What do you think?
Rate this book
Josiah Reynolds Mysteries #10
Death By Malice
Josiah Reynolds opened her front door to find her neighbor, Sandy Sloan, clutching her little dog, Georgie. “Hi Josiah. Sorry to bother you. Can you keep my dog for a couple of days while I check on my mother? She’s ill and needs help.”
Josiah reluctantly said yes, not because she didn’t want to take care of the animal. She had plenty of room for a little dog like Georgie. She was reluctant because she knew Sandy’s mother couldn’t possibly be ill. Her mother was, in fact, dead. Josiah knew this because she had attended the woman’s funeral.
Why would Sandy tell such a lie? And a stupid lie at that. Was Sandy trying to signal she was in distress and needed help? . Josiah had no way of knowing that in four hours, Sandy would disappear from the face of the earth, and no one–not even Josiah–would be able to find her.
Josiah reluctantly said yes, not because she didn’t want to take care of the animal. She had plenty of room for a little dog like Georgie. She was reluctant because she knew Sandy’s mother couldn’t possibly be ill. Her mother was, in fact, dead. Josiah knew this because she had attended the woman’s funeral.
Why would Sandy tell such a lie? And a stupid lie at that. Was Sandy trying to signal she was in distress and needed help? . Josiah had no way of knowing that in four hours, Sandy would disappear from the face of the earth, and no one–not even Josiah–would be able to find her.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
179 pages, ebook
First published March 21, 2017
67 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Keam
78 books496 followersHello Gentle Reader,
I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.
I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.
In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).
I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.
I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.
I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.
In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).
I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.
I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 2, 2017
Great-until the abrupt ending
As usual I loved the banter Josiah carries on in her head with herself. It keeps the book entertaining and moving forward. Just disappointed in the abrupt ending.
As usual I loved the banter Josiah carries on in her head with herself. It keeps the book entertaining and moving forward. Just disappointed in the abrupt ending.
December 23, 2022
Abigail Keam is the Heir Apparent to Agatha Christie!
Sandy Sloan stops at the bank and withdraws every cent from her account. Then shows up on the doorstep of our intrepid beekeeper and sometime amateur sleuth, Josiah Reynolds, and leaves her dog in Jo's custody with a BS reason, then goes home to scatter money and set the place on fire.
Thus begins Death By Malice, number 10 in the series. As always, the story is engaging and addictive. I have such a hard time putting the book down just to sleep at night. I usually have to read these on the weekends so that I can devote the entire day. The disappearance of Sandy Sloan and her husband, Toby, draws Josiah in to find out what happened to them. Is this a murder? Is this a case of arson? Josiah, for the first time, seems to be stumped and a bit vulnerable.
Josiah is a complicated woman and cynical, but something about this woman just keeps on going and refuses to completely give up. Her wonderful friends -- Matt, June (Lady Elsemere), and Franklin -- still stand by her side, helping her when the drama gets a little beyond her. And now, a new member of the friends, Hunter Wickliffe, joins the crew. The sparks fly between Hunter and Josiah as a possible new love interest.
A great story, a satisfying conclusion, and once again, Abigail Keam has written one hell of a story. Five out of five stars.
Sandy Sloan stops at the bank and withdraws every cent from her account. Then shows up on the doorstep of our intrepid beekeeper and sometime amateur sleuth, Josiah Reynolds, and leaves her dog in Jo's custody with a BS reason, then goes home to scatter money and set the place on fire.
Thus begins Death By Malice, number 10 in the series. As always, the story is engaging and addictive. I have such a hard time putting the book down just to sleep at night. I usually have to read these on the weekends so that I can devote the entire day. The disappearance of Sandy Sloan and her husband, Toby, draws Josiah in to find out what happened to them. Is this a murder? Is this a case of arson? Josiah, for the first time, seems to be stumped and a bit vulnerable.
Josiah is a complicated woman and cynical, but something about this woman just keeps on going and refuses to completely give up. Her wonderful friends -- Matt, June (Lady Elsemere), and Franklin -- still stand by her side, helping her when the drama gets a little beyond her. And now, a new member of the friends, Hunter Wickliffe, joins the crew. The sparks fly between Hunter and Josiah as a possible new love interest.
A great story, a satisfying conclusion, and once again, Abigail Keam has written one hell of a story. Five out of five stars.
November 9, 2017
The first book in the series was the best but they went downhill from there. Her constantly commenting about the dog putting his snout up people's crotches got very tiresome quickly. It makes you wonder what kind of person the writer actually was to think that was cute.
Actually so many times regarding animals, water , boats Etc she didn't really seem to know what she was talking about. And exclaiming " jumping Jehoshaphat" all the time, was another sore spot to me! There is nothing quite so obnoxious as a very middle-aged woman trying to act cutesie....for example, sticking out her lower lip and batting her eyelashs! YUCK!!! This main character Josie" was just so unlikable it made you hope the bad guys would win! When she focused on the bees that was the best part of the books.
Actually so many times regarding animals, water , boats Etc she didn't really seem to know what she was talking about. And exclaiming " jumping Jehoshaphat" all the time, was another sore spot to me! There is nothing quite so obnoxious as a very middle-aged woman trying to act cutesie....for example, sticking out her lower lip and batting her eyelashs! YUCK!!! This main character Josie" was just so unlikable it made you hope the bad guys would win! When she focused on the bees that was the best part of the books.
December 8, 2018
Well done!
I immensely enjoyed reading this mystery. Josiah pulls you knew by telling new readers inside information and breaking through the 'fourth wall"by talking directly to us. As is typical of most good mystery solvers, Josiah doesn't go looking for trouble, but it somehow finds her. Her good friend and neighbor unexpectedly drops off her dog for Josiah to watch. The woman's home is deliberately burned to the ground and now she and her husband are both missing! Stuck with another dog, Josiah starts to wonder where the owners have gone and what has happened. Nosiness overcomes the desire to stay safe, and once again, bodies begin to show up along with arson, insanity, and maybe a new romance. Good cozy mystery that gets a "Well done"!
I immensely enjoyed reading this mystery. Josiah pulls you knew by telling new readers inside information and breaking through the 'fourth wall"by talking directly to us. As is typical of most good mystery solvers, Josiah doesn't go looking for trouble, but it somehow finds her. Her good friend and neighbor unexpectedly drops off her dog for Josiah to watch. The woman's home is deliberately burned to the ground and now she and her husband are both missing! Stuck with another dog, Josiah starts to wonder where the owners have gone and what has happened. Nosiness overcomes the desire to stay safe, and once again, bodies begin to show up along with arson, insanity, and maybe a new romance. Good cozy mystery that gets a "Well done"!
May 4, 2017
Abigail has done it again!
Never one to disappoint, Abigail's latest Josiah adventure keeps you turning pages until it's done! Its a one day read, especially when it's raining, too hot, too cold or you just feel like reading a fast moving, never a dull minute book!! I can NOT wait for #11 ! When will that bee Abigail??? I just can't wait to see what Jo's next adventure will be!!!!! 💖
Never one to disappoint, Abigail's latest Josiah adventure keeps you turning pages until it's done! Its a one day read, especially when it's raining, too hot, too cold or you just feel like reading a fast moving, never a dull minute book!! I can NOT wait for #11 ! When will that bee Abigail??? I just can't wait to see what Jo's next adventure will be!!!!! 💖
September 12, 2017
Poor Georgie
Not only are the characters all entwined and have secrets but now the animals are becoming just as important. Baby is a great protector, Ginger is an alarm and baby sitter, the kitten kaboodle provides entertainment, Glory will be a therapist, and the bees are Josiah's think tank committee. These stories just fly by seamlessly. I don't know how long I can wait to get the next book...
Not only are the characters all entwined and have secrets but now the animals are becoming just as important. Baby is a great protector, Ginger is an alarm and baby sitter, the kitten kaboodle provides entertainment, Glory will be a therapist, and the bees are Josiah's think tank committee. These stories just fly by seamlessly. I don't know how long I can wait to get the next book...
September 27, 2017
As this series progressed Josiah lost much of her humanity and became a cranky, bitter, frankly unlikeable woman. In this book she is trying to help her friend who has disappeared. I like this series and the cast of quirky characters. I learn about art, architecture, horsemanship and beekeeping in each novel. Finally, as the story unfolds Josiah lets go of some of her anger and starts to return to the woman she once was. I'm looking forward to seeing what is next for her.
September 23, 2020
Ok so am reading a book a day
Don’t quite know what I’m going to do when I run outta books but wow do they grab you and not let you go so much stuff has been ignored in the course of reading this series and will continue to be ignored till I’m finished lol then will just be dropping everything when next instalment released. Recommend and hope you have as much fun with them as I am
Don’t quite know what I’m going to do when I run outta books but wow do they grab you and not let you go so much stuff has been ignored in the course of reading this series and will continue to be ignored till I’m finished lol then will just be dropping everything when next instalment released. Recommend and hope you have as much fun with them as I am
November 29, 2021
Another winner💛 Loved the holy-sh*t twist at the end, and of course, I love the dogs. You find out more about Josiah's ex husband in each book, and he just keeps getting worse and worse. As for her love life, I hope she and Hunter happen. They're cute together, and I need to get over Jake. It's been 6 books since he was written out of the storyline, and I still resent that he and Josiah weren't meant to be.
August 25, 2017
Fortunately Josiah was less crabby in this book, but sadly, I've finished the series. This book lifts Josiah's spirits as it almost simultaneously crashes her faith in friends. Choose your friends wisely should have been the lesson for her, but she opened her heart to the wrong people. Hopefully she'll continue in the next book; hope there is a next book...soon.
March 13, 2018
All I can say is that everything from housework to all the books on my To Read list have taken a back place to this series.
After reading Death by HoneyBee, it was the best feeling that I had 9 more to read.
Not my usual cup of tea, I devoured these delightful romps with Josiah, so much so, I wrote to the author for more or at least a clue of more to come. waiting to hear!
After reading Death by HoneyBee, it was the best feeling that I had 9 more to read.
Not my usual cup of tea, I devoured these delightful romps with Josiah, so much so, I wrote to the author for more or at least a clue of more to come. waiting to hear!
July 3, 2018
Death by Malice
A wonderful 'who-dun-it' with Josiah Reynolds and her crew! Characters are very developed-including the new one named Hunter. The plot has twists and I was not expecting the actual ending--parts of it maybe but not the complete series of events!
I've enjoyed this entire series and can't wait to read the next!
A wonderful 'who-dun-it' with Josiah Reynolds and her crew! Characters are very developed-including the new one named Hunter. The plot has twists and I was not expecting the actual ending--parts of it maybe but not the complete series of events!
I've enjoyed this entire series and can't wait to read the next!
November 9, 2020
This series and its characters has become rather depressing but it is addictive, interesting and well written except for the ever present typos. I have actually been binge reading four in a row and have a couple more to read. I do hope Josiah can get over Brannon and I hope she gets her revenge on Ellen. I love Asa, she is so smart.
January 15, 2019
Excellent
Another great story featuring Beekeeper Josiah Reynolds and her loyal group of friends. Josiah agrees to keep her neighbor's dog and lands in the middle of arson and mysterious disappearances.
Another great story featuring Beekeeper Josiah Reynolds and her loyal group of friends. Josiah agrees to keep her neighbor's dog and lands in the middle of arson and mysterious disappearances.
July 11, 2017
Always a fun read.
October 25, 2017
3.75 stars
December 21, 2017
Just a fun little mystery.
August 22, 2018
Death by Malice
As always could not put this book down - never disappoints and will put in my to be reread series called column
As always could not put this book down - never disappoints and will put in my to be reread series called column
March 14, 2019
A good cozy mystery, sprinkled with humor.
March 1, 2021
Not great literature but entertaining enough to spend a bit of time with.
July 25, 2021
Another great Josiah Reynolds mystery. A must read!!!
August 30, 2021
Loved the book! Love the series! Very entertaining. Thank you, Abigail Keam, for the Josiah Reynolds creations!
February 21, 2022
Well what a story that was. Death by Malice was a bitter tale. Poor Josiah had a bit of a shock in this book. Some friend she thought she had there. I really enjoyed yet another Miss Keam book.
June 25, 2022
Some aspects of the books are getting a little repetitive. The mystery at the heart of the story is intriguing and it does keep me interested.
March 22, 2017
Worth the wait!
Josiah does it again! Another murder, or so. A disappearance or two, or were they? A new love interest, and a few new revelations about people she thought she knew. And a good read! What more can you ask for?
Josiah does it again! Another murder, or so. A disappearance or two, or were they? A new love interest, and a few new revelations about people she thought she knew. And a good read! What more can you ask for?
March 23, 2017
a favorite mystery series
May 21, 2019
Great series
April 2, 2017
When neighbor Sandy Sloan arrives at Josiah's door to ask her to take care of her dog Georgie, Josiah knows something isn't right. When Sandy's house burns and Josiah discovers part of Sandy's husband's body near the river, Josiah knows she needs to start snooping to find out where Sandy is and what's going on. Fans of the series won't be disappointed as Josiah delves into the mystery of Sandy's disappearance and her husband's death. And--a new man appears in Josiah's life.
April 8, 2017
Abigail Keam's books about Josiah Reynolds are fun, light and great books to read between the heavy stuff. I've read all 10 and have never been disappointed.
April 10, 2017
I swear every Josiah book finishes way to soon, I really love this woman talk about Sass and I think she may have finally met her match in every way with Hunter he is awesome and calls Josiah on her crap but in a gooooood way a very good way.
This mystery was another good one who would think it was who it was? I loved the twists and turns but I'm with Josiah I really wish people would stop pointing loaded guns at her.
One more wish for this series would be for Matt and Josiah to become best friends again just best friends I miss their friendship.
This mystery was another good one who would think it was who it was? I loved the twists and turns but I'm with Josiah I really wish people would stop pointing loaded guns at her.
One more wish for this series would be for Matt and Josiah to become best friends again just best friends I miss their friendship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews