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Molly Masters Mystery #1
Death comes e-calling
Meet Molly Masters, a zany mother and accidental sleuth who owns a one-woman business that creates humorous eCards. After a twenty-year absence, Molly has relocated her family to her childhood home in a suburb of Albany, NY, only to have her husband's reassignment abruptly changed to overseas.
Molly's least-favorite high school teacher dies on the very same day that Molly receives both a letter from that teacher and an anonymous email that threatens Molly's life. All too soon, Molly finds herself knee deep in gossip...and murder.
Molly's least-favorite high school teacher dies on the very same day that Molly receives both a letter from that teacher and an anonymous email that threatens Molly's life. All too soon, Molly finds herself knee deep in gossip...and murder.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
June 11, 2018
I love a good murder mystery and this story kept me guessing right till the end.
Very well written and I really enjoyed reading this book even though I did not solve who had done it.
Lot's of twists and turns made an excellent read.
Very well written and I really enjoyed reading this book even though I did not solve who had done it.
Lot's of twists and turns made an excellent read.
March 22, 2015
This would probably have merited 3 stars if it hadn't been riddled with misplaced punctuation, typos and incorrect words. The story itself was engaging fluff, but had the potential to be much more.
December 6, 2015
This was a lot more serious than I expected from the title and in some parts was actually quite intense. But there was a lot of light hearted spots throughout, particularly the ideas for the eCards (that each chapter is named after). I think the ideas for some of the cards are genius and I would happily buy cards with the art and text that is described. It was quite predictable and I guessed who the killer was right from when they were introduced. Definitely an enjoyable read, but it wasn't quite what I wanted when I started reading it.
November 29, 2023
#1 in the Molly Masters cozy mystery series
This was good, but dated. It's one thing to read an Agatha Christie book and notice all the totally old-fashioned things that she took for granted. But it's another to read a book that's based on faxing, which is not really vintage, just out-of-date and unfamiliar to most people. On the plus side, Molly is a good heroine. She doesn't take too many chances, just does some thinking and questioning on her own. Her aggressiveness about her children (overreaction when she wanted to see her kids?...a little) and her marriage (with her husband in the Philappines, I can understand her frustration), plus her occasional impulsiveness (got her into trouble in high school, in particular) were a little bothersome, but generally I liked her and enjoyed watching how her mind worked. I liked the format of heading the chapters with a preview of what to expect from her latest fax idea. But I kept thinking that it was interesting that the faxed greeting card idea never really took off and that now it was such a dead issue. I do own the next in the series, so I'll continue with it just to see what happens when Molly's husband returns to see what the new family dynamic is like.
This was good, but dated. It's one thing to read an Agatha Christie book and notice all the totally old-fashioned things that she took for granted. But it's another to read a book that's based on faxing, which is not really vintage, just out-of-date and unfamiliar to most people. On the plus side, Molly is a good heroine. She doesn't take too many chances, just does some thinking and questioning on her own. Her aggressiveness about her children (overreaction when she wanted to see her kids?...a little) and her marriage (with her husband in the Philappines, I can understand her frustration), plus her occasional impulsiveness (got her into trouble in high school, in particular) were a little bothersome, but generally I liked her and enjoyed watching how her mind worked. I liked the format of heading the chapters with a preview of what to expect from her latest fax idea. But I kept thinking that it was interesting that the faxed greeting card idea never really took off and that now it was such a dead issue. I do own the next in the series, so I'll continue with it just to see what happens when Molly's husband returns to see what the new family dynamic is like.
September 3, 2019
Was a good mystery, kept me guessing til the very end.
December 4, 2017
Molly is engaging and likeable. The story line was interesting and fast paced. However there are several typos, punctuation errors, missing words, as well as some plot discrepancies. For example, it starts out sticky hot and sweltering yet, not even two weeks later she's in sweats, drinking hot chocolate, while under an afghan with the heat on in her house. This whiplash change in the weather wasn't mentioned at all. It makes me think the author forgot what she stated a few chapters before. Wonder why her proofreaders didn't catch it along with the grammatical issues.
March 19, 2020
Fun and Mysterious
Hard to beat and good mystery.
Molly moves back to her home town and into her parents home while they are in Florida and her husband is working overseas. Everyone treats her as if she and her husband are divorced and she was forced to move back home to raise her children.
She was worried about this move because she had written a poem about a teacher that wasn't faltering and it turned up in the school newsletter.
And she dies, so we think, because she was confused about her medications.
And soon, well you need to read this book to continue the story.
Hard to beat and good mystery.
Molly moves back to her home town and into her parents home while they are in Florida and her husband is working overseas. Everyone treats her as if she and her husband are divorced and she was forced to move back home to raise her children.
She was worried about this move because she had written a poem about a teacher that wasn't faltering and it turned up in the school newsletter.
And she dies, so we think, because she was confused about her medications.
And soon, well you need to read this book to continue the story.
September 24, 2018
Molly moves back home after many years while her husband works in the South Pacific for a year. Next door is her best friend from school that she has kept in touch with all of these years. It's strange coming back home and seeing all the ones from high school that never moved away. Since she has been back all these things have been happening. Molly finds out she went to school with one of the police officers. The e-calling is Molly has an e-card business out of her house and she gets requests by fax and email and sometimes by phone. Of course there is a murder that Molly has to help solve because the police arrested the wrong person.
It started a little slow but once the different old friends started making appearances then it got better. There are also drawings of her cards. They are kind of funny. She draws them to order.
It started a little slow but once the different old friends started making appearances then it got better. There are also drawings of her cards. They are kind of funny. She draws them to order.
July 19, 2017
Enjoyed the book, but was frustrated with typos, misplaced punctuation, etc.
June 10, 2018
I wish more authors wrote like this. It is like when you are watching a horror movie and the characters do the dumbest things like open a door, go into the basement, etc. This book is just the opposite. The main character makes better decisions and they feel like what I would do, for the most part, meaning I would not do things 100% exactly like that, but close. This is the main reason I gave it 5 stars. Overall, the 5 stars are not just for the actual story, but what the author put into the story, as stated above. I am thinking I must have a newer, updated (corrected) copy of this book as the reviews before mine were hard on the typos, spelling etc. Yes, there were still some, but a little thinking and you can easily fill in the missing/wrong parts.
The story had some moving parts that I would change. Specifically, the character Stephanie. The things she did in the book would have stopped many people from continuing any interaction with her. As a reader, it is sometimes up to me to decide for myself and not the author. Yes, I am reading your book, and I like to think ahead as I read and see where a story is going. This one proved to be above average on what I could figure out ahead of reading. Overall, I did like this book and found the added artwork in this edition to be a nice touch.
The story had some moving parts that I would change. Specifically, the character Stephanie. The things she did in the book would have stopped many people from continuing any interaction with her. As a reader, it is sometimes up to me to decide for myself and not the author. Yes, I am reading your book, and I like to think ahead as I read and see where a story is going. This one proved to be above average on what I could figure out ahead of reading. Overall, I did like this book and found the added artwork in this edition to be a nice touch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2018
Promising start to a series
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. At times I found myself wondering why these women still cared so much about high school happenings, but then there were times when those old rivalries and cliques described in the story seemed perfectly plausible. I will say that Molly's ecards seemed lacking in artistic talent but they were kind of funny and having them dispersed through the story was a pleasant distraction. The writing is decent, with a few editing misses such as misplaced or missing words and punctuation, but no worse than most ebooks. Some of the plot points are a bit far fetched but overall it's a passable story. The murder motive is a little sketchy but the small town characters feel about right. I went to a small high school in a small town and many of my classmates are still there. Anyway, Molly is a likeable and relatable main character with the same mom problems as most moms have. It's a quick read.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. At times I found myself wondering why these women still cared so much about high school happenings, but then there were times when those old rivalries and cliques described in the story seemed perfectly plausible. I will say that Molly's ecards seemed lacking in artistic talent but they were kind of funny and having them dispersed through the story was a pleasant distraction. The writing is decent, with a few editing misses such as misplaced or missing words and punctuation, but no worse than most ebooks. Some of the plot points are a bit far fetched but overall it's a passable story. The murder motive is a little sketchy but the small town characters feel about right. I went to a small high school in a small town and many of my classmates are still there. Anyway, Molly is a likeable and relatable main character with the same mom problems as most moms have. It's a quick read.
June 18, 2018
An extremely enjoyable book! I mean it, in my opinion, this book has everything I look for in an enjoyable and entertaining mystery.
Twists and turns around every corner. A truly classic whodunit in the deepest sense of the term. It's no secret to my friends that I am a huge fan of the true "whodunits" on the level of the Queen of Mystery, Dame Agatha Christie, and Mrs. O'Kane is right up there with her works and this book in particular.
Now, I am not saying Mrs. O'Kane is on the level with Christie (no one comes close) but, in my opinion, she is an excellent writer in her own right.
This book has it all. Equal parts humor, thrills, surprises everything a great novel should have.
If you are like me, a fan of a great mystery, you have to read this one. I highly recommend this book for mystery fans.
Twists and turns around every corner. A truly classic whodunit in the deepest sense of the term. It's no secret to my friends that I am a huge fan of the true "whodunits" on the level of the Queen of Mystery, Dame Agatha Christie, and Mrs. O'Kane is right up there with her works and this book in particular.
Now, I am not saying Mrs. O'Kane is on the level with Christie (no one comes close) but, in my opinion, she is an excellent writer in her own right.
This book has it all. Equal parts humor, thrills, surprises everything a great novel should have.
If you are like me, a fan of a great mystery, you have to read this one. I highly recommend this book for mystery fans.
July 8, 2017
This book was definitely disjointed- which makes sense, since apparently it's a re-write of an earlier novel, attempting (semi-successfully) to bring the tech more up-to-date.
However, the plot was also somewhat random and disjointed, as were the characters. The behavior of the kids involved varied wildly in terms of age, as did the way their parents treated them. Like, I would say even running next door would be Right Out if one were leaving a 5 and a 7 year old at home with only each other. The adults' behavior is also often arbitrary, and that's a real problem for a plot that focuses mostly on charactrr, past and present.
I do not plan on reading more in this series, or by this author.
However, the plot was also somewhat random and disjointed, as were the characters. The behavior of the kids involved varied wildly in terms of age, as did the way their parents treated them. Like, I would say even running next door would be Right Out if one were leaving a 5 and a 7 year old at home with only each other. The adults' behavior is also often arbitrary, and that's a real problem for a plot that focuses mostly on charactrr, past and present.
I do not plan on reading more in this series, or by this author.
October 3, 2017
One of the more interesting cozies I've recently read. I love the main character Molly (exspecially her sense of humor) and her e-card business provides an interesting back story. The plot was (mostly) believeable, and the dialogue seemed realistic. There was a tad too much mother/child interaction for me but your results may vary. And I must say the author kept me guessing as to "who done it" up until the end. Bravo Ms. O'Kane! I took away one star because, although the book is a very short read there were still parts of it that dragged. Nevertheless I would wecome another installment in this series, and recommend that you give this one a try.
November 25, 2017
Just the fax, man
Molly Masters has moved back to the town where she grew up. Immediately, she becomes immersed in the murder of one of her teachers. A suspect even despite the fact she is being threatened via faxes. Figuring out this murder and another related murder may be just as deadly for her and her family.
Two issues for me: lots of typos of various kinds that could easily be corrected with better proofing, and the medication issues of dosing, which would only be noticed by a pharmacist or physician. In this case, a FEMALE pharmacist noticed.
Rating 2.5 stars
Molly Masters has moved back to the town where she grew up. Immediately, she becomes immersed in the murder of one of her teachers. A suspect even despite the fact she is being threatened via faxes. Figuring out this murder and another related murder may be just as deadly for her and her family.
Two issues for me: lots of typos of various kinds that could easily be corrected with better proofing, and the medication issues of dosing, which would only be noticed by a pharmacist or physician. In this case, a FEMALE pharmacist noticed.
Rating 2.5 stars
February 6, 2020
I read this book for the ATY 2020 Reading Challenge Week 48: A book title containing "ing."
Just returned to her hometown for a year's stay, Molly receives a letter from an old teacher and a death threat the same day. What?! How could old passions and hatreds survive 20 years of living? Then, her best friend's husband is murdered. Stabbed in the back with Molly's carving knife. What a cast of characters! What a mind that Molly has! Fast-moving! Surprising! Even fun! And it is part of a series, my favorite.
Just returned to her hometown for a year's stay, Molly receives a letter from an old teacher and a death threat the same day. What?! How could old passions and hatreds survive 20 years of living? Then, her best friend's husband is murdered. Stabbed in the back with Molly's carving knife. What a cast of characters! What a mind that Molly has! Fast-moving! Surprising! Even fun! And it is part of a series, my favorite.
May 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It's not the convoluted knock-down-drag-out spine chilling gorefest of so many crime writers nowadays. Molly is just an ordinary mother—with two school-age children—who composes greeting cards for a living. But when her best friend's husband is murdered and his death seems to be linked to one of her high-school teachers, she transforms into clever-investigator mode in order to clear up the numerous mysteries surrounding the deaths and death threats she has been receiving.
June 26, 2017
Wow! I did not get this one at all. I thought a fellow may have done this who knew something about computers, but everyone who knows computers could have.
I felt Molly should move back to Colorado and away from the mess. I think her husband did too.
What happened in high school followed her and was in her thoughts.
I am glad she will be staying in her parents home.
I felt Molly should move back to Colorado and away from the mess. I think her husband did too.
What happened in high school followed her and was in her thoughts.
I am glad she will be staying in her parents home.
June 7, 2018
Darn good cozy mystery
This was a pretty good, fun and easy to read cozy mystery, with characters well developed and a story line that is pretty humorous and unique (the lead character is not fantasizing about a hot guy she just met over the dead body) The mystery takes place today but takes the reader down high school memory lane. Very good way to spend the afternoon.
This was a pretty good, fun and easy to read cozy mystery, with characters well developed and a story line that is pretty humorous and unique (the lead character is not fantasizing about a hot guy she just met over the dead body) The mystery takes place today but takes the reader down high school memory lane. Very good way to spend the afternoon.
June 23, 2018
Not a bad first installment
There were a lot of characters introduced in this book and some seemed to lack purpose to the plot. I thought that Molly was a very unsympathetic character but her character improved as the story progressed. Solution to the mystery wad too easy even with all of the minor characters
There were a lot of characters introduced in this book and some seemed to lack purpose to the plot. I thought that Molly was a very unsympathetic character but her character improved as the story progressed. Solution to the mystery wad too easy even with all of the minor characters
September 27, 2018
Molly masters heads back to her hometown in New York thinking her husband will be working there- but he is sent abroad. She rekindles high school friendships and tries to apologize to an old teacher when the mayhem starts. I liked the characters and it was a quick, easy light read (and free on Amazon).
June 8, 2017
I loved it! I really liked the characters. I would enjoy having Molly and Lauren as friends. They seemed so real. I never suspected the murderer until near the end when Molly put all the facts together.
June 21, 2017
Truly enjoyable. Some parts are definitely LOL. I loved the character of Molly and her demented sense of humor. The story line is very good and I was trying to figure out who dunnit right up to the reveal. A fun read that is worth your time.
July 22, 2017
super
I was unable to figure out the ending. good story line. verbal cartoons were hilarious. glad it took place in the usa. I was beginning to have an english vocabulary from prior books
I was unable to figure out the ending. good story line. verbal cartoons were hilarious. glad it took place in the usa. I was beginning to have an english vocabulary from prior books
June 7, 2018
Murder and humor
I loved Molly and the other characters. The book is a good, fun read. Great dialog. I really hope there are more books by Leslie O'Kane. Oh, by the way, this book could have been edited a tiny bit better.
I loved Molly and the other characters. The book is a good, fun read. Great dialog. I really hope there are more books by Leslie O'Kane. Oh, by the way, this book could have been edited a tiny bit better.
June 11, 2018
Such a fun read!
I absolutely enjoyed this book! Great characters and a mystery that kept me going til the end. I loved the comedy and the cartoons were a source of laughs too! Read this book and I am on to the next!!
I absolutely enjoyed this book! Great characters and a mystery that kept me going til the end. I loved the comedy and the cartoons were a source of laughs too! Read this book and I am on to the next!!
June 12, 2018
Entertaining read
Mother trying to solve the murder of her childhood friend's husband. Likeable main characters. Interesting story line and plot that kept the pages turning. Easy to read .
Mother trying to solve the murder of her childhood friend's husband. Likeable main characters. Interesting story line and plot that kept the pages turning. Easy to read .
June 15, 2018
Could have been better
There was a lot of typos in the book that should have been noticed prior to publish. I found myself getting bored throughout the book. Dosing of the drugs should have been researched better. Characters needed more depth to engage the reader.
There was a lot of typos in the book that should have been noticed prior to publish. I found myself getting bored throughout the book. Dosing of the drugs should have been researched better. Characters needed more depth to engage the reader.
June 19, 2018
Great Book
I enjoyed this story tremendously It has great pacing that keeps you reading and guessing. It is no surprise, Ms O’Kane is a successful author. I’m looking forward to purchasing more of her books.
I enjoyed this story tremendously It has great pacing that keeps you reading and guessing. It is no surprise, Ms O’Kane is a successful author. I’m looking forward to purchasing more of her books.
June 27, 2018
Molly could be my BFF
I really enjoyed this book, thinking along with Molly about The Who-done-it. Her parenting ups and downs, her sarcastic thoughts, her ferocious parental protection all contributed to making this book a winner!
I really enjoyed this book, thinking along with Molly about The Who-done-it. Her parenting ups and downs, her sarcastic thoughts, her ferocious parental protection all contributed to making this book a winner!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews