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Sweet Southern Sleuths #1-4
Sweet Southern Sleuths
Sweet Southern Sleuths Short Stories Box Set: A Cozy Mysteries Women Sleuths Series (Books 1-4).
Contains The First 4 Books In The Series
Contents:
Book 1: Teepees & Trailer Parks
Book 2: Bag of Bones
Book 3: Southern Stalker
Book 4: Two Settle the Score
Book 1: Teepees & Trailer Parks
Loretta Sweet and her identical twin sister, Lacy, have recently inherited a home in Misery, Mississippi, from their distant relative, (Aunt) Tess McCoy.
Their aunt's attorney insists that the girls meet him at the property to discuss the specifics of the will. When the sisters arrive for the meeting, they discover that there is more...much more to the will than just inheriting a home.
As the attorney prepares to go over the details of the will, one of the "stipulations" makes a dramatic appearance, along with a body that is found in the bathtub.
Will the Sweet sisters turn tail and run or will they stick around to help solve the murder?
Book 2: Bag of Bones
Twin sisters, Loretta and Lacy Sweet are adjusting to their new lives after inheriting a home plus an adjoining trailer park in the sleepy little town of Misery, Mississippi.
When one of the mobile homes is removed, a bag containing human remains is discovered. Once again, the girls are suspects and attempt to clear their names.
As the amateur sleuths delve into the mystery and discover the identity of the deceased, the list of suspects grows with each passing minute...one of them being Loretta's new love interest who also happens to be a local police officer.
Will the twins be able to clear their names and solve the mystery of the bag of bones or will the town of Misery live up to its name?
Book 3: Southern Stalker
The cozy town of Misery, Mississippi is finally beginning to feel like home to the Sweet twins, Lacy and Loretta. Their trailer park and teepee rental business is up and running and things are going smoother than either one of them could have imagined.
It doesn't take long however, for their lives to take an unexpected turn when newfound friend and local resident, Fancy Gabardine becomes the victim of a stalker.
Loretta offers her assistance and when she and her sister, Lacy, begin to delve into the mystery, they discover that Fancy may be hiding a secret or two of her own!
Will Fancy come clean or will the dark secret she is hiding jeopardize all their lives?
Book 4: Two Settle the Score
With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, twin sisters Loretta and Lacy Sweet are excited about their parents upcoming visit and to show them around their new home in the cozy town of Misery, Mississippi.
On the day that their parents are scheduled to arrive, Uncle Ichabod disappears, leaving a mysterious note behind.
Loretta, feeling compelled to track her uncle down, follows him to Las Vegas, accompanied by her reluctant twin sister, Lacy.
As they begin to sort through the clues to find their quirky relative, the amateur sleuths discover he's really there to settle an old score from years earlier.
Can the girls find Uncle Ichabod before it's too late...or will "bad blood" from the past put all of their lives in danger?
Contains The First 4 Books In The Series
Contents:
Book 1: Teepees & Trailer Parks
Book 2: Bag of Bones
Book 3: Southern Stalker
Book 4: Two Settle the Score
Book 1: Teepees & Trailer Parks
Loretta Sweet and her identical twin sister, Lacy, have recently inherited a home in Misery, Mississippi, from their distant relative, (Aunt) Tess McCoy.
Their aunt's attorney insists that the girls meet him at the property to discuss the specifics of the will. When the sisters arrive for the meeting, they discover that there is more...much more to the will than just inheriting a home.
As the attorney prepares to go over the details of the will, one of the "stipulations" makes a dramatic appearance, along with a body that is found in the bathtub.
Will the Sweet sisters turn tail and run or will they stick around to help solve the murder?
Book 2: Bag of Bones
Twin sisters, Loretta and Lacy Sweet are adjusting to their new lives after inheriting a home plus an adjoining trailer park in the sleepy little town of Misery, Mississippi.
When one of the mobile homes is removed, a bag containing human remains is discovered. Once again, the girls are suspects and attempt to clear their names.
As the amateur sleuths delve into the mystery and discover the identity of the deceased, the list of suspects grows with each passing minute...one of them being Loretta's new love interest who also happens to be a local police officer.
Will the twins be able to clear their names and solve the mystery of the bag of bones or will the town of Misery live up to its name?
Book 3: Southern Stalker
The cozy town of Misery, Mississippi is finally beginning to feel like home to the Sweet twins, Lacy and Loretta. Their trailer park and teepee rental business is up and running and things are going smoother than either one of them could have imagined.
It doesn't take long however, for their lives to take an unexpected turn when newfound friend and local resident, Fancy Gabardine becomes the victim of a stalker.
Loretta offers her assistance and when she and her sister, Lacy, begin to delve into the mystery, they discover that Fancy may be hiding a secret or two of her own!
Will Fancy come clean or will the dark secret she is hiding jeopardize all their lives?
Book 4: Two Settle the Score
With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, twin sisters Loretta and Lacy Sweet are excited about their parents upcoming visit and to show them around their new home in the cozy town of Misery, Mississippi.
On the day that their parents are scheduled to arrive, Uncle Ichabod disappears, leaving a mysterious note behind.
Loretta, feeling compelled to track her uncle down, follows him to Las Vegas, accompanied by her reluctant twin sister, Lacy.
As they begin to sort through the clues to find their quirky relative, the amateur sleuths discover he's really there to settle an old score from years earlier.
Can the girls find Uncle Ichabod before it's too late...or will "bad blood" from the past put all of their lives in danger?
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2015
554 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Hope Callaghan
184 books762 followersClick the FOLLOW button to be notified of Hope Callaghan's new book releases!
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★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
Get New Releases, Giveaways, and FREE & Discounted Books at: https://hopecallaghan.com/newsletter
OR Text the word BOOKS to 33222
★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 11, 2023
I have loved mysteries since I was 10 years old, going to the library for the first time on my own with a library card burning a hole in my pocket. Encyclopedia Brown was my gateway, then came the Hardy Boys, and Agatha Christie. When I joined Goodreads, people told me about cozy mysteries. Offensive language doesn't bother me, but there's something about the bite-sized, fast-paced, gimmicky hooks that mystery writers use to tie cozy tales together that appeals to my Obsessive Compulsive need to organically connect and organize.
In the Sweet Southern Sleuths collection, the Sweets are fraternal twins that behave with opposing personalities and have inherited a home in Mississippi. From the very first novelette, there's a dead body in a bathtub and you get a sense that these sisters are in for a whole heap of trouble. Despite the serious nature of murder mysteries, these stories are nuanced with a sprinkling of humor that doesn't descend into outright comedy, but there are usually plenty of opportunities to get a giggle.
The first four mysteries collected here are: Teepees and Trailer Parks; Bag of Bones; Southern Stalker; and Two Settle the Score. Each of these, I originally reviewed in 2020 and decided to re-read and collectively review this year. I read them all in one sitting. It's very doable.
In the Sweet Southern Sleuths collection, the Sweets are fraternal twins that behave with opposing personalities and have inherited a home in Mississippi. From the very first novelette, there's a dead body in a bathtub and you get a sense that these sisters are in for a whole heap of trouble. Despite the serious nature of murder mysteries, these stories are nuanced with a sprinkling of humor that doesn't descend into outright comedy, but there are usually plenty of opportunities to get a giggle.
The first four mysteries collected here are: Teepees and Trailer Parks; Bag of Bones; Southern Stalker; and Two Settle the Score. Each of these, I originally reviewed in 2020 and decided to re-read and collectively review this year. I read them all in one sitting. It's very doable.
September 22, 2016
These 4 short stories are cleverly written and fun to read. They have mysteries that need solving and the perfect southern girls, Lacy and Loretta, to pull that off. It is a fun clean read and I enjoyed each one of the stories. These stories start with the girls inheriting a house and a surprise trailer park. It is so much fun as they adjust to the life of landlords. They inherited more than just property, they inherited crazy neighbors.
February 8, 2016
This boxed set contains four delightful short stories written by Hope Callaghan. They have well-plotted storylines, well-developed characters, and interesting mysteries to solve. There are lots of laughs and no adult language, graphic violence, or sexually explicit scenes. This boxed set was easy to read and each story held my interest. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, cozy Christian mysteries.
Teepees & Trailer Parks: Loretta and Lacy Sweet are identical twins and believe they have inherited a southern-style mini-mansion in Misery, Mississippi from their Aunt Tess. The twins are delightful but their body styles and personalities are nowhere near identical. They learn the inheritance includes the house, a trailer park, and some Indian teepees; and there’s a big stipulation attached. Within moments of entering the house, a dead body is discovered in the bathtub. Since Loretta is interested in detective work, she decides to investigate and she finds a clue that is critical to Officer Phillip Gatlin’s investigation.
Bag of Bones: Loretta and Lacy are trying to adjust to life in Misery. They have temporarily divided the responsibilities for running the businesses. Loretta is beginning to like life in Misery but Lacy is not at all happy to be there. One of their tenants moves his trailer out of the park in the dark of night and while the plot is empty, Lacy discovers a bag of bones. Loretta teams up with neighbor, Savannah, to help Officer Phillip Gatlin solve this old murder.
Southern Stalker: Loretta is thriving in the small town of Misery but Lacy is still grumbling. The twins are efficiently handling business issues and Loretta’s first teepee guest has arrived. Fancy Gabardine, a waitress at the town’s only restaurant, has a stalker and asks Loretta to help her. Loretta and Lacy discover that Fancy’s apartment has been broken into and the suspect list continues to grow. Uncle Ichabod reveals a medical condition and part of his past, and he helps Loretta with the investigation into Fancy’s stalker.
Two Settle the Score: Thanksgiving is just days away and the twins’ parents will be arriving soon but there is a problem … Uncle Ichabod is missing! Loretta finally traces his movements through town and learns that he is heading to Las Vegas to try to right a wrong. Loretta and Lacy follow him to Las Vegas and find themselves in a life-threatening situation.
I received a copy of these short stories in exchange for an honest review.
Teepees & Trailer Parks: Loretta and Lacy Sweet are identical twins and believe they have inherited a southern-style mini-mansion in Misery, Mississippi from their Aunt Tess. The twins are delightful but their body styles and personalities are nowhere near identical. They learn the inheritance includes the house, a trailer park, and some Indian teepees; and there’s a big stipulation attached. Within moments of entering the house, a dead body is discovered in the bathtub. Since Loretta is interested in detective work, she decides to investigate and she finds a clue that is critical to Officer Phillip Gatlin’s investigation.
Bag of Bones: Loretta and Lacy are trying to adjust to life in Misery. They have temporarily divided the responsibilities for running the businesses. Loretta is beginning to like life in Misery but Lacy is not at all happy to be there. One of their tenants moves his trailer out of the park in the dark of night and while the plot is empty, Lacy discovers a bag of bones. Loretta teams up with neighbor, Savannah, to help Officer Phillip Gatlin solve this old murder.
Southern Stalker: Loretta is thriving in the small town of Misery but Lacy is still grumbling. The twins are efficiently handling business issues and Loretta’s first teepee guest has arrived. Fancy Gabardine, a waitress at the town’s only restaurant, has a stalker and asks Loretta to help her. Loretta and Lacy discover that Fancy’s apartment has been broken into and the suspect list continues to grow. Uncle Ichabod reveals a medical condition and part of his past, and he helps Loretta with the investigation into Fancy’s stalker.
Two Settle the Score: Thanksgiving is just days away and the twins’ parents will be arriving soon but there is a problem … Uncle Ichabod is missing! Loretta finally traces his movements through town and learns that he is heading to Las Vegas to try to right a wrong. Loretta and Lacy follow him to Las Vegas and find themselves in a life-threatening situation.
I received a copy of these short stories in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2016
Likeable fun cozy mysteries
Good little books. I truly liked Loretta and Lacy grew on me. The books are set in the fictional town of Misery, Mississippi. Some of the mysteries were better than others and each book ends a bit quick and sometimes without much of a climax. I would call these novella because the books were pretty short but they do get to the point of the story. It's was nice that romance was not the center of the girls existence which most cozy mysteries focus on too often.
Good little books. I truly liked Loretta and Lacy grew on me. The books are set in the fictional town of Misery, Mississippi. Some of the mysteries were better than others and each book ends a bit quick and sometimes without much of a climax. I would call these novella because the books were pretty short but they do get to the point of the story. It's was nice that romance was not the center of the girls existence which most cozy mysteries focus on too often.
March 2, 2017
I want an Uncle Icky
Very cute stories about twin sisters that are more alike then they would admit. After inheriting a home, businesses and their Uncle Ichabod, the trio are lead from one merry mystery to another. Very short stories that have great potential to grow on you and leave you wanting more..
Very cute stories about twin sisters that are more alike then they would admit. After inheriting a home, businesses and their Uncle Ichabod, the trio are lead from one merry mystery to another. Very short stories that have great potential to grow on you and leave you wanting more..
February 3, 2017
Sweet Southern Sisters - NOT!
The first four books in this cozy mystery series is quite enjoyable. I enjoyed the brevity of each book, but the thorough way each story finished. The twin sisters' characters develop throughout the series, as do other relationships, in a continuous manner. This series, and others in the continuous line of books, will keep you laughing, guessing, and looking for more.
The first four books in this cozy mystery series is quite enjoyable. I enjoyed the brevity of each book, but the thorough way each story finished. The twin sisters' characters develop throughout the series, as do other relationships, in a continuous manner. This series, and others in the continuous line of books, will keep you laughing, guessing, and looking for more.
March 2, 2016
Love the Southern Sleuths
I love reading these short stories. The characters are fun and they were together so they can solve crimes. Hope is a wonderful arthur. You can curl with these books and you don't want to put them down. Loretta and Lacy are so fun to follow in the mystery as they solve crimes. These are a must read for every body.
I love reading these short stories. The characters are fun and they were together so they can solve crimes. Hope is a wonderful arthur. You can curl with these books and you don't want to put them down. Loretta and Lacy are so fun to follow in the mystery as they solve crimes. These are a must read for every body.
January 8, 2017
Fun mysteries
I like these short stories/books. The characters are personable, and the plots are easy to get caught up in. I like the writing, and the stories are fun. However, the endings are so quick, you feel like you're standing there, wondering where everyone went. If the end was drawn own just a bit more, I would love these stories. #housewisereview
I like these short stories/books. The characters are personable, and the plots are easy to get caught up in. I like the writing, and the stories are fun. However, the endings are so quick, you feel like you're standing there, wondering where everyone went. If the end was drawn own just a bit more, I would love these stories. #housewisereview
January 27, 2017
This is a set of the first four short cozy mysteries in the series. They are a hoot! Who gets themselves in these situtations- really? It's not what the girls signed up for. I reviewed each book seperately. I would suggest reading the author other series. They are more to my liking than this set of stories. These are OK and I'm glad I read them but she has better books out there.
February 22, 2018
Cozy yes but not engaging
While these are easy to read and a nice distraction from our everyday life, I quit reading before I even finished the second book. The way the first ended and the second begun was like reading a book where a few chapters were tore out but you figured it out quickly.
While these are easy to read and a nice distraction from our everyday life, I quit reading before I even finished the second book. The way the first ended and the second begun was like reading a book where a few chapters were tore out but you figured it out quickly.
January 8, 2016
I loved these books about the Sweet Southern Sleuths.
The twins, Loretta and Lacy together with their Uncle Ichabod solve mysteries in and around their trailer park.
The suspense and the antics keep you going.
I look forward to more mysteries by this author.
The twins, Loretta and Lacy together with their Uncle Ichabod solve mysteries in and around their trailer park.
The suspense and the antics keep you going.
I look forward to more mysteries by this author.
March 8, 2016
Loved it!
Wonderfully written book set about a pair of sisters inheriting property from an aunt that bodies keep popping up on and mysteries to solve keep both girls busy. Realistic interaction between them. Great for Christian readers or those uninterested in lurid.
Wonderfully written book set about a pair of sisters inheriting property from an aunt that bodies keep popping up on and mysteries to solve keep both girls busy. Realistic interaction between them. Great for Christian readers or those uninterested in lurid.
April 9, 2017
Teepees and Murder
Really enjoyed these books. So glad they are in a set,because I was so excited to read the next one. Also,truly,truly appreciate that they are "clean" and even have a Biblical reference ! Thank you Ms. Hope !
Really enjoyed these books. So glad they are in a set,because I was so excited to read the next one. Also,truly,truly appreciate that they are "clean" and even have a Biblical reference ! Thank you Ms. Hope !
August 12, 2017
Really enjoyable short continuing character stories.
Enjoyable short mysteries with twins Loretta and Lacy who inherit property in condition of caring of very interesting Uncle Ichabod.
Enjoyable short mysteries with twins Loretta and Lacy who inherit property in condition of caring of very interesting Uncle Ichabod.
February 7, 2018
Nnew stories
These books are really good I really enjoyed the stories and the characters are really believable can't wait for the next one already looking forward to it . I really enjoy hope callaghans books
These books are really good I really enjoyed the stories and the characters are really believable can't wait for the next one already looking forward to it . I really enjoy hope callaghans books
September 20, 2020
This box set of 4 were all different but with the same wonderful characters that it doesn’t take you long to fall in love with: Loretta Sweet, Uncle Ichabod & even Lacy Sweet. Can’t wait to read more. If you was fun, short cozy mysteries these are great.
March 13, 2021
Cute mysteries
I really liked the books. They were quick light mysterious reads. I liked the main character, Loretta sweet. I wish there were more details, but overall pretty good books. I recommend it.
I really liked the books. They were quick light mysterious reads. I liked the main character, Loretta sweet. I wish there were more details, but overall pretty good books. I recommend it.
January 30, 2022
All 4 books in this book were very good. I loved the characters(Loretta and Lacy) especially Uncle Ichabod in the final book. All the books were well written with a really good storyline. I hope to read more from this author very soon.
December 15, 2016
Twins so very different but the same
Liked the dynamics of the sisters with uncle. Some of the other characters were not colorful enough. People who should be trusted were crooks
Liked the dynamics of the sisters with uncle. Some of the other characters were not colorful enough. People who should be trusted were crooks
January 8, 2017
Just ok, short stories
The Sweet Southern Sleuths Cozy Mysteries Short Stories were kinda boring. They seem to have a lot of description in common with the Garden Girls series.
The Sweet Southern Sleuths Cozy Mysteries Short Stories were kinda boring. They seem to have a lot of description in common with the Garden Girls series.
February 1, 2017
Cute but too predictable
I did not realize this was a series of short stories. I would have liked it better had it been a full-fledged book.
I did not realize this was a series of short stories. I would have liked it better had it been a full-fledged book.
February 3, 2017
Great Read!
This book was definitely one that I couldn't put down once I stated reading it. Fast paced and funny, along with the mysteries!
This book was definitely one that I couldn't put down once I stated reading it. Fast paced and funny, along with the mysteries!
July 7, 2017
Cute stories
Cute, but nothing to sink your teeth into, and very short individually. No serious puzzling out, going on here. Will probably read more, as I come a Ross them.
Cute, but nothing to sink your teeth into, and very short individually. No serious puzzling out, going on here. Will probably read more, as I come a Ross them.
February 16, 2017
Enjoyed
The stories were good, great characters! A few editing issues but not enough that you don't want to read them. Love the sibling dynamics!
The stories were good, great characters! A few editing issues but not enough that you don't want to read them. Love the sibling dynamics!
March 13, 2017
Cute
These stories were the mildly entertaining, but the characters and story lines aren't nearly as well thought out or as endearing as Hope's other series that I've read.
These stories were the mildly entertaining, but the characters and story lines aren't nearly as well thought out or as endearing as Hope's other series that I've read.
April 19, 2017
Very predictable.
Well written but the outcome was predictable. Maybe the stories needed to be longer and the endings need to be "I wasn't expecting that"
Well written but the outcome was predictable. Maybe the stories needed to be longer and the endings need to be "I wasn't expecting that"
May 5, 2017
Good
May 10, 2017
These could be stand alone books. Plot's and character's weren't too bad. Liked the interaction between them all.
May 27, 2017
I was very disappointed that these were short stories and not full length books. Everything felt just too easy and too quick. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
July 14, 2017
Boxed set
Just not that good. Ending are so routine--no excitement. Characters are supposed to be funny and.really quirky. Short story so easy reading
Just not that good. Ending are so routine--no excitement. Characters are supposed to be funny and.really quirky. Short story so easy reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews