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Carly Keene Cozy Mysteries #1
Dead Before The Wedding
Life in a small town can be MURDER.
Professional photographer and part-time bakery employee Carly Keene loves everything about her small hometown, except for the fact that there's a murderer on the loose. When one of Carly's photography clients is murdered just days before his wedding, it's up to Carly to prove that the most likely suspect isn't the culprit at all. With the help of her sassy best friend, Shell, and her clever cop cousin, Carly is determined to get to the truth, no matter what.
Can Carly prove that the police are after the wrong woman? And are her feelings for the dead guy's twin brother more than just friendship and a shared love of their dogs? Find out in this first book of the Carly Keene Cozy Mystery series!
Meet the colorful residents of Parker's Mill in the first-ever Carly Keene cozy mystery.
***Includes two mouthwatering recipe straight out of the Sweets & Eats Bakery!****
Professional photographer and part-time bakery employee Carly Keene loves everything about her small hometown, except for the fact that there's a murderer on the loose. When one of Carly's photography clients is murdered just days before his wedding, it's up to Carly to prove that the most likely suspect isn't the culprit at all. With the help of her sassy best friend, Shell, and her clever cop cousin, Carly is determined to get to the truth, no matter what.
Can Carly prove that the police are after the wrong woman? And are her feelings for the dead guy's twin brother more than just friendship and a shared love of their dogs? Find out in this first book of the Carly Keene Cozy Mystery series!
Meet the colorful residents of Parker's Mill in the first-ever Carly Keene cozy mystery.
***Includes two mouthwatering recipe straight out of the Sweets & Eats Bakery!****
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2015
423 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Blaylock
30 books29 followersRuby Blaylock (aka Jessica B. Woods) grew up in a small, southern town surrounded by colorful characters and lots of food. She loves a good helping of gossip and great food, not necessarily in that order. She is a country girl at heart and can often be found sitting on the back porch, sipping sweet tea and watching her fat hound dogs chase bugs.
If she's not reading a book, she's writing one, or reading one to her kids, who can always help her think up new ways to kill off annoying characters.
If she's not reading a book, she's writing one, or reading one to her kids, who can always help her think up new ways to kill off annoying characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 10, 2021
A cute little read!
September 1, 2017
Fun and funny with wonderfully warm and down to earth characters. A mystery and a touch of romance make this book a sweet treat to read with your morning coffee!
July 12, 2020
Carly is a photographer is a small town. Since there is not enough work she often helps her best friend out in her bakery. When an old school "friend" comes into the bakery, my has she changed. Gone is the retiring shy girl that she was. This girl has become bossy to the extreme and to make matter worse, she is marrying a boy Carly dated in high school.
Carly had only one memorable date with him and one was enough. Carly and her friend are hired to do wedding photos and the cake. However, Carly is plagued by the jealousy of the girl when her fiance's truck in seen parked in front of the bakery. The attraction is the red head across the street at the beauty parlor though.
When Carly finds the fiance dead, a woman is charged but Carly does not think she did it. For as short as it is, this is a good mystery but the supporting characters could have had a bit more body to them.
I would read on in the series.
Carly had only one memorable date with him and one was enough. Carly and her friend are hired to do wedding photos and the cake. However, Carly is plagued by the jealousy of the girl when her fiance's truck in seen parked in front of the bakery. The attraction is the red head across the street at the beauty parlor though.
When Carly finds the fiance dead, a woman is charged but Carly does not think she did it. For as short as it is, this is a good mystery but the supporting characters could have had a bit more body to them.
I would read on in the series.
December 2, 2018
Fun, funny cozy - just what I needed after the Holiday week. Very entertaining and humorous.
June 30, 2021
A sweet little mystery. Carly is a freelance photographer and helps in her roommates bakery to make ends meet. She is hired by an obnoxious bride to take wedding photos but before the nuptials can begin the groom is found in his tub with a space heater. And it’s the middle of summer. Obviously no accident. A well deserved ending for the lying killer.
June 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this free down load. The story was quick and fun.
February 8, 2024
I liked this one. Not overly complicated. Easy to figure out who did it. Would get thr next book in the series.
January 27, 2019
Cozy mystery that will get you craving baked goods!
A great story about two friends running a bakery in a small town, one of them helping out While simultaneously trying to get her photography business off the ground. While trying to track down her client, an old school friend who's late for a walk-through at his wedding venue with his fiance, his body is discovered fully clothed in his bathtub. Enter a policeman who also is the cousin of the photographer, a single mom, a cute 3-year old boy, the handsome twin of the recently murdered groom-to-be, and the not-so-friendly Bridezilla whose wedding plans were interrupted by soap opera worthy drama.
A good cozy mystery with great characters and a great plotline. The only thing I maybe would've preferred is that it more focus was on the investigation of the murder, and less focus was placed on developing the characters and their subsequent relationships. All in all though, I enjoyed this cozy mystery!
A great story about two friends running a bakery in a small town, one of them helping out While simultaneously trying to get her photography business off the ground. While trying to track down her client, an old school friend who's late for a walk-through at his wedding venue with his fiance, his body is discovered fully clothed in his bathtub. Enter a policeman who also is the cousin of the photographer, a single mom, a cute 3-year old boy, the handsome twin of the recently murdered groom-to-be, and the not-so-friendly Bridezilla whose wedding plans were interrupted by soap opera worthy drama.
A good cozy mystery with great characters and a great plotline. The only thing I maybe would've preferred is that it more focus was on the investigation of the murder, and less focus was placed on developing the characters and their subsequent relationships. All in all though, I enjoyed this cozy mystery!
September 3, 2017
"Still, she felt that everyone deserved one moment of clarified joy that they could keep and cherish for their whole lives, and that’s why she’d decided to become a photographer."
Carley Keene, back from College, lives in her late Aunt's house with her BFF Shelley, who runs her parents' bakery. As much as Carley loves her hometown, the gossip mill could kill you.
Booked as a photographer for a big wedding with a demanding diva and her fiancé, Carley gets in the middle of an all out war between the present and former partners of the groom. Who's telling the truth, and who's out for a payday? Watch and see.
Along with a couple of scrumptious dessert recipes, this new-to-me author serves a delectable cosy full of characters that show their true colors, no matter what's on tap. Highly Recommended
Carley Keene, back from College, lives in her late Aunt's house with her BFF Shelley, who runs her parents' bakery. As much as Carley loves her hometown, the gossip mill could kill you.
Booked as a photographer for a big wedding with a demanding diva and her fiancé, Carley gets in the middle of an all out war between the present and former partners of the groom. Who's telling the truth, and who's out for a payday? Watch and see.
Along with a couple of scrumptious dessert recipes, this new-to-me author serves a delectable cosy full of characters that show their true colors, no matter what's on tap. Highly Recommended
January 31, 2019
Story could have been great
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
For a quick cozy mystery, this book had potential. The author should have kept track of what name was whose name. I don't know how many times I had to re-read to figure out who was actually speaking or of whom one was speaking. If you can't keep the characters straight, slow down and give everyone distinctive names.
Another problem was technical. When you bail someone out of jail, you only loose the bail money IF they do not show in court or takes off against bail orders. In this book, you have a single, poor mother who couldn't afford to skip bail. She had no money, so this makes no sense in the story.
An uneven read that is full of useless info, not recommended.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
For a quick cozy mystery, this book had potential. The author should have kept track of what name was whose name. I don't know how many times I had to re-read to figure out who was actually speaking or of whom one was speaking. If you can't keep the characters straight, slow down and give everyone distinctive names.
Another problem was technical. When you bail someone out of jail, you only loose the bail money IF they do not show in court or takes off against bail orders. In this book, you have a single, poor mother who couldn't afford to skip bail. She had no money, so this makes no sense in the story.
An uneven read that is full of useless info, not recommended.
June 7, 2022
I really enjoyed the story and the main characters were very likeable. I thought the villain was a bit predictable and wished that a certain plot twist had occurred that didn't. Mostly though, it was a great escape to a small town in southern USA.
(Second Reading, because of forgetfulness)
Echoing what I'd said previously and adding that the story oozes southern charm.
Carly is a photographer who is tasked with taking and curating a photo shoot of the marriage between two absolutely awful people - one whom she had previously dated. When the groom-to-be ends up dead, Carly puts together the pieces of the mystery to determine his true murderer.
(Second Reading, because of forgetfulness)
Echoing what I'd said previously and adding that the story oozes southern charm.
Carly is a photographer who is tasked with taking and curating a photo shoot of the marriage between two absolutely awful people - one whom she had previously dated. When the groom-to-be ends up dead, Carly puts together the pieces of the mystery to determine his true murderer.
September 18, 2017
Dead Before the Wedding was a delightful cozy mystery! This is the first book in the Carly Keene series. In this book we meet Carly, a photographer, and her best friend, Shell, a baker. They live in the small Georgia town, Parker's Mill. Carly and Shell are roommates and occasional co-workers (Carly helps out in the bakery when it is busy). Carly has the misfortune of discovering the body of one of her potential photography clients after he and his fiancee are no-shows for an appointment. Things heat up quickly and Carly feels honor bound to help solve the murder. The action in Dead Before the Wedding is fast-paced, Carly is a likeable main character, there is plenty of laughter to balance the death, and there are recipes at the end! This was a satisfying read.
May 13, 2018
Electrifying happenings
A great light, easy to read cozy. The two best friends have shared a house for ages and although the photography side was all hers, she still helped her friend in the local bakery. When a cake is ordered for an upcoming wedding and she is hired as the photographer things seem to be looking up. However the groom's womanising leads to problems. Namely a three year one. When the groom is found dead, fingers are pointed at the child's mother. Did she kill the groom and little boy's father? How can the truth be revealed? Nice plot, okay it was obvious who killed him but it still made good reading. Great characters that fit in well with the story.
A great light, easy to read cozy. The two best friends have shared a house for ages and although the photography side was all hers, she still helped her friend in the local bakery. When a cake is ordered for an upcoming wedding and she is hired as the photographer things seem to be looking up. However the groom's womanising leads to problems. Namely a three year one. When the groom is found dead, fingers are pointed at the child's mother. Did she kill the groom and little boy's father? How can the truth be revealed? Nice plot, okay it was obvious who killed him but it still made good reading. Great characters that fit in well with the story.
July 28, 2020
Wow it all🐱
The book was great and entertaining all the way from the beginning to end.It was funny and entertaining story teller.Thanks for sharing it with me keep them coming.
The book was great and entertaining all the way from the beginning to end.It was funny and entertaining story teller.Thanks for sharing it with me keep them coming.
March 7, 2021
Carly Keene is a photographer who takes photos of events happening around Parker’s Mill. Since that doesn’t quite pay the bills she works for her betsy Shell at her bakery. Shell is also Carly’s housemate.
Carly has a crush on Tucker Gaston; she had dated his twin Larry once in high school, he turned out to be chauvinistic pig. Tucker was the nice twin and there were sparks there for sure. They were talking about getting their dogs together for a play date to curb Tucker’s pup propensity for destroying things when he’s home alone. Meanwhile obnoxious Larry is engaged to Mona who is brusque and she doesn’t hesitate to let Carly know she’s the one who has Larry now and they are getting married in less than a month. She needs Carly to take the wedding pictures and Shell to make her a four layer wedding cake. The plot thickens when Larry’s old flame needs to see him as she has something to tell him before the wedding. The story gets more convoluted the closer the wedding date gets. I enjoyed it, lots of Jerry Springer type action.
Carly has a crush on Tucker Gaston; she had dated his twin Larry once in high school, he turned out to be chauvinistic pig. Tucker was the nice twin and there were sparks there for sure. They were talking about getting their dogs together for a play date to curb Tucker’s pup propensity for destroying things when he’s home alone. Meanwhile obnoxious Larry is engaged to Mona who is brusque and she doesn’t hesitate to let Carly know she’s the one who has Larry now and they are getting married in less than a month. She needs Carly to take the wedding pictures and Shell to make her a four layer wedding cake. The plot thickens when Larry’s old flame needs to see him as she has something to tell him before the wedding. The story gets more convoluted the closer the wedding date gets. I enjoyed it, lots of Jerry Springer type action.
