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A Murder in Milburn #2
Death of a Deputy
Nora Newberry's dream life is not going according plan.
Her best friend and business partner, Raquel, has just been murdered. The one man she had thought she loved can now be seen moseying through town with a supermodel dangling off his arm. And the diner she and Raquel had planned on opening together may never feed its first customer.
At least she still has her friend, the town Sheriff, Sean...
So, when the Sheriff's deputy is killed at the town's annual Viking festival and everyone suspects Sean of murder, Nora realizes she must step in and prove him innocent. After all, she can't handle losing him, too!
Her best friend and business partner, Raquel, has just been murdered. The one man she had thought she loved can now be seen moseying through town with a supermodel dangling off his arm. And the diner she and Raquel had planned on opening together may never feed its first customer.
At least she still has her friend, the town Sheriff, Sean...
So, when the Sheriff's deputy is killed at the town's annual Viking festival and everyone suspects Sean of murder, Nora realizes she must step in and prove him innocent. After all, she can't handle losing him, too!
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
205 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McGovern
83 books173 followersI'm a mother, wife, homemaker, pet lover, teacher, student, reader, writer, drinker of tea & wine (depending on the time of day) and sleep-deprived dreamer. I live in Syracuse, NY, with my husband, Doug (also a writer with books available on Amazon), our three children and too many furred & feathered friends to list!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 4, 2017
There are many signs given to an individual reader that says 'this is a good, great, or exceptional book' to us. One of my signs is if I feel a very strong liking or dislike towards a character in the book. Some way the Author has managed to move my emotions towards forgetting I'm reading and really feeling something for the story.
In this second novel of the series, I found myself actively disliking the main character, Nora Newberry. Nora, a chef who has returned to her hometown to open her dream diner, can't seem to get in control of her emotions. Although I was sympathetic to her situation, having lost a friend in book one, the way she seemed self-righteous and didn't truly consider other's feelings had me in a stew. At one point, around Chapter 27, I was ready to 'not finish' the novel at all.
I make a practice of finishing these situations, because if the Author can get me that invested, well, they are true authors. Nora is seeing the world through emotional damaged eyes and that actually was the solution to the murders. Clarity. Once clarity was shown to her...the rest followed. I do fear the character may have done irreparable damage to her friendships, but, I'll have to wait for the third book to see.
I enjoyed this book as it got me into it.
In this second novel of the series, I found myself actively disliking the main character, Nora Newberry. Nora, a chef who has returned to her hometown to open her dream diner, can't seem to get in control of her emotions. Although I was sympathetic to her situation, having lost a friend in book one, the way she seemed self-righteous and didn't truly consider other's feelings had me in a stew. At one point, around Chapter 27, I was ready to 'not finish' the novel at all.
I make a practice of finishing these situations, because if the Author can get me that invested, well, they are true authors. Nora is seeing the world through emotional damaged eyes and that actually was the solution to the murders. Clarity. Once clarity was shown to her...the rest followed. I do fear the character may have done irreparable damage to her friendships, but, I'll have to wait for the third book to see.
I enjoyed this book as it got me into it.
June 30, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Murder in Milburn series by Nancy McGovern.
Between this book and the first book Nora and Harvey broke up. And Nora hung around Sean. Then he gets framed for murder and loses his job. The murdered deputy was in debt up to his eyeballs and his his wife was in love with Sean! So that gives Sean motive for the murder.
This book was just as intense as book one. I am not always a fan of how Nora acts. We have yet to see her open her diner even when she is offered money from two of her friends. It becomes a sticking point between her and Harvey. He wonders if she even wants to see this dream come to life at all.
This is definitely a book with many angles.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
This is the second book in the Murder in Milburn series by Nancy McGovern.
Between this book and the first book Nora and Harvey broke up. And Nora hung around Sean. Then he gets framed for murder and loses his job. The murdered deputy was in debt up to his eyeballs and his his wife was in love with Sean! So that gives Sean motive for the murder.
This book was just as intense as book one. I am not always a fan of how Nora acts. We have yet to see her open her diner even when she is offered money from two of her friends. It becomes a sticking point between her and Harvey. He wonders if she even wants to see this dream come to life at all.
This is definitely a book with many angles.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
March 4, 2019
Death of a Deputy
Totally worth reading!!
Nora finds herself questioning her friendship and her love for someone. Should she open the diner she dreams about without her bff? I cannot wait to continue with the series.
Totally worth reading!!
Nora finds herself questioning her friendship and her love for someone. Should she open the diner she dreams about without her bff? I cannot wait to continue with the series.
May 1, 2016
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
A still unopened diner, a murder, a romance over before it started, a friendship that isn't what it seems and true feelings being denied, Death Of A Deputy has these and so much more!
In this book, we find that Nora hasn't been able to open the Diner yet, due to not having the funds that Raquel was going to provide. Nora is doing catering jobs to make money, in the hopes that she will be able to get a loan from the bank for the rest.
Harvey offered Nora the money, but she refused, which has caused trouble in paradise. Hmm, why wouldn't Nora take the money from Harvey? Are they still together and working through their differences? Has Sean managed to come between them?
The town Viking Festival is taking place and Nora has been busy at her tent. When the burning boat is about to take place, Nora is urged to take a break and head down to the lake to watch. Unfortunately, what she stumbles upon is a murder, Sean dazed and bleeding from a head wound and chaos about to erupt all around her.
Due to his closeness to the victim, the towns’ residents want Sean to step down because they feel he can't be impartial. Reluctantly Sean agrees, which makes Nora decide to do some of her own investigating.
Will Nora be successful again and find the murderer before it's too late, or will she find herself in danger again? Will she get the money to open the diner? Or, will she be truthful with herself and admit why she won't take the money from either Harvey or Tina that have both offered it to her? Will Nora and Sean start a relationship, or will Nora and Harvey continue to deny or finally admit their true feelings for each other?
You will have to read the book to find out, but I promise you won't be disappointed. I was very surprised at the turn of events in this book, one was shocking and one was exciting. I am eagerly awaiting book three in this series, I can't wait to see what happens next!!
A still unopened diner, a murder, a romance over before it started, a friendship that isn't what it seems and true feelings being denied, Death Of A Deputy has these and so much more!
In this book, we find that Nora hasn't been able to open the Diner yet, due to not having the funds that Raquel was going to provide. Nora is doing catering jobs to make money, in the hopes that she will be able to get a loan from the bank for the rest.
Harvey offered Nora the money, but she refused, which has caused trouble in paradise. Hmm, why wouldn't Nora take the money from Harvey? Are they still together and working through their differences? Has Sean managed to come between them?
The town Viking Festival is taking place and Nora has been busy at her tent. When the burning boat is about to take place, Nora is urged to take a break and head down to the lake to watch. Unfortunately, what she stumbles upon is a murder, Sean dazed and bleeding from a head wound and chaos about to erupt all around her.
Due to his closeness to the victim, the towns’ residents want Sean to step down because they feel he can't be impartial. Reluctantly Sean agrees, which makes Nora decide to do some of her own investigating.
Will Nora be successful again and find the murderer before it's too late, or will she find herself in danger again? Will she get the money to open the diner? Or, will she be truthful with herself and admit why she won't take the money from either Harvey or Tina that have both offered it to her? Will Nora and Sean start a relationship, or will Nora and Harvey continue to deny or finally admit their true feelings for each other?
You will have to read the book to find out, but I promise you won't be disappointed. I was very surprised at the turn of events in this book, one was shocking and one was exciting. I am eagerly awaiting book three in this series, I can't wait to see what happens next!!
August 30, 2016
Nancy McGovern’s Death of a Deputy is a cozy murder mystery novel that takes the reader to a small town in Milburn, Wyoming where the protagonist, Nora Newberry, moved to, one year ago, from the city of New York.
Interestingly, the author introduces the reader to a parade of characters using pure dialogue from chapters one to five. Even after chapter five, the narration seldom happens. The reader can follow the story through the author’s strong and captivating dialogue. The mood and tone are expressed through the characters.
After the murder of her best friend, Raquel Madden, one year ago, Nora Newberry remains grief stricken to the point of putting off opening up a diner—a dream she shared with Raquel. In fact, she broke up with her boyfriend Harvey Nathaniel over the diner and the money he had offered her.
The story opens with the townspeople preparing for a Viking Festival. The conflict begins when her Sheriff friend, Sean Dracon, and his deputy, Wallis, a temperamental drug addict and a womanizer, compete for an election to become Sheriff.
As expected, Wallis turns up dead. Those who have to gain from Wallis’s death become suspects. Through her interactions with the main players in town, the meddlesome and inquisitive Nora inches closer and closer to the murderer.
Nancy McGovern does a good job of introducing all the characters and setting up a trail of clues. She keeps the reader guessing until almost toward the end. She uses the dialogue beautifully to tell the story. I enjoy it. I definitely recommend it.
Interestingly, the author introduces the reader to a parade of characters using pure dialogue from chapters one to five. Even after chapter five, the narration seldom happens. The reader can follow the story through the author’s strong and captivating dialogue. The mood and tone are expressed through the characters.
After the murder of her best friend, Raquel Madden, one year ago, Nora Newberry remains grief stricken to the point of putting off opening up a diner—a dream she shared with Raquel. In fact, she broke up with her boyfriend Harvey Nathaniel over the diner and the money he had offered her.
The story opens with the townspeople preparing for a Viking Festival. The conflict begins when her Sheriff friend, Sean Dracon, and his deputy, Wallis, a temperamental drug addict and a womanizer, compete for an election to become Sheriff.
As expected, Wallis turns up dead. Those who have to gain from Wallis’s death become suspects. Through her interactions with the main players in town, the meddlesome and inquisitive Nora inches closer and closer to the murderer.
Nancy McGovern does a good job of introducing all the characters and setting up a trail of clues. She keeps the reader guessing until almost toward the end. She uses the dialogue beautifully to tell the story. I enjoy it. I definitely recommend it.
January 1, 2020
I can't stand 2 of the main characters in these books - Sean and Harvey. I have no idea what Nora could find likable about either of them.
July 19, 2020
This was another good mystery that started with Nora having an employee named Tina who helped with catering jobs, but it was six months from when bestie and biz partner Raquel was killed, and the diner was still not opened. I have to admit, I was getting pretty annoyed at Nora for not accepting financial help that people were offering--she kept interpreting it as charity saying it would ruin her dream of hard work she'd had with Raquel. It took three different people to talk some sense into her, but by the end of the book, it sounded like she was coming around or at least had a better idea of how Raquel would want her to carry on. I realize that she was grieving for her friend, but the way she treated people, it's a wonder she had anyone in the town left that liked her, lol.
Overall, I'm enjoying getting to know different people in town and looking into their festivals and lives. I had randomly guessed the killer but not the reason. The showdown was really good, and I have to hand it to Nora for thinking ahead, since she said she was able to record the confession. I'll be reading more in the series soon!
Overall, I'm enjoying getting to know different people in town and looking into their festivals and lives. I had randomly guessed the killer but not the reason. The showdown was really good, and I have to hand it to Nora for thinking ahead, since she said she was able to record the confession. I'll be reading more in the series soon!
August 16, 2021
Still adoring Mrs. M. Not enough Maynard in this book though. The mystery was well written, but I am not sure about the motive. It works, but maybe could've been something different. IDK, just me probably. Anyway, I adore the fact that Nora's friends love her enough to confront her and her issues in dealing/not dealing with Raquel's death and subsequently the constant putting off of opening the diner. It shows that they really do care about her and want her to succeed when they make her look at herself and the reasons behind her choices or procrastination. I decidedly do NOT like Sean. I think he is an ass and covers it up with smarm meant to look like nice. This book really showed you what kind of person he did NOT grow up to be. I'm still undecided about Harvey, but I will say that I do like him better than Sean. I just can't help but feel that the love interests currently provided for Nora are sub-par. But hopefully that means they will have growth in leaps and bounds in the future.
September 22, 2025
I didn't like book #2 as much as Book #1. It felt too contrived, like Nancy McGovern was trying to force the characters to do & say what she wanted. It felt stiff & unnatural. It didn't feel true to the characters. Nora's dealing with the loss of her friend from book #1 by lashing out at basically everyone - lobbing accusations that seem to come out from nowhere. She's not likable. Nobody's really that likable in the story. Nora's still involved with the sketchy, selfish Harvey. Why Nora? Why? He's an a**hole! I wanted to slap Nora, Harvey, & the author. They barely dated, yet they act like there was some major relationship between them...I just don't get it & it drove me nuts. There's only one more book left in the box set, so I might as well read it & decide what I think of the whole set.
February 5, 2018
3.5⭐️ — Very good — Worth reading!
God only knows how someone can be so curious and snoopy, but again Nora is using her “I need to get the answer” to my own questions to find out the murder... I feel bad that the sheriff doesn’t have her talent though! Short, straight and funny, Death of a Deputy hangs you in doubt, trying to find out who is the murder until the very end. I just discovered myself as a new fan from Nancy McGovern. If you like mysteries you will enjoy it. Give it a try!
📚 Good reading! 📚
God only knows how someone can be so curious and snoopy, but again Nora is using her “I need to get the answer” to my own questions to find out the murder... I feel bad that the sheriff doesn’t have her talent though! Short, straight and funny, Death of a Deputy hangs you in doubt, trying to find out who is the murder until the very end. I just discovered myself as a new fan from Nancy McGovern. If you like mysteries you will enjoy it. Give it a try!
📚 Good reading! 📚
June 27, 2021
Death of a Deputy by Nancy McGovern is book 2 in the Murder in Milburn Mystery series. The Deputy Sheriff is killed during Milburn's Viking Festival and Sheriff Sean is injured. An interesting mystery, mainly focussing on the various relationships in the town and Nora's procrastination in opening her diner. The murderer was rather obvious and the townfolk are rather unlikeable but otherwise a quick and pleasant cozy mystery.
October 6, 2022
Death of a deputy
Since I read book 1 Death at a diner and fell in love with the characters and the small town of Milburn ,I read book 2 which was a great follow up. I really liked the way they picked up just about where they left off . Nora Newberry once again does a better job at solving a murder than the towns police department. I really enjoyed this mystery now I'll read the prequel Dying to be cool then finish off the rest of the series.
Thank you
Nancy McGovern
Since I read book 1 Death at a diner and fell in love with the characters and the small town of Milburn ,I read book 2 which was a great follow up. I really liked the way they picked up just about where they left off . Nora Newberry once again does a better job at solving a murder than the towns police department. I really enjoyed this mystery now I'll read the prequel Dying to be cool then finish off the rest of the series.
Thank you
Nancy McGovern
January 25, 2023
Missing something.
WHERE ARE THE RECIPES? Is this called a culinary mystery based only on the characters telling Nora how great her food is? I bought books 1 and 2 back in 2016, probably based on reviews and the promise of a delicious recipe. I’ve enjoyed books from other series by this author, but these books are not my cup of tea…or, in this book, my choice of milkshakes (which are mentioned several times). Is the AWOL recipe a milkshake by any chance? Sounds good to me.
WHERE ARE THE RECIPES? Is this called a culinary mystery based only on the characters telling Nora how great her food is? I bought books 1 and 2 back in 2016, probably based on reviews and the promise of a delicious recipe. I’ve enjoyed books from other series by this author, but these books are not my cup of tea…or, in this book, my choice of milkshakes (which are mentioned several times). Is the AWOL recipe a milkshake by any chance? Sounds good to me.
January 1, 2018
Death of a Deputy: A Culinary Cozy Mystery ( A Murder in Milburn book 2) by Nancy McGovern
I enjoyed the mystery of this book very much. Even I was stumped on whodunit. Lol. I am looking forward to reading more of your books Nancy McGovern. Now I am going to start at the beginning of this series with book 1. Review will follow! Thank you for your books.
I enjoyed the mystery of this book very much. Even I was stumped on whodunit. Lol. I am looking forward to reading more of your books Nancy McGovern. Now I am going to start at the beginning of this series with book 1. Review will follow! Thank you for your books.
January 25, 2020
Really cute, fast read
A hit for sure! And crepes are on my menu tomorrow because this book made me remember how much I love them. Just the right kind and number of twists and turns to keep you involved without needing a "cheat sheet" to follow this fun book. If you want some light reading for a snowy afternoon, this is a good start!
A hit for sure! And crepes are on my menu tomorrow because this book made me remember how much I love them. Just the right kind and number of twists and turns to keep you involved without needing a "cheat sheet" to follow this fun book. If you want some light reading for a snowy afternoon, this is a good start!
January 17, 2018
I am loving this series. It is not your normal cozy but it is a refreshing difference. Nora, Sean and Harvey are interesting characters and the interactions between them keeps you wanting to read more. On to book 3 :-)
April 22, 2018
Good who done it. Totally enjoyed.
Good author. She can write a really good mystery. It seemed like this one was rushed at the ending though. Maybe I was just so caught up in the story . Enjoyed it completely.
Good author. She can write a really good mystery. It seemed like this one was rushed at the ending though. Maybe I was just so caught up in the story . Enjoyed it completely.
May 26, 2018
Just a note - I bought both the E book and the Audio book. The audio book DOES NOT have the ending to this story. It is part of a set and ends abruptly about 2 chapters before the end. I had to switch to the E book to read the ending. Very poor editing!
February 8, 2019
Excellent Book
I like the Milburn series because they are full of surprises. It's always fun finding out who the murderer really is and the true motive behind it. I must admit I figured out who did it midway through this book.
I like the Milburn series because they are full of surprises. It's always fun finding out who the murderer really is and the true motive behind it. I must admit I figured out who did it midway through this book.
January 1, 2018
I must say I enjoyed this installment of the series much better than the first. This one I'd think about rereading and it is a keeper for me. (I read this between April 20 and April 25 2017).
May 30, 2018
Death of a Deputy
This was an exciting book. I was guessing until the end. Great plot and characters. Thanks for a wonderful series.
This was an exciting book. I was guessing until the end. Great plot and characters. Thanks for a wonderful series.
June 6, 2018
Good book
Love this author!.she is a good story teller with strong characters, mystery, twists ,.romance.and friendship trials. Entertaining story and good read.
Love this author!.she is a good story teller with strong characters, mystery, twists ,.romance.and friendship trials. Entertaining story and good read.
August 17, 2018
Death of a Deputy
I really enjoy the stories about Milburn. Even tho Nora continues to stick her nose into things, eventually she finds out the truth.
I really enjoy the stories about Milburn. Even tho Nora continues to stick her nose into things, eventually she finds out the truth.
September 10, 2018
Better than average mystery.
Even Nora needs to find her way through all the guilt She won’t admit. She soon finds that These emotions tend to clog her mind and learn to let go.
Even Nora needs to find her way through all the guilt She won’t admit. She soon finds that These emotions tend to clog her mind and learn to let go.
July 12, 2019
Enjoyed this little mystery as well. Still not sure about Sean or Harvey though.
September 13, 2019
A real who doneit!
A very exciting cozy. This book contains several sub plots which kept the mystery exciting and moving. The characters roles were confusing at times.
A very exciting cozy. This book contains several sub plots which kept the mystery exciting and moving. The characters roles were confusing at times.
January 26, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. Well written.
July 8, 2020
Fun Story!
This one will keep you entertained till the very end. I usually get a hint as to the killer but never figured this one out until almost the very end. I love that!
This one will keep you entertained till the very end. I usually get a hint as to the killer but never figured this one out until almost the very end. I love that!
July 18, 2020
A good sequel
Nora is in the middle again.. Torn between her wants and what she most desires but doesn't realize. Two murders and an unexpected murderer.
Nora is in the middle again.. Torn between her wants and what she most desires but doesn't realize. Two murders and an unexpected murderer.
October 26, 2020
Love the series. The years are weird....not really in line with the story..imo but a great series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews