Marriage, Monsters-in-Law, and Murder

A Mom Zone Mystery #9

by Sara Rosett

In this cozy mystery by the USA Today–bestselling author of Murder at Archly Manor, a professional organizer finds herself at a killer wedding. Ellie’s sister-in-law, Summer, has planned a four-day destination wedding at a posh private resort on one of Georgia’s beautiful barrier islands, but it won’t be a vacation for Ellie. Summer has asked her to assist with the last-minute details, which includes preventing two mothers-in-law from killing each other. The ladies are a handful, but the real problems are the ones Ellie and Summer haven’t anticipated—like mysterious pranks directed toward the bride. When the best man shows up with the groom’s gorgeous if unstable ex-girlfriend, she seems like an obvious suspect for the practical jokes. But when a suspicious death occurs, Ellie realizes there’s more going on than mean-spirited pranks. Is Summer the killer’s real target? And what could possibly be driving someone to murder? Ellie vows to get to the truth so the blushing bride can walk down the aisle without fearing she’ll never reach the altar . . .Includes Wedding Tips! Praise for the Ellie Avery Mysteries “This series is a winner.” —Denise Swanson, New York Times–bestselling author of the Chef-to-Go Mysteries “A satisfying, well-executed cozy . . . The author includes practical tips for organizing closets, but the novel’s most valuable insight is its window into women’s lives on a military base.” —Publishers Weekly

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2016

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.

She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.

Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage, Monsters-in-Law and Murder by Sara Rosett is the ninth book in An Ellie Avery Mystery series. Ellie’s sister-in-law, Summer is getting married to Brian Abernathy. Their wedding will be a four day (wow) event on Camden Island (a barrier island off Georgia) at the Camden Island Resort. Everything is set up, but Summer could assistance with the last minute details and the handling of things on the island (and keeping Brian’s mother, Yvonne and his stepmother, Patricia apart). Ellie, an organizer by profession, has agreed to help her (could be a new venture for her business). It looks like it will be a beautiful weekend and then Graham Murphy, the groom’s cousin arrives with Julia Banning. Julia and Brian (the groom) dated for a time. Julia then became obsessed with Brian (very stalkerish). Shortly after arriving on the island, incidents begin happening to Summer. First she is attacked with a paintball gun (very painful) and then her “Bride” shirt is discovered to have been laced with ivy resulting in a terrible rash (which goes great with the bruises from the paintball gun pellets). They suspect Julia, but no one has caught her in the act. Then there is an incident with the golf cart. The photographer, Ned Blackson needed to return to the resort and borrowed the bride and groom’s golf cart (it was decorated just for them). On the way to the resort it flips over and Ned dies instantly. What if Summer and Brian had been in the golf cart? Detective Redding is assigned the case and he needs to work quickly. After four days all the suspects will disappear. Things are pointing to Julia until she is injured and in a coma. Who is behind these attacks? Ellie is determined to find the culprit so Summer can have her wedding. Will she succeed before the killer strikes again?

Marriage, Monsters-in-Law and Murder was a good cozy mystery. I liked the characters, the pace, and the mystery as well as the lovely setting. It had humor but it was not over-the-top (it was just right). The author provided good clues for the reader to follow. The mystery will really have you thinking and analyzing the clues to find the killer. My favorite character was Ellie’s daughter, Livvy. She reminded me of myself at that age (she takes a book or two with her wherever she goes). I give Marriage, Monsters-in-Law and Murder 4.5 out of 5 stars (I more than liked it). I downgraded a little because I was able to solve the mystery early in the book. You can read this book without having enjoyed the previous novels in the series (like me). I had only read the first couple of books in this series. It does not hinder your enjoyment of the novel in any way. I will definitely be reading more books in An Ellie Avery Mystery series.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Sarah Rosett since I read her first Ellie Avery book. Ellie is a professional organizer who is married to an Air Force Pilot Her family has moved several times to a new military base. Her sister-in-law being married at a private resort. Summer assures Ellie that all the plans are done and her task will be to make sure all goes as planned. Shortly after they arrive at the resort, a serious of bizarre events occur aim at Summer started. Summer wants to these attempts private until the photographer is killed when his golf cart tips over. Will Ellie find out why and who is doing the pranks so the wedding can occur? I read the book in one day and highly recommend it. I feel it is the best book of the series. It will work as a stand alone.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cosy mystery set around a destination wedding with the added stresses and a murder to boot. It’s always nice to curl up with a mystery and one with the wedding theme was an added delight- but I’m just glad I wasn’t invited to this one!
You get to meet the guests and family in a gorgeous setting but the wedding preparations don’t go smoothly. Eliie has been asked to be her sister in laws wedding organiser and It’s the stuff of nightmares featuring the two mother in laws in the title and other events. This is part of a series but I hadn’t read the others and still enjoyed this one and would now enjoy reading others in the series.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book. I will definitely be seeking out more of Sara Rosett's work.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer doesn't need her sister-in-law Ellie Avery to plan her wedding--the decisions have already been made. She just needs someone to keep the groom's mother and his step-mother from killing each other. Ellie is glad to oblige, even after the groom's crazy ex-girlfriend arrives as his best man's plus one. When Summer becomes the victim of a series of increasingly vicious pranks, however, Ellie must put on her sleuthing hat and see if she can tell which of the wedding guests would rather be attending a funeral.

[Sep · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best cosy I've read in years. Ellie agrees to help her sister-in-law, Summer, wedding preparations mainly by keep separate the mother and step mother of the groom. Lots of realistic family drama. HIGHLY recommended.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Family weddings are stressful, but it doesn't help when the two mothers-in-law detest each other, so the bride's future sister-in-law, Ellie, is drafted as organized-cum-separator, with her primary assignment to keep them away from each other and to help keep the bride sane.

This being a sort of cozy mystery, most readers expect some theme-related tips. I just didn't expect them in the middle of the text, rather than at the end of the book, especially as they completely pulled me out of the story at a moment of heightened tension. (I was wondering if it were just a Kindle issue, but then remembered a paperback that did the same thing. Publishers: if you're going to do this, at least put them in italics or something to give a visual clue that this is not part of the main story. Ideally keep them located at the back, where they don't interrupt the pleasure of reading and are readily available for reference later.)

Those tips lost it a half-star. The characters and mystery otherwise would have made it 4-star, and it was sufficiently annoying that I rounded down for reference. The plot was interesting with just enough "character" people to make it seem real without going over the top and enough clues to let the reader catch on quickly but not so many that it's truly obvious. I have to admit that my favorite character was Libby, mainly because I do identify with a child who always has a "just in case" book!


Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Avery has a busy life. Having her own organization business and raising two small children is not an easy task. When her sister in law, Summer, calls and ropes her into helping with her upcoming nuptials, Ellie feels she is up for the task. How hard could it be to keep two feuding mother in laws apart and to ensure that all of the last minute details are taken care of?

Quickly Ellie learns that this wedding may be more than she can handle. The feud between Summer's soon to be mother in laws becomes the least of her worries. Someone seems to be playing cruel pranks on Summer. As the level of the pranks against Summer escalate, Ellie is determined to find out who is behind them. Is it the groom's ex-girlfriend? Or perhaps one of Summer's trusted bridesmaids? Or is one of Summer's soon to be mother in laws involved?

After a murder occurs and one of the guests is severely injured, Ellie realizes that Summer's life is truly in danger. Ellie must figure out who the killer and prankster are before something bad happens to her sister in law.

I really enjoyed this installment in the Ellie Avery series. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sara Grotz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Sara Rosett and I am a fan. Summer, Ellie's sister in law is getting married on a resort on an island in Georgia. Since Ellie is a professional organizer, Summer wants her to handle the details of making sure her wedding plans occur without a hitch. Unfortunately with a jealous ex attending the wedding and two obnoxious mother in laws it is a little beyond Ellie's control. When someone is killed, it only makes things worse.
I enjoyed all the characters in this book. They were well developed, and even though I am new to the series, did not feel like I was missing anything to the story. I have added the first books to my list and will be catching up with the series before the next book comes out. This was quickly paced and kept me guessing to the end. Very well done. I did receive this book in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are mine and mine alone.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage, Monsters-in-Law and Murder by Sara Rosett is a cozy mystery that takes place during a four day wedding on an island off the coast of Georgia. This is the ninth book in the Ellie Avery mystery series. Ellie is helping her sister in law Summer with organizing her wedding. She must deal with mothers in law that do not like each other and a jealous ex girlfriend of the groom. Someone is playing pranks on the bride and there is a murder. Ellie must try to find a killer before something happens to the bride. I loved the characters and the description of the setting. I will definately be reading the other books in this series. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna Dockery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Sara Rosett and this series several years ago after receiving a nook for a Christmas gift and have been a fan ever since. I love cozy mysteries and the escape entertainment that they provide. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching Ellie Avery and her family grow through this series. I love how Sara installs the family component in her books, while keeping us on our toes with the twists and turns as we try to solve the mystery. And please don't despair if you haven't read the rest of the series, you can still read any or all and be entertained.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Cyndy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A secluded island, neurotic monsters-in-law and a jealous ex? What more could you want in a mystery! This was an excellent book - very well written and the characters were real. I enjoyed the book quite a bit even though this was the first of the series I've read. I didn't feel like I was missing any backstory, so it could definitely be a stand alone. I will most likely go back and read the first 8 in the series and may even pick up the other series Sara Rosett has written. I highly recommend!

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly delightful book

I am always excited when I find a new book series from an author whose work I am unfamiliar with. This is book nine in this series but it reads like a standalone volume. Kellie and Mitch are people I'd like to have as friends. Brian and Summer are delightfully in love and Graham is surprise villain. Join them all and immerse yourself in their story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read any other books from the series. I am going in with no background or pre conceived notions. Except that I have read
a couple of the Murder on Location series and a couple of the
On The Run series.

I was delighted with the opportunity to get into the Ellie Avery series even though I was beginning with book 9.
MM&M (forgive the abbreviation) is fast paced and kept me interested from page one.

I had no problem entering into the series with book 9. I enjoyed it so much that I look forward to the previous 8 books.

As a newbie to the series I was anxious to get into the story and figure out what the deal was with the skeleton on the golf cart.
I don't intend to give the story away but I will let you know the bride makes it to the wedding and there is a happily ever after.

So you should be wondering who is the victim. You won't wonder for long.

What you will wonder about is 'Who Did It' and 'Why?'

The reader follows along as Ellie valiantly tries to keep the wedding running smoothly and figure out who's behind the pranks and the accident. Or was it an accident?

MM&M is full of twists and turns that will keep you captivated to the end.

The characters are fun and interesting making for a fun read.
The story is revolved around Ellie's sister law Summer's wedding so the whole family is involved. Along with a large group of
characters that arrive for the wedding celebration.

Ellie and the police are put to the test figuring out who is responsible for the pranks and crimes from the
grooms Step Mother who has an odd relationship with the
photographer. To the ex-girl friend/stalker of the groom who arrives with the best man.

So who dun it? You might be surprised who accidentally uncovers the 'Big' clue.

I enjoyed Marriage Monsters-in-Law And Murder. I look forward to the next book in the series and back tracking through
the earlier installments.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
This review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads and
My Journey Back.

Coffee with a character... The character that I want to chat with
from MM&m I think would rather have a soda than coffee is
Ellie's daughter Livvy. I was enchanted with her. She is a
'reader'. She loves books and seems to almost miss what is
going on around her while she is involved in what she is reading.
I would love to hear Livvy's favorite part of the weekend.

[Mardi D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this one. Part of it was the stupid "Tips for an Organized Wedding" blurbs at the end of most chapters which were annoying and mainly useless to the majority of readers, not to mention a waste of paper and ink. Some of the mystery seemed very formulaic and ordinary. The lead character's children (and they were wretchedly annoying kids) popping in and out was also not of interest and seemed somewhat in the way and a waste of space. The copy I have did not call this "A Mom Zone Mystery", it was called an "Ellie Avery Mystery". If it had been called the former, I likely would not have read it at all, so probably this is not the series for me. I might try a book from another series by this author, but definitely not this series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, a lot of cozy mysteries get boring the longer the series goes on. Usually, it is just the same thing rehashed. I always find it annoying when the same phrases and "jokes" are used over and over again too. However, I've really enjoyed the progression of this series. I feel like the author is working diligently to make sure each book isn't just a cookie cutter copy of the previous ones. The variety of locations and characters is such a nice change from book to book. I also felt this book's plot was a little more complex than the previous ones. There are even a few red herrings that add to the fun this time around. I'm looking forward to the next installment already!

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last couple Ellie books felt a bit light on detail and light on plot; luckily, this one had neither of those problems. It provided a higher level of detail while keeping all of the details tightly woven together, creating a nicely crafted cozy mystery. It was just the ticket after hitting a run of books that I wouldn't consider keepers. While I would still have preferred if it was longer, this was a great way to spend an evening.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

#9 in the mom zone mystery series.

Ellie Avery, a professional organizer, agrees to help with minute details for sister's destination wedding at a private resort on one of Georgia's beautiful barrier islands. Her job is to keep the peace between the groom's mother and stepmother. While the ladies are a handful, other unexpected problems start happening: pranks directed toward the bride, the best man showing up with the groom's unstable ex-girlfriend and then a suspicious death occurs.

[Sandi Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie Avery is a professional organizer who agreed to help organize a family wedding as she's basically signed on to prevent the groom's mother and stepmother from killing each other. The bride, Summer, has planned a four-day destination wedding at a private resort on Camden Island one of Georgia's beautiful barrier islands. The best man shows up with the groom's unstable ex-girlfriend when mysterious pranks and a suspicious death occurs directed toward the bride to sabotage the wedding.

[Donna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot held, story fun, figured out who the killer was but didn't get the reason until the end. Great who-done-it with all the pieces nicely tied together.

I liked it so much, I'm sending this to one of my mystery writing friends.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun and quick read. Just enough twists and mystery to keep the pages turning. I looked at it on the shelf for awhile before picking it up. I think the title put me off a little. In the end I was not disappointed.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie had her hands full....keeping the mother-in-laws apart. That really was a full time plus her job in making sure that things went smoothly for her sister-in- law. This was a fun book if you want to read about crazy things that can happen at a wedding

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this 3.25 stars. Ellie is helping with her SIL Summer's wedding. If managing Monster-in-laws isn't enough there is also the murder of the groom's old stalker girlfriend. Accidents, poison are all part of the mix. Ellie is TSTL and is lucky to survive this one.

[Janet Donath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of Sara Rosett's, Ellie Avery Mysteries that I have read. Very surprising ending. I have added Rosett to my must read authors!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read two Sara Rosset books this week from two series. This is light, fun, and fast.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The villian is always well hidden in plain sight and only revealed at the las minute. The story is the important part.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This script is a little mixed up & Sara repeats herself often.
I did like the mystery & didn’t have a clue of who rage bad person could be.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook.

[Erika Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute cozy mystery type story. You couldn't possibly figure out the murder part until nearing the end when information was revealed, but it was a nice story

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. I loved the idea of the wedding on the island. I had Cumberland Island kind of in mind as I read. I was completely surprised by the guilty person. Ready for the next one.