventures. In Murder and Brandy Boy, some high school kids sneak into their high school to change their grades before graduation. They "use" nerdy classmate William Bird because of his computer skills. Meanwhile another kid, Mike Scott, also from Red Cedar High School, is interning in the kitchen with Liz at the Red Cedar Spa. Liz is shocked when she finds out that Mark died just minutes after leaving her parking lot one afternoon. Liz gets caught up in finding out what happened to him because she was the last one to see him alive and because she knows that Police Chief Seth Williams is too inept to to be of any help! He is merely a lecherous fat slob! Liz gets lots of input from her lawyer boyfriend, Roger. On the positive side, Red Cedar Spa and its dog Brandy Boy get a nice write up in the Travel Section of the San Francisco Chronicle. I was thoroughly entertained by this book. I like the fact that Liz and Roger are middle aged, pets are loved, and the characters are quirky! I'm ready for book 3.
August 31, 2020
Brandy Boy is a St Bernard who came with the Spa when Liz and her deceased husband bought it from the previous owner. He is very large weighing upwards of 160 pounds.
This story is about a high school break-in, the hacking of a computer to change grades of two college bound students, the death of another and the terrorizing of another.
Well Liz once again takes it upon herself to do the sleuthing bypassing the town’s clueless and inept sheriff. She again gets very useful advice from her friend, a criminal defense lawyer.
This story is much better written than the first one I read and it has action and a smooth flow. I liked it so well, I read it in about 3 hours. Granted, I did nothing else except get myself coffee and heat up my lunch in the oven being able to read while it warmed up.
I must say though that Brandy Boy steals the day!
This story is about a high school break-in, the hacking of a computer to change grades of two college bound students, the death of another and the terrorizing of another.
Well Liz once again takes it upon herself to do the sleuthing bypassing the town’s clueless and inept sheriff. She again gets very useful advice from her friend, a criminal defense lawyer.
This story is much better written than the first one I read and it has action and a smooth flow. I liked it so well, I read it in about 3 hours. Granted, I did nothing else except get myself coffee and heat up my lunch in the oven being able to read while it warmed up.
I must say though that Brandy Boy steals the day!
April 17, 2020
Dianne has once again provided a fun cozy mystery book for enjoyment. Liz Lucas, owner of the the Red Cedar spa, has found herself in the middle of the murder of her part time high school employee. The town's sleazy police chief who would rather look at Lingerie and write speeding tickets let it fall on Liz to investigate. There are computer hacks, crazy mothers, affairs and of course Liz's two pooches who provide entertainment to keep you reading to the end. Looking forward to the next in this series.
May 4, 2021
Murder and Brandy Boy is a simple, clean cozy mystery revolving around a murdered high school senior who’s death may have been related to some grades being changed. This book was originally published in 2015, and it lacks the depth and quality of the author’s more recent work, but it is still a fun although somewhat tragic story.
The narrator speaks clearly and is easy to understand, but her reading does not do the story any favors. I sped her narration up a little as she talked rather slowly.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The narrator speaks clearly and is easy to understand, but her reading does not do the story any favors. I sped her narration up a little as she talked rather slowly.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 15, 2022
A good, solid whodunit. Mark Scott, an intern cook at the Red Cedar Spa, run by Liz Lucas, dies when his car goes off a cliff on his way home. The chief of police seems to hold his position so that the community won't be pestered by a competent police organization. So, it's up to Liz to bring the guilty parties to justice. As the case progresses, the list of suspects continues to grow. Aside from Mark's demise, the story comes to a satisfying end.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
April 21, 2023
Murder and Brandy Boy 2nd book in Liz Lucas Cozy Mysteries.
Liz Lucas is quickly drawn into the investigation of her cook assistant who is murdered. Liz begins searching clues for Mark's:murder and uncover a computer hacking incident to change the grades of two students. With her friendliness to the people in the community she discover's the person who hacked the high school grade system and the killer of her assistant. Fast moving with a few memorable incidents bring the reader great satisfaction.
Liz Lucas is quickly drawn into the investigation of her cook assistant who is murdered. Liz begins searching clues for Mark's:murder and uncover a computer hacking incident to change the grades of two students. With her friendliness to the people in the community she discover's the person who hacked the high school grade system and the killer of her assistant. Fast moving with a few memorable incidents bring the reader great satisfaction.
April 8, 2020
Really good cozy!
Liz has a way of getting involved in murders. She was thrilled to have high schooler Mark become her kitchen intern. After a shift at Liz’s Spa, he is found dead at the bottom of a steep hill and sharp curve. The bumbling sheriff declared it a suicide. When the State Police prove it to be murder, Liz knows she has to find the culprit. With so many suspects, she must find a way to narrow the list.
Liz has a way of getting involved in murders. She was thrilled to have high schooler Mark become her kitchen intern. After a shift at Liz’s Spa, he is found dead at the bottom of a steep hill and sharp curve. The bumbling sheriff declared it a suicide. When the State Police prove it to be murder, Liz knows she has to find the culprit. With so many suspects, she must find a way to narrow the list.
January 15, 2021
Too many suspects…
Liz Lucas is deeply saddened when Mark, the high school boy who is her intern at the spa, commits suicide. When evidence begins to mount that his death may not have been suicide she is determined to uncover the truth.
I really enjoy Diane Harmon’s books and I especially like the recipes she includes at the end. I am definitely going to try the recipe for the Frozen Butterfinger Pie. It sounds delicious!
Liz Lucas is deeply saddened when Mark, the high school boy who is her intern at the spa, commits suicide. When evidence begins to mount that his death may not have been suicide she is determined to uncover the truth.
I really enjoy Diane Harmon’s books and I especially like the recipes she includes at the end. I am definitely going to try the recipe for the Frozen Butterfinger Pie. It sounds delicious!
February 26, 2025
Book two in this Liz Lucas series finds Liz at the center of yet another murder on her spa property. An intern working in her kitchen is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, and when it’s discovered his brakes were tampered with, it becomes a murder investigation. Who would want him killed and why? It all centers around a cheating allegation at the high school. Liz and her trusty dog Brandy Boy solve it. This is a very fast and easy series to read.
February 2, 2019
A nice story with a few unsavory characters. The owner of the spa, Liz, helps the bumbling sheriff in town to find the murderer of a young boy as there has been a break-in into the school and grades have been altered. I enjoy this type of cozy mystery from my normal reading venue. I have more of this author's books to read and I look forward to reading them.
March 25, 2019
I know these are small and you can read them in a few hours but they still grab you throughout the story keeping you reading. This author writes several series and they are equally good. The characters are lovable, you'll root for them throughout the story and the story will keep you reading. Great Reading Everyone!
May 2, 2020
Murder and Brandy Boy
Awesome read, characters and storyline! Running a spa could be dangerous business especially with a nit witted sheriff. Spa owner has to solve a murder case with an attempted murder to her also. With help from her attorney boyfriend all comes out in the end. A definite must read to find out all that goes on
Awesome read, characters and storyline! Running a spa could be dangerous business especially with a nit witted sheriff. Spa owner has to solve a murder case with an attempted murder to her also. With help from her attorney boyfriend all comes out in the end. A definite must read to find out all that goes on
May 17, 2020
Ding ding ding
Brandy boy, Winston, and several humans are my favorites. I have no idea why the police chief keeps his job, maybe he has some sort on some people, who knows. I think Roger should run against him and beat him out, then he could also be closer to Liz and keep his eye on her since she always seems to be getting in trouble.
Brandy boy, Winston, and several humans are my favorites. I have no idea why the police chief keeps his job, maybe he has some sort on some people, who knows. I think Roger should run against him and beat him out, then he could also be closer to Liz and keep his eye on her since she always seems to be getting in trouble.
February 16, 2021
Entertaining
If you like dogs and reading murder mystery, this is an easy enjoyable read. Add a clumsy overweight sheriff with a fancy for Victoria black lace and an attractive amateur
snoop who owns the local B&B but has a knack for solving murder mysteries then be prepared to be entertained.
If you like dogs and reading murder mystery, this is an easy enjoyable read. Add a clumsy overweight sheriff with a fancy for Victoria black lace and an attractive amateur
snoop who owns the local B&B but has a knack for solving murder mysteries then be prepared to be entertained.
March 18, 2020
Formulaic
Having read several of these books, the basic formula remains unchanged. My biggest negative is that the stories resolution,always seems to be quite abrupt. Would like at least some intellectual stimulation
Having read several of these books, the basic formula remains unchanged. My biggest negative is that the stories resolution,always seems to be quite abrupt. Would like at least some intellectual stimulation
March 23, 2020
What an interesting story.
Moving from a group of young men and women who have the world at their feet, to seeing them toss it all away. How sad. This book was one you want t to keep reading, and with each page find a new life lesson. Nicely done
Moving from a group of young men and women who have the world at their feet, to seeing them toss it all away. How sad. This book was one you want t to keep reading, and with each page find a new life lesson. Nicely done
April 9, 2020
Great cozy mystery
As this was my first Dianne Harman murder, I thought it moved a little slow, to start with. But after the first few chapters, it started flowing nicely. Very good story and a different ending from what you might expect.
As this was my first Dianne Harman murder, I thought it moved a little slow, to start with. But after the first few chapters, it started flowing nicely. Very good story and a different ending from what you might expect.
May 25, 2020
Saved by ding ding ding
I loved how Liz was able to find out who killed Mark. When she is saved by the bulldozer that is her St. Bernard as he responds to the ding ding ding of a ships bell, everything falls into place.
I loved how Liz was able to find out who killed Mark. When she is saved by the bulldozer that is her St. Bernard as he responds to the ding ding ding of a ships bell, everything falls into place.
June 11, 2020
Wonderful Recipes!
Besides investigating murders, Liz Lucas has some delightful recipes she offers her guests at the Spa for dinner. In this investigation she learns the hard way that the last person she thought would be the killer was. Another great mystery by Dianne Harman.
Besides investigating murders, Liz Lucas has some delightful recipes she offers her guests at the Spa for dinner. In this investigation she learns the hard way that the last person she thought would be the killer was. Another great mystery by Dianne Harman.
July 12, 2020
Another mystery for Liz to solve!
A teenage boy working as an intern at the spa is accused of committing suicide. When Liz finds out he was actually murdered, she steps in to investigate his death. Lots of intrigue in this book!
A teenage boy working as an intern at the spa is accused of committing suicide. When Liz finds out he was actually murdered, she steps in to investigate his death. Lots of intrigue in this book!
July 29, 2020
Liz and her spa are once again involved in murder.4 high schoolers, a stolen key, a hacked computer and low grades all combined to form another interesting Liz Lucas book. Brandy Boy,is a large St, Bernard who delivers Brandy in a cask to occupants at night. Easy reading!
January 25, 2021
Love almost all. Animal stories
Very easy to read and an entertaining story. Well written and edited. I am a true dog lover and currently am caregiver for two three year old (sisters) pugs.
Very easy to read and an entertaining story. Well written and edited. I am a true dog lover and currently am caregiver for two three year old (sisters) pugs.
April 21, 2021
What a fun read, well written, super storyline, love the characters and the easy going way the mystery is solved.
A cosy mystery at its best.
I received this audiobook for free from the author and wanted to give an honest review.
A cosy mystery at its best.
I received this audiobook for free from the author and wanted to give an honest review.
April 25, 2021
Enjoyable light clean read.
My first book by this author but not the last. Liz gets herself involved in a murder case where practically everyone has a motive. Due to the disgusting police chief being totally inept, she is left to solve the murder to get justice for the deceased.
My first book by this author but not the last. Liz gets herself involved in a murder case where practically everyone has a motive. Due to the disgusting police chief being totally inept, she is left to solve the murder to get justice for the deceased.
July 22, 2017
I absolutely love this series!!!!
December 2, 2017
Murder and Brandy boy
I enjoyed this book
It has suspense, entrege, and romance. There are several good recipes included. O
Hope you have a good time also.
I enjoyed this book
It has suspense, entrege, and romance. There are several good recipes included. O
Hope you have a good time also.
January 6, 2018
Another in this fast reading series. Just enough suspects to keep me interested.
July 4, 2019
Another good cozy mystery in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews