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One Fell Down
When Mikaela York opens an anonymous blue sympathy card with the nursery rhyme “Jack and Jill” written inside, she doesn’t know what to make of it. But soon after, Mikaela and her fiancé are in a tragic car accident, resulting in her husband-to-be’s death. Then when Mikaela’s grandmother loses her life in a hiking accident one year later, an old man gives Mikaela another mysterious blue card at the funeral. After the service, Mikaela’s grandfather asks that she oversee the renovations on his bed & breakfast in New Zealand. When she arrives, Mikaela meets Tui Davies—the inn’s manager—and Brentin Williams, the man Tui expects her daughter to marry. Tui helps Mikaela retrieve a doll from the cellar vault, but the doll turns out to be an evil omen that Mikaela is told she must get rid of before someone is murdered. Meanwhile, the old man from the funeral is bent on revenge and is plotting against everyone who has ever wronged him, and Mikaela is next in line. But until she discovers the killer’s contact in New Zealand, whom can she trust? And while Brentin attempts to help Mikaela overcome her grief, she must decide—is she ready to love again?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
20 books113 followersAward-winning author, Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen, lives between the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. There, she regularly sees eagles, hawks, owls, and ducks. Lots of ducks. She has had dozens of fiction and nonfiction published in magazines, and she is the author of mystery romance novels. She loves reading, writing, and music, though not necessarily in that order, and she enjoys traveling throughout the world with her husband in search of fascinating stories. She also loves hearing from readers.
To learn more about Ronda and to get a FREE, visit her website at my link text.
To learn more about Ronda and to get a FREE, visit her website at my link text.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 22, 2017
(4.5 Stars) First of all, I love the cover! I love it when a cover really portrays what the story is about and this one is perfect for a suspenseful murder mystery mostly set in New Zealand.
After Mikaela's fiancé and grandmother die, her grandfather sends her to New Zealand to manage the renovations on his Bed & Breakfast. While there, she discovers Maori superstitions, death, danger, and love.
I would be a mess in Mikaela's situation, and while she handles it fairly well, she's not emotionally whole, which leads to a bit of hesitancy in her relationships. I like a character who goes after what she knows she wants, but I thought the doubt felt real and brings her to a new dimension. The romance is a gentle and sweet side note to a well-crafted plot. My family loves Lord of the Rings and the references and activities pertaining to these books/movies is a great aspect and results in so much fun.
This suspense in this story mostly builds at a slower pace. Although the reader knows who the mastermind behind these deaths is, the motive is revealed along the way and the minions aren't discovered until almost the very end. Those are my favorite kinds of suspense books to read--the ones where I'm trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, along with the characters. Although I knew what was going on for the most part, there are still some fun surprises and clues.
This is a great read for those who enjoy suspense, but aren't a fan of the high-intense anxiety inducing books.
Content: very mild religious elements (a character prays in her mind for help several times); mild violence (murders--not graphic; moments of peril); mild romance.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
After Mikaela's fiancé and grandmother die, her grandfather sends her to New Zealand to manage the renovations on his Bed & Breakfast. While there, she discovers Maori superstitions, death, danger, and love.
I would be a mess in Mikaela's situation, and while she handles it fairly well, she's not emotionally whole, which leads to a bit of hesitancy in her relationships. I like a character who goes after what she knows she wants, but I thought the doubt felt real and brings her to a new dimension. The romance is a gentle and sweet side note to a well-crafted plot. My family loves Lord of the Rings and the references and activities pertaining to these books/movies is a great aspect and results in so much fun.
This suspense in this story mostly builds at a slower pace. Although the reader knows who the mastermind behind these deaths is, the motive is revealed along the way and the minions aren't discovered until almost the very end. Those are my favorite kinds of suspense books to read--the ones where I'm trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, along with the characters. Although I knew what was going on for the most part, there are still some fun surprises and clues.
This is a great read for those who enjoy suspense, but aren't a fan of the high-intense anxiety inducing books.
Content: very mild religious elements (a character prays in her mind for help several times); mild violence (murders--not graphic; moments of peril); mild romance.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
February 21, 2017
First of all, what do you think of the cover for this book? It's so bold and really stands out, doesn't it? It's so unlike any other covers I've seen. I like it.
This book has a younger feel to it. It's more like a YA book than an adult book but the cast is a good mixture of ages and personalities. I loved the New Zealand setting and the Lord of the Rings references. I really hope I'm able to visit that country some day. But, I surely don't want it to go like Mikaela's visit!
This book was a slower paced suspense novel. The story itself moves along at a good pace, but for a suspense novel, it was just a bit slower than many I have read. There were bits of creepy and mystery that maintained a gradual build until the explosive ending. Everyone was a suspect to me at one point or another and I liked that. Well, we know the person behind the evil pretty early on, but we don't know who is acting on his behalf. That's the bit of mystery! Mikaela didn't know who to trust and I didn't either! This one is less of a romance and more of some romantic interest here and there (mostly on Brentin's side) until the very end.
I enjoyed this book! It was a fun diversion. 3.5 stars rounding up
Content: some violence and deaths
- I received a copy of this book free from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
This book has a younger feel to it. It's more like a YA book than an adult book but the cast is a good mixture of ages and personalities. I loved the New Zealand setting and the Lord of the Rings references. I really hope I'm able to visit that country some day. But, I surely don't want it to go like Mikaela's visit!
This book was a slower paced suspense novel. The story itself moves along at a good pace, but for a suspense novel, it was just a bit slower than many I have read. There were bits of creepy and mystery that maintained a gradual build until the explosive ending. Everyone was a suspect to me at one point or another and I liked that. Well, we know the person behind the evil pretty early on, but we don't know who is acting on his behalf. That's the bit of mystery! Mikaela didn't know who to trust and I didn't either! This one is less of a romance and more of some romantic interest here and there (mostly on Brentin's side) until the very end.
I enjoyed this book! It was a fun diversion. 3.5 stars rounding up
Content: some violence and deaths
- I received a copy of this book free from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 21, 2017
***4.5 stars***
For a book that is only 255 pages in length, it really pops a punch and grabs the readers attention. The book is full of suspense almost from page one.
The book opens as Mikaela and her fiancee are leaving school to visit her grandparents. Unfortunately, there was a terrible "accident" and Trevor was killed, leaving Mikaela alive an hurting. The book then fast forwards to a year later, this time it is Mikaela's grandmother who had a hiking "accident" and passes away. Mikaela and her grandfather do not connect the cryptic nursery rhymes at first indicating that maybe they weren't accidents after all.
Of course, the reader is very aware of the events, because Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen also writes from the murderer's point of view. We know that there are more deaths planned as he tries to seek revenge.
The book gallops at a quick pace and keeps the reader invested in the story. There isn't word skipping or reading ahead. (Yes, I am guilty of those infractions from time to time.)
The romance is sweet. The focus of the books is on the suspense aspects and solving who is behind the deaths. This is a clean book with some violence.
Source: Received from publisher to review.
For a book that is only 255 pages in length, it really pops a punch and grabs the readers attention. The book is full of suspense almost from page one.
The book opens as Mikaela and her fiancee are leaving school to visit her grandparents. Unfortunately, there was a terrible "accident" and Trevor was killed, leaving Mikaela alive an hurting. The book then fast forwards to a year later, this time it is Mikaela's grandmother who had a hiking "accident" and passes away. Mikaela and her grandfather do not connect the cryptic nursery rhymes at first indicating that maybe they weren't accidents after all.
Of course, the reader is very aware of the events, because Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen also writes from the murderer's point of view. We know that there are more deaths planned as he tries to seek revenge.
The book gallops at a quick pace and keeps the reader invested in the story. There isn't word skipping or reading ahead. (Yes, I am guilty of those infractions from time to time.)
The romance is sweet. The focus of the books is on the suspense aspects and solving who is behind the deaths. This is a clean book with some violence.
Source: Received from publisher to review.
February 23, 2017
I loved the idea of a book set in New Zealand. My dad served a mission there, so I was excited to read One Fell Down, and then adding one of my favorite set of movies, Lord of the Rings, was a great bonus. I enjoyed this book a lot. At times, though, I felt it was a bit slow for a suspense novel. The convention scenes were fun, and later I saw how they fit in the story, but I felt they were a bit longer than they needed to be. I was also confused by the relationship of Brentin and Amiria, and felt it didn't need to be there, but I was very happy with the end result. I liked that we knew the bad guy (I really like the less is more theory on him), but I was extremely surprised at the end and did not see that coming! I had my suspicions throughout, and was happy to be wrong. The perspective changes were great and really helped moved the story along.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
March 26, 2017
3.5 Stars
ONE FELL DOWN was a lighter romantic suspense with an intriguing story and likable characters. New Zealand's epic scenery and one of its native cultures was woven here and there in the story. Would recommend to those who enjoy cozy mysteries or other books in the genre.
The story started right off with a tragic accident that immediately made me emphasize with the heroine. It then slowly developed through the main characters and tidbits here and there from the villain. I really liked Mikaela and Brentin. I also liked that I wasn't completely sure who the villain's inside man was until almost the very end. The whole Tolkien aspect was also interesting, especially as a fan.
I did have a few small issues here and there with the plausibility of some things. I also wanted a stronger motive for the villain, or maybe a more rational one. I would also have liked a little more of the culture and setting to have come across stronger in the story. The romance was sweet, but I wanted a little more development.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I would have liked a little more from this story, but overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
This review originally appeared on Wishful Endings.
ONE FELL DOWN was a lighter romantic suspense with an intriguing story and likable characters. New Zealand's epic scenery and one of its native cultures was woven here and there in the story. Would recommend to those who enjoy cozy mysteries or other books in the genre.
The story started right off with a tragic accident that immediately made me emphasize with the heroine. It then slowly developed through the main characters and tidbits here and there from the villain. I really liked Mikaela and Brentin. I also liked that I wasn't completely sure who the villain's inside man was until almost the very end. The whole Tolkien aspect was also interesting, especially as a fan.
I did have a few small issues here and there with the plausibility of some things. I also wanted a stronger motive for the villain, or maybe a more rational one. I would also have liked a little more of the culture and setting to have come across stronger in the story. The romance was sweet, but I wanted a little more development.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I would have liked a little more from this story, but overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
This review originally appeared on Wishful Endings.
February 22, 2017
LOVED THIS ONE!
Loved the setting in New Zealand! And wait until you learn of the mysterious notes. And then there is the doll-- and a Tolkien conference-- such great writing! What a GREAT READ!
Don't miss out on this one!
Loved the setting in New Zealand! And wait until you learn of the mysterious notes. And then there is the doll-- and a Tolkien conference-- such great writing! What a GREAT READ!
Don't miss out on this one!
February 22, 2017
There are many books that I end up skimming through a lot of the story. This was not one of them. I found that I was reading every word. The story enthralled me and I truly couldn't put it down. The mystery to solve was well done and had me guessing as to who the murderer was, and most of the time I didn't have it correct. I loved being in New Zealand with a different culture that I wasn't familiar with. The characters were well developed and easy to relate with for the most part. It was a fantastic read that anyone who loved a good mystery/suspense novel, with a bit of romance, will love.
November 30, 2017
Enjoyable. I listened to the audio book, but I think I would have enjoyed reading it better.
June 7, 2017
The book grab my attention...who was Jill?and who wanted her dead?
August 28, 2024
I listened to the audio version of this. I don't know who narrated it, but they did a good job, switching with ease between a NZ and American accent. As NZ accents are not that easy to copy, I suspect the narrator was a Kiwi. I gave one star for that.
This is a difficult book to critique. The storyline was interesting and the plot, although a little weak in parts, was intriguing. The addition of the sympathy cards was a unique touch.
However, the writing itself let the whole book down. There were far too many clichés, too many irritating characters (Sarah the main one) and it was so obvious who the murderer was (there was no other reason for them to be in the book).
Some of the passages in the book were very slow and boring, especially some of the parts where Michaela was questioning her thoughts about Brenton. Had I been reading a hard copy, I would have been able to skip several pages but that's one of the downfalls of listening to an audio book.
There was a whole section describing a gala event that wasn't necessary and I found the constant referral to a doll puzzling, especially as we never even got to find out what the meaning of it was.
The whole book would have been improved by much tighter writing and the suspense would then have been increased too.
This is a difficult book to critique. The storyline was interesting and the plot, although a little weak in parts, was intriguing. The addition of the sympathy cards was a unique touch.
However, the writing itself let the whole book down. There were far too many clichés, too many irritating characters (Sarah the main one) and it was so obvious who the murderer was (there was no other reason for them to be in the book).
Some of the passages in the book were very slow and boring, especially some of the parts where Michaela was questioning her thoughts about Brenton. Had I been reading a hard copy, I would have been able to skip several pages but that's one of the downfalls of listening to an audio book.
There was a whole section describing a gala event that wasn't necessary and I found the constant referral to a doll puzzling, especially as we never even got to find out what the meaning of it was.
The whole book would have been improved by much tighter writing and the suspense would then have been increased too.
May 8, 2017
From the first page to the end, the reader's attention is captivated, wondering - "Who did it?"
The suspense steadily increases as Mikaela's wedding day is almost to arrive,... almost never arrives because of a dreadful tragedy. This story briefly covers the duration of a few year in Mikaela's life, losses, and adventures.
Although there are moments of brief romance, this tales is filled with mystery, adventure, healing, and suspense. The male population should even enjoy it. The writing style smoothly flows from one situation to another and from one time period to another. The storyline is developed well as are the characters and background scenes.
The Book Cover is presented well and with incite curiosity by the "book browser". The only problem I had is with the title. More than "one" fell down. I understand it references the initial nursery rhyme, but it doesn't depict the story well.
Since I cannot give a Four and two=Thirds rating, I must offer a Five Stars rating.
This book was sent to me for a review by the publisher. I am in no way obligated to offer a positive review. This is my honest review.
The suspense steadily increases as Mikaela's wedding day is almost to arrive,... almost never arrives because of a dreadful tragedy. This story briefly covers the duration of a few year in Mikaela's life, losses, and adventures.
Although there are moments of brief romance, this tales is filled with mystery, adventure, healing, and suspense. The male population should even enjoy it. The writing style smoothly flows from one situation to another and from one time period to another. The storyline is developed well as are the characters and background scenes.
The Book Cover is presented well and with incite curiosity by the "book browser". The only problem I had is with the title. More than "one" fell down. I understand it references the initial nursery rhyme, but it doesn't depict the story well.
Since I cannot give a Four and two=Thirds rating, I must offer a Five Stars rating.
This book was sent to me for a review by the publisher. I am in no way obligated to offer a positive review. This is my honest review.
February 13, 2017
Before the brakes on Mikaela’s car fail and her fiancé dies when the car crashes, Mikaela receives a sympathy card in a blue envelope—the verse in the card includes a nursery rhyme. Then her grandmother dies in a hiking accident and her grandfather receives a similar sympathy card in a blue envelope. Two deaths so close together of people dear to her, puts Mikaela into a funk. Her grandfather sends her to New Zealand to help him remodel an inn he owns down there in an attempt to bring her out of her depression. But what it does is lands her in a situation full of mystery, murder, and a budding romance. Also more of those mysterious blue cards with the nursery rhymes.
Though the book started out a little slow and slightly disorienting to me, as the mystery and romance fell into place, it pulled me in and made for an intriguing read full of suspense. The author skillfully wove folklore of New Zealand and the Maori people into the story, making it an integral part of the mystery. If you enjoy mystery and suspense with a dash of romance, I would recommend this book to you.
Though the book started out a little slow and slightly disorienting to me, as the mystery and romance fell into place, it pulled me in and made for an intriguing read full of suspense. The author skillfully wove folklore of New Zealand and the Maori people into the story, making it an integral part of the mystery. If you enjoy mystery and suspense with a dash of romance, I would recommend this book to you.
January 13, 2019
This book has mystery, suspense and a little romance, I enjoyed reading this book, it is set in New Zealand, and as I have never been there I enjoyed reading the authors description of the setting. The characters were good, it keeps you guessing.
When Mikaela York opens a blue sympathy card, she is not sure what to make of it. Mikaela loses both her fiancé and her grandmother in the same year. Her grandfather requests she goes to New Zealand to oversee some renovations at his bed and breakfast and promises to join her there. When odd things start to happen and more people are dying, she is not sure what is going on.
This book was a good mystery and a clean read.
When Mikaela York opens a blue sympathy card, she is not sure what to make of it. Mikaela loses both her fiancé and her grandmother in the same year. Her grandfather requests she goes to New Zealand to oversee some renovations at his bed and breakfast and promises to join her there. When odd things start to happen and more people are dying, she is not sure what is going on.
This book was a good mystery and a clean read.
October 5, 2017
This is the kind of mystery I like, where you gradually find new clues and figure out who the killer is, rather than the scary, edge-of-your seat books with violent crime scenes. Whatever happened to those great old stories like Perry Mason and Elizabeth Linington? Even though I did know fairly early on who was guilty and why, there were still plenty of surprises to maintain my interest! Ronda Hinrichsen writes clean stories with no sex or language, that you can feel comfortable sharing with friends or family. Thank you!
July 18, 2017
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. I felt like I was watching a movie--there wasn't a mystery for me to solve, the love interest was lukewarm & there was no explanation as to why there were murders until the last few chapters. (even then the motive was just meh.)
I did like that the characters were engrossed in a Tolkien festival. It was the most entertaining part of the book for me.
I did like that the characters were engrossed in a Tolkien festival. It was the most entertaining part of the book for me.
July 7, 2019
I almost gave this 4 stars but I didn’t think the relationship between the hero and heroin was very well developed. It deserves more like 3.5 stars but whole numbers was my only option. I liked the murder mystery and it had some pretty exciting and suspenseful parts so was fun to read. Many things were a little too convenient. I did like it overall and would recommend if you are looking for a little (emphasis on the little) romance and a fair amount of action and suspense.
October 12, 2017
I'm mixed in my review. I really didn't like the romance or the characters. The romance was stilted and contrived and the characters lacked depth. On the other hand, the mystery meshed with a Tolkien conference was brilliant. I completely enjoyed "attending" the conference, and watching a cultural mystery unfold.
September 3, 2018
When I first read the back of this book, I was really excited to read it. It took a while for me to get into this book. I won't lie, it was a hard read for me. I normally love these kinds of books but this was just a little hard. The ending was definitely unpredictable but I liked the ending most of all.
May 27, 2020
Very mysterious and suspenseful. Mikaela York and her grandfather seem to draw tragedy from the beginning--heart breaking. We have an insight as to who is behind their tragedies, but they don't have a clue. Going to New Zealand to help with her grandfather's Inn, opens up a new perspective and meeting Brentin Williams opens Mikaela's heart.
October 27, 2023
WTF was that?
For a short book there’s a lot of romance (disclaimer, I am not a romance fan), and the circumstances of the romance was…. Someone that’s already involved + instant romance, can it get worse?
I know this story happened in New Zealand but was the lord of the rings name drop necessary?
The motive for the murders? LAME.
For a short book there’s a lot of romance (disclaimer, I am not a romance fan), and the circumstances of the romance was…. Someone that’s already involved + instant romance, can it get worse?
I know this story happened in New Zealand but was the lord of the rings name drop necessary?
The motive for the murders? LAME.
May 24, 2024
This book is really well written. It was cool to have it include some locations I am familiar with. There were quite a few twists and turns in it. It kept me guessing. Life got busy and reading this was put on hold but when I picked it back up I had it finished quite fast. Thanks for a great read!
May 27, 2017
I really enjoyed the story, especially the references to the old mine up Perry canyon and White Rock, since those things are part of my old stomping grounds.
This is the first book I have listened to from this particular author but I hope to listen to many more.
This is the first book I have listened to from this particular author but I hope to listen to many more.
July 25, 2017
This book made me want to go to New Zealand even more! I listened to it on audio book, and the narrator, Aubrey Warner, did such a good job with the New Zealand accents. It was a great story with plenty of action, romance, and Lord of the Rings. Fun book!
February 7, 2018
Listened to this on CD. I don't think I have read anything by this author before. Parts of it were a bit predictable, but it did have some good plot twists. I also loved that it was set in New Zealand. I think I want to go there!
July 30, 2022
This is what I would call a romantic mystery. It's not my kind of my that 9i like to read. The characters were well developed but the story line was too slow for my liking. All of the action happened in the last few chapters but it did have a twist as to who done It.
May 12, 2017
3.5 stars
June 2, 2017
I now have a great desire to visit New Zealand.
October 12, 2017
Liked
October 10, 2018
Took me so long to read because life got busy. Story was ok.
February 12, 2021
It was an easy read but felt a little contrived.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews