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A Mom Zone Mystery #10
Mother's Day, Muffins, and Murder
With summer approaching, Ellie Avery s schedule is ruled by attending end-of-the-year events at her kids school and avoiding run-ins with her arch competitor. When a murder disrupts the core curriculum, can the two women form an alliance to teach the killer a lesson in justice?"
As a regular volunteer at North Dawkins Elementary, Ellie would never miss the annual Mother's Day breakfast even if she has to tolerate the likes of Gabrielle Matheson. The rivals aren't exactly sworn enemies, although Ellie still thinks there's only room for one professional organizer in their small Georgia town.
But when Ellie sees Gabrielle in the hallway, she s a mess. It looks like Gabrielle s seen a ghost or, as she explains, a dead body inside the supply closet. Before Ellie can get help the body vanishes . . . only to mysteriously reappear later at the school.
Little is known about the victim, a secretive snoop with a nosy nature and a penchant for keeping quiet about her own past. Ellie will leave no desk unturned to protect her kids and expose the cunning criminal s identity. Because if she doesn t, the killer may chalk up another textbook case of murder . . .
Don t miss Ellie Avery s great tips for PTA moms!
Praise for Sara Rosett and her Ellie Avery mysteries
Some cozies just hit on all cylinders, and Rosett s Ellie Avery titles are among the best. "Library Journal"
MILKSHAKES, MERMAIDS, AND MURDER
Rosett s latest Ellie Avery mystery is about a woman trying to protect her family, and that s a message most of us can relate to. "RT Book Reviews, "4 1/2 stars
MISTLETOE, MERRIMENT, AND MURDER
Intriguing characters, a strong setting, more than a dash of humor and a suspenseful plot that keeps us guessing until the end . . . Yet, what places air force wife Ellie Avery at the top of my list are the poignant descriptionsof what military families face every day. Katherine Hall Page
MIMOSAS, MISCHIEF, AND MURDER
A winning mystery . . . a rumor of hidden money, secret letters from a famous recluse, a fire, a threatening message, and a crazed gunman add to the cozy mischief. "Publishers Weekly"
MAGNOLIAS, MOONLIGHT, AND MURDER
Engaging nifty party tips help keep the sleuthing on the cozy side. "Publishers Weekly"
GETTING AWAY IS DEADLY
" "Keeps readers moving down some surprising paths and on the edge of their chairs until the very end. "Cozy Library"
As a regular volunteer at North Dawkins Elementary, Ellie would never miss the annual Mother's Day breakfast even if she has to tolerate the likes of Gabrielle Matheson. The rivals aren't exactly sworn enemies, although Ellie still thinks there's only room for one professional organizer in their small Georgia town.
But when Ellie sees Gabrielle in the hallway, she s a mess. It looks like Gabrielle s seen a ghost or, as she explains, a dead body inside the supply closet. Before Ellie can get help the body vanishes . . . only to mysteriously reappear later at the school.
Little is known about the victim, a secretive snoop with a nosy nature and a penchant for keeping quiet about her own past. Ellie will leave no desk unturned to protect her kids and expose the cunning criminal s identity. Because if she doesn t, the killer may chalk up another textbook case of murder . . .
Don t miss Ellie Avery s great tips for PTA moms!
Praise for Sara Rosett and her Ellie Avery mysteries
Some cozies just hit on all cylinders, and Rosett s Ellie Avery titles are among the best. "Library Journal"
MILKSHAKES, MERMAIDS, AND MURDER
Rosett s latest Ellie Avery mystery is about a woman trying to protect her family, and that s a message most of us can relate to. "RT Book Reviews, "4 1/2 stars
MISTLETOE, MERRIMENT, AND MURDER
Intriguing characters, a strong setting, more than a dash of humor and a suspenseful plot that keeps us guessing until the end . . . Yet, what places air force wife Ellie Avery at the top of my list are the poignant descriptionsof what military families face every day. Katherine Hall Page
MIMOSAS, MISCHIEF, AND MURDER
A winning mystery . . . a rumor of hidden money, secret letters from a famous recluse, a fire, a threatening message, and a crazed gunman add to the cozy mischief. "Publishers Weekly"
MAGNOLIAS, MOONLIGHT, AND MURDER
Engaging nifty party tips help keep the sleuthing on the cozy side. "Publishers Weekly"
GETTING AWAY IS DEADLY
" "Keeps readers moving down some surprising paths and on the edge of their chairs until the very end. "Cozy Library"
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2018
96 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
49 books1,668 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 5, 2017
Book ten is a win for author Sara Rosett, and her Ellie Avery Mysteries!
MOTHER’S DAY, MUFFINS, AND MURDER starts off at a run with humor, excitement, and mystery. I was well into chapter two before I even realized I had finished chapter one!
Series namesake, Ellie Avery is so much fun to read. Author Rosett knows just how far to take Ellie’s sarcasm without going over the top. I for sure could see myself hanging out with Ellie and having a grand time!
I really enjoyed that many of the chapters ended with, Organizing Tips for PTA Moms. My only child is a Chiweenie named Emmy, but I found Rosett’s tips to be great ideas. I think it’s great when authors add such fun and interesting information along with they’re story.
Goodness, I haven’t even mentioned the mystery. It was fabulous! There was so much going on in MOTHER’S DAY, MUFFINS, AND MURDER. From the discovery of the body, to the disappearance of said body, to re-discovery of the body, I was breathless before I was an eighth of the way through the book. And all of that was just the beginning of the rollercoaster ride this story turned out to be!
It’s very clear how Sara Rosett has made it to ten books in this series. If she keeps writing like this, book 20 is a guarantee!
MOTHER’S DAY, MUFFINS, AND MURDER starts off at a run with humor, excitement, and mystery. I was well into chapter two before I even realized I had finished chapter one!
Series namesake, Ellie Avery is so much fun to read. Author Rosett knows just how far to take Ellie’s sarcasm without going over the top. I for sure could see myself hanging out with Ellie and having a grand time!
I really enjoyed that many of the chapters ended with, Organizing Tips for PTA Moms. My only child is a Chiweenie named Emmy, but I found Rosett’s tips to be great ideas. I think it’s great when authors add such fun and interesting information along with they’re story.
Goodness, I haven’t even mentioned the mystery. It was fabulous! There was so much going on in MOTHER’S DAY, MUFFINS, AND MURDER. From the discovery of the body, to the disappearance of said body, to re-discovery of the body, I was breathless before I was an eighth of the way through the book. And all of that was just the beginning of the rollercoaster ride this story turned out to be!
It’s very clear how Sara Rosett has made it to ten books in this series. If she keeps writing like this, book 20 is a guarantee!
September 2, 2021
Book 10 is about Ellie helping with different activities in the school Livvy and Nathan are in together. Gabrielle ( a woman that outstaed Ellie out of some organizing jobs but are pretty much civalized to each other now) found a dead body in a office. But when Ellie looked where Gabrille said it was. She did not find it. So after awhile Ellie was outside with some of the volunteer moms and found the body that Gabrielle saw. ( Ellie and the school principal thought Gabreille was losing her mind). There was another death to in this one. I love Sara Rosett series but this one was the final one right now and it was okay. Livvy and Nathan are getting older and they are cute kids. Ellie pilot husband Mitch is a good man. I think there is another book in this series hopefully
March 24, 2017
**I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**
another great book in this series. the mystery was awesome, and it kept me guessing the entire time.
another great book in this series. the mystery was awesome, and it kept me guessing the entire time.
March 12, 2017
I have followed the Ellie Avery series since I read the first one several years ago. I have always enjoyed them. This book is no difference. It is near the end of the school year at North Dawkins Elementary school. Ellie is volunteering at several end of school events when the body of one of the janitors is found in a wooded area. Ellie is reluctantly drawn into the investigation as by a friend, Gabrielle. The latter is afraid the murder will hurt her business. The twists and turns will keep you occupy as Ellie begins to uncover knowledge about the victim. She learns the victim keep to herself and like to find out secrets. Ellie must find an answer before she joins the victim. I recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review.I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review.I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 15, 2017
By book 10 you know what to expect from Sara Rosett and she delivers - a cozy mystery with loveable characters and a complicated plot that is easy to follow.
The school year is almost over, Mother's Day precedes Teacher Appreciation Week, meaning Ellie is in the building organizing the food while Livy & Nathan attend classes in grades 5 & 2. .
Gabrielle Matheson, her arch nemesis, drags Ellie into the calamity by insisting there was a dead body in a closet.
Det. Dave Warady might not be Ellie's favourite cop, but her respect grows as they school's secrets leak to Ellie from her organizing business clients and Warady appreciates her help.
I guessed "who done it' but there were times I wavered to another suspect.
I give it 5/5 for it's pleasant and easy reading peacefulness..
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The school year is almost over, Mother's Day precedes Teacher Appreciation Week, meaning Ellie is in the building organizing the food while Livy & Nathan attend classes in grades 5 & 2. .
Gabrielle Matheson, her arch nemesis, drags Ellie into the calamity by insisting there was a dead body in a closet.
Det. Dave Warady might not be Ellie's favourite cop, but her respect grows as they school's secrets leak to Ellie from her organizing business clients and Warady appreciates her help.
I guessed "who done it' but there were times I wavered to another suspect.
I give it 5/5 for it's pleasant and easy reading peacefulness..
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2017
I enjoy this series by Sara Rosett.
Ellie is a fun character and her organizational tips are always fun to read.
When a member of the school community is found dead, Ellie can't help but get involved.
Who knew teachers had so many secrets?
I was kept guessing until the very end.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Ellie is a fun character and her organizational tips are always fun to read.
When a member of the school community is found dead, Ellie can't help but get involved.
Who knew teachers had so many secrets?
I was kept guessing until the very end.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
March 29, 2017
Sarah Rosett has done it again with the 10th in her Ellie Avery Mystery series! This book is a must read for fans of the series, but what I've always found great about Rosett's books is that they absolutely can be read as standalones. This book is no exception! She has such a skilled way of introducing new readers to Ellie, her family, and the other characters that as a fan I never find it boring or feel like I should skip over certain parts. All the things that make Ellie so relateable and loveable are here and it was fun to catch back up with her.
As is the case with the majority of the books in this series the mystery definitely didn't disappoint. One of my favorite things about Rosett's writing is her attention to detail when it comes to clues dropped throughout the story for the reader to find and piece together in order to figure out whodunnit! They are more intricate than your average cozy but certainly not complicated or hard to find. By book 10 Rosett has mastered the art of a good mystery while keeping the story light and cozy. I had my eye on one character for most of the story but did waver a few times throughout. Ultimately I enjoyed the mystery and had nothing to be disappointed about.
I liked that Ellie was somewhat "forced" into working with her main business competition, Gabrielle to solve the murder. While Gabrielle hasn't always been the most likeable character in the series by this point the women are able to get along and even see eye to eye at times. It was fun to see more of Gabrielle. I also enjoyed her interactions with Detective Waraday, the lead detective on the case. In earlier books in this series Ellie and the detective didn't exactly get along. In this book Ellie's assistance proves to be invaluable to the detective. It adds a different element to the story.
I highly recommend giving this book a try even if you have never read other books in the series. I'm certain that once you meet Ellie and Co. you will want to seek out earlier books in the series. For fans of the Ellie Avery Mystery series this is one you can't afford to miss. It has all the quality of a typical Rosett book with a handful of new and fun twists.
As is the case with the majority of the books in this series the mystery definitely didn't disappoint. One of my favorite things about Rosett's writing is her attention to detail when it comes to clues dropped throughout the story for the reader to find and piece together in order to figure out whodunnit! They are more intricate than your average cozy but certainly not complicated or hard to find. By book 10 Rosett has mastered the art of a good mystery while keeping the story light and cozy. I had my eye on one character for most of the story but did waver a few times throughout. Ultimately I enjoyed the mystery and had nothing to be disappointed about.
I liked that Ellie was somewhat "forced" into working with her main business competition, Gabrielle to solve the murder. While Gabrielle hasn't always been the most likeable character in the series by this point the women are able to get along and even see eye to eye at times. It was fun to see more of Gabrielle. I also enjoyed her interactions with Detective Waraday, the lead detective on the case. In earlier books in this series Ellie and the detective didn't exactly get along. In this book Ellie's assistance proves to be invaluable to the detective. It adds a different element to the story.
I highly recommend giving this book a try even if you have never read other books in the series. I'm certain that once you meet Ellie and Co. you will want to seek out earlier books in the series. For fans of the Ellie Avery Mystery series this is one you can't afford to miss. It has all the quality of a typical Rosett book with a handful of new and fun twists.
March 25, 2017
Professional Organizer, mom, and regular school volunteer Ellie Avery has her hands full managing all of the end of the year activities for her two children. The annual Mother’s Day breakfast is always a nice treat, however, even if she has to deal with her only work competition, Gabrielle Matheson. In an unexpected twist, Gabrielle swears she’s seen a dead body- and yet there isn’t one to find. Later, the body reappears and now everyone is mistrustful as no one knows why the murder occurred. The ending of a school year is always chaotic, but never as much as when a murder is involved. Can Ellie uncover the murderer while juggling both her job and the activities of her children?
How could I resist a book that features the end of the school year and murder? Sara Rosett perfectly captures the mayhem that ensues at the end of the school year. Ellie is a great heroine, balancing her inquisitive nature with a respect for the privacy of others. Ellie is a very likable character and I can’t wait to read the earlier mysteries in the series as I want to spend more time with Ellie!
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a professional organizer as the heroine but I quickly grew to enjoy the change from my usual culinary cozy mysteries. I love the Organizing Tips for PTA women featured at the end of many of the chapters as they give a glimpse into the incredible tasks that face parents who want to be successfully involved in their children’s schools. I particularly love that the tips recognize that saying no is a perfectly acceptable answer as well.
MOTHER’S DAY, MUFFINS, AND MURDER is the tenth book in the Ellie Avery Mystery series but it’s easy to jump right in and enjoy the story. I hadn’t read Sara Rosett before but I have now downloaded the first book to my Kindle and can’t wait to see what other troubles Ellie has had. Highly recommended!
*A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review*
How could I resist a book that features the end of the school year and murder? Sara Rosett perfectly captures the mayhem that ensues at the end of the school year. Ellie is a great heroine, balancing her inquisitive nature with a respect for the privacy of others. Ellie is a very likable character and I can’t wait to read the earlier mysteries in the series as I want to spend more time with Ellie!
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a professional organizer as the heroine but I quickly grew to enjoy the change from my usual culinary cozy mysteries. I love the Organizing Tips for PTA women featured at the end of many of the chapters as they give a glimpse into the incredible tasks that face parents who want to be successfully involved in their children’s schools. I particularly love that the tips recognize that saying no is a perfectly acceptable answer as well.
MOTHER’S DAY, MUFFINS, AND MURDER is the tenth book in the Ellie Avery Mystery series but it’s easy to jump right in and enjoy the story. I hadn’t read Sara Rosett before but I have now downloaded the first book to my Kindle and can’t wait to see what other troubles Ellie has had. Highly recommended!
*A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review*
March 29, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. With that said, this is the first Sara Rosett book I have read. I was really excited to discover that this book was different from so many other cozy mysteries. These books usually have a main character who is a single, childless lady who has a pet. This character, Ellie has a husband, two kids, and a pet. This difference really added more excitement and interest for me. It was really fun reading about North Dawkins Elementary. I could practically smell Elmer's glue and crayons the entire time I was reading it. Not being a mother myself, I thought the 'Organization Tips for PTA Mothers' was a real hoot! The one downfall for me was that it was hard to keep track of all of the characters. It would have been nice to have a dramatis personae to help me keep track. I will say that all of these characters did help add to the constant, "Was it her?" buzzing through my mind while I read the book. Mother's Day, Muffins, and Murder kept me guessing until the end. I also loved all of the gossip and cattiness that goes along with a large group of women. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to go get more of her books now that I have fallen in love with the authors writing.
March 6, 2017
This was my first time reading a Sara Rosett book, and I enjoyed it very much. Mother’s Day, Muffins, and Murder is the 10th book in the Ellie Avery Mystery series. Ellie has apparently stumbled into a murder or two in her past, but now her nemesis has stumbled across a body… that soon disappears. Just from that, the book sucks you in and you have to find out where it goes from there. I thought the book was fast paced and really keeps you interested. Since this was the first book I read in the series, it was nice that they did a little recap of some of the characters. However, some of them it took me a little bit to figure out how they fit in with Ellie and her life, but that’s probably a good thing for those that have read the series from the beginning. I really enjoyed that at the end of some of the chapters there are organizational/PTA tips for families. I’m probably going to put some of these into practice myself!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
January 1, 2021
This was a pleasant little light read. Not overly complex with likable characters in well described settings. It proceeds at a nice pace so it is difficult to put it down.
I was annoyed by the PTA organizing tips at the end of the chapters, but that may be because I don't have children in schools.
I was annoyed by the PTA organizing tips at the end of the chapters, but that may be because I don't have children in schools.
March 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! It was the first book from this series that I have read, and I will definitely be picking up others. The story's characters are ones myself and my friends can relate to. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took right up to the end.
October 30, 2020
A good cozy for mothers of grade school children. The characters are interesting in a school setting way. The murder that happened at school was pretty different with many twists and turns. Even though I am a bit old for this setting I think I might look for more books in this series.
August 18, 2021
This is a "cozy" mystery....and I love throwing these in to read between heavier tomes! This is a cute mystery with a nice mother as the Miss Marple of today. The murder is in a school....but it's not scary or gory! I just enjoyed the read! I'll try another one some time!
March 22, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I enjoyed getting to know all the people in the book as well as the tensions that flew between several of the main characters. The plot thickened as I read and I was hooked till the end! This was my first of Sara Rosett's books that I have read but I will definitely be reading more!
March 9, 2017
This was my first time reading a Sara Rosett cozy and I received an ARC to review. While not the first in the Ellie Avery Mystery Series, reading book number 10 in the series certainly did not hamper my experience in the least.
Ellie Avery is a military wife, Mother, professional organizer, elementary school parent and volunteer, and frequent find of dead bodies. This time, schools wrapping up for the year and another school Mom and professional organizer, Gabrielle, stumbles on a dead body in a school closet...or did she? While no body is found where Gabrielle insists she saw it, the body is eventually found in the woods behind the school and Ellie is drawn into the mystery whether she wants to be involved or not...even after receiving threats to keep her nose out of it.
Ellie is a relatable character that any Mom can relate to. Laundry, clients, volunteering, cooking, solving a murder...it's all part of a normal day for Ellie. With some twist and turns that keep you guessing who the killer is, this is a great series for Moms, Military wives, or anyone who loves a good cozy mystery. Even better is that there are quite a few books in the series and you can order them all and hunker down for a marathon reading session. :)
Ellie Avery is a military wife, Mother, professional organizer, elementary school parent and volunteer, and frequent find of dead bodies. This time, schools wrapping up for the year and another school Mom and professional organizer, Gabrielle, stumbles on a dead body in a school closet...or did she? While no body is found where Gabrielle insists she saw it, the body is eventually found in the woods behind the school and Ellie is drawn into the mystery whether she wants to be involved or not...even after receiving threats to keep her nose out of it.
Ellie is a relatable character that any Mom can relate to. Laundry, clients, volunteering, cooking, solving a murder...it's all part of a normal day for Ellie. With some twist and turns that keep you guessing who the killer is, this is a great series for Moms, Military wives, or anyone who loves a good cozy mystery. Even better is that there are quite a few books in the series and you can order them all and hunker down for a marathon reading session. :)
February 18, 2017
My book list keeps getting longer and longer when I discover new authors and great books. That's what I got reading Sara Rosett's upcoming new book Mother’s Day, Muffins, and Murder!
This is the first Sara Rosett book I have read and will make sure to get more of her books. I enjoyed the main character of this book and her easy, but determined spirit and attitude. I actually enjoyed each character and how they played into the plotline and murder. The story was fast paced, plausible, and held my attention throughout the book. I also enjoyed the school setting and the tips that the author has for PTA moms at the end of each chapter. The author does a good job in wrapping up the mystery, having it make sense to what occurred, and in revealing the killer.
I would definitely recommend reading this book and picking up more of Sara Rosett’s other novels. I especially liked the cover design.
I willingly provided an honest review after receiving a copy of this book.
February 23, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. I had not read any of the previous books in this series but had no problem jumping right ini with Ellie and the ladies of the school community and having a great time trying to solve two murders while juggling end of the school year activities. From the moment Ellie's nemesis, Gabrielle, finds a body in the storage closet that quickly disappears until the climax, I enjoyed every fast paced minute. The organizational tips at the end of the chapters were wonderful. While there were a lot of characters, I had no trouble keeping every one straight and trying to uncover their secrets along with Ellie. I will definitely continue with the series. A great enjoyable read.
January 12, 2026
Since I’ve been in a cozy mystery mood lately, I was very excited to be able to review this thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp! Then I realized that it was book 10 in the series and I instantly regretted requesting it. Fortunately, from word one, the book is fun, clever, and interesting.
This could be read as a stand alone but I am even more curious in the rest of the series. Being new to the series, I did feel like I wasn’t quite getting all the information about Ellie. It’s easy to tell that this isn’t a book one but there was enough in it to not feel like I was missing anything and there were only enough details to let me in on the surrounding details, not so many details that the story was bogged down.
Ellie is a mother of two with a hubby in the military. She’s fierce! She can make muffins but can also stand up to detectives that suspect her of murder. Fortunately, this go around she’s not high on the suspect list but her conversation with the police was funny. Minus the fact that it was about a dead body!
And I love the fact that the mystery starts at 6%. Many cozy mysteries wait until a plot is nearly fully formed to dig into a murder. This started the day with the school and everything that was happening and BAM murder!
The downside is that I had my curiosity built up so I was putting together the clues and was able to pick out a prime suspect before 40%. I think this is pretty early. Although there are not many clues by this point, there were some things that stood out and made it pretty obvious.
That is the only downside though. This went fast, was a fun read, full of surprises and laughs, even while Ellie is trying to help solve a murder. There are a lot of characters, which makes me want to go back and start from the beginning even more.
In short: Great cozy mystery that fits into the genre well. Can be read without reading the nine prior, but it’s probably more fun to read them all!
Thank you so much to Kensington for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
This could be read as a stand alone but I am even more curious in the rest of the series. Being new to the series, I did feel like I wasn’t quite getting all the information about Ellie. It’s easy to tell that this isn’t a book one but there was enough in it to not feel like I was missing anything and there were only enough details to let me in on the surrounding details, not so many details that the story was bogged down.
Ellie is a mother of two with a hubby in the military. She’s fierce! She can make muffins but can also stand up to detectives that suspect her of murder. Fortunately, this go around she’s not high on the suspect list but her conversation with the police was funny. Minus the fact that it was about a dead body!
And I love the fact that the mystery starts at 6%. Many cozy mysteries wait until a plot is nearly fully formed to dig into a murder. This started the day with the school and everything that was happening and BAM murder!
The downside is that I had my curiosity built up so I was putting together the clues and was able to pick out a prime suspect before 40%. I think this is pretty early. Although there are not many clues by this point, there were some things that stood out and made it pretty obvious.
That is the only downside though. This went fast, was a fun read, full of surprises and laughs, even while Ellie is trying to help solve a murder. There are a lot of characters, which makes me want to go back and start from the beginning even more.
In short: Great cozy mystery that fits into the genre well. Can be read without reading the nine prior, but it’s probably more fun to read them all!
Thank you so much to Kensington for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2017
I have read every book in the series and thought I'd be bored by now. This one did start off a bit slow but the potential suspects and motives quickly piled up! I enjoyed the school setting but it did seem a bit strange that Ellie is at the school as a volunteer almost 24/7, with little attention to her organizing business.
Well-written and a plot with numerous twists and turns.. I highly recommend. Also, it can be read as a stand-alone cozy.
Well-written and a plot with numerous twists and turns.. I highly recommend. Also, it can be read as a stand-alone cozy.
July 9, 2017
Title: Mother's Day, Muffins, and Murder - A Mom Zone Mystery Book 10 - Ellie Avery Mystery
Author: Sara Rosett
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 3-28-2017
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Series
ISBN: 9781617731501
ASIN: B01HWKQL62
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
With summer approaching, Ellie Avery’s schedule is ruled by attending end-of-the-year events at her kids’ school—and avoiding run-ins with her arch competitor. When a murder disrupts the core curriculum, can the two women form an alliance to teach the killer a lesson in justice?
As a regular volunteer at North Dawkins Elementary, Ellie would never miss the annual Mother's Day breakfast—even if she has to tolerate the likes of Gabrielle Matheson. The rivals aren't exactly sworn enemies, although Ellie still thinks there's only room for one professional organizer in their small Georgia town.
But when Ellie sees Gabrielle in the hallway, she’s a mess. It looks like Gabrielle’s seen a ghost—or, as she explains, a dead body inside the supply closet. Before Ellie can get help the body vanishes . . . only to mysteriously reappear later at the school.
Little is known about the victim, a secretive snoop with a nosy nature and a penchant for keeping quiet about her own past. Ellie will leave no desk unturned to protect her kids and expose the cunning criminal’s identity. Because if she doesn’t, the killer may chalk up another textbook case of murder . . .
When her children's school becomes the host to a dead body, nothing will stop her from finding the killer and making the world a little safer for children everywhere. Lively characters and intriguing events keep you riveted to the story. There are plenty of clues to follow as track the mysterious disappearing/reappearing body. There is a touch of humor to keep this cozy light. Also included are organizational tips as well as some PTA pointers.
My rating of "Mother's Day, Muffins, and Murder" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HWKQL62/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moth...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
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Author: Sara Rosett
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 3-28-2017
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Series
ISBN: 9781617731501
ASIN: B01HWKQL62
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
With summer approaching, Ellie Avery’s schedule is ruled by attending end-of-the-year events at her kids’ school—and avoiding run-ins with her arch competitor. When a murder disrupts the core curriculum, can the two women form an alliance to teach the killer a lesson in justice?
As a regular volunteer at North Dawkins Elementary, Ellie would never miss the annual Mother's Day breakfast—even if she has to tolerate the likes of Gabrielle Matheson. The rivals aren't exactly sworn enemies, although Ellie still thinks there's only room for one professional organizer in their small Georgia town.
But when Ellie sees Gabrielle in the hallway, she’s a mess. It looks like Gabrielle’s seen a ghost—or, as she explains, a dead body inside the supply closet. Before Ellie can get help the body vanishes . . . only to mysteriously reappear later at the school.
Little is known about the victim, a secretive snoop with a nosy nature and a penchant for keeping quiet about her own past. Ellie will leave no desk unturned to protect her kids and expose the cunning criminal’s identity. Because if she doesn’t, the killer may chalk up another textbook case of murder . . .
When her children's school becomes the host to a dead body, nothing will stop her from finding the killer and making the world a little safer for children everywhere. Lively characters and intriguing events keep you riveted to the story. There are plenty of clues to follow as track the mysterious disappearing/reappearing body. There is a touch of humor to keep this cozy light. Also included are organizational tips as well as some PTA pointers.
My rating of "Mother's Day, Muffins, and Murder" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HWKQL62/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moth...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
August 31, 2017
I truly enjoy a good mystery and who couldn't use helpful hints along the way? This could very well be a "how to" manual for working with a school PTA and keeping events organized especially where volunteers are concerned. It was also a great story that kept me guessing all the way to the end as to "who done it."
Our heroine, Ellie Avery, is an Army mom who also doubles as a professional organizer as in clutter and a little bit of a reluctant sleuth. She is extremely efficient and friendly to boot, unlike the other pro in town, Gabrielle Matheson. Unfortunately for Gabrielle, while being the organized person she is, she finds a dead body in a closet. Or does she? After a false fire drill the body has disappeared and Gabrielle is looking foolish until the body shows up on the woods on Field Day. Gabrielle decides that it is up to Ellie to get this matter organized and solved as quick as possible.
You would think that an elementary school would be a safe place but apparently this one is full of secrets and hazards. It's no secret that this is a nice little cozy mystery that would be perfect for any day and not just Mother's Day. The other perfect piece to this cozy puzzle are the tips and easy to follow directions for PTA volunteering found between chapters.
March 21, 2017
I've read several of the books in this series and liked them all so I'm not sure why I haven't put this series on my must read list. Milkshakes, Mermaids and Murder is my go to book to carry on plane flights in case my ereader gives out. After 10+ flights I still haven't read it, but it shows that I'm confident it will be a good read since being stuck on a 4 hour flight without a good book would be a nightmare to me. Ellie is a smart, capable heroine and the author does a good job at shaking up the locations and plots so we're not just following Ellie finding the latest body on a job site.
I don't have kids so the PTA activity story line wasn't my favorite. There was enough murder plot going on the school stuff didn't detract for me. I also had no interest in the PTA event organization tips at the end of the chapters though I did breeze through them and could see them possibly being of use (though anyone with a smidge of common sense (and back bone to say NO) shouldn't need most of the tips). The hints played into Ellie's PTA experience and her organizational skills well.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I don't have kids so the PTA activity story line wasn't my favorite. There was enough murder plot going on the school stuff didn't detract for me. I also had no interest in the PTA event organization tips at the end of the chapters though I did breeze through them and could see them possibly being of use (though anyone with a smidge of common sense (and back bone to say NO) shouldn't need most of the tips). The hints played into Ellie's PTA experience and her organizational skills well.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2017
This is the first book by Sara Rosett that I have read. I didn’t realize at first that was number 10 in a series; however, it works well as a standalone. I don’t feel I missed anything by not reading the other nine.
This book’s main character, Ellie, is married and has two children. That is rather unusual because these books often have a single female as the lead character. I enjoyed the interactions within the family and the other people in the book. This is a very well written cozy mystery with characters other than the culprit who have secrets. There were several people who could have committed the murder, and the reluctant mystery solver gets herself into a few tight places along the way. By the end of the book, every detail is neatly wrapped up.
For those of you with children in school there are organizing tips for PTA moms scattered throughout. Not only are there good ideas for those who set up the volunteer activities, but there are also ideas for anyone who would like to be more active in their children’s schools.
I have to say, I really enjoy cozy mysteries. This one was well worth reading
This book’s main character, Ellie, is married and has two children. That is rather unusual because these books often have a single female as the lead character. I enjoyed the interactions within the family and the other people in the book. This is a very well written cozy mystery with characters other than the culprit who have secrets. There were several people who could have committed the murder, and the reluctant mystery solver gets herself into a few tight places along the way. By the end of the book, every detail is neatly wrapped up.
For those of you with children in school there are organizing tips for PTA moms scattered throughout. Not only are there good ideas for those who set up the volunteer activities, but there are also ideas for anyone who would like to be more active in their children’s schools.
I have to say, I really enjoy cozy mysteries. This one was well worth reading
October 5, 2019
Finally caught up on all the Ellie Avery books, only to find out that Rosett has three other mystery series. On one hand, this is good, because that gives me something to fill the gap until the next Ellie Avery book comes out, on the other hand, I'm now very far behind again! This one was a lot of fun, and, like book 9, it had none of the slowness of books 6,7, and 8. It has the same feel as the first books in the series, very detail oriented and engaging without being bogged down. It's incredibly fast paced, and Rosett wove the details expertly to create a tightly written fun little murder. These are the definition of cozy mystery and having gone from start to finish with the series, I'm truly glad that I kept going in spite of the lull of some of the middle books. It was just what I needed after the end of a stressful day!
July 7, 2020
This was my first experience to Rosett's writing and her characters in this series.
After her rival organizer finds a dead body in the closet of the school , which then disappears and is later found in the woods of a dead janitor, main character Ellie Avery ends up having to help the local sheriff figure out the crime and motive, while finding out secrets from the other teachers and staff at the school where he children attend.
The characters were enjoyable and entertaining, along with the easy to read chapters. There were a few parts that the reader needs to suspend belief , having the crime be inside a school, but it doesn't take away from the overall plot or story. I couldn't put this down, and am not one that reads cozy mysteries.
For an in-depth review, visit my page: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
After her rival organizer finds a dead body in the closet of the school , which then disappears and is later found in the woods of a dead janitor, main character Ellie Avery ends up having to help the local sheriff figure out the crime and motive, while finding out secrets from the other teachers and staff at the school where he children attend.
The characters were enjoyable and entertaining, along with the easy to read chapters. There were a few parts that the reader needs to suspend belief , having the crime be inside a school, but it doesn't take away from the overall plot or story. I couldn't put this down, and am not one that reads cozy mysteries.
For an in-depth review, visit my page: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
October 29, 2017
Ellie Avery is a wife, mother, volunteer, and part-time organizer for pay. She's wearing her volunteer hat when she is second on the scene when a body is found at her children's school. Although she doesn't really want to investigate, she can't help noticing things and asking questions. And her fellow organizer and rival Gabrielle keeps pushing her to investigate, for fear that she may be involved in the crime. There's a lot going on at this elementary school that the board of education doesn't know about! While I enjoy Rosett's writing, the criminal always seems obvious to me, as this story proved again.
January 27, 2021
As the title indicates, this is the tenth in a series . . . but it's the first Rosett book I've read. As an Air Force wife herself, Rosett knows about the nomadic life of military families. This is one in her Ellie Avery series features an Air Force wife.
Ellie is volunteering at a Georgia, elementary school during Teacher Appreciation Week at the end of the school year, where things may not be as tranquil as one would expect. Elle is not the first to stumble upon a body, but she gets involved in figuring out "who done it" while going about her volunteering. It's a fun, fast read, but a few too many characters, as far as I'm concerned.
Ellie is volunteering at a Georgia, elementary school during Teacher Appreciation Week at the end of the school year, where things may not be as tranquil as one would expect. Elle is not the first to stumble upon a body, but she gets involved in figuring out "who done it" while going about her volunteering. It's a fun, fast read, but a few too many characters, as far as I'm concerned.
May 10, 2023
Ellie is involved in figuring out another murder whether she wants to or not. This time it is the school her kids are in.
From the beginning I thought it was the new math teacher but she wasn't, then I thought it was the super anti-social office lady, Peg, but she is also not the one, then I thought it was Vonn, the other janitor, alas I was wrong as well. It wasn't until the last couple chapters that the real killer finally gotten revealed. It is amazing how Sara Rosett string us along. This is the best one of the Ellie Avery series.
So enjoyable and finally detective isn't trying to push a square peg into a round hole.
From the beginning I thought it was the new math teacher but she wasn't, then I thought it was the super anti-social office lady, Peg, but she is also not the one, then I thought it was Vonn, the other janitor, alas I was wrong as well. It wasn't until the last couple chapters that the real killer finally gotten revealed. It is amazing how Sara Rosett string us along. This is the best one of the Ellie Avery series.
So enjoyable and finally detective isn't trying to push a square peg into a round hole.
May 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Super cute mystery with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. This is the first one I've read in this series and it wasn't hard to follow so new readers can jump right in. Comprised of delightful characters and an amateur sleuth, this is a light cozy for your afternoon reading fix. Many of you may want to start at the beginning of the series to get the full enjoyment of them all. This is one Mother's Day that Ellie Avery is sure to remember.
Super cute mystery with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. This is the first one I've read in this series and it wasn't hard to follow so new readers can jump right in. Comprised of delightful characters and an amateur sleuth, this is a light cozy for your afternoon reading fix. Many of you may want to start at the beginning of the series to get the full enjoyment of them all. This is one Mother's Day that Ellie Avery is sure to remember.
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