What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of the Frying Pan
When the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village ends up dead, life for sisters Fern and Zula Hopkins is whipped into a froth. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective Jared Flynn. Should he be concerned about their safety or the criminal's?
But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters’ niece KC arrives on the scene.
Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters share a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.
But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters’ niece KC arrives on the scene.
Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters share a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
253 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Griep
43 books2,719 followersI hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 4, 2016
Quirky characters. Snappy dialogue. Danger and romance and mystery. Sure, I'm a co-author of this book and of course I'm giving it 5 stars, but truly, every time I read this manuscript I laughed. Need a day brightener? This is the one for you.
November 9, 2016
Be prepared to GIGGLE. A lot.
Fern and Zula are a hoot! From Zula’s overly perfumed antics to Fern’s attempt to channel her favorite mystery novels to their romantic misadventures, these two sisters-in-law provide many laughs throughout Out of the Frying Pan. Both women are delightfully quirky – in opposite ways – and as such the two housemates drive each other more than a little crazy. Yet their mutual affection shines through when it counts, adding a nice dose of warmth to the humor.
The romance between KC and Jared is predictable perhaps (aren’t most?) but it’s enjoyable all the same. It’s always fun to have the inside scoop ahead of the characters and watch them try to figure things out as they go along. I do so wish this would be the first book in a series though, because I’m not quite ready to be finished with their story! (And I want to know what happens with Sam!!! I liked Sam…)
The mystery is creatively crafted and nicely executed (hmmm… perhaps not the best description for a murder mystery?) and it kept me guessing throughout the novel. Some aspects I figured out ahead of our amateur sleuths while others surprised me upon the big reveal. To me, this is the ideal combination to hold my attention during a cozy mystery where suspense/action isn’t high.
Although… there is a good deal of suspense and action in Out of the Frying Pan as well! Particularly the closer you get to the end, the less you’ll be able to put down the book until you know everyone is safe.
Bottom Line: Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a bit like “Murder She Wrote” meets “The Golden Girls” (though, thankfully without all the innuendo of the latter) with its own unique flair. Fun, quirky, endearing characters give this novel lots of heart, and the mystery & suspense elements to the story prove this writing duo is a new force in the cozy mystery scene! A sweet romance rounds out the mix and leaves you wanting more from these authors and these characters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Fern and Zula are a hoot! From Zula’s overly perfumed antics to Fern’s attempt to channel her favorite mystery novels to their romantic misadventures, these two sisters-in-law provide many laughs throughout Out of the Frying Pan. Both women are delightfully quirky – in opposite ways – and as such the two housemates drive each other more than a little crazy. Yet their mutual affection shines through when it counts, adding a nice dose of warmth to the humor.
The romance between KC and Jared is predictable perhaps (aren’t most?) but it’s enjoyable all the same. It’s always fun to have the inside scoop ahead of the characters and watch them try to figure things out as they go along. I do so wish this would be the first book in a series though, because I’m not quite ready to be finished with their story! (And I want to know what happens with Sam!!! I liked Sam…)
The mystery is creatively crafted and nicely executed (hmmm… perhaps not the best description for a murder mystery?) and it kept me guessing throughout the novel. Some aspects I figured out ahead of our amateur sleuths while others surprised me upon the big reveal. To me, this is the ideal combination to hold my attention during a cozy mystery where suspense/action isn’t high.
Although… there is a good deal of suspense and action in Out of the Frying Pan as well! Particularly the closer you get to the end, the less you’ll be able to put down the book until you know everyone is safe.
Bottom Line: Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a bit like “Murder She Wrote” meets “The Golden Girls” (though, thankfully without all the innuendo of the latter) with its own unique flair. Fun, quirky, endearing characters give this novel lots of heart, and the mystery & suspense elements to the story prove this writing duo is a new force in the cozy mystery scene! A sweet romance rounds out the mix and leaves you wanting more from these authors and these characters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 28, 2018
I read this for the Amateur Sleuth square for Halloween Bingo
The myriad of crime novels she’d read had surely trained her for a moment like this. Author Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta dug into every murder she encountered. She’d never leave a crime scene. Fern squared her shoulders.
The cover should say cozy mystery with zany amateur sleuths and a little romance on the side instead of the other way around, this was about 90% zany amateur sleuthing with 10% romance.
Zula and Fern are sisters who find a dead body in their little retirement community and set-out to find the killer. Fern suspects Black Widow Bob, Zula's intended beau and Zula suspects overly suave Phillipe, Fern's intended beau. Detective Jared is sent in to solve the case and Fern and Zula decide he would make a fantastic life long partner for their niece. Little do they know, their niece KC and Jared had met online, developed a close online relationship but KC broke it off when she thought she meet a great guy in real life.
As you can imagine, misunderstandings, white lies, zany interactions, official and not official investigating, and some actual danger fill out the story. Jared and KC don't actually meet in person until around the 50% (the coincidence of it all was thisclose to being too much for me), I would definitely say this story is centered on Fern and Zula as you'll follow them around for the vast majority of the time.
I'm not big on zany stuff, breaking into someone's home and snooping around because you think they are a murderer only to be caught because the little dog with you lets out a yelp/screech/bark, just isn't in my funny wheelhouse but if it's your thing, this story is chalk full of scenes and instances like that.
The eventual unwinding of the mystery and who was guilty seemed overly convoluted and extremely rushed at the end. This story was strong on Fern and Zula running around being zany and not so much on solid mystery plot thread, or maybe the this is who is guilty dump at the end disappointed me enough to not think it was worth wading through all the zany.
This is also a Christian book but wasn't overhanded with it, the beginning mentions it, the middle ignores any heavy tones, and the end brushes broad strokes over certain characters at the end.
The coincidences and seemingly adding and connecting of characters made the story seemed haphazardly thrown together. If you're wanting to read a story with two retirement members running around being zany and quite possibly causing more harm than good with a pinch of clean romance, this will more than fill your zany tank.
The myriad of crime novels she’d read had surely trained her for a moment like this. Author Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta dug into every murder she encountered. She’d never leave a crime scene. Fern squared her shoulders.
The cover should say cozy mystery with zany amateur sleuths and a little romance on the side instead of the other way around, this was about 90% zany amateur sleuthing with 10% romance.
Zula and Fern are sisters who find a dead body in their little retirement community and set-out to find the killer. Fern suspects Black Widow Bob, Zula's intended beau and Zula suspects overly suave Phillipe, Fern's intended beau. Detective Jared is sent in to solve the case and Fern and Zula decide he would make a fantastic life long partner for their niece. Little do they know, their niece KC and Jared had met online, developed a close online relationship but KC broke it off when she thought she meet a great guy in real life.
As you can imagine, misunderstandings, white lies, zany interactions, official and not official investigating, and some actual danger fill out the story. Jared and KC don't actually meet in person until around the 50% (the coincidence of it all was thisclose to being too much for me), I would definitely say this story is centered on Fern and Zula as you'll follow them around for the vast majority of the time.
I'm not big on zany stuff, breaking into someone's home and snooping around because you think they are a murderer only to be caught because the little dog with you lets out a yelp/screech/bark, just isn't in my funny wheelhouse but if it's your thing, this story is chalk full of scenes and instances like that.
The eventual unwinding of the mystery and who was guilty seemed overly convoluted and extremely rushed at the end. This story was strong on Fern and Zula running around being zany and not so much on solid mystery plot thread, or maybe the this is who is guilty dump at the end disappointed me enough to not think it was worth wading through all the zany.
This is also a Christian book but wasn't overhanded with it, the beginning mentions it, the middle ignores any heavy tones, and the end brushes broad strokes over certain characters at the end.
The coincidences and seemingly adding and connecting of characters made the story seemed haphazardly thrown together. If you're wanting to read a story with two retirement members running around being zany and quite possibly causing more harm than good with a pinch of clean romance, this will more than fill your zany tank.
April 21, 2017
For whenever you need a literal laugh-out-loud moment …
Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a delightful cozy mystery with a bit of a sweet romance. The characters presented, from zany Zula and her roommate, Focused Fern to the handsome cop and niece caught between them, provide a perfect balance of humor and pragmatism, blending for an intriguing plot line that keeps one guessing on numerous levels.
Zula, the dumpster diving, flower saving sister-in-law/aunt is the Lucy Ricardo of the 21st century. Oh, the messes she gets herself in, from sneaking “stolen,” discarded plastic foliage into rusted old cars to stumbling upon a dead body. It’s no wonder her sister-in-law Fern lives in a perpetual state of exasperation. Zula was by far my favorite character, though Fern made her all the more delightful.
This is a fun story that will make you laugh on even your most melancholy of days, and the mystery was so skillfully presented, it will keep even the most skilled sleuths guessing.
Highly recommended.
Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a delightful cozy mystery with a bit of a sweet romance. The characters presented, from zany Zula and her roommate, Focused Fern to the handsome cop and niece caught between them, provide a perfect balance of humor and pragmatism, blending for an intriguing plot line that keeps one guessing on numerous levels.
