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Country Gift Shop #1
Dead to Begin With
Love Agatha Raisin? Looking for a new fun cosy crime series? Then spend some time at the coast with Vicky Simmons amateur sleuth!
Coming home can be murder.
Vicky Simmons is looking for the simple life. She’s ready to trade in London for a slower pace by opening a British Country Gift Shop in her old hometown on the coast of Maine. Little does she know a few old faces are back in Glen Cove, including unrequited teenage crush Michael Danning—having taken over the local Gazette and looking better than ever.
All is looking rosy until Vicky finds herself face-to-face with a dead body and Michael is the prime suspect. When the sheriff links the motive for murder to the unsolved disappearance of a teenage girl twenty years ago, Vicky must turn amateur sleuth. She’ll stop at nothing to save Michael…and unmask the real killer!
The first book in the new Country Gift Shop Cozy Mystery series, look out for book 2: GRAND PRIZE: MURDER! coming soon!
Coming home can be murder.
Vicky Simmons is looking for the simple life. She’s ready to trade in London for a slower pace by opening a British Country Gift Shop in her old hometown on the coast of Maine. Little does she know a few old faces are back in Glen Cove, including unrequited teenage crush Michael Danning—having taken over the local Gazette and looking better than ever.
All is looking rosy until Vicky finds herself face-to-face with a dead body and Michael is the prime suspect. When the sheriff links the motive for murder to the unsolved disappearance of a teenage girl twenty years ago, Vicky must turn amateur sleuth. She’ll stop at nothing to save Michael…and unmask the real killer!
The first book in the new Country Gift Shop Cozy Mystery series, look out for book 2: GRAND PRIZE: MURDER! coming soon!
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First published January 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 24, 2019
Dead to Begin With
I wanted to try another cozy mystery, and found Vivian Conroy on Bookbub one day.
I honestly haven't read enough cozy mysteries to be able to review them - so this is solely opinion!
I liked the characters well enough, and the sidekick dogs too. No actual romance occurred and it is a hint at what might come in subsequent books as the relationships develop more between the people who came back to Glen Cove.
My only issue was that every scrap of evidence and every new revelation was thoroughly explained and recapped at least once, to make sure the reader didn't miss any tiny implication? I would rather have a little "hmmm..." room honestly.
I didn't pick the killer though, so that is something😂 and it seemed like the plot and evidence came through at an even and logical pace.
I might read the second book, and would probably recommend this for fans of the genre!
I wanted to try another cozy mystery, and found Vivian Conroy on Bookbub one day.
I honestly haven't read enough cozy mysteries to be able to review them - so this is solely opinion!
I liked the characters well enough, and the sidekick dogs too. No actual romance occurred and it is a hint at what might come in subsequent books as the relationships develop more between the people who came back to Glen Cove.
My only issue was that every scrap of evidence and every new revelation was thoroughly explained and recapped at least once, to make sure the reader didn't miss any tiny implication? I would rather have a little "hmmm..." room honestly.
I didn't pick the killer though, so that is something😂 and it seemed like the plot and evidence came through at an even and logical pace.
I might read the second book, and would probably recommend this for fans of the genre!
January 3, 2017
I've really been enjoying Vivian Conroy's cozy mysteries. I"m a fan of her Lady Alkmene series, and when I saw this one I automatically requested it. She writes interesting characters and also interesting settings. This one was set in a small town, Glen Cove, where everybody knows each other and their business. You would think a place like that would be idyllic but then murder takes place. Vicky, along with some help from her new friends, helps try to solve the case. What else are you going to do in such a small town? Like I said, I really enjoyed the characters....none of them were annoying and I can't wait to see more of them in future books. Vicky was a good choice for an amateur sleuth. She was smart, likable, and didn't put herself into stupid situations. Vivian Conroy has written another series that I look forward to reading. Highly recommend for any cozy mystery fans.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgally for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgally for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
What a cosy story featuring a cozy murder, and some cute dogs! This has a lovely small town feel to it, where the neighbourhood grapevine is the fastest form of communications, and rumours can be started and exaggerated at the rate of knots. Even its name Glen Cove conjured up images of a pretty New England setting, and a far different pace of life to what I'm personally used to in London.
Vicky Simmons was a journalist but on returning to Glen Cove, she is intending to set up a brand new shop, selling British gifts. What is is unaware of is she isn't the only person returning to Glen Cove - there is Michael who she used to have a crush on, and Diane who is the twin sister of Celine, a girl who went missing 23 years ago from the town, and has never been found.
Diane is back and looking for answers, and Michael was only just about cleared after being the prime suspect. Between Vicky and her new friends, other anglophiles in the town, who want to help with the shop too, they need to work out what happened to Celine all those years ago, as new unwanted events are now happening in Glen Cove.
Vicky may be an amateur but she generally seems more clued on the the sheriff in town, and I loved seeing her thought processes as she tries to make sense of the information and clues that are about. I will admit I only worked out the who the bad guy was, a few pages before Vicky, but didn't know the motivation at all.
Dead to Begin With was a very welcome change of pace and scene from a lot of the other books I read, and I was drawn into the story quite fast, and certainly once the first big incident occurred was hooked and wanted to know what happened and why. This is the first book I've read by Vivian Conroy and I enjoyed the way she puts together a story, and all the different characters in Glen Cove. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy that I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Vicky Simmons was a journalist but on returning to Glen Cove, she is intending to set up a brand new shop, selling British gifts. What is is unaware of is she isn't the only person returning to Glen Cove - there is Michael who she used to have a crush on, and Diane who is the twin sister of Celine, a girl who went missing 23 years ago from the town, and has never been found.
Diane is back and looking for answers, and Michael was only just about cleared after being the prime suspect. Between Vicky and her new friends, other anglophiles in the town, who want to help with the shop too, they need to work out what happened to Celine all those years ago, as new unwanted events are now happening in Glen Cove.
Vicky may be an amateur but she generally seems more clued on the the sheriff in town, and I loved seeing her thought processes as she tries to make sense of the information and clues that are about. I will admit I only worked out the who the bad guy was, a few pages before Vicky, but didn't know the motivation at all.
Dead to Begin With was a very welcome change of pace and scene from a lot of the other books I read, and I was drawn into the story quite fast, and certainly once the first big incident occurred was hooked and wanted to know what happened and why. This is the first book I've read by Vivian Conroy and I enjoyed the way she puts together a story, and all the different characters in Glen Cove. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy that I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 9, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
What a cracking start to a new series!
I love the characters that Ms Conroy has created, particularly Vicky. In fact all the characters were the kind I'd like to meet.
The idea of opening a shop aimed at Anglophiles appealed to me. As I live in Spain I'd be a regular visitor to a shop like that.
I look forward to reading many more stories about Vicky and her friends.
What a cracking start to a new series!
I love the characters that Ms Conroy has created, particularly Vicky. In fact all the characters were the kind I'd like to meet.
The idea of opening a shop aimed at Anglophiles appealed to me. As I live in Spain I'd be a regular visitor to a shop like that.
I look forward to reading many more stories about Vicky and her friends.
May 8, 2017
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
3.5 stars
A good start to a new series, and while it started off slow, I'm glad I stuck with it. Once the story got going, it was hard to put down and by the time I wound my way up to the exciting ending, I was hooked. The plot blended an old disappearance with a new murder, and the many plot twists kept me on my toes, there were so many suspects that were more suspicious than the actual culprit. I admit, I didn't know who the killer was until a few pages before Vicky figured it all out, but the clues were all there. Well done!
The cute setting of Glen Cove sounds like the sort of quaint New England small town familiar to anyone who has ever watched Murder, She Wrote. In fact, I kept waiting for Jessica Fletcher to ride down the street on her bike! The colorful cast of characters added a lot of charm to the story, especially Cash. I thought his character evolved the most during the story, and that gave him more dimension than the other characters.
Overall, Dead to Begin With is a charming, entertaining and absorbing cozy mystery and a great start to a new series. I'll definitely keep this on my list of series to watch, and I recommend it for cozy mystery fans, who will find a lot to like.
3.5 stars
A good start to a new series, and while it started off slow, I'm glad I stuck with it. Once the story got going, it was hard to put down and by the time I wound my way up to the exciting ending, I was hooked. The plot blended an old disappearance with a new murder, and the many plot twists kept me on my toes, there were so many suspects that were more suspicious than the actual culprit. I admit, I didn't know who the killer was until a few pages before Vicky figured it all out, but the clues were all there. Well done!
The cute setting of Glen Cove sounds like the sort of quaint New England small town familiar to anyone who has ever watched Murder, She Wrote. In fact, I kept waiting for Jessica Fletcher to ride down the street on her bike! The colorful cast of characters added a lot of charm to the story, especially Cash. I thought his character evolved the most during the story, and that gave him more dimension than the other characters.
Overall, Dead to Begin With is a charming, entertaining and absorbing cozy mystery and a great start to a new series. I'll definitely keep this on my list of series to watch, and I recommend it for cozy mystery fans, who will find a lot to like.
February 10, 2017
A perfect cosy mystery. Yes, indeed! Set in a small English town, Vivian Conroy's latest book makes sure to offer the readers an experience of investigating a cosy mystery by all means.
I loved reading it- snooping around the town for clues, meeting the town people and helping Vicky to find the real murderer. I didn't figure out the killer until the end, and I think it makes DEAD TO BEGIN WITH an excellent choice for the fans of cosy mysteries. The characters are amusing and well-rounded, especially all the ladies - they were so much fun to be around and intriguing as well, and their sleuthing skills were above par. The writing is moderate-paced and well developed, I never felt bored nor found the story less interesting at any point. Without any doubt, I can say that I heartily enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I loved reading it- snooping around the town for clues, meeting the town people and helping Vicky to find the real murderer. I didn't figure out the killer until the end, and I think it makes DEAD TO BEGIN WITH an excellent choice for the fans of cosy mysteries. The characters are amusing and well-rounded, especially all the ladies - they were so much fun to be around and intriguing as well, and their sleuthing skills were above par. The writing is moderate-paced and well developed, I never felt bored nor found the story less interesting at any point. Without any doubt, I can say that I heartily enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
October 4, 2018
E-Reader. Cozy Mystery
Vicky Simmons from London to mvoe home to Glen Cove, Maine.
She was a foreign correspondent. And did some part time work for authors who more details while writing their book.
But Vicky decided to open a small gift shop with British items to sell in her shop. She had to work very had to clean up the former beauty shop. She hired a student home college to remove lilac colored paint of the ceiling beams. And she also help from good freind, her husband. He helped paint most the walls. Her best friend & elderly lady from town also her good advice.
Michael Manning bought the the local paper the Gazette. He was previously engaged to a young woman, Celine who had identical twin, named Diane. But Celine could not be found, & was reported as missing person over 20 years ago. He went far away because his heart broken & had a hard looking at her twin.
Diane , now Diane Dobs came back home to get the case reopened. Which this small does not want to remember when Celine listed a a missing person.
I do not want to say more about this book right now. There are so many pcharacters in this book. But tell you someone was murdered.
I hope you will enjoy this cozy mystery as much as I did.
This author is very good writer and I don't think you will able to know what happened to Celine, all those years ago!
Vicky Simmons from London to mvoe home to Glen Cove, Maine.
She was a foreign correspondent. And did some part time work for authors who more details while writing their book.
But Vicky decided to open a small gift shop with British items to sell in her shop. She had to work very had to clean up the former beauty shop. She hired a student home college to remove lilac colored paint of the ceiling beams. And she also help from good freind, her husband. He helped paint most the walls. Her best friend & elderly lady from town also her good advice.
Michael Manning bought the the local paper the Gazette. He was previously engaged to a young woman, Celine who had identical twin, named Diane. But Celine could not be found, & was reported as missing person over 20 years ago. He went far away because his heart broken & had a hard looking at her twin.
Diane , now Diane Dobs came back home to get the case reopened. Which this small does not want to remember when Celine listed a a missing person.
I do not want to say more about this book right now. There are so many pcharacters in this book. But tell you someone was murdered.
I hope you will enjoy this cozy mystery as much as I did.
This author is very good writer and I don't think you will able to know what happened to Celine, all those years ago!
January 10, 2017
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Dead to Begin With is an enjoyable cozy mystery. Set in Glen Clove, a small seaside town, Vivian, the main character, returns home after many years in England as a reporter. She plans to open an English-themed gift shop that will cater to tourists and locals alike. Just after she gets home, she finds that the unsolved murder of a high school classmate has resurfaced. Both the murdered girl's old beau as well as her twin sister have come back to Glen Cove to find some answers. Everything Vivian thinks she knows about her old friends is challenged as she tries to help solve the murder.
The plot was well executed and it was a great read. There was more discussion than action, but I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and the characters were all people I could easily imagine meeting. The gift store is a place I'd love to visit myself! I look forward to reading future books in this series, and I'm going to seek out other books by this author.
The plot was well executed and it was a great read. There was more discussion than action, but I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and the characters were all people I could easily imagine meeting. The gift store is a place I'd love to visit myself! I look forward to reading future books in this series, and I'm going to seek out other books by this author.
January 12, 2017
DEAD TO BEGIN WITH by Vivian Conroy is a wonderful cosy mystery novel with plenty of action and small-town antics to keep you hooked from the very first page. Vicky Simmons has returned to her childhood home to open a British gift shop but it seems that her timing isn't exactly perfect. As an old disappearance case from twenty years ago is making headlines again, and the community starts pointing fingers at each other, it isn't long before things start to get a little more dangerous. With an arson attack, a dead body, new friendships, and old secrets, life at Glen Cove is anything but dull. But can Vicky and her little band of sleuths unravel the mystery before someone else is hurt? With great characters, a stunning setting, and plenty of intrigues to keep a reader guessing, I couldn't put this book down. DEAD TO BEGIN WITH by Vivian Conroy is a wonderful story, perfect for fans of Murder She Wrote, and I cannot wait for the next in the series!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
January 30, 2017
This is an upbeat, charming and cosy read from the author of the hugely enjoyable Lady Alkmene series. Conroy has left the 1920s behind for her brand new amateur sleuth series (#Country Gift Shop) which is set in the modern day world. This new protagonist, Vicky Simmons, lives on the coast of Maine and is as likeable, as endearing and as charismatic as Lady Alkmene. Conroy has stuck with the cosy crime genre and "Dead to Begin With" is a fun, enjoyable and perfectly pitched detective novel that will appeal to crime lovers, Agatha Christie fans as well as those who enjoy a light chick-lit-esque read.
So meet Vicky, who has returned to Glen Cove to set up her own gift shop selling all things English. Throughout the novel, the setting of Maine provides the perfect backdrop to this cozy crime novel. By using a seaside town, Conroy takes the image of a colourful, happy, safe town full of holiday makers and sprinkles a suggestion of something more sinister over the top of it. Not only does this help with creating the right atmosphere for a crime novel and a murder, but it also introduces some tension with the sub plot of Vicky. How successful will her attempts to set up a gift shop in a place that might only bring her custom for half the year?
"In summer, when the tourists flooded in, the town flourished, presenting that postcard idyll holiday makers longer for. It was like the incoming tide, bringing unsuspected riches to the shore. But in the fall the tide became outgoing as the ocean that had lured the tourists now drove them away, cold gusts of wind whipping the sharp sand across the deserted beach and even into the windowsills of cottages that were no longer let."
As we meet some of the characters in Glen Cove and Vicky begins to settle back in, Conroy again emphasises that despite appearing like a pretty, safe, tourist fuelled town, there is more to Glen Cove than meets the eye - specifically an unsolved mystery of a missing girl, which surely can't have anything to do with the local residents?!
"Glen Cove was such a friendly little place where people only wanted the best for each other. It was impossible someone would have lived among them for over twenty years, hiding such a dark secret."
It isn't long before Vicky finds herself caught up in solving the mystery of Celine's disappearance from twenty years ago. Unwittingly she becomes embroiled in Michael Danning's amateur investigation into the unsolved case which soon sees them not only discovering a new murdered body but also trying to make sure they are not the prime suspects.
"Some fine mess this was. She was going to be questioned by the police again. This time not because she happened to be in college with a girl gone missing, but because she had found a dead body!"
Vicky has returned home and finds herself living with her mother Claire. There is a fun dynamic between the women and Claire's vivacious character adds humour as well as perceptive observations and comments which help the reader get to know Vicky's character more fully. I liked Claire's statement that she's "not nosy; I just like to know things," and her accusation that Vicky only came back to see Michael Danning again draws our attention to the possibility of a potential romance. There is indeed tension between Michael and Vicky which adds another layer to the plot.
Vicky is our new protagonist and I really liked her. She is a bright, determined woman who has no intention to become a detective or indeed seek out a crime to solve. As with all the best amateur sleuths, it is just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time - or perhaps meeting up with the wrong person at the wrong time. She can't believe that there may be a murderer amongst this innocent town of happy people and even tries to hand everything over to the police, but Danning and Conroy have other plans for her.
I also enjoyed the sub plot of Vicky's attempts at setting up her gift shop and think this provides a good distraction as well as a great way of revealing more about her character.
"Vicky always got defensive when people told her she couldn't do something. Challenge was the biggest trigger word in her book."
I don't want to give anything away about the storyline but what I enjoyed most about this book was that it moves along at a very comfortable pace. I wouldn't say it gripped me but I would say I was very reluctant to put it down! I was really enjoying being part of Glen Cove and felt very settled and relaxed within Conroy's story. It is a crime novel; there is a mystery, there are twists and turns and moments of great revelations and I was caught up in the anticipation, suspense and tension as it jogs along to its grand finale. Sometimes it is a relief to read something without your heart rate accelerating beyond what is healthy and without your blood pressure shooting off the scale!
This is a story of disappearance, murder, jealousy, revenge and all things deliciously criminal, yet it is a remarkably cheerful read and there is a lightness throughout the whole book. This really would be the perfect book to take on your next seaside break or to enjoy with your favourite box of chocolates on a Sunday afternoon. You will not want to put it down.
"Dead to Begin With" draws you in with it's charm, warmth, likeable characters, lively dialogue and an intriguing tale of an unsolved mystery from Vicky's past. I really enjoyed the dialogue and the way it drove the action forward.
Vicky makes a competent and enjoyable sleuth and a great central protagonist for a new crime series. Her excitement about her shop and all she might stock is also infectious and I for one am rooting for its success. As the last line of the book claims:
"The Country Gift Shop was off to a roaring start."
And so is the first instalment in the Country Gift Shop series. I'm very much looking forward to the next book!
So meet Vicky, who has returned to Glen Cove to set up her own gift shop selling all things English. Throughout the novel, the setting of Maine provides the perfect backdrop to this cozy crime novel. By using a seaside town, Conroy takes the image of a colourful, happy, safe town full of holiday makers and sprinkles a suggestion of something more sinister over the top of it. Not only does this help with creating the right atmosphere for a crime novel and a murder, but it also introduces some tension with the sub plot of Vicky. How successful will her attempts to set up a gift shop in a place that might only bring her custom for half the year?
"In summer, when the tourists flooded in, the town flourished, presenting that postcard idyll holiday makers longer for. It was like the incoming tide, bringing unsuspected riches to the shore. But in the fall the tide became outgoing as the ocean that had lured the tourists now drove them away, cold gusts of wind whipping the sharp sand across the deserted beach and even into the windowsills of cottages that were no longer let."
As we meet some of the characters in Glen Cove and Vicky begins to settle back in, Conroy again emphasises that despite appearing like a pretty, safe, tourist fuelled town, there is more to Glen Cove than meets the eye - specifically an unsolved mystery of a missing girl, which surely can't have anything to do with the local residents?!
"Glen Cove was such a friendly little place where people only wanted the best for each other. It was impossible someone would have lived among them for over twenty years, hiding such a dark secret."
It isn't long before Vicky finds herself caught up in solving the mystery of Celine's disappearance from twenty years ago. Unwittingly she becomes embroiled in Michael Danning's amateur investigation into the unsolved case which soon sees them not only discovering a new murdered body but also trying to make sure they are not the prime suspects.
"Some fine mess this was. She was going to be questioned by the police again. This time not because she happened to be in college with a girl gone missing, but because she had found a dead body!"
Vicky has returned home and finds herself living with her mother Claire. There is a fun dynamic between the women and Claire's vivacious character adds humour as well as perceptive observations and comments which help the reader get to know Vicky's character more fully. I liked Claire's statement that she's "not nosy; I just like to know things," and her accusation that Vicky only came back to see Michael Danning again draws our attention to the possibility of a potential romance. There is indeed tension between Michael and Vicky which adds another layer to the plot.
Vicky is our new protagonist and I really liked her. She is a bright, determined woman who has no intention to become a detective or indeed seek out a crime to solve. As with all the best amateur sleuths, it is just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time - or perhaps meeting up with the wrong person at the wrong time. She can't believe that there may be a murderer amongst this innocent town of happy people and even tries to hand everything over to the police, but Danning and Conroy have other plans for her.
I also enjoyed the sub plot of Vicky's attempts at setting up her gift shop and think this provides a good distraction as well as a great way of revealing more about her character.
"Vicky always got defensive when people told her she couldn't do something. Challenge was the biggest trigger word in her book."
I don't want to give anything away about the storyline but what I enjoyed most about this book was that it moves along at a very comfortable pace. I wouldn't say it gripped me but I would say I was very reluctant to put it down! I was really enjoying being part of Glen Cove and felt very settled and relaxed within Conroy's story. It is a crime novel; there is a mystery, there are twists and turns and moments of great revelations and I was caught up in the anticipation, suspense and tension as it jogs along to its grand finale. Sometimes it is a relief to read something without your heart rate accelerating beyond what is healthy and without your blood pressure shooting off the scale!
This is a story of disappearance, murder, jealousy, revenge and all things deliciously criminal, yet it is a remarkably cheerful read and there is a lightness throughout the whole book. This really would be the perfect book to take on your next seaside break or to enjoy with your favourite box of chocolates on a Sunday afternoon. You will not want to put it down.
"Dead to Begin With" draws you in with it's charm, warmth, likeable characters, lively dialogue and an intriguing tale of an unsolved mystery from Vicky's past. I really enjoyed the dialogue and the way it drove the action forward.
Vicky makes a competent and enjoyable sleuth and a great central protagonist for a new crime series. Her excitement about her shop and all she might stock is also infectious and I for one am rooting for its success. As the last line of the book claims:
"The Country Gift Shop was off to a roaring start."
And so is the first instalment in the Country Gift Shop series. I'm very much looking forward to the next book!
January 2, 2017
Enjoyable cozy mystery. Cold case is brought back into everyone's focus as the twin of the victim comes back to town to get answers. Our lovely protagonist is trying to open a new retail shop featuring English items. As if she isn't busy enough, she now has to help her friends solve this old mystery. Clever mystery. The publisher provided a copy via Netgalley with the hope I would review it.
July 14, 2017
A Maine murder mystery
Vicky Simmons is starting a new career opening a gift shop in Maine selling British items after living in England for many years. A friend of her was a suspect in a murder years ago and with a recent murder, she's out to find the real culprit who turns out to be a surprise for all. A fun summer read.
Vicky Simmons is starting a new career opening a gift shop in Maine selling British items after living in England for many years. A friend of her was a suspect in a murder years ago and with a recent murder, she's out to find the real culprit who turns out to be a surprise for all. A fun summer read.
October 8, 2018
Not bad for a first in series
A little slow in places and some of the characters were written in a way that didn’t ring true so it is tough to know if they will be better and more likable in future books. The murderer was easy to figure out but motive was not there until the reveal so it came off as implausible
A little slow in places and some of the characters were written in a way that didn’t ring true so it is tough to know if they will be better and more likable in future books. The murderer was easy to figure out but motive was not there until the reveal so it came off as implausible
March 24, 2017
Book received from NetGalley
A cute quick read about a young woman who returns home to open a shop after being a travel writer for many years. She had been living in Great Britain and wanted to come home. However, when she did an unsolved mystery around a classmate's murder has been reopened and she's back in the thick of things. All while trying to find a place to open her British souvenir shop, in a small Maine village. This is one of those mystery books with multiple suspects and more than one person "whodunnit" in the end. I liked it and will definitely want to read more in this series.
A cute quick read about a young woman who returns home to open a shop after being a travel writer for many years. She had been living in Great Britain and wanted to come home. However, when she did an unsolved mystery around a classmate's murder has been reopened and she's back in the thick of things. All while trying to find a place to open her British souvenir shop, in a small Maine village. This is one of those mystery books with multiple suspects and more than one person "whodunnit" in the end. I liked it and will definitely want to read more in this series.
June 9, 2017
Another fun read. The characters were believable and with so many twists and turns it kept you guessing right up to the surprise ending. Can't wait for the next book by this author.
June 11, 2017
Dead to Begin With
This is a real gem of a cozy mystery. Every time I picked it up I had a real hard time setting it back down again!
This is a real gem of a cozy mystery. Every time I picked it up I had a real hard time setting it back down again!
June 21, 2017
A bit too long but still enjoyed it.
September 27, 2018
Light and breezy
Enjoyed the ease with which this book was read. Would love to continue with same characters but not for selling price attached.
Enjoyed the ease with which this book was read. Would love to continue with same characters but not for selling price attached.
January 2, 2019
Seemed to be clean. Kept my interest. Not sure I'll continue the series though. Seemed to wrap things up well and stand on its own.
January 8, 2021
Enjoyable little cosy escape that kept me guessing. I will definitely read more Vivian Conroy books. I am definitely looking forward to seeing the characters develop as the series continues.
August 2, 2017
Nice cozy little mystery about coming home and starting over. With people being murdered around you, I already have the next book in this series and look forward to starting it.
January 14, 2017
This story points you in a few directions as to who the suspect was and why. The town was in shock. It was written well and held my attention all the way. I love the British store idea. I will look forward to more of these characters in the future.
February 5, 2017
Title: Dead to Begin With - Country Gift Shop Cozy Mystery Book 1
Author: Vivian Conroy
Published: 1-13-2017
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Pages: 192
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Amateur Sleuths;
ISBN: 13: 9780008239183
ASIN: B01N0TBEZO
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "Dead to Begin With" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publsiher:
Love Agatha Raisin? Looking for a new fun cosy crime series? Then spend some time at the coast with Vicky Simmons amateur sleuth!
Coming home can be murder.
Vicky Simmons is looking for the simple life. She’s ready to trade in London for a slower pace by opening a British Country Gift Shop in her old hometown on the coast of Maine. Little does she know a few old faces are back in Glen Cove, including unrequited teenage crush Michael Danning—having taken over the local Gazette and looking better than ever.
All is looking rosy until Vicky finds herself face-to-face with a dead body and Michael is the prime suspect. When the sheriff links the motive for murder to the unsolved disappearance of a teenage girl twenty years ago, Vicky must turn amateur sleuth. She’ll stop at nothing to save Michael…and unmask the real killer!
The first book in the new Country Gift Shop Cozy Mystery series, look out for book 2: GRAND PRIZE: MURDER! coming soon!
My Review of "Dead to Begin With":
Returning home after years away is hard to do, but that's what Vicki Simmons has done. Now an old murder has resurfaced add in a new one and Vicki and her friends set out to find out who is killing off the residents of their quaint small town of Glen Cove. The characters are individuals that are believable. The writing brings Glen Cove to life in vivid detail for the reader to envision in their minds. A wonderful new series with a bright future for many more books to come. My rating for "Dead to Begin With" is 4.75 out of 5 Stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0TBEZO/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Vivian Conroy
Published: 1-13-2017
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Pages: 192
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Amateur Sleuths;
ISBN: 13: 9780008239183
ASIN: B01N0TBEZO
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "Dead to Begin With" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publsiher:
Love Agatha Raisin? Looking for a new fun cosy crime series? Then spend some time at the coast with Vicky Simmons amateur sleuth!
Coming home can be murder.
Vicky Simmons is looking for the simple life. She’s ready to trade in London for a slower pace by opening a British Country Gift Shop in her old hometown on the coast of Maine. Little does she know a few old faces are back in Glen Cove, including unrequited teenage crush Michael Danning—having taken over the local Gazette and looking better than ever.
All is looking rosy until Vicky finds herself face-to-face with a dead body and Michael is the prime suspect. When the sheriff links the motive for murder to the unsolved disappearance of a teenage girl twenty years ago, Vicky must turn amateur sleuth. She’ll stop at nothing to save Michael…and unmask the real killer!
The first book in the new Country Gift Shop Cozy Mystery series, look out for book 2: GRAND PRIZE: MURDER! coming soon!
My Review of "Dead to Begin With":
Returning home after years away is hard to do, but that's what Vicki Simmons has done. Now an old murder has resurfaced add in a new one and Vicki and her friends set out to find out who is killing off the residents of their quaint small town of Glen Cove. The characters are individuals that are believable. The writing brings Glen Cove to life in vivid detail for the reader to envision in their minds. A wonderful new series with a bright future for many more books to come. My rating for "Dead to Begin With" is 4.75 out of 5 Stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0TBEZO/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
February 26, 2017
I like a lot of dialog, but this was all talk and no action.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
February 8, 2017
Dead To Begin With is set in Maine, USA and sees Vicky battling with a terribly vindictive mother and a man from her past who looks like he's been framed for murder. Convinced that Michael didn't do it she takes on the challenge of going over the sheriff's head and tries to find the real killer before it's too late. Plus on top of all that she is refurbishing a hideous out of business beauty salon into a quaint British gift shop. Sounds great doesn't it?!
The fast moving storyline introduces a selection of tedious, devious and overwhelmingly enthusiastic characters who all feature in the main plot one way or another. Everyone is helpful and answers a lot of Vicky's questions whether they originally intend to or not. However, one of them is a killer twice over and can't be trusted. The only problem is finding out which resident it is.
Arm in arm with Michael and her mum's favourite suitor, Emmett, Vicky explores the scenes that the latest victim touched though much to her concern Michael has a tendency to take the law into his own hands. The disregard for standard police procedure irritates Vicky but it does give them a head start on their investigation.
All the elements are here for a great cosy mystery read and Conroy does not disappoint when it comes to revealing the killer. Although the climax of the situation is a little abrupt it is cleverly planned out and seamlessly brings the entire story to a satisfactory end. A smashing read for any cosy crime enthusiast, this is a great first part to the Country Gift Shop series.
The fast moving storyline introduces a selection of tedious, devious and overwhelmingly enthusiastic characters who all feature in the main plot one way or another. Everyone is helpful and answers a lot of Vicky's questions whether they originally intend to or not. However, one of them is a killer twice over and can't be trusted. The only problem is finding out which resident it is.
Arm in arm with Michael and her mum's favourite suitor, Emmett, Vicky explores the scenes that the latest victim touched though much to her concern Michael has a tendency to take the law into his own hands. The disregard for standard police procedure irritates Vicky but it does give them a head start on their investigation.
All the elements are here for a great cosy mystery read and Conroy does not disappoint when it comes to revealing the killer. Although the climax of the situation is a little abrupt it is cleverly planned out and seamlessly brings the entire story to a satisfactory end. A smashing read for any cosy crime enthusiast, this is a great first part to the Country Gift Shop series.
December 30, 2016
REVIEW: DEAD TO BEGIN WITH by Vivian Conroy
Rated 3 out of 5 stars by Iris Chacon.
(An electronic copy was provided in exchange for an honest, objective review.)
Mysteries are often talky, what with sleuths always explaining their deductions to other characters or criminals waxing eloquent about their motives. This one, however, seemed too long on narration and dialogue and too short on action. I don't mean car chases and explosions, which pass for "action" in movies and television; I mean showing us what the book's characters do. Instead, whatever actually happens always seemed to occur beyond the pages, and the actions of other characters are explained to us rather than shown to us. We see the aftermath of a crime, but we never see the crime committed. This is true of the main murder to be solved and the subsequent crimes committed by the murderer to cover his/her tracks.
The writer is obviously capable and creative enough to have shown us more and told us less, but this was perhaps a stylistic choice. The story was interesting and original, but the pace was slowed by the constant conversation about what had happened "offscreen."
I also felt that the ending was abrupt and not satisfying, as though someone had left off the final page or paragraph by accident.
I was confused, as well, by the relationships between the heroine and two different male characters. All through the book she seems attached to "Michael," and in the last chapter she is suddenly in the arms of "Cash," with no hints or backstory to prepare the reader for this eventuality. The relationship with Cash had been so remote throughout the book, I was shocked and bemused when the heroine received his embrace without demur.
It would be worthwhile to sample some of Vivian Conroy's other mysteries. She clearly loves and respects the genre and has the skill to craft a fascinating novel. This just wasn't that novel for me.
The book contains no offensive material and would be suitable for readers of all ages.
Rated 3 out of 5 stars by Iris Chacon.
(An electronic copy was provided in exchange for an honest, objective review.)
Mysteries are often talky, what with sleuths always explaining their deductions to other characters or criminals waxing eloquent about their motives. This one, however, seemed too long on narration and dialogue and too short on action. I don't mean car chases and explosions, which pass for "action" in movies and television; I mean showing us what the book's characters do. Instead, whatever actually happens always seemed to occur beyond the pages, and the actions of other characters are explained to us rather than shown to us. We see the aftermath of a crime, but we never see the crime committed. This is true of the main murder to be solved and the subsequent crimes committed by the murderer to cover his/her tracks.
The writer is obviously capable and creative enough to have shown us more and told us less, but this was perhaps a stylistic choice. The story was interesting and original, but the pace was slowed by the constant conversation about what had happened "offscreen."
I also felt that the ending was abrupt and not satisfying, as though someone had left off the final page or paragraph by accident.
I was confused, as well, by the relationships between the heroine and two different male characters. All through the book she seems attached to "Michael," and in the last chapter she is suddenly in the arms of "Cash," with no hints or backstory to prepare the reader for this eventuality. The relationship with Cash had been so remote throughout the book, I was shocked and bemused when the heroine received his embrace without demur.
It would be worthwhile to sample some of Vivian Conroy's other mysteries. She clearly loves and respects the genre and has the skill to craft a fascinating novel. This just wasn't that novel for me.
The book contains no offensive material and would be suitable for readers of all ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2017
Vicky Simmons has decided to leave London & move back home to the coast of Maine where she grew up & open a British Country Gift Shop. Upon her return she comes in contact with high school classmates and an old crush, Michael Danning. Michael now runs the local newspaper & has run an article on a local girl who went missing years ago at the age of nineteen. As her boyfriend, Michael had been accused of the crime but the case remained unsolved. Her identical twin, Diane, eager to reopen the case has returned from Europe and been interviewed in the paper. Vicky, Michael & Diane become involved investigating what really happened all those years ago but someone doesn't want them to find out.
I found this book to be a solid start for this new series. Vicky is a very likable main character. I also liked the ladies she meets who help her open her shop and hope they play a bigger role later on. The number of suspects grows as Vicky renews some old acquaintances from high school including the sheriff. I was rather surprised at the actual killer which I love in my cozies. The coastal setting is a nice backdrop & hopefully will play a bigger role when tourist season opens in subsequent books. I will definitely read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I found this book to be a solid start for this new series. Vicky is a very likable main character. I also liked the ladies she meets who help her open her shop and hope they play a bigger role later on. The number of suspects grows as Vicky renews some old acquaintances from high school including the sheriff. I was rather surprised at the actual killer which I love in my cozies. The coastal setting is a nice backdrop & hopefully will play a bigger role when tourist season opens in subsequent books. I will definitely read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 19, 2017
This cozy mystery started promisingly, despite not breaking any new ground: middle aged heroine, check; over-bearing mother, check; cute dogs, check; twee hobby, check. It's got some good characters and a nice setting. However, the mystery plot is a bit thin and I'm afraid became quite repetitive.
Separately, the book contained long speeches of awkward exposition, including explaining - surprisingly for a crime/mystery book - why the police don't release all their information to the press, how alibis work and why the police shouldn't let suspects escape...! Additionally, very little of the dialogue uses contractions, so it had a really stilted feel about it and slowed down any moments of tension.
n the end, the identity of the killer is quite a leap; they have no hint of motive until they helpfully explain it all at unnecessary length when preparing to kill their final victim. Without that there was no case, and their means, motive and opportunity was either extremely tenuous or simply not explained.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Separately, the book contained long speeches of awkward exposition, including explaining - surprisingly for a crime/mystery book - why the police don't release all their information to the press, how alibis work and why the police shouldn't let suspects escape...! Additionally, very little of the dialogue uses contractions, so it had a really stilted feel about it and slowed down any moments of tension.
n the end, the identity of the killer is quite a leap; they have no hint of motive until they helpfully explain it all at unnecessary length when preparing to kill their final victim. Without that there was no case, and their means, motive and opportunity was either extremely tenuous or simply not explained.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for the opportunity to read this ARC.
February 8, 2017
I enjoyed this new series. A lot of time is spent setting up the background and cast of characters which might be a negative for some readers, but there was sufficient time spent on the mystery for me.
How successful a British foods and gift shop would be in such an environment is questionable as is the lack of any concrete working relationship and mention of pay for a woman who helps Vicky with her store as well. These issues didn't "push my buttons" as sometimes happens though.
I'm looking forward to the next story.
Mentioning if you like Agatha Raisin, you'll like this book is very misleading (and a mistake in my case since I'm not a fan of the annoying, and not in a fun, good way, Agatha). Vicky is younger, an American (despite spending 10 years in Britain), had and is try to have a totally different career and not man crazy (definitely not to the point where she debases herself like Agatha).
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
How successful a British foods and gift shop would be in such an environment is questionable as is the lack of any concrete working relationship and mention of pay for a woman who helps Vicky with her store as well. These issues didn't "push my buttons" as sometimes happens though.
I'm looking forward to the next story.
Mentioning if you like Agatha Raisin, you'll like this book is very misleading (and a mistake in my case since I'm not a fan of the annoying, and not in a fun, good way, Agatha). Vicky is younger, an American (despite spending 10 years in Britain), had and is try to have a totally different career and not man crazy (definitely not to the point where she debases herself like Agatha).
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.
Other reviewers have summarized the plot, so I will not be redundant by repeating the details here.
My overall reaction? Meh. Just an okay story, not a particularly compelling one for me. (Others' mileage will most certainly vary.) The book did not really grab me and not let me go, such that when another book I had requested from my library became available, I put this one down after only a couple of chapters and read the other book, then came back to this one. For me, a compelling book is one that keeps me up past my bedtime. This book did not do that.
I was not convinced by the relationships between the heroine and the men in town who might be candidates for future romance. And the requisite dead body did not appear until more than a third of the way through the book, which made for a very slow start.
Other reviewers have summarized the plot, so I will not be redundant by repeating the details here.
My overall reaction? Meh. Just an okay story, not a particularly compelling one for me. (Others' mileage will most certainly vary.) The book did not really grab me and not let me go, such that when another book I had requested from my library became available, I put this one down after only a couple of chapters and read the other book, then came back to this one. For me, a compelling book is one that keeps me up past my bedtime. This book did not do that.
I was not convinced by the relationships between the heroine and the men in town who might be candidates for future romance. And the requisite dead body did not appear until more than a third of the way through the book, which made for a very slow start.
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