Saturday Night Cleaver: A Barbara Marr Murder Mystery

Barbara Marr Murder Mystery #4

by Karen Cantwell

Poor Barb. She just can't stay out of trouble, no matter how hard she tries. But this time she has a good reason: family friend Colt Baron has gone missing. When soccer mom, Barbara Marr, and her ex-FBI husband, Howard, begin following clues in a search for their treasured pal, they find themselves crashing a rather racy sort of party – a soiree for swinging couples. Awkward. What they learn there is...interesting. But the question is, does the information lead them to Colt?

This fourth book in the Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series teams Barb with her handsome husband Howard in yet another rollicking and hilarious suburban fiasco..
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Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Comedy, Cozy

172 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2012

About the author

Karen's novel, Take the Monkeys and Run was a semi-finalist in the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest (under the original title of Monkeys in My Trees)and has gone on to be a Kindle bestseller on Amazon. She has written three more books in the Barbara Marr Murder Mystery Series: Citizen Insane, Silenced by the Yams, and Saturday Night Cleaver.

When she's not writing, Karen loves gardening and spending time with her family. She is currently working on the release of Keep Me Ghosted, the first book in the new Sophie Rhodes Ghostly Romance Series, as well as beginning the draft of Kiss Me, Tate, part of the upcoming Barbara Marr spin-off, Love in Rustic Woods Series. Karen loves to hear from readers, so feel free to drop her a line at karen.cantwell@yahoo.com. You can also stay in touch by liking her Facebook Page, Karen Cantwell Author

Karen's website: Karen's Website


Karen's books and short stories:

Take the Monkeys and Run (Barbara Marr Murder Mystery #1)
Citizen Insane (Barbara Marr MM #2)
Silenced by the Yams (Barbara Marr MM #3)
Saturday Night Cleaver (Barbara Marr MM #4)
The Chronicles of Marr-nia, Short Stories Starring Barbara Marr
It's a Dunder-Bull Wife, A Barbara Marr Holiday Tale
A Spirited Season, Holiday Tales with a Paranormal Flair

Books to be released in 2013:

Keep Me Ghosted (Sophie Rhodes Ghostly Romance #1)
Kiss Me, Tate (Love in Rustic Woods #1)
Piper Nash and the Power Police (YA Fantasy)
Dead Man Stalking (Barbara Marr MM #5)

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can be very short in my review on this book. If you are looking for a clever and witty book and feel the need for a light and simple, yet fun, read this series is it. I have had so much fun reading book 1-3 and I still can't understand why I waited so long to start this one. As with the other books, Barbara wants a quiet life, but that ain't happening 'cause her best friend Colt is missing. Together with Husband and Ex-FBI cop Howard and her other friends and family she delves into the world of white rocks and swinger/dance clubs. I also loved the many movie references that this series is known for. I am not going to wait as long as with this one to read the next book!

[PJ Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever Cleaver.

Clever, witty, fun. When I feel the need for a lighthearted and exciting read Barbara Marr is one of my top three series to go to. I think it's because she has such an insane life but still has a loving family too.

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt my new favorite writer. Fast, fun and a little "I Love Lucy"

[Roxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara finds things she shouldn’t and gets pulled into some racy events. It’s a good thing Frankie gives advice. She’s going to need it. Action packed and enjoyable cover to cover.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rustic Woods has never been the same since Barbara Marr first found monkeys in her yard, and now she's found a few dismembered male parts on the walking path behind her house. This time, instead of following her curiosity, Barbara wants nothing to do with solving the identity of the victim. Howard is still recovering from his accident at the end of the last installment, and Barbara is convinced she's in the early throws of menopause. When their best friend Colt goes missing, Barbara and Howard can't help but start an investigation into his disappearance.

After reading the previous installments of the Barbara Marr series, I was slightly disappointed in this book. I felt like it wasn't given as much attention to detail like the previous books, especially when it came to Barbara's character. The story was good, but I was irritated with Barbara's constant moodiness and how everything just fell into place for her. With a little bit more creativity, I would of given the book all five stars.

[Angela Holtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

If you've been a follower of this blog, or my Facebook page, then you already know I love Karen Cantwell. She's a wonderful lady and a wonderful author. I look forward to her Barbara Marr mysteries more than any other series I can think of.

Want to know a big moment for me? I was asked to Beta read this one. Oh yeah, I was squealing like a little girl. But she ran out of time so I only got a review copy. Yeah, I'm not complaining.

It's great. Barbara finds herself in trouble, again. But this time she's with her husband. And he's not telling her no, or keeping her out of it. He has her help him. I think he's stir crazy, honestly. There are more surprising angles than ever before, and you will be shocked right to the very end. And best of all? It also stays pretty silly.

So you will laugh and laugh and gasp. ;) Right now it's only $1.00, easy investment for some relaxation during these holidays.

[Debra Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the Barbara Marr mysteries and "Saturday Night Cleaver" is the best one yet! Poor Barbara - all she wants is a nice quiet existence in Rustic Woods and for her husband, Howard, to be well again. He was injured on his last assignment before retiring from the FBI. He's been moping around the house while his leg has been healing and he's been falling down on his husband duties. This does not make Barb happy and to work out some of her frustration, she takes the family dog for a walk in the woods behind her house. What happens next sends Barb on another rollicking adventure!

Ms. Cantwell has a true comedic voice that shines through Barb. Some of the passages had me laughing out loud. It's also good to see some of the regulars from Rustic Woods make an appearance in this story. I especially love Barb's Mom. She's quite a character and Barb's reaction to some of the things her Mother does is just priceless. If you're looking to escape into a fun and thoroughly entertaining mystery, this book is just what the doctor ordered. Highly Recommended!

[Debbi Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read the first installment of the Barbara Marr series, I’ve been a huge fan of these comedic mysteries. And, pun lover that I am, not just because of their groan-worthy titles.

The title of this book cleverly refers to two major aspects of the plot: Barbara’s discovering a man’s … sex organ (or pracia, as she prefers to call it) on the side of a footpath and a secret club in her community, Rustic Woods (aka, Reston, VA) – a place called Saturday Night Fever.

But what really sets the plot in motion is the disappearance of Barbara’s old friend, Colt.

Now, that’s all the details you’re getting from me. Because between the bizarro neighbor lady renting the house next door, Barbara’s need to tolerate her dominating mother, and the weird orgy she and her George Clooney-like husband Howard expect to find at the secret club, if I told you more, you wouldn’t need to read the book.

So trust me – read the book. It’s funny, suspenseful, and has movie references. And Barbara really comes through in the end!

This is a great read, and I highly recommend it.

[C is for **censored** · Rating 4 out of 5]

The star rating given reflects my opinion within ‘the official goodreads rating system’.

1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing

I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.

Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.

Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.

It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars would be more accurate but alas, not an option on here. Good things: Barbara & Howard get to investigate together for once, and their friend Colt, instead of coming to the rescue is the one in need of rescue. Less-good things: Cantwell should have re-read her earlier books to make sure she got all her details right. For someone who hadn't just devoured the previous two books, maybe the slip-ups wouldn't have been as noticeable but it jumped right out at me when Peggy's maiden name was changed, Colt got demoted in the speed-dial, etc. The supporting cast of characters were not quite as entertaining as in previous stories too. And by now Colt must need a bionic foot and ankle!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely love this series. The characters are very well developed, and very believable. The author sucks you into the world of Barbara Marr. I know people just like people in this cast. Karen Cantwell weaves a believable, action packed story that keeps you turning the page to see what will happen next. She makes you laugh, hold your breath and laugh some more, and she does it without foul language and graphic sex!! I applaud her decision to keep it clean and prove so wonderfully that you don't have to shock to sell. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of Barbara's adventures. I recommend these books to everyone!

[moxieBK · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 in the Barbara Marrs Mystery Series.

You know, i really liked this series when it came out a few years ago. Barbara was fun, and the angle of the series was madcap. I enjoyed that element. Plus, I enjoyed when her long time friend, Roz was involved. Then Roz moved away, and the series lost it's luster for me. Now the books are more focused on Barb and her husband. It's not the same.

In this one, Colt has gone missing. Well, it all works out in the end, as you can depend upon it to. And the story was just as fun as always. Just not as good as it use to be.

Still, three stars. (But this may be my last book on Barbara Marrs.)

[Li · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, Barb and her dog stumble across a dismembered body in the woods. Then, her best friend Colt disappears. As she and her recovering husband Howard search for Colt, they discover their quiet little neighborhood harbors many secrets. I enjoyed this book, but it didn't quite capture my attention as much as a couple of the others did. Must admit, I was rather distracted by some missing words. Seemed Chapter 3 and 32% or so in (on Kindle) were where I noticed the most errors. Still, I can't wait for the next installment. If GR did half stars, I would have given this one 3.5 stars.

[Bonnie Gleckler Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this, the fourth tale in the Barbara Marr Mysteries, was just fabulous! All the previous characters are revisited including Howard, Barb's Husband; Mama Marr, Howard;s mother; Diane, Barb's Amazonian Mother; Colt, Barb and Howard's (?) dearest friend. And, of course, Peggy one of Barv's best friends. I sincerely invite you to STOP, sit-down, and enjoy comical mystery writting at its best. You'll be glad you did!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very funny entry in Karen Cantwell's Barbara Marr series. I actually laughed out loud in several spots. Interesting mystery and characters although I was a tiny bit disappointed with how Colt's mystery worked out. But the rest of the book was so good that I easily overlooked it. Just when I began to think Barbara and her neighbors couldn't possibly get any wackier I turned the page and found another outrageous situation. The whole book is loaded with fun. Can't wait for the next one.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Karen Cantwell has a way of making you feel like you're along for the ride in each one of her books! She is funny, sympathetic and wacky. Kind of the Lucille Ball of the genre! This book didn't disappoint. On the hunt for their friend Colt, we see Barb and her George Clooney-alike husband work together for a change and it was fun, funny and never disappointing!

[Cathy Hendren]

This box set was 9 cents. I can't say that it was funny like Stephanie Plum but it was an enjoyable series. Barb Marr, a soccer mom, found herself looking for her friend Colt. Everyone is thinking he is mixed up in a Korean gang. That they are holding him captive or something. Like the other books, she is on the wrong trail and rescued by her mom and mother in law.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Barbara Marr mysteries. This one was another fun romp through Barbara's world of mayhem and mystery. The plot was well thought out and I didn't figure out the answers before they were revealed in the book.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this one quite as much as the others. Her movie references were much less, and some of the plot stuff seemed a bit weak. Still a fun and easy read. Perfect for late night nursing.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this Karen Cantwell series. Yes, it is a little groan inducing sometimes and yes, it is a little predictable at times but I can't help but enjoy myself when I read her books.

[Dyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All 4 books were great, but this one was my favorite. Nothing like laughing out loud, when you're silent reading in your 8th grade literacy class and the students all look at you like you've lost it.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series! Sorry for the late review, thought it had posted some time ago.

[Bren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series - and this one was a fun as its predecessors! I have downloaded the next (and sadly the last, thus far) in the series. C'mon Karen, write faster!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mystery in the vein of Mary Daheim and Jill Churchill.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are very cute cozy mysteries. I love the snarkiness and movie references.

[Lisa St]

Funny :)