Uprooting Ernie

Jane Delaney Mysteries #2

by Pamela Burford

Death Diva Jane is simply going about her business, which in this case requires her to empty a three-liter spigot box of cheap rosé on a grave, when she and her furry sidekick Sexy Beast make a grisly discovery in the town cemetery.

The victim was murdered three decades ago, but memories are fresh and old grievances fresher as facts come to light and fingers start pointing. Naturally Jane must investigate. Well, what would you do if one of your best pals turned out to be Suspect Numero Uno?

Meanwhile, between her amorous ex and a sexy bad boy who keeps popping up in the most distracting way—not to mention the (creepy? bizarre? pathetic?) guys she’s meeting through a dog lovers' dating site—her love life has never been so (creepy? bizarre? pathetic?)… interesting.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2015

About the author

Pamela Burford comes from a funny family. You may take that any way you want. She was raised in a household that valued laughter above all, so of course the first thing she looked for in a husband was a sense of humor. Is it any wonder their grown kids are into stand-up comedy and improv? Oh, and here's another fun family fact: Pamela's identical twin sister, Patricia Ryan, aka P.B. Ryan, is also a published novelist. Patricia is the Good Twin, and yeah, Pamela knows what that makes her. But hey, Evil Twins have more fun.

It should come as no surprise that everything Pamela writes is infused with her own quirky brand of humor, from her feel-good contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her popular Jane Delaney mystery series, featuring snarky “Death Diva” Jane, her canine sidekick Sexy Beast, and a fun love triangle. Pamela's own beloved poodle, Murray, wants you to know that any similarities between himself and neurotic, high-strung Sexy Beast are purely coincidental.

Pamela is the proud founder and past president of Long Island Romance Writers. Her books have won awards and sold millions of copies, but what excites her most is hearing from readers. So swing by her website and say hi. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Not only will you learn about new releases and other fun stuff, but you'll receive a free ebook as her special thank-you.

Reviews

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book of this series, but it wasn't really necessary to enjoy this one. The relationships between the characters were generally well-explained as characters came into play in this story, and bits of the backstory were doled out where they were relevant.

I love that Jane actually talks to the reader throughout the story, and has a very sarcastic sense of humor. And I couldn't help but smile every time she mentioned the name of her toy poodle, Sexy Beast---it's just so ridiculously cute!

The mystery is very well developed, and plays out at a reasonable pace. There were a few clues I missed, but saw clearly when I went back through a second time. Hope to read more of Jane and SB in the near future.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book as much as the first one. Jane Delaney is known as the Death Diva. She does things for her customers that involve people from their lives that have passed on. We find out lots more about the mayor in this one when the remains of her husband from 30 years ago turn up. As in the first book, there is lots of drama, humour and action with a touch of romance. I am loving this series and have the next book waiting to be read.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t help rooting for Jane! This one is a delightful addition to the series, with some predictable and some unexpected twists, a whole lot of banter, awkward predicaments.

I love Jane’s sass and resourcefulness and devotion to Sexy Beast.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mixing humour with murder doesn't always work well, but when it's done well it's fantastic. I have to say that Pamela Burford is a master at it, and Uprooting Ernie is a highly entertaining fun read.
Jane Delaney, the Death Diva (and heroine of the series) does things for paying customers, to dead people, that they don't want to do. From watering their graves with a favourite drink, to delivering flowers every year anonymously.
In the last book her career found her involved in a murder mystery and here she is again, trying to solve who done it and why after again finding herself in the thick of it again.
Not only is there the mystery element to get your teeth into, Jane also finds herself the attention of not one, but two eligible bachelors; her ex-husband Dom and the super sexy Martin. (Bet you can't guess who I'm rooting for.) Much of the humour of the book comes from Jane and her antics, she's almost a Bridget Jones type character (if Bridget Jones were an American Death Diva, with a poodle called Sexy Beast, and didn't keep a diary) with a growing habit of getting mixed up with a who-done-it.
I loved the character development in this book and can't wait to see what's going to happen next with Jane as the series develops. If you're looking for something fun to read, then I suggest you check this and the previous book, Undertaking Irene out.

*I got this book as an advance copy in return for an honest review.*

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooting Ernie is the second book of a cozy mystery series
starring “The Death Diva ( Jane Delaney) and SB ( her inherit
dog, Sexy Beast)”.
It can be read as a stand alone. The author effortless weaves
intrigue and mystery from the past and present together which
allow the reader to follow along without difficulty.
Jane performs service for the survivors of the dead such as
taking flowers to the deceased grave sites on special occasions,
doing inventory of the late person estate even setting up a New
Orleans’s style funeral.
The Death Diva and SB are performing a service at the cemetery
after a very heavy rain storm when a tree topples. Going to
investigate where the tree has fallen….the Death Diva and SB
discover a skeleton. Meet Ernie…he was thought to have
committed suicide by drowning some 30 years ago. What a
surprise to discover Ernie was murdered then buried beneath a
newly planted tree some 30 years ago!!!!!
The first suspect is the wife of Ernie. Ernie had kept a huge
secret from her. The wife is Jane’s best friend. Jane sets out to
clear her best friend and find the real murderer.
You will be introduce to many vivid characters some who were
quirky and some who are fun. There are several suspects who
are all colorful in their own way. There is plenty of mystery,
drama, suspense mixed in with a lot of humor and a touch
of romance.
The plots with the twist and turns are utterly unpredictable.
The writing is captivating. A must read!!!!
Thank you to From Authors, For Authors and the author for
this eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undertaking Ernie is as delightful and interesting as the first book. Real humor balances a poignant tale of her serious but illegal research into a death that touches someone she cares about. The twist and turns of the novel keep the story moving at a good pace. The excellent presentation of the characters evoked very real reactions as I read, Throughout the book, these people made me laughed or irritated me or made me feel sad for them; that is good writing.

The Death Diva is just minding her business, pouring wine on a grave to celebrate the woman’s angel birthday when she manages to uncover a dead body in the most appropriate of places, a cemetery. Well she doesn’t exactly uncover it, nature does, but she does discovers it in an attempt to rescue Sexy Beast. For those of you who haven’t read the first book, Sexy Beast is a an adorable and often hilarious toy poodle in her charge. Her business is death, or at least taking care of errands related to death for the deceased or their families and friends. The two guys in her life play a smaller part than in the previous book, but we get a good taste, not literally darn it, of both Martin and Dom.

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Maggie Well · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Delaney makes her living performing tasks for those who have lost loved ones. Crazy right? But, hey, if you can think it up someone will do it. Everything from delivering flowers to someone's grave to inventorying the contents of the deceased person's home. As soon as I learned Janey's job I knew I was going to love this book.

What a fun, insane ride! Ms. Burford spins a tale about the quirky "Death Diva" who investigates a 30+ year old mystery because the prime suspect in said crime is her best friend. Along with her toy poodle, Sexy Beast, (that is very much a main character, I might add) Ms. Burford made me laugh out loud so many times I received glares from my hubby who was trying to watch the Mets game.

I haven't read the first book in this series, but I'm going to the first chance I get. I highly recommend this book.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series. Jane Delaney is a fun character. Trouble finds her when she is minding her own business. It is fun watching her as she figures things out, but she is oblivious to her own love life. The people of Crystal Harbor are a fun bunch as well. The relationships become more entangled in this story, and I look forward to more. There are laughs, tears and a few what? I love the fact that the clues to solving the mystery arise and help the reader put two and two together, no feeling like the reader is being duped. Thank you Pamela for another interesting story.

I was given this story for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooting Ernie is a charming mystery with both humor and interesting characters. Jane (The Death Diva, who does some interesting, legal, services for the dead's survivors) is at the cemetery after a particularly hard rain, when a tree topples and reveals the remains of Ernie, who allegedly committed suicide by drowning 30 years ago.

There were several twists and turns, and viable suspects all in the mix. Now I'd like to read the first book in the series.

I was provided with the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Vina Lull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but didn’t love this book

Maybe I’m tired of snarky Jane or tired of her being a doormat. Seriously I don’t know any woman who would put up with Martin who by the way isn’t a boyfriend or anything significant, so that part just isn’t believable for me. Women don’t allow men to continuously break into their homes, raid their computers, move in without being asked, invade their privacy and steal from them. Not sure I will continue this series.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooting Ernie is the second book in A Jane Delaney Mysteries. I did not read the first book of the series, but found this one to be fun, interesting and absolutely delightful. Jane is known at the Death Diva and has a unique sense of humor to go with the job. Twists and surprises and quirky characters that will keep you reading.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a fun read! I mean - a good mystery, the "whodunit" cleverly put and developing nicely. Full of surprises - about half way through the book everything seemed to be clear, though I was not convinced - still I thought, ok, now what? - just to be surprised with a new development on the case. Really entertaining book!!! Two thumbs up! :)

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now you know how a cozey mystery murder works especially a well written one. So this cozey is a little higher grade with a different sort of mane character because Jane isn't a baker, a woman running from a bad breakup or any of the usual avant sleuths in the world of cozey Jane has a an offbeat kind of income .But none the less this is a crazy good cozey mystery murder with its array of characters that draw you in the enticement of an intriguing find of a dead body and how it came to be ware it was found. These things alone will want you reading to find out what happened but the plot is going to sink the deal, you won't be able to put this mystery down until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Uprooting Ernie " today for hours of intriguing, puzzling and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Delaney's business is performing bizarre acts in cemeteries (and occasionally persuading rich people to think of more reasonable memorials for their departed friends). Because Jane really does pour wine over a grave instead of drinking it, she's in a position to see a tree blow over and uncover the never properly buried body of a long missing local character, Ernie.

Who was Ernie, and how and why did he die? Was his story a touching tale of friendship, or a sordid tragedy? And is Jane, who seems to like collecting all the older townsfolk's memories of Ernie, going to be endangered by what she learns?

I'm afraid I didn't even try to solve the mystery; I just read along for the comedy. I think the plot would have kept me guessing if I hadn't been so busy laughing. Suffice it to say, this is a comic, cozy mystery and a fun read.

[Narelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story, makes me want to read the first one now, though this book is a complete story by itself.
I liked Janey, the heroine of the story, I liked her quirky occupation and her sassy personality. She wasn't sure who she wants in her life, so it will be interesting to see who finally wins her heart.
A lot of fun.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best cozy mystery in a long time.

Book 1 was good, but I always read book 2 to see if the characters develop more. Funny, a bit of emotion ant a well thought out plot. Highly recommend!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was great, funny at times,serious at time thoroughly enjoyable throughout. I really enjoyed this book. I loved sb the furry side kick as well as her master. The story was really good even though it happed 30 years ago. I can't wait to read something else from Pamela Burford.

[Lorna Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What amazing read! The past is literally uprooted and the mayhem ensues. Brilliantly funny and packed with lots of action. The death diva and her friends are wonderful characters with good hearts and great problem solving abilities.

[Kara Prem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, I do like Janey Delaney and I like the situations she gets into. Are they realistic, no probably not, but I like her, so I wanted to rank this book higher. I gave this 3 stars because I HATE love triangles, and quite frankly Jane's ex-husband is a pathetic sleazebag, and I can't give a book where the smart heroine pines for a loser a higher ranking.

The mystery of this book involves the bones of Ernie, first husband to the town mayor who supposedly killed himself decades earlier. Suspicion quickly falls on the mayor, and Jane sets out to solve the mystery. It involves and earlier accidental drowning, a greedy ex, and a couple that had some serious communication issues.

In Janey's personal life, the "padre" moves into her house while he look for a place of her own. He does this without her permission, but is living in the maid's room and she doesn't kick him out. Her ex, Dom, finds out about this and declares that he is also moving in so that in some sort of stupid macho idiot way, he can feel like he's protecting her or something dumb like that. He claims to be in love with Janey, after dumping her years ago because he didn't want kids. He proceeded to have kids with his next two wives, and now she is actually considering taking him back and having kids with him - girl how dumb are you? Ugh.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooting Ernie

Jane Delaney aka the Death Diva was at the cemetery pouring wine over one of her client's mother's graves when a weeping willow tree was uprooted due to the storms that had pelted the area. Unfortunately for Jane, she finds a skeleton among the roots. The skeletal remains turn out to be the first ex-husband of the mayor. When it seems that Bonnie Hernandez, the police detective has set her sites on the mayor as the murderer, Jane is determined to find the real killer.

There are many twists and turns to this story. Poor Jane has to deal with both her ex-husband, Dom, and Martin who have moved in with her. At least she has sense enough to charge them rent. There are some humorous situations in this book but not as many as the first or maybe the gravity of the situations in this book overshadowed the humor. I think that this eries is best read in order.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane, the Death Diva, is back. She is working in a cemetery pouring wine on a tombstone on behalf of a loved one of the deceased, accompanied by her toy poodle Sexy Beast in the middle of a serious rain storm when a tree is uprooted in front of her revealing the remains of someone who had allegedly committed suicide some 30 years before. Jane is drawn into the investigation as she feels she must exonerate an innocent person from being accused of murdering poor Ernie.

As with the first book in the series, I laughed out loud at Jane's antics and running commentary to the reader. There is drama along with the humor as Jane works to solve the mystery. I highly recommend this series. Although probably not necessary, I also would suggest the books be read in order as the back story is an integral part of each book (I've read all 4 in the series).

[Heather Peet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing and guessing....Jane Delaney is the Death Diva who performs services for people who have died or for family members to remember their loved ones.

while in a cemetery doing a job with her dog Sexy Beast, she uncovers Ernie who was to have committed suicide many years ago. Ernie was the husband of the current mayor who is Jane's best friend.

This book has you guessing who killed Ernie by introducing you to a whole cast of crazy people that have been around for years and have reasons to want to keep his death a secret.

But also keeping Jane jumping besides trying to solve this murder is her ex-husband and Martin both wanting to romance her.

*received as an ARC for a honest review

[Angel Sefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and hilarious murder mystery

In an effort to help a dear friend accused of murder, Jane Delaney—known as the Death Diva—delves into a three-decades-old case that turns the prestige town of Crystal Harbor upside down.

Uprooting Ernie is an intriguing murder mystery, full of twists and turns, fascinating characters, and hilarious escapades—especially the involuntary interview of Jane Delaney by Miranda Daniels and how it was broadcasted on TV.

This is a book you don’t want to miss.

[Ronaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A successful and great sequel to Undertaking Irene by Pamela Burford. Lots of smart and clever dialogue, character development, twists and unexpected plot twists. Jane Delaney puts the fun in funeral with her Death Diva business. I like that Ms. Burford does not hesitate to have Jane get caught in some embarrassing situations. It just makes Jane more endearing as the heroine. Uprooting Ernie

[Zeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, Engaging and Addictive

A very good sequel to Undertaking Irene, but I wish there was more of Martin/Dom in this novel. They were more in the background and had very little to do with the story unlike the first book. The plot was excellent, though the writing not as skillfully concise as in Undertaking Irene. Despite this, a very entertaining and engaging story overall, with even more comedy and absudity than before. There were moments where I barely stooped myself from laughing out loud in public places. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book at the wrong time.

It took me a long time to finish the book; but that was not the fault of the book. It was the end of the semester, and other things kept pulling me away. Because the story was complicated, I had to keep trying to remember the relationships between the characters. Nonetheless, I loved the book. I think I might read it again, now that life is less busy.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now living in the home she shares with SB, she discovers a body in the cemetery that’s not in a grave. When it is discovered to be the first husband of mayor Sophie, no one is more surprised than Sophie. Her husband was supposed to be missing after a suicide at sea many years ago. When his death is discovered to be a murder there are a number of suspects. Jane tries to untangle the story while both Martin and her ex move into her home to protect her. Strangeness and humor abound.

[Jeanne Pocius Dorismond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Pure Fun, Oh, and a mystery or three along the way!

Jane, the "Death Diva" is up to her usual antics, even though she inherited a mansion, well, her DOG inherited it...and she has a couple of roommates who check in to keep her company. Anyway, suffice it to say that you will laugh your way through this book (and if you don't, your sense of humor needs a serious checkup!) Delightfully fun! A+ Bravo!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

If you like a touch of romance with some humor and mystery, then this is a great book for you. I found it comparable to Janet Evanovich, but I think I like this series even better! This book was even more enjoyable for me than the first book, so I know I'm in for the rest of the series.

[Charles Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Diva Delights

With Jane Delaney tries to solve a 32 year old murder, gets in plenty of snarky comments and wrangles 2 sexy men, 3 if you count her dog Sexy Beast. Entertaining, light a fun read and thoroughly enjoyable. Not a romance novel if the reference to sexy men confused you!