Zula, the dumpster diving, flower saving sister-in-law/aunt is the Lucy Ricardo of the 21st century. Oh, the messes she gets herself in, from sneaking “stolen,” discarded plastic foliage into rusted old cars to stumbling upon a dead body. It’s no wonder her sister-in-law Fern lives in a perpetual state of exasperation. Zula was by far my favorite character, though Fern made her all the more delightful.
This is a fun story that will make you laugh on even your most melancholy of days, and the mystery was so skillfully presented, it will keep even the most skilled sleuths guessing.
Highly recommended.
March 1, 2023
This is a cute little murder mystery, made unique in that two of the main characters are older ladies...which I loved! I wish there were more books with older characters. I've always loved old people. 🩷
Sisters Fern and Zula were so funny, although it did get on my nerves the way they kept snooping and not leaving the detective work to the detective.
Detective Flynn and Katherine (KC) were 2 more main characters, who were younger and looking for love. This employed the met online/online dating trope I so enjoy.
It was a quick listen with plenty of plot twists, some giggles, a bit of suspense, included faith elements, and was rather enjoyable. :)
Sisters Fern and Zula were so funny, although it did get on my nerves the way they kept snooping and not leaving the detective work to the detective.
Detective Flynn and Katherine (KC) were 2 more main characters, who were younger and looking for love. This employed the met online/online dating trope I so enjoy.
It was a quick listen with plenty of plot twists, some giggles, a bit of suspense, included faith elements, and was rather enjoyable. :)
September 9, 2017
Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep & Kelly Klepfer is a rollicking, entertaining mystery. Devoted sisters-in-law, Zula and Fern, are endearingly charming and completely hilarious seniors, living at Sunset Paradise Retirement Village. Their antics and personality quirks that constantly agitate each other provide great entertainment throughout this “cozy little romance with murder on the side” as the subtitle suggests. They cannot resist throwing themselves into solving the murder of Leonard, the rather suspicious and unsociable chef of the Village. Their love of mysteries and their tendency to involve themselves unnecessarily in other people’s affairs really backfires on them this time.
Their niece, K.C., who has recently been disappointed twice in affairs of the heart—once with a certain man, named Jared, whom she met only online, and again, more recently, with another man, who actually lived in her area. Jared’s reluctance for a relationship was due to the long-distance factor; Brian and she had been dating for nine months. Now Brian needed alone time and more space. Things were moving too fast for him. So he was history too.
Detective Jared Flynn, recently relocated from Miami, is the detective assigned to the murder investigation at Sunset Paradise Retirement Village. Enter K.C. who arrives to check on her two aunts, and things become really interesting. I enjoyed this fun, fast-paced, and very delightful novel. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
Their niece, K.C., who has recently been disappointed twice in affairs of the heart—once with a certain man, named Jared, whom she met only online, and again, more recently, with another man, who actually lived in her area. Jared’s reluctance for a relationship was due to the long-distance factor; Brian and she had been dating for nine months. Now Brian needed alone time and more space. Things were moving too fast for him. So he was history too.
Detective Jared Flynn, recently relocated from Miami, is the detective assigned to the murder investigation at Sunset Paradise Retirement Village. Enter K.C. who arrives to check on her two aunts, and things become really interesting. I enjoyed this fun, fast-paced, and very delightful novel. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2016
I had an advanced copy a couple of months ago, but I ordered it anyway. When it arrived, I glanced at the first chapter, planning to pop it into my library. Well, I spent the day reading. I couldn't put it down. And it confirmed what I'd written about it: Out of the Frying Pan is a delicious cozy mystery! I loved the humor, the villain surprised me, and the main characters, Fern and Zula, are so richly drawn, they step off the pages and lead you on a merry chase. Masterfully written, it has all the elements of a great read: romance, murder, a dog, and humor.
July 21, 2017
Having just finished a book that was tough to read emotionally, I was looking for a lighter book that would make me laugh. OUT OF THE FRYING PAN was an excellent choice. Set at a retirement village in Florida and filled with zany characters, a murder, and romance, this book kept me amused. The main characters are sisters-in-law Zula and Fern. Zula insists they, with her dog Fifi, go early one morning to the community building for breakfast where they discover the cook, on the floor of the kitchen, apparently murdered. This brings the young, handsome Detective Jared Flynn to investigate. There is one scene involving Zula, Det. Flynn, and a tic tac mint that is just hilarious. The aunties call their niece, Kathryn (also known as KC) to let her know what is going on. Having just broken up with her boyfriend, KC decides she'd better fly from Kansas City to try to keep her aunties out of trouble. It was a nice thought, but there is much trouble for the aunties to get into and they also pull KC into it. Besides snooping to try to solve the murder, Auntie Zula is also determined to do some matchmaking between KC and Det. Flynn. Unbeknownst to her, KC and Jared met on an online dating site a year earlier and hit it off quite well until KC met a local man and decided it would be best to go with the man who was really there rather than one so far away. They had exchanged photos so they did recognize each other when they meet at the aunties' house. This book was very fun to read, with the over-the-top craziness of the aunties, a sweet romance, and some action towards the end to solve the mystery. I would love for there to be a sequel.
September 13, 2016
Loved it!! Clean, definitely romantic, zanier than your craziest cousin,Out of the Frying Pan is a real treat! Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer have combined forces to produce a cozy that is delivers reading satisfaction.
Quirky characters don't get any quirkier than "aunties" Fern and Zula. Neither aunt can keep their nose out of the investigation of the murder of Leonard, the senior community's cook. Nor can the shameless busybodies keep from interferring in each other's love affairs, or in that of their beautiful niece, KC, and Jared Flynn, the detective in charge of the case.
Plenty of mysteries to solve, lots of action, suspense, over-the-top personalities; all create a great mix that makes me cheer and ask for more!
Quirky characters don't get any quirkier than "aunties" Fern and Zula. Neither aunt can keep their nose out of the investigation of the murder of Leonard, the senior community's cook. Nor can the shameless busybodies keep from interferring in each other's love affairs, or in that of their beautiful niece, KC, and Jared Flynn, the detective in charge of the case.
Plenty of mysteries to solve, lots of action, suspense, over-the-top personalities; all create a great mix that makes me cheer and ask for more!
August 19, 2017
A fun romance/mystery.
June 16, 2017
Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep & Kelly Klepfer is a delightful book centered around a retirement community in Florida. I could see myself as a combination of a couple of the character and at times, laughed out loud at their conversation or antics and would have to explain myself to my husband. The two main characters, Fern and Zula Hopkins, are sisters-in-law living together and are as different as night and day. Fern, the more serious, seems to be a grouchy bear while Zula, the frilly one, dotes on her puppy and beautifying the world with her attire, makeup, and artificial flowers. Fern and Zula do have one thing in common, both are snoopers. When they run across the dead cook of the retirement village who has been murdered, the perfect opportunity for snooping arrives. Good looking Detective Jared Flynn arrives on the scene, and the ladies also develop a plot to connect him with their niece, KC. Unbeknown to them, Jared and KC have already met thru a dating website. The book twists and turns thru the adventures of the two elderly ladies thru a world of drugs, murder, and romance. If you want to read an enjoyable book where the characters are zany and funny, you will want to buy this novel. The characters and plot will not disappoint you. I received a copy from the author and publisher of The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2017
A fun and highly entertaining murder mystery/romance. The aunts, Zula and Fern easily steal the show from the get go and it's an interesting mixture of zany adventures as they try to solve a murder while at the same time fighting constantly, trying to play matchmakers to their niece's romance with the detective, and getting her dragged into their troubles by getting her kidnapped. They also reach have a man in their retirement community that they've got their eyes on and their romances with these men are pretty entertaining. There's a lot of surprising twists, and just when you think you know where the story is headed, it takes you a totally different direction. Kudos to the authors for succeeding at this element of suspense! I very much enjoyed their combined efforts on this fun book. Being the mother of a two-year-old I don't find a lot of time to read but in this case, I couldn't put it down at the end!!! Also, being from Kansas City, it was fun to see references to my home town as that's where the niece originates from!
I think a sequel is in order. There's still so much to learn about Bob and his daughter... Sam... More of KC and Flynn... Readers demand answers to their questions!😉
I think a sequel is in order. There's still so much to learn about Bob and his daughter... Sam... More of KC and Flynn... Readers demand answers to their questions!😉
August 13, 2017
Truly fun read
I enjoyed this to the very end! I hope there is another book coming to follow this one! You can't leave us romantic hanging!
I enjoyed this to the very end! I hope there is another book coming to follow this one! You can't leave us romantic hanging!
March 20, 2018
This zany tale is set at Sunset Paradise Retirement Village in Florida. The two main characters, sisters-in-law Zula and Fern Hopkins, decide to go to the community building for an early breakfast. They discover the chef dead on the kitchen floor - apparently murdered. Even though they have a constant bickering relationship, but share snooping personalities, they set out to track down the killer. They meet handsome Detective Jared Flynn, and the flamboyant Zula decides to also do some matchmaking between the detective and their niece, Kathryn also known as KC. The aunties decide to call Kathryn to let her know what's going on. KC had just broken up with her boyfriend and agrees to come visit - to keep her aunties out of trouble. Unbeknownst to Zula and Fern, however, is that KC and Jared had an online relationship until KC decided she wanted a "real" person and started dating a local man. But, both KC and Jared always kept a tender spot in their hearts for each other. They had exchanged photos so they were pleasantly surprised and delighted to meet in person at the aunties' house, and their relationship is renewed. The budding romance between Jared and KC is sweet, but predictable. The remainder of the story involves the aunts doing things such as breaking and entering and lying that puts a question mark on their Christian character in solving the murder plot.
Authors Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer team together to create this light and entertaining story of romance and murder mystery. They have great talent and imagination and did a wonderful work with the story line and the many individual and personable characters. However, the story is saturated with trite phrases and too many similes that slows the action and the plot, and very often loses its momentum detaching the reader from the emotion of the scene. The use of similes is fine to use when the scene is light or humorous, but when trying to capture the suspense of a murder scene, overuse of similes interrupts the drama. Ex: "She ran until her thighs burned. Shouts flew after her like bats from a cave."
The ending is weak except when the unsuspected villain is identified, and the reason for the murder of the chef is revealed.
This is a quick read, and is great for the entertainment aspect. Another plus is that there is no sexual content, bad language or violence. And, it does contain humorous dialogue and zany characters that are memorable.
I give "Out of the Frying Pan" by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer a 4-star rating.
Review by: Rita Kroon, author of "Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye" and eight other books, and also a blogger at awalktothewell.com.
Authors Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer team together to create this light and entertaining story of romance and murder mystery. They have great talent and imagination and did a wonderful work with the story line and the many individual and personable characters. However, the story is saturated with trite phrases and too many similes that slows the action and the plot, and very often loses its momentum detaching the reader from the emotion of the scene. The use of similes is fine to use when the scene is light or humorous, but when trying to capture the suspense of a murder scene, overuse of similes interrupts the drama. Ex: "She ran until her thighs burned. Shouts flew after her like bats from a cave."
The ending is weak except when the unsuspected villain is identified, and the reason for the murder of the chef is revealed.
This is a quick read, and is great for the entertainment aspect. Another plus is that there is no sexual content, bad language or violence. And, it does contain humorous dialogue and zany characters that are memorable.
I give "Out of the Frying Pan" by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer a 4-star rating.
Review by: Rita Kroon, author of "Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye" and eight other books, and also a blogger at awalktothewell.com.
February 23, 2017
Out of the Frying Pan- A cozy little romance,,,with murder on the side is by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer. It is one interesting book to read. You get so confused by the main characters that you forget a murder has happened. Hang on to your seats when you start reading because it does a mile a minute.
Zula Hopkins is always surprised when she opens her eyes each day. She thought for sure she would be dead by now. It seems she has outlived everyone, except Fern. Fern is two years older but acts much older. She puts a damper on everything Zula wants to do. She doesn’t even like Zula’s little dog, Fifi. However, today is not the day to lay-a-bed. She has to hurry or they won’t jump the senior shuttle into town to browse the discarded silk and plastic flowers. She needed new ones for her decorations. So, it was get Fern up and ready for their morning routine. They would stop by for breakfast then board the shuttle.
Fern wasn’t one to rejoice in a new day along with her sister-in-law. She knew Zula didn’t need any more flowers, they were all over the place. And don’t get her started on that dog! Once Fern was ready, she was forced to wait on Zula who primped and primped and primped. It did give Fern time to send an email to their niece Kathryn. They did need to get her over here to introduce her to some nice male friends, after all, she wouldn’t always have them to get her a date.
Off the two flounced to the dining room where they were early. They did see a few people around butt thought nothing of it. When they got to the kitchen, Leonard didn’t have the light on. Where was he? Zula decided to go into the kitchen and brave his wrath. Instead, she screamed that he was dead.
Who murdered Leonard? Who was the investigating officer? Was it the cute one who really needed to meet Kathryn? What could they do to help him solve the case and keep in touch with Kathryn?
Zula Hopkins is always surprised when she opens her eyes each day. She thought for sure she would be dead by now. It seems she has outlived everyone, except Fern. Fern is two years older but acts much older. She puts a damper on everything Zula wants to do. She doesn’t even like Zula’s little dog, Fifi. However, today is not the day to lay-a-bed. She has to hurry or they won’t jump the senior shuttle into town to browse the discarded silk and plastic flowers. She needed new ones for her decorations. So, it was get Fern up and ready for their morning routine. They would stop by for breakfast then board the shuttle.
Fern wasn’t one to rejoice in a new day along with her sister-in-law. She knew Zula didn’t need any more flowers, they were all over the place. And don’t get her started on that dog! Once Fern was ready, she was forced to wait on Zula who primped and primped and primped. It did give Fern time to send an email to their niece Kathryn. They did need to get her over here to introduce her to some nice male friends, after all, she wouldn’t always have them to get her a date.
Off the two flounced to the dining room where they were early. They did see a few people around butt thought nothing of it. When they got to the kitchen, Leonard didn’t have the light on. Where was he? Zula decided to go into the kitchen and brave his wrath. Instead, she screamed that he was dead.
Who murdered Leonard? Who was the investigating officer? Was it the cute one who really needed to meet Kathryn? What could they do to help him solve the case and keep in touch with Kathryn?
September 2, 2017
I realized the beginning of the story felt slow to me because I didn’t know where the authors were leading me as I tried to figure out who was who in the story. Things pick up around chapter four or so as I saw where they were headed and I grew fond of KC and Detective Jared Flynn who both are heart sick in the love dept. I also caught myself giggling at the older ladies and their crazy situation where even their dog Fifi gets into the action. LOL!
The story kicks off with two feisty, over the top quirky characters Zula and Fern Hopkins who stumble upon a dead body at the Sunset Paradise Retirement Village where they live. They call 911 and met Detective Jared Flynn. Zula’s misguided attempts to “help” the Detective do his job; bring them in the middle of the murder investigation and so much more. These sisters-in-laws’ get on each other’s nerves (and everyone else’s) as they bicker about everything except the match making of the Detective and their niece KC.
KC tries to control her aunt’s shenanigans but she too finds herself in the thick of a bazaar and dangerous turn of events. Would she make it out alive?
If you like cozy mysteries with a splash of romance and danger this is the book for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I bought this ebook on Amazon. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
The story kicks off with two feisty, over the top quirky characters Zula and Fern Hopkins who stumble upon a dead body at the Sunset Paradise Retirement Village where they live. They call 911 and met Detective Jared Flynn. Zula’s misguided attempts to “help” the Detective do his job; bring them in the middle of the murder investigation and so much more. These sisters-in-laws’ get on each other’s nerves (and everyone else’s) as they bicker about everything except the match making of the Detective and their niece KC.
KC tries to control her aunt’s shenanigans but she too finds herself in the thick of a bazaar and dangerous turn of events. Would she make it out alive?
If you like cozy mysteries with a splash of romance and danger this is the book for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I bought this ebook on Amazon. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
February 6, 2017
I really liked, Out of the Frying Pan, by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer. It's a cozy romance/murder mystery. The main characters are senior citizens, Zula and Fern. Early one morning, they discover Leonard Simmons dead. The detective on the case is Jared Flynn. While the two sister-in-laws look for clues to help solve the murder, they also want to fix their niece up with Flynn. This story had zany characters, an unusual pet dog, suspense, and romance. It was entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 22, 2016
Funny and quirky
What a hilarious story, with a little murder mystery and sweet romance thrown in. I could so easily picture Fern and Lulu and all of their shenanigans, and the hilarity that ensued. What a fun story.
What a hilarious story, with a little murder mystery and sweet romance thrown in. I could so easily picture Fern and Lulu and all of their shenanigans, and the hilarity that ensued. What a fun story.
October 20, 2022
Humorous Mystery
Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep is a humorous mystery I really enjoyed reading. I loved the quirky characters and didn't want the story to end. You'll love this book...
Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep is a humorous mystery I really enjoyed reading. I loved the quirky characters and didn't want the story to end. You'll love this book...
November 10, 2016
What a sense of humor these two authors have! How can two women get into so much trouble? Enjoyed the book and am looking forward to more from these two authors.
May 22, 2018
Fun, cozy mystery, easy read. I loved the two main characters, but I am a sucker for books with older lady sleuths.
April 28, 2017
Life at Sunset Paradise Retirement Village is anything but boring! Sisters-in-law Fern and Zula Hopkins are as different as night and day. Their motto is "family for life, friends forever", but they often get on each other's nerves. When the Sunset Paradise chef is found dead, Fern and Zula try their hand at tracking down the killer. Their niece, KC, comes for a visit to keep her aunties from getting into more trouble than they can handle. She's getting over a broken heart, but her aunts are hoping to fix that by introducing her to to the handsome Detective Jared Flynn. Will Jared and KC find true love with each other? Will Zula and Fern find the killer before it's too late? You'll have to read the book to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There are elements of mystery, romance, suspense, comedy, friendship and love throughout. This is the first book I have read by either of these authors and I can't wait to read the next one. I hope that Zula and Fern will be back for more zany adventures. I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There are elements of mystery, romance, suspense, comedy, friendship and love throughout. This is the first book I have read by either of these authors and I can't wait to read the next one. I hope that Zula and Fern will be back for more zany adventures. I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
April 5, 2017
Out of the Frying Pan By Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a zany murder mystery. Come to Sunset Paradise Retirement Village and you will meet Zulu who resorts to dumpster-diving to feed her fake flower fetish and Fern who thinks she is the new Jessica Fletcher or Columbo. They are off and running to an early breakfast and find the cook dead. And the fun begins. With a village full of gossips, mean old ladies, and one ancient dog named Fifi, what could go wrong? But throw in the mafia, black-market drugs, and people who just don't seem to be on the up and up and the mayhem goes from bad to worse. Just who is that French gentleman that Fern has amorous eyes for? I chuckled my way through the book as the authors have thrown in a lot of humorous scenes and dialogue. They've added romance too with a detective who is a present-day Apollo and yet has resorted to computer dating programs to find a girl. With an unexpected murderer and all the shenanigans of the characters, this book kept my interest and makes me wonder if there are more adventures for Zulu and Fern in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Book Club Network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Book Club Network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2017
Out of the Frying Pan BY KELLY KLEPFER
Enjoyed this book although it was a bit more like 2 books in one. First if the mystery of the chef found dead at the retirement center and the elderly sisters-in-law investigate on their own.
They also have a niece, KC that comes to visit who had visited before and fallen for the local cop, Jared but they break up as she leaves to go back to work in another location.
Katherine comes to help again and the elderly sisters pair them up together and realize what it is they really have in a relationship. Lots of turmoil, drugs, spies, wedding plans, ongoing love relations, and everyday events a bit tilted.
Like how religion plays a part in this with the explanation of the tattoo. At times with so many characters things get confusing.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
Enjoyed this book although it was a bit more like 2 books in one. First if the mystery of the chef found dead at the retirement center and the elderly sisters-in-law investigate on their own.
They also have a niece, KC that comes to visit who had visited before and fallen for the local cop, Jared but they break up as she leaves to go back to work in another location.
Katherine comes to help again and the elderly sisters pair them up together and realize what it is they really have in a relationship. Lots of turmoil, drugs, spies, wedding plans, ongoing love relations, and everyday events a bit tilted.
Like how religion plays a part in this with the explanation of the tattoo. At times with so many characters things get confusing.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
January 10, 2017
This was my first foray into the writing of Michelle Griep or Kelly Klepfer and I've got to say, it was a delight! Sister-in-laws Zula and Fern Hopkins are basically The Odd Couple, Retirement Village version. Zula is flamboyant in her personality, the way she dresses and in the way she is redecorating Fern's house. The way she plots a dumpster raid to search for discarded plastic flowers is hilarious, especially knowing how Fern feels about said flowers! Fern is no nonsense and has had it "up to here" with Zula's shenanigans but every time she blocks another of Zula's brainstorms, Zula plots her way around Fern's rules. When one of Zula's plots lands the ladies in the thick of a murder investigation, the ensuing misguided attempts to "help" the police bring more hilarity from Zula and more snide remarks from Fern. Once the sisters see the detective handling the case, they switch into full-on matchmaking mode, determined to introduce Jared Flynn to their niece, Kathryn.
Jared Flynn is having trouble getting over the woman he met online. He and KC had exchanged emails for over a year, getting to know one another and - at least on his part - had fallen hard. When she backed out of the relationship citing the long distance between them as the main reason, he tried his best to let her go but he found himself comparing every woman he dated to KC, all of them coming up short. Just as he sees a glimmer of hope in a blind date set up by some friends, in walks Kathryn Hopkins to take care of her aunties. One look at Kathryn and Jared recognizes his KC. Can he possibly solve a murder at the retirement village with so many distractions and KC the biggest distraction of all?
KC Hopkins has had nothing but bad luck ever since she cut her online buddy loose. First, the man she thought was going to propose dumped her, saying he wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. Then her aunts called with a cockamamie story about the cook being murdered in the retirement center's kitchen - and they found his body. Rushing to her aunts' side, KC's impatience gets her stopped by a state trooper and pulled out of the boarding line by airport security. What else can go wrong?
As KC and Jared work together to keep her aunts out of trouble, will they begin to see that their online relationship held more promise than they thought? Can they keep Zula and Fern safe as they make a profession of jumping to the wrong conclusions?
This story was so much fun to read! Zula is a hoot and a complete caricature of the aging beauty queen, still dressing far beneath her age while chasing men like it's her job. Fern is just as funny in her curmudgeonly way, taking potshots at Zula but heaven help anyone else who tries it! Readers who enjoy a cozy mystery will enjoy this one with a sweet romance on the side. You won't be sorry you picked this one up!
Jared Flynn is having trouble getting over the woman he met online. He and KC had exchanged emails for over a year, getting to know one another and - at least on his part - had fallen hard. When she backed out of the relationship citing the long distance between them as the main reason, he tried his best to let her go but he found himself comparing every woman he dated to KC, all of them coming up short. Just as he sees a glimmer of hope in a blind date set up by some friends, in walks Kathryn Hopkins to take care of her aunties. One look at Kathryn and Jared recognizes his KC. Can he possibly solve a murder at the retirement village with so many distractions and KC the biggest distraction of all?
KC Hopkins has had nothing but bad luck ever since she cut her online buddy loose. First, the man she thought was going to propose dumped her, saying he wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. Then her aunts called with a cockamamie story about the cook being murdered in the retirement center's kitchen - and they found his body. Rushing to her aunts' side, KC's impatience gets her stopped by a state trooper and pulled out of the boarding line by airport security. What else can go wrong?
As KC and Jared work together to keep her aunts out of trouble, will they begin to see that their online relationship held more promise than they thought? Can they keep Zula and Fern safe as they make a profession of jumping to the wrong conclusions?
This story was so much fun to read! Zula is a hoot and a complete caricature of the aging beauty queen, still dressing far beneath her age while chasing men like it's her job. Fern is just as funny in her curmudgeonly way, taking potshots at Zula but heaven help anyone else who tries it! Readers who enjoy a cozy mystery will enjoy this one with a sweet romance on the side. You won't be sorry you picked this one up!
April 24, 2017
“Out of the Frying Pan” is a mystery with a lot of humor thrown in. This story starts with two sister-in-laws, Fern and Zulu. They find a body, and that’s where their fun begins! Zulu already thinks she is a detective, and Fern is trying to keep her on the “straight and narrow”. There is also some romance thrown in with Fern and Zulu’s niece who their trying to set up with the detective on this case. This was a cute novel. If you enjoy suspense with a lot of humor and a little romance thrown in, you would definitely love this novel. "I was given the book by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review."
April 19, 2017
This book must have been a real hoot to write - two talented authors playing with flamboyant characters, nasty villains, romantic coincidences, slapstick humor, and several sudden deaths. I found myself laughing and shaking my head more than a few times as sisters-in-law Fern and Zula bickered and conspired together. What a pair! “Family for life, friends forever!” is their motto. The story itself had many unexpected twists, though the outcome was fairly predictable...not necessarily a bad thing. If you have a couple hours and want something to read that probably isn't like anything else on your bookshelf, this is the story for you.
November 8, 2019
This book started off great guns -- fun, funny and fast-paced. Then the middle came along and I found it to lag for quite some time. My thoughts are that at least 3 hours of listening (so however many pages that would equate to) could have been shaved. That said, overall it was a pretty good cozy mystery, and cleanly written to boot, with a soft but solid Christian message.
April 25, 2017
What a Fun, Crazy murder mystery!!
This is a hilarious murder romance mystery!! Take two senior citizens that are a little crazy and add in a niece who is in the wrong p!ace at the wrong time and you have a cute romantic jumble!!
This is a hilarious murder romance mystery!! Take two senior citizens that are a little crazy and add in a niece who is in the wrong p!ace at the wrong time and you have a cute romantic jumble!!
June 2, 2017
Entertaining
This is a clean, entertaining mystery with a lot of quirky characters. The main characters you will meet are KC and her two hysterical aunts who try to help Detective Flynn solve a murder.
I loved this book and would read more from this author.
This is a clean, entertaining mystery with a lot of quirky characters. The main characters you will meet are KC and her two hysterical aunts who try to help Detective Flynn solve a murder.
I loved this book and would read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews