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Silver Six Crafting Mystery #1
Basket Case
First in a crafty new cozy mystery series from national bestselling author Nancy Haddock
There isn’t much crime in Lilyvale, Arkansas, but local authorities have their hands full with Ms. Sherry Mae Stanton Cutler and her housemates—a crafty group of retirees who’ve dubbed themselves the Silver Six. But when Sherry Mae’s niece, Nixy, arrives to keep them in line, Lilyvale also plays host to a killer.
When Leslee Stanton “Nixy” Nix gets the latest call from Lilyvale detective Eric Shoar, she knows it means trouble. There’s been another kitchen explosion at her Aunt Sherry’s farmhouse, and the dreamy-voiced detective has had enough. If Nixy doesn’t check on her aunt in person, the Silver Six could become wards of the court. But the trouble Nixy finds in Lilyvale is not at all what she expects.
The seniors are hosting a folk art festival at the farmhouse, featuring Sherry’s hand-woven baskets, when land developer Jill Elsman arrives to bully Nixy’s aunt into selling the property. When Jill is later found dead in the cemetery, Sherry is suspected of weaving a murder plot, and it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to untangle the truth.
Recipes and crafting tip included!
There isn’t much crime in Lilyvale, Arkansas, but local authorities have their hands full with Ms. Sherry Mae Stanton Cutler and her housemates—a crafty group of retirees who’ve dubbed themselves the Silver Six. But when Sherry Mae’s niece, Nixy, arrives to keep them in line, Lilyvale also plays host to a killer.
When Leslee Stanton “Nixy” Nix gets the latest call from Lilyvale detective Eric Shoar, she knows it means trouble. There’s been another kitchen explosion at her Aunt Sherry’s farmhouse, and the dreamy-voiced detective has had enough. If Nixy doesn’t check on her aunt in person, the Silver Six could become wards of the court. But the trouble Nixy finds in Lilyvale is not at all what she expects.
The seniors are hosting a folk art festival at the farmhouse, featuring Sherry’s hand-woven baskets, when land developer Jill Elsman arrives to bully Nixy’s aunt into selling the property. When Jill is later found dead in the cemetery, Sherry is suspected of weaving a murder plot, and it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to untangle the truth.
Recipes and crafting tip included!
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
275 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Haddock
8 books420 followersNancy writes cozy mystery and mystery romance, and is published by Berkley (Penguin Random House).
The Silver Six Crafting Mysteries published with Berkley Prime Crime are BASKET CASE, PAINT THE TOWN DEAD, and A CRIME OF POISON.
Her previous Berkley titles are LA VIDA VAMPIRE, LAST VAMPIRE STANDING, and ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE. All are light mystery romances set in St. Augustine, FL featuring a heroine who's Gidget with fangs.
Nancy reads across genres but prefers stories with mystery, history, and romance. You can reach her at nancyhaddockbooks@gmail.com.
The Silver Six Crafting Mysteries published with Berkley Prime Crime are BASKET CASE, PAINT THE TOWN DEAD, and A CRIME OF POISON.
Her previous Berkley titles are LA VIDA VAMPIRE, LAST VAMPIRE STANDING, and ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE. All are light mystery romances set in St. Augustine, FL featuring a heroine who's Gidget with fangs.
Nancy reads across genres but prefers stories with mystery, history, and romance. You can reach her at nancyhaddockbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
June 17, 2017
Leslee Stanton (aka Nixy) decided to visit her Aunt Sherry after yet another call from Eric Shoar, the local sheriff of Lilyvale, Arkansas, where she lived with her elderly housemates – the Silver Six. Getting time off work proved to be tricky, but eventually she was on her way. Nixy hadn’t let her aunt know she was coming, so the surprise on her face was tinged with delight; but they were in the middle of a crafty folk art festival in the front of Sherry’s farmhouse so Nixy was able to quietly observe her aunt with her friends.
But it was when developer Jill Elsman suddenly arrived on the scene, spewing vitriol and bullying Aunt Sherry about selling her property that Nixy realised things weren’t as they seemed in the sleepy little town of Lilyvale. And with Elsman doing the same to the other landowners of the area, it was obvious no one liked her. But when her body was found, and circumstances pointed Aunt Sherry’s way, Nixy knew she had to act fast. Would she be able to find Elsman’s killer before someone else was silenced?
Basket Case by Nancy Haddock is the first in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series and I loved it! So much fun – the elderly residents and their delightful ways; Nixy and her determination (she is a great character) and of course Sheriff Eric Shoar. But I loved ninety three year old Mrs Gilroy – snarky, sarcastic and totally wonderful! I picked this book up from the library for a challenge – but it looks like I have a new series to enjoy now! Highly recommended.
But it was when developer Jill Elsman suddenly arrived on the scene, spewing vitriol and bullying Aunt Sherry about selling her property that Nixy realised things weren’t as they seemed in the sleepy little town of Lilyvale. And with Elsman doing the same to the other landowners of the area, it was obvious no one liked her. But when her body was found, and circumstances pointed Aunt Sherry’s way, Nixy knew she had to act fast. Would she be able to find Elsman’s killer before someone else was silenced?
Basket Case by Nancy Haddock is the first in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series and I loved it! So much fun – the elderly residents and their delightful ways; Nixy and her determination (she is a great character) and of course Sheriff Eric Shoar. But I loved ninety three year old Mrs Gilroy – snarky, sarcastic and totally wonderful! I picked this book up from the library for a challenge – but it looks like I have a new series to enjoy now! Highly recommended.
December 12, 2015
More like a 2.5 stars book but rounding down for over usage of the word Hellspawn. Just put me off. Also another turn off the pace of the book just seemed to drag on & on & on to me. Not enough action for me in the first half of the book but it picked up a tad in the second half. I really wanted to like this book but it just left me feeling meh. Still debating on whether I well read the next one.
Want to read
June 4, 2025Mood/ Seasonal Reading: takes place in April
August 31, 2024
I kept hearing what an awesome series this is, and now I get to agree with that! I know just after reading the first book that I'm going to wish there were more than three in this series. I fell in love with all of the seniors and Aunt Sherry, what an amazing group of friends! They were fiercely loyal to one another and would do anything for one of their other housemates. And I really enjoyed the eventually not-so-mysterious 90-something year old lady next door. Overall, I really enjoyed how this series shows how many seniors are after they retire: able, wanting to work and be useful, and they knew their way around technology. No rocking chairs for this crowd. I hadn't guessed the killer until Nixy herself did, and the showdown was really awesome, since it involved everyone. Nixy had worked tirelessly to clear her aunt's name when a land developer was found dead in her family cemetery, and her hard work definitely paid off. I'm so anxious to read the next book, but yet I don't want to hurry through the series, since I'm not sure if there will be any more to it. (I wish there would be!)
November 16, 2019
What a delightful cozy mystery! The writing is superb, and I was hooked from page one, partly because Nixy, the main character, is so engaging and believable. But I also love the Silver Six, the sharp-witted senior-citizen sleuths who help Nixy solve the murder. They’re funny, loving, and loyal to each other and to Nixy (which makes the ending of the book even sweeter). You couldn’t ask for a better cozy. The mystery is a page-turner, the characters are people I’d love to have as friends, and the small-town setting is perfect. Now I can’t wait to read the second book in the series!
August 31, 2015
BASKET CASE is one of the cutest, most refreshing new cozy mysteries of the year! Author Nancy Haddock has created an extraordinarily, fun cast of characters. The “Silver Six” are such a handful, but there isn’t one of them I wouldn’t want for an aunt.
This first book in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series is packed with fun, mystery, and just plain good story telling. I was captivated from beginning to end, sad when the book was done.
Ms. Haddock lets readers get a very good way into the story before she brings in the discovery of the murder victim. I’m so glad she waited. It really helped me to get to know and enjoy the core characters before they launched into investigation mode.
Excellent writing and a wonderfully plotted mystery make BASKET CASE one of the “must read” new mysteries of 2015. Don’t miss out on this one! Nancy Haddock is sure to be an ongoing name in cozy mysteries.
Crafting tips, recipes, and an excerpt of book 2, GOODBYE GOURDEOUS, can all be found at the back of the book!
This first book in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series is packed with fun, mystery, and just plain good story telling. I was captivated from beginning to end, sad when the book was done.
Ms. Haddock lets readers get a very good way into the story before she brings in the discovery of the murder victim. I’m so glad she waited. It really helped me to get to know and enjoy the core characters before they launched into investigation mode.
Excellent writing and a wonderfully plotted mystery make BASKET CASE one of the “must read” new mysteries of 2015. Don’t miss out on this one! Nancy Haddock is sure to be an ongoing name in cozy mysteries.
Crafting tips, recipes, and an excerpt of book 2, GOODBYE GOURDEOUS, can all be found at the back of the book!
March 11, 2017
This was a really good read; great flow, good mystery. You really got to know The Silver Six, the MC, and other characters; IOW, no cardboard cutouts here, whether the character was one of the 'good guys' or an evil one. And while I've always felt I would have a difficult time living in 'small town USA' the author did an excellent job of portraying the town so that one felt one could live there and thrive. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
September 20, 2015
A very nice start to a new series. I'm not sure I've ever read a cozy set in Arkansas and I'm anxious to see if the author will offer us more details about the state. The folk art crafts are fun to read about. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book.
May 15, 2022
10% Cozy, 90% Mystery does not a cozy-mystery (to me) make!
So I went into this book so very excited! From the very premise we can see that its a cozy about 'arts and crafts'.
Look, I don't want to be "that guy" but I need to be honest here - otherwise what's the point of a review?
This book, as I said in the title is 90% Mystery and 10% (if that, actually 10% is generous) cozy. This makes for a Mystery, not a cozy mystery in my mind!
So I went into this book so very excited! From the very premise we can see that its a cozy about 'arts and crafts'.
Look, I don't want to be "that guy" but I need to be honest here - otherwise what's the point of a review?
This book, as I said in the title is 90% Mystery and 10% (if that, actually 10% is generous) cozy. This makes for a Mystery, not a cozy mystery in my mind!
February 25, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ba...
Basket Case
A Silver Six Crafting Mystery, Book #1
By Nancy Haddock
ISBN: 9780425275726
Author website: http://www.nancyhaddock.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
First in a crafty new cozy mystery series from national bestselling author Nancy Haddock
There isn’t much crime in Lilyvale, Arkansas, but local authorities have their hands full with Ms. Sherry Mae Stanton Cutler and her housemates—a crafty group of retirees who’ve dubbed themselves the Silver Six. But when Sherry Mae’s niece, Nixy, arrives to keep them in line, Lilyvale also plays host to a killer.
When Leslee Stanton “Nixy” Nix gets the latest call from Lilyvale detective Eric Shoar, she knows it means trouble. There’s been another kitchen explosion at her Aunt Sherry’s farmhouse, and the dreamy-voiced detective has had enough. If Nixy doesn’t check on her aunt in person, the Silver Six could become wards of the court. But the trouble Nixy finds in Lilyvale is not at all what she expects.
The seniors are hosting a folk art festival at the farmhouse, featuring Sherry’s hand-woven baskets, when land developer Jill Elsman arrives to bully Nixy’s aunt into selling the property. When Jill is later found dead in the cemetery, Sherry is suspected of weaving a murder plot, and it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to untangle the truth.
Recipes and crafting tip included!
Review:
Basket Case is the first in a new series by author Nancy Haddock and it is a winner. The series is called “A Silver Six Crafting Mystery” and the characters are a hoot. It is set in Lilyvale, Arkansas. Ms Haddock gives the reader a wonderful setup period, time to enjoy the characters and their personalities, time to get to know the lay of the land and to spend some quality time in this serene setting. Well serene maybe not so much. Leslee Stanton Nix (Nixy) has not been a very dutiful niece since she last saw her aunt Sherry Mae Stanton. Sherry Mae helped Nixy when her mother passed. Now Nixy gets a call informing her she needs to get to Lilyvale immediately to help control her out of control aunt and housemates. She has to go or else they may end up in a nursing home.
This new cozy series is wonderful. The main characters along with Nixy include her aunt and 5 other senior housemates that are entertaining and diversified. The “Silver Six” as they call themselves have been causing some complaints from the neighbors and too many visits from the police and emergency services due to “explosions”. When Nixy gets the call from Lilyvale detective Eric Shoar, she road trips it to her aunt. When she gets there the Silver Six are having a craft fair and the fireworks are flying on the front porch. “Hellspawn” Jill Elsman, land developer, has been terrorizing the town and she is in the process of threatening Aunt Sherry Mae when Nixy pulls up.
As I said, this cozy gives the reader time to feel at home in it before things get really hairy. We meet the wonderful members of the Silver Six and they are all so different and such a great assortment of characters. Basket Case really drew me in and I think it will most if not all readers. There are several side mysteries including why does Elsman want all their houses, what was making the explosions, and a few more. That keeps the book moving and entertaining even before the murder occurs. The author’s writing style is enjoyable and descriptive without going overboard. The mysteries are well plotted and intriguing. Reading this book, I felt like I had come home to a series, not that I was reading the first in one.
I would recommend Basket Case to any fans of the cozy genre’ and any crafters as well. This series will be a hit with just about any age group since the characters run the gamut of generations. Even though I am not a senior, I have to say I loved reading about them, their antics, and their friendships, all of it. I kept thinking to myself “how will Nixy end up staying in Lilyvale” and I was happy with that outcome. I truly enjoyed this first in what I hope will be a long lived series. I can see a romance building between Nixy and Detective Shoar, yet it was not rushed which I liked. I loved the little southern intricacies and the way the author gave glimpses of southern life, but never pushed it over the top. As a southerner I really appreciate the soft touch. I enjoyed the recipes and craft tips (not crafty but liked them all the same). I think this is a super first in what promises to be a fun new series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Basket Case
A Silver Six Crafting Mystery, Book #1
By Nancy Haddock
ISBN: 9780425275726
Author website: http://www.nancyhaddock.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
First in a crafty new cozy mystery series from national bestselling author Nancy Haddock
There isn’t much crime in Lilyvale, Arkansas, but local authorities have their hands full with Ms. Sherry Mae Stanton Cutler and her housemates—a crafty group of retirees who’ve dubbed themselves the Silver Six. But when Sherry Mae’s niece, Nixy, arrives to keep them in line, Lilyvale also plays host to a killer.
When Leslee Stanton “Nixy” Nix gets the latest call from Lilyvale detective Eric Shoar, she knows it means trouble. There’s been another kitchen explosion at her Aunt Sherry’s farmhouse, and the dreamy-voiced detective has had enough. If Nixy doesn’t check on her aunt in person, the Silver Six could become wards of the court. But the trouble Nixy finds in Lilyvale is not at all what she expects.
The seniors are hosting a folk art festival at the farmhouse, featuring Sherry’s hand-woven baskets, when land developer Jill Elsman arrives to bully Nixy’s aunt into selling the property. When Jill is later found dead in the cemetery, Sherry is suspected of weaving a murder plot, and it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to untangle the truth.
Recipes and crafting tip included!
Review:
Basket Case is the first in a new series by author Nancy Haddock and it is a winner. The series is called “A Silver Six Crafting Mystery” and the characters are a hoot. It is set in Lilyvale, Arkansas. Ms Haddock gives the reader a wonderful setup period, time to enjoy the characters and their personalities, time to get to know the lay of the land and to spend some quality time in this serene setting. Well serene maybe not so much. Leslee Stanton Nix (Nixy) has not been a very dutiful niece since she last saw her aunt Sherry Mae Stanton. Sherry Mae helped Nixy when her mother passed. Now Nixy gets a call informing her she needs to get to Lilyvale immediately to help control her out of control aunt and housemates. She has to go or else they may end up in a nursing home.
This new cozy series is wonderful. The main characters along with Nixy include her aunt and 5 other senior housemates that are entertaining and diversified. The “Silver Six” as they call themselves have been causing some complaints from the neighbors and too many visits from the police and emergency services due to “explosions”. When Nixy gets the call from Lilyvale detective Eric Shoar, she road trips it to her aunt. When she gets there the Silver Six are having a craft fair and the fireworks are flying on the front porch. “Hellspawn” Jill Elsman, land developer, has been terrorizing the town and she is in the process of threatening Aunt Sherry Mae when Nixy pulls up.
As I said, this cozy gives the reader time to feel at home in it before things get really hairy. We meet the wonderful members of the Silver Six and they are all so different and such a great assortment of characters. Basket Case really drew me in and I think it will most if not all readers. There are several side mysteries including why does Elsman want all their houses, what was making the explosions, and a few more. That keeps the book moving and entertaining even before the murder occurs. The author’s writing style is enjoyable and descriptive without going overboard. The mysteries are well plotted and intriguing. Reading this book, I felt like I had come home to a series, not that I was reading the first in one.
I would recommend Basket Case to any fans of the cozy genre’ and any crafters as well. This series will be a hit with just about any age group since the characters run the gamut of generations. Even though I am not a senior, I have to say I loved reading about them, their antics, and their friendships, all of it. I kept thinking to myself “how will Nixy end up staying in Lilyvale” and I was happy with that outcome. I truly enjoyed this first in what I hope will be a long lived series. I can see a romance building between Nixy and Detective Shoar, yet it was not rushed which I liked. I loved the little southern intricacies and the way the author gave glimpses of southern life, but never pushed it over the top. As a southerner I really appreciate the soft touch. I enjoyed the recipes and craft tips (not crafty but liked them all the same). I think this is a super first in what promises to be a fun new series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
May 2, 2018
Love...love..loved this cozy mystery. Nancy's well-defined characters and clever hints weave you through the story in a way that keeps you up long past your bedtime! Nixy, an easy to like character, reminds me of an old bestie. I happened upon this book at a library book sale and I'm so glad I picked it up as now I'm hooked to the series. Looking forward to the next one!
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Leslee Stanton “Nixy” Nix arrives in Lilyvale for a quick trip to find out what is happening with her aunt, Ms. Sherry Mae Stanton Cutler, and her housemates (The Silver Six) but the stay gets extended when a land developer is found dead and Ms. Sherry is a prime suspect.
Nancy Haddock introduces us to Nixy and the Silver Six, Ms. Sherry, Dwight Aloysius Baxter, Maisie Holcomb and her sister Aster Parsons, Eleanor Wainwright and Fred Fishner. A group of crafty seniors that all live together in Ms. Sherry’s farmhouse. They all have their strengths and weaknesses but stand by each other no matter what. Even during a murder investigation. She does an excellent job of of giving the reader time to get to know them all before the main mystery begins and I really appreciate that.
But when “Hellspawn”(love this nickname) Jill Elsman is killed and Nixy starts to dig into her background and investigate her business we soon have several suspects and the story’s pace picks up. Then we are caught up in solving the mystery right along with Nixy. Detective Eric Shoar at times wishes he never called the nosy niece to town but she seems to be growing on him.
I love the Silver Six and would love to be friends with them in real life. The entire community of Lilydale sounds like a great group of people. It is nice to see just a glimmer of romance on the horizon for Nixy.
I truly enjoyed my first visit to Lilyvale from the folk art festival to the beautiful town itself. Haddock has laid a great foundation for this series and given us a great mystery to boot. She also tempts us with a preview of GOODBYE GOURDEOUS, the next book in the series, and a craft tip and recipes too. What a fantastic start!
September 1, 2015
Basket Case is the first book in the A Silver Six Crafting Mystery series.
One of the reasons that I like this book is that most all of the characters are near my age and could certainly relate.
Leslie “Nixy” Nix gets a call from Detective Eric Shoar asking her to come to Lilyvale to check on Aunt Sherry and her house guests. Over the previous couple of weeks there have been a few clouds of smoke and explosions coming from the house and he feels she should check and make sure everything is okay. Aunt Sherry has five 60+ people living in her home and they refer to themselves as the Silver Six. When Nixy arrives there is a Folk Art Festival going on. As Nixy is looking around, she hears her aunt in a confrontation with a Jill Elsman. Elsman is trying to buy lot option in Lilyvale and has been a thorn in everyone's side and no one knows why land has become so popular. Soon the body of Elsman is found in the family cemetery on Aunt Sherry's land. The murderer has left several items by the body to implicate Aunt Sherry.
Nixy will need to get the crafty Silver Six together to find the real killer and clear Aunt Sherry of all suspicion.
This book has a wonderful cast of characters and I would enjoy knowing all of them. They've all had interesting jobs in their lifetime and they come in handy in their “silver” years.
Craft tip and recipes are also included.
Will definitely be looking for Goodbye Gourdgeous, the next book in this new series.
One of the reasons that I like this book is that most all of the characters are near my age and could certainly relate.
Leslie “Nixy” Nix gets a call from Detective Eric Shoar asking her to come to Lilyvale to check on Aunt Sherry and her house guests. Over the previous couple of weeks there have been a few clouds of smoke and explosions coming from the house and he feels she should check and make sure everything is okay. Aunt Sherry has five 60+ people living in her home and they refer to themselves as the Silver Six. When Nixy arrives there is a Folk Art Festival going on. As Nixy is looking around, she hears her aunt in a confrontation with a Jill Elsman. Elsman is trying to buy lot option in Lilyvale and has been a thorn in everyone's side and no one knows why land has become so popular. Soon the body of Elsman is found in the family cemetery on Aunt Sherry's land. The murderer has left several items by the body to implicate Aunt Sherry.
Nixy will need to get the crafty Silver Six together to find the real killer and clear Aunt Sherry of all suspicion.
This book has a wonderful cast of characters and I would enjoy knowing all of them. They've all had interesting jobs in their lifetime and they come in handy in their “silver” years.
Craft tip and recipes are also included.
Will definitely be looking for Goodbye Gourdgeous, the next book in this new series.
November 29, 2022
Basket Case has been on my TBR for a while. I knew I wanted to see what the Silver Six were up to and if such a large central cast of characters would work out well. This book was selected for the Cozy Escape Book Club for September. While I was quite busy this month and could not make it to book club, I was so excited to finally have the chance to read it.
Basket Case did not disappoint! The Silver Six were a hoot. While every now and then, Nixy rubbed me the wrong way, I did appreciate her strong bond with them and her desire to protect them. I really loved the characters and the plot of the mystery. I did figure out whodunit, but the mystery was still enjoyable. It did take me a while longer than usual to read because of how busy I've been, but I did want to see how everything would wrap up and read as much as I could whenever I had a few moments available.
I see there are two other books in the series. I'm glad and I definitely plan on reading those. I'm hoping that the author was able to wrap up the series and it wasn't one of those surprise series cancellations.
I checked this book out of the library and I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion. My review is not influenced in any way.
Basket Case did not disappoint! The Silver Six were a hoot. While every now and then, Nixy rubbed me the wrong way, I did appreciate her strong bond with them and her desire to protect them. I really loved the characters and the plot of the mystery. I did figure out whodunit, but the mystery was still enjoyable. It did take me a while longer than usual to read because of how busy I've been, but I did want to see how everything would wrap up and read as much as I could whenever I had a few moments available.
I see there are two other books in the series. I'm glad and I definitely plan on reading those. I'm hoping that the author was able to wrap up the series and it wasn't one of those surprise series cancellations.
I checked this book out of the library and I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion. My review is not influenced in any way.
September 27, 2015
I had thought that I didn't want to start a new series until I caught up with a couple of others, then I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book, and I found that I definitely need this series added to my favorites. I don't think that I can do this book justice, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Nixy is a petite woman with a strong personality, who comes to help her aunt. She arrives to find the silver six a group of elderly people who live together, that are anything but helpless. I loved every single personality of the group. They come together to fight off an overbearing woman whom Nixy nicknames Hellspawn, who is trying to buy up the town. This mystery takes you step by step, leads you in, and you find the clues just as Nixy does. It was an excellent mystery and took me on a few twists but I felt like I was right along side Nixy as she figured it out. I loved the ending and can't wait for the next one to come out.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
November 8, 2020
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. It's a warm hearted down to earth series that I can relate to. I definitely intend to read the series.
It's a believable & a heartwarming story about a young career woman who gets an urgent call from a local official on the Police Force who informs her of a situation about her Aunt whom he cares about and believes is in dire need if her nieces assistance;
(or maybe not).
He explains there are things happening at her Aunts home that might put her and the other elderly tenants at risk for being placed in a Nursing Home. Her Aunt was one of his favorite teachers he would prefer to avoid that situation if possible. He's not a complete stranger and he knows the family history & is aware she's the last family member, the only family member that can help. In a small community Neighbors are complaining and he is trying to emphasize it is time to help her family. For those who have grown up in a small town know only too well the difference between living in a small tight knit community and a city. Her Aunt has opened her home to other neighbors who have lost their home to a fire, or their spouse has passed, and her Aunt is an intelligent, talented caring individual from that generation that opens up their heart and home to help friends that have had unexpected difficulties. They are named the Silver Six based on their age and all of them exemplify the best of all human qualities. They have formed a family unit, loving, caring, spontaneous.
Her Aunt is the most important family connection she has since her mother passed away a few years back.
Her Aunt was a teacher in the small Arkansas town that has remained untouched by by modern shopping malls and big businesses.
The niece is caught between her ambitions of a big promotion in the Art Gallery where she has sacrificed to reach her goals and she feels limited
about what she can really do to help. Little does she know that traveling to Arkansas to help her Aunt will be a life changing event that will have her reevaluating the things that are important in life.
The Silver Six. hopefully will enlighten others as this story enables others to have the opportunity to see the older generation in a different light. They aren't just old, boring, & helpless individuals with insurmountable health issues. Each one is interesting, intelligent, viable , warm hearted, caring, , talented people with hearts of gold. Although they have retired each individual has unique talents that they use to share by donating their time they realize they can share their talents by volunteering to teach their unique qualities and abilities various community groups. They are such wonderful contributing generous people it is sad to realize that in this day and age too few are aware of the knowledge and wisdom they are taking the time to pass on.
As she takes time away from the Art Gallery where she works when she arrives they are holding a Craft Fair on her Aunts property. That is the beginning of the Mystery. Someone is threatening her Aunt and the Silver Six. The story revolves around why a young woman is threatening all those individuals who own land in that area, and later she discovers her Aunt Sherry owns the majority of the land. The story presents unexpected situations that threaten her Aunt and the Silver Six & with the help of the small town Detective who contacted her and who hasn't forgotten his roots or his loyalty to the people in his community perhaps they can solve unexpected problems. In his way he has become the caretaker of these generous group known as the Silver Six.
He reminds her that life is about more than ambitions, & a career. It's about family and community, people who care for others.
The story line contrasts with today's younger generation. Its a story of lessons in life that that goes beyond a personal day to day life and ambitions to what's really important in life.
As a retired Art Educator I have spent a lifetime studying local arts and Crafts in many states & am fascinated by the number of multi-talented people that hold local Craft Fairs and the importance of community.
Its a delightful cozy mystery that takes some unexpected twists and turn.
Hopefully others will enjoyed this delightful story as much as I have and now I'm on to read the next story in the series. These individuals are too interesting not to continue reading what they do next .
It's a believable & a heartwarming story about a young career woman who gets an urgent call from a local official on the Police Force who informs her of a situation about her Aunt whom he cares about and believes is in dire need if her nieces assistance;
(or maybe not).
He explains there are things happening at her Aunts home that might put her and the other elderly tenants at risk for being placed in a Nursing Home. Her Aunt was one of his favorite teachers he would prefer to avoid that situation if possible. He's not a complete stranger and he knows the family history & is aware she's the last family member, the only family member that can help. In a small community Neighbors are complaining and he is trying to emphasize it is time to help her family. For those who have grown up in a small town know only too well the difference between living in a small tight knit community and a city. Her Aunt has opened her home to other neighbors who have lost their home to a fire, or their spouse has passed, and her Aunt is an intelligent, talented caring individual from that generation that opens up their heart and home to help friends that have had unexpected difficulties. They are named the Silver Six based on their age and all of them exemplify the best of all human qualities. They have formed a family unit, loving, caring, spontaneous.
Her Aunt is the most important family connection she has since her mother passed away a few years back.
Her Aunt was a teacher in the small Arkansas town that has remained untouched by by modern shopping malls and big businesses.
The niece is caught between her ambitions of a big promotion in the Art Gallery where she has sacrificed to reach her goals and she feels limited
about what she can really do to help. Little does she know that traveling to Arkansas to help her Aunt will be a life changing event that will have her reevaluating the things that are important in life.
The Silver Six. hopefully will enlighten others as this story enables others to have the opportunity to see the older generation in a different light. They aren't just old, boring, & helpless individuals with insurmountable health issues. Each one is interesting, intelligent, viable , warm hearted, caring, , talented people with hearts of gold. Although they have retired each individual has unique talents that they use to share by donating their time they realize they can share their talents by volunteering to teach their unique qualities and abilities various community groups. They are such wonderful contributing generous people it is sad to realize that in this day and age too few are aware of the knowledge and wisdom they are taking the time to pass on.
As she takes time away from the Art Gallery where she works when she arrives they are holding a Craft Fair on her Aunts property. That is the beginning of the Mystery. Someone is threatening her Aunt and the Silver Six. The story revolves around why a young woman is threatening all those individuals who own land in that area, and later she discovers her Aunt Sherry owns the majority of the land. The story presents unexpected situations that threaten her Aunt and the Silver Six & with the help of the small town Detective who contacted her and who hasn't forgotten his roots or his loyalty to the people in his community perhaps they can solve unexpected problems. In his way he has become the caretaker of these generous group known as the Silver Six.
He reminds her that life is about more than ambitions, & a career. It's about family and community, people who care for others.
The story line contrasts with today's younger generation. Its a story of lessons in life that that goes beyond a personal day to day life and ambitions to what's really important in life.
As a retired Art Educator I have spent a lifetime studying local arts and Crafts in many states & am fascinated by the number of multi-talented people that hold local Craft Fairs and the importance of community.
Its a delightful cozy mystery that takes some unexpected twists and turn.
Hopefully others will enjoyed this delightful story as much as I have and now I'm on to read the next story in the series. These individuals are too interesting not to continue reading what they do next .
August 9, 2019
Basket Case
Silver Six series #1
Nancy Haddock
Berkley, Sep 2015
306 pages
Cozy mystery, Senior Cozy, Hometown Cozy
Purchased for Kindle app
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is so perfect for the story with the lovely old house looking so welcoming. The exact way you picture Aunt Sherry’s home. The glasses frames lined up in the yellow banner across the top are for the six residents of the house, the six seniors involved in the story. The artwork is wonderful, absolutely right for this book.
The story is interesting and has the requisite number of twists and turns and a dead body in the cemetery as well as a mild flirtation with the local detective on the case. “Leslee Stanton Nix, Nixy to her friends”, has a job she loves in the art world in the city and an elderly aunt living in the family house in the country, a town her family actually founded. Her aunt has taken in boarders, five to be exact. They seem to be causing a stir up in their little corner of the country and the local detective is pressuring Nixy to come and do something about it before he has to take some legal action against Miss Sherry. But getting ahead in the city and visiting her aunt in the country aren’t compatible. Her boss isn’t giving her emergency leave and the detective isn’t budging either. Now or he’ll have to do something. So Nixy heads for Lilyvale.
It’s amusing, amazing, and amounted to much more than I had expected from the cover. There’s moonshine, scurrilous land deals, artists & crafters, friends helping friends, and a ghost. It’s fast-paced and the tension is high. Nixy has to figure out what the seniors’ secrets are and then solve the murder case with the detective who is handsome and even smells good. This is the first book in the series and there are two more books so far. Highly recommended for readers of cozy mysteries, especially those who appreciate the senior touch.
Silver Six series #1
Nancy Haddock
Berkley, Sep 2015
306 pages
Cozy mystery, Senior Cozy, Hometown Cozy
Purchased for Kindle app
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is so perfect for the story with the lovely old house looking so welcoming. The exact way you picture Aunt Sherry’s home. The glasses frames lined up in the yellow banner across the top are for the six residents of the house, the six seniors involved in the story. The artwork is wonderful, absolutely right for this book.
The story is interesting and has the requisite number of twists and turns and a dead body in the cemetery as well as a mild flirtation with the local detective on the case. “Leslee Stanton Nix, Nixy to her friends”, has a job she loves in the art world in the city and an elderly aunt living in the family house in the country, a town her family actually founded. Her aunt has taken in boarders, five to be exact. They seem to be causing a stir up in their little corner of the country and the local detective is pressuring Nixy to come and do something about it before he has to take some legal action against Miss Sherry. But getting ahead in the city and visiting her aunt in the country aren’t compatible. Her boss isn’t giving her emergency leave and the detective isn’t budging either. Now or he’ll have to do something. So Nixy heads for Lilyvale.
It’s amusing, amazing, and amounted to much more than I had expected from the cover. There’s moonshine, scurrilous land deals, artists & crafters, friends helping friends, and a ghost. It’s fast-paced and the tension is high. Nixy has to figure out what the seniors’ secrets are and then solve the murder case with the detective who is handsome and even smells good. This is the first book in the series and there are two more books so far. Highly recommended for readers of cozy mysteries, especially those who appreciate the senior touch.
August 29, 2017
Star rating: 3.5 - 4 stars
After being repeatedly called by a Lilyvale, Arkansas police detective, Nixy Stanton finds herself traveling from Houston Texas to the little town of Lilyvale to see what exactly her Aunt Sherry Mae has gotten herself into. Arriving in Lilyvale to find her Aunt and her 5 best friends hosting a folk art festival, Nixy knows it's not going to be easy to keep these seniors reined in. Especially when an overbearing land developer is hounding her aunts every step. When the same egotistical land developer is found dead in Sherry Mae's family plot all eyes turn to Sherry as the culprit. Knowing her aunt is innocent, Nixy decides to stay in Lilyvale for as long as it takes to find the real killer and clear her aunts name.
This was a cute read. I wouldn't say it was amazing or mind blowing, but it was definitely well written. I enjoyed the characters immensely, particularly the Silver Six. They were all very well hashed out and entertaining to read about. My biggest problem with this novel was that I felt like the second half of it lagged behind the first half. Even though the murder doesn't happen until you're almost 40% of the way through the novel, I felt like it was more entertaining up until that point. Another smaller problem was Nixy's 'love interest', Detective Shoar. I felt no real connection to his character and no true 'spark' between Nixy and Eric. It came across as more contrived then a well written attraction between two people. But overall I still enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in the series. Hopefully it will be even better then the first.
After being repeatedly called by a Lilyvale, Arkansas police detective, Nixy Stanton finds herself traveling from Houston Texas to the little town of Lilyvale to see what exactly her Aunt Sherry Mae has gotten herself into. Arriving in Lilyvale to find her Aunt and her 5 best friends hosting a folk art festival, Nixy knows it's not going to be easy to keep these seniors reined in. Especially when an overbearing land developer is hounding her aunts every step. When the same egotistical land developer is found dead in Sherry Mae's family plot all eyes turn to Sherry as the culprit. Knowing her aunt is innocent, Nixy decides to stay in Lilyvale for as long as it takes to find the real killer and clear her aunts name.
This was a cute read. I wouldn't say it was amazing or mind blowing, but it was definitely well written. I enjoyed the characters immensely, particularly the Silver Six. They were all very well hashed out and entertaining to read about. My biggest problem with this novel was that I felt like the second half of it lagged behind the first half. Even though the murder doesn't happen until you're almost 40% of the way through the novel, I felt like it was more entertaining up until that point. Another smaller problem was Nixy's 'love interest', Detective Shoar. I felt no real connection to his character and no true 'spark' between Nixy and Eric. It came across as more contrived then a well written attraction between two people. But overall I still enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in the series. Hopefully it will be even better then the first.
March 11, 2018
Mostly I liked this story. The Silver Six are wonderful characters. I love their house, their little community, their arts and crafts, and all the wonderful ways they take care of each other! The mystery was very interesting with enough red herrings to take me in a different direction. I loved Mrs. Gilroy! She was a very interesting character. I didn't like Elsman but I was surprised it took so long to get to her murder. I also didn't care for the constant overuse of the nickname Hellspawn. That was unnecessary and a little annoying. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series!
March 7, 2022
I have had this on my TBR shelf for a while. It took me a bit to read, I'm not totally sure why. It was a good story line, and well written. I enjoyed the characters, but I think there were so many of them that I couldn't keep them straight. It was a bit slow going for me, and took until about half way through for the murder to occur. I did like seeing the relationship build between Nixy and her aunt. Nixy works at an art gallery in Texas. She receives a call from the detective in her aunts home town of Lilyvale, AR, urging her to come to see her aunt ASAP. She hops in the car and makes the drive, only to find that her aunt Sherry Mae and her 5 feisty senior friends (called the Silver Six) are doing fine. She also learns that there is a woman sniffing around trying to get Sherry Mae to sell her land so it can be developed, and she is making life difficult for the seniors in order to make that happen. The woman ends up dead in the family cemetery on Sherry Mae's land and Nixy and the Six team up to solve the crime.
January 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this first entry in the series. The characters were so likeable. At times there were too many and it was confusing but I still liked them. The mystery was good. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
March 10, 2019
Your typical cozy mystery. I liked Nixy. And I loved Mrs Gilroy. The love interest, Eric Shoar was okay - had a bit of humour. I wasn't overly enamoured by the Silver Six - they were alright, they just didn't really grab me. They were a bit bland. And it irritated me how they all just stonewalled her and kept to themselves and the aunt didn't stop it. It also irritated me that everyone was so hesitant to talk finances. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed following as they solved it but I also never really connected to it. Still, I'll pick up the next one at some point and see how it goes. 2.5 stars, rounded up to three for the Kiss the Girl scene.
October 29, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this first in the Silver Six Crafters Mystery! The characters are delightful and the plot keeps your guessing.
September 16, 2022
I really wanted to love this but I think I didn’t like it until the end. The beginning seemed to drag with all the details and setting the series up. It wasn’t until like half way through that the murder occurred. And still a few chapters after that when it finally picked up and became interesting. Based on the end I may try book two. I’m glad I finished and didn’t dnf. But you do have to persevere to get to the good stuff.
March 28, 2019
Kept my interest
The charming characters as well as the intriguing plot had me glued down until the last page. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Silver Six and Nixy.
The charming characters as well as the intriguing plot had me glued down until the last page. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Silver Six and Nixy.
September 4, 2015
Author Nancy Haddock is bringing readers a new series, with six, 60+ heroines with a penchant for murder and crafts. Basket Case, is great introduction to the Silver Six mystery series and readers will quickly fall in love with this eccentric cast of characters from Ms. Sherry to the local detective. Haddock does a fantastic job of setting up this series with colorful characters and back stories. You'll want to return to Lilyvale on a constant basis! Great new series!
What I Liked:
When a new cozy mystery series comes out I start speculating. How is this cozy series going to be different from the rest? How will it stand apart? Can it make it's mark? Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't, but once in a while a series comes along that is simply a stroke of genius. The new Silver Six series has tons of potential. Nancy Haddock did everything right in this first book in the series. Basket Case, introduces readers to six elderly ladies in the South who love to craft. This particular book centers around basket weaving, but the author leaves all kinds of possibilities for future books. Each of these ladies has quite the story to tell and I can just see the ideas for more books in the series on every page.
These ladies aren't just crafters though, they are mystery enthusiasts. When the dead body of a woman looking to buy Ms. Sherry's home ends up dead in the family cemetery, things don't look good. But with the help of the Silver Six, Ms. Sherry's niece, Nixy and Detective Shoar the killer will be brought to justice, one way or another. The characters in this one are just spectacular. So well developed and so fun! Haddock knew what she was doing when she started dreaming up Lilyvale, Arkansas and the people who would populate it. I can't wait to see what these ladies get into next.
What I Didn't Like:
I liked just about everything about this one and definitely feel it is 5 apple read. However, I do want to mention a strong trend in the cozy genre of late. There are a lot of 'Southern' cozies coming out. There are a lot of cozies coming out featuring older heroes and heroines, and there are a lot of cozies come out with a large group of possible heroines or heroes. I loved this one, but that just goes to show that trends happen even in the cozy genre and sometimes you get too much of a good thing. I hope to see more variety in the new cozies coming out soon, but in the mean time... this one rocks!
Bottom Line:
The mystery was well crafted and didn't start on the first page. Haddock allowed readers to get to know the town and the Silver Six first, before the murder occurred. I liked the undercurrent of romance between Nixy and Eric and I felt that added a different dimension to the story. The details about crafting and basket weaving were also nice touches. This is just a group of women I want to know more about and I think Haddock is really onto to something with this series.
What I Liked:
When a new cozy mystery series comes out I start speculating. How is this cozy series going to be different from the rest? How will it stand apart? Can it make it's mark? Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't, but once in a while a series comes along that is simply a stroke of genius. The new Silver Six series has tons of potential. Nancy Haddock did everything right in this first book in the series. Basket Case, introduces readers to six elderly ladies in the South who love to craft. This particular book centers around basket weaving, but the author leaves all kinds of possibilities for future books. Each of these ladies has quite the story to tell and I can just see the ideas for more books in the series on every page.
These ladies aren't just crafters though, they are mystery enthusiasts. When the dead body of a woman looking to buy Ms. Sherry's home ends up dead in the family cemetery, things don't look good. But with the help of the Silver Six, Ms. Sherry's niece, Nixy and Detective Shoar the killer will be brought to justice, one way or another. The characters in this one are just spectacular. So well developed and so fun! Haddock knew what she was doing when she started dreaming up Lilyvale, Arkansas and the people who would populate it. I can't wait to see what these ladies get into next.
What I Didn't Like:
I liked just about everything about this one and definitely feel it is 5 apple read. However, I do want to mention a strong trend in the cozy genre of late. There are a lot of 'Southern' cozies coming out. There are a lot of cozies coming out featuring older heroes and heroines, and there are a lot of cozies come out with a large group of possible heroines or heroes. I loved this one, but that just goes to show that trends happen even in the cozy genre and sometimes you get too much of a good thing. I hope to see more variety in the new cozies coming out soon, but in the mean time... this one rocks!
Bottom Line:
The mystery was well crafted and didn't start on the first page. Haddock allowed readers to get to know the town and the Silver Six first, before the murder occurred. I liked the undercurrent of romance between Nixy and Eric and I felt that added a different dimension to the story. The details about crafting and basket weaving were also nice touches. This is just a group of women I want to know more about and I think Haddock is really onto to something with this series.
April 19, 2022
When Nixy moves back to Lilyvale, Arkansas to check up on her Aunt Sherry and her Aunt's six roommates, her life is changed forever! Never did she expect to add crime solver, along with the "Silver Six" to her resume as an art gallery assistant to the assistant director.
Filled with mystery, humor, and action this book is a great first in a series. Anyone who lives or lived in a small town will recognize the characters - and I do mean characters. For example, there's Ms. Gilroy, the 93 year old internet and home shopping whiz who loves her iPhone and big screen tv and encourages Nixy to get to know the handsome detective investigating the murder.
I loved the descriptions of small town life - with a twist...engineers, hippies,a retired Navy nurse and other characters make up the "Silver Six" who band together to enjoy life and provide family for each other.
The mystery kept me guessing and I enjoyed the beginnings of a romance.
Make the trip to Lilyvale, you won't be disappointed! Can't wait for the next book!!
Filled with mystery, humor, and action this book is a great first in a series. Anyone who lives or lived in a small town will recognize the characters - and I do mean characters. For example, there's Ms. Gilroy, the 93 year old internet and home shopping whiz who loves her iPhone and big screen tv and encourages Nixy to get to know the handsome detective investigating the murder.
I loved the descriptions of small town life - with a twist...engineers, hippies,a retired Navy nurse and other characters make up the "Silver Six" who band together to enjoy life and provide family for each other.
The mystery kept me guessing and I enjoyed the beginnings of a romance.
Make the trip to Lilyvale, you won't be disappointed! Can't wait for the next book!!
June 7, 2016
A real page turner
This book will have the reader eager to stay up past bedtime! The Silver Six are a group of seniors who live together not only for financial reasons, but for companionship as well.
Sherry Mae is a delightful character and her strong mind and attitude fits well with the story. Nixy is Sherry Mae's niece and after an urgent phone call from the sheriff, Nixy sets off to visit her aunt. Worried that the seniors can't take care of themselves is a big concern for Nixy, but when a murder takes place and Sherry Mae is the person of interest, Nixy spoons finds out just how strong the Silver Six are.
This was a fun book to read and I was really excited with the ending. The characters are all well rounded and truly make the story believable.
I can't wait to read more in this series.
This book will have the reader eager to stay up past bedtime! The Silver Six are a group of seniors who live together not only for financial reasons, but for companionship as well.
Sherry Mae is a delightful character and her strong mind and attitude fits well with the story. Nixy is Sherry Mae's niece and after an urgent phone call from the sheriff, Nixy sets off to visit her aunt. Worried that the seniors can't take care of themselves is a big concern for Nixy, but when a murder takes place and Sherry Mae is the person of interest, Nixy spoons finds out just how strong the Silver Six are.
This was a fun book to read and I was really excited with the ending. The characters are all well rounded and truly make the story believable.
I can't wait to read more in this series.
August 29, 2015
The mystery in Lilyvale is intriguing and the character development leaves immense amount of ideas for future books. I loved the subtle romance between Nixy and Shoar which was just enough to stay at a low hum in the background but provide spice for the romantic at heart. The mystery was well hidden as there were so many suspects it was difficult to determine who the guilty party was. Basket Case is an outstanding introduction to a very talented author with an amazing talent. I highly recommend Basket Case for an entertaining cast of characters and a gift for mystery.
Delane
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Delane
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
May 15, 2020
Nixy is called in by the Detective of Lillyvale who said that her Aunt Sherry Mae with her Silver Six group are causing havok. So Nixy takes a few days off to come down from Houston to see what is going on. There appears to be a person who has decided to buy up as much property as possible and Sherry Mae is not going to let her do it. This person is not well liked by the community at all with the way she is bullying and ends up dead at the cemetery plot behind her Aunt's home. So Nixy needs to find out who really killer her and not get killed in the process while trying to keep her aunt safe and out of harms way as well.
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