Murder is No Accident

Hidden Springs Mystery #3

by A.H. Gabhart, Ann H. Gabhart

Young Maggie Greene may be trespassing in the old, empty Victorian mansion on a quiet street in Hidden Springs, but all she wants is some private time in the magnificent tower room to write her stories. Certain she'll be in trouble if caught, she hides when a realtor shows up. But someone else is in the house too, someone even more worried about getting caught. When Maggie finds the realtor's body at the bottom of a flight of stairs and the other person gone, Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is called in. He assumes the realtor's death is a tragic accident--until a second person is found dead in the house. When Maggie is threatened, Michael must catch the murderer before anyone else dies.

Cozy mystery fans will love this third installment in The Hidden Springs Mysteries series from an author who knows how to make small-town America sweet, sentimental--and a little sinister.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Suspense, Crime, Adult Fiction

343 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2017

About the author

A. 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.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of A.H./ Ann Gabhart's books for years and, since I'm an avid reader of cozy mysteries, was delighted when she started writing them. The entire Hidden Springs series has been excellent, but this one reaches new heights. I was hooked on the first page and couldn't put the book down.

Highly recommended!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Hidden Springs with some well known friends, as this is book three in the series, and there is a lot of action and sadly murder going on.
Michael and Alex are still not really together and by the looks of their relationship it may never happen, she is living in Washington DC and of course he is the Sheriff in Hidden Springs. His Aunt is still teaching and worrying about Michael and Alex and of course Reese, now you are going to quickly find out whom all of these folks are, or you can do yourself a favor and read the two previous books.
What we have here is questions about an old murder, an elderly woman with dementia, someone or someone’s greed, and threats against children. You are going to change your mind more than once as to who is responsible.
I hope we come back here again, but if this is goodbye, I loved this series and these people.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable cozy mystery in the perfect small town setting of Hidden Springs, Kentucky! The third in a series, but easily read as a stand alone.
Romantically challenged sheriff's deputy Michael Keane has a mystery on his hands when a body shows up in the old Chandler mansion. As he digs deeper, a similar cold case surfaces, and things get more complicated. If only Miss Marble the resident cat could talk.
I liked revisiting Hidden Springs after reading book one, and felt this story hooked me a lot more. The character Maggie and her dilemma of whether she should ask for help versus take care of everything herself, was one that many could probably relate to, along with her problems at home. Loved how the town comes together to watch out for each other, though small town gossip makes keeping a secret difficult. Michael is a lovable character who gets in over his head sometimes. The story has a fun Andy Griffith type feel to it, with the siren loving deputy Lester.
Recommend to clean cozy mystery fans who like a southern setting. 4.5 stars

(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Springs has seen its share of mysteries. So Michael Keane is hoping that things settle down, finally. Yet when a woman is found dead at the Chandler mansion, questions arise. Was it an accident or was it murder?

I've really enjoyed this series. The characters are quirky and loveable. I've come to enjoy these books.

I love how Michael is determined to keep the town safe and that he somehow finds himself in the midst of mysteries. This one kept me turning pages all the way to the end. I had an idea as to who was the bad guy, and I wanted to see if I was right.

I received a copy of the book for free from the publisher as part of the Revell Reads program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of mysteries.

Rating - 4 stars

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, MURDER IS NO ACCIDENT is the third book in Ms. Gabhart's Hidden Springs Mystery series. I hope there will be more. I dearly love Michael.

A house shrouded in mystery. Deaths ranging from the past to present. A congressman. An antique dealer. A murder writer. And a tower room where a young teen likes to daydream.

Is the past murder tied in with the present? Or are the deaths unfortunate accidents? When another man is found dead, questions are raised. And Michael doesn't have a clue. Just a romance that seems to be dying a slow, agonizing death.

I thought I had who-dun-it figured out. But then my suspect turned up dead. I couldn't sleep. I made a list of possible suspects, but couldn't quite put my finger on it...

You know a writer is good when a reader goes to that much work! I absolutely love this series.

If you like cozy mysteries, you'll want to read MURDER IS NO ACCIDENT. You can read it as a stand-alone, but you will want to read Murder on the Courthouse and Murder Comes by Mail.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder is No Accident is the third installment from Ann Gabhart's series, Hidden Springs Mystery. Maggie finds herself in quite a situation when she sneaks into an old Victorian mansion. Two people are murdered in the house and her life is, also, threatened. Sheriff Michael Keane must catch the killer before another life is shortened.
I enjoyed this cozy little mystery of who done it. I was surprised to find out how the mystery was solved. I liked Maggie from the beginning and felt so bad for her for what she went through in the story. I, also, enjoyed Sheriff Michael and his developing romance with Alex. I am hoping there is another upcoming release in the future from the series, so I can read more about these two.
I found this book to be a great read and hope to read more of the series in the future, as I have enjoyed the whole series so far.
Highly recommended.
5 plus stars.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have truly enjoyed my visits to Ann Gabhart's fictional small town of Hidden Springs. For such a quiet little town, there sure has been a lot of crime lately.

Gabhart has created a wonderful place full of wonderful characters. I just enjoyed seeing them all at again during my latest visit. The author does all this so well that I want to head on over for a visit!! But not during a crime wave!

Michael Keane once again finds his life in this terrible little town interrupted by a murder. Then even more issues pop up. But Michael is up to the task. I just love these folks!!

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. My opinions are mine alone.

[Janell R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta admit, I signed up to review this book because of the cover. I’ve always loved the board game “Clue” and its layout. Always made me wish I could climb inside it. So when I saw this book, I couldn’t resist despite the fact that it was the third in a series. Well, before I started reading it, I’d decided I’d see if I might get a hold of the first two books somehow (through Kindle lending if nothing else). Well, as it turned out the first one is free at the moment. So I snagged it and as I was nearing the end I knew I HAD to read the second one, so I broke down and paid for it…but it was totally worth it! And finally about 10 days after I initially received the book, I finally got the read the third one.

Okay that was all back story. Now for my review.

Even though I did read all three in order, I think even if I had only read the third one it would have been fine as a stand-alone. There are references to occurrences in the previous books, but nothing that would be confusing or detract from the story. This was a truly enjoyable book to read.

Despite what I said in my last review about enjoying being shocked at the end of a mystery to find out “who-dun-it”, I still enjoyed figuring out who it was almost from the start of each of these mysteries. The last one was a little more difficult for me than the other two and I only ended up getting it half-right after all. There was definitely a surprise waiting for me at the end of this one.

I loved Michael and Alex’s little side story that wasn’t directly related to any of the mysteries, but, ugh, Mrs. Gabhart still left me with some unanswered questions. Could we have one more little novella please?

I loved all the towns people that helped fill out the story so wonderfully. Honestly, it’s almost like a modern day Mayberry, all the way down to Aunt Lindy in place of Aunt Bee, and Lester in place of Barney Fife. I gotta say though, Hank the news reporter just about got on my last nerve.

There is one thing that brings it down to 4 stars for me. The spiritual content lacked much to be desired. The only one that seemed like she was probably a real Christian in the entire series was Aunt Lindy. The rest were all pretty wishy-washy. Not only that but there is a Presbyterian woman pastor that is painted in a very positive light which I found very annoying.

So my over all review: for a good, clean, enjoyable, cozy mystery, this is a great choice! But don’t expect much in the spiritual department.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Revell Books in exchange for my honest review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.H.(Ann) Gabhart has quickly become a favorite author of mine with this series. The Christian fiction market is mostly a woman's market, and it is unusual for a female author to write a series of books where the main character is male..... but that is exactly what this author has done in this series. I also like the fact that this isn't your run of the mill "guy meets girl in trouble, falls for girl, proposes or marries at the end of the book". In this series, there is a very slow romance going on, but the couple has known each other since they were kids and have been in love for pretty much all that time.... and they don't live near each other. The romance does not dominate the story, which is cool for this confirmed bachelor. :)

Onto this book: Murder Is No Accident is #3 in the Hidden Mystery Series, and hopefully not the last..... though the ending may indicate it is the final book. As with the previous two books. the story revolves around Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane as he tries to keep the small town of Hidden Springs safe.

Two murders are stopping the town from being safe, and the author does a great job of keeping the reader guessing the identity of the murderer and the reason for the murders. I have enjoyed every book in this series, but this one may be the best of the three. There isn't the page turning non-stop drama and suspense of many suspense novels, but rather an even slower paced suspense that still kept me wanting to read on and not put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and though I enjoyed the very climatic ending, I hated to see the end come when I had to leave this fictional town I have come to love.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky small-town mysteries are so much fun to read and this is one of the best. Gabhart takes us back to Hidden Springs where the idyllic community is rocked by another murder.

This town has a life of its own with enough eccentric characters to set me into a perpetual fit of giggles. And then there are the shady ones that might just be up to no good...given the rising body count and all. Love the challenge of the mystery combined with some unexpected zany and a wee bit of angsty romance.

Michael and Alexandria are back grappling over how to mesh their impossibly diverse lives. Their romance is the only continuous aspect of the series. It's a secondary thread and you don't need to have read the other books to catch up with these two and how they feel about each other.

A cozy mystery that ticks all the boxes -- nefarious criminals hidden among the everyday lives of small-town America, a faith-filled, honor bound deputy hero and enough armchair sleuthing opportunities to keep me happily plotting right to the very end.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 3rd in the series about Deputy Sheriff Michael Keene. The old Chandler place is supposed to be empty but when real estate Geraldine enters the house she isn't alone. A few minutes later she is dead at the bottom of the stairs. A teenage girl had been in the house and called it in and ran off. Michael has to find out who did it, while the owner of the house with memory problems is living in the past and thinks the body is her sister who fell down the same stairs years ago. A good small town mystery novel.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy murder mystery and didn't realize it was part of the Hidden Springs Mystery series until I came to Goodreads to review the story. It's book 3 and I obviously had no problems enjoying the great mystery and solving the case, just like Alex and her old beau Michael. I really enjoyed young Maggie and her part in the story and hope as the series progresses she will continue to be part of the story. The book was engaging and held my interest until the last page.

[Daleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens in the past stays in the past.

Sometimes.

Dementia has Miss Fonda living as a time traveller. Sometimes she's here, sometimes she's then. When she finds the body of Geraldine Harper at the bottom of her steps, she's transported to the past, to her sister's death.

It was an accident then, and it was an accident now too... or is it?

When a second body shows up, it's obvious that something caused Geraldine's fall. But with all the new people in Hidden Springs, who was it? And when Alex comes to town... will Michael be able to handle her leaving again?

It you like your small-town America sweet and quirky--with a dash of sinister--you'll love this latest whodunit from deft storyteller A. H. Gabhart.

The third Hidden Springs Mystery is here! One thing I definitely love about the Hidden Springs Series is its covers. :) Cute, curious, and cat-y all at once.

The first thing I noticed when I opened it up was the A. H. Gabhart switched her POVs around. I really enjoyed it. I got to see a little through Maggie's eyes, a lot through Michael's, and then a little through Alex's and Malinda's.

Some of you might remember that I reviewed the second Hidden Springs Mystery. I went back and read it again. One thing that annoyed me in the last book was that their dialog got a bit redundant to me. Not in this book! The dialog was great and intriguing. I had a really good time reading though it (It took me two days--only because I started reading in the evening and I had to go to bed :/ )

The plot line was great. I think it only helped it out to see things from Maggie's view as well. (Who is Maggie? Read and find out!) Miss Fonda was also amazing. Without her, nothing would have been as complicated as it was. Nothing would have been brought up about Audrey, nothing would have been supicious until the second death, and the plot would have had a slow beginning. With Miss Fonda however...

The characters were awesome, as usual. Betty Jean is funny, as is Malinda. Alex was still... Alex. I'm not sure what to think about her actually. Michael was his usal self, eager to help, but with more layers than you'd expect at first glance. Miss Fonda introduced an interesting new character. It was cool the way she added a new aspect to the story that certainly wouldn't be there without her.

I was slightly hesitant about requesting this book. I wasn't thrilled with the last book, but I am so glad I did! I enjoyed this book thoroughly. If you get a chance, definitely pick it up. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. :D


"An intimate town where everyone knows everyone and a secret is hard to keep."

-- Publisher's Weekly

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my opinion. All views expressed here are my own.*

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As posted on my blog:
Howdy, Folks!
I have spent every spare second since I last posted reading "The Hidden Springs Mysteries." This is because I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of "Murder is No Accident" by A. H. Gabhart through a partnership with Revell publishing and Netgalley. The book is the third installment in the series and the latest release for Gabhart, who also writes under the name Ann H. Gabhart. If you are a fan of the cozy Christian whodunit, clear your calendar, because you won't be able to do anything else until you've finished this tale. Note that though all these books share a location and characters, they each can be enjoyed as a standalone without difficulty.
That said, this volume begins when teenager Maggie Greene is looking for a place where she can daydream and write her stories in peace. Unfortunately, she sneaks into the tower room in a mansion in small town Hidden Springs, Kentucky. Shortly after she arrives, she hears raised voices and the local realtor tumbles down the staircase to her death. Not wanting to get caught trespassing, she uses the victim's cell phone to report the incident anonymously to the police and runs away. However, in dodging one problem, she creates a whole host of others. She didn't escape unnoticed, and whoever saw her wants to make sure she stays silent. Her only choice is to contact law enforcement. Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane starts investigating what looks like a routine accident, but then someone else dies in the house. This time it's clearly murder. Can Michael connect the events and track down the perpetrator before someone else gets hurt?
The target audience for this story is age twelve years old and up. There is no objectionable content in this volume, and wonderful Christian truth is woven seamlessly into the pages, but sensitive youngsters may be impacted by the violence portrayed in the genre. I highly recommend this series to people who like Irene Hannon and Nancy Mehl. My rating is five out of five stars. For those who are interested in the complete experience, the publication order is as follows:
Murder at the Courthouse (Hidden Springs Mystery #1)
Murder Comes by Mail (Hidden Springs Mystery #2)
Murder is No Accident (Hidden Springs Mystery #3)
All these adventures are available now, so look for them at your favorite retailer. Until we meet again...
Happy Reading,
Carolyn

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder is No Accident by A.H. Gabhart is the third book in The Hidden Springs Mysteries. Maggie Greene is up in the tower room writing of the Chandler house when she hears noises below. Maggie stays as still as possible so she will not be discovered. Then Geraldine Harper, the local realtor, enters the house. Maggie hears Geraldine find the intruder and an argument ensues. Geraldine goes to call the sheriff, but it is her last act. Only after she is sure the trespasser has departed, does Maggie venture down from the tower. She finds Geraldine dead at the bottom of the back steps (many big Victorian homes had a fancy front staircase and a serviceable back staircase that was very narrow). Maggie is afraid she will be accused of trespassing even though she has permission from Fonda Chandler, the owner of the house. Maggie uses Geraldine’s phone to call 911 anonymously and then she quietly leaves. While Maggie did not see anyone nearby, someone saw her. Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane receives a call that Miss Fonda (as she is called) has once again escaped from the Gentle Care Home where she is looked after by Mrs. Gibson. Miss Fonda has dementia and forgets that she no longer lives at Chandler house. Michael arrives at Chandler house as he is notified of the 911 call. He notices that her car is out front and enters the open house. He finds Miss Fonda holding Geraldine. She believes it is her deceased sister, Audrey who died in a very similar manner. Geraldine’s death is ruled accidental. But soon another person is found dead inside the Chandler home. Maggie is afraid to come forward after she receives a threatening call from the killer. Has someone decided to search for the rumored treasure of Chandler house? Michael will need to work quickly to find the guilty party before the killer takes further action.

While Murder is No Accident is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I was never able to get into and enjoy this book. It is hard to describe the writing style. Murder is No Accident is jam packed with activity. There is just one incident after another. Besides the main mystery there is Miss Fonda escaping from the care home (frequently which does not speak well for their care or vigilance), fishing, the fifty-year-old mystery of how Audrey, fishing, Miss Fonda’s sister died, Sonny trying to sell Miss Fonda’s home, fishing, the romance between Michael and Alex Sheridan (which was very prevalent), Betty Jean Atkins dating life, Lana Waverly’s tea shop and investigation, and more fishing. In the small town of Hidden Springs, everyone gets involved in your life (even if you wish they would not). One of the problems with Murder is No Accident is the number of characters. I stopped keeping track after twelve. I did not like how fifteen-year-old Maggie was portrayed as simple minded when she actually is creative and smart (she likes to write). The Christian element is very subtle (mostly prayer). Murder is No Accident is more cozy than mystery. I give Murder is No Accident 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery may seem complicated, but the solution was not (at least part of it). I enjoy Christian mysteries (I get new ones every month), but this one was not for me. I think the right elements are present, they just needed to be put together differently.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just started this book and already am enjoying it. Is it wrong to enjoy a book that almost begins with a death? I don't think so, having quickly discovered that the author writes with a thread of humor throughout and the death may simply be a deadly accident. This story, which as I mentioned I have just begun, is pulling me in quickly with its small town, cozy but with its fair share of seniors and dementia added to the mix. Old, well-hidden secrets also seem to be woven into everyday life. This is my first book by A.H. Gabart, and I'm looking forward to what will come to light in this quirky town. Mystery, history, dementia, family, faith and secrets seem intertwined with what should have been and what is. Who is in such a hurry to sell the old Chandler house while the owner is still living, though not occupying the house? What does Miss Fonda know, trapped in her mind? Most importantly, who is hiding in the house and searching for what?

Maggie, a young girl who cleans the old house, is terrified; though she finds a dead woman, she did not see her fall, nor how she died. Why does she feel so threatened? But this story is not just about death, fear or possible murder. This is a town of curiosity, longing, and life. A town of close neighbours and caring, yet fear has invaded, love and living put on hold. Hidden Springs, a lovely name, what was a lovely town. Secrets and mystery have taken it over. I love this book! In many ways it is uplifting even in light of the "incidents" that are trying to shake up the townspeople. Are these incidents accidents or murder?

I love the determination of the life of Miss Fonda, with her dementia and the forms it has taken. She is a major focus, for all her confusion. There is always something important if the time is taken to understand it, and what is important to her is home and the deceased sister she believes still lives there. A.H. Gabhart is a gifted writer that makes a story sound and feel real with all its foibles, friendships, caring and grace.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Springs, a small rural town in Kentucky, reminded me of Mayberry RFD. It is a place where everyone knows everyone else, plus their family history. The story introduces many local characters as an accident (or perhaps a murder) is discovered in the Chandler House, Hidden Spring's historical mansion. This is the 3rd book in the series. I had not read the previous books but I can assure the reader this book can stand alone.
As the book begins, fifteen year old Maggie is in the Chandler House tower room. She come here often because she feels this is where does her best creative writing. The owner, Miss Fonda, is now residing in an assisted living facility. Miss Fonda has given Maggie permission to use the tower room whenever she wants. However, since Miss Fonda now has dementia, Maggie is not sure she would remember giving that permission. The house is supposed to be empty but Maggie hears a noise downstairs. She is afraid she will be accused of trespassing, so she hides. As she listens, she hears two people arguing. She then hears one person tumble down the stairs, and the other person leave. When Maggie creeps out, at the bottom of the stairs she finds the body of the local real estate agent. Maggie knows the woman is dead, but it doesn't seem right to just leave without telling anyone. She calls 911 to report the death, and flees before the police arrive. Deputy Sherriff Michael Keane comes to investigate what appears to be an accident. However, he becomes suspicious as he delves more deeply into the death. This sets the stage for the book.

As the tale unfolds, there was a little romance, plus a lot of suspense. The book kept my interest throughout. I'd recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading cozy mystery stories.

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Greene is where she shouldn't be when she hears voices and then someone falling. When Maggie discovers a dead woman she panics. She calls 911 from the victims phone and she leaves the scene. Unfortunately someone knows that Maggie was at Miss Fonda's house and that someone threatens to harm her and her family if she says anything to anyone.

Deputy Michael Keane has his suspicions of who called 911. Getting her to talk though is another story. Not only is Michael investigating another death in Hidden Springs, but his childhood friend and the woman he loves, Alex, has returned from Washington D.C. to help her uncle. Michael is ready to move on with their relationship but he senses that Alex is hesitant. Will this be the end of their relationship?

I really am enjoying this series! I like the characters. Michael is a good deputy who cares for the town he grew up in. He loves Alex and is willing to make things work in order to be with her. Alex frustrated me, because of how driven she was for her career and not even willing to think that there could be a way for her and Michael to be together. I like their history together though and that they realize that they are meant to be together. The mystery was good as well and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened late into the evening.

[Yo Leo Ficción Cristiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL

Hidden Springs, a mysterious town.

I feel a bit nostalgic to recall the first book in this series, where in Hidden Springs there was never any crime that upset the town. But now, two books later, it seems as if the arrival of Michael Keane suddenly attracted a series of enigmatic murders.

This is a series that has different mysteries in each book, but follows a sequence for some of the characters. This makes the reading easy, fast, and very enjoyable.

This novel has many twists in the plot and maintains the identity of the murderer in complete suspense until the end. Which makes it unpredictable and captivating.

For those who have never read this genre, or are not convinced, I invite you to read this series because it is very light and not everything is mystery, but there are also moments of humor and a little bit of romance.

-I received a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, which I did-

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery that is a fast read - such fun characters - just enough romance to go along with the murder(s)- really a page turner to see how it ends - surprise murderer - read as a "stand alone" and was easy to follow the characters.

[Rachel Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! This has to be my most favorite cozy mystery series. I love all of the characters and the small town setting. I also love the fact that even though these are mysteries, they aren't scary or nerve wracking. They are just fantastic page turners. This story starts much the same as the other books in the series. The small quiet town of Hidden Springs is moseying along peacefully and then something happens that turns the town upside down. This time it involves a teenage girl, a real estate agent and an old house. Things quickly spin out of control and you will be turning page after page to figure out the who done it of the story. I have fallen in love with the characters of Hidden Springs and with the town itself. Ann has again kept me guessing for every single page. When reading these mysteries I can never pin down who I think the criminal is. She definitely hits on some emotional issues in this book too. I would highly recommend this series. I received this book from Revell for free. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Kathleen Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is the third installment featuring the small town of Hidden Springs and its Deputy Sheriff Michael Keene, the real star of Murder is No Accident is Maggie Greene. She’s the one who hears the first death. She gets the threatening phone call. She has to protect her little brother. So while Michael eases into the mystery, Maggie is at its epicenter.
I have read all three of Ms. Gabhart’s Hidden Springs mysteries, and this is the most suspenseful by far, due to the involvement of fifteen-year-old Maggie. She is a worthy heroine, trying to do the right thing but unsure exactly what that means—especially when her young brother is threatened. Her budding relationship with Anthony felt realistic and added sweetness to the story.
As in the other two books, secondary characters add a lot of color to the town and its stories. As far as a faith element, there was very little, but the story does have a Christian worldview. One thing I wished for in this series was a good description of Michael Keene. He is described as “handsome,” but after reading three books about him, I still cannot picture him. Maybe I missed that part.
Murder is No Accident is a good read, one I could recommend to any age, and it earns four stars. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to Hidden Springs is a cozy feeling. Settling in with Michael and the characters of Keane is both quirky and interesting. I had my suspects eyed out earlier than usual in this one but still the journey was engaging and the romance element added to the experience! I love the way Christian principles are weaved into the fabric of the story. I give it an en-JOY-ment level of 4 out of 5.

Favourite line:

Sometimes that was the hardest thing to accept. The Lord's timing.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Michael. He's a smart, laid-back kinda guy who is totally content spending his time fishing at his lake cabin. He doesn't need much, materially, and definitely doesn't like the need to investigate murders, not because he's lazy, but because he despises the violence people commit on one another. He's also pining to make his lifelong best friend his wife, but fears she'll reject him.

That said, this was probably my least favorite of the three novels. My favorite was and is the second book, Murder Comes by Mail. In it, we see Michael's emotions emerge to a greater degree as he's tested by an unknown serial killer while dealing with his on again-off again romance with Alexandra and his concern for his aunt. In this third book, the emotional level is up as it pertains to his relationship with Alex. I won't delve into that aspect much or I'll give out spoilers. Let's just say, I didn't find the romance between them as satisfying in this story. About two-thirds of the way through, I wanted to lock them both up in a room and say, "You're not coming out until you either say 'I do' or 'Goodbye forever'." I'm suspecting there's another book coming, but can't say for sure, so we may see more on the subject.

To be fair, The Hidden Springs Mysteries are not romances or romantic suspense. They are (ta-daa!) small-town, cozy-type mysteries with beguiling, sometimes odd, characters that could be our own family and neighbors ... or us. I find Betty Jean to be a moody hoot. Even at that, the culprit could have been less telegraphed.

If you're looking for a strong who-dun-it, this one probably isn't it, but for me, it's the characters and their interactions and emotions that have earned it four stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinion is my own.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I haven't read the first two. I would like to read them. There are characters of every age group with whom to identify. I cried. I laughed. I enjoyed. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this cozy mystery series. Gabhart produces a good mix of mystery, character development, small town antics, and a hint of romance.

I like the small town setting of the series. There are many quirky characters that liven up the plot. The accidental death (perhaps murder) takes place in the old home of a dementia laden woman who frequently escapes her assisted care to return “home.” There is the deputy who loves to run his siren any chance he gets. There's a busy body newspaper man, and the town inhabitants who go out to the streets when they do hear a siren.

I like the tongue in cheek dialog Gabhart has crafted. One character is a would be mystery writer. In a discussion with the hero, deputy sheriff Michael, she says, “Writing murder mysteries takes skill, the same as catching murderers.” That's just one example of some good dialog.

The mystery itself is double edged. There is at least one current murder and a death from years ago that may have been a murder too. The plot develops around both situations. There are enough hints that one might well figure out the nefarious people involved before the end.

The mystery, I think, is secondary to the depiction of small town life and the people in it. The strength of the novel revolves around the characters and how they support each other. The novel is a fun look at a small town in the midst of crisis.

I recommend this book and the series to those who like small town settings and mysteries without gore and offensive language. Several characters are Christians but the Christian influence is subtle. Many of the individuals have been in the previous novels of the series. While this book reads well on its own, I would recommend the earlier books.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Up until now, I had only attempted to read one other cozy mystery and I dnf’d it because I found it boring. I wanted to give the genre another chance so I requested this book to review. Unfortunately, I’ve come to the conclusion that cozy mysteries are too tame for me.

The book started out great, with a death of a realtor in a large Victorian mansion. I love the setting and the characters…it takes place in a small town called Hidden Springs and everyone knows everyone. I also enjoyed the author’s descriptions of people and places, I was able to picture everything very easily.

Unfortunately, it dragged a lot in the middle and by the end I didn’t even really care who the culprit was.

I also found the procedures used by the police in this book ridiculous. I’m not an expert at crime scene investigation but I’ve watched enough crime shows to know that there are certain procedures that need to be followed (regardless of the size of the town). The romance in the story also felt as though it was just put in to satisfy those who want some romance in a story….it didn’t fit well with the plot and almost felt like an afterthought.

To be fair, if I liked cozy mysteries, I probably would have really enjoyed this book but I like a bit more grit and action in my stories. I would absolutely recommend this if you are a fan of cozy mysteries or stories about small towns.

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie wasn't supposed to be in the old vacant house. But she desperately needed somewhere quiet to write. Since no one was living here, it seemed like the perfect place. At least until she heard what sounded like a murder and rushed downstairs to find a woman - dead.
Sheriff Keane is called to the scene and rules the death an accident. But he begins to doubt himself when a second person is murdered in the house and Maggie appears to be in danger. Lots of gossip, drama, and murder are making this small town very, very busy.

I've really enjoyed reading the books in this series. The author really brings an authentic small town feel to the story. The characters are realistic, have depth, and are engaging. The mystery isn't revealed too soon and the suspense is perfect. I love how the author sprinkles little elements of faith throughout without being preachy or overbearing. I also like the little romance that is going on between the main character and another character who has slipped into each story just a little bit. It is just the right element for a mystery and pulls me into the next book. Overall, this was a great story and I definitely hope the author plans to write another one in this series.

I received a copy of this book from The Suspense Zone. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first page of this book captured my attention, and I stayed engaged for several pages. Young Maggie Green heard a murder, and she's scared!

But then the author introduced the townspeople, and I grew confused and bored. I had a hard time keeping the characters straight and got the impression that I was missing some backstory.

It wasn't until the second half that the plot managed to grab my attention again, and I appreciated the mystery that kept me guessing until the end! I also really liked the heroine Maggie.

This book is sweet. While it's a mystery, it's not violent, and there is no cursing or sexual content. However, it contains several grammatical errors and not enough backstory. To really "get" it, you need to read the first two books in a series, which is unfortunate.

If you're looking for a easy read and a mild mystery with a little romance on the side, I recommend this series - but start with number one rather than this book. You'll appreciate this book even more if you start at the beginning!

[Sharon Paavola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane’s simple job in his little town changes to high stress when a realtor, engaged in selling a home accidentally falls down the house’s staircase. She dies from her injury. No one considers this incident a murder but Michael senses something awry. As one of the oldest homes in town, this three story mansion carries a history of falls. The citizens maintain closed mouths not assisting Michael at all. Is there something sinister occurring in his domain?
I thoroughly enjoyed this third novel in the Hidden Springs Mystery series. This can be read as a stand alone but the fascinating people living in Hidden Springs will grow on you in each book. A. H. Gabhart has written another hit! Hopefully, another in the series is coming. I need to know what Michael does about his true love!

NetGalley and Revell provided a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.