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Gertrude, Gumshoe #2
Murder at Goodwill
"Don't call me elderly!"
Gertrude is still feeling confident after her first gumshoe victory. So when she finds a murder victim at her local thrift store, she is excited to tell the Sheriff's Department everything she's learned at the scene of the crime.
Unsurprisingly, they don't listen. So Gertrude must solve the mystery herself. And the only way she can figure to do this is to go undercover—as the Mattawooptock Thrifty-Help's newest team member. Anyone who knows Gertrude knows this probably isn't the best idea. She'll probably get fired. Or arrested.
Or worse.
"Merrill’s second comic mystery featuring a curmudgeonly sleuth (after Introducing Gertrude, Gumshoe) is even funnier than her first ... Readers who enjoy tongue-in-cheek whodunits will find themselves grinning frequently." --Publishers WeeklyThe Gertrude, Gumshoe Books in Book 1: Introducing Gertrude, GumshoeBook 2: Gertrude, Murder at the Thrift StoreBook 3: Gertrude, Gumshoe and the VardSale VillainBook 4: Gertrude, Slam Is MurderBook 5: Gertrude, Gunslinger CityBook 6: Gertrude, Gumshoe and the Clearwater CurseGertrude in South Dakota Book 1: Gertrude, S'more MurderGertrude in South Dakota Book 2: Gertrude, Haunted HotelGertrude in South Dakota Book 3: Gertrude, Cowboy ShootGertrude also makes an appearance in The Prima Donna.
Gertrude is still feeling confident after her first gumshoe victory. So when she finds a murder victim at her local thrift store, she is excited to tell the Sheriff's Department everything she's learned at the scene of the crime.
Unsurprisingly, they don't listen. So Gertrude must solve the mystery herself. And the only way she can figure to do this is to go undercover—as the Mattawooptock Thrifty-Help's newest team member. Anyone who knows Gertrude knows this probably isn't the best idea. She'll probably get fired. Or arrested.
Or worse.
"Merrill’s second comic mystery featuring a curmudgeonly sleuth (after Introducing Gertrude, Gumshoe) is even funnier than her first ... Readers who enjoy tongue-in-cheek whodunits will find themselves grinning frequently." --Publishers WeeklyThe Gertrude, Gumshoe Books in Book 1: Introducing Gertrude, GumshoeBook 2: Gertrude, Murder at the Thrift StoreBook 3: Gertrude, Gumshoe and the VardSale VillainBook 4: Gertrude, Slam Is MurderBook 5: Gertrude, Gunslinger CityBook 6: Gertrude, Gumshoe and the Clearwater CurseGertrude in South Dakota Book 1: Gertrude, S'more MurderGertrude in South Dakota Book 2: Gertrude, Haunted HotelGertrude in South Dakota Book 3: Gertrude, Cowboy ShootGertrude also makes an appearance in The Prima Donna.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2016
65 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 11, 2017
Gertrude is back in Gertrude, Gumshoe: Murder at Goodwill. Needing to get her Christmas shopping done, she calls the van and gets a ride to the local Goodwill. It's Saturday and quite crowded. After rummaging through the children's section she heads off to the perfume section where she makes a ghastly discovery. She discovers the body of a dead woman and the ugliest green lamp she has ever seen. She lets out a scream and is soon discovered by employees. She turns to tell them she simply found the body and that quick the lamp disappears. Hale the local handsome detective is shocked to find Gert at another murder scene and angers Gert when he isn't upset about the missing lamp. Once again Gert beings investigating, even going to so far as to secure a job at Goodwill. A burglary, boobytraps, and trouble insue as Gert and her reluctant neighbor investigate. For me, this was a stronger story and I enjoyed seeing familiar characters. This was a quick, funny, and clever case that I quite enjoyed. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 27, 2020
This series is so much fun!!! I must admit I love reading about quirky older people and the things they do. These stories seem preposterous but remind us that being older and retired doesn’t mean you have to be bored or boring. There is still time to find your passion and enjoy it, Gertrude just likes to solve mysteries, especially murders, and is actually a hero in this one.
March 6, 2023
This series of books are fun to read. They aren't focused on the murder but focused on Gertrude.
June 28, 2025
Charming! So glad I read it!
April 29, 2025
Gertrude, Gumshoe is back for another murder mystery in the second book of the series. This time, Gertrude is doing her Christmas shopping at the local thrift store. As she browses, she discovers a dead body. Gertrude is immediately on alert and begins to search for clues.
She’s eager to share her findings with the police, but they aren’t so eager to listen to her. Her reputation proceeds her - elderly meddlesome woman. Not that Gertrude agrees with this assessment of her character. However, she does figure out a way to continue investigating. She gets a job at the thrift shop, but nobody is impressed with her lack of sales skills. Gertrude doesn’t care. She’s there for one reason and one reason only - to find a killer.
Gertrude is an ornery amateur sleuth. She’s demanding, argumentative, grouchy and, yet, I found her lovable. In her own way :) Gertrude may show signs of being a cantankerous, old fool but she, also, shows signs of being a caring, helpful person. There are many layers to Gertrude’s personality.
In this story, she immediately jumps into the murder mystery with no ulterior motive than to simply find the person who committed the crime. The police, her co-works and even her neighbor have had their fill of dealing with Gertrude. However, she has no plans of walking away from her investigation.
This is a fast-paced story that made me LOL. I find this series to be so relaxing and delightful. This is only the second book in the series. I don’t think you have to read the first one, but I think you’d want to. It gives you a chance to meet and get to know Gertrude and her world (which happens to be a trailer filled with cats). A most enjoyable read for me.
She’s eager to share her findings with the police, but they aren’t so eager to listen to her. Her reputation proceeds her - elderly meddlesome woman. Not that Gertrude agrees with this assessment of her character. However, she does figure out a way to continue investigating. She gets a job at the thrift shop, but nobody is impressed with her lack of sales skills. Gertrude doesn’t care. She’s there for one reason and one reason only - to find a killer.
Gertrude is an ornery amateur sleuth. She’s demanding, argumentative, grouchy and, yet, I found her lovable. In her own way :) Gertrude may show signs of being a cantankerous, old fool but she, also, shows signs of being a caring, helpful person. There are many layers to Gertrude’s personality.
In this story, she immediately jumps into the murder mystery with no ulterior motive than to simply find the person who committed the crime. The police, her co-works and even her neighbor have had their fill of dealing with Gertrude. However, she has no plans of walking away from her investigation.
This is a fast-paced story that made me LOL. I find this series to be so relaxing and delightful. This is only the second book in the series. I don’t think you have to read the first one, but I think you’d want to. It gives you a chance to meet and get to know Gertrude and her world (which happens to be a trailer filled with cats). A most enjoyable read for me.
March 31, 2020
This is the second book in the Gertrude Gumshoe series and even though I did enjoy it I preferred book one. Gertrude is the same nosy old lady who gets into trouble and every situation is life and death but there wasn't enough suspects or questioning of them for my liking. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy it and I will be listening to book three but the mystery wasn't as good, more funny calamity after another.
When Gertrude stumbles over a dead body while shopping at the local goodwill store for Christmas presents, she has no choice but to investigate when she buts heads with the policeman in charge. You see she saw the murder weapon before it went missing and when the policeman repeatedly tells her to stay out of it, she goes undercover as the newest employee. There is no better place to find the murder weapon than In one of the many many goodwill bins and at the same time she might just bag herself a killer.
I like the narrator and thought she did a good job with portraying the elderly Gertrude.
When Gertrude stumbles over a dead body while shopping at the local goodwill store for Christmas presents, she has no choice but to investigate when she buts heads with the policeman in charge. You see she saw the murder weapon before it went missing and when the policeman repeatedly tells her to stay out of it, she goes undercover as the newest employee. There is no better place to find the murder weapon than In one of the many many goodwill bins and at the same time she might just bag herself a killer.
I like the narrator and thought she did a good job with portraying the elderly Gertrude.
April 20, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Every investigation room should have a cat."
The demanding, opinionated, frequently offensive, geriatric, trailer living, cat loving self styled gumshoe finds herself confronted with another case - and body - when shopping for her Christmas gifts at Goodwill. And goes in search of a particularly hideous lampshade. Fun antics for both Gertrude and her sidekick, Calvin. Read with individual character voicings by Darlene Allen, the narration is flawed only by being too slow, easily remedied by increasing playback o speed to 1.25.
I was fortunate to receive a freely gifted complimentary copy of Gertrude, Gumshoe, .Murder at Goodwill, from the rights holder, at my request via A.B.U. Thank you. This is a deliciously lighthearted, silly cozy murder mystery series, just right to lighten a dreary day. Recommended.
"Every investigation room should have a cat."
The demanding, opinionated, frequently offensive, geriatric, trailer living, cat loving self styled gumshoe finds herself confronted with another case - and body - when shopping for her Christmas gifts at Goodwill. And goes in search of a particularly hideous lampshade. Fun antics for both Gertrude and her sidekick, Calvin. Read with individual character voicings by Darlene Allen, the narration is flawed only by being too slow, easily remedied by increasing playback o speed to 1.25.
I was fortunate to receive a freely gifted complimentary copy of Gertrude, Gumshoe, .Murder at Goodwill, from the rights holder, at my request via A.B.U. Thank you. This is a deliciously lighthearted, silly cozy murder mystery series, just right to lighten a dreary day. Recommended.
December 16, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the second book in the Gertrude Gumshoe series. It is a standalone but seriously do not start here - get the first book in the series so you can completely enjoy Gertrude's adventures into detective work.
Gertrude is such a fun, humorous and quirky character. And her interactions with her neighbor Old Man Crow and her fellow employees at Goodwill are just laugh out loud funny. This is a completely original cozy that is so entertaining.
The narrator, Darlene Allen, is the same narrator from the first book. She is pitch perfect in her portrayal of Gertrude and all of the other characters.
This is the second book in the Gertrude Gumshoe series. It is a standalone but seriously do not start here - get the first book in the series so you can completely enjoy Gertrude's adventures into detective work.
Gertrude is such a fun, humorous and quirky character. And her interactions with her neighbor Old Man Crow and her fellow employees at Goodwill are just laugh out loud funny. This is a completely original cozy that is so entertaining.
The narrator, Darlene Allen, is the same narrator from the first book. She is pitch perfect in her portrayal of Gertrude and all of the other characters.
June 23, 2021
Oh Gertrude, how do you manage to get yourself caught up in the middle of things? While doing a little Christmas shopping at Goodwill, leave it to Gertrude to stumble upon a dead body. Can she use her gumshoe talents to find the guilty party?
Robin Merrill has written a fun little cozy mystery. Her depiction of Gertrude cracks me up. She’s the type of character I would love to meet in real life.
Darlene Allen does a great job with the narration. Her voicing of Gertrude is exactly how I would imagine her sounding and acting.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Robin Merrill has written a fun little cozy mystery. Her depiction of Gertrude cracks me up. She’s the type of character I would love to meet in real life.
Darlene Allen does a great job with the narration. Her voicing of Gertrude is exactly how I would imagine her sounding and acting.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
January 14, 2019
While finishing her Christmas shopping at Goodwill, Gertrude stumbles over a dead body in the aisles in the perfume section. Unable to resist, she slips into Gumshoe mode to find the killer in this laugh- out-loud second story in Robin Merrill's mystery series.
You will love tracking down the clues with the irrepressible, quirky and always entertaining Gertrude and her supporting cast of neighbours, police officers and, new to this book, staff from the Goodwill store.
If you're looking for a good mystery and a good laugh, this is the book for you.
You will love tracking down the clues with the irrepressible, quirky and always entertaining Gertrude and her supporting cast of neighbours, police officers and, new to this book, staff from the Goodwill store.
If you're looking for a good mystery and a good laugh, this is the book for you.
February 10, 2021
The 2nd book in the cozy mystery series with Gertrude as the unlikely crime solver, private eye!
Short books, easy to read with the story a bit far fetched, but its escapism and sometimes we all need a bit of that, especially in today's world with bad news all around.
Gertrude is a crochety lady who likes puzzles, is a bit of a 'collector of items' and has a store of one liners which make you chuckle; she lives with her many cats who she loves dearly, and she shows a softer side which is hidden deep
If you want a bit of escapism to pass the time, this is for you.
Short books, easy to read with the story a bit far fetched, but its escapism and sometimes we all need a bit of that, especially in today's world with bad news all around.
Gertrude is a crochety lady who likes puzzles, is a bit of a 'collector of items' and has a store of one liners which make you chuckle; she lives with her many cats who she loves dearly, and she shows a softer side which is hidden deep
If you want a bit of escapism to pass the time, this is for you.
March 16, 2021
Gertrude is off to the Goodwill store to shop for gifts. As she rounds the corner she bumps into a body on the floor, MURDERED! Gertrude grumbling and cursing the sheriff for not listening to her she takes her walker and heads off to solve the murder.
I love Gertrude! I wanna be just like her when I grow up. As for the story, it was short and sweet and Gertrude is the next best thing to Miss Marple in a long time. What a hoot!!
i recieved the code free for the audiobook from audioboom in exchange for an honest review.
I love Gertrude! I wanna be just like her when I grow up. As for the story, it was short and sweet and Gertrude is the next best thing to Miss Marple in a long time. What a hoot!!
i recieved the code free for the audiobook from audioboom in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2018
Customer service at its finest
Gertrude is back! Can she solve the case of the death at her local Goodwill store without landing in jail? Our spunky senior is back and she has to use all her nonexistent customer service skill to solve her next mystery. The banter is brilliant between the two main characters and the mayhem that ensues from her actions is delightful. For anyone that likes cozy mysteries with humour and strong characters. Highly recommended.
Gertrude is back! Can she solve the case of the death at her local Goodwill store without landing in jail? Our spunky senior is back and she has to use all her nonexistent customer service skill to solve her next mystery. The banter is brilliant between the two main characters and the mayhem that ensues from her actions is delightful. For anyone that likes cozy mysteries with humour and strong characters. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2019
Gertrude, Gumshoe: Murder at Goodwill was a great read by Robin Merrill. She goes to her local Goodwill but doesn't expect to find a murder victim. The Sheriff's department won't listen to her when she tries to tell them what she knew about it. She decides that the only way to find out what's going on is to become the Goodwill's newest team member. I loved reading all of Gertrude's newest antics to find the murderer.
September 11, 2023
Robin Merrill has once again made us laugh out loud with the antics of Gertrude! Gertrude is such a great character. Actually, I think I know her! Or maybe it's just someone just like Gertrude. And Calvin is such a good support character that he is quickly becoming a favorite too.
I listened to this on Audible and the narration by Darlene Allen is just awesome! The different voices for each character is spot on. I loved this book!
I listened to this on Audible and the narration by Darlene Allen is just awesome! The different voices for each character is spot on. I loved this book!
May 15, 2019
Gertrude Gumshoe: Murder at Goodwill was my fifth read from author Robin Merrill. Very different than the Piercehaven books I'd previously read by her, this mystery was entertaining & enjoyable (think Murder She Wrote with an average female lead). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018)).
March 9, 2020
Gertrude just can't help herself, she stumbles over a dead body at the Goodwill. And of course, she has to solve the murder. This series is one of the most fun you'll have following this wacky character. Gertrude is a force of nature. I was gifted this from the author.
March 23, 2021
This one was a very fast read. Poor Gertrude....always where she shouldn’t be. I liked this story ...but knew who it was from the beginning. Boy she can be so grouchy and mean but ya gotta love her too. Every now and then you do see a softer side of her. Happy Reading :)
April 30, 2021
Gertrude found another body. Here we go again. Wish I was as good as her at making people do what I want. A humorous murder mystery and I sure didn't pick the right guilty person. I wonder if there really is a pound store.
March 30, 2022
This has got to be the stupidest series I’ve ever read. As soon as you get interested in it it just stops. No development if the story. I bought the whole series and wish I could just get my money back.
September 2, 2023
I just love Gertrude’s determination and sass! She doesn’t give up until she gets what she wants. I enjoyed her funny conversations and developing relationships with the people in her community. Her fearless antics are entertaining and I just want to keep reading more adventures!
October 10, 2018
Fun, funny!
August 7, 2020
Second book in the series and as good as the first one! Another laugh out loud adventure with Gertrude and her neighbor Calvin.
August 15, 2020
Gertrude is a hoot. But what made this story special was that she was willing to sell something out of her stockpile to help Azalea. A feel-good ending.
August 19, 2023
A cantankerous old lady that solves crime thanks to her brilliance or is it despite it ? Who knows ! Read it and se for yourself.
March 19, 2024
Gertrude 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️ why?? But in the end she did a selfless thing.
February 7, 2025
Gertrude does it again! This time there’s likely the World’s ugliest lamp shade, heavy machinery, bargain bins, and her reluctant sidekick, old Mr. Crow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2017
Gertrude, Gumshoe...
This is the second book in this series. Just a treat to read an amusing, humorous story about a older woman who fancies herself as a detective, who lives in a trailer park, and who like to play at being a gumshoe. Very good
This is the second book in this series. Just a treat to read an amusing, humorous story about a older woman who fancies herself as a detective, who lives in a trailer park, and who like to play at being a gumshoe. Very good
October 12, 2022
Made me giggle
February 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much! and I love the Goodwill too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews