What do you think?
Rate this book
Hidden Springs Mystery #2
Murder Comes by Mail
A Cozy Mystery Complete with a Small Town Full of Charming, Quirky Characters
Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn't particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses--a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn't last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs' concerned citizens.
Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves--because the killer could be targeting one of them next.
Readers will love racing along with Deputy Sheriff Keane as the clock ticks in this page-turning mystery.
Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn't particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses--a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn't last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs' concerned citizens.
Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves--because the killer could be targeting one of them next.
Readers will love racing along with Deputy Sheriff Keane as the clock ticks in this page-turning mystery.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
79 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
A.H. Gabhart
5 books125 followersA. H. Gabhart is Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of many novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Love Comes Home, several popular Shaker novels such as The Outsider, The Believer, and The Innocent, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. Ann grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky much like Hidden Springs, but Ann is happy to report nobody was ever murdered on her hometown's courthouse steps. Ann and her husband still live on a farm near that same little town in Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 5, 2016
I'm ecstatic to be able to return to Hidden Springs, the quirky small town with an abundance of eccentric citizens. Makes me smile just thinking about it. Gabhart gets the dynamics of small-town living and I think I love that aspect of this series as much as I love the mystery solving. No worries if you haven't read the first book though. Murder Comes by Mail reads well as a standalone.
Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is back enjoying the peace and quiet of country policing until he intercedes in a suicide attempt. That opening scene starts out funny and morphs into a tense drama that kick-starts a sinister plot of murder and mayhem. I'm quite attracted to Michael with his solid faith and deep desire to serve his community.
The enthralling mystery -- with a bit of a creep factor -- has plenty of twists and turns and a sinister foreshadowing of desperate things to come as the killer places Michael in his sightline. Add in a hint of romance and you end up with compulsive page-turner of a read.
Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is back enjoying the peace and quiet of country policing until he intercedes in a suicide attempt. That opening scene starts out funny and morphs into a tense drama that kick-starts a sinister plot of murder and mayhem. I'm quite attracted to Michael with his solid faith and deep desire to serve his community.
The enthralling mystery -- with a bit of a creep factor -- has plenty of twists and turns and a sinister foreshadowing of desperate things to come as the killer places Michael in his sightline. Add in a hint of romance and you end up with compulsive page-turner of a read.
May 30, 2016
Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane didn't mean to become a hero. He was driving the church bus full of elderly ladies to a play when he sees a man about to jump off the bridge. Of course he stops and ends up saving the man's life. But was it worth it? Because now Michael is known as the Hero of Hidden Springs. But that's not all, girls are being killed, and their pictures are being sent by mail to Michael. Then it gets personal. The killer is going after people Michael cares about. Can he get to the bottom of it before someone he loves is killed?
It was so much fun to return to Hidden Springs. I loved how Michael interacts with the townsfolk. I also loved how Michael followed his instincts to find the killer.
I'll admit, I had my suspicions early on in the book, and I wasn't wrong. But following the trail of evidence was the real joy of this book. This isn't a romantic suspense novel, but it is truly a cozy mystery. It was still a quick read, and made for some fun reading at lunch.
I received the Kindle copy of this book via NetGalley from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of mysteries, small towns
Rating - 4 stars
It was so much fun to return to Hidden Springs. I loved how Michael interacts with the townsfolk. I also loved how Michael followed his instincts to find the killer.
I'll admit, I had my suspicions early on in the book, and I wasn't wrong. But following the trail of evidence was the real joy of this book. This isn't a romantic suspense novel, but it is truly a cozy mystery. It was still a quick read, and made for some fun reading at lunch.
I received the Kindle copy of this book via NetGalley from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of mysteries, small towns
Rating - 4 stars
May 31, 2016
This is such a cozy, easy read mystery. It is unique, at least to me, in the fact that it is told exclusively from the hero's point of view. I've read very few books that are from only the male's point of view. The simplicity in which this book is written gives the book a down to earth feel. I loved the small town feel of Hidden Springs. Read my full review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
June 24, 2016
“Murder Comes by Mail” is the anticipated second book in the “Hidden Springs Mystery” series, written by A.H Gabhart and published by Revell. As a continuation this book focuses on the same protagonist, supporting cast members and setting, but a vastly different plot and mystery. Although considered a “cozy mystery”, the darker elements of this book definitely did not feel very “cozy” to me. Yes, there were a few light and humorous moments, but they never lasted long.
After reading the previous book in the series, I looked forward to visiting the town of Hidden Springs once again. “Murder at the Courthouse” contained sparkling dialogue, charming characters, and many witty little scenes. The second book? Not so much... Although the murderer was obvious from the start, the dark side of the novel prevailed over the charming side and left me feeling unsettled and just plain “creeped out”. Call me strange, but psychotic villains and horribly unexpected evils in an unassuming little town have that effect on me! And while the creepiness was extreme, at the same time the dark elements were spread out with little action between them. Saying any more would be giving vital plot points away, but just be forewarned that there is nothing “cozy” about this mystery!
If you, like me, were expecting your return visit to Hidden Springs to unfold in a similar way as the first story, you will be in for a disappointment. On the other hand, if you don’t mind some creepy and downright horrific elements to be featured in a “cozy” mystery, perhaps you would enjoy “Murder Comes by Mail”. I, however, did not.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Revell Reads, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
After reading the previous book in the series, I looked forward to visiting the town of Hidden Springs once again. “Murder at the Courthouse” contained sparkling dialogue, charming characters, and many witty little scenes. The second book? Not so much... Although the murderer was obvious from the start, the dark side of the novel prevailed over the charming side and left me feeling unsettled and just plain “creeped out”. Call me strange, but psychotic villains and horribly unexpected evils in an unassuming little town have that effect on me! And while the creepiness was extreme, at the same time the dark elements were spread out with little action between them. Saying any more would be giving vital plot points away, but just be forewarned that there is nothing “cozy” about this mystery!
If you, like me, were expecting your return visit to Hidden Springs to unfold in a similar way as the first story, you will be in for a disappointment. On the other hand, if you don’t mind some creepy and downright horrific elements to be featured in a “cozy” mystery, perhaps you would enjoy “Murder Comes by Mail”. I, however, did not.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Revell Reads, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 11, 2016
MURDER COMES BY MAIL is the second book in The Hidden Springs Mysteries series but it easily stands alone. Written in the man's point of view, it is different than most cozy mysteries, but Oh, I love Michael. I do. I fell in love with him in book one Murder at the Court House and fell deeper in love with him in MURDER COMES BY MAIL.
Michael is a kind, considerate soul, willing to go above and beyond for his aunt, so on his day off, when he'd much rather be fishing, he agreed to take the church ladies to a play thats sounded rather questionable and even had the ladies arguing. When he got to the bridge leading out of town, there was a man getting ready to jump. Maybe. Actually, the man seemed rather indecisive until the photographers arrived and then he was bound and determined to jump, but Michael grabbed him and saved his life.
The man thanks him by saying "You'll wish you let me jump..." and sure enough, within days the murders start, pictures of dead females arriving at the sheriff's office, or at the newspaper, or hand delivered to the editor's daughter.... The town is panicking, and Michael is beginning to regret saving the man... Except nothing seems to fit!
Since most of the murders happen in another town, another sheriff's department is handling the investigation, and Michael tries to help them out, but the doctor who treated the jumper keeps calling Michael wanting to talk. He won't talk to the sheriff's office handling the case. And that doctor is creepy! This is not a book you want to read at bedtime. It will keep you awake nights. But oh, I do love Michael, and cannot wait for A H Gabhart's next cozy mystery with Michael. Hopefully soon!
Michael is a kind, considerate soul, willing to go above and beyond for his aunt, so on his day off, when he'd much rather be fishing, he agreed to take the church ladies to a play thats sounded rather questionable and even had the ladies arguing. When he got to the bridge leading out of town, there was a man getting ready to jump. Maybe. Actually, the man seemed rather indecisive until the photographers arrived and then he was bound and determined to jump, but Michael grabbed him and saved his life.
The man thanks him by saying "You'll wish you let me jump..." and sure enough, within days the murders start, pictures of dead females arriving at the sheriff's office, or at the newspaper, or hand delivered to the editor's daughter.... The town is panicking, and Michael is beginning to regret saving the man... Except nothing seems to fit!
Since most of the murders happen in another town, another sheriff's department is handling the investigation, and Michael tries to help them out, but the doctor who treated the jumper keeps calling Michael wanting to talk. He won't talk to the sheriff's office handling the case. And that doctor is creepy! This is not a book you want to read at bedtime. It will keep you awake nights. But oh, I do love Michael, and cannot wait for A H Gabhart's next cozy mystery with Michael. Hopefully soon!
August 19, 2020
I guess I've gotten pickier in my old age. I expect more from my mysteries. I was going to give this book three stars because it was okay though not my favorite. But then in the last two chapters I decided it wasn't worth my time.
I knew from the beginning that our main suspect wasn't the murderer, and it didn't take me long to figure out who it was. The real question was the motive and the motive turned out to be unsatisfactory and, to me, not well thought out.
The protagonist spent too much time idealizing his small town and being dragged through the plot for my taste. It was really frustrating having a main character that didn't really investigate despite being a cop. He spent most of his time regretting saving the guy mentioned in the synopsis - which was his civic duty to do!!
I didn't read the first book in this series, but I honestly don't think reading the first book would've effected how I read this one. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
I knew from the beginning that our main suspect wasn't the murderer, and it didn't take me long to figure out who it was. The real question was the motive and the motive turned out to be unsatisfactory and, to me, not well thought out.
The protagonist spent too much time idealizing his small town and being dragged through the plot for my taste. It was really frustrating having a main character that didn't really investigate despite being a cop. He spent most of his time regretting saving the guy mentioned in the synopsis - which was his civic duty to do!!
I didn't read the first book in this series, but I honestly don't think reading the first book would've effected how I read this one. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
June 25, 2018
This book was good enough i want to read the first and third book of this series.
It really kept me on the edge of the seat, especially nearing the end of it. I was not so happy with the cliffhanger at the end of the book and will now have to read the whole series of three books.
One of the best mystery series i have read in a long time.
It really kept me on the edge of the seat, especially nearing the end of it. I was not so happy with the cliffhanger at the end of the book and will now have to read the whole series of three books.
One of the best mystery series i have read in a long time.
February 16, 2025
Intryga, dialogi, motyw, zakończenie - wszystko poniżej jakiegokolwiek przyzwoitego poziomu. Nawet tłumaczenie było tragiczne...
- "Wszystko w porządku, Hank?
- Nie, nie jest."
...
- "Wszystko w porządku, Hank?
- Nie, nie jest."
...
June 23, 2017
It's sort of novel to have an actual police officer at the heart of a cozy series and Gabhart has intriguing little plot twists. it's getting harder for fiction writers to explain why people can't just call/text/email though, which lessens some of the suspense
July 13, 2016
My goodness, A.H. Gabhart! What a suspenseful mystery you have penned this time! "Murder Comes By Mail" captured my attention from the first couple of chapters, and I found myself dashing from scene to scene to see what would happen next. Now, interestingly enough I have read other reviews where readers found the plot to be slow and predictable and not as enjoyable as the first mystery in the series (Murder at the Courthouse). Proving how individual all of our tastes are, I found the exact opposite to be true! I was even more impressed with this book than the first in the series, and I thought that the plot moved along at a great pace with plenty of action filled scenes to keep me hooked. Did I guess what was going on early in the book? I had my suspicions, of course, based on the hints from the author nudging me in that direction. But to me the sign of a good author is not just having the element of surprise regarding the perpetrators identity. More importantly it is the ability to execute the plot with great timing and some suspense, and I personally thought Gabhart absolutely nailed this. Add in an absolutely delightful cast of characters (I love Aunt Lindy!) and even a dash of romance, and this was a recipe for time well spent. I closed the cover of this novel with a certain admiration for Gabhart's diverse skills with the pen, as I equally enjoy her historical novels as I do her contemporary mysteries such as this one. If that isn't the sign of a good author, I don't know what is!
Mystery lovers, get yourself a copy of "Murder Comes by Mail". You are definitely going to enjoy this book! I personally can't wait for book 3 of the series as the sneak peak included in this book has already whetted my appetite! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Mystery lovers, get yourself a copy of "Murder Comes by Mail". You are definitely going to enjoy this book! I personally can't wait for book 3 of the series as the sneak peak included in this book has already whetted my appetite! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
August 17, 2016
Quick review:
A one time read with interesting characters, a light touch of romance, and an ever-changing plot. If you see it in the library, don't pass it by! Will make a nice winter read.
What I liked about the book:
The characters look simple in the beginning. But they aren't. The layers keep peeling back more and more, finally giving realistic and personable characters.
I liked the plot as well. One piece after another, it kept you on your toes. The murder, what you think, all of it will end up shattered. I don't know about you, but I love that in a mystery book.
What I didn't like about the book:
The dialog. In all honesty, the dialog bored me towards the end. It got a little repetitive, a little dull. Not enough to make me put down the book at all, but enough to disappoint me.
Michael and Alexandria disappointed me a bit too. Their romance was... strained and unbelievable. They kept having the same problems that the book informs you they've had their entire adult lives. And yet they seemed too entwined to ever fully let go and too different to ever fully join together.
Who I would recommend this to:
Anyone who wants an ever changing mystery plot. Parents, there is death and murder, so use discretion before letting your younger children read. If you don't like romance, but want an adult mystery, this book will be fine. Michael and Alex are such a small part of the overall story...
A one time read with interesting characters, a light touch of romance, and an ever-changing plot. If you see it in the library, don't pass it by! Will make a nice winter read.
What I liked about the book:
The characters look simple in the beginning. But they aren't. The layers keep peeling back more and more, finally giving realistic and personable characters.
I liked the plot as well. One piece after another, it kept you on your toes. The murder, what you think, all of it will end up shattered. I don't know about you, but I love that in a mystery book.
What I didn't like about the book:
The dialog. In all honesty, the dialog bored me towards the end. It got a little repetitive, a little dull. Not enough to make me put down the book at all, but enough to disappoint me.
Michael and Alexandria disappointed me a bit too. Their romance was... strained and unbelievable. They kept having the same problems that the book informs you they've had their entire adult lives. And yet they seemed too entwined to ever fully let go and too different to ever fully join together.
Who I would recommend this to:
Anyone who wants an ever changing mystery plot. Parents, there is death and murder, so use discretion before letting your younger children read. If you don't like romance, but want an adult mystery, this book will be fine. Michael and Alex are such a small part of the overall story...
May 31, 2016
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
More mystery in Hidden Springs
After reading the first book in this series, I liked the writing style of the author; also, the protagonist is so interesting that his story could not end in just one book. Fortunately, this sequel has been satisfying and has brought even more mystery than its predecessor.
This novel continues a series of strange events that occur in the not-so-peaceful town called Hidden Springs. The deputy sheriff, Michael Kane, has more crimes to solve that are mysteriously connected to someone he saved. Obviously, the task is not simple, and yet much remains to be resolved. However, I liked the way he matured and how he could settle down in many aspects of his life.
I liked the way the romance was developed, and how family ties became stronger.
If you are interested in this book, you need to read the first in this series, so you can understand better the context and characters.
-I received a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, which I did-
June 1, 2016
The second installment of A Hidden Springs Mystery series is much like the first. Gabhart excels at character development, continuing to build on characters introduced in her earlier book while drawing in the quirks of additional minor town members. She also raises a decent plot with interesting crimes and murders and just enough action to raise the stakes. Where she falls short is in hiding clues and creating mystery. Once again I knew the murderer and the twists much earlier than I wanted to, Gabhart’s foreshadowing seems forced, and her clues are laying right out in the open.
I am drawn to Gabhart’s small-town writing and character development, but I don’t go to Hidden Springs for a mystery I can’t solve. Still, it’s a fun ride to take, and I recommend reading the series if you like sleuthing along and gathering the clues in a quick read. I will likely check out the third book—in the hopes that I will be wrong and will find myself surprised at the end—to see where the characters end up.
I received this book from Revell through the Revell Reads Blog Tour Program in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts shared are my own, and I was under no obligation to right a positive review. This is disclosed according to requirements from the FTC.
I am drawn to Gabhart’s small-town writing and character development, but I don’t go to Hidden Springs for a mystery I can’t solve. Still, it’s a fun ride to take, and I recommend reading the series if you like sleuthing along and gathering the clues in a quick read. I will likely check out the third book—in the hopes that I will be wrong and will find myself surprised at the end—to see where the characters end up.
I received this book from Revell through the Revell Reads Blog Tour Program in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts shared are my own, and I was under no obligation to right a positive review. This is disclosed according to requirements from the FTC.
June 25, 2016
When I saw that A. H. Gabhart had her second book out in the Hidden Springs Mystery series I grabbed the chance to read it. Her characters are well developed and believable. I really like Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane, the lead in this series. His humbleness and unassuming personality make this mystery very appealing. He becomes the hero in the town early on but then he feels more as an albatross as people are being killed. This book is a delight to read and the suspense keeps you turning the pages until the end. What I enjoy, too, is that Michael is in love with a woman who used to live in his town but now is a big shot attorney who never wants to return to her roots. Michael's feisty aunt continues to convince him to settle down but Michael likes life the way it is, simple and uncomplicated. I highly recommend Murder Comes by Mail.
I received a copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
May 5, 2016
I know whodunnit!! LOL and no it was NOT the postman. Sorry, a little mail humor there. This story was as great as the first in the series. I love Hidden Springs because it is the type of town I love to visit. So we have the same quirky bunch again, Michael Keane and his aunt, who is beyond ready for him to settle down. The unknown factor of this story is why is someone killing off people connected to Michael? Even more disturbing is the fact that the murder seems to be trying to implicate Michael. A fast paced story, lots of deaths (murders) I knew who the murder was early into the story, but I didn't know the why.
I am looking forward to the third book of this series. I truly enjoy Ann's mysteries/suspense books. This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review. 4.5 stars from this reviewer.
I am looking forward to the third book of this series. I truly enjoy Ann's mysteries/suspense books. This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review. 4.5 stars from this reviewer.
February 13, 2017
Sheriff Michael Keane loves his Aunt Lindy and doesn’t want to disappoint her, even if he prefers not to help her. Nevertheless, he helps her and things go downhill from there.
First, while taking a group of Sunday school seniors to a play in a nearby town, he has lots of trouble with the old church bus. Then he has to talk a potentially suicidal person off a bridge, and to make matters worse, the local newshound shows up to take a plethora of photos. However, what Michael doesn’t know is that these are the least of his worries.
Returning to Hidden Springs and becoming reacquainted with the townspeople was delightful, and you get to know and love the people even more. Consequently, when some of the individuals are threatened, you want justice.
The story is written in a swiftly moving pace, primarily from Sheriff Keane’s point of view, and pulls you in, keeping you guessing about the identity of the murderer until the very end.
I generally refrain from reading murder mysteries; however, I had read A. H. Gabhart’s (aka Ann Gabhart) other books in contemporary novels and Shaker historical fiction and really enjoyed them. So, when the opportunity arose for me to review her mysteries, I decided to read them, and I’m glad I did.
If you like suspenseful, psychological page-turners, then you are sure to enjoy Murder Comes by Mail; even though it is the second book in a series, you won’t be lost if you read it first.
Murder Comes by Mail is a little more intense and graphic than book one, Murder at the Courthouse, but don’t let that stop you from reading it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
First, while taking a group of Sunday school seniors to a play in a nearby town, he has lots of trouble with the old church bus. Then he has to talk a potentially suicidal person off a bridge, and to make matters worse, the local newshound shows up to take a plethora of photos. However, what Michael doesn’t know is that these are the least of his worries.
Returning to Hidden Springs and becoming reacquainted with the townspeople was delightful, and you get to know and love the people even more. Consequently, when some of the individuals are threatened, you want justice.
The story is written in a swiftly moving pace, primarily from Sheriff Keane’s point of view, and pulls you in, keeping you guessing about the identity of the murderer until the very end.
I generally refrain from reading murder mysteries; however, I had read A. H. Gabhart’s (aka Ann Gabhart) other books in contemporary novels and Shaker historical fiction and really enjoyed them. So, when the opportunity arose for me to review her mysteries, I decided to read them, and I’m glad I did.
If you like suspenseful, psychological page-turners, then you are sure to enjoy Murder Comes by Mail; even though it is the second book in a series, you won’t be lost if you read it first.
Murder Comes by Mail is a little more intense and graphic than book one, Murder at the Courthouse, but don’t let that stop you from reading it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
January 27, 2019
Hidden Springs is a lovely little town. Everyone knows everyone else. It is quiet and nothing ever happens.
Mike Keane likes being a deputy here. And he is able to keep an eye on his Aunt Lindy. They are the last Keanes in a town their ancestors founded.
All in all , it is a good life.
The people in Hidden Springs are like people every where. Some of them are nice, some are not so nice and all of them are interesting. Relationships can go back generations. And all relationships are important.
While taking a bus load of ladies to see a play, Mike comes upon a man on the edge of a bridge getting ready to take a fatal leap.
Mike does what any policeman would do. He saves the man's life. Right before the ambulance is taking the man away he looks Mike in the eye and says, “You'll wish you pushed me.”
Mike cannot get it out of his head that there is more to this than is visible.
This is a terrific mystery. This is a terrific thriller. This is a terrific story.
The clues come at the reader like calm water in a river. Underneath the water may be doing a lot of moving and you simply can't see it until you are up to your neck in it.
I like this book a lot. Ms Gabhart is a very talented author. She creates characters who become like friends.
Her plot moves along at a good pace and easily holds the reader's interest.
I won this book in a contest held by the author. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions are completely my own.
Mike Keane likes being a deputy here. And he is able to keep an eye on his Aunt Lindy. They are the last Keanes in a town their ancestors founded.
All in all , it is a good life.
The people in Hidden Springs are like people every where. Some of them are nice, some are not so nice and all of them are interesting. Relationships can go back generations. And all relationships are important.
While taking a bus load of ladies to see a play, Mike comes upon a man on the edge of a bridge getting ready to take a fatal leap.
Mike does what any policeman would do. He saves the man's life. Right before the ambulance is taking the man away he looks Mike in the eye and says, “You'll wish you pushed me.”
Mike cannot get it out of his head that there is more to this than is visible.
This is a terrific mystery. This is a terrific thriller. This is a terrific story.
The clues come at the reader like calm water in a river. Underneath the water may be doing a lot of moving and you simply can't see it until you are up to your neck in it.
I like this book a lot. Ms Gabhart is a very talented author. She creates characters who become like friends.
Her plot moves along at a good pace and easily holds the reader's interest.
I won this book in a contest held by the author. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions are completely my own.
October 1, 2018
I prefer Ann Gabhart's other hometown series starting with "Scent of Lilacs." She does well writing about small-town gentleness and kindnesses.
And I suppose there is some of that in this book 2 of the Hidden Springs Mystery Series, too. It is suspenseful, even if I knew whodunit by the middle of the story. The suspense didn't come from trying to solve the mystery, but from wondering who would be the next victim, etc.
The premise was an interesting one. The protagonist saved a person from a suicide attempt, but then people began to die. Is a hero still a hero if he unknowingly saved a murderer trying to stop himself from murdering?
It didn't seem realistic to me that one of the characters had enough training for a position that was assumed. It seemed to me that there would be more questioning on that and related incidents.
Possible SPOILER: Not enough characters for it to really be confusing as to whodunit.
The author broke one of S. S. Van Dine's rules for fair play for mystery writers to give the reader a fair chance to solve the mystery. However, I thought the culprit was obvious anyway, and the broken rule didn't much come into play during the plot, but more in the descriptive back-story of the culprit in the denouement.
And I suppose there is some of that in this book 2 of the Hidden Springs Mystery Series, too. It is suspenseful, even if I knew whodunit by the middle of the story. The suspense didn't come from trying to solve the mystery, but from wondering who would be the next victim, etc.
The premise was an interesting one. The protagonist saved a person from a suicide attempt, but then people began to die. Is a hero still a hero if he unknowingly saved a murderer trying to stop himself from murdering?
It didn't seem realistic to me that one of the characters had enough training for a position that was assumed. It seemed to me that there would be more questioning on that and related incidents.
Possible SPOILER: Not enough characters for it to really be confusing as to whodunit.
The author broke one of S. S. Van Dine's rules for fair play for mystery writers to give the reader a fair chance to solve the mystery. However, I thought the culprit was obvious anyway, and the broken rule didn't much come into play during the plot, but more in the descriptive back-story of the culprit in the denouement.
May 31, 2023
Having read the first book in the Hidden Springs Mystery series by A. H. Gabhart, I was looking forward to Murder Comes by Mail. I was not disappointed by this charming cozy mystery. The Deputy Sheriff is quite the humble hero who, in doing a good turn, has found himself in the middle of several murder mysteries. I enjoy a small town setting where everyone knows everyone else's business and rumors abound. The scenes were quite realistic and sent a few shivers up my spine at times! With some quirky characters, several dead bodies, and a bit of a romance, readers who enjoy cozy mysteries can't ask for much more. It took me quite a bit to figure out the murderer and there were a few twists to the plot that kept my interest. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It's always fun to see how the characters develop and how they get themselves out of mishaps. The audiobook is read by the author and I enjoyed that...an author knows just how to speak the essence of her characters. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review.
October 13, 2017
My Thoughts:
This cozy mystery had a very slow start. While the characters were enjoyable, I found it hard to keep reading for the first eighty pages. Truthfully, if it hadn't been a review book, I would have put it on the shelf.
After the very long build up, things start happening and the pace picks up. It actually became quite interesting. Ms. Gabhart actually had me feeling tense and looking out my blackened windows late at night. ~smile~
There were some clues that made me wonder, but I'd figured out whodunit by about two thirds through the book. Still, the how and why were a mystery.
It was not graphic as murder mysteries go, but I will not give it to my fourteen year old daughter.
If you like cozy mysteries, and you're patient with slow beginnings, you probably will like this book.
About A.H. Gabhart
I received this book for free from Revell books in exchange for an honest review.
This cozy mystery had a very slow start. While the characters were enjoyable, I found it hard to keep reading for the first eighty pages. Truthfully, if it hadn't been a review book, I would have put it on the shelf.
After the very long build up, things start happening and the pace picks up. It actually became quite interesting. Ms. Gabhart actually had me feeling tense and looking out my blackened windows late at night. ~smile~
There were some clues that made me wonder, but I'd figured out whodunit by about two thirds through the book. Still, the how and why were a mystery.
It was not graphic as murder mysteries go, but I will not give it to my fourteen year old daughter.
If you like cozy mysteries, and you're patient with slow beginnings, you probably will like this book.
About A.H. Gabhart
I received this book for free from Revell books in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2024
The best I can say about this book is that it is a quick read. My first A.H. Gabhart book and after seeing the overall ratings and reading some of the reviews I decided to give it a shot. I will say that the author does an excellent job at setting the opening and then developing the primary characters and the town they live in. The story line is engaging and the typical suspense is well designed. I found the ending to be ackwardly justaposed to the story and needed some considerable suspension of disbelief in order to accept it. Others have indicated that the perpetrator is easy to spot in the early stages of the book, I just didn't see it.
If your looking for a cozy mystery that has a little more "darkness" than the typical cozy, this could be your book.
I most likely not pick up another A.H. Gabhart book in this series but others may like it.
If your looking for a cozy mystery that has a little more "darkness" than the typical cozy, this could be your book.
I most likely not pick up another A.H. Gabhart book in this series but others may like it.
September 29, 2025
If you're fooled into thinking that this is a "cozy" mystery because of the sweet cover, just stop there. This is not a cozy mystery by any means. I don't know if anyone is reading Brandilyn Collins anymore, but this novel felt, in some ways, like her seatbelt suspense. Which is great for people who love suspense, but not so good if you just want a cozy mystery to read. So I don't know if I wanted the novel to reflect the existing book cover design, or if I wanted to change the cover to match the existing novel. But something needed to happen so there wouldn't be these mixed signals.
I'm also not sure when Christian novels started incorporating more sexually suggestive topics. I must have missed that memo, but I don't like it.
I'm also not sure when Christian novels started incorporating more sexually suggestive topics. I must have missed that memo, but I don't like it.
May 8, 2017
While this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. I'd still recommend picking up the first book since it's well worth the read and gives a bit of background for the primary character and voice of the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this lighthearted mystery. I liked the switch to a male viewpoint as opposed to the typical female and I feel it worked really well. The characters feel warm and well fleshed out and have good development across the novel. I especially like that they have authentic flaws and are unique which adds to their believability and reader connection. The mystery itself is a fun one to follow without taking over the whole plot. I received an ARC through the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
October 28, 2017
I'm a cat lover, so naturally the cover art appealed to me because of the cat sitting on the mailbox. The author has a great way with words, and her writing talents shine well in this book. The main character, Sheriff Michael Keane, is well-written and is very likeable, as well are all the minor and side characters. This is a Christian novel, so the murder-mystery is clean-cut, and plays out like a made-for-Hallmark television movie.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Murder Comes by Mail. Yes, there are a few cliched moments here and there, but none that stopped me from liking the story. If you're looking for a fun mystery, then I recommend all the books in the Hidden Springs Mystery series.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Murder Comes by Mail. Yes, there are a few cliched moments here and there, but none that stopped me from liking the story. If you're looking for a fun mystery, then I recommend all the books in the Hidden Springs Mystery series.
July 6, 2018
I've seen this book labeled as a "cozy mystery" but it is anything but cozy. I liked the first book in the series and was engaged enough to read more, but I was disturbed by the darkness of this book. It was well written, and the characters were engaging, but I struggled with the theme of a very sick person killing women and girls. I did figure out "who did it" early on and was surprised that it took our hero so long to figure it out as well. The ending left me dissatisfied as the resolution of what will happen to the perpetrator is left in doubt. This was a well written book but was too creepy for me. If you like dark mysteries, this might be for you.
March 14, 2023
This is the first Hidden Springs Mystery book that I've read (actually LISTENED to the audiobook read by the author herself!) and really enjoyed it. The story line grabbed my attention from the very first page. The situation our hero found himself in was thought-provoking and gave me pause more than once. I was kept guessing as to who the murderer was until the very end. Mysteries are not my typical genre but I found this a refreshing change and recommend everyone give it a try. Even though this is book 2 of a series, I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read book 1.
I received a free download of this book from Spotify.
I received a free download of this book from Spotify.
May 31, 2024
Michael Keane was taking a group of old ladies from his church to a play when he noticed a man on a bridge on the verge of jumping into the river. He hurries over to prevent that from happening. The would-be jumper wasn't happy about having his life saved and told Michael that he was going to be sorry that he had stopped him from jumping. It wasn't long until people began to receive horrific photographs of murder victims. At first, it was assumed that the killer was the man that Michael had saved. However, when he found the suspect dead in his own backyard, he knew that the real monster was still somewhere out there. Someone who wanted to frame Michael and endanger his loved ones.
December 2, 2019
3.5 stars. This is too grisly to be considered a "cozy" for me, but I still enjoyed the small town feel. I am kind of disappointed in the ending, because there were some loose ends. Trying not to spoil anything, but at the beginning, the man on the bridge told Michael he'd be sorry. This proved to be true, but the author never explained the connection to this man and his knowledge of why Michael would be sorry. I guessed the true evil doer about halfway through the book, but I still don't know his connection to bridge man!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
I have read quite a few books by this author: historical, romance, and mystery. This book is different than the sweet, cozy Gabhart books I have read in the past. This one is more of a psychological thriller and the murders are quite gruesome. While it is not my favorite Ann H. Gabhart book, it is still an interesting story that kept my interest and made me sorry that I had let it sit on my shelf for so long. While I would recommend her mysteries Gabhart's historical novels remain my favorite of her works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews