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The Michelle Hodge Series #0
The Point of Death: An Austin, Texas Art Mystery
Twenty-four year old Shell Hodge is in the final stretch of her quest for a master's degree in art history when tragedy strikes at her art co-op near the University of Texas at Austin. She finds the body of beautiful and charismatic Dr. Leone, her art teacher from UT, and she is forced to endure a long and aggressive interview by the police. Believing that the approach of the detectives--targeting the students who cared most about their teacher--is unlikely to result in the capture of the real murderer, Shell embarks on her own search for answers. A strange circle of clues leads back to her best friend's ex, Jeremy. Meanwhile, that same best friend, Margie--an aspiring chef and a successful baker--has some ideas of her own about Jeremy, one of them being that she wants to keep her little dog and herself as far away from him as possible. Enlisting the help of a handsome psychologist seems like a good idea at first, but learning that he also has a secret and that it, too, leads back to the murder victim, puts Margie on an emotional rollercoaster while Shell winds up at the point of death when she finds herself facing a killer.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2015
16 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Roslyn Woods
5 books5 followersRoslyn Woods, an oil painter and watercolorist, started writing fiction as a child and never really stopped. She took an early retirement from her career and decided to pursue her interest in writing and publishing. Roslyn now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and her dog, a lovable mutt. The Point of Death is Book 1 of her Austin, Texas Art Mystery series featuring Shell Hodge, an artist who keeps getting caught up in murder mysteries. The stories that follow all include Roslyn's interests in painting, baking, gardening, and wonderful dogs who provide people with love, companionship, and sometimes, life-saving help.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 13, 2017
I did enjoy The Point of Death by Roslyn Woods that reads like a character study of the good and the bad people do, how they perform in dangerous situations, under pressure, as the gals draw in their small circle of close friends and put the pieces of the mystery together.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Point of Death by Roslyn Woods.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Point of Death by Roslyn Woods.
June 1, 2015
This is a prequel to the Michelle Hodge Series; another intense and satisfying story about Shell and Margie (with a soft "g") and life in graduate school for Shell. Things that were referred to in the first book (The Murder Motif: An Austin, Texas Art Mystery) are explained, and how Margie gets together with Donald is one of the most satisfying explanations. Murder, lots of sleuthing, some dangerous moments, and friendship make this a must read for murder loving readers. A little art is discussed, but nothing too technical that made me feel I was out of my element.
I felt like so many things were explained, from Margie and Donald's story, as well as how Tabitha joined the family, to Shell's mother. She was a source of love and comfort for both girls that we didn't know anything about since in the first book Shell's mom had moved to Austin and died, thus wasn't part of the story. The characters are compassionate yet don't come off stilted or "holier than thou." I recommend this book either as a first in the series, or at any point. You just don't want to miss it! Now I am waiting for the next book about this Austin based sleuth! Write faster Roslyn!!!
The Point of Death is now available on Amazon.
I felt like so many things were explained, from Margie and Donald's story, as well as how Tabitha joined the family, to Shell's mother. She was a source of love and comfort for both girls that we didn't know anything about since in the first book Shell's mom had moved to Austin and died, thus wasn't part of the story. The characters are compassionate yet don't come off stilted or "holier than thou." I recommend this book either as a first in the series, or at any point. You just don't want to miss it! Now I am waiting for the next book about this Austin based sleuth! Write faster Roslyn!!!
The Point of Death is now available on Amazon.
June 11, 2015
Great story
I love books that draw me in an keep me wondering what is going to happen next. This is that sort of book. The characters are believable. The plot is exciting. You will enjoy reading this, I'm sure
I love books that draw me in an keep me wondering what is going to happen next. This is that sort of book. The characters are believable. The plot is exciting. You will enjoy reading this, I'm sure
June 12, 2015
Point of Death
Nicely written, with a generous choice of suspects. Me. Woods slowly whittled them down to one, while giving a peek at a budding romance. I received this book free for my honest opinion.
Nicely written, with a generous choice of suspects. Me. Woods slowly whittled them down to one, while giving a peek at a budding romance. I received this book free for my honest opinion.
June 18, 2015
Meh
Cute story but requires too much suspension of disbelief. Repetitive phrasing, which is either amateur or lazy. Seems like it was written in a hurry. Maybe the author was paid by the word.
Cute story but requires too much suspension of disbelief. Repetitive phrasing, which is either amateur or lazy. Seems like it was written in a hurry. Maybe the author was paid by the word.
July 11, 2015
Fun read
Truly enjoyed this fast pasted murder mystery. Shell is out to find who murdered her art professor with the help of her friends. She pokes and stumbles thru her investigation until she is successful. Enjoy. I know I did.
Truly enjoyed this fast pasted murder mystery. Shell is out to find who murdered her art professor with the help of her friends. She pokes and stumbles thru her investigation until she is successful. Enjoy. I know I did.
July 20, 2015
this was a fun read with a little twist at the end.
July 29, 2018
Slow start, felt like a soap opera but then started connecting the dots and you were hooked. The detective in this story is almost a secondary character. You felt you were reading a story about Margie and shell slips in. Received from instafreebie.
October 28, 2015
Cozy Mystery!
Those are becoming my new thing lately! They are cute and fun but with an edge that keeps you begging for more.
This was no different. Although, the beginning of this book had me a little worried.
The Characters
Margie is introduced first but it started to seem like most of the story was going to surround Shell. The mystery definitely did because that girl goes looking for trouble! In all the wrong places, might I add. But as I continued to read I realized that there were actually three characters and the stories just intertwined.
Margie is probably my favorite. She's a total knockout but she doesn't know it. She's had some trouble with me and is thinking she needs to swear them off. Insert plot line number one! Her soon to be ex is thrown out of her place and he decides to go flipping nuts on her. While this is happening, she meets a guy named Donald Carter. Now, this guy is like a slice of heaven! He has his own issues though but he is friendly enough to stick up for Margie, even though they just met.
"I think of myself as a feminist, you know, but I'm still a girl, I guess. My secret belief is that nearly every girl likes to be rescued. I think it's ancestral or evolutionary or something."
Shell was totally crazy. I was worried about her multiple times! She just does not know when to say no to herself. The mystery does involve her since she found her teacher impaled by a palette knife. A lot of fingers are pointing at her so she does have an investment on finding out who the actual killer is! But do we really have to go into people's houses, alone? I think not woman!
"You're sort of insane about solving puzzles, aren't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Just the way you have to figure things out. You can get obsessive."
"This isn't just any puzzle, Patrick."
"So, you'll be that much worse about finding your answer, " he said.
Then there is Gina. She is mixed in with these two but not as deep. She seems smart and cute too and of course, all three are very friendly. She just was not in the book quite as much as the first two.
The comedy!
This was great. Put into places where it seemed reasonable. The characters all seemed like they were having real conversations. Nothing seemed forced. The plot lines, and there are a few, even played out quite well along with the mystery. I think I enjoyed it even more because of the comedy that was peppered in.
Moms don't normally have a handle on current styles for people our age
I felt like sending this part to my daughter. It doesn't help that I'm also bohemian, which is exactly the opposite of what is normally in style!
"You're just barely out of college."
"I'm twenty-four."
"Like I said," he answered, as if she had just made his point. The he added, "I'm thirty-four."
"Wow, that's old!" she said. "Exactly my brother's age. Did they have pencils when you were a kid?"
The mystery
So, as the clues came out I thought I had it pegged. I was at like 57% and patting myself on the back. There are a LOT of clues but it takes some time to get all of those clues actually put together. Plus, there are quite a few characters in this. An entire class worth of characters. Only at the beginning did I worry, as I continued reading and got to really know the characters I was pleasantly surprised that the women, and their prospective others, added a great deal to the story.
In short:
This was super cute! This is book 0 in the Michelle (Shell) Hodges Series. After reading about her I am not even a bit surprised that she is going to find herself embedded in more mysteries. And I cannot wait to read them!
Purchased on Kindle Unlimited after discussing with the author.
4.8/5
Those are becoming my new thing lately! They are cute and fun but with an edge that keeps you begging for more.
This was no different. Although, the beginning of this book had me a little worried.
The Characters
Margie is introduced first but it started to seem like most of the story was going to surround Shell. The mystery definitely did because that girl goes looking for trouble! In all the wrong places, might I add. But as I continued to read I realized that there were actually three characters and the stories just intertwined.
Margie is probably my favorite. She's a total knockout but she doesn't know it. She's had some trouble with me and is thinking she needs to swear them off. Insert plot line number one! Her soon to be ex is thrown out of her place and he decides to go flipping nuts on her. While this is happening, she meets a guy named Donald Carter. Now, this guy is like a slice of heaven! He has his own issues though but he is friendly enough to stick up for Margie, even though they just met.
"I think of myself as a feminist, you know, but I'm still a girl, I guess. My secret belief is that nearly every girl likes to be rescued. I think it's ancestral or evolutionary or something."
Shell was totally crazy. I was worried about her multiple times! She just does not know when to say no to herself. The mystery does involve her since she found her teacher impaled by a palette knife. A lot of fingers are pointing at her so she does have an investment on finding out who the actual killer is! But do we really have to go into people's houses, alone? I think not woman!
"You're sort of insane about solving puzzles, aren't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Just the way you have to figure things out. You can get obsessive."
"This isn't just any puzzle, Patrick."
"So, you'll be that much worse about finding your answer, " he said.
Then there is Gina. She is mixed in with these two but not as deep. She seems smart and cute too and of course, all three are very friendly. She just was not in the book quite as much as the first two.
The comedy!
This was great. Put into places where it seemed reasonable. The characters all seemed like they were having real conversations. Nothing seemed forced. The plot lines, and there are a few, even played out quite well along with the mystery. I think I enjoyed it even more because of the comedy that was peppered in.
Moms don't normally have a handle on current styles for people our age
I felt like sending this part to my daughter. It doesn't help that I'm also bohemian, which is exactly the opposite of what is normally in style!
"You're just barely out of college."
"I'm twenty-four."
"Like I said," he answered, as if she had just made his point. The he added, "I'm thirty-four."
"Wow, that's old!" she said. "Exactly my brother's age. Did they have pencils when you were a kid?"
The mystery
So, as the clues came out I thought I had it pegged. I was at like 57% and patting myself on the back. There are a LOT of clues but it takes some time to get all of those clues actually put together. Plus, there are quite a few characters in this. An entire class worth of characters. Only at the beginning did I worry, as I continued reading and got to really know the characters I was pleasantly surprised that the women, and their prospective others, added a great deal to the story.
In short:
This was super cute! This is book 0 in the Michelle (Shell) Hodges Series. After reading about her I am not even a bit surprised that she is going to find herself embedded in more mysteries. And I cannot wait to read them!
Purchased on Kindle Unlimited after discussing with the author.
4.8/5
September 4, 2015
"A Great Mystery With A Dab Of Romance...Maybe...."
This a great, cozy romantic murder/suspense, which I enjoyed while cuddled with my dogs in bed. Margie Maxwell lives in Austin, Texas and is a University of Texas graduate. She's been packing up the belongings of Jeremy Bird who's lived with her for two months. He's become aloof and secretive. She's setting the packages and bags on the front porch as well as his white painting which possibly reflected some birch trees. Her best friend, Shell Hodge, has time for a short visit to get the rest of the story. Shell would rather paint than have any relationships with men. They have both been unwise to let the wrong men into their lives ... they want to move forward and accomplish things beneficial to their careers. Dr. Doris Leone is a professor of Art History from whom Shell is learning much. She'll be meeting privately with her today at the Art Co-Op building to discuss one of Shell's painting. No one appears to be at the building other than the professor as her car is the only car in the parking lot. But Shell can't find Dr. Leone until she opens the door to an empty classroom and sees the doctor laying beside the teacher's desk, her head in a pool of blood. This is a fantastic suspense which Shell, Margie, and a new man in town, Donald Carter (a 34-year old psychologist who had lost his wife two years ago before moving to Austin), work together trying to solve the mysterious death of Dr. Leone. I loved this easy to read, well written story, and highly recommend this action packed story.
This a great, cozy romantic murder/suspense, which I enjoyed while cuddled with my dogs in bed. Margie Maxwell lives in Austin, Texas and is a University of Texas graduate. She's been packing up the belongings of Jeremy Bird who's lived with her for two months. He's become aloof and secretive. She's setting the packages and bags on the front porch as well as his white painting which possibly reflected some birch trees. Her best friend, Shell Hodge, has time for a short visit to get the rest of the story. Shell would rather paint than have any relationships with men. They have both been unwise to let the wrong men into their lives ... they want to move forward and accomplish things beneficial to their careers. Dr. Doris Leone is a professor of Art History from whom Shell is learning much. She'll be meeting privately with her today at the Art Co-Op building to discuss one of Shell's painting. No one appears to be at the building other than the professor as her car is the only car in the parking lot. But Shell can't find Dr. Leone until she opens the door to an empty classroom and sees the doctor laying beside the teacher's desk, her head in a pool of blood. This is a fantastic suspense which Shell, Margie, and a new man in town, Donald Carter (a 34-year old psychologist who had lost his wife two years ago before moving to Austin), work together trying to solve the mysterious death of Dr. Leone. I loved this easy to read, well written story, and highly recommend this action packed story.
December 29, 2015
The Point of Death: An Austin, Texas Art Mystery
By: Roslyn Woods
A Review
5 Stars
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. What a refreshing story!! Not your usually grandmotherly characters setting out to solve a crime because they are bored.
When a favored Art Teacher is discovered murdered by one of her favorite students, she decides that she needs to find out why. The list of suspects are long. Could it be the husband? How about any of her students? Even the ex of her best friend is a suspect. Shell enlists the help of her ex Patrick, who doesn’t want her to be an ex and her best friend Margie.
This is a fast paced book, with lots of twists and turns. The writing is great, the characters are fleshed out and I hated when it ended. I did figure out who did it and why, but not too soon in the book, so I was able to enjoy. I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
Definitely a 5 star review for me ☺
Reviewed by Cryssy
By: Roslyn Woods
A Review
5 Stars
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. What a refreshing story!! Not your usually grandmotherly characters setting out to solve a crime because they are bored.
When a favored Art Teacher is discovered murdered by one of her favorite students, she decides that she needs to find out why. The list of suspects are long. Could it be the husband? How about any of her students? Even the ex of her best friend is a suspect. Shell enlists the help of her ex Patrick, who doesn’t want her to be an ex and her best friend Margie.
This is a fast paced book, with lots of twists and turns. The writing is great, the characters are fleshed out and I hated when it ended. I did figure out who did it and why, but not too soon in the book, so I was able to enjoy. I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
Definitely a 5 star review for me ☺
Reviewed by Cryssy
October 19, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. What a refreshing story!! Not your usually grandmotherly characters setting out to solve a crime because they are bored.
When a favored Art Teacher is discovered murdered by one of her favorite students, she decides that she needs to find out why. The list of suspects are long. Could it be the husband? How about any of her students? Even the ex of her best friend is a suspect. Shell enlists the help of her ex Patrick, who doesn’t want her to be an ex and her best friend Margie.
This is a fast paced book, with lots of twists and turns. The writing is great, the characters are fleshed out and I hated when it ended. I did figure out who did it and why, but not too soon in the book, so I was able to enjoy. I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
Definitely a 5 star review for me
When a favored Art Teacher is discovered murdered by one of her favorite students, she decides that she needs to find out why. The list of suspects are long. Could it be the husband? How about any of her students? Even the ex of her best friend is a suspect. Shell enlists the help of her ex Patrick, who doesn’t want her to be an ex and her best friend Margie.
This is a fast paced book, with lots of twists and turns. The writing is great, the characters are fleshed out and I hated when it ended. I did figure out who did it and why, but not too soon in the book, so I was able to enjoy. I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
Definitely a 5 star review for me
August 27, 2015
A delicious whodunit with some romance sprinkled on top, The Point of Death is a fun read. Margie is a baker, getting ready to go to culinary school. Her best friend Shell is in the Masters Program for Art at the nearby university. When Shell's advisor/mentor is brutally murdered, the girls immediately feel the need to investigate. While Margie is trying desperately to get rid of her ex, and not to fall in love with a handsome widower, Shell is right there beside her, along with their friends, Marty and Gina. There are some frightening scenes of violence, some tender kisses, and a whole lot of hilarious hijinks, that combine to make this story a whole lot of fun! *I received a free copy of this ebook, in exchange for an honest review*
July 31, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I've read book #2 in the series (and plan to read #1 next). This book, billed as a sequel to the series, filled in the back story of Margie's relationship with Donald and sets the stage for Shell's art career. Now I'm looking forward to reading book #1 (and future books if the series continues). I appreciate the fact that the author is also an artist, painting in oils and watercolors, which definitely adds to the authentic feeling of the series. She is also a resident of Austin, Texas, and her knowledge of the locale also shines through in her books. I definitely recommend the series.
September 11, 2015
I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I enjoyed this book, but quite often I felt like I was reading two books at the same time. Michelle is an art major that needs to solve the murder of her adviser and favorite teacher. At the same time, her best friend Margie is ending a bad relationship that won't go away, while meeting a new man for a "friends only" relationship. Margie's new man friend is part of the murder mystery Shell is trying to solve. We bounce back and forth between the two story lines, which can be a little much at times. Its a good premise, just needs a little more work for the next book.
September 2, 2015
Great mystery
“Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.”
This is the first book I have read by Roslyn. I could not put it down. It is full of twists and turns, just when you think you know who the killer is she shakes things up and keeps you guessing. I loved it so much I bought books 2 and 3 right away. I can't wait to read them and see what comes next.
“Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.”
This is the first book I have read by Roslyn. I could not put it down. It is full of twists and turns, just when you think you know who the killer is she shakes things up and keeps you guessing. I loved it so much I bought books 2 and 3 right away. I can't wait to read them and see what comes next.
September 3, 2015
This book was given to me by Rebecca Hamilton to read and give a fair and honest review. I was quite impressed with this book as a gentle love story/ who dunnit with some quite scary bits in it. I was glad to be able to read a romantic novel for once that wasn't full of the "f" word and steamy erotic passages. The writing was smooth and flowing and the mystery part of the story kept me guessing. As a prequel to the Austin series I will be reading more by this author. A recommended read.
September 22, 2015
This is a prequel to the Michelle Hodge Series and now I can't wait to read the whole series. Shell Hodge is getting her master's degree in art history at the University of Texas at Austin when she finds the body of Dr. Leone, her art teacher. Shell launches her own investigation into the death with the help of her friend Margie. This book was really good. The characters are well developed and interesting. The story line was exciting and one you don't want to put down. Well worth the read.
October 24, 2015
I so enjoyed reading this book that whenever I had to put it down for a few minutes, I couldn't get it out of my head and couldn't wait to get back to it. I loved reading about Shell, Margie and their friends and their search into the murder of Shell's favorite teacher. It was exciting and kept me guessing until the end! This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly WON'T be the last!!!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2016
I actually started reading book two first, but quickly realized I was going to enjoy this series so well that I wanted to read them in order, so I backed up and read this book to get the chronological order straight in my mind and can honestly say I'm glad I did. Finished the first two books and will be grabbing the third one shortly.
Very well written, filled with plenty of twists and surprises to keep you guessing whodunit right up to the very end.
Very well written, filled with plenty of twists and surprises to keep you guessing whodunit right up to the very end.
August 7, 2015
I really liked this book - so much that I HAD to rush to Amazon to get the book in the series and start reading it IMMEDIATELY! A very good read. A mystery that really drew me in and had me feeling like I was there with the action. Not only was it a good mystery but a nice romance as well. I would highly recommend this one to all my friends.
September 22, 2015
Well written who done it. This kept me guessing from the first page.
Just enough twists and turns. I like Shell and Marge. Their friendship
brought continuity to the story. I look forward to the other stories in
this series.
*** I was given this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***
Just enough twists and turns. I like Shell and Marge. Their friendship
brought continuity to the story. I look forward to the other stories in
this series.
*** I was given this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***
August 5, 2015
Good murder mystery....fast read.
October 12, 2015
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more of this series.
July 14, 2016
Good
the murder of a professor who was teaching art and was close to a group of her students.she was killed in a class room
the murder of a professor who was teaching art and was close to a group of her students.she was killed in a class room
April 26, 2017
This is a wonderful cozy mystery series set in the art world of Austin, Texas. Having visited Austin on several occasions, I knew what a bright, eclectic and artistic vibe it has. Roslyn Woods does a great job with this setting, as well as all her characters. I enjoyed each of the mysteries in this set and all of the recurring characters are ones you will immediately like and want to get to know better. I would highly recommend getting this box set because, once you start reading this series, you won't want to stop.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews