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Lizzie Hart Mysteries #5
Wedding Bell Blues
Lizzie Hart’s crazy love life has been leading up to this moment…when she finally gets to marry Blake Morgan. But with their luck, will they make it to “til death do us part” before the wedding even starts?
It’s June in the small town of Liberty, and that means it’s wedding season. Faster than you can say “I do,” the social height of the year turns deadly as a sadistic killer begins targeting couples on what should be their happiest day.
The terror begins as a groom keels over before he can get through his vows. The clever killer frames Bethany McCool, the dead groom’s ex, for the murder. Lizzie knows her friend Bethany is innocent, so she enlists the help of her fiancé, Blake, and sets out to find the real killer. But as the mayhem intensifies, the duo realizes they’re going to have to partner up with the police this time instead of trying to do all the sleuthing on their own.
As if they don’t have enough to do, Lizzie and Blake’s big day is fast approaching, and neither of them can wait to tie the knot. Lizzie’s domineering mother has taken over the planning for the wedding, but even she can’t hold everything together as one by one the florist, the baker, and the caterer start pulling out over safety concerns. With the string of violence threatening to ruin their happily ever after, Lizzie and Blake must rush to find the killer before they become the next victims.
It’s June in the small town of Liberty, and that means it’s wedding season. Faster than you can say “I do,” the social height of the year turns deadly as a sadistic killer begins targeting couples on what should be their happiest day.
The terror begins as a groom keels over before he can get through his vows. The clever killer frames Bethany McCool, the dead groom’s ex, for the murder. Lizzie knows her friend Bethany is innocent, so she enlists the help of her fiancé, Blake, and sets out to find the real killer. But as the mayhem intensifies, the duo realizes they’re going to have to partner up with the police this time instead of trying to do all the sleuthing on their own.
As if they don’t have enough to do, Lizzie and Blake’s big day is fast approaching, and neither of them can wait to tie the knot. Lizzie’s domineering mother has taken over the planning for the wedding, but even she can’t hold everything together as one by one the florist, the baker, and the caterer start pulling out over safety concerns. With the string of violence threatening to ruin their happily ever after, Lizzie and Blake must rush to find the killer before they become the next victims.
- GenresCozy Mystery
ebook
First published July 14, 2016
52 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fardig
28 books290 followersCAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 1, 2016
One of my favourite things to read is what I like to call cozy mysteries - these are the sorts of mysteries where yes - people do die , but often the main character has a humourous sort of feel to her - a bit like a Stephanie Plum sort of character where she is awesome at solving crimes but still somehow always finds herself in the middle of trouble. Lizzie Hart was one of those characters where currently she is planning her wedding to Blake Morgan and about to participate in her best friend's wedding - that is until Bethany's husband to be turns up dead and it looks like the number one suspect is Bethany herself. Now Lizzie knows that there is no way her friends is guilty and as more grooms start to drop like flies , she must solve the crime and clear her friend's name . Can Lizzie manage both her wedding plans and the solving of finding out who killed Bethany's groom-to-be ? What happens though when her wedding plans start to go belly-up and Lizzie starts to find herself teetering on the edge of Bridezilla ? Can she solve the crime before her big day or will her groom-to-be Blake Morgan be the next groom to end up six feet under instead of standing by the altar ?
For a fun filled Wedding Cozy Mystery , check out Wedding Bell Blues by Caroline Fardig today. Though , don't let this book put you off marrying on your special day . Wedding Bell Blues is Stephanie Plum meets Presley Thurman with a dash of the Wedding Planner = Lizzie Hart.
For a fun filled Wedding Cozy Mystery , check out Wedding Bell Blues by Caroline Fardig today. Though , don't let this book put you off marrying on your special day . Wedding Bell Blues is Stephanie Plum meets Presley Thurman with a dash of the Wedding Planner = Lizzie Hart.
February 4, 2018
It's a truism in some circles that a happy ending is the kiss of death for an independent heroine, but that's just the opposite for Lizzie Hart. She might have "crushed" on Blake Morgan initially because he was a handsome charmer, but the reason she still can't get enough of him is that he's just as much of an adventure-seeking busybody as she is.
It's a match made in literary heaven, and long-time readers of the series are FINALLY rewarded with a dream wedding...but our dreams might be very different from Blake and Lizzie's. *Of course* these two are going to stumble into a serial killer who seems to have a beef with marriage in the weeks before their own wedding. We know nothing is going to get between these two and finding their man (or woman), but are they really going to risk the safety of their loved ones?
As much as Lizzie and Blake are a team, the real character growth is all Ms. Hart. In the first few books she was ready to barrel into the first person she suspected of being a murderer before she thought it through; now she's going to be downright calculating and use her hard won experience to minimize risk while juggling a crazed mother and impatient police.
Does this sound serious? Yes- but it's also hilarious. I laughed through the entire book, whether it was Lizzie's descriptions of two different bosses from Hell, the sarcastic repartee she shares with the cops or pretty much every chapter.
It's a match made in literary heaven, and long-time readers of the series are FINALLY rewarded with a dream wedding...but our dreams might be very different from Blake and Lizzie's. *Of course* these two are going to stumble into a serial killer who seems to have a beef with marriage in the weeks before their own wedding. We know nothing is going to get between these two and finding their man (or woman), but are they really going to risk the safety of their loved ones?
As much as Lizzie and Blake are a team, the real character growth is all Ms. Hart. In the first few books she was ready to barrel into the first person she suspected of being a murderer before she thought it through; now she's going to be downright calculating and use her hard won experience to minimize risk while juggling a crazed mother and impatient police.
Does this sound serious? Yes- but it's also hilarious. I laughed through the entire book, whether it was Lizzie's descriptions of two different bosses from Hell, the sarcastic repartee she shares with the cops or pretty much every chapter.
March 27, 2018
Although I've gotten to know Lizzie and Blake pretty well and am familiar with the sleuthing techniques, this mystery kept me guessing until the very end. After members of a wedding party (including Blake) grow ill during a wedding and the groom actually dies, other men in Liberty begin dying under suspicious circumstances. How are they connected? Facing their most complex case yet, Lizzie and Blake chase down several false leads. And the bodies continue to pile up. Lizzie's house burns in an apparent case of arson, making everyone even more nervous about what's happening in Liberty. They are on the verge of postponing their own wedding, knowing how upset their mothers will be, when an incident occurs and it seems the murder has been solved. That's not how things end, however, and the conclusion is shocking. There is, however, an ultimate happy ending, though it's not at all what Blake and Lizzie (and their mothers!) had envisioned. I just hope the team of Morgan and Hart doesn't end their sleuthing adventures just because their marital status has changed!
February 18, 2017
Wedding bell blues
I love this story keeps you a little romantic, excited about the killer and to fine out who's the real killing, a little bit of humor. I recommend as a good read.
I love this story keeps you a little romantic, excited about the killer and to fine out who's the real killing, a little bit of humor. I recommend as a good read.
October 24, 2018
Good enough
I like the mystery and the romance.
I’m cheesy, his vows were breathtaking for me.... It was good enough :)
I like the mystery and the romance.
I’m cheesy, his vows were breathtaking for me.... It was good enough :)
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April 14, 2020Good
April 21, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
August 8, 2016
Blake stops me before I open the door. “I know this is killing you, but it’s just stuff in there. No one was hurt, and that’s all that matters. We can have the place rebuilt, or you can try to sell it as is.” He takes my face in his hands. “There are a lot of memories in this house for me as well. Our first kiss happened in the kitchen. We both saved each other’s lives here. It pains me to see the place ruined, but more importantly I don’t want you to suffer over it. The light I love so much is gone from your eyes, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to get it back. Just tell me what you need me to do.”
For most, their wedding day preparations are strenuous, terrifying, difficult and challenging. But then, on the actual wedding day it is beautiful, mesmerizing and special—especially when they get to say those two words at the end of the alter. When Lizzie Hart and her fiancé, Blake Morgan show up at a friend’s wedding, they are overcome with happiness for the new bride and groom. Except, it doesn’t get that far, because everyone gets deathly sick as the bride makes her way to down the aisle. Since this is right down Lizzie’s alley, the police know that an investigation is coming and they plead with Lizzie to not get involved—but, when her best friend is thrown in jail for the groom’s murder, she can’t just sit idly while she knows that her friend has been framed.
Blake and Lizzie are the perfect couple and their wedding is mere weeks away. They know that if the police do not catch the real killer before then, there is a possibility that things may go terribly wrong. Not wanting anyone else to get hurt, Lizzie and Blake begin their own investigation that takes them all over town, looking at multiple suspects. Friends that they grew up with have suddenly become suspects—and victims. As the next two weddings roll around, the killer does not let up—only gets more violent with their strikes. It is a race for more time when all of the evidence points to people who couldn’t have possibly done anything. This killer thinks that they are smart, but Blake knows that it will only be a matter of time before they are caught. Especially since he has been goading the killer with email responses.
Fardig has fantastic character development; the characters have strong emotional backgrounds and the content seems very credible, the plot while slightly predictable—is still very entertaining, creative and full of mystery. The writing is fast-paced, making the story a quick read, especially since this can be read as a standalone. If you are a reader of mystery and suspense, this may be a perfect read for you.
A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
For most, their wedding day preparations are strenuous, terrifying, difficult and challenging. But then, on the actual wedding day it is beautiful, mesmerizing and special—especially when they get to say those two words at the end of the alter. When Lizzie Hart and her fiancé, Blake Morgan show up at a friend’s wedding, they are overcome with happiness for the new bride and groom. Except, it doesn’t get that far, because everyone gets deathly sick as the bride makes her way to down the aisle. Since this is right down Lizzie’s alley, the police know that an investigation is coming and they plead with Lizzie to not get involved—but, when her best friend is thrown in jail for the groom’s murder, she can’t just sit idly while she knows that her friend has been framed.
Blake and Lizzie are the perfect couple and their wedding is mere weeks away. They know that if the police do not catch the real killer before then, there is a possibility that things may go terribly wrong. Not wanting anyone else to get hurt, Lizzie and Blake begin their own investigation that takes them all over town, looking at multiple suspects. Friends that they grew up with have suddenly become suspects—and victims. As the next two weddings roll around, the killer does not let up—only gets more violent with their strikes. It is a race for more time when all of the evidence points to people who couldn’t have possibly done anything. This killer thinks that they are smart, but Blake knows that it will only be a matter of time before they are caught. Especially since he has been goading the killer with email responses.
Fardig has fantastic character development; the characters have strong emotional backgrounds and the content seems very credible, the plot while slightly predictable—is still very entertaining, creative and full of mystery. The writing is fast-paced, making the story a quick read, especially since this can be read as a standalone. If you are a reader of mystery and suspense, this may be a perfect read for you.
A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
August 12, 2016
In Wedding Bell Blues, the fifth book in the Lizzie Hart Mystery series, author Caroline Fardig weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that easily draws the reader into follow the latest amateur sleuth adventures of copy editor Lizzie Hart and Blake Morgan, her investigative reporter fiance.
Set in the small town of Liberty and told in the first person narrative, this entertaining cozy mystery tale will keep you engaged as you follow Lizzie and Blake's latest investigative adventure. This captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing the identity of the wedding murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as this inquisitive couple tries to solve the case of the wedding murders two weeks before their own upcoming nuptials. Lizzie and Blake's latest amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, suspense, and intriguing twists and turns that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.
Wedding Bell Blues is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will easily engage you to join Lizzie and Blake on their latest madcap sleuthing adventures!
Wedding Bell Blues is the fifth book in the Lizzie Hart Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Set in the small town of Liberty and told in the first person narrative, this entertaining cozy mystery tale will keep you engaged as you follow Lizzie and Blake's latest investigative adventure. This captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing the identity of the wedding murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as this inquisitive couple tries to solve the case of the wedding murders two weeks before their own upcoming nuptials. Lizzie and Blake's latest amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, suspense, and intriguing twists and turns that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.
Wedding Bell Blues is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will easily engage you to join Lizzie and Blake on their latest madcap sleuthing adventures!
Wedding Bell Blues is the fifth book in the Lizzie Hart Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 11, 2017
This entire series has given off the vibe of "I'm going to make this character the murderer because no one will ever suspect them!", which is pretty accurate because there is no indication whatsoever to show us why any of them would want to kill people. Sure, they all confess in the end how and why, but...no build-up? Totally out of the ballpark murderers just for the sake of surprise? Not really amusing.
I kept reading because I thought Lizzie and Blake were cute, but the series pretty much went downhill from the first book. There are half-hearted attempts at feminism (e.g. Julia gets overlooked at work because Blake is a "better" reporter mainly only because he has a penis *rolls eyes*) that end up going nowhere, weird plot twists and a whole bunch of characters we'll never care about .
I know this is supposed to be fluff, and you're not supposed to overthink it, but some things just....couldn't be ignored. Lol.
P.S. All the butt slapping in the last book makes me want to punch Blake in the nose.
I kept reading because I thought Lizzie and Blake were cute, but the series pretty much went downhill from the first book. There are half-hearted attempts at feminism (e.g. Julia gets overlooked at work because Blake is a "better" reporter mainly only because he has a penis *rolls eyes*) that end up going nowhere, weird plot twists and a whole bunch of characters we'll never care about .
I know this is supposed to be fluff, and you're not supposed to overthink it, but some things just....couldn't be ignored. Lol.
P.S. All the butt slapping in the last book makes me want to punch Blake in the nose.
July 30, 2016
Camping? House fire? What the heck is going on?
Lizzie and Blake are counting the days until their wedding as they attend other weddings. Only every wedding they go to ends in disaster. From sick groomsmen and a dead groom to an organist's death to an exploding cake with more in-between, disaster is around every corner. Lizzie and Blake do what they do best-investigate. But how many criminals do they have to put in jail to stop the disasters? When the final one is behind bars on the eve of their wedding, they decide it is finally safe to have their wedding of Lizzie's mother's dreams. Just remember folks, this is Lizzie and Blake we are talking about! When you never know what will happen next.
I could hardly put the book down long enough to eat dinner! It was jam packed energy and action. I have to say Lizzie (ok Caroline) never disappoints her readers! You just have to read it to believe it and see all what happens!
Lizzie and Blake are counting the days until their wedding as they attend other weddings. Only every wedding they go to ends in disaster. From sick groomsmen and a dead groom to an organist's death to an exploding cake with more in-between, disaster is around every corner. Lizzie and Blake do what they do best-investigate. But how many criminals do they have to put in jail to stop the disasters? When the final one is behind bars on the eve of their wedding, they decide it is finally safe to have their wedding of Lizzie's mother's dreams. Just remember folks, this is Lizzie and Blake we are talking about! When you never know what will happen next.
I could hardly put the book down long enough to eat dinner! It was jam packed energy and action. I have to say Lizzie (ok Caroline) never disappoints her readers! You just have to read it to believe it and see all what happens!
August 9, 2016
Lizzie Hart is back, but this time, she’s very close (within days) to becoming Mrs. Blake Morgan. Close, that is, until she starts finding dead people, and some very rudely disrupted wedding parties. What’s a girl to do? In book 5 of this series, our author takes us on another thrill ride that keeps us on the edge of our seats until the very last page. I do hope that Lizzie’s wedding doesn’t mean the end of this series, because there’s more to the story. I’d love to know what happens now that Lizzie has seen a different (and nicer) side of her boss. And what happens to Jillian? Although I’m not a small town girl, Fardig’s description of small town life seems rather charming; I’m still trying to imagine living where you know most of the residents, including most of your high school graduation class. Please, Caroline, bring Lizzie back again.
September 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery series. For your full enjoyment I do recommend you read them in order because half the fun is following Lizzie and Blake's on again off again romance while they go off on their own to solve murders. By this book (the last one I believe) they are planning their wedding (well, Lizzie's mother is planning the wedding). Unfortunately, after their engagement party a series of unfortunate disasters occur at other weddings they are attending and it seems clear someone is determined to stop their wedding. Lizzie and Blake decide to investigate but this time they are collaborating with the police in efforts to bring the correct suspect to justice. Even with all the murders the book is laugh out loud funny. I didn't read this one as fast as I did the others because I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters!
I would definitely read more by this author.
I would definitely read more by this author.
July 7, 2016
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
This is the first ever Lizzie Hart book by Caroline Fardig that I have ever read. I know now that I need to go back and get the rest of the series. While this book (in my opinion) could be read as a stand alone, it would be helpful to have been along the adventure the whole time! I totally missed out. Now back to this review...
Lizzie and Blake go on an adventure that I would describe as a whirlwind of emotions, deaths, fires, and weddings. Just when they think the coast is clear, something else happens. The characters are perfectly written and each one has their own unique personality that you can definitely tell while reading Wedding Bell Blues.
I highly recommend this book!! Go and get this now.
This is the first ever Lizzie Hart book by Caroline Fardig that I have ever read. I know now that I need to go back and get the rest of the series. While this book (in my opinion) could be read as a stand alone, it would be helpful to have been along the adventure the whole time! I totally missed out. Now back to this review...
Lizzie and Blake go on an adventure that I would describe as a whirlwind of emotions, deaths, fires, and weddings. Just when they think the coast is clear, something else happens. The characters are perfectly written and each one has their own unique personality that you can definitely tell while reading Wedding Bell Blues.
I highly recommend this book!! Go and get this now.
September 11, 2016
This book is in the Lizzie Hart Mystery series but can be read as a stand alone. When a murderer begins to strike at the weddings in the town in Liberty, Lizzie's friend Bethany is accused. Lizzie is positive of Bethany's innocence so she begins to investigate with the help of her fiance Blake. Then Lizzie herself becomes a target. The murderer begins to taunt her and even goes after her home. Can Lizzie and Blake find the responsible party before their own wedding that Lizzie's mother worked so hard to plan becomes a disaster? I really enjoyed this mystery. I loved the characters and the story line of the mystery. It will keep you guessing.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2016
I received a review copy
I have been happily reading my way through the Lizzie Hart mystery series, a series that I have come to love! Lizzie Hart has become a friend of mine, and I was really looking forward to this installment because I have been waiting for this wedding! But of course, there is nothing smooth sailing about their wedding plans. From overbearing parents to a serial killer targeting weddings, it was nail-biting until the end. So many different twist and turns and I did NOT see the ending coming at all! Just when you think it’s over – bam! It was far from over. If you love a good mystery, be sure to check out this series. So much fun to read!
I have been happily reading my way through the Lizzie Hart mystery series, a series that I have come to love! Lizzie Hart has become a friend of mine, and I was really looking forward to this installment because I have been waiting for this wedding! But of course, there is nothing smooth sailing about their wedding plans. From overbearing parents to a serial killer targeting weddings, it was nail-biting until the end. So many different twist and turns and I did NOT see the ending coming at all! Just when you think it’s over – bam! It was far from over. If you love a good mystery, be sure to check out this series. So much fun to read!
August 2, 2016
Widely Exciting!
As Lizzie & Blake prepare for their upcoming wedding they don't experience any of the normal wedding problems - no, they have to deal with murder! The action kicked up quite quickly with an intriguing plot & fascinating characters. It became an irresistible page turner with lots twists & turns galore! This is an absolute must read!!!
As Lizzie & Blake prepare for their upcoming wedding they don't experience any of the normal wedding problems - no, they have to deal with murder! The action kicked up quite quickly with an intriguing plot & fascinating characters. It became an irresistible page turner with lots twists & turns galore! This is an absolute must read!!!
September 1, 2016
Can they ever get a break? Lizzie and Blake are finally going to tie the knot. But, other nuptials leading up to their big day are ending in travesty. Can they find the killer before their big day? Let's hope Lizzie and Blake can get past all the people dropping, sick and dead, and have the wedding and wedding bliss that they have been looking forward to. I hope this is not the end of the series.
September 21, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review
After reading two previous Lizzie Hart mysteries I was sure I would like this one and I was not disappointed. I loved the small town setting and feel. I could not put this one down wanting to know who the culprit was and if they would make it down the aisle. I truly hope there will be future books in this series. I am hooked!
After reading two previous Lizzie Hart mysteries I was sure I would like this one and I was not disappointed. I loved the small town setting and feel. I could not put this one down wanting to know who the culprit was and if they would make it down the aisle. I truly hope there will be future books in this series. I am hooked!
August 14, 2016
Finally married
I really hate that this series is over. Once again I didn't figure out who the killer was till the end. This book made a very good way to spend a Saturday. I am looking forward to her new series
I really hate that this series is over. Once again I didn't figure out who the killer was till the end. This book made a very good way to spend a Saturday. I am looking forward to her new series
August 19, 2016
Well I didn't see that coming.. But I did really enjoy al the twists and turns! Sad to see it end!
August 22, 2016
More pleAse
I want more Lizzie and Blake stories. They are fun and cozy mysteries that made me chuckle while trying to find out whodunit.
I want more Lizzie and Blake stories. They are fun and cozy mysteries that made me chuckle while trying to find out whodunit.
August 31, 2016
Lizzie and Blake are back and heading down the aisle. Eventually. The road to their wedding is a rocky one. Lots of laughs and mystery on the way. Fun series that I can't wait for more of!
November 26, 2016
Review on my blog. Link in my bio.
January 24, 2017
Like all good things this series had to come to an end... But they sure did save the best for last!! This book is yet another story proving that together, Blake and Lizzie are unstoppable...kind of.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews