Grave Shift

Darcy & Flora #2

by Blanche Day Manos, Barbara Burgess, Michelle Babb (Narrator)

A strange letter from a desperate mother begging Oklahoma natives Darcy and Flora to help find her missing daughter sets the mother/daughter duo off on what appears to be an exciting adventure. But their mission suddenly turns dangerous when they discover that the missing woman is at the heart of some local criminal shenanigans. That and, not one, but two earthquakes that unearth more than just a little dirt. It's quite an adventure for these two ladies and even the local sheriff who pines for Darcy is powerless to discourage her from her quest.

5 hrs and 48 mins

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

6 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 18, 2012

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new-to-me series. It’s the second one in the Darcy & Flora Cozy Mystery series. It’s always fun to be introduced to a new series. I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything by not having read the first one. A mother/daughter sleuth team is a bit different and works well with these two.

The plot is interesting with an engaging cast of characters. The narrator, Michelle Babb, has a wonderful talent for giving a different voice to each character. It makes for an enjoyable listening experience. I’m looking forward to listening to more of this series.




FTC Disclosure: I was given this audio book to review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Barbara Coast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oklahoma where the wind isn't the only thing that comes "sweepin" down the plain, when a letter arrives from a desperate mother asking Darcy Campbell and her mother Flora Tucker to investigate the unsolved disappearance of her daughter Andrea who they soon find out may have been mixed up with local criminals and their dark deeds. Earthquakes unearth more than just soil, and the little community where they reside will never be the same after secrets that were long thought buried are uncovered. Darcy and her mother are both warned in more ways than one to mind their own business. The local Sheriff also shows more than just a little friendly concern for Darcy who he's known since they were both young.
Blanche Day Manos and Barbara Burgess dish up a mystery that is both endearing and dangerous! I sure can't wait to read more about these two gals and their many adventures in Oklahoma-- which sounds by the way grand to yours truly. Bravo Blanche and Barbara!

*Kindle Edition was read for this review*

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this audio book free in exchange for an honest review. This book isn't going to win any awards, but it is entertaining and fun to listen to. It's the story of a daughter and mother, Darcy and Flora, who are asked to look into the disappearance of a woman from their town by the woman's mother. It seems Darcy is warned off by just about everybody in town and told to mind her own business.Needless to say, they continue to pursue the case. Darcy finds her own trouble along the way. Lots of it!
The story has twists and surprises along the way that keep the story moving at a good clip.The story includes large wild animals, knives, guns, falling chimneys and dangerous criminals.It also includes the sweet relationship between Darcy and Flora. The narration by Michelle Babb is good and easy to listen to. An enjoyable little mystery!

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"Pressure can appear over fault lines."
Following the death of her husband, Darcy Campbell takes time out from her job as a reporter to recover, gently, back home with her mother, Flora, also widowed. A friend suggests she write a book about the local area, filled with anecdotes and the legends and myths of the Native American population. But when a letter arrives for Flora from the still anxious and grieving mother of a woman, missing without trace for two years, they decide to see if they could help if only by going to visit her. The two older women become friends whilst Darcy uses her investigative reporting skills and contacts to try to find out what had happened to the twice married and independently wealthy missing daughter.

This cozy mystery is as much about the people and locations as it is about solving what might, or might not, be a crime. The mother-daughter sleuthing team are well characterized with nice cameo portraits of the other protagonists. Told in the first person from Darcy's point of view, a picture is also painted of her home town in Oklahoma and the people living there, as well as of the ranch in Amarillo owned by the missing woman. Conversations are family familiar and the comfortable relationships feeling real. This is further enhanced by Michelle Babb's fine narration. Her warm, Texan accented voice is clear, well modulated, full of expression and follows the text immaculately, bringing it to life. Her character voicings, too, are distinct and individual. As always with this narrator, a fine performance.

An enjoyable book, second in the series, but losing nothing by not having read book one. I will probably look out for later Darcy and Flora mysteries, revisiting the duo as if returning to old friends. Recommended to all who enjoy their crime in a cozy package.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving a letter from a mother desperate to find her missing daughter, the mother/daughter duo of Darcy and Flora set out to investigate the daughter's disappearance. During their investigation, their hometown in Oklahoma suffers not one but two earthquakes. Between interviewing the suspects and the earthquakes Darcy and Flora’s adventures become dangerous. Is this a case of foul play or a voluntary disappearance? Can Darcy and Flora solve this mystery without coming to harm?

This is the 2nd book in the series but my 1st book. Grave Shift is a very entertaining story. I really enjoyed meeting the mother and daughter team. Being a daughter and a mother of a daughter, I really relate to the mother and daughter's personalities. It is a well-written story with a great mystery. The author supplied several red herrings throughout the storyline to keep the suspense going until the end of the story.

I listened to the audio version of this book. Narrator Michelle Babb is a fabulous storyteller. She has wonderful comedic time, accents, and diction. Being able to listen to Michelle’s version of this book really adds your experience of reading this story.

I was given an ARC of this book in hopes I would submit a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elena Alvarez Dosil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...

Darcy and Flora receive a letter from a mother in distress: her daughter has been missing for two years, and the case has gone cold.

I never miss the chance of listening to a cozy mystery, especially if it is narrated by Michelle Babb. This was an entertaining story with a couple of twists and turns, and charismatic characters. This is the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone.

The mystery happens in Levi, Oklahoma, and Amarillo, Texas, and there is some family history which complicates the investigation.

Michelle Babb’s narration was excellent, as usual bringing the characters to life, and keeping the listener engaged. You just can’t go wrong with Babb.

It was a light and entertaining listen, an average cozy mystery, ideal for a lazy day off.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice cozy mystery with a past. The author paints a lovely picture with her words and it is easy to imagine the scene as they unfold. I am not sure the characters really solve the murder, It was more mother nature gave them a helping hand and then being in the right or wrong place at the right time. I still enjoyed it and will give the next book ago but not sure I missed much by starting with book two.
When receiving a letter Darcy had no idea that by opening it, it would put her life in danger and change it for ever. It was a plea for help, the sender's daughter has gone missing and no new leads to follow the police have all but given up hope of finding out what happened to her. Can Darcy and her mother do what the police can't and find closer for the woman? With an ex husband after land, a jealous cousin and a new husband in the picture they have there work cut out for them but it is only after an earthquake that they finally dig up the answers to the cold case.
Michelle Babb makes every story she tells exciting and entertaining and this is no exception

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can always rely on a sweet cozy mystery when I need a palate cleanser. It's a nice break from my usual fare, and even though I'd never read anything by these two authors, it seemed like this was just what I needed... and Grave Shift delivered the goods!
The book pulled me right in, it being loaded with fun! It was plumb full of juicy, town gossip, and plenty of local flare, (I love antique shops, btw). Darcy and Flora find that they have to watch out for all the flack, resistance, and falling rocks (oh my!) when they start looking into a cold case! The case of a local woman's disappearance. And yes the authors held their cards close and didn't give anything away 'til the big reveal!
Michelle Babb's voice performance was spot on, giving each of the characters their own voice...
So give this sweet southern style mystery a try, and don't get crushed along the way!

[PelicanFreak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came into this series late, having missed book #1, but didn’t feel like I was missing anything at all. I took an instant liking to the small-town feel.

There was a little bit of prothelyzing I could’ve lived without and there were times I felt the author would’ve done better to show the reader, rather than just telling, but overall it was charming with a sprinkling of drama and occasional excitement.


Overall, this read was okay.
3 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


Note:
This narrator was great, would absolutely listen to more from her! She does speak extremely slowly, but once sped up, it was fine.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Blanche Day Manos' and Barbara Burgess' work, and it was entertaining. The story featured a mother and daughter who were drawn into a missing person case through a letter sent to them by the victim's heartbroken mother. I found the different characters who populated this tale delightful. I enjoyed the puzzling mystery. I'm looking forward to more stories from this series. Michelle Babb's narration was great, and her slight Southern drawl provided a wonderful voice to these characters. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this audio book. The story line was pretty good. It kept my attention most of the time. There were some times that I felt distracted, but the story was good and pulled me back in. Narration was good other than it was so slow, I'm finding this to be a theme though. I think I've mentioned it in my last four or five audio reviews. I had to listen at 2x to not want to scream. I was given an audio code in exchange for an honest review.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had listened to this out of order but it didn't really matter. It was a nice cozy mystery and great narration yet again.

Would fully recommend this series to anyone.

I was given a free copy by the narrator but this is no way influenced my decision.

[OjoAusana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received for free for honest review* this is the first book from this series i read and really enjoyed it! its rather hit or miss for me with some narrators but this one really made this book even better! would recommend :)

[Dana Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving these cozy mysteries by Blanche and Barbara. The story keeps you entertained and I love the interaction between the characters. Definitely recommend this series.

Michelle Babb is great as always.

[Brycen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. A totally binge worthy cozy series. I really enjoyed this story and the main characters. I listened to it as an audiobook. The narrator is awesome. She always does a good job on her audiobooks. She is quickly becoming a favorite narrator.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one! A fun mother and daughter cozy mystery. Narrated nicely by Michelle Babb. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Darcy & Flora Cozy Mystery, Grave Shift Book 2 is definitely a cozy mystery. A murder told in an old fashion way.

It has no course language, no sex, and violence is kept to the basics.

I enjoyed the characters in this book and how the story is constructed.

Narrated by Michelle Babb was done well with each character having their own unique voice. I suggest that you listen to Michelle‘s voice before getting the audio book. I listen to the audiobook on 1.4 speed.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher free of charge for a honest, unbiased review.

[Dawn]

I’m enjoying these cozy mysteries VERY much ! They are very good !

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy is rather more intense than most, but that's not a bad thing. The characters are engaging and certainly memorable. As the plot unfolds, the reader becomes more and more involved in the story. The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers. I'm glad that this is part of a series as I really enjoyed it!
As always, Michelle Babb adds a lot to both the story and the characters.
I requested and received a free copy from a giveaway.

[Lis Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy Campbell, newspaper reporter on leave from her Dallas job following the death of her husband, is staying with her mother, Flora Tucker, in her home town of Levi, Oklahoma. She came here for peace and recovery, but she and her mother have already solved one murder that they accidentally become involved with, and got a lot of news coverage because of it.

Now her mother has received a letter from Sophie Williams, of Amarillo, Texas. Her daughter Andrea married Gary Worth, of Levi, but disappeared without a trace two years ago.

Sophie wants the pair to investigate her daughter's disappearance.

Sophie is in pain over her daughter's disappearance, and Darcy and Flora are both kind and
compassionate women. It can't hurt to take another look at the evidence, can it?

Of course, someone doesn't want them, especially investigative reporter Darcy, poking around, and it's not long before strange things start to happen. Along the way, they make new friends, new enemies, and possibly new love.

Manos and Burgess write about the landscape of Oklahoma and northern Texas in a way that makes it beautiful and real, while narrator Babb brings it to life with her voice. Darcy and Flora are both smart, capable women, and while identifying this as a "Christian" novel, they act on their values rather than preaching. My late father would recognize them as "good Christian people;" today's "Christian right," perhaps not so much.

This is a good mystery, and the characters are very much worth spending time with them. I liked them, and I think you will, too.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am reviewing it by my own choice.

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Grave Shift by Barbara Burgess and Blanche Day Manos to be an average mystery. It certainly isn't bad; it just isn't particularly memorable. The two main characters, mother Flora and daughter Darcy, are both widows. The daughter, a reporter, has come home to heal and regroup after the death of her husband. This is the second book in a series but there are no spoilers and this book stands alone. Being a reporter explains the daughter's curiosity and drive for answers, but I did find the set to be a bit contrived. A bereft mother of a daughter who vanished without a trace two years earlier, contacts them and asks them to find her; this is after law enforcement has completely struck out. They agree to look into her disappearance and make no secret about it with either the locals in their hometown where the daughter lived before her disappearance, nor in Amarillo, her hometown, which clearly alerts any suspicious parties of their intent. There was also the use of earthquakes to advance the action. There was a secondary subplot as well as a nice twist along the way which gave the book a few more layers. 

The narration a by Michelle Babb was well done. The characters each had a unique voice and were instantly recognizable.

I recommend this book for those who enjoy a lightweight cozy mystery.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Quenya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this Audible book by Michelle Babb for my honest review so here goes. Unlike other books that I miss the first one in the series, I actually was almost instantly attached to these two gals. I really loved Darcy and Flora. Darcy is strong independent but still knows when to just shut up and do what her mother says. Flora is a very soothing character who observes a lot more than I think the other characters give her credit for.

I love mysteries that are based on cold cases and this one didn’t disappoint. The author did a good job of weaving the story together and building up to solid conclusion. A missing woman with a current and former spouse who also had some family issues gave the reader enough variety in trying to determine if she was missing or dead and why. My only issue with the book is the number of times it was referenced that Darcy use to be an investigative reporter. It felt like the author was trying to justify Darcy’s talent and instinct.

Michelle Babb’s narration was good as usual but during the final reveal of the story I got very confused with some of the male characters. The main male characters like Grant and Jasper were very unique but I couldn’t really hear a difference between Gary and Zack.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave Shift is a fun whodunit that keeps a reader's interest. Apparently second in a series (Darcy & Flora Cozy Mystery), it is easily read as a stand-alone book. Darcy and her mother, Flora, are sweet talked into investigating the 2-year-old disappearance of a local woman when they get a letter from the woman's mother asking them to help find her daughter. The author keeps you guessing right up until the end. The story is interesting and the characters are charming. With earthquakes and mountain lions, first and second husbands, a little romance, and lots of investigating, these two women are bound and determined to solve the mystery of the disappearing woman. Michelle Babb does a great job of narration on the audiobook, giving each of the individuals a unique voice. Her voice is easy to listen to and makes the listening experience a pleasant one.

[LLona Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a prize to find such relatable characters, the kind I'd love to have for neighbors and visit with often. Locations were easy to 'see', though a bit touristy at one point. It didn't stop me from enjoying a very interesting mystery story that kept me reading. Even the occasional reference to events in book 1 were well done, and sent me looking for it.

That's the best kind of mystery to me; one that makes me curious enough to keep my Kindle next to me just waiting for a few extra minutes to read. Very much looking forward to the next mystery by Blanche Day Manos, and hoping the first book in this series will show up on my Kindle soon as well.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had lots of fun listening to Grave Shift! It features a southern mother-daughter detecting duo who find themselves in a couple of sticky situations while seeking the truth. As often is the case, Darcy is warned to stop searching for an answer to the mystery of a missing woman. She is persistent and solves the case, but not before dealing with a few surprises. I look forward to the next installment to see what Darcy will be up to in the future. The narrator, Michelle Babb, is entertaining and gives the story great southern charm:)

**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've listened to in this series. Usually I make a point of starting with book 1 of any series, but I found this one because it is read by Michelle Babb. I have listened to a number of books she reads and enjoyed them very much. This one is a "cozy" - a gently paced mystery with a little romance and humor thrown in. It is set in Oklahoma with some visits to Texas which appeals to me as I am a Texan. Michelle Babb's handling of the Oklahoma and Texas accent sounds natural to me, unlike some of the exaggerated accents of other readers. I enjoyed this story enough that I am going to look for additional stories in this series.

[Doug Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery story

I picked up this book on a lark, recommended by some friends on Facebook. It soon drew me in with its lovable characters and local charm. Suitable for mystery fans of all ages, Grave Shift is proof that a good story with some twists and turns can be just as satisfying as books filled with sex and violence, perhaps more so. If you like a good murder mystery I highly recommend Grave Shift. I'm about to start on book 3 of the Darcy & Flora series, I hope that it is just as good.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great afternoon read. It kept me interested. I liked the characters and I wasn't sure who dunnit. I also like the fact that a mother and daughter team up to solve crimes. I felt comfortable with this book. That may sound strange but once I started reading, I felt like I was sitting down with an old friend that I wanted to get to know better. I felt the authors heart in this book. I look forward to reading more of what she has written.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

Darcy and Flora are a mother/daughter sleuthing duo....and when they get a letter asking them to investigate the death of another mothers daughter, they take on the case...as they get into details, things get kind of dangerous and some things come to light that were meant to be kept secret...this keeps you on the edge of your seat and was narrated really well...I recommend this to all my cozy mystery lovers 100%!!!!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIstening to this book was a really fun and intriguing experience. My wife and I love cozy mysteries and we love the voice talents of Michelle Babb. The story is about a mother and daughter team that loves to solve mysteries. The daughter has a background in crime reporting but they both have excellent instincts for investigation which is good. But their instincts can also get them into trouble when they try to solve the murder of a woman that the police could not solve.