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Volstead Manor #1
Another Stab at Life
She has nowhere to go, except the dilapidated mansion she's just inherited from her Granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers the house has a history as shadowy as its hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks. Bailey suddenly feels like she's trapped inside the pages of a gothic novel - but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother's wishes and stay at Volstead Manor Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which all seem determined to stay happily ever buried.
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
175 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Anita Higman
98 books144 followersBest-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over forty books published. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art.
A few of Anita’s favorite things are good movies, fairytales, traveling, gardening, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Feel free to drop by Anita’s website at anitahigman.com or connect with her on her Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaH.... She would love to hear from you!
A few of Anita’s favorite things are good movies, fairytales, traveling, gardening, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Feel free to drop by Anita’s website at anitahigman.com or connect with her on her Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaH.... She would love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 21, 2012
Not really sure what to think about this book. I picked it up because it was cheap and sounded interesting, bu once I started reading it, I had to finish it just to try to figure out what was going on.
It starts with Bailey inheriting an old manor house from her Grandmother called Volstead Manor. From the start the book was hard to follow, she seemed to slip into her mind and her dreams or fears and out of reality so easy it was hard to follow if what I was reading was really happening or not. Then to top it off, there was alot of faith through in that I wasn't expecting and maybe that was my fault, but I didn't realize it was a Christin Fiction when I grabbed it, and yet the way the faith was through in was a little off kilter and struck me as forced and not real.
As I added this book to my list, I see that it is subtitled as a Volstead Manor Mystery or as book one, and I can not see myself ever reading a second book in this series. I am surprised that there is suppose to be a second book.
I just felt it wasn't written well, and that I was struggling to follow along and figure out if she was paranoid or if it was real life, and it was just not fun. I didn't enjoy it and in fact I closed the book and looked at it like, did I really just read that? Oh well, a lesson learned.
It starts with Bailey inheriting an old manor house from her Grandmother called Volstead Manor. From the start the book was hard to follow, she seemed to slip into her mind and her dreams or fears and out of reality so easy it was hard to follow if what I was reading was really happening or not. Then to top it off, there was alot of faith through in that I wasn't expecting and maybe that was my fault, but I didn't realize it was a Christin Fiction when I grabbed it, and yet the way the faith was through in was a little off kilter and struck me as forced and not real.
As I added this book to my list, I see that it is subtitled as a Volstead Manor Mystery or as book one, and I can not see myself ever reading a second book in this series. I am surprised that there is suppose to be a second book.
I just felt it wasn't written well, and that I was struggling to follow along and figure out if she was paranoid or if it was real life, and it was just not fun. I didn't enjoy it and in fact I closed the book and looked at it like, did I really just read that? Oh well, a lesson learned.
November 6, 2011
The first in a cozy mystery series Anita Higman has given us in Volstead Manor Mysteries. She's furnished something to intrigue us and bring a smile or chuckle to our lives.
This great story published in the Heartsong Presents MYSTERIES is a great lead in to the following book(s).
Ms Higman spreads out the clues and seems to be a master of foreshadowing. I look for that in any mystery and she subtly handed out clues without ruining any suspense for me, the reader. I found the romance to be somewhat amusing but satisfying for my happily ever after thirst.
You’ll not want to miss this if you like ANY mystery at all.
This great story published in the Heartsong Presents MYSTERIES is a great lead in to the following book(s).
Ms Higman spreads out the clues and seems to be a master of foreshadowing. I look for that in any mystery and she subtly handed out clues without ruining any suspense for me, the reader. I found the romance to be somewhat amusing but satisfying for my happily ever after thirst.
You’ll not want to miss this if you like ANY mystery at all.
April 4, 2015
This was a pretty dismal mystery, and I have zero interest in reading additional titles in the series.
It's a weird mix of gothic mystery and heavy-handed humor, but it just isn't successful. So Nanna was quirky, we get it. But her actions (specifically with cash) are pretty ridiculous. The mystery of what's "haunting" the house is odd, and there are way too many characters set forth as suspects. Overly friendly artistic neighbor who happens to have a mental illness (but it's fine as long as she stays on her medicine), another neighbor who hates cats, creepy couple next door who lurk behind trees, ex-fiancee who randomly tracks her down across the country, former friend who appears to be losing her grip on reality... All these cliche, overdone people were just too much - the story would have been so much better if there were just 2 or 3 "suspects" who were well developed.
And the romance? Again, hard to believe as it's so rushed and full of cliches.
I actually found myself rolling my eyes at the ending (trying not to spoil it). One phone call and it's over, just like that? How was the "treasure" known about anyway? Again, rushed and no good explanation, so no satisfactory moment as you see the mystery closed.
It's a weird mix of gothic mystery and heavy-handed humor, but it just isn't successful. So Nanna was quirky, we get it. But her actions (specifically with cash) are pretty ridiculous. The mystery of what's "haunting" the house is odd, and there are way too many characters set forth as suspects. Overly friendly artistic neighbor who happens to have a mental illness (but it's fine as long as she stays on her medicine), another neighbor who hates cats, creepy couple next door who lurk behind trees, ex-fiancee who randomly tracks her down across the country, former friend who appears to be losing her grip on reality... All these cliche, overdone people were just too much - the story would have been so much better if there were just 2 or 3 "suspects" who were well developed.
And the romance? Again, hard to believe as it's so rushed and full of cliches.
I actually found myself rolling my eyes at the ending (trying not to spoil it). One phone call and it's over, just like that? How was the "treasure" known about anyway? Again, rushed and no good explanation, so no satisfactory moment as you see the mystery closed.
May 19, 2015
I really liked this book but was a bit disappointed in it. It had really great potential, just needed expanding on all points. The relationship with Max developed way too fast, and with an old, creepy mansion that has a tower and secret passages .... so much potential. It's sort of like the author was trying to hurry up and get a book written. I'm always drawn to books about old houses, so much history to learn from them. I feel like there was so much more the author could have done with the premise of this story, and the ending just fell flat .... the mystery is explained in the epilogue??
I loved the idea, it just needed expanding on ...
I loved the idea, it just needed expanding on ...
September 10, 2012
This book ws fun to read! I am really enjoying all the Heartsong Mysteries, but the ones that include old historic buildings or antiques are my favorite. Volstead Manor has lots of secrets. Will the new owner Bailey survive all the snooping she undertakes to find the houe's mysteries? Or will someone scare her out of her Granny's old house before she knows all that she has inherited? I am looking forward to reading the second and third volumes in this series to find out what other myteries await at Volstead Manor!
October 5, 2011
Bailey, the heroine, seems a sad lot to begin with, but she shows a strength throughout the story which is admirable. Max, the hero, seems quirky and cute, but has a depth which surprises. The suspense and mystery is interlaced with enough humor to make a very enjoyable read. It is followed by Another Hour to Kill taking Bailey and Max through another mystery.
December 14, 2013
A cozy CHRISTIAN mystery? With believable characters? Who have lives outside their faith? It works. Bailey, broke and out of luck inherits her grandmother's old house, and begins a new life in Houston TX?
As fun as it is, there are some characters kinda out in left field who appear for no apparent reason. Would love to see unedited manuscript. I will read others in the series
As fun as it is, there are some characters kinda out in left field who appear for no apparent reason. Would love to see unedited manuscript. I will read others in the series
August 1, 2015
I liked the premise. The characters and plot had a lot of potential, but the book suffered an identity crisis. It wanted to be a mystery, a romance, and a humor novel all in one, but, sadly, did none of the three genres full justice. Also, numerous grammatical and structural errors distracted. Several plot points fell flat or were just left hanging.
All in all, I had hoped for more.
All in all, I had hoped for more.
February 24, 2013
This first book in the Volstead Manor series is fun escape with a bit of romance and a bit of gothic mystery. Bailey's fresh start in life with a spooky old house inherited from her grandmother is a tad unbelievable but perfect for a relaxing, quick read.
June 9, 2008
Anita Higman weaves a great suspenseful cozy that is difficult to put down. The mystery of the old house and a mysterious neighborhood mixed with an unexpected romance kept me page turning.
August 3, 2012
I loved this series. I wish she had more.
March 14, 2012
This was a fun cozy mystery with romance :)
September 14, 2017
Bailey Walker is in desperate need of a fresh start, but the decaying old mansion left to her by her beloved grandmother is not what she had in mind. Still, she’s plucky and determined, with a sense of humour and nowhere else to go.
Along with the house, she’s challenged by neighbours who want to be her friends. Bailey’s rules for life tell her to be independent and not rely on anyone, but when it seems like someone’s trying to scare her out of her inheritance, she starts rethinking the value of isolation.
I liked the humour in the book, and the way it didn’t take itself too seriously. There are questions about the house that aren’t answered, but peeking at the summaries of the next two books suggests that everything will be wrapped up by the end.
Writing-wise, there is an issue with past/present tense. The story’s told in the past tense, but every so often there’s a slip.
Favourite lines (the first one shows the tone, but also the past/present issue, and the second made me chortle out loud):
Another Stab at Life is book 1 in the Volstead Manor series of cozy mysteries. It’s a light read (with a few tense moments). This isn’t the strongest book I’ve read this year, but it’s good fun and I look forward to finishing the rest of the series. I like Bailey and her mysterious house.
Anita Higman is the author or co-author of over 40 novels, present and historical, romantic and mystery, and even some young adult fiction. Another Stab at Life also comes in the ebook bundle, The Volstead Manor Series. For more about the author and her work, visit anitahigman.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
Along with the house, she’s challenged by neighbours who want to be her friends. Bailey’s rules for life tell her to be independent and not rely on anyone, but when it seems like someone’s trying to scare her out of her inheritance, she starts rethinking the value of isolation.
I liked the humour in the book, and the way it didn’t take itself too seriously. There are questions about the house that aren’t answered, but peeking at the summaries of the next two books suggests that everything will be wrapped up by the end.
Writing-wise, there is an issue with past/present tense. The story’s told in the past tense, but every so often there’s a slip.
Favourite lines (the first one shows the tone, but also the past/present issue, and the second made me chortle out loud):
This is a really old building but I can make it a home. Somehow. Eventually. But why was there always a prologue to every story in my life? [Kindle location 61]
The tellers at the bank had to call the head honchos down from upstairs so they could burble and stare like marmosets. [Kindle location 606]
Another Stab at Life is book 1 in the Volstead Manor series of cozy mysteries. It’s a light read (with a few tense moments). This isn’t the strongest book I’ve read this year, but it’s good fun and I look forward to finishing the rest of the series. I like Bailey and her mysterious house.
Anita Higman is the author or co-author of over 40 novels, present and historical, romantic and mystery, and even some young adult fiction. Another Stab at Life also comes in the ebook bundle, The Volstead Manor Series. For more about the author and her work, visit anitahigman.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
February 1, 2022
The author of this books has a list in its back matter of attributes that describe her or her writing. One lists that her novels read like fairy tales. I would agree, and this may cause her stories to be very appealing. Initially, I was charmed by the writing style and intrigued by the story, but about halfway through the book, some turns into the unrealistic spoiled it for me. Fiction is jst that: fiction. However, when a story reaches a point where I repetitively found myself asking, "What? Why would a person portrayed as [the author has laid out--no spoilers] that?" or "What? who would do that?" I began to lose interest. Alas, I guess this reader just needs a good dose of plausibility. IF you do not, you may like this book. It not only has some fun hidden secrets in the layout of the home the protagonist inherits, but it also earns a star since it is billeted as CF for at least portraying some characters as going to church.
November 16, 2022
Before I launch into my mini-review, let me say that this was a good book; it was a good cozy mystery and I'm glad I read it.
Here are the few personal issues I had with this particular book:
-I don't really enjoy the "love at first sight" trope. I am an impulsive person by nature, but I don't think I'd not fall head over heels in love with somebody within a week of meeting them. But that's just me.
-The ending seemed a tad...anti-climatic, I guess? It was an interesting mystery, but I had already figured out, for the most part, who the culprit was.
-The title was a little misleading, at least in my opinion. Starting this book, I was kind of expecting a cozy murder mystery. But again, that may just be me.
All that said, I love the banter between Bailey and Max. And Debra is the fun foil that almost steals the show for me. I loved her character a lot. Overall, a nice, clean read.
Here are the few personal issues I had with this particular book:
-I don't really enjoy the "love at first sight" trope. I am an impulsive person by nature, but I don't think I'd not fall head over heels in love with somebody within a week of meeting them. But that's just me.
-The ending seemed a tad...anti-climatic, I guess? It was an interesting mystery, but I had already figured out, for the most part, who the culprit was.
-The title was a little misleading, at least in my opinion. Starting this book, I was kind of expecting a cozy murder mystery. But again, that may just be me.
All that said, I love the banter between Bailey and Max. And Debra is the fun foil that almost steals the show for me. I loved her character a lot. Overall, a nice, clean read.
August 3, 2017
Simple easy going cozy mystery. Life leads Bailey to an old creepy house her grandmother left her. Not her first choice in living arrangements, but at this point she has no choice. As if the old run down house wasn't scary enough, weird things start happening. Then the people in the neighborhood want to be in her life but she has been so closed off of basic human kindness, everyone is suspect to hurting her or being the person creating more weirdness to the house...which means they are getting into her new home!
There is romance, silliness along with the mystery. Simple easy read with a nice Christian undertone and a happy ever after ending.
There is romance, silliness along with the mystery. Simple easy read with a nice Christian undertone and a happy ever after ending.
September 3, 2017
My first book by this author. I enjoyed reading it, trying to figure out who was the culprit. Would probably read another one except the romance was a bit too much for my taste. That's a personal preference, nothing against the author. The book was well-written and kept my attention. Good character arc.
June 3, 2019
Bailey's mystery house
Bailey inherited an old house from her grandmother. Someone tries to scare Bailey away. Is it her ex boyfriend Sam who followed her, her friend Annie that married Sam and broke Bailey's heart, the paranoid next door neighbor or someone else? Secret passages, treasure and a handsome neighbor all come together to bring a great cozy mystery to life.
Bailey inherited an old house from her grandmother. Someone tries to scare Bailey away. Is it her ex boyfriend Sam who followed her, her friend Annie that married Sam and broke Bailey's heart, the paranoid next door neighbor or someone else? Secret passages, treasure and a handsome neighbor all come together to bring a great cozy mystery to life.
May 4, 2020
Sweet suspense story
Bailey is left her grandmas broken down scary mansion type home. She has no where to go, no money and trusts no one. Her ex fiancé married her best friend. Her new neighbors appear a little strange at best. Can she make things work in this new home and can she trust Max to help her?
Bailey is left her grandmas broken down scary mansion type home. She has no where to go, no money and trusts no one. Her ex fiancé married her best friend. Her new neighbors appear a little strange at best. Can she make things work in this new home and can she trust Max to help her?
February 17, 2018
Wonderful read
The more I delved into this story, the more intriguing and entertaining it became. It started slowly, but is definitely worth the read as it picks up and flows quickly. Highly recommend!
The more I delved into this story, the more intriguing and entertaining it became. It started slowly, but is definitely worth the read as it picks up and flows quickly. Highly recommend!
May 6, 2018
a 3.5....wish these ratings had a .5 option....
The book was okay, it wasn't bad. I read to the end and it was a cute little story, I just had a hard time connecting with the characters for some reason. Worth checking out if you like the lite horror genre.
The book was okay, it wasn't bad. I read to the end and it was a cute little story, I just had a hard time connecting with the characters for some reason. Worth checking out if you like the lite horror genre.
January 11, 2019
Well, that was cute! The mystery ended up being too easily solved at the end for how much time went into it all, and I couldn’t quite figure out Bailey’s personality, but this was still a fun read. And Max... he was pretty awesome.
3 stars.
3 stars.
June 25, 2019
Ghosts and Goblins?
This is a totally enjoyable book with lots of laughs, mysteries,mayhem, and LOVE. Anita Higman has taken a story of mystery and mayhem and drew a picture of love and happy ever after.
This is a totally enjoyable book with lots of laughs, mysteries,mayhem, and LOVE. Anita Higman has taken a story of mystery and mayhem and drew a picture of love and happy ever after.
July 30, 2024
Christian cozy mystery. Interesting read. When Bailey moves to the Houston area after inheriting a dilapidated old house, she takes on the repair & renovation of the house along with mysterious happenings in it as well. Cute cozy.
January 5, 2018
Good book
Fast paced and full of mystery. Great for a roam e novel with suspense thrown in. Definitely will read mor3 from this author.
Fast paced and full of mystery. Great for a roam e novel with suspense thrown in. Definitely will read mor3 from this author.
January 21, 2018
2 star
I wouldn't call it a cozy mystery. Not enough mystery in it. And slow developing. Pretty blah. 2 star .
I wouldn't call it a cozy mystery. Not enough mystery in it. And slow developing. Pretty blah. 2 star .
August 16, 2018
Good book.
This is a really good story. It has mystery, love, friendship.and God's healing love. Loved it! Will definitely read more from this author.
This is a really good story. It has mystery, love, friendship.and God's healing love. Loved it! Will definitely read more from this author.
September 5, 2018
Cute read.
September 27, 2018
A Christian Mystery
Loved this story. It had many interesting parts and secrets to the Dilapidated mansion. Bailey inherited the mansion from her granny Minna.
Loved this story. It had many interesting parts and secrets to the Dilapidated mansion. Bailey inherited the mansion from her granny Minna.
December 3, 2018
A an ok book to spend some time looking for a real mystery.
Good luck trying to find an alternative ending. You must use your own imagination in order to pull this one together.
Good luck trying to find an alternative ending. You must use your own imagination in order to pull this one together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews