Ring in the Year with Murder

An Otter Lake Mystery #4

by Auralee Wallace

It’s been a tough year for Erica Bloom. And with hours left on the clock and a killer crashing the party, it’s not over yet…

This New Year’s Eve, Erica’s resolution is to have a great night―even if it kills her. She is, after all, at the party to end all parties: a Great Gatsby--themed gala sure to be the talk of Otter Lake, New Hampshire. With her perfectly finger-waved hair, borrowed pearls, and scarlet flapper dress, Erica is determined to be unflappable, despite the presence of her ex, Sheriff Grady Forrester, and his hot date, a bubbly blonde who has a hard time holding her drink. Literally. . .

In a plot twist as bizarre as a game of Clue, Grady’s girlfriend almost drops dead after her drink is poisoned. Who put the killer ingredient in her appletini? Suddenly the tables have turned and the sheriff has become the prime suspect. Now Erica has until midnight to clear the man she still loves―and in so doing just maybe win him back. That’s if the killer doesn't pop the cork again… and turn a New Year’s smooch into a kiss of death…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Adult, Cozy, Humor

297 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 31, 2017

About the author

After spending her formative years reading Grimms’ fairy tales and stirring up potions in the creek behind her house, Auralee Wallace knew she would grow up to be a witch. When that didn’t work out, she decided becoming a writer was the next best thing. Now, Auralee is the author of multiple novels, including the Otter Lake mystery series and The Evenfall Witches B&B mysteries. She lives in Ottawa with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
She can be found on Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, and her website http://auraleewallace.com/.

Auralee is represented by Natalie Lakosil, Looking Glass Literary and Media.

Reviews

[Stacie Amelotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a pleasant deviation from the typical cozy mystery. You will either love it or hate it. I LOVE IT! For me this series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are quirky and hysterical. You are guaranteed lots of laughs as you try to solve the mystery. It is very easy to relate to the dysfunction Erica and her friends and family of Otter Lake share. I have to admit Erica and her BFF, Freddie, are a hilarious duo. In my mind their banter reminds me of Will and Grace with a dose of Karen and Jack sprinkled in. The two of them find themselves in farfetched scenarios but that just adds to the dynamics. I guess you could say there is also a love triangle of sorts. Erica just doesn't know what to do with the men in her life. She still has unresolved feelings for her ex which becomes even more complicated since he is the sheriff and the main suspect. It will be interesting to see what the future holds. This can be read as a standalone but you will enjoy the story even more if you have the back story of the characters. So grab a glass and get ready to Ring in the Year with this fantastic read!

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

The savvy crimesolving team/BFFs forever Erica and Freddie are back to wreak havoc help to keep Otter Lake safe. Both have emotional baggage that is dealt with well, but it doesn't get in the way of making this a zany, enjoyable read. Recommended to fans of humorous cozy mystery books.

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedeocoeur.com.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most cozy mysteries are light and humorous but Ring In The Year With Murder is down right hilarious. So much to love about this series and I always get really excited when I get the chance to read an Auralee Wallace Otter Lake Mystery. Reading it September 23rd/24th My face hurt from smiling and laughing. I think that main character Erica and her " BFF Forever" Freddie are two of my most favorite cozy mystery duo's. Their banter, humor, style and friendship is what squad goals are made of. As someone who prefers to welcome the new year from the comfort of my own bed, I truly appreciated every word and adventure in this New Year's Eve fiasco! Solidifying my belief in my own New Years plans. I simply loved this and hope you will too. If you want to laugh and you are not easily offended then this is a fantastic read, actually it's right up there with one of the best books I read this year. Loved it! This one is out October 31st from St. Martin's Press!

[Auralee Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I'm not supposed to pick favorites, but...I had a blast writing RING IN THE YEAR WITH MURDER!!! (FYI: They're all my favorites.)

I really let myself go with this one, and I hope people enjoy New Year's with Freddie and Erica :)

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series. It can be read as a stand alone novel. The more I am getting to know the characters, the better I am enjoying them. Ring in the Year with Murder is a hilarious comedy of high jinx, eccentric characters, and a light-hearted plot that is sure to bring enjoyment for hours!

My favorite parts in this book were the "Morning After" scenes featuring Erica and Freddie. There was so much humor in these scenes. Plus, Erica and Freddie were good together. They are like Lucy and Ethel or Will and Grace.

Yet the rest of the story was pretty awesome as well. I had such an enjoyable time reading this book. It was like I was right there with Freddie and Erica as they raced around to solve the mystery. This is big as Grady was missing for most of the story. It is a good thing that Freddie and Erica are so likable as they sucked at trying to be incognito as detectives. Luckily, everyone else was just as eager to get in on the action as detectives as well. Also, #JusticeforStanley.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back cover copy of this novel states the story’s plot twist is “as bizarre as a game of Clue“. While Clue is and always will be my favorite game of all time, every game of it that I’ve ever played has been rather sedate in comparison to Ring In The Year With Murder. This novel’s energy is more on par with the game’s namesake movie, which was a beautifully madcap hour and a half of twists and reversals that was both exhausting and invigorating at the same time. The characters are quirky, especially Erica’s sly twin pseudoaunts. The scenery changes often, from the lavish Jazz-filled ballroom with women in luxurious flapper dresses and men (and pseudoaunts) in dashing tuxedos to dark, stately bedrooms to a snowy wooded wonderland lit with twinkly lights. The layout of the chapters is fun; some follow the events of New Year’s Eve as they unfold and some follow a very hungover Erica and Freddie the morning after the party on January 1st, as they wake up and try to piece together what happened before they passed out.

If you enjoy Clue (the movie or the game), if you love those screwball comedy films from the 30s and 40s, and if you are looking for a good mystery to read, Ring In The Year With Murder might be just the novel for you.

[ReaderOnTheStorm · Rating 1 out of 5]

I marked this as "read", but I couldn't get past the first few chapters. I had borrowed books 1 through 6 of this series through my library. I slogged through the first two books, then the third got a bit better, when Erica was mostly on her own. But #4 is back to what I hated most about the first two books, pages and pages of inane chatter between Erica and Freddie. Half the time they're acting like eight-year-olds, the other half they're psychoanalyzing and/or insulting each other. It has little to do with solving the murder mystery and doesn't do much to further the plot. It's just tedious. Solving the murder is about 10% of the book, 10% interacting with other Otter Lake locals, and the other 80% is Erica and Freddie talk, talk, talk, talking to and about each other, and about maybe, just maybe, trying to solve the crime. The constant chatter isn't witty, it's just childish.

Books 4 through 6 will be returned to my library, with the reading of #4 incomplete and 5&6 completely unread.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

The intro of this book is very intriguing and sets the stage for the success of the entire book, in my opinion.

Erica Bloom is doing security at a New Year’s Eve party with her BFF Freddie Ng. Freddie is quite a hoot and such a great addition to the Otter Lake cast. I would enjoy seeing who he was in book one when he was Madame F, psychic/tarot reader. (Yes, I read the books out of order.)

Erica finds herself in an odd place in her life as the story opens. She wants Grady back but he is with Candace now. She also is at odds with Candace since MRG has taken the house she wanted practically from under her feet. Then there is Matthew, who owns the house where the party is occurring. She could have a relationship with him but dare she?

The flow of the book was good but the sporadic “morning after” sections were odd and I didn’t think truly necessary. I know others seem to love that part but to me it was just a bit of overkill. It was a bit of a flash-forward to the end of the book as the characters of Erica and Freddie looked back to what had happened in the past. I think the author thought it helped explain events to the reader. But she had already done a good job of that, I thought.

I would have liked to see a bit more of Erica’s goddess power mother playing a tarot reader but I did get a kick out of the section where Erica tapped the High Priestess card and said it meant the person was a douchebag. Priceless.

Even though Erica is at odds with Candace she finds herself coming to her rescue over and over. She has become the appointed watcher of the real estate guru since said guru can’t be trusted to take care of herself, according to her sister.

I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to any cozy readers out there. Decide for yourselves about the morning after sections. Either way, I think you will enjoy diving into the world of Otter Lake.

I bought this book with my own money.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoy this series! The set of quirky, fun characters make me laugh every time! Erica and Freddie are the friends you've always wanted and I love being a fly on the wall watching their friendship grow, through the light heartened fun they poke at each other. I also love Grady - I think he's one of my favorite book boyfriends! I love this entry into the Otter Lake series, though if you are a new reader, I would suggest you start at the beginning. I feel it's important to understand the characters and their relationships to enjoy this entry in the series! I also enjoyed the format this story was written in - start at the end and build the story up through memories of the previous night - had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book! I can't wait to continue to laugh out loud at the antics this group brings! Thank you for another well written, entertaining story!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read and a different way to tell a story -- It is told through flashbacks and the law is the prime suspect when his girlfriend's drink is poisoned and other "accidents" occur.

The story doesn't always flow smoothly, but I'm impressed that Wallace took this risk.

Looking forward to more in this series!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed my self silly while reading this book. Every book seems to get better and better and Ring in the Year with Murder is no exception! While there are tense moments in the banter between Freddie and Erica, "BFF's forever" remind us that we are in Otter Lake and, ...well, if you are an Auralee Wallace fan you know how things go in Otter Lake!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this series. So fun and funny with great characters.

[Amelia in PDX · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book of this series that I've read and the first time that I have read this author, but I found it very "scattered" in trying to follow the story line. It isn't until the end of the book, that you get sort of an explanation for the "scattered" thought pattern, but also felt like the two main characters in this book were like two high schools going through high school angst than two nearly 30 year olds who were trying to start a security company and working a job through out the story.

Maybe someone else would enjoy this story more than I did, but I have no desire to try another book in this series.... I don't know if this is typical of this author's writing style or not; I might try to read something else that she's written as long as it's not in this story line.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was no murder as the title suggested. Very disappointed. The most likable character was a dog and all the other characters had the same voice. Sorry but I will not be returning to Otter Lake. ✌🏽

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing says "Happy New Year!" like an unexpected corpse, and Erica Bloom is once again stuck in the middle of a murder investigation when a surprise guest at Otter Lake’s annual New Year’s Eve party ends up very permanently uninvited. Between a blizzard, a suspiciously timed blackout, and a town full of quirky locals who all have something to say, Erica has her hands full trying to crack the case—while also managing the usual Otter Lake chaos and her frustratingly attractive ex, Sheriff Grady. If solving murders were a New Year’s resolution, she’d be ahead of the game.

Auralee Wallace brings her signature mix of humor, small-town shenanigans, and just enough danger to keep things interesting. Erica is the kind of amateur sleuth you root for—not exactly a trained detective, but smart, determined, and just messy enough to make things entertaining. The side characters steal the show, as always, from Erica’s over-the-top BFF to the town’s collection of lovable weirdos. The mystery itself is solid, with twists, red herrings, and enough wait, could it be them?! moments to keep the pages turning. And while the romance subplot simmers in the background, the real love story here is between Erica and the town that can’t seem to stop producing dead bodies.

At 4 stars, Ring In the Year with Murder is a fun, festive, and twisty cozy mystery that delivers on humor, hijinks, and small-town charm. It works as a standalone—though you’ll probably have more fun if you know the history between Erica and her chaotic-but-loveable neighbors. If you like your murder mysteries with a side of comedy, a dash of romance, and the occasional snowstorm-induced disaster, this one is the perfect way to start (or end) your year.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erica and Freddie are back in another madcap adventure. The story starts with a hangover and then resets at New Year's Eve. Our first person narrator, Erica, and her BFF Freddie are working with Rhonda Cooke to get Otter Lake Security off the ground. They're having trouble though since Rhonda's PI license hasn't come through yet. Erica is trying to be upbeat declaring her theme of the year to be The Year of The Adult., even it means spending New Year's Eve with her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. And Rhonda's cousin who she keeps threatening to set up with Erica's flame/crush/could-have-been, Matthew. Something happens during the night but Erica's memory is rather... spotty.
This is a back and forth between "present" and the night before. I've never really connected with this series. My biggest problem is the fact that Erica doesn't seem to be growing as an investigator or as a person. Freddie either. Four books in and you'd think that there would be some change. People who have enjoyed the other books in this series may enjoy this one as well those with frustrations... this book doesn't change any of those.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waking up in a strange room with a splitting headache, a handcuff on her ankle, and fur-clad BFF Freddie Ng alongside her in bed, Erica Bloom tries to recall what happened the night before. She had been attending a New Year’s Eve costume party at the mansion of wealthy architect Matthew Masterson with Freddie. But Erica is not looking forward to seeing her ex-boyfriend Sheriff Grady Forrester and his new girlfriend Candace. Surprisingly, things are not well between the lovebirds and Candace almost drops dead after her drink is poisoned. Grady is the prime suspect and now Erica has until midnight to clear Grady and maybe win him back.

Erica and Freddie have a quirky friendship and their humorous antics to save Candace and clear Grady's name makes this a fun read. This is another hilarious entry in the Otter Lake mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and St. Martin's Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Otter lake Mystery series. It works well as a standalone; there weren’t any scenes in the book where I felt left out; however, I would have liked to have read the previous books because this book makes me so curious as to what happened before.

I have never come across a funnier cozy mystery. The main characters: Erika and Freddie, self proclaimed BFF forever ( Best Friends Forever Forever), are trying to keep Erika’s ex-boyfriend’s (who she really isn’t over) new girlfriend from getting killed. The way they go about it can best be described as bumbling and madcap with lots of humorous observations about what they think they should do thrown in for good measure. While it came as a surprise to me, I found the funny scenes to be quite enjoyable after I got into the spirit of the book.

This would be a good book for you if you’d like a fun mystery to read.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Win Copy

Nothing is like a New Year’s Eve costume theme party to celebrate a new year. For Erica it turns out more than expected when h eerx boy friend shows up with his new girl friend. Could things get more risky since she still harbors feelings for him?

Threatening letters, poison and murder comes to play as the life of the new girlfriend is in peril and the boyfriend appears guilty despite being the sheriff. It comes down to Erica to prove his innocent before it turns midnight.

we get flashes back to the next day and the night of the party. As we see wh at really happens. An interesting read that is not what you thought at first occurred.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Erica is another madcap loser working on the fringes of law enforcement. She and her two quirky partners are to provide security at a gala New Year's Eve party where, it's rumored, her ex-boyfriend the sheriff is breaking up with his real estate agent girlfriend (or is it vice versa?). And when someone tries to kill the girlfriend, rumor suggests that he's the one trying to kill her. Or it might be Erica--everyone in town knows how impulsive she is. But Erica has a bit more self-awareness than some others in the same popular category, and she actually does act bravely when she's forced into a corner. I enjoyed this, and I plan to read the earlier episodes in the series.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring In the Year with Murder by Auralee Wallace is the fourth book in the Otter Lake Mystery series, and a terrific fun read. I love this book and can't wait for the next adventure.

I loved all the well developed quirky characters in this book. Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. This book also made me laugh out loud. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. If you love funny cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, you will love this book. It is strongly recommended.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and funny light mystery with quirky characters in Erika and Freddie. I'd not read the earlier books in this series (and I suspect I missed some things) so thanks to Netgalley for the introduction to Otter Lake, where there's a lot more going on than meets the eye. Grady, Erika's ex, is suspected of poisoning his date to the big New Year's Eve party but why? Erika sets out to absolve him and maybe restore their relationship. This isn't too complicated and it was a treat to read. Try it if you like cozies.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erica and Freddie are working security at a New Year's party, giving Erica exactly the distraction she needs to ignore the fact that Grady is now dating Candace. But that distraction doesn't last far past the front door when they realize that someone is trying to kill Candace. Erica and Freddie jump into action, and of course, confusion, antics, and danger (of course) ensue. This series is such fun, and I don't think I went more than a couple of chapters without a giggle. Looking forward to the next!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was classic fun and loved the new dynamic of Otter Lake security, with Erica, Freddie and Rhonda. And I loved that we had so many of our favourite locals that had such iconic scenes.
Sad about Grady :( but great hijinks were had with so many of our favourites and brought some it round, annoyed about kiss with Matthew honestly, can someone say UNNECESSARY and I'm growing a bit tired of the will they won't they with Erica and Grady, it's tired now, but still was a romp and really enjoyed the story.

[Laurie Beemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica finds herself once again in a unique and hilarious situation with her side kick and BFF Freddie. Erica just doesn't know what to do with the men in her life anymore, just forget them or realize she doesn't know exactly who she really wants? This book is good for mystery, laughs, and moments when you say What!! out loud. I loved this book, just another great addition to this series. Thank you NetGalley and Auralee Wallace for allowing me to read this book in advance for a honest review.

[Marla Bradeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

RING IN THE YEAR WITH MURDER is a delightful madcap mystery. The heroine and her sidekick are both hilarious, but they're just the tip of the iceberg. Wacky characters abound, and their actions and dialogue can be laugh-out-loud funny. This isn't a typical murder mystery, but there are still plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. A great pick for cozy fans.

Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time to ring in the new year and Erica and her bff are all set with. Great Gatsby theme. Then wham murder and her ex Grady's date ends up dead and he's the prime suspect not to mention the Sheriff. Erica has to help him since she still loves or does she. The mystery is solid and characters a delight and the burning cow a hoot. The books need to be read in order or you will be lost.

[natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks once again, Goodreads for the opportunity to win this book. This book was ok, but a little to much humor for me. The mystery was good, but maybe because I didn't read the earlier books, I didn't feel very comfortable with the characters. I felt a little lost at times.

I enjoy a great variety of books, but again, humor and mystery are just not for me.

[7869hector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud. The morning after scenes brought me back to university when I could barely remember my own name on a Sunday morning... This book is easily the best one in the otter lake series... So far...

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and this might be my favourite. It's hard to pick as I've enjoyed all of them. Fantastic mystery with characters you will be rooting for throughout the book. If you are looking for another cozy series to try this is it!