August 31, 2017
Dead Before The Wedding is what I call a Cozy Mystery and a rather good read at that. I've read this book now twice once when I originally purchased it and now again the second time almost a year later. And yes I liked it both times just as much. It is a fun, quirky bit of a mystery with just enough romance thrown in to make it good. Now don't get your panties in a bunch if you have to wait a bit for the mystery to start ...that is the romance part of the book. So I invite you to come along and see if you can figure out this mystery? It's the perfect length for that pumpkin spice latte this weekend. YUM
March 26, 2024
Dead Before The Wedding is a short cozy mystery. This first book in the series introduces twenty-six year old Carly Keene of Parker's Mill, Georgia. Carly lives with her bff Michelle "Shell" Summers. Carly is a photographer and Shell runs her parents' shop Sweets and Eats. When the couple who hired Carly to take pre-wedding pictures of them doesn't arrive, she goes looking for them. Unfortunately what she finds is a dead groom-to-be. Luckily for Carly, her cousin Brandon just happens to be a police officer. This is a clean mystery without foul language or heated love scenes, which I liked. The mystery isn't hard to solve, but I enjoyed the setting and the characters.
June 12, 2017
Carly, a young photographer and part time baker, gets caught in the middle as she is the one who finds the victim, and she believes that the person the police have taken into custody is actually innocent. Living in a small town you are bound to bump into your school mates and although everyone has grown up and matured they are still intrinsically the same....so understanding them is not so difficult. On the surface a simple story, but that is how life is. An interesting book, i look forward to reading the next in the series.
December 7, 2016
Carly Keene is a professional Photographer and she also works part time at a Bakery in her small Home town. She loves everything about her town except the fact that there is a killer on the loose. Days before his Wedding one of her photography clients is murdered. Can Carly prove the cops after the wrong Women? With the help of her best friend Shell and her cop cousin Carly is determined to find the truth! A well written cozy mystery read.
October 5, 2017
Fun and sweet, this is a lovely story about a mystery in a small town, with all that it entails.
The real enjoyment, though, doesn't come from the mystery itself (as it's usually the case in cozy mysteries) but from the cast of characters and their interactions. And the characters are fabulous, and not only that: you'll get some very easy, tasty recipes at the end *laughs*
A delightful read to enjoy while curled- up with a piece of cake =D
The real enjoyment, though, doesn't come from the mystery itself (as it's usually the case in cozy mysteries) but from the cast of characters and their interactions. And the characters are fabulous, and not only that: you'll get some very easy, tasty recipes at the end *laughs*
A delightful read to enjoy while curled- up with a piece of cake =D
March 3, 2025
Well Written Story
Carly &Shell were best friends & were two amazing women. Larry & Tucker were twins & they all had gone to high school together. Larry was a womanizer all his life. This ended up getting him murdered. The twists and turns in this story will keep you on your toes,& the way Carly figured out who murdered Larry will intrigue you. This was a funny yet cozy mystery. I really enjoyed this book!
Carly &Shell were best friends & were two amazing women. Larry & Tucker were twins & they all had gone to high school together. Larry was a womanizer all his life. This ended up getting him murdered. The twists and turns in this story will keep you on your toes,& the way Carly figured out who murdered Larry will intrigue you. This was a funny yet cozy mystery. I really enjoyed this book!
December 18, 2025
“Dead Before The Wedding is such a fun and engaging cozy mystery! I loved Carly’s character she’s smart, resourceful, and relatable. The mix of small-town charm, a puzzling murder, and light romance kept me hooked from start to finish. The addition of the bakery recipes was such a cute touch and made the story even more enjoyable. Perfect for anyone who loves mysteries with heart, humor, and a dash of sweetness!”
September 12, 2017
Bakery, roommates, childhood friends, pets, photography & murder- not necessarily in that order!
Best friend & roommates try to solve a murder mystery in their small town while involved with both working at the best bakery in town , another a photographer, and a goofy old lovable dog who gets a play date
Best friend & roommates try to solve a murder mystery in their small town while involved with both working at the best bakery in town , another a photographer, and a goofy old lovable dog who gets a play date
June 6, 2020
An exciting array of caracters surrounding this mystery so vibrant. I always enjoy Ruby Blaylock she has the in when it comes to the cozey murder mystery giving you what is wanted in her cozey's humor, clean writing skills keep you wanting to fallow through to the very end. Aquier a copy of "Dead Before Wed"so you to can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 🙄😊Kat
March 18, 2022
Carly and her roommate Shell are working in Shell's parents' bakery when they are approached by Mona, a big-haired acquaintance, who wants the pair to photograph and prepare the cake for her wedding to Larry. Carly had just met Larry's brother Tucker - as different as brothers could be. Later, Larry is found murdered. Who has done the dead and why? Fun fluff.
July 6, 2022
Carly Keene is a photographer and part-time bakery employee for her best friend Shell in Parker Mill, Georgia. Carly and Shell are hired as the baker and photographer for a wedding when the groom has been found dead before the wedding. Carly and Shell try to solve the mystery of who murdered the groom. There are also delicious recipes in the book. I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery read.
July 14, 2023
📚🎉 Hey friends! I just finished reading an absolutely thrilling book called "Dead Before the Wedding" and I couldn't wait to share my excitement with all of you! 🎉📚
Let me tell you, this book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! It's a gripping mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. 🕵️♀️🔍💥
But here's the best part - despite the title, this book is anything but gloomy! The author's incredible storytelling skills and witty writing style make it an absolute joy to read. 🌟✍️😄
From the quirky characters to the clever dialogue, "Dead Before the Wedding" is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and laughter. It's the perfect blend of mystery and humor that will leave you both entertained and uplifted. 🎢😂❤️
So, if you're looking for a book that will keep you hooked, put a smile on your face, and make you forget about the world for a while, I highly recommend giving "Dead Before the Wedding" a try! Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! 📖💫
Let's spread the bookworm love! Have any of you read "Dead Before the Wedding"? What did you think? Share your thoughts and recommendations below! 📚💬❤️
#BookRecommendation #MysteryAndLaughs #PageTurner
Let me tell you, this book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! It's a gripping mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. 🕵️♀️🔍💥
But here's the best part - despite the title, this book is anything but gloomy! The author's incredible storytelling skills and witty writing style make it an absolute joy to read. 🌟✍️😄
From the quirky characters to the clever dialogue, "Dead Before the Wedding" is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and laughter. It's the perfect blend of mystery and humor that will leave you both entertained and uplifted. 🎢😂❤️
So, if you're looking for a book that will keep you hooked, put a smile on your face, and make you forget about the world for a while, I highly recommend giving "Dead Before the Wedding" a try! Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! 📖💫
Let's spread the bookworm love! Have any of you read "Dead Before the Wedding"? What did you think? Share your thoughts and recommendations below! 📚💬❤️
#BookRecommendation #MysteryAndLaughs #PageTurner
August 26, 2024
Aside from needing a bit more proof-reading, this was an enjoyable and quick read. I always like to put on my detective cap & figure out the 'whodunnit' before the end, but I was wrong. For the record, mine would've given this story a bit more of a darker side to it, but was still very plausible!
I'm beginning to become a fan of these newly-discovered 'cozy'-type mysteries.
I'm beginning to become a fan of these newly-discovered 'cozy'-type mysteries.
August 10, 2017
The mystery component of this novel is not overly complex, but the characters are all cute and enjoyable--well, almost all the characters are cute and enjoyable (except for Mona and Larry, of course). Overall, it is a quick read filled with lots of sweet treats.
August 31, 2017
Not kindle unlimited got it on a freebie day
still back and forth on whether a 2 or a 3, figured out who did it almost from the beginning, the characters came off as caricatures and if hadn't been speeding through reading it may have ended up a 2
3 to match the amazon rating
still back and forth on whether a 2 or a 3, figured out who did it almost from the beginning, the characters came off as caricatures and if hadn't been speeding through reading it may have ended up a 2
3 to match the amazon rating
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews