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Silver Six Crafting Mystery #2
Paint the Town Dead
From the national bestselling author of A Crime of Poison comes the second mystery starring the crafty and cantankerous Silver Six.
Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.
To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Doralee’s spirit gets squashed when her ex-husband crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead. Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture...
Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.
To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Doralee’s spirit gets squashed when her ex-husband crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead. Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
79 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Haddock
8 books421 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 80 reviews
December 3, 2017
Lesley Stanton Nix or Nixy as she was affectionately known, had recently moved to Lilyvale, Arkansas to be near her Aunt Sherry and her friends. Nixy’s visit in April had brought her closer to her aunt, and the move to Lilyvale had proved to be a good one. Now the grand opening of the craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, was about to get under way. With help from the Silver Six – her aunt and friends – the week-long mix of events was sure to be a lot of fun.
Their first guest was Doralee Gordon who would teach those interested how to paint a gourd. Mid-way through the first class, the sudden arrival of Doralee’s ex and two other women, one of whom was his fiancé, caused tension when he became aggressive. But it was horror that overcame Nixy later when she found the body of the fiance…
Who had murdered the young woman – and why? It was up to Nixy’s good friend, Detective Eric Shoar, to find the answers. But would Nixy and the Silver Six investigate the murder themselves? And would that create problems?
Paint the Town Dead is the second in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Basket Case, first in the series and there was no thought of not continuing on! I’m looking forward to #3, A Crime of Poison, which is due for publication on 5th December. The Silver Six seniors are great! And the critters are adorable – TC the cat and Amber the dog! Lots of fun; there are heaps of laugh out loud moments in the book! Highly recommended.
Their first guest was Doralee Gordon who would teach those interested how to paint a gourd. Mid-way through the first class, the sudden arrival of Doralee’s ex and two other women, one of whom was his fiancé, caused tension when he became aggressive. But it was horror that overcame Nixy later when she found the body of the fiance…
Who had murdered the young woman – and why? It was up to Nixy’s good friend, Detective Eric Shoar, to find the answers. But would Nixy and the Silver Six investigate the murder themselves? And would that create problems?
Paint the Town Dead is the second in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Basket Case, first in the series and there was no thought of not continuing on! I’m looking forward to #3, A Crime of Poison, which is due for publication on 5th December. The Silver Six seniors are great! And the critters are adorable – TC the cat and Amber the dog! Lots of fun; there are heaps of laugh out loud moments in the book! Highly recommended.
September 6, 2016
Book one may have been silver, but book two is gold!
Once again author Nancy Haddock shares with us her brilliant writing, and gives us a second installment in her Silver Six Mysteries, that is even better than the first! I wouldn’t have that that possible, but I am so glad to be wrong!
Author Haddock’s style of writing can’t help but pull a reader in. As informative as it is entertaining, her words flow across the pages in a way that keeps you wanting to turn the next page and the next. I sat down with the intention to start PAINT THE TOWN DEAD, but I didn’t stop reading until this wonderful book was finished.
Everything I look for in a cozy mystery is between the pages of PAINT THE TOWN DEAD. The characters are simply fantastic. From protagonist Leslee Stanton Nix “Nixy”, to the entire group of the Silver Six. They are, sweet, fun, whacky, a handful, and I love every minute I spent with them when reading. The setting of Lilyvale, Arkansas is a lovely backdrop for this series. I could see each and every place the author described. Like the Handcraft Emporium, the group’s new craft shop, is the perfect addition to the series. I feel I know what every corner of what that store looks like. And of course, an excellent plot, with a superb mystery that will keep you on your toes, guessing and second guessing all the way to the exciting conclusion.
I said in my review of book one, “BASKET CASE is one of the cutest, most refreshing new cozy mysteries of the year”. That was in 2015. So, I say now, PAINT THE TOWN DEAD is one of the best cozies of 2016, and the Silver Six Mysteries is one of the best cozy series I have read!
Treat yourself to a copy of PAINT THE TOW DEAD. You deserve it! And if you haven’t read book one, BASKET CASE, pick them both up and read them back to back!
And when you do have your own copy, be sure to check out the back of the book for a couple fun craft projects, and a yummy recipe!
Once again author Nancy Haddock shares with us her brilliant writing, and gives us a second installment in her Silver Six Mysteries, that is even better than the first! I wouldn’t have that that possible, but I am so glad to be wrong!
Author Haddock’s style of writing can’t help but pull a reader in. As informative as it is entertaining, her words flow across the pages in a way that keeps you wanting to turn the next page and the next. I sat down with the intention to start PAINT THE TOWN DEAD, but I didn’t stop reading until this wonderful book was finished.
Everything I look for in a cozy mystery is between the pages of PAINT THE TOWN DEAD. The characters are simply fantastic. From protagonist Leslee Stanton Nix “Nixy”, to the entire group of the Silver Six. They are, sweet, fun, whacky, a handful, and I love every minute I spent with them when reading. The setting of Lilyvale, Arkansas is a lovely backdrop for this series. I could see each and every place the author described. Like the Handcraft Emporium, the group’s new craft shop, is the perfect addition to the series. I feel I know what every corner of what that store looks like. And of course, an excellent plot, with a superb mystery that will keep you on your toes, guessing and second guessing all the way to the exciting conclusion.
I said in my review of book one, “BASKET CASE is one of the cutest, most refreshing new cozy mysteries of the year”. That was in 2015. So, I say now, PAINT THE TOWN DEAD is one of the best cozies of 2016, and the Silver Six Mysteries is one of the best cozy series I have read!
Treat yourself to a copy of PAINT THE TOW DEAD. You deserve it! And if you haven’t read book one, BASKET CASE, pick them both up and read them back to back!
And when you do have your own copy, be sure to check out the back of the book for a couple fun craft projects, and a yummy recipe!
September 11, 2020
An easy read, with very likable senior characters as well as MC. A couple things bothered me, such as repetitions, but it didn't badly take away from the reading pleasure. I have the next book on the TBR mountain, though sadly it looks to be the last in the series.
June 2, 2018
A fun little mystery. I had not read the first book but did not feel that I missed anything. The cast of characters is lots of fun. I like the fact that the Six are older women who are very active!
September 8, 2016
Nancy Haddock had me laughing out loud and truly enjoying the "Silver Six" in this the second of the Silver Six Crafting Mystery, Paint The Town Dead. Main character Nixy has just gotten the Craft Emporium open when a confrontation and disruption of the first class on how to decorate gourds brings an unwanted dark cloud and murder to her opening week. I have to admit that I had the murder pegged pretty early on, but I enjoyed how Nancy unfolded the mystery and confirmed my suspensions. Marriages, Motive and Mystery make for a creative story for sure! Some great one liners and saying that I hope become popular again, my favorite has to be "Down Right Delirious" Fantastic characters in this book.
April 30, 2019
Nixy was settled into Lilyvale and had opened up a crafter emporium with her friends, the Silver Six. They were having guest artists in for paid lessons and free talks to celebrate their upcoming grand opening. Nothing messes up the grand opening mood worse than murder though, and again the Six and Nixy were determined to prove an artist friend's innocence. While I was pretty sure who the killer was, the story did take a twist toward the end to put a little doubt in my mind temporarily.
The dog and cat that showed up at the emporium were so darn cute! Nixy named the cat T.C. (since it had only 3 claws on one foot) and the dog Amber, because her eyes were an amber color. I got a kick out of sweet old curmudgeon Fred sneaking food to them and taking such good care of them during the day while the emporium was open. Nixy and Detective Eric are getting a little closer, which is pretty cute too.
The dog and cat that showed up at the emporium were so darn cute! Nixy named the cat T.C. (since it had only 3 claws on one foot) and the dog Amber, because her eyes were an amber color. I got a kick out of sweet old curmudgeon Fred sneaking food to them and taking such good care of them during the day while the emporium was open. Nixy and Detective Eric are getting a little closer, which is pretty cute too.
September 16, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/pa...
Paint the Town Dead (Silver Six Crafting Mystery #2)
Author: Nancy Haddock
ISBN13: 9780425275733
Author website: http://www.nancyhaddock.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
From the national bestselling author of Basket Case comes the second mystery starring the crafty and cantankerous Silver Six.
Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.
To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Doralee’s spirit gets squashed when her ex crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead. Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture…
Review:
Nancy Haddock’s second installment in her wonderful series “Silver Six Crafting Mystery” is even better than the first and that is saying a lot. Not only does Paint the Town Dead tick all the boxes in what you expect a great cozy mystery to have, but it has more of the best aspects you could want. The protagonist is real, smart and fun. The main characters are smart and entertaining and senior. The love interest is intelligent and handsome. We meet our protagonist’s new rescues, a dog and cat. And sorry but for me that makes this even better than the one before. I love rescues and adore these two as they are the perfect pets and family members. The story-line is fun and entertaining and the writing is as always stellar.
In Paint the Town Dead, Leslee Stanton Nix – known as Nixy, is getting the new store together with her aunt Sherry and Sherry’s amazing house mates that make up the Silver Six. The craft shop, Handcraft Emporium, is a dream come true, but hard work. Nixy is living in the apartment above the shop. Their grand opening is coming soon and the gang are getting things set up and are having classes to draw in customers. One of the first classes is a gourd painting class being held by Doralee Gordon. Things get a bit crazy when Doralee’s ex Ernie Boudreaux shows up with his fiancée, Kimberly and sister, Georgine and boy do they stand out in a crowd at the store populated by citizens of sleepy little Lilyvale, Arkansas. Not only is it a mess with the trio blasting in, but when the demonstration is over, one of Doralee’s tools is missing.
The craziness just gets worse when Kimberly ends up dead in Doralee’s room. Nixy and Doralee find her and Nixy knows it doesn’t look good. Signs point to Doralee and the Silver Six and Nixy agree to help prove her innocence. All the while holding daily (and evening) classes for their new craft store. Also the new rescues kitty T.C. and pup Amber are keeping them busy and happy. Nixy also faces complications because her relationship is so new with hunky Detective Eric Shoar. He, of course is not happy for her to be nosing around and worries about her safety. The Silver Six are adept at getting answers and finding things on the computer, so their participation is needed and also does not make Eric a happy camper.
Nancy Haddock’s writing style is so fun and inviting, it draws you in and holds your attention. The characters are intelligent and hilarious. Who does not love aunt Sherry’s elderly neighbor Bernice and her off the wall habits. This is a town I would love to live in and adore being able to visit it and the wonderful people who inhabit it. Paint the Town Dead is a superior sophomore read and it really pulled me in even more than the first one. I cannot say enough about the fabulous characters that fill this series. As I said before, for me, the addition of a dog and cat makes it climb even higher up in my esteem.
You do not have to read this series in order as author Nancy Haddock is a wonder at bringing the new reader in, while keeping the past reader entertained. I would suggest that you do go back and read her first in this series, Basket Case, as it is a fabulous read. This really is everything I look for in a cozy read and a cozy series. A great small town, filled with eclectic citizens, an intelligent main character, family fun, wonderful writing, you name it, Paint the Town Dead has it. If you are a cozy mystery fan, this book and this series needs to be added to your TBR list. Nancy Haddock has crafted with artistic precision a truly fabulous cozy read. Join this fun and fantastic southern crew for a colorful adventure to solve this well-constructed mystery.
*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*
Paint the Town Dead (Silver Six Crafting Mystery #2)
Author: Nancy Haddock
ISBN13: 9780425275733
Author website: http://www.nancyhaddock.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
From the national bestselling author of Basket Case comes the second mystery starring the crafty and cantankerous Silver Six.
Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.
To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Doralee’s spirit gets squashed when her ex crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead. Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture…
Review:
Nancy Haddock’s second installment in her wonderful series “Silver Six Crafting Mystery” is even better than the first and that is saying a lot. Not only does Paint the Town Dead tick all the boxes in what you expect a great cozy mystery to have, but it has more of the best aspects you could want. The protagonist is real, smart and fun. The main characters are smart and entertaining and senior. The love interest is intelligent and handsome. We meet our protagonist’s new rescues, a dog and cat. And sorry but for me that makes this even better than the one before. I love rescues and adore these two as they are the perfect pets and family members. The story-line is fun and entertaining and the writing is as always stellar.
In Paint the Town Dead, Leslee Stanton Nix – known as Nixy, is getting the new store together with her aunt Sherry and Sherry’s amazing house mates that make up the Silver Six. The craft shop, Handcraft Emporium, is a dream come true, but hard work. Nixy is living in the apartment above the shop. Their grand opening is coming soon and the gang are getting things set up and are having classes to draw in customers. One of the first classes is a gourd painting class being held by Doralee Gordon. Things get a bit crazy when Doralee’s ex Ernie Boudreaux shows up with his fiancée, Kimberly and sister, Georgine and boy do they stand out in a crowd at the store populated by citizens of sleepy little Lilyvale, Arkansas. Not only is it a mess with the trio blasting in, but when the demonstration is over, one of Doralee’s tools is missing.
The craziness just gets worse when Kimberly ends up dead in Doralee’s room. Nixy and Doralee find her and Nixy knows it doesn’t look good. Signs point to Doralee and the Silver Six and Nixy agree to help prove her innocence. All the while holding daily (and evening) classes for their new craft store. Also the new rescues kitty T.C. and pup Amber are keeping them busy and happy. Nixy also faces complications because her relationship is so new with hunky Detective Eric Shoar. He, of course is not happy for her to be nosing around and worries about her safety. The Silver Six are adept at getting answers and finding things on the computer, so their participation is needed and also does not make Eric a happy camper.
Nancy Haddock’s writing style is so fun and inviting, it draws you in and holds your attention. The characters are intelligent and hilarious. Who does not love aunt Sherry’s elderly neighbor Bernice and her off the wall habits. This is a town I would love to live in and adore being able to visit it and the wonderful people who inhabit it. Paint the Town Dead is a superior sophomore read and it really pulled me in even more than the first one. I cannot say enough about the fabulous characters that fill this series. As I said before, for me, the addition of a dog and cat makes it climb even higher up in my esteem.
You do not have to read this series in order as author Nancy Haddock is a wonder at bringing the new reader in, while keeping the past reader entertained. I would suggest that you do go back and read her first in this series, Basket Case, as it is a fabulous read. This really is everything I look for in a cozy read and a cozy series. A great small town, filled with eclectic citizens, an intelligent main character, family fun, wonderful writing, you name it, Paint the Town Dead has it. If you are a cozy mystery fan, this book and this series needs to be added to your TBR list. Nancy Haddock has crafted with artistic precision a truly fabulous cozy read. Join this fun and fantastic southern crew for a colorful adventure to solve this well-constructed mystery.
*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*
September 21, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Handcraft Emporium is all ready to open and The Silver Six, Ms. Sherry, Dwight Aloysius Baxter, Maisie Holcomb and her sister Aster Parsons, Eleanor Wainwright and Fred Fishner. With Nixy’s help have several classes planned to draw in the customers. The first class is a gourd painting class and they invite Doralee Gordon to show off her talents. Things get a little heated when Doralee’s ex shows up with his sister and fiancée, to take the class and try to make Doralee very uncomfortable. When the fiancée is found dead the next day and Doralee becomes a suspect The Silver Six are all excited to solve another crime. This may not be good for Nixy’s new relationship with Detective Eric Shoar, but the man seems to have the patience of a saint.
Nancy Haddock has written a wonderful mystery the immediately draws the reader in. I was surprised by the title change. The teaser chapter in the last book, Basket Case, said it was to be GOODBYE GOURDEOUS, while Paint the Town Dead works, I liked the first title better. The cover is GOURDEOUS and the mystery is delightful. Several twists and moments that had me giggle and a couple that has me laughing out loud. This story was a real treat.
I enjoy every one of these characters, they continue to surprise and make us see age is just a number. They are continually on the go. I wish I had half their energy. They do get their noses out of joint when they think Nixy and Eric are investigating without them. But the things are quickly back in place.
As for the new characters, Kim, the fiancée, is a greedy little witch trying to reel in husband #3. The perfect victim and the deeper the Six dug the more suspects they found. I almost felt sorry for Ernie, the ex, almost!. We also have T.C. and Amber, a dog and a cat, that were found in the alley behind the emporium. They quickly worm their way into everyone’s hearts, including mine.
This story checks all the cozy boxes, unique small town, colorful characters, an intriguing mystery to solve, a bit of romance and a bunch of humor.
As the temps get cooler, snuggle up in a blanket and get comfy with this cozy.
The Handcraft Emporium is all ready to open and The Silver Six, Ms. Sherry, Dwight Aloysius Baxter, Maisie Holcomb and her sister Aster Parsons, Eleanor Wainwright and Fred Fishner. With Nixy’s help have several classes planned to draw in the customers. The first class is a gourd painting class and they invite Doralee Gordon to show off her talents. Things get a little heated when Doralee’s ex shows up with his sister and fiancée, to take the class and try to make Doralee very uncomfortable. When the fiancée is found dead the next day and Doralee becomes a suspect The Silver Six are all excited to solve another crime. This may not be good for Nixy’s new relationship with Detective Eric Shoar, but the man seems to have the patience of a saint.
Nancy Haddock has written a wonderful mystery the immediately draws the reader in. I was surprised by the title change. The teaser chapter in the last book, Basket Case, said it was to be GOODBYE GOURDEOUS, while Paint the Town Dead works, I liked the first title better. The cover is GOURDEOUS and the mystery is delightful. Several twists and moments that had me giggle and a couple that has me laughing out loud. This story was a real treat.
I enjoy every one of these characters, they continue to surprise and make us see age is just a number. They are continually on the go. I wish I had half their energy. They do get their noses out of joint when they think Nixy and Eric are investigating without them. But the things are quickly back in place.
As for the new characters, Kim, the fiancée, is a greedy little witch trying to reel in husband #3. The perfect victim and the deeper the Six dug the more suspects they found. I almost felt sorry for Ernie, the ex, almost!. We also have T.C. and Amber, a dog and a cat, that were found in the alley behind the emporium. They quickly worm their way into everyone’s hearts, including mine.
This story checks all the cozy boxes, unique small town, colorful characters, an intriguing mystery to solve, a bit of romance and a bunch of humor.
As the temps get cooler, snuggle up in a blanket and get comfy with this cozy.
November 18, 2016
This book is the second in a series, and it is a perfect followup to the first book.
Nix is now living in Lilyvale, Ark., and is running the Handcraft Emporium with the Silver Six. As part of the Emporium's grand opening, they invite a gourd painter to give a class. When her ex, along with his new fiancee, shows up, things get tense. And then the fiancee turns up dead, it's up to Nixy and the Silver Six to find out whodunit.
I really enjoyed Basket Case, the first book in this series, and I think I liked this one even more. The characters are wonderfully painted, and the mystery is very-well plotted. This novel provided several hours of fun reading, and I am looking forward to the third book in this series.
Nix is now living in Lilyvale, Ark., and is running the Handcraft Emporium with the Silver Six. As part of the Emporium's grand opening, they invite a gourd painter to give a class. When her ex, along with his new fiancee, shows up, things get tense. And then the fiancee turns up dead, it's up to Nixy and the Silver Six to find out whodunit.
I really enjoyed Basket Case, the first book in this series, and I think I liked this one even more. The characters are wonderfully painted, and the mystery is very-well plotted. This novel provided several hours of fun reading, and I am looking forward to the third book in this series.
September 14, 2016
This is a cute series. I figured out the bad guy early in but I usually do. I like the characters and the town. It's well written with a sense of humor.
September 25, 2018
The renovations are done and the Handcraft Emporium is about to have its staggered opening (they are having a few days of classes and each teacher will donate a craft to the Grand Opening's Draw), the first class is on Gourd decoration and Doralee (along with her partner/helper Zach) are ready to go when her ex-husband turns up and causes a scene, he (along with his new fiancée and his sister) ends up staying for the demonstration (luckily he keeps quiet!), everything seems to be settling down, until Doralee and Nixy stumble across the fiancée's dead body!
Now Nixy needs to prove that Doralee had nothing to do with the death, she needs to keep the Silver Six out of trouble (easier said than done!) oh and learn how to be a pet owner (two delightful strays have turned up and adopted Nixy, a German Pinscher dog and a tabby cat), at some point in time she may even manage another date with Detective Shoar!
Lilyvale seems like a wonderful place to stay, Nancy Haddock paints it and the characters so well, I hope this is a series that keeps going!
Now Nixy needs to prove that Doralee had nothing to do with the death, she needs to keep the Silver Six out of trouble (easier said than done!) oh and learn how to be a pet owner (two delightful strays have turned up and adopted Nixy, a German Pinscher dog and a tabby cat), at some point in time she may even manage another date with Detective Shoar!
Lilyvale seems like a wonderful place to stay, Nancy Haddock paints it and the characters so well, I hope this is a series that keeps going!
August 21, 2018
I do really like the Silver Six and Nixy.
What I enjoyed:
* The Silver Six are great as usual, but it seemed like they didn't have as big of a role this time.
* Nixy is a fun protagonist. She is still new to the small town and is finding her place.
* Eric is a good romantic match for Nixy, although I wouldn't mind seeing it move past its glacial pace. He is also the lead detective, but is willing to listen to her clues.
What could have been better:
* The villain is pretty obvious
* I really liked the addition of the dog and cat, but them being so perfect was off-putting.
What I enjoyed:
* The Silver Six are great as usual, but it seemed like they didn't have as big of a role this time.
* Nixy is a fun protagonist. She is still new to the small town and is finding her place.
* Eric is a good romantic match for Nixy, although I wouldn't mind seeing it move past its glacial pace. He is also the lead detective, but is willing to listen to her clues.
What could have been better:
* The villain is pretty obvious
* I really liked the addition of the dog and cat, but them being so perfect was off-putting.
October 25, 2016
I loved this book, I can't say enough good about the characters. The silver six are all lovable with their own personalities without being overly quirky. Nixy is a strong likable woman who tries to help Doralee who's being looked at for the murder of her ex's fiance. Actually the silver six want to solve it and Nixy steps in to help keep them out of trouble.
I like her interactions with Eric, the romance is moving at a nice pace. There is the addition of a couple of four legged characters. The mystery kept me guessing, I had the who but for the wrong reason. I will definitely continue on with this series.
I like her interactions with Eric, the romance is moving at a nice pace. There is the addition of a couple of four legged characters. The mystery kept me guessing, I had the who but for the wrong reason. I will definitely continue on with this series.
November 23, 2019
Meh
This was okay. I loved the addition of the furry twosome, Amber and TC, but I have to admit that the Silver Six, Nixy, Eric and the other characters just weren’t as entertaining as they were in the previous book.
I didn’t care for the murder victim, not that you’re supposed to care that much for an antagonist (such as she was), but I wasn’t at all engaged in what was happening, nor did I have any enthusiasm in discovering who did the deed.
The furballs were my favourite part of the whole book.
2.5 stars
This was okay. I loved the addition of the furry twosome, Amber and TC, but I have to admit that the Silver Six, Nixy, Eric and the other characters just weren’t as entertaining as they were in the previous book.
I didn’t care for the murder victim, not that you’re supposed to care that much for an antagonist (such as she was), but I wasn’t at all engaged in what was happening, nor did I have any enthusiasm in discovering who did the deed.
The furballs were my favourite part of the whole book.
2.5 stars
June 5, 2017
the story was a little slow moving
June 25, 2022
I never considered myself someone to say “if you didn't enjoy book one, then try book 2”. But after reading paint the town dead, I definitely have to say that about this series!
I admit that I was shocked upon picking up the physical copy of this book that it says at the bottom “national bestselling author of Basket Case” - because honestly, I did not personally see how Nancy Haddock was a bestselling author. With book number one, it did not work for me on any level at all.
In fact, the only level that basket case [book one] did work for me on Was the artistry of the cover.
But a dear friend of mine once said to me “sometimes the series needs more than book one to hit its stride, so it can definitely be worth still picking up book too, even if you didn't like book one” and so I took her advice with this series, having absolutely no idea what I was going to get.
Honestly, to me, book one did not read like a' cosy' it in fact read more to me. Just like a mystery. Well, there is nothing inherently bad about a mystery Miss stating the genre of a book Can really turn me off. The reason for this is I go into books knowing the genre and the age rating and therefore have certain expectations. Book 1 - Basket case simply did not at all read to me as a cosy mystery.
This time, going into book #2 paint the town dead I had absolutely no expectations whatsoever. In fact, I remember saying in one of my reading vlogs “if Nancy Haddock can just give me one moment where there showing someone teaching others how to craft one item, I will be very happy.”
Guess what, y'all? She accomplished this!
I had absolutely next to no hope for this book whatsoever. And yet Nancy Haddock has turned what was in book 1A Mystery only book into a cosy mystery series! WELL DONE NANCY HADDOCK!
To my dear friend who recommended I give second books in a Series A chance even if I don't like the first one. I can only say thank you! This series is the definition of ' redemption'.
In fact, the mystery doesn't occur until at least a quarter of the way through the book, giving us that time to get to know the characters and get to know that' cosy side' of the book which we did not get in book #1.
In my opinion, this is a return to success for Nancy Haddock.
In saying that, I didn't really enjoy the mystery side of this read. But the cosy side was absolutely delightful and I highly recommend it.
3.5 stars from me.
xoxo
I admit that I was shocked upon picking up the physical copy of this book that it says at the bottom “national bestselling author of Basket Case” - because honestly, I did not personally see how Nancy Haddock was a bestselling author. With book number one, it did not work for me on any level at all.
In fact, the only level that basket case [book one] did work for me on Was the artistry of the cover.
But a dear friend of mine once said to me “sometimes the series needs more than book one to hit its stride, so it can definitely be worth still picking up book too, even if you didn't like book one” and so I took her advice with this series, having absolutely no idea what I was going to get.
Honestly, to me, book one did not read like a' cosy' it in fact read more to me. Just like a mystery. Well, there is nothing inherently bad about a mystery Miss stating the genre of a book Can really turn me off. The reason for this is I go into books knowing the genre and the age rating and therefore have certain expectations. Book 1 - Basket case simply did not at all read to me as a cosy mystery.
This time, going into book #2 paint the town dead I had absolutely no expectations whatsoever. In fact, I remember saying in one of my reading vlogs “if Nancy Haddock can just give me one moment where there showing someone teaching others how to craft one item, I will be very happy.”
Guess what, y'all? She accomplished this!
I had absolutely next to no hope for this book whatsoever. And yet Nancy Haddock has turned what was in book 1A Mystery only book into a cosy mystery series! WELL DONE NANCY HADDOCK!
To my dear friend who recommended I give second books in a Series A chance even if I don't like the first one. I can only say thank you! This series is the definition of ' redemption'.
In fact, the mystery doesn't occur until at least a quarter of the way through the book, giving us that time to get to know the characters and get to know that' cosy side' of the book which we did not get in book #1.
In my opinion, this is a return to success for Nancy Haddock.
In saying that, I didn't really enjoy the mystery side of this read. But the cosy side was absolutely delightful and I highly recommend it.
3.5 stars from me.
xoxo
June 20, 2017
Nixy is settling into the small town of Lilyvale, Arkansas quite nicely. She, along with the Silver Six, have opened up a craft store that also features various craft classes. When they hire a gourd painter to run a class, unusual things begin happening including the crashing of the class by the teacher’s ex and new fiancée. When the fiancée is discovered dead in a local inn Nixy and the Silver Six jump into action.
Paint the Town Dead is another great book in the Silver Six Crafting Mysteries. I love the unique crafting back drop. The murder mystery was well thought out and the path to figuring out who did it was executed well. Nixy does some typical clueless heroine things throughout the murder investigation but I did little more than shake my head at her. Nixy is a great character that has tenderness for Aunt Sherrie and the rest of the Silver Six and the author is able to convey that to the reader.
I'm hooked on this series; it's fast paced and engaging. The author created a world and developed characters that are entertaining and realistic. I'm from a small town and everyone knew everything about everyone else. It's what small towns do best. The foundation for a spectacular cozy mystery series has been laid and I can't wait to read how the author builds it up!! I look forward to the third book in the series.
I purchased this book myself.
Paint the Town Dead is another great book in the Silver Six Crafting Mysteries. I love the unique crafting back drop. The murder mystery was well thought out and the path to figuring out who did it was executed well. Nixy does some typical clueless heroine things throughout the murder investigation but I did little more than shake my head at her. Nixy is a great character that has tenderness for Aunt Sherrie and the rest of the Silver Six and the author is able to convey that to the reader.
I'm hooked on this series; it's fast paced and engaging. The author created a world and developed characters that are entertaining and realistic. I'm from a small town and everyone knew everything about everyone else. It's what small towns do best. The foundation for a spectacular cozy mystery series has been laid and I can't wait to read how the author builds it up!! I look forward to the third book in the series.
I purchased this book myself.
August 8, 2025
Paint the Town Dead is the 2nd book in Nancy Haddock's Silver Six Crafting Mystery series. The characters are wonderful especially the Silver Six! The Silver Six are a group of Senior Citizens who all live together and support each other. They are smart, funny and like to investigate. Nixy and the Silver Six run the craft shop where they sell locally made homemade items and host crafting events. They are having the Grand Opening of the Handcraft Emporium and Doralee Gordon is teaching a gourd painting class. Her ex husband and his new fiancee make a scene and the fiancee ends up dead. There are only a few suspects which helps with all of the new characters. A dog and cat show up and Nixy takes them in and lucky for her they are close to perfect. Nixy is starting to date Detective Eric Shoar so the murder investigation adds a little tension in their relationship. The cozy mystery kept me guessing although I wondered about the culprit. The audiobook is good. The narrator is growing on me. She does a good job but she doesn't sound like a 29 year old. She does a great job with the Silver Six voices. #PaintTheTownDead #SilverSixCraftingMystery #BerkleyPublishing
April 22, 2019
During the process of proving her elderly aunt innocent of murder, Nixy fell in love with the small town of Lilyvale, Arkansas, it's residents, and her aunt's housemates, lovingly known as the 'silver six'. After relocating, Nixy opens her own craft store and has a full line-up of classes, demonstrations, and fun events scheduled for the week-long grand opening. When an ex-husband and his new honey show up and harass one of the class teachers, things go south, and the young honey is found murdered. Nixy teams with her aunt and 'the six' to help solve the mystery, which is frowned upon by dreamy Detective Shoar.
Book 2 in the series. Love the main character, setting, and the 'silver six'. I liked this book a bit less than the first because it seemed slow in places, but all in all it was still a good read. Although I am not a pet owner, I liked the addition of the animals. The attraction between Nixy and Detective Shoar is moving forward, but at a snail's pace.
Book 2 in the series. Love the main character, setting, and the 'silver six'. I liked this book a bit less than the first because it seemed slow in places, but all in all it was still a good read. Although I am not a pet owner, I liked the addition of the animals. The attraction between Nixy and Detective Shoar is moving forward, but at a snail's pace.
September 20, 2025
2 Stars
I picked up this series initially because I loved the premise of six retirees living together and helping a niece solve crime. Unfortunately, in this 2nd installment, the Six are mostly replaced by an unbelievably perfect dog and cat, and I really didn't enjoy the pet aspect.
I understand the importance of microchipping, and my own dog has a chip. What I don't understand is why it was brought up three times in this mystery book about a murdered fiancé. The main character doesn't even think she is keeping the animals when she asks a vet for a detailed breakdown of microchipping. It was so out of place.
I liked that the events have moved to an arts and crafts shop, which is a bit unique, but beyond that the mystery was just OK. I'm still not 100% sure how the main character came to the conclusion she did, but I didn't enjoy it enough to go back to hear what I'd missed.
I definitely wish less focus had been on the pets.
I picked up this series initially because I loved the premise of six retirees living together and helping a niece solve crime. Unfortunately, in this 2nd installment, the Six are mostly replaced by an unbelievably perfect dog and cat, and I really didn't enjoy the pet aspect.
I understand the importance of microchipping, and my own dog has a chip. What I don't understand is why it was brought up three times in this mystery book about a murdered fiancé. The main character doesn't even think she is keeping the animals when she asks a vet for a detailed breakdown of microchipping. It was so out of place.
I liked that the events have moved to an arts and crafts shop, which is a bit unique, but beyond that the mystery was just OK. I'm still not 100% sure how the main character came to the conclusion she did, but I didn't enjoy it enough to go back to hear what I'd missed.
I definitely wish less focus had been on the pets.
January 21, 2024
I liked the one-off characters more than the protag.
I did not like how Nixy is now by herself. It's a Silver Six Crafting Mystery, but the Silver Six aren't all that present in the book. They're almost caricatures of old folks instead of real people. And Nixy's attitude toward them was to keep them out of the mystery and try to make them go to bed early.
Seriously?
"No" on so many levels.
I'll probably read the third book in this series since there are only three - and hope the Silver Six get some solid book-time. That's why I'm reading this in the first place. Not for Nixy, but for the cozy feels of family togetherness, a great town, and vibrant characters that team up to solve a mystery - and I was sorely disappointed.
I loved the depiction of the storm.
I did not like how Nixy is now by herself. It's a Silver Six Crafting Mystery, but the Silver Six aren't all that present in the book. They're almost caricatures of old folks instead of real people. And Nixy's attitude toward them was to keep them out of the mystery and try to make them go to bed early.
Seriously?
"No" on so many levels.
I'll probably read the third book in this series since there are only three - and hope the Silver Six get some solid book-time. That's why I'm reading this in the first place. Not for Nixy, but for the cozy feels of family togetherness, a great town, and vibrant characters that team up to solve a mystery - and I was sorely disappointed.
I loved the depiction of the storm.
June 1, 2025
2.25*s, which might be an odd rating, but I found this book a little above the 'meh' reaction I usually associate with 2*s, but not so much above it that the rules of rounding up would let it become 3*s.
The book is very aggressively 'cozy', but the only distinguishable characters from the mess of names and pointless actions is the reclusive elderly neighbor with binoculars and modern technology. Everyone else is a cardboard cutout of either friendly and good or standoffish and bad. This level of simplification combined with a very slow pace takes the story from cozy to soporific.
The cute obedient perfectly behaved stay animals, however, were the last straw that broke my patience for the book's already abundant nonsense.
The book is very aggressively 'cozy', but the only distinguishable characters from the mess of names and pointless actions is the reclusive elderly neighbor with binoculars and modern technology. Everyone else is a cardboard cutout of either friendly and good or standoffish and bad. This level of simplification combined with a very slow pace takes the story from cozy to soporific.
The cute obedient perfectly behaved stay animals, however, were the last straw that broke my patience for the book's already abundant nonsense.
February 16, 2017
The silver six, along with Nixy as manager have opened a craft emporium. As part of the opening week festivities there are demonstrations in various crafts, gourd painting, glass painting, jewellery making, whittling, etc. All goes well except for the theft of a few tools from the artists. But then the obnoxious fiancé of one of the artists is murdered. But who did it? Nixon isn't going to let a little thing like murder disrupt the opening festivities or her fun with her new pets. And besides her detective boy friend told her to stay out of it. So she did, but she couldn't keep her brain from working and solves the crime!
September 4, 2018
A well crafted, solid mystery.
One odd thing, the Silver Six retirees of the series theme, are not much described or detailed. I assume they had vivid personalities in the first book of this series, but here they get less description than minor characters who make the briefest of appearances. The only one I can picture is Fred, thumping around his walker with tool belt attached. Still this did not get in the way of enjoyment. The cat/dog pair are preternaturally well behaved and accommodating but the process by which the narrator falls in love with them, is well done. And they result in finding a vital clue.
One odd thing, the Silver Six retirees of the series theme, are not much described or detailed. I assume they had vivid personalities in the first book of this series, but here they get less description than minor characters who make the briefest of appearances. The only one I can picture is Fred, thumping around his walker with tool belt attached. Still this did not get in the way of enjoyment. The cat/dog pair are preternaturally well behaved and accommodating but the process by which the narrator falls in love with them, is well done. And they result in finding a vital clue.
March 4, 2018
I loved the first book in this series, so I was really looking forward to Paint the Town Dead. It was great! The Silver Six were just as amusing as ever. It's fun to watch their antics and see Nixy try to reign them in, but in the end, just join in on the fun.
It took a little bit for the mystery to get going, but once it did I was fully engaged. There were quite a few suspects, so that kept me guessing. I had my suspicions, but was never 100% sure.
Paint the Town Dead was a great addition to the Silver Six mysteries and can be enjoyed even if you haven't read book one.
May 17, 2020
Nixy has her hands full getting her new apartment and Handcraft Emporium ready for people to work in. On top of this she is adopted by a dog and cat who appear together in the ally next to her shop. She ends up adopting them while still keeping an eye on the Silver Six group which includes her Aunt. This time an artist whose tool was stolen at her show and killed someone in her room while she was out and as usual Nixy gets in the middle of it.
May 24, 2018
Here we go again.
Nixy and Seven are up to their noses in trouble. This time they are holding the grand opening for their shop. They invite different artists to teach a class on what craft each do. But someone has murder in their list and as like last time Nixy can't help herself from snooping and getting in Eric's way in solving the crime.
Nixy and Seven are up to their noses in trouble. This time they are holding the grand opening for their shop. They invite different artists to teach a class on what craft each do. But someone has murder in their list and as like last time Nixy can't help herself from snooping and getting in Eric's way in solving the crime.
March 5, 2020
Loved it! This is the second book I’ve read in the Silver Six crafting Mysteries, and enjoyed every minute of this read. Love Nixy and the silver six, you never know what they will be up to. Enjoy trying to determine who the murder maybe all the way to the end. Can’t wait to start their next mystery!
November 13, 2020
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first in the series. The author seemed to repeat herself a lot; once she’s told us Nixy doesn’t like Chuck, for example, we don’t near to hear it again every time his name is mentioned. I was also a bit annoyed by the cutesie phrases Nixy seems to be adopting from the Silver Six, and by Sherry’s use of “child” every time she addresses her grown niece.
October 24, 2019
The Silver Six are expanding their crafts by holding lessons in making items. To kick off their grand opening if their opening they invite a gourd painting class. BUT . . . . someone ends up being out of the picture. And why?
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