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Maple Hills #2
Peppermint Chocolate Murder
Maple Hill Cozy Mysteries can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.
From the moment Nikki first made Maple Hills, Vermont, her home, she has had a dark and dangerous cloud follow her. First she discovered a web of underground Mafia members and now there is a dead body at The Lodge – a dead body that just happens to hail from her own home town of Atlanta. As the newest, and arguably the nosiest, neighbor in the area, she knows all eyes will soon turn her way and tongues will start to wag.
Nikki has no choice but to garner her new friends and put her extensive experience as a big city reporter to use, playing a modern day Nancy Drew against a backdrop of gorgeous hills and the Canadian Border. Along with her pseudo partner and maybe love interest, Hawk, a local cop who just happens to be the Chief’s son, the duo must unravel a mystery that gets more complex by the minute – all the while trying to stay one step ahead of a murderer with murky, yet dire, motives.
And to think… all Nikki really wanted to do when she moved to the quaint town was make chocolates…
From the moment Nikki first made Maple Hills, Vermont, her home, she has had a dark and dangerous cloud follow her. First she discovered a web of underground Mafia members and now there is a dead body at The Lodge – a dead body that just happens to hail from her own home town of Atlanta. As the newest, and arguably the nosiest, neighbor in the area, she knows all eyes will soon turn her way and tongues will start to wag.
Nikki has no choice but to garner her new friends and put her extensive experience as a big city reporter to use, playing a modern day Nancy Drew against a backdrop of gorgeous hills and the Canadian Border. Along with her pseudo partner and maybe love interest, Hawk, a local cop who just happens to be the Chief’s son, the duo must unravel a mystery that gets more complex by the minute – all the while trying to stay one step ahead of a murderer with murky, yet dire, motives.
And to think… all Nikki really wanted to do when she moved to the quaint town was make chocolates…
126 pages, ebook
First published June 29, 2016
About the author
Wendy Meadows
194 books440 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 15, 2017
I read this book while I was ill, and I'm grateful for the comfort it provided me. I think that the author did well with the new characters that she introduced. I got most of the plot in my mind and that surprised me because I usually am not good with a tortuous scenario.
The read was quick but the author packed a lot of occurrences in the book. One thing that bothers me is that the heroine, Nikki, solves the case on her own, but also without showing us how. She simply guesses right.
What was refreshing here, was the lack of danger Nikki put herself into. She was present for the climax but was well protected by Hark, who might or might not be her beau. Till now there has been no sign of a love triangle. We must be thankful for small mercies.
The read was quick but the author packed a lot of occurrences in the book. One thing that bothers me is that the heroine, Nikki, solves the case on her own, but also without showing us how. She simply guesses right.
What was refreshing here, was the lack of danger Nikki put herself into. She was present for the climax but was well protected by Hark, who might or might not be her beau. Till now there has been no sign of a love triangle. We must be thankful for small mercies.
July 20, 2022
Another interesting murder for Nikki and Hawk to solve. Fun listen.
November 2, 2023
2023 November Reading Challenge
Prompt: read a sequel/finish a series
Wow, this wasn't even funny bad. This was just bad.
It occurred to me as I was reading this that it reads like several rough drafts thrown together. Too much description in unimportant scenes, not enough descriptions in important scenes, too many side plots that mean nothing, too many character moments that don't amount to anything, etc. The dialogue is unpolished and frankly sounds unnatural at times, and the main character's actions are hilariously ridiculous. Oh, and the murder mystery itself becomes the epitome of convoluted by the end.
Yeah, this was bad. I don't really have any praise for it. Read it if you want, but there's better out there.
Prompt: read a sequel/finish a series
Wow, this wasn't even funny bad. This was just bad.
It occurred to me as I was reading this that it reads like several rough drafts thrown together. Too much description in unimportant scenes, not enough descriptions in important scenes, too many side plots that mean nothing, too many character moments that don't amount to anything, etc. The dialogue is unpolished and frankly sounds unnatural at times, and the main character's actions are hilariously ridiculous. Oh, and the murder mystery itself becomes the epitome of convoluted by the end.
Yeah, this was bad. I don't really have any praise for it. Read it if you want, but there's better out there.
June 3, 2017
I love the idea of living in Vermont, but after this book I am not sure I would want to live in Maple Hills. Too many criminals! Good thing they have Nikki and Hawk to bring them to justice. They make a great team and work together wonderfully. The author certainly keeps my attention and I couldn't put the book down!
March 4, 2017
Murder for popularity
Hawk and Nikki are at it again. They make a great team and it's awesome to read a cozy series with a team. Can't wait to see what happens next
Hawk and Nikki are at it again. They make a great team and it's awesome to read a cozy series with a team. Can't wait to see what happens next
July 3, 2016
Sweet second treat
This book was a great continuation of the new series. The characters are well written , and the storyline very believable , which make reading so very enjoyable. Candy maker and cop made a terrific pair of sleuths. Border crossings, stolen money, "dark and stormy nights"-- all the necessity ingredients for an enjoyable afternoon. AND, there is a really neat surprise at the end. Waiting eagerly for number three.
This book was a great continuation of the new series. The characters are well written , and the storyline very believable , which make reading so very enjoyable. Candy maker and cop made a terrific pair of sleuths. Border crossings, stolen money, "dark and stormy nights"-- all the necessity ingredients for an enjoyable afternoon. AND, there is a really neat surprise at the end. Waiting eagerly for number three.
August 2, 2016
Great quick read
I love these short ones you can read while waiting in Dr office or waiting for a friend. Take chocolate and add a murder, a cut detective and you have the makings of a great story.
I love these short ones you can read while waiting in Dr office or waiting for a friend. Take chocolate and add a murder, a cut detective and you have the makings of a great story.
February 8, 2017
I really don't mind the quick pacing of this short, quick cozy but I sure don't like the plot of this one with all of it's John Doe's and his' and hers' and the mayor and the mayor's wife and bla bla bla. I prefer talking about real people with names and faces. Otherwise, a decent cozy. :)
July 29, 2016
Most enjoyable
I thought this storyline was most enjoyable. The characters were recognizable from the previous book and the mystery was solved in good time.
I thought this storyline was most enjoyable. The characters were recognizable from the previous book and the mystery was solved in good time.
September 27, 2016
Easy read.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me entertained and interested. I would recommended it to anyone who enjoys s light mystery not the blood and gore kind.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me entertained and interested. I would recommended it to anyone who enjoys s light mystery not the blood and gore kind.
October 13, 2016
.
Too many loose ends tied up in short order. Those characters could have been developed for a better understanding. An easy quick read.
Too many loose ends tied up in short order. Those characters could have been developed for a better understanding. An easy quick read.
October 19, 2020
It had been quite a while since I read the first book in the series, so I grabbed this one from Kindle Unlimited for a quick and easy read. I really like Nikki's character a lot. She took such good care of her employees, one of which was like a daughter to her (Tori), and the other, Lidia, was a like a mom to her. I don't remember a whole lot from the first book, but she must have been helping Hawk with that case, because his dad wasn't very fond of Nikki, although I can tell he's coming around.
The case was a good one with a lot of intrigue and just a little bit of nail biting excitement. I always enjoy a good killer trap, and this one didn't disappoint.
The case was a good one with a lot of intrigue and just a little bit of nail biting excitement. I always enjoy a good killer trap, and this one didn't disappoint.
March 27, 2021
Another murder in Maple Hills and the reporter part of Nikki can not resist the pull to solve it.
This is the scrumptious second edition in the “A Maple Hills Cozy Mystery” series and is just as good as the first. The characters are well crafted and interesting. The mystery was full of suspects, lots of clues, danger, action and suspense, keeping you interested until the end. I enjoyed the character interaction and the feeling of family within the small town atmosphere. If you like cozy mysteries that are set in small towns, strong female heroines and interesting mysteries, you will like this book.
This is the scrumptious second edition in the “A Maple Hills Cozy Mystery” series and is just as good as the first. The characters are well crafted and interesting. The mystery was full of suspects, lots of clues, danger, action and suspense, keeping you interested until the end. I enjoyed the character interaction and the feeling of family within the small town atmosphere. If you like cozy mysteries that are set in small towns, strong female heroines and interesting mysteries, you will like this book.
February 16, 2018
I am pleasantly surprised to see the relationship between Nikki and Hawk slowly starting to erupt. The author is doing a wonderful job in not rushing things between us. The cast of characters are starting to transform and the murder was simple enough to keep you reading. I must say that I'm loving this little town in Vermont. The author as really placed this series in a unique place.
August 11, 2018
this was a great story. I read it in one day. The plot was believable as were the characters. I love that Wendy put in a John Doe to make it even more realistic. What is up with mayors and their wives being the culprits though? lol just kidding, I loved it. Great Story Wendy. looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 15, 2020
This 2nd book in the series is only a little better than the first. But this is only in being able to follow the story line a little better. I'm guessing Nikki has a crystal ball since she solves murders with mere guesses all on her own. Maybe it's just trying to cram too much into too little of a story. I'd rather have more defined characters and plot line.
September 30, 2020
How does she pack so much GREATNESS into 120 pages? 😊 For such a small book it really is Fantastic. I love the characters (even the chief is growing on me) and the small town setting. I am borrowing these books from my library as fast as I can because they are so good. 😁
April 16, 2021
Funny cozy chocolate mystery
There is another couple of murders in an put of the way Inn on the out skirt of this small Vermont town. Nikki helps.to investigates despite the dangers to others.
There is another couple of murders in an put of the way Inn on the out skirt of this small Vermont town. Nikki helps.to investigates despite the dangers to others.
September 11, 2021
The story was enjoyable, well written with interesting characters, Can be read as a standalone but reading book 1 would help with the background and explain some attitudes. Plot is quite involved and works quite well. The narration is good and works well. A good quick read.
March 13, 2024
Nikki and Hawk are working on another murder. Murders seem to happen a-lot now that Nikki’s moved to town.
This is a fast read, filled with action. It’s not the best I have read, but totally enjoyable.
This is a fast read, filled with action. It’s not the best I have read, but totally enjoyable.
January 15, 2018
Love
I love this series . Can't wait to start the next book. What a great author . ❤📚 give her a try
I love this series . Can't wait to start the next book. What a great author . ❤📚 give her a try
June 15, 2018
Who is he?
Terrific short little read. When a dead body is found Hawk asks her to go along for the ride. Who is the dead man? Why is there nothing that belongs to him found in the room where he died? Con and double con, lies, adultery and missing money make for a great little read.
Terrific short little read. When a dead body is found Hawk asks her to go along for the ride. Who is the dead man? Why is there nothing that belongs to him found in the room where he died? Con and double con, lies, adultery and missing money make for a great little read.
December 24, 2018
Lots of murder since Nikki showed up in town. Or is law enforcement finally taking notice.
September 5, 2019
Got a little confusing for me but I enjoyed it! Will continue with the series.
July 13, 2020
Book 2. It did not get better...I have the box set. Going to continue with reading, but hold little hope the writing gets better.
August 11, 2020
Great book
Great book. Great story. Great characters.My favorite character is Torri. I also like Zach Nikki and Hawk.I would definitely recommend the book
Great book. Great story. Great characters.My favorite character is Torri. I also like Zach Nikki and Hawk.I would definitely recommend the book
June 5, 2021
Really enjoyed this book and it was a little funny .
November 7, 2021
I absolutely loved it and I’m still hooked!
I think Hawk and Nikki are good couple and a good partner to chase the theif and shooters out there…
Looking forward to read more book series soon…
I think Hawk and Nikki are good couple and a good partner to chase the theif and shooters out there…
Looking forward to read more book series soon…
January 31, 2022
Totally awesome
It's a really great read. I so enjoyed reading this second book in this series. The friend ships, and mostly seeing the bad guy get it in the end.
It's a really great read. I so enjoyed reading this second book in this series. The friend ships, and mostly seeing the bad guy get it in the end.
July 3, 2022
I like this series. I am now on book #3. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews