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Happy Holloway Mystery #1
Death Wore Brown Shorts
All the ladies loved when Paul drove his delivery truck through their neighborhood. They enjoyed the view when he wore those brown shorts every spring and summer. But someone is less appreciative of Paul’s muscular legs. Annie Holloway, mystery writer and lover of a good challenge, finds Paul strangled to death in his truck. She is determined to finger the murderer. Annie enjoys the excitement of what she does for a living, especially when it comes to research. Nothing is better than the hands-on approach. The task is that much harder because of Annie’s dark family history. Then there’s the fact that she’s self-diagnosed as having borderline obsessive-compulsive disorder. Not that anything can stop Happy Holloway! A new cozy mystery series.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
68 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Claire
38 books22 followersAudrey Claire is the author of a the Libby Grace Mystery Series. She is the mother of two grown sons and lives in the south of the United States. She enjoys traveling and reading. One day, she will be brave enough to live overseas and have lots of adventures. For now, everything is in her imagination, but that can be fun too!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 24, 2016
Annie is a mystery writer - and she has OCD - constantly washing her hands, cleaning, checking her credit cards are in place and checking her doors are locked to name a few of her compulsions. Still,she is well liked and has lots of friends in her quite street. The ladies all ogle the local mailman who wears little brown shorts as he delivers the mail and has legs so good looking that they leave even elderly women swooning. He doesn't play a big part in the book though - other than being killed off fairly early on. Annie is urged by her little community to try and find his murderer as being a mystery writer she must be able to solve the mystery.
Cue in drop dead gorgeous cousin who is also investigating his cousin's death. Can he overlook Annie's obsessive behaviour and become her significant other? Of course he can - and they can solve the mystery along the way.
Cue in drop dead gorgeous cousin who is also investigating his cousin's death. Can he overlook Annie's obsessive behaviour and become her significant other? Of course he can - and they can solve the mystery along the way.
August 22, 2019
Beyond my expectations
I really didn't think there was going to be much to this Cozy Mystery but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were good especially Annie but the secondary characters were well developed also. Thread the plot and sub plots. I never expected what occurred!
I really didn't think there was going to be much to this Cozy Mystery but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were good especially Annie but the secondary characters were well developed also. Thread the plot and sub plots. I never expected what occurred!
July 27, 2016
Ugh! The things we read for challenges
December 6, 2018
Annie is a quirky, germaphobic, whodunit mystery writer. Brown Shorts is a UPS delivery driver with great legs that the neighborhood women swoon over. Then death takes Brown Shorts.
Annie is a likeable character with a strange name (Happy Holloway?) Her father’s in prison for murdering her mother, so she has a dark past. This is probably where her fascination with murder mysteries comes from. Of course, she thinks her biggest problem is her control issues (washing her hands 50 times a day, cleaning every nook and cranny, her lover and fear of chicken, etc.)
In hopes to alleviate her OCD, Annie makes it her mission to solve this murder. Of course, I don’t know how that would help any. With everyone in town being a suspect and with the help of a hot firefighter-turned-sleuth, Annie will tackle this case and possibly get an idea for her next book.
This is a quirky, cozy mystery, and it’s a quick read; however, the ending was just too easy and had no effort. I felt like the case sort of solved itself.
Annie is a likeable character with a strange name (Happy Holloway?) Her father’s in prison for murdering her mother, so she has a dark past. This is probably where her fascination with murder mysteries comes from. Of course, she thinks her biggest problem is her control issues (washing her hands 50 times a day, cleaning every nook and cranny, her lover and fear of chicken, etc.)
In hopes to alleviate her OCD, Annie makes it her mission to solve this murder. Of course, I don’t know how that would help any. With everyone in town being a suspect and with the help of a hot firefighter-turned-sleuth, Annie will tackle this case and possibly get an idea for her next book.
This is a quirky, cozy mystery, and it’s a quick read; however, the ending was just too easy and had no effort. I felt like the case sort of solved itself.
January 30, 2018
Not what you think!
Annie has a problem. Her childhood had been a nightmare and now the local delivery guy ends up dead, parked at the edge of her property. She had lots of phobias and spent her day writing mystery stories and trying to overcome her fetishes. So many odd things were happening and she was trying to find out who the killer was. Read to the incredible end.
Annie has a problem. Her childhood had been a nightmare and now the local delivery guy ends up dead, parked at the edge of her property. She had lots of phobias and spent her day writing mystery stories and trying to overcome her fetishes. So many odd things were happening and she was trying to find out who the killer was. Read to the incredible end.
February 17, 2018
Not all that happy.
Loved the character of Annie. She is unique and interesting and weird. Although she solved the mystery, it was not without significant personal loss. Loved the ending.
Loved the character of Annie. She is unique and interesting and weird. Although she solved the mystery, it was not without significant personal loss. Loved the ending.
April 9, 2018
Annie lives in a small community, in which they all look for the postman who wears little brown shorts. When he is murder, she and the community want to find out why. She works at home has a lot of phobias, can she get out and do the research Cute, enjoyable mystery
November 7, 2018
The Most Unexpected Finish.
Happy Holloway, has lived anything but a happy life. She writes mysteries, not realizing that when the UPS man, with the great legs is murdered, her life is going into a tailspin that she may not ever come out of again.
Happy Holloway, has lived anything but a happy life. She writes mysteries, not realizing that when the UPS man, with the great legs is murdered, her life is going into a tailspin that she may not ever come out of again.
February 27, 2019
Totally entertainment
At first I wasn't to sure but the more I read the more I got into it I truly enjoy this book and I was really thrown at who done it will definitely read more
At first I wasn't to sure but the more I read the more I got into it I truly enjoy this book and I was really thrown at who done it will definitely read more
June 9, 2022
Obsessions
This is a first by this author she had a different kind of plot but it worked and it kept me reading to the end. Finding out who the killer was was really a surprise. Now on to my next read
This is a first by this author she had a different kind of plot but it worked and it kept me reading to the end. Finding out who the killer was was really a surprise. Now on to my next read
March 12, 2025
This book has been on my kindle for a while. I'm happy I finally read it! The characters are fairly well developed and not difficult to keep track of. The ending was a surprise. I hope to read more of the series soon.
October 8, 2017
not too bad...
March 6, 2018
This was a fun read, liked the characters and didn't figure out the killer. But it all made sense, not some bizarre out of the blue solution.
August 1, 2018
The ending came out of left field for me. I also need funnier for my cozy
May 4, 2016
Death Wore Brown Shorts is the first installment in the Happy Holloway mystery series. Happy "Annie" Holloway struggles with mental issues caused by a volatile childhood and as a result exhibits borderline obsessive compulsive disorder.
Annie lives in her ancestral home just a few doors down from her sister Jane and husband Donovan and their three children. Annie spends most of her time writing soft mysteries but soon finds herself involved in a real life murder.
When Paul Granger, the UPS man with the great legs, is found dead in the back of his truck Annie is worried that one of her neighbors might have been involved. Flynn Aikens is Paul's cousin and a firefighter with aspirations to become a private investigator. He befriends Annie and together they begin to investigate Paul's private life.
The duo soon discovers that there might be a criminal ring in the neighbor that includes locals Evelyn "Evie" Westra and Jane's fellow teacher Stacy. Sharing their findings with Detective Lawson
the idyllic community is quickly turned upside down.
A quick read that has shades of darkness not typically found in most cozies. The revelation of the actual killer and the reasons for the crimes were a complete shock.
Annie lives in her ancestral home just a few doors down from her sister Jane and husband Donovan and their three children. Annie spends most of her time writing soft mysteries but soon finds herself involved in a real life murder.
When Paul Granger, the UPS man with the great legs, is found dead in the back of his truck Annie is worried that one of her neighbors might have been involved. Flynn Aikens is Paul's cousin and a firefighter with aspirations to become a private investigator. He befriends Annie and together they begin to investigate Paul's private life.
The duo soon discovers that there might be a criminal ring in the neighbor that includes locals Evelyn "Evie" Westra and Jane's fellow teacher Stacy. Sharing their findings with Detective Lawson
the idyllic community is quickly turned upside down.
A quick read that has shades of darkness not typically found in most cozies. The revelation of the actual killer and the reasons for the crimes were a complete shock.
February 26, 2016
Great cozy mystery
I give this five stars for being on the edge of your seat ministry. It is definitely a whodunit mystery you think you got it figured out and then you turn the page and you're wrong. With each page return something different happens and someone else is involved I'm not giving anything away I'm just going to tell you to pick it up for yourself because you'll love it. It's a short quick cozy mystery, great for any snow we are rainy afternoon. Thank you Audrey for this wonderful cozy mystery, I can't wait to read more by you. I recommend this to all my friends.
I give this five stars for being on the edge of your seat ministry. It is definitely a whodunit mystery you think you got it figured out and then you turn the page and you're wrong. With each page return something different happens and someone else is involved I'm not giving anything away I'm just going to tell you to pick it up for yourself because you'll love it. It's a short quick cozy mystery, great for any snow we are rainy afternoon. Thank you Audrey for this wonderful cozy mystery, I can't wait to read more by you. I recommend this to all my friends.
February 8, 2016
Strange type of cozy mystery. All confused
I'm honestly not sure what I think of this book. Some of the subject matter was a bit dark to be in the cozy category. This book could be good if I could delete the dark subject matter that's thrown in. I would rather more happy innocence from book series called Happy Holloway but happy is just plain irony. Good book if you like dark mysteries but I think this was suppose to be a cozy from the book cover? I am going to read the next in the series to accually decided whether I like this series that has potential.
I'm honestly not sure what I think of this book. Some of the subject matter was a bit dark to be in the cozy category. This book could be good if I could delete the dark subject matter that's thrown in. I would rather more happy innocence from book series called Happy Holloway but happy is just plain irony. Good book if you like dark mysteries but I think this was suppose to be a cozy from the book cover? I am going to read the next in the series to accually decided whether I like this series that has potential.
November 1, 2015
Never caught on
This was a great book. This book introduces us to Annie a very flawed mystery writer. She lives two doors down from her sister Jane, who is her protector.
All the women in the neighborhood like to check out the legs of the handsome UPS man, and all of them do so at a BBQ at Jane's house.
Who will be found murdered, and who murdered them?
I had a few suspects, but the guessing was fruitless for me. Give this book a try and see if you can figure it out.
This was a great book. This book introduces us to Annie a very flawed mystery writer. She lives two doors down from her sister Jane, who is her protector.
All the women in the neighborhood like to check out the legs of the handsome UPS man, and all of them do so at a BBQ at Jane's house.
Who will be found murdered, and who murdered them?
I had a few suspects, but the guessing was fruitless for me. Give this book a try and see if you can figure it out.
May 3, 2016
DEATH WORE BROWN SHORTS
First let me tell you that I had a problem reading this book. I stopped twice. But then I had to finish it! Now please know Annie has a mental illness. She NEEDS treatment. I would like to know author's background. I did google her but didn't learn a lot. She knows OCD! I have a feeling that I am going to read the rest of the series! I'm hooked by the medical aspects!
First let me tell you that I had a problem reading this book. I stopped twice. But then I had to finish it! Now please know Annie has a mental illness. She NEEDS treatment. I would like to know author's background. I did google her but didn't learn a lot. She knows OCD! I have a feeling that I am going to read the rest of the series! I'm hooked by the medical aspects!
November 18, 2015
I got this in exchange for an honest review, I must say this is not my cup of tea I dont usually read this genre but decided to take a chance this time I felt this one was ok but needed to be better I liked the characters but its like it needs more mystery action secrets than making it easy and not explaining a few things makes the reader not comprehend the book itself
December 25, 2015
Special Delivery
The heroine almost drove me wacky with all her idiosyncrasies, but she was also an interesting character. This was a who done it that I never came close to guessing. Fascinating premise and a few characters who will be fun to follow in future books of the series.
The heroine almost drove me wacky with all her idiosyncrasies, but she was also an interesting character. This was a who done it that I never came close to guessing. Fascinating premise and a few characters who will be fun to follow in future books of the series.
October 16, 2015
Annie was damaged and has severe OCD.
This was a great easy read that I enjoyed. Annie has a bad family background but is making the best of it. She ends up playing detective for real instead of research for the mysteries she writes. Kept me guessing until the end.
This was a great easy read that I enjoyed. Annie has a bad family background but is making the best of it. She ends up playing detective for real instead of research for the mysteries she writes. Kept me guessing until the end.
December 18, 2015
This was well written with quirky but believable characters. The surprise ending will surely lead to ramifications in future books. This is the first book by Audrey Claire that I have read but it won't be the last one.
January 25, 2016
Good read
Funny, mysterious and a little bit sad. In the end, the killer is a complete shocker. I can usually guess who done it halfway through the book, but not this one. Highly recommend.
Funny, mysterious and a little bit sad. In the end, the killer is a complete shocker. I can usually guess who done it halfway through the book, but not this one. Highly recommend.
February 5, 2016
Pleasant surprise
The title didn't impress me, but it was a free cozy to explore. Me. Claire's weaves an engaging tale involving murder and people who struggle with mental issues. Very well told. This was my first read of hers ...but it won't be my last
The title didn't impress me, but it was a free cozy to explore. Me. Claire's weaves an engaging tale involving murder and people who struggle with mental issues. Very well told. This was my first read of hers ...but it won't be my last
May 18, 2016
3.5-4 stars
This was a cozy mystery. It was cute characters, and I loved seeing a character that wasn't perfect or miraculous gained clues to the mystery without no clue how she jumped to that assumption. I didn't figure out the killer, and was an amazing twist at the end.
This was a cozy mystery. It was cute characters, and I loved seeing a character that wasn't perfect or miraculous gained clues to the mystery without no clue how she jumped to that assumption. I didn't figure out the killer, and was an amazing twist at the end.
December 25, 2015
Cozy mystery , fun to read!
Annie is a believable character, even though she is quirky and curious. It's a book that will amuse you and there are laughs!
Annie is a believable character, even though she is quirky and curious. It's a book that will amuse you and there are laughs!
February 5, 2016
Good
the murders of many different men who were in this woman's life continued to be a mystery.the ending is a surprise.
the murders of many different men who were in this woman's life continued to be a mystery.the ending is a surprise.
March 24, 2016
Great
I really enjoyed this book it was brilliant and what an ending. Highly recommend can't wait to read the next one. Xxxx
I really enjoyed this book it was brilliant and what an ending. Highly recommend can't wait to read the next one. Xxxx
May 5, 2016
Cute!
Well the conclusion did surprise me . I guess I need to know more about Annie's past to be able to get a grip on her phobias.
Well the conclusion did surprise me . I guess I need to know more about Annie's past to be able to get a grip on her phobias.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews