Murder at the Foster Manor

Fiona Frost #1

by Bon Blossman

Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ISBN-10: 0985036303 / ISBN-13: 9780985036300.

In the first suspenseful volume of the series, Fiona's criminal investigation skills are put to test as she’s thrown on her first murder case in an old mansion that is rumored to be haunted. Fiona finds herself drawn deep inside of a dark world that causes her to question her desire to one day become the world’s preeminent forensic investigator.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult

316 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 2012

About the author

Known for both her academics and quirky charm, Dr. Bon Blossman has emerged in the entertainment industry as an exuberant television personality, author, and entrepreneur. Dr. Bon is best known for her role on four seasons of Style Network's hit series, Big Rich Texas, with the fourth season being a spin-off of her family surrounding the birth of her grandchild. Aside from Dr. Bon's role on BRT, she is also an eleven-time novelist with the most recent release being book one of the Behind the Mirror series. Dr. Bon is an award-winning author, having received multiple awards for the Fiona Frost Mystery Series, Dregs Island, and The Noxhelm Murders. Dr. Bon has also been involved in the commercial scene with her claymation in a Pepsi-Cola company commercial in 2007 and starring with her daughter in a Hasbro Games commercial in 2012.

Dr. Bon has earned her PhD in physiology and has published her research in multiple peer-reviewed journals. She also has served as an Ad Hoc Reviewer for the National Science Foundation, Royal Integrative Society and other scientific journals. She has taught courses, including Biochemistry, at the college level for over 19 years, earning an award for Fostering Student Achievement. Her most recent academic appointment was as an adjunct professor at The University of North Texas, teaching Biochemistry & Parasitology.

Dr. Bon has authored over 100 popular games and in 2006, founded the #1 murder mystery party company My Mystery Party, which has risen to be a top source for party hosts around the world. From her extensive party hosting experience, Dr. Bon published The Official Party Host Handbook in 2011 and the Halloween Party Host Handbook in the summer of 2016.

Dr. Bon currently lives in the state capital of Texas and the live music capital of the world - Austin. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, filming projects, and playing video games.

Dr. Bon's most recent project is the short film, Dinner is Served, which won Best Horror Short in the Hollywood Blvd Film Festival and a Bronze Award in Spotlight Film Festival. She served as the film's writer, producer, and editor.

Reviews

[Carl Henegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that's entertainment! I always say that the one and only drawback of being an author is that producing novels is so time consuming that our reading time is drastically depleted. I read "Take Heed to Your Nightmares" by Dr. Blossman and was so impressed that I couldn't wait to read another novel from her.
My original plan was to read 614 Scarlet Ct. but when I discovered that she was writing a new series I waited to start with Murder at the Foster Manor. She exceeded my expectations with this brilliant YA mystery that will be enjoyed by all ages.
This Fiona Frost mystery takes you into the mind of its intelligent school aged female protagonist and you will not be able to put this book down. Dr. Blossman has a flawless way of sliding the reader over the shoulder of the main character and watching each scene unfold. This is a literarily maze with twists and surprises at every turn.
Aside from the brilliantly devised plot, the rich characters come to life in this novel. You will fell like you know them, and then fell for them in this exciting fictional work. I love how she takes the reader on an array of emotions and there is never I repeat never, a dull moment.
Dr. Blossman's writing style is so fresh that she not only captures the language and mannerisms of the characters, but adds to them with memorable phrases like "bad blood pumper" and "cliché of the day."
I think Thor Freudenthal who directed Diary of a Whimpy Kid and The Haunted Mansion should take a darker YA turn get a hold of this to turn this into a feature film. From the first page to the last I was hooked and now will be standing with the rest of her fans for the next novel in the Fiona Frost series. I love to read but when I am entertained like this I am ecstatic! Fantastic job good doctor!!

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically, Fiona Frost is an intelligent, picture-perfect high school senior with big goals, and incredible luck. With a quarter million dollar grant written by Fiona, the Godley Grove high school has a forensic crime lab and they shadow the police department, mostly with petty theft and other small cases. However, they get to see some real action when Gilroy Foster is found dead in his mansion. Now, Fiona and her friends are trying to solve a murder alongside the police, but there work is being complicated by rattlesnakes, a kidnapping, the FBI, annoying adults, a bombing, red envelopes, etc., etc. It's all a little too hard to believe. The editing on this book leaves something to be desired as there are several grammatical errors, and one character, Kosmo Wilder, is referred to as Kosmo Kramer-twice. Also, this book gets quite preachy with messages against smoking cell phone use while driving, and staying in school. Also, the characters are flat, the narration is cluttered, and the plot is too complicated. The premise, a young forensic sleuth, is sound, but the delivery is flawed.

[Vanessa Kings · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fiona Frost: Murder at the Foster Manor" is the first book in the Fiona Frost Young Adult mystery series and I must say that I am impressed.

This first volume follows Fiona Frost, who had always wanted to be a renowned forensic investigator, but whose desire to accomplish her wish and skills are put to the test as she must face her first case, involving a murder in an old mansion. Rumors that the mansion is haunted adds to her doubts as she sets off on her investigation.

As she goes deeper into the mansion's dark world, it takes all of Fiona's skills to cope with the phenomena that has supposedly plagued the Foster Manor for centuries, keeping a scientific mind to determine the facts behind the case.

From the first couple of pages, the action sets in and doesn't let go until the surprising end.
There are several more volumes in this series by Dr. Bon Blossman, so jump right into these great thrillers and read on.

[Colleen Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really got into ‘Murder at the Foster Manor.’ I’m always a fan of young adult mystery stories, and this book was no exception. I think Fiona Frost is one of those characters that a lot of a young adults can really relate to, which gives the reader a more vested interest while she’s working on solving the mystery.

Since Frost was working on solving a murder mystery, the story was a little less ‘cozy’ than most YA mysteries, which I thought was great. I definitely enjoyed the haunted house aspect of this story, but I’m interested to see what else Blossman can come up with for the rest of the series.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book through Kindle Unlimited and decided to download it. I really like mystery books and I have been a long-time fan of Nancy Drew. The Fiona Frost series actually kind of reminds me of Nancy Drew! It's a very fast-paced mystery series book and I didn't have any trouble getting into it. Fiona seems to be an achiever as she is a senior in high school and she is the founder of her investigator group. They work with the local police in trying to solve crimes. Fiona is put to the test in this book as she tries to find the culprit for the murder in an old haunted house. Loved the writing style and can't wait to dive into this series!

[Monica Ganz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really entertaining take on the mystery murder genre. Unique, interesting, and frightening all at the same time - if you're looking for something that will have you excited to see what is happening next then this book is perfect for you. The writing style is readable but inventive. Fiona Frost is the type of character you love from beginning to end - very vividly described and well developed as you go through the story. All in all a very well paced and great mystery novel that I'm happy I decided to pick up.

[Hsin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read another Fiona Frost book by Dr. Bon Blossman and honestly, I really liked how it was written. I love the characters and the plot, and even though it's intended for the young adult audience (teenagers, I would say), I enjoyed it regardless. Fiona is clever and definitely a strong female lead--a great role model for younger girls reading this book for sure! Overall, I found this to be imaginative and fresh in the genre of YA fiction.

[Brenda K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to get my hands on this book about Fiona Frost, a teenage crime solver who founds a forensic training program for teens. She is faced with solving a murder at an old, supposedly haunted mansion and I was intrigued to see where the story was going. She grows and changes as a person as a result of this case and the suspenseful drama that ensued has kept me on edge the whole time. Definitely a very well written story and I would highly recommend it.

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Dr. Bonn's other books and this one is definitely a hit with me. I enjoyed the character Fiona and her journey in solving the murder. I think the book is well written, and fast paced. I am all for the concept and the character being a role model for teens. I cannot wait to read the next in the series.

[Karlting · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the great book of young adult mystery stories that i have read yet. Foster Manor is a great character and many things can be learned from this character. I was very excited when read the book and completed reading it in 1 week. Those who loves young adult mystery stories its must for them. Well written by Bon Blossman keep up the good work hope i will see more books like this from you.

[Luana · Rating 2 out of 5]

definitely YA

Had to read a book set in high school for a reading challenge... Chose this because I thought it would be a quick read. 90120 meets CSI with a little ScoobyDoo thrown in

[Bribooks2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid mystery! Did not love the main character, but the plot made up for it!

[Kimberly A Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

I was actually quite surprised how I would love this book! well written and it keeps you on your t does!

[Chelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible! My students and I couldn’t believe how many grammatical mistakes were in the book! That became our source of enjoyment while reading because the plot was so dull.

[Desiree · Rating 1 out of 5]

To begin, I stopped reading this book only after the second day. I have read many YA novels for my degree and for fun, but this one, I just can't even get through another page. The premise of the book is thoroughly unrealistic. To begin, the majority of teenagers in high school cannot write a grant to win money for a forensics lab in their school. Grant writing is something one learns in college. People specifically take classes in which to grant write. That was the beginning of the unworldly book. Also, this character said that her teacher want her to contribute to his new Biology textbook. This student doesn't have a degree in anything. A teacher would not do that; they'd take their book to a colleague. Next, the main character says she feels that the main student body of her high school dislikes her because she wins Student of the Month every month, even though the main character says she acts like she doesn't know who's going to win. Okay, this wouldn't work in the real world. This book was published in 2012 during the time period when the Millennial generation is still current. Parents of these kids are helicopters. They want their kid's fair share. There is no way in this county that a kid is going to win that award every single month of the school year, nor should they. The author really needs to do their homework better. To continue, the arrogance of the character made me want to hurl in the toilet. It made me immediately hate this character. No only is she arrogant, asexual, she also hates being late, and is already an overly mature workaholic. Seriously Blossman, get a clue. This character seems to have no vices, even for a teen. Yuck. For the next line of contention, after the chemical/bomb blast, Fiona acts like she's okay, but the hurt, but then okay. She has this long dialogue with her friend, teacher, and detective on the phone, then she is told to see a paramedic. Umm, the paramedic would've grabbed her right away because she was knocked out, burnt, had a lump on her head, and clearly in a state of distress/shock from being involved in a blast. Also, in real life, your ears would be ringing after a bomb blast, and it would probably be hard to hear people talking for minutes to a half hour afterwards. Furthermore, if there was a bomb in a school and this character was involved in the blast, the police would want to question this girl as soon as they could. After this point came the fact that a detective is asking a teenage, not 20 something, but teenage girl to help with an active murder case. She can't be involved with the crime scene until it is cleaned, but this is still far-fetched. This kid isn't even a legal adult, so she has no legal viability as far as restricting information or keeping an investigation private. Police generally don't involve civilians in active murder investigations. Yes, I understand that Blossman taught a high school forensics class for a year, but that doesn't mean she was using active cases, or she should not have been. To continue with my next point, I loathed her writing style. It is so juvenile. There is so much of the main character telling you everything instead of the story showing it to you. Also, there is so much detail. It seems like everything has an unending backstory. No, this is not the book for me. Finally, I wanted to note that this author has many accomplishments in her professions, but is she really a person? Does she have a hobby or a family? Her author bio reads like a resume. No thanks. Bonnie Blossman needs to learn how to creatively write. She might want to take a class or two on it from Stephen King.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book. A little like a high school Nancy Drew. Entertaining

[Barb Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this with my book club, which has half teens (juniors, mostly).
We loved it and plan to read the rest of the series. It was a great fun mystery for YA.

[Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fist let me say, the plot was okay. And that's it.

Now, there's basically one and a half things that I didn't like

1. There was way too much description for me. Speaking of description, in the beginning, the author uses 3 different colors to describe the hair/eyes of her family.

Tawny, taupe and at one point, russet.
THOSE ARE THREE DIFFERENT COLORS...according to google images.

On the topic of too much description tho, in the beginning, she describes her bed as such..."The pink pastel comforter of my mahogany sleigh bed."
too much description in one tiny sentence D:

Most things I could forgive though. However, the author used "K" as a way of them saying "Kay" That I couldn't let slide.

Maybe I'm being too angry about this, but geesh, I hated the main character.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

A fast moving story with lots of action. Will definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series.