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Manor House Mystery #7
Grace Sees Red
The New York Times bestselling author of the Manor House Mysteries and the White House Chef Mysteries is back with another nail-biting murder mystery for curator Grace Wheaton.
Grace Wheaton, curator and manager of Marshfield Manor, and her benefactor, Bennett Marshfield, are discussing how to help her roommates Bruce and Scott with their wine shop troubles when Grace’s trusted—if testy—assistant, Frances, calls, saying she needs some assistance of her own. Arriving at the address Frances has given them, they find a coroner’s van and police cars parked outside an upscale assisted-living facility called Indwell.
One of the elderly residents has been found dead under suspicious circumstances, and Frances, seen arguing with the man earlier that day, is now a person of interest. It’s up to Grace to clear her assistant’s name and find the real killer—before another Indwell resident checks out early...
Grace Wheaton, curator and manager of Marshfield Manor, and her benefactor, Bennett Marshfield, are discussing how to help her roommates Bruce and Scott with their wine shop troubles when Grace’s trusted—if testy—assistant, Frances, calls, saying she needs some assistance of her own. Arriving at the address Frances has given them, they find a coroner’s van and police cars parked outside an upscale assisted-living facility called Indwell.
One of the elderly residents has been found dead under suspicious circumstances, and Frances, seen arguing with the man earlier that day, is now a person of interest. It’s up to Grace to clear her assistant’s name and find the real killer—before another Indwell resident checks out early...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
46 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hyzy
46 books874 followersNew York Times bestselling author, Julie Hyzy, has won the Anthony, Barry, Phobos, and Derringer Awards for her fiction.
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
Novels include:
Virtual Sabotage
The White House Chef Mystery series
The Manor House Mysteries
Deadly Blessings
Deadly Interest
Dead Ringer
Artistic License
Playing With Matches
Visit:
www.juliehyzy.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 16, 2021
Grace's latest adventure has not a lot of action but is still interesting and keeps you wanting more. Good read.
August 7, 2016
In her latest adventure from Marshfield Manor, Julie Hyzy brings another murder mystery to light and places sleuthing responsibilities in the capable hands of Grace Wheaton. While touring the Manor one morning, Grace receives a call from her assistant, Frances, who is highly distressed and in need of immediate assistance. Once Grace makes her way to the address Frances offered, it is soon discovered to be an assisted living facility. Frances uses her weekends to visit someone at the facility, her ex-husband, Percy, and has been doing so for many years. The surprises do not end there, as Grace discovers that Percy's neighbour has died and Frances remains a person of interest in his suspicious death. There is no love loss between Frances and Gus, something she is happy to admit to anyone who will listen. However, Grace will not stand idly by and her her friend be dragged through the mud. Once Frances has retained counsel, Grace commences sleuthing, checking stories and trying to determine what might have happened to Gus. Could he have died naturally or taken matters into his own hands, as there is evidence of a possible insulin injection. Local law enforcement are less than keen to have someone poking around, though Grace does her best not to step on any toes. When the victim's family arrives to handle the situation, Grace sees new avenues that may work in Frances' favour. While all this is taking place, Grace handles an issue on the home front when her roommates' winery is suddenly closed by an overzealous building inspector. She tries to quell disaster there by coming up with a plan that might solve everyone's concerns, but Frances and her situation are not completely solved. When Frances is formally arrested, Grace knows that she cannot wait any longer and pushes her investigation into high-gear, calling in the assistance of anyone who might be able to help. Will Frances finally have to fess-up for her antics to rid herself of an annoying human, or is someone trying to frame her for the death? All is revealed in true Manor fashion in Hyzy's latest novel, which is as cute as it is entertaining.
I never tire of a good Hyzy novel, for it allows me to shift into neutral, but also keep my wits about me. The stories are usually not very complicated, but they are layered with interesting characters, great bantering dialogue, and just enough mystery to keep me from figuring it all out in the opening chapters. Added to that, Grace Wheaton and her backstory are always developing, which keeps her from getting stale and allows Hyzy to take readers inside her drama-filled life. Much like the other series Hyzy successfully pens, Grace seems to fall into these mysteries as she denies leading the way towards them. Be that as it may, they are always highly entertaining and leave a cliffhanger at the end just tantalizing enough that the reader will curse having to wait another year.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy for another hit in the series. One can only hope you have many more ideas, for things are far from going stale with Grace and the rest of the Marshfield gang.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I never tire of a good Hyzy novel, for it allows me to shift into neutral, but also keep my wits about me. The stories are usually not very complicated, but they are layered with interesting characters, great bantering dialogue, and just enough mystery to keep me from figuring it all out in the opening chapters. Added to that, Grace Wheaton and her backstory are always developing, which keeps her from getting stale and allows Hyzy to take readers inside her drama-filled life. Much like the other series Hyzy successfully pens, Grace seems to fall into these mysteries as she denies leading the way towards them. Be that as it may, they are always highly entertaining and leave a cliffhanger at the end just tantalizing enough that the reader will curse having to wait another year.
Kudos, Madam Hyzy for another hit in the series. One can only hope you have many more ideas, for things are far from going stale with Grace and the rest of the Marshfield gang.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 10, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Oh this story was sooooooo goooooood!
In this installment the action takes place away from Marshfield Manor. Grace’s assistant, Frances needs help. We finally get a close look at Frances’ life away from work and it was quite surprising. Also Grace’s roommates, Bruce and Scott have a major problem and it could be the end of their business.
I love these characters. The relationship between Bennett and Grace always warms my heart and now that the news is out that they truly are related there are many new t’s to cross and i’s to dot. They are both amazing people. The world needs more people like them. I loved that Frances was front and center in this story and I always enjoy catching up with Scott and Bruce.
Hyzy introduces us to a great group of quirky characters as we venture to Indwell, an assisted living facility. We meet patients, their families, staff and even a couple of local detectives. The descriptions made it so easy to picture every one of them. They sure are an interesting bunch.
The mystery this time was quite puzzling. Several twists had me changing my mind on the real culprit too many times to count. As we neared the conclusion I could see I was completely wrong and I was totally surprised.
When you reach the 7th book in a series the characters have become comfortable. As a reader you are engaged from the start and totally invested into finding out what happens next. That is so true for this series. Frances may not be the easiest woman to get along with but I was thrilled to know more about her personal life. I am excited to see what the author has planned for my fictional friends in upcoming installments.
Each visit to Emberstowne passes too quickly. Of course that is because the story keeps those pages flying. As usual I read this one all in one sitting.
I highly recommend everything Julie Hyzy writes and this story is a prime example as to why.
Oh this story was sooooooo goooooood!
In this installment the action takes place away from Marshfield Manor. Grace’s assistant, Frances needs help. We finally get a close look at Frances’ life away from work and it was quite surprising. Also Grace’s roommates, Bruce and Scott have a major problem and it could be the end of their business.
I love these characters. The relationship between Bennett and Grace always warms my heart and now that the news is out that they truly are related there are many new t’s to cross and i’s to dot. They are both amazing people. The world needs more people like them. I loved that Frances was front and center in this story and I always enjoy catching up with Scott and Bruce.
Hyzy introduces us to a great group of quirky characters as we venture to Indwell, an assisted living facility. We meet patients, their families, staff and even a couple of local detectives. The descriptions made it so easy to picture every one of them. They sure are an interesting bunch.
The mystery this time was quite puzzling. Several twists had me changing my mind on the real culprit too many times to count. As we neared the conclusion I could see I was completely wrong and I was totally surprised.
When you reach the 7th book in a series the characters have become comfortable. As a reader you are engaged from the start and totally invested into finding out what happens next. That is so true for this series. Frances may not be the easiest woman to get along with but I was thrilled to know more about her personal life. I am excited to see what the author has planned for my fictional friends in upcoming installments.
Each visit to Emberstowne passes too quickly. Of course that is because the story keeps those pages flying. As usual I read this one all in one sitting.
I highly recommend everything Julie Hyzy writes and this story is a prime example as to why.
June 29, 2016
Grace See Red is the seventh book in the A Manor House Mystery series.
As one has come to expect, another well plotted and told story from Julie Hyzy.
In this book, the somewhat secretive Frances is able to take center stage and the reader will learn more of her past.
Grace and Bennett Marshfield are about to head off and view some of the hidden rooms of Marshfield Manor when their fun is interrupted by phone call from Frances. She asks that Grace comes immediately to the Indwell Nursing facility in nearby Rosette. Upon arriving, Grace and Bennett find the facility on a virtual lock down and soon learn that Frances is a “person of interest” in the death of one of the residents, Gustave Westburg., with whom she had an argument the day before. Frances asks Grace for help in finding out who did kill Westburg. What turns out to be a complete surprise, is the reason Frances had been at the facility.
So Grace, with the help of Tooney and Coroner Joe Bradley, Grace sets off to clear Frances' name. Surprisingly, Grace even gets help from Emberstowne detectives, Rodriguez and Flynn.
In A subplot, Bruce and Scott, are having to look for a site for their wine store. Do to their landlord's neglect, part of the store has collapsed and they are put out of business. Grace is hoping
she can come up some way to help them obtain a new location.
Another truly wonderful visit the folks at Marshfield Manor.
Looking forward to the next exciting adventure of Grace Wheaton.
As one has come to expect, another well plotted and told story from Julie Hyzy.
In this book, the somewhat secretive Frances is able to take center stage and the reader will learn more of her past.
Grace and Bennett Marshfield are about to head off and view some of the hidden rooms of Marshfield Manor when their fun is interrupted by phone call from Frances. She asks that Grace comes immediately to the Indwell Nursing facility in nearby Rosette. Upon arriving, Grace and Bennett find the facility on a virtual lock down and soon learn that Frances is a “person of interest” in the death of one of the residents, Gustave Westburg., with whom she had an argument the day before. Frances asks Grace for help in finding out who did kill Westburg. What turns out to be a complete surprise, is the reason Frances had been at the facility.
So Grace, with the help of Tooney and Coroner Joe Bradley, Grace sets off to clear Frances' name. Surprisingly, Grace even gets help from Emberstowne detectives, Rodriguez and Flynn.
In A subplot, Bruce and Scott, are having to look for a site for their wine store. Do to their landlord's neglect, part of the store has collapsed and they are put out of business. Grace is hoping
she can come up some way to help them obtain a new location.
Another truly wonderful visit the folks at Marshfield Manor.
Looking forward to the next exciting adventure of Grace Wheaton.
September 11, 2016
That last line...next book's gonna be trouble.
A new story with a new murder: it's Frances this time who's in danger of getting falsely charged of murder. What's different about this book is that Grace is actively participating in the investigation of the murder. I think in the previous books, it's been partly an unintentional, wrong place at the wrong time discovery of the actual murderers. But here, after solving three murder cases, people are all too eager to provide their opinions and suspicions to Grace. And that's not something I'm really down with and as a result, I didn't enjoy the book as much.
But finally some romance in the air. Yes!
Moral of the story: Money can be your salvation or your death.
A new story with a new murder: it's Frances this time who's in danger of getting falsely charged of murder. What's different about this book is that Grace is actively participating in the investigation of the murder. I think in the previous books, it's been partly an unintentional, wrong place at the wrong time discovery of the actual murderers. But here, after solving three murder cases, people are all too eager to provide their opinions and suspicions to Grace. And that's not something I'm really down with and as a result, I didn't enjoy the book as much.
But finally some romance in the air. Yes!
Moral of the story: Money can be your salvation or your death.
July 22, 2024
This book made me wish I wasn’t as close to the end of this series as I am. I enjoyed this mystery and we found out more about Frances. I’m enjoying the way Grace’s life was going here too.
September 10, 2024
This series (and author) is always an enjoyable read for me.
July 1, 2016
"Grace Sees Red" is a cozy mystery. It's the seventh book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one. However, this book did a minor spoiler relating to the mystery of the previous book (#6).
As usual, the characters were enjoyable and interesting. It was clue-based, puzzle mystery. I guessed whodunit and why about two-thirds of the way through. This was a group read, and when it turned out I was right, the others asked if I'd peaked. I didn't, but this means that it's not obvious even if all the clues were there at that point.
Minor point, but both my mom (once a nurse) and I (professionally trained in giving shots to horses) cringed when the author had a trained nurse remove the cap from a needle on a syringe by using his teeth. And it's implied that all the nurses do this. *shudder* Don't do this in RL.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
As usual, the characters were enjoyable and interesting. It was clue-based, puzzle mystery. I guessed whodunit and why about two-thirds of the way through. This was a group read, and when it turned out I was right, the others asked if I'd peaked. I didn't, but this means that it's not obvious even if all the clues were there at that point.
Minor point, but both my mom (once a nurse) and I (professionally trained in giving shots to horses) cringed when the author had a trained nurse remove the cap from a needle on a syringe by using his teeth. And it's implied that all the nurses do this. *shudder* Don't do this in RL.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
June 28, 2016
Author Julie Hyzy has penned another fantastic installment in the Manor House Mysteries!
With every new book in this delightful series, author Hyzy adds new layers to her characters, giving us a new peek into their lives. This serves to keep each new story fresh, and enticing.
GRACE SEES RED, as with past books in the Manor House Mysteries, was an intriguing read that moved at a brisk pace. Each new chapter so well written, I was encouraged to keep turning page after page until I found myself at the exciting reveal!
Seven, this is the seventh book in the series, must indeed be a lucky number, because GRACE SEES RED is one of the best books in the series!
With every new book in this delightful series, author Hyzy adds new layers to her characters, giving us a new peek into their lives. This serves to keep each new story fresh, and enticing.
GRACE SEES RED, as with past books in the Manor House Mysteries, was an intriguing read that moved at a brisk pace. Each new chapter so well written, I was encouraged to keep turning page after page until I found myself at the exciting reveal!
Seven, this is the seventh book in the series, must indeed be a lucky number, because GRACE SEES RED is one of the best books in the series!
July 7, 2016
Another great book by Julie Hyzy. This time Grace has to get her testy assistant out of trouble. Her roommates Bruce and Scott need her also since they lost their building that housed their wine shop. Good reading, couldn't put it down.
October 14, 2016
One of my favorites
Julie Hyzy does it again with a tangle of suspects, clues and characters. There is even a hit of a new romance for Grace. Ill be looking for the next one.
Julie Hyzy does it again with a tangle of suspects, clues and characters. There is even a hit of a new romance for Grace. Ill be looking for the next one.
September 6, 2025
We finally discover what secret Frances keeps about her weekends, and it's not one I expected. It makes me think she has more compassion or sentimentality than I realized.
I've said before that this series reminds me of the Castleton Manor series, both because of the manor house setting, and because of the stressful working relationship with a prickly character: Faith with Marlene in Castleton Manor, and Grace with Frances in Marshfield. This book reveals, however, that Grace and Frances' working relationship has more growth, more depth, more of a character arc of its own.
There aren't enough clues to guess whodunit before we see ... and no, I didn't guess.
Some of these characters are heartless.
One of the reviewer described Grace's relationship with Bennett as heart-warming, and I have to agree.
The setting for this volume is a nursing home. In some regards it reminds me of Leslie Meier's "Easter Bonnet Murder", which also takes place in a nursing home. But, it's different, too, in that Indwell (from "Grace Sees Red") is only for rich patients. Speaking of which, it's unclear how Percy and/or Frances can afford that, especially on her secretary's salary.
"I don't know what hurts him worse; not being able to move his legs or the fact that there was no one willing to help him." I have a friend who has recently expressed this sentiment, and my heart goes out to her.
This next quote also made me think of her as she needs her space to adjust: "There were times in my life when I was so distraught that even good suggestions felt like monster projects." I think we can all relate more or less at some point in time, and have to back off to rest and regroup before we try again. Or as I told her, to give up for the night, but not for good.
On gossip: "Who said they were friends? ... They're masters at making you believe they're sincerely interested in your life and happiness. But that's only to butter you up and get you to talk. And while you're spilling your soul, they're soaking up details to share later."
What an awful, ugly, true picture of gossips.
"I wasn't rude. I'm efficient." I know several people who genuinely think like this. But yes, they can be efficient to the point of being rude without realizing it.
One reviewer, trained in a medical field, commented on the unsanitary practice that the author says "every" nurse does. The reviewer wants us to know they don't.
I've said before that this series reminds me of the Castleton Manor series, both because of the manor house setting, and because of the stressful working relationship with a prickly character: Faith with Marlene in Castleton Manor, and Grace with Frances in Marshfield. This book reveals, however, that Grace and Frances' working relationship has more growth, more depth, more of a character arc of its own.
There aren't enough clues to guess whodunit before we see ... and no, I didn't guess.
Some of these characters are heartless.
One of the reviewer described Grace's relationship with Bennett as heart-warming, and I have to agree.
The setting for this volume is a nursing home. In some regards it reminds me of Leslie Meier's "Easter Bonnet Murder", which also takes place in a nursing home. But, it's different, too, in that Indwell (from "Grace Sees Red") is only for rich patients. Speaking of which, it's unclear how Percy and/or Frances can afford that, especially on her secretary's salary.
"I don't know what hurts him worse; not being able to move his legs or the fact that there was no one willing to help him." I have a friend who has recently expressed this sentiment, and my heart goes out to her.
This next quote also made me think of her as she needs her space to adjust: "There were times in my life when I was so distraught that even good suggestions felt like monster projects." I think we can all relate more or less at some point in time, and have to back off to rest and regroup before we try again. Or as I told her, to give up for the night, but not for good.
On gossip: "Who said they were friends? ... They're masters at making you believe they're sincerely interested in your life and happiness. But that's only to butter you up and get you to talk. And while you're spilling your soul, they're soaking up details to share later."
What an awful, ugly, true picture of gossips.
"I wasn't rude. I'm efficient." I know several people who genuinely think like this. But yes, they can be efficient to the point of being rude without realizing it.
One reviewer, trained in a medical field, commented on the unsanitary practice that the author says "every" nurse does. The reviewer wants us to know they don't.
July 31, 2022
This is the 7th book in the series. Grace is adjusting to her new reality, trying to figure out a way to help her friends with their wine shop situation when their building collapses. But a more pressing task comes to the forefront when Frances calls, needing help. As she and Bennett arrive at an assisted living facility outside of town, they find out some of the secrets that Frances has been hiding, including an ex-husband who she visits every weekend. Frances is suspected in a death at the facility and Grace is determined to help clear her name. One thing that did bother me about this book is the fact that Frances is paying for her former husband’s care at a very expensive facility and this is never explained how she manages to do this on a secretary’s salary as well as pay for a hotel every weekend, even if it is a budget facility. But other than that, it was a decent mystery.
Read
April 22, 2024Francis calls Grace & the Mr to come to another town with no explanation. They find she has been going to an assisted living facility to visit her ex-husband. Francis is being accused of his roommate's murder. After an autopsy, Francis is arrested. Grace must investigate to clear her. Mr posts bail. Grace & Francis return to the facility & find out more info. The dead man's son & a nurse planned the murder! They find G & F at a motel & hold them at gunpoint. The son ends up shooting & killing the nurse. Grace & F attack him with liquor bottles confiscated at the ex's room. Bruce & Scott have to vacate the wine shop when the second floor cllapses. Grace decides to partner with them & buy a new building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2022
3.0 Grace is getting used to her new status of being related to Bennet Mansfield but she will not forget her good friends and when her assistant Frances calls for help Grace is first to respond. Frances has kept her personal life quiet and no one knew she had an ex husband in a facility until she asks for help as she has been accused of murdering someone who was one if her ex's roommates. Frances is innocent but some eager detectives are happy to pin this one on her. Grace also is helping her own two housemates who are about to loses their wine shop because of a landlord who let the building get into disrepair. Grace has a busy life but not too busy to help her friends.
June 12, 2023
This was an easy, light read. The murder happens right away and for the rest of the book, it drives the plot, while, perhaps, setting up another plot point in the next book regarding her roommate's business. The main murder here happens outside Emberstown, in a separate location, but concerns clearing Frances' name from the suspects' list. Here we finally know what Frances does on her weekends. Another enjoyable entry, but nonetheless a bit sad that this is the penultimate book. Grace has grown throughout the series. Not just that, Frances has one of the better arcs in the series as a supporting character.
December 30, 2024
Just when you think you have something figured out, here comes a big wind to blow it all away. I really thought I had this one figured out, but I fell for the red herring instead.
The character's in this series jump out of the pages and become so real you can't help but get swept up in the story. This author has a way of grabbing you and THROWING you in the middle of all the action in the book. She did this with the White House Chef series too.
Sadly, there is one book left in this series. I have it and I will start it soon. My goal is to read all the books by this author provided I can find them. My wish, is for Julie Hyzy to write more .......
The character's in this series jump out of the pages and become so real you can't help but get swept up in the story. This author has a way of grabbing you and THROWING you in the middle of all the action in the book. She did this with the White House Chef series too.
Sadly, there is one book left in this series. I have it and I will start it soon. My goal is to read all the books by this author provided I can find them. My wish, is for Julie Hyzy to write more .......
August 26, 2020
This was a little different because the concentration is actually on Frances instead of Grace but we get a little bit more information about Frances and her personal life. We meet up with a few new people. They do have a murder that takes place at a nursing home with Frances almost arrested. Grace works to make sure that she is not arrested (telling her to please watch what she says) and a good lawyer. At the very end there is a cliff hanger in regards to what will be coming up in the next book.
November 1, 2017
Grace Wheaton, niece of Bennett Marshfield, owner of the Marshfield Manor, is also the Director of the mansion, which is also a tourist location. Her caustic but competent assistant, Frances, is now in trouble, suspected of murder. Everyone at Marshfield knows Frances could not possibly be guilty – but could they prove it? ---- This series by Julie Hyzy is good, but not as good as her White House Chef Mysteries.
September 8, 2023
Nice workmanship cozy mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery solving but it wasn’t stellar. Lacked some atmospheric elements of the other books in the Manor House series. Mostly Grace is at a ritzy assisted living home desperately following clues to who might have killed one of the residents because the small town police force have fixated on Grace’s snarky secretary Frances as the culprit and aren’t looking elsewhere.
September 13, 2018
Just realized it was a book #7... I loved it, but I don't think I have it in me to go through the previous... I know too much now. I think it is one of those series that you should read in order, unfortunately when you use the library and just happen to come across a book... :)
but very well done, fast paced, good read!
but very well done, fast paced, good read!
October 13, 2021
This is my first Manor House Mystery, but it wasn't long before I got caught up with the characters. Grace's long time assistant has been accused of murder. In fact she may be arrested. The setting is an expensive rest home filled with a half a dozen quirky characters. The mystery unrolled in a logical fashion and I felt like I was discovering things the same time as Grace.
January 15, 2017
Interesting premise. Wealthy, I'll, old man lives in an expensive care facility is found dead and a syringe cap is found under the bed. A woman who had a verbal fight with him is arrested. But what was her motive? Who else had a better motive? An interesting read.
July 10, 2018
Follow the story
Great to follow the adventures of Grace. Easy reading and different story plan with each book. Nice to see the development of each character as the series progresses.
Great to follow the adventures of Grace. Easy reading and different story plan with each book. Nice to see the development of each character as the series progresses.
July 12, 2020
I liked this next to last installment of this series. The mystery was good although I did figure out the murderers. I liked seeing how Grace’s life is progressing and look forward to seeing how it all gets wrapped up in the last book.
August 7, 2022
Not the best I have read from her, but still a fun book. Good for a summer day or any other time you just need a cozy to entertain y0u. Prolific author who does a good job with her characters. By all means check out her other books . . . so worth your time.
July 13, 2017
It started slow and I think Grace is too stuffy, but the ending was a surprise. Nice read
August 13, 2017
Not my favorite in the series. Okay, but nothing special.
January 23, 2019
This is another good one in the series. Julie Hyzy keeps me guessing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews