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A Murder in Milburn #0.5
Dying to be Cool
Fifteen year old Nora Newberry is quiet and introverted, the farthest thing from a social butterfly. And, while she has her small clique of friends, none of them compares to Raquel Madden. Raquel is more like a sister than a best friend, and it's been that way since the day they met ten years earlier.
But times are changing.
Raquel, who is turning into more & more of a beauty every day, has set her sights on Jeremy Norton, a ruggedly handsome football player in their class. So, when she is offered the opportunity to accompany him to a party thrown by one of his teammates, she jumps at the chance, dragging the reluctant Nora with her for moral support. But when Raquel & Jeremy wander off together just minutes after arriving, Nora is left on her own at the party, wondering why she'd agreed to tag along.
Nora's still alone at the end of the night, when the two most popular teens in school are found dead...murdered. And the only one left in the house with her is the murderer!
But times are changing.
Raquel, who is turning into more & more of a beauty every day, has set her sights on Jeremy Norton, a ruggedly handsome football player in their class. So, when she is offered the opportunity to accompany him to a party thrown by one of his teammates, she jumps at the chance, dragging the reluctant Nora with her for moral support. But when Raquel & Jeremy wander off together just minutes after arriving, Nora is left on her own at the party, wondering why she'd agreed to tag along.
Nora's still alone at the end of the night, when the two most popular teens in school are found dead...murdered. And the only one left in the house with her is the murderer!
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
27 people are currently reading
189 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 13, 2021
This was much better than I expected. It's a prequel to a series I've never read but I really enjoyed it. I felt for Nora, being the shy, quiet girl who isn't really interested in what other teenagers are, such as partying. Unfortunately for Nora, but I guess fortunately for the murdered, Nora's best friend Raquel drags her along to a late night party at one of the most popular teenagers in Milburn's house. Almost immediately upon arrival, Raquel wanders off with her crush, Jeremy Norton, leaving Nora to wander around alone.
Suddenly someone yells out that the police are coming and everyone runs for it. Nora can't find Raquel and stays behind after everyone else has disappeared. Nora hears someone casually whistling just before the police arrive. Little did Nora know, the two most popular teenagers in school have been murdered. Nora suddenly realizes how close she'd come to joining them.
"Somehow, that night, when she had sat terrified in the cupboard, with the murderer just a few feet away from her, it was like the cover of the world had been lifted off, and she could see the evil that lurked beneath it. It had haunted her ever since - the fact that someone could kill, and then, so casually, whistle about it."
I thought it was great how Nora is really affected by this, and slightly traumatized. That's a real reaction that isn't always considered or explored is mysteries like this.
It was really exciting as Nora tries to sort out the clues and figure out who murdered those kids. I really like her perspective on solving murder mysteries.
"The murderer, whoever he is, walks around wearing this suit that makes him look like a normal person. Right? Except there's one loose string. There's always a loose string in the cases that can be cracked, I think. Something that doesn't add up. A murderer is kind of like a magician. He uses all these props to convince you he's normal. But if you squint and look at it from another angle, suddenly the illusion collapses."
It's all about perspective.
Suddenly someone yells out that the police are coming and everyone runs for it. Nora can't find Raquel and stays behind after everyone else has disappeared. Nora hears someone casually whistling just before the police arrive. Little did Nora know, the two most popular teenagers in school have been murdered. Nora suddenly realizes how close she'd come to joining them.
"Somehow, that night, when she had sat terrified in the cupboard, with the murderer just a few feet away from her, it was like the cover of the world had been lifted off, and she could see the evil that lurked beneath it. It had haunted her ever since - the fact that someone could kill, and then, so casually, whistle about it."
I thought it was great how Nora is really affected by this, and slightly traumatized. That's a real reaction that isn't always considered or explored is mysteries like this.
It was really exciting as Nora tries to sort out the clues and figure out who murdered those kids. I really like her perspective on solving murder mysteries.
"The murderer, whoever he is, walks around wearing this suit that makes him look like a normal person. Right? Except there's one loose string. There's always a loose string in the cases that can be cracked, I think. Something that doesn't add up. A murderer is kind of like a magician. He uses all these props to convince you he's normal. But if you squint and look at it from another angle, suddenly the illusion collapses."
It's all about perspective.
May 28, 2016
WOW!!!! I did receive this for an honest review. First, I am pleasantly surprised by this all around. Although it is a novella, it did not feel short in any way. I could not put this down once I started reading but it was exciting all the way through, did not feel short and was a complete story. It was well written and enjoyable. Nora and Raquel are average high school girls that are best friends. Nora is quiet and more of a bookworm and Raquel is much more outgoing and social. Raquel is sleeping over at Nora's which is a typical activity that the girls do when Raquel wants Nora to break free from the predictability and boredom of their everyday lives. They sneak out and end up at a party but that is just the beginning of the excitement. The cops are on their way so all almost all of the kids flee but Nora has not seen Raquel since they got to the party but will not leave without her. Nora then unknowingly becomes a witness to two brutal murders, sort of... Nora hides in a closet and hears the murderer whistling a haunting tune. She then goes to school suspecting kids all around her but eventually figures out who the real murderer is but you will never guess who with all of the twists and turns. I cannot wait to read more of these books!
July 7, 2019
When Nora’s best friend, Raquel, convinces her to sneak out of the house and go to a party, Nora isn’t thrilled but she goes along for the ride. She should have known no good could come from an outing like this.
They go to a party thrown by one of the popular high school football players. It doesn’t take long for the girls to get separated when Raquel goes off with one of the guys. She leaves Nora alone to fend for herself.
There was no way they could have known the party would lead to a double murder. Nora can’t help but put herself right in the middle of the investigation.
I never read any of Nancy McGovern’s books before and I’ve heard about this series. This book is a prequel to it so I figured it was a good place to start. I was right. I read this one in a matter of hours. For a short novella, there was quite a bit of story packed into it. I couldn’t believe how far off the mark I was in picking out the killer.
This is a lighthearted cozy filled with mystery and intrigue. Not to mention a great supporting cast. I’m definitely sold on this series and I can’t wait to read more.
They go to a party thrown by one of the popular high school football players. It doesn’t take long for the girls to get separated when Raquel goes off with one of the guys. She leaves Nora alone to fend for herself.
There was no way they could have known the party would lead to a double murder. Nora can’t help but put herself right in the middle of the investigation.
I never read any of Nancy McGovern’s books before and I’ve heard about this series. This book is a prequel to it so I figured it was a good place to start. I was right. I read this one in a matter of hours. For a short novella, there was quite a bit of story packed into it. I couldn’t believe how far off the mark I was in picking out the killer.
This is a lighthearted cozy filled with mystery and intrigue. Not to mention a great supporting cast. I’m definitely sold on this series and I can’t wait to read more.
February 1, 2018
3.0⭐️ — Good — Prequel
May 12, 2018
Nostalgic prequel
Although it is a novella, it didn't feel short and the story was complete. It was good to get to know more of Nora and Raquel past, but also sad because I know what will happen in the future for this best-friend duo. Nancy McGovern is my favourite author, her stories and characters are great, fun and lovely.
15 yo Nora Newberry is quiet and introverted, the farthest thing from a social butterfly, unlike her best friend & soul sister since 5 yo, Raquel Madden. During a sleep-over, Nora and Raquel slip out of the house to go see Raquel’s new love, Jeremy Norton, a ruggedly handsome football player in their class. They end up at a party and all goes well when the police are on their way, so all almost all of the kids flee except for Nora who has not seen Raquel since they got to the party and refuse to leave without her. Unknowingly Nora becomes a witness to two brutal murders.
Nora couldn't stop thinking who and why, start sleuthing and asking questions around the school and those who attend the party.
Although it is a novella, it didn't feel short and the story was complete. It was good to get to know more of Nora and Raquel past, but also sad because I know what will happen in the future for this best-friend duo. Nancy McGovern is my favourite author, her stories and characters are great, fun and lovely.
15 yo Nora Newberry is quiet and introverted, the farthest thing from a social butterfly, unlike her best friend & soul sister since 5 yo, Raquel Madden. During a sleep-over, Nora and Raquel slip out of the house to go see Raquel’s new love, Jeremy Norton, a ruggedly handsome football player in their class. They end up at a party and all goes well when the police are on their way, so all almost all of the kids flee except for Nora who has not seen Raquel since they got to the party and refuse to leave without her. Unknowingly Nora becomes a witness to two brutal murders.
Nora couldn't stop thinking who and why, start sleuthing and asking questions around the school and those who attend the party.
May 27, 2016
If you've read the first two books in this series and are curious about what Nora and Raquel were like in high school, this is definitely the story for you. It's short and easy to read, and will hold your attention from beginning to end. Even at fifteen, Nora was an incredible crime solver. She figured out who the murderer was even before the police were able to do so.
Looking forward to more of these short stories as well as more full-length novels of life in Milburn.!
Looking forward to more of these short stories as well as more full-length novels of life in Milburn.!
May 27, 2016
I received this in exchange for an honest review. This is a cute, quick little cozy. I love Nora. She maybe introverted, but she is determined to find out the truth. Nancy is very good cozy writer that knows how to grab you and keep you reading. Enjoyable!
August 17, 2018
Really good mystery
So i have to say this was one good mystery that kept me guessing till the end, even though it was a prequel i am so looking forward to see what's in stall for Nora and her friends up next... Highly recommend!!!
So i have to say this was one good mystery that kept me guessing till the end, even though it was a prequel i am so looking forward to see what's in stall for Nora and her friends up next... Highly recommend!!!
August 21, 2018
Nora Newberry and Raquel Madden are teenagers and best of friends who along with Raquel's new boyfriend Jeremy Norton go to a party being given by Duke who has been admitted to Northwestern University. The party is going to be raided by the police and everyone scatters except Nora who hides in a closet hears someone walking and whistling. The next day she learns that Duke and Dana his girlfriend has been murdered. Nora decides she needs to find the guilty person and to exonerate herself. A good prequel novella that helps to give you a insight into Nora and Raquel's characters. I enjoyed this book and while a stand alone story I would recommend reading this first before reading any of the other Murder in Milburn stories.
August 12, 2025
Like Nora, my mother used to say, "Be back home before the street lights came on." Nora and Raquel were total opposites. Nora - thought life was good. Raquel - thought life was predictable. (Let's stick with unpredictable) Nora and Raquel snuck out, as some teenagers do. ( I never did) They ended up at a party where their classmates ended up getting murdered. No one wants to do the right thing. Lie to protect until you're caught in your own lie.
I can relate to Nora - I am a bookworm and anti-social. This book is excellent for a preteen reader. Must read to see who killed Dana and Duke. Remember - There are patches of darkness in every soul." Usually the least obvious who commits the murder.
I can relate to Nora - I am a bookworm and anti-social. This book is excellent for a preteen reader. Must read to see who killed Dana and Duke. Remember - There are patches of darkness in every soul." Usually the least obvious who commits the murder.
October 8, 2022
Dying to be cool
This is the prequel book to this series A murder in Milburn . Nora Newberry fifteen is a quiet and introverted teen. And while she has a very small group of friends , none compares to Raquel Madden who is more like a sister than a best friend. This was a clear and clean good cozy reading . So I've already read book 1&2 and this one nd I enjoyed them very much so off I go to read book 3 in this series.
Thank you
Nancy McGovern for this great series
This is the prequel book to this series A murder in Milburn . Nora Newberry fifteen is a quiet and introverted teen. And while she has a very small group of friends , none compares to Raquel Madden who is more like a sister than a best friend. This was a clear and clean good cozy reading . So I've already read book 1&2 and this one nd I enjoyed them very much so off I go to read book 3 in this series.
Thank you
Nancy McGovern for this great series
July 1, 2021
Dying to be cool by Nancy McGovern is the prequel to the Murder in Milburn series. Teenagers Nora and Raquel attene a party held at one of their classmates only to have two of their classmates murdered during the party. Short and sweet. Nothing really new about the characters that was not explained in book 1.
May 7, 2019
Wow
Everyone thinks their high school years were the best of the worst. This story makes everyone's high school years great
Everyone thinks their high school years were the best of the worst. This story makes everyone's high school years great
July 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this prequel novella to A Murder in Milburn. The story flowed well and the characters were described well for a short story. Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries.
March 5, 2023
3.5 stars
July 13, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
Nora Newberry and her best friend, Raquel Madsen, are having a sleep-over at Nora’s house. After her parents go to bed, Nora and Raquel slip out of the house to go see Raquel’s new love, Jeremy.
At Jeremy’s house they find him slipping out of his house too and he invites them to join him at a party. The boy hosting the party is Duke, the “King of the School” and the party is to celebrate his scholarship to Northwestern.
Against her better judgment, Nora accepts the invitation to the party. Typical of teens when their parents are away from home, the party is wild, with swimming in the pool, dancing inside and general groups of kids. The party is going well, with Raquel off somewhere with Jeremy and Nora talking with some schoolmates when someone from the upper floor shouts that the police are on their way. Of course, the house empties pretty quickly, but Nora is still trying to find Raquel so they can leave together.
When Nora starts hearing sirens in the distance, she hides in a closet. The next thing she remembers is Officer Holt of the Jameson PD asking questions about the party.
During the questioning, it slips out that two of the party attendees have been brutally killed. The victims turn out to be the football star and the nicest girl in the school.
Who would want to do such a horrible thing? What was the motive?
Will Nora and the police figure it all out before someone else dies? Why is a 15 year old Nora even involved?
Nora Newberry and her best friend, Raquel Madsen, are having a sleep-over at Nora’s house. After her parents go to bed, Nora and Raquel slip out of the house to go see Raquel’s new love, Jeremy.
At Jeremy’s house they find him slipping out of his house too and he invites them to join him at a party. The boy hosting the party is Duke, the “King of the School” and the party is to celebrate his scholarship to Northwestern.
Against her better judgment, Nora accepts the invitation to the party. Typical of teens when their parents are away from home, the party is wild, with swimming in the pool, dancing inside and general groups of kids. The party is going well, with Raquel off somewhere with Jeremy and Nora talking with some schoolmates when someone from the upper floor shouts that the police are on their way. Of course, the house empties pretty quickly, but Nora is still trying to find Raquel so they can leave together.
When Nora starts hearing sirens in the distance, she hides in a closet. The next thing she remembers is Officer Holt of the Jameson PD asking questions about the party.
During the questioning, it slips out that two of the party attendees have been brutally killed. The victims turn out to be the football star and the nicest girl in the school.
Who would want to do such a horrible thing? What was the motive?
Will Nora and the police figure it all out before someone else dies? Why is a 15 year old Nora even involved?
September 11, 2016
I have enjoyed these books.
I have read all of the books that go with this one. This was a short book but enjoyable. I enjoy getting to know the people and follow along with their life throughout the different books.
I have read all of the books that go with this one. This was a short book but enjoyable. I enjoy getting to know the people and follow along with their life throughout the different books.
June 3, 2016
This is a great book; this book is novella in the A Murder In Milburn series by Nancy McGovern. Nora Newberry is a fifteen year old introvert. Her best friend Raquel begs her to go to a party with her so she reluctantly agrees. When Raquel and Jeremy the football player wander off together they leave Nora alone. She unknowingly becomes a witness when two kids end up dead. Nora puts her sleuthing skills to work to find out who the murderer is. This book has a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
June 3, 2016
Being new to this series, I'm glad I started with this one. Nora is 15 and the "good girl" and her best friend Raquel who is the popular girl. They sneak out to a party. The girls are separated when Raquel runs off with her crush leaving Nora to fend for herself. She finds the captain to her swim team, who introduces Nora to her brother Noah and some of his friends. Two of the popular kids are found upstairs murdered and Nora hides in a closet and hears the killer. She is plagued by the murders and starts searching for the killer, who has to be a classmate. A good prequel.
June 3, 2016
I am glad that I read this novella first because it introduced me to the characters in the future books. Nora and Raquel are fifteen in this story. Their friendship lays the groundwork for the diner they hope to open when they get older. However, if the people around them keep getting killed or jailed for killing someone, they may have no customers???
June 20, 2016
This was written as a prequel and given as a thank you gift.
I thought nothing could get better in the series but this little novella blew me away.
It explains so much about the friendship that Nora and Maddy had, and why Maddy's death effected Nora the way it did.
If you are new to the series read this one first.
I was given this for a honest review and all I can say is WOW !
I thought nothing could get better in the series but this little novella blew me away.
It explains so much about the friendship that Nora and Maddy had, and why Maddy's death effected Nora the way it did.
If you are new to the series read this one first.
I was given this for a honest review and all I can say is WOW !
July 26, 2016
I'm so thankful I've found a new author to add to my "favorites!" This book had all the elements of a good mystery -- family, friends, conflict, intrigue, murder, & enough quirks & turns to keep you guessing to the end! I didn't stop reading from start to finish! Nice job in a short read!
I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.
November 29, 2021
I found this to an interesting beginning to Nancy McGovern’s new series.
My 16 year old daughter’s review:
As a shy 16 year old girl I could really related to Nora. I think the teenager characters in this book are a pretty accurate representation of teenagers in general. There’s the ones that like to party and fool around, and the ones who don’t, like Nora and myself.
My 16 year old daughter’s review:
As a shy 16 year old girl I could really related to Nora. I think the teenager characters in this book are a pretty accurate representation of teenagers in general. There’s the ones that like to party and fool around, and the ones who don’t, like Nora and myself.
September 16, 2017
This is a Novella of a series that is new to me. I really enjoyed this short book and will look into reading more in this series. The charterers are great fun and you want to keep following them through their adventures.
February 6, 2019
What a fun read...except for the murder of course. The highschool drama, sneaking out, just the dreams of highschool. This was a great introduction to the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews