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Maycroft Mystery #4
Sharpe Turn
All Deena Sharpe wants to do is learn how to write a good mystery. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in one.
Max Dekker is a well-known author who has agreed to teach a writing class in the small Texas town of Maycroft. But when his wife is killed in a car crash, the police suspect foul play. Is it some kind of hoax to teach his students about plotting a murder? Not likely. Soon the list of suspects piles higher than Big Tex at the State Fair.
Deena is once again sucked into the investigation when her brother’s friend is accused of the crime. With Russell by her side, she must clear their friend’s name and stay out of trouble with Maycroft’s newest police detective. Not only that, but it’s Gary’s sixtieth birthday, and her mother-in-law is coming to town. What’s a Southern gal to do?
Max Dekker is a well-known author who has agreed to teach a writing class in the small Texas town of Maycroft. But when his wife is killed in a car crash, the police suspect foul play. Is it some kind of hoax to teach his students about plotting a murder? Not likely. Soon the list of suspects piles higher than Big Tex at the State Fair.
Deena is once again sucked into the investigation when her brother’s friend is accused of the crime. With Russell by her side, she must clear their friend’s name and stay out of trouble with Maycroft’s newest police detective. Not only that, but it’s Gary’s sixtieth birthday, and her mother-in-law is coming to town. What’s a Southern gal to do?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2016
158 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 10, 2019
Sorry but this one was a bit of a let down
A good idea for a plot but when the so called nosy Nellie ignores a basic clue, that really does tend to irritate me. Hasn't she heard of the Internet? Although the plot was weak as dishwater I must admit that I did enjoy catching up on the lives of the characters and one or two scenes made me chuckle. The office supply one especially.
A famous author has come to live in town. He is running a writing course that she is urged to join by her librarian friend. However when his wife killed, by her car careering off the road due to cut brakes, she has to get involved. Her brother's BFF is being suspected of carrying out the killing. Can she and the rest (Ian and Dan especially) get to the who? Was the wife the real target as she was driving the husband's car? Then there is her age old problem - her mother-in-law is coming down for her husband's 6th and she has laid down the gauntlet - cook his favourite dessert!
A good idea for a plot but when the so called nosy Nellie ignores a basic clue, that really does tend to irritate me. Hasn't she heard of the Internet? Although the plot was weak as dishwater I must admit that I did enjoy catching up on the lives of the characters and one or two scenes made me chuckle. The office supply one especially.
A famous author has come to live in town. He is running a writing course that she is urged to join by her librarian friend. However when his wife killed, by her car careering off the road due to cut brakes, she has to get involved. Her brother's BFF is being suspected of carrying out the killing. Can she and the rest (Ian and Dan especially) get to the who? Was the wife the real target as she was driving the husband's car? Then there is her age old problem - her mother-in-law is coming down for her husband's 6th and she has laid down the gauntlet - cook his favourite dessert!
December 3, 2018
In Sharpe Turn by Lisa B. Thomas, Deena Sharpe finds herself at loose ends after retiring from being a high school journalism teacher and then a journalist and an investigator for a short time. With her husband, Gary, against her getting involved in other dangerous situations, Deena decides to take a mystery writing class, taught by the famous author Max Decker. But before the break can conclude, police officers have arrived to tell Max that his wife has been killed in a car wreck that looks like foul play.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
January 4, 2018
When a famous author's wife is murdered, Deena once again gets pulled into the investigation. Trouble always seems to find our girl, even when she's not looking for it. Can she solve the murder mystery or will she become the next victim? More importantly, will she ever learn how to bake her husband's favorite cake? Deena has her hands full with a vindictive murderer on the loose, flying office supplies, presbyopia, her mother-in-law and other scary things.
For a retired middle-aged woman, Deena certainly manages to get into a lot of serious scrapes. How fortunate for us, the listeners! This series just keeps getting better and better and the characters have come to feel like old friends. I can't wait to see what Deena's up to next. What a fun series!
The story wouldn't be the same without Kelley Hazen as the narrator. After listening to her throughout the series, I can't imagine someone else's voice for Deena. She always gives a stellar performance and this installment was no exception. Sharpe Turn was a wonderfully entertaining listen and I would highly recommend it and the rest of the series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.
For a retired middle-aged woman, Deena certainly manages to get into a lot of serious scrapes. How fortunate for us, the listeners! This series just keeps getting better and better and the characters have come to feel like old friends. I can't wait to see what Deena's up to next. What a fun series!
The story wouldn't be the same without Kelley Hazen as the narrator. After listening to her throughout the series, I can't imagine someone else's voice for Deena. She always gives a stellar performance and this installment was no exception. Sharpe Turn was a wonderfully entertaining listen and I would highly recommend it and the rest of the series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.
April 24, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"I'm Deena, and I can't cook." Sent
Since retiring from teaching, Deena Sharpe has been looking for an absorbing occupation and becoming a mystery writer could just be what she's looking for - she rather likes the idea. After all, she's a journalist, surely it can't be too different. A famous author recently moved to Maycroft and is offering weekly writing classes so she signs up. But when a friend of her brother becomes prime suspect in the murder of the author's wife, her real life sleuthing skills spring into action instead especially since there is a new detective in town.
In Agatha Christie fashion, clues are scattered along the way for the reader to try to work it out who-dun-it? and why, before Deena. Well written, and with good dialogue and character interaction, these stories just keep getting better, and with the excellent Kelley Hazen again narrating with warm gusto and great character voicings, this is a great addition to the series.
The book is completely stand alone though the development of characters re-met from previous stories increases enjoyment. My favourite of the books so far and recommended to those who enjoy fun but down to earth cozy mysteries.
"I'm Deena, and I can't cook." Sent
Since retiring from teaching, Deena Sharpe has been looking for an absorbing occupation and becoming a mystery writer could just be what she's looking for - she rather likes the idea. After all, she's a journalist, surely it can't be too different. A famous author recently moved to Maycroft and is offering weekly writing classes so she signs up. But when a friend of her brother becomes prime suspect in the murder of the author's wife, her real life sleuthing skills spring into action instead especially since there is a new detective in town.
In Agatha Christie fashion, clues are scattered along the way for the reader to try to work it out who-dun-it? and why, before Deena. Well written, and with good dialogue and character interaction, these stories just keep getting better, and with the excellent Kelley Hazen again narrating with warm gusto and great character voicings, this is a great addition to the series.
The book is completely stand alone though the development of characters re-met from previous stories increases enjoyment. My favourite of the books so far and recommended to those who enjoy fun but down to earth cozy mysteries.
March 8, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
Installment no. 4 is as good as all the other books in the series:) You just can't have enough of Deena Sharpe, her crazy adventures and murder investigations that somehow just happen to find her, whether she wants them or not:)
This time Deena has to help her brother's friend to prove his innocence - and as usual before we find out who the real killer is we will discover clues, uncover secrets and suspect more than one person only to change our mind with every new piece of evidence or information Deena finds... We'll also smile a lot - Deena has a knack for getting into embarassing situations:)
The plot is really fast, dialogues funny, background characters colourful and sometimes quirky but believable, and the ending as surprising as it should be:)
Narration by Ms Hazen is also as good as in all the other books in the series. The character voices are very well done, diversified and well-matched, and the pace of her reading makes it easy to follow the story. A wonderful interpretation of the book:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Installment no. 4 is as good as all the other books in the series:) You just can't have enough of Deena Sharpe, her crazy adventures and murder investigations that somehow just happen to find her, whether she wants them or not:)
This time Deena has to help her brother's friend to prove his innocence - and as usual before we find out who the real killer is we will discover clues, uncover secrets and suspect more than one person only to change our mind with every new piece of evidence or information Deena finds... We'll also smile a lot - Deena has a knack for getting into embarassing situations:)
The plot is really fast, dialogues funny, background characters colourful and sometimes quirky but believable, and the ending as surprising as it should be:)
Narration by Ms Hazen is also as good as in all the other books in the series. The character voices are very well done, diversified and well-matched, and the pace of her reading makes it easy to follow the story. A wonderful interpretation of the book:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 18, 2019
The fourth book in the Maycroft Mysteries is called Sharpe Turn. After teaching journalism for thirty plus years and then being fired as a reporter, Deena Sharpe has decided to try her hand at writing. Max Dekker, famous author, has retired and moved with his wife from New York to Maycroft, Texas. He is now teaching a mystery writing class and Deena has decided to take it. Unfortunately she doesn't get the chance to learn much because his wife, Alexis, is killed in a car crash. Deena's brother, Russell needs Deena's help because his best friend, Cliff Abel, is accused of the crime. It appears that the brake line on Alexis' car was cut. Russell recently got married, but he continues to hang out and worry about his long time friend. Meanwhile, Deena's 82 year old mother-in-law, Sylvia, is visiting from Oklahoma to help celebrate Gary's 60th birthday. Things aren't dull in the Sharpe house! This latest installment has humor, a nice moving plot, and lets you learn more about these easy to relate to older characters!
December 4, 2017
I love recording the Cozy Suburbs Mystery series with Lisa B. Thomas. Deena Sharpe is a wonderful character that is so easy to relate to. She explores being a writer in this mystery and it is her writing teacher's wife that becomes the victim. What makes Lisa Thomas' work so delightful is her absolutely lovely sense of humor. And her clear feel for and vision of the town of Maycroft and its inhabitants. In this book we spend more time with the prim and proper neighbor. We meet Deena's mother-in-law who, you guessed it, Deena can not be perfect enough for. And the creepy next door neighbor makes an appearance. All of these folks are just plain fun to give a voice to. If cozy mysteries are your thing you cannot go wrong with Lisa B. Thomas.
December 7, 2017
SHARPE TURN: Cozy Suburbs Mystery Book #4
by Lisa B. Thomas
Deena Sharpe is back trying to figure out what's next for her career. This is a fun, clean, cozy mystery. There is plenty of suspense as the number of suspects grows. The characters are fun, and each one has a personality all their own. This series gets better and better with humor to keep the listener engaged; even though I figured out who the villain was about half way thru.I didn't guess the motive. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kelley Hazen gives an excellent performance as always! So much so, I'm listening again!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
by Lisa B. Thomas
Deena Sharpe is back trying to figure out what's next for her career. This is a fun, clean, cozy mystery. There is plenty of suspense as the number of suspects grows. The characters are fun, and each one has a personality all their own. This series gets better and better with humor to keep the listener engaged; even though I figured out who the villain was about half way thru.I didn't guess the motive. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kelley Hazen gives an excellent performance as always! So much so, I'm listening again!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 23, 2018
So you want to write mystery novels?
The title of this book could easily be, "So you want to write mystery novels . . . ." A famous author agrees to teach a class in writing mysteries at the local small town library. Suddenly his wife dies and it looks like he may have been her killer. And who killed her may have be the only secret.
A few good tips for would be authors plus a great who done it? What is not to love? Well there are so many characters coming and going rapidly that it gets hard to keep them straight. The motive is not satisfying. The writing is a bit choppy. Not my favorite book by this author. Still a good read. But disappointing from an author who has done much better.
The title of this book could easily be, "So you want to write mystery novels . . . ." A famous author agrees to teach a class in writing mysteries at the local small town library. Suddenly his wife dies and it looks like he may have been her killer. And who killed her may have be the only secret.
A few good tips for would be authors plus a great who done it? What is not to love? Well there are so many characters coming and going rapidly that it gets hard to keep them straight. The motive is not satisfying. The writing is a bit choppy. Not my favorite book by this author. Still a good read. But disappointing from an author who has done much better.
March 13, 2023
Book Four is the Sharpest Yet
Deena Sharpe tries to mind her own business, but somehow she keeps getting pulled into investigations of murder in her small Texas city of Maycroft. This time, Deena can’t stay on the sidelines and let a close friend be accused of murder.
Deena is the kind of friend you might imagine having. A retired teacher, she is busy with hobbies of writing and antique collecting, yet finds herself, once again, drawn into a mystery. Who cut the brake lines on the sports car? Did they intend to kill the literary agent? Or her husband, the writer? The possible suspect list just keeps growing. A very satisfying end awaits both Deena and readers of Sharpe Turn.
Deena Sharpe tries to mind her own business, but somehow she keeps getting pulled into investigations of murder in her small Texas city of Maycroft. This time, Deena can’t stay on the sidelines and let a close friend be accused of murder.
Deena is the kind of friend you might imagine having. A retired teacher, she is busy with hobbies of writing and antique collecting, yet finds herself, once again, drawn into a mystery. Who cut the brake lines on the sports car? Did they intend to kill the literary agent? Or her husband, the writer? The possible suspect list just keeps growing. A very satisfying end awaits both Deena and readers of Sharpe Turn.
December 15, 2017
Deena Sharpe uses her investigative talents again, despite promising her husband she would stay out of trouble after all the predicaments she's gotten herself into in the past. She decides to try a writing class at the local library which happens to be run by famous writer Max Decker. When his wife is killed and one of her friends accused, Deena is pulled into the investigation.
The reading was good, with various voices for the different characters and the accent suited to Deena Sharpe. I found it slightly slower than I would have liked but I am generally a fast reader.
The reading was good, with various voices for the different characters and the accent suited to Deena Sharpe. I found it slightly slower than I would have liked but I am generally a fast reader.
April 27, 2019
I’m really loving this humorous cozy mystery series , written by Lisa B. Thomas and narrated by Kelley Hazen.
Deena Sharpe sign up for a writing course to learn about writing murder mysteries, but when the teacher’s wife is murdered, it quickly becomes apparent that it’s not a hoax meant to improve their writing.
Step into the small town of Maycroft and enjoy the quirky, lovable characters!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Deena Sharpe sign up for a writing course to learn about writing murder mysteries, but when the teacher’s wife is murdered, it quickly becomes apparent that it’s not a hoax meant to improve their writing.
Step into the small town of Maycroft and enjoy the quirky, lovable characters!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
September 26, 2017
I have enjoyed Ms Thomas' writing in the Cozy Suburb Mystery Series and watching her lovable and quirky characters develop. Sharpe Turn has been my favorite so far and I can't wait to read the next in series to see what adventures Mrs. Sharpe, her family and friends take us on because I know it will be one heck of a ride with a few giggles along the way. I really hate to write anything that tells too much about the storyline and might spoil the read for someone else, but I will say about this book "you just never know." Enjoy!!
December 12, 2017
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and it was great. Deena Sharpe maybe pushing 60, but she's still causing trouble and having fun. She's decided to quit investigating until her brother's best friend is main suspect in a murder. Deena out to find the real murderer and deal with her visiting mother-in-law at the same time. Cozy Suburb Mystery Series have lots of suspense and humour.
December 29, 2018
This is the 4th in the series. In this one, Deena is still trying to find herself since retiring. She decides maybe she should write mysteries. There ks a writer in Maycroft and he is giving a class on how to write a mystery. The first class she goes to the cops appear and tell him that his wife had a bad accident and is dead. From there first a friend is accused and then she is accused. Now she has to find out who did it. It was a great story. I like these stories.
April 17, 2019
Sharpe Turn (Maycroft Mystery #4) was another good read by Lisa B. Thomas. Deena Sharpe has decided to learn how to write a good mystery novel in a class taught by a best selling author, Max Dekker. Unfortunately Max's wife is killed in a car crash. It seems as though everyone becomes a suspect and Deena gets pulled into investigating. I enjoyed reading about Deena's investigation and can't wait to read more by Lisa B. Thomas.
March 22, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery, especially the main character, Deena Sharpe, am older woman who seems to be unable to stay out of trouble. Deena is going to try her hand at writing by attending a class given by a fairly well known author. When the author's wife is killed in a car accident the mystery begins and Deena finds herself caught in the middle. This is a well written, fun story
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January 27, 2020Another wonderful mystery
I loved this book. It is just as good as the other books I have read by Lisa B. Thomas. It is a page turner from the very beginning. I was surprised to find out who the killer was. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
I loved this book. It is just as good as the other books I have read by Lisa B. Thomas. It is a page turner from the very beginning. I was surprised to find out who the killer was. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
March 3, 2020
Sharpe Turn
Another fabulously written mystery full of intreage and humor ,full of vibrant caracters and plenty of mayhem. Everything it takes to make a fabulous cozey murder mystery plus more family drama behind all the seans .Time to aquier a copy and start enjoying "Sharpe Turn" as much as I have. ☺ Kat
Another fabulously written mystery full of intreage and humor ,full of vibrant caracters and plenty of mayhem. Everything it takes to make a fabulous cozey murder mystery plus more family drama behind all the seans .Time to aquier a copy and start enjoying "Sharpe Turn" as much as I have. ☺ Kat
January 21, 2018
Easy reading for a lazy day
I really did enjoy reading this book. I missed the first three so am going to have to start at the beginning. The author made this a easy read for those cold, snuggle winter days.
I really did enjoy reading this book. I missed the first three so am going to have to start at the beginning. The author made this a easy read for those cold, snuggle winter days.
March 19, 2020
An author teaching the class and his wife is killed, is this the type of class, or a hoax of learning to write better about murder. A friend is accused of the murder, and with a mother in law coming to town, she is in a hurry to solve. Good story.
June 3, 2017
I love this author!! As always this author as written another good book. The plot was fantastic.. I couldn't put it down.. can't wait to read another book.
June 5, 2017
Good
the murder of one woman and the trying to kill another woman.there kept being different plant's of evidence which were strange.
the murder of one woman and the trying to kill another woman.there kept being different plant's of evidence which were strange.
June 14, 2017
Absolute 5 star rating!
This is a very good mystery. The plot is well laid out and the characters re solid. I enjoyed trying to figure "Who dunit" and was surprisedat
This is a very good mystery. The plot is well laid out and the characters re solid. I enjoyed trying to figure "Who dunit" and was surprisedat
June 16, 2017
Couldn't put it down
I enjoy clean books and was very pleased with this one, easy fast reading, as the plot thickened, enjoyed it through the end.
I enjoy clean books and was very pleased with this one, easy fast reading, as the plot thickened, enjoyed it through the end.
September 28, 2017
Interesting
Love the characters. Exciting until the end. Easy reading. Fun and adventure at every turn. Looking forward to the next book
Love the characters. Exciting until the end. Easy reading. Fun and adventure at every turn. Looking forward to the next book
March 9, 2018
Cozy
An enjoyable, lighthearted mystery that was a fun and easy read. I would definitely read more from this author. Liked most that the end wasn’t predictable.
An enjoyable, lighthearted mystery that was a fun and easy read. I would definitely read more from this author. Liked most that the end wasn’t predictable.
June 10, 2019
Fun
This is a nice mystery that keeps your attention to the very end. Plenty of interesting characters and action throughout.
This is a nice mystery that keeps your attention to the very end. Plenty of interesting characters and action throughout.
March 21, 2021
Can't get enough of Lisa B. Thomas!!
September 29, 2016
You will definitely want to read more!
A fun read with great characters. These are people you know, people in your town, on your block, familiar people which makes this so much more enjoyable. Deena is a great character who has to get involved in solving a murder since it has to do with helping someone. In this case, her brother's friend who was accused of murder. And in comes a visit from her snarky mother-in-law whose only son is celebrating his 60th birthday. What fun having to deal with a mother-in-law and a murder. This book was a fun and fast paced read with the right amount of red herrings to keep you guessing! Surprise ending!!!!! A must read and can't wait for the next installment of Deena and company!
A fun read with great characters. These are people you know, people in your town, on your block, familiar people which makes this so much more enjoyable. Deena is a great character who has to get involved in solving a murder since it has to do with helping someone. In this case, her brother's friend who was accused of murder. And in comes a visit from her snarky mother-in-law whose only son is celebrating his 60th birthday. What fun having to deal with a mother-in-law and a murder. This book was a fun and fast paced read with the right amount of red herrings to keep you guessing! Surprise ending!!!!! A must read and can't wait for the next installment of Deena and company!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews