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A Maggie McDonald Mystery #3
Dead Storage
As a professional organizer, Maggie McDonald brings order to messy situations. But when a good friend becomes a murder suspect, surviving the chaos is one tall task . . .
Despite a looming deadline, Maggie thinks she has what it takes to help friends Jason and Stephen unclutter their large Victorian in time for its scheduled renovation. But before she can fill a single bin with unused junk, Jason leaves for Texas on an emergency business trip, Stephen’s injured mastiff limps home—and Stephen himself lands in jail for murder. Someone killed the owner of a local Chinese restaurant and stuffed him in the freezer. Stephen, caught at the crime scene covered in blood, is the number one suspect. Now Maggie must devise a strategy to sort through secrets and set him free—before she’s tossed into permanent storage next . . .
Despite a looming deadline, Maggie thinks she has what it takes to help friends Jason and Stephen unclutter their large Victorian in time for its scheduled renovation. But before she can fill a single bin with unused junk, Jason leaves for Texas on an emergency business trip, Stephen’s injured mastiff limps home—and Stephen himself lands in jail for murder. Someone killed the owner of a local Chinese restaurant and stuffed him in the freezer. Stephen, caught at the crime scene covered in blood, is the number one suspect. Now Maggie must devise a strategy to sort through secrets and set him free—before she’s tossed into permanent storage next . . .
216 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2017
187 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Mary Feliz
6 books627 followersMary Feliz writes the Maggie McDonald Mystery series featuring whip-smart professional organizer Maggie McDonald and her side-kick golden retriever. Together, with the help of family, friends, and a quirky community, they restore order when violence rips their world apart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 23, 2020
Dead Storage is the 3rd book in the Maggie McDonald Mystery series written by Mary Feliz. This is the fifth book I've read by the author (out of order, which is unusual for me), but I wanted to get caught up so that I could read the latest when it comes out this year. I'm now current, but before I talk about the new book, let's cover a review on this one...
Maggie lives in California with her husband and two teenage sons. She's an organizational expert who runs her own business. One morning, she's scheduled to meet good friend Stephen to help prepare his house for some renovations. Stephen's husband, Jason, is on assignment out of town. Stephen never shows, and when Maggie finds out where he is, it isn't a good thing -- jail! Stephen's been arrested for murdering the local Chinese restaurateur, Mr. X. We know he didn't do it, right? But who did... Maggie learns their is a young kid who went to the same school as her sons a few years ago, but he might be an undocumented citizen or immigrant that Stephen wanted to help. As she digs into the puzzle, we learn a lot about homelessness, poverty, immigration, and human rights. Then we find the murderer, and thankfully, in this one, no danger comes close to Maggie.
So... it's a fun and teachable cozy! It's different in that as Maggie's investigating, no one threatens her directly this time. She also doesn't find and trap the killer. She learns some facts which allow the police to investigate and tell her they found the killer. Interesting amateur sleuth approach, but it worked well. I really enjoyed learning all about the issues the homeless face, as it's never quite what people expect. As a social awareness tool, for this concern as well as for immigration and drugs, the book really makes you think about how other people live when they aren't as lucky as you are. I appreciate this type of story, and it shows how books can be useful tools to share lessons without bopping someone on the head about 'the right thing to do.'
As a series, this is great. I like the characters and the unique plots. I enjoy the friendships and the morals we cover. I think the writing is good, and the mysteries are always diverse. I'm prepared to dive into the sixth one next month now. Thanks for a fun Saturday afternoon before the Easter holiday.
Maggie lives in California with her husband and two teenage sons. She's an organizational expert who runs her own business. One morning, she's scheduled to meet good friend Stephen to help prepare his house for some renovations. Stephen's husband, Jason, is on assignment out of town. Stephen never shows, and when Maggie finds out where he is, it isn't a good thing -- jail! Stephen's been arrested for murdering the local Chinese restaurateur, Mr. X. We know he didn't do it, right? But who did... Maggie learns their is a young kid who went to the same school as her sons a few years ago, but he might be an undocumented citizen or immigrant that Stephen wanted to help. As she digs into the puzzle, we learn a lot about homelessness, poverty, immigration, and human rights. Then we find the murderer, and thankfully, in this one, no danger comes close to Maggie.
So... it's a fun and teachable cozy! It's different in that as Maggie's investigating, no one threatens her directly this time. She also doesn't find and trap the killer. She learns some facts which allow the police to investigate and tell her they found the killer. Interesting amateur sleuth approach, but it worked well. I really enjoyed learning all about the issues the homeless face, as it's never quite what people expect. As a social awareness tool, for this concern as well as for immigration and drugs, the book really makes you think about how other people live when they aren't as lucky as you are. I appreciate this type of story, and it shows how books can be useful tools to share lessons without bopping someone on the head about 'the right thing to do.'
As a series, this is great. I like the characters and the unique plots. I enjoy the friendships and the morals we cover. I think the writing is good, and the mysteries are always diverse. I'm prepared to dive into the sixth one next month now. Thanks for a fun Saturday afternoon before the Easter holiday.
July 15, 2017
This s an enjoyable series and this is a great addition. The story quickly drew my attention and kept me reading until I turned the last page. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and a few twists, I really like seeinghe growth of the characters with each new book. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a copy f this book from the author. My review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy f this book from the author. My review has been voluntarily submitted.
July 21, 2017
Professional Organizer Maggie McDonald is shocked to discover her best friend Stephen is a suspect in the murder of a local business owner. Stephen is a witness to the killing but is arrested for impeding the investigation. The local DA also wants to press murder charges because Stephen was found at the crime scene covered in blood. Maggie knows Stephen is innocent, but she soon discovers he is withholding information to protect another witness. Maggie must race the clock to discover the killer and help prevent a key witness from being deported before Stephen is charged with first degree murder. Can she solve the case in time to prevent Stephen from being sent to prison?
I enjoy the Maggie McDonald Mystery series. The plots are always well-written. The characters are likable, well-developed, and diverse. Dead Storage is the third book in the series, and I enjoyed this book just as much as the two prior novels! The mystery was paced perfectly, drawing out the suspense until the last two chapters. It kept me guessing until the end! I liked the fact that Maggie was not only investigating the murder, but also trying to find and assist the witness that Stephen was protecting. I had a bit of a hard time with the fact that Stephen made Maggie promise not to tell his partner Jason that he had been arrested. Jason is in law enforcement and is out of town when Stephen is arrested. Realistically speaking, I feel if his partner is facing a pending murder charge, someone would have contacted him to let him know what was going on. I don't believe it would have remained a secret for as long as it did. And Jason was only really mad at Maggie for two pages. Hiding the fact that his partner is in jail and possibly facing a murder charge would warrant being pissed for more than two pages. I would have remained angry for at least an entire chapter, if it had been me. :)
All in all, another great Maggie McDonald cozy! I can't wait for the next book! :)
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
I enjoy the Maggie McDonald Mystery series. The plots are always well-written. The characters are likable, well-developed, and diverse. Dead Storage is the third book in the series, and I enjoyed this book just as much as the two prior novels! The mystery was paced perfectly, drawing out the suspense until the last two chapters. It kept me guessing until the end! I liked the fact that Maggie was not only investigating the murder, but also trying to find and assist the witness that Stephen was protecting. I had a bit of a hard time with the fact that Stephen made Maggie promise not to tell his partner Jason that he had been arrested. Jason is in law enforcement and is out of town when Stephen is arrested. Realistically speaking, I feel if his partner is facing a pending murder charge, someone would have contacted him to let him know what was going on. I don't believe it would have remained a secret for as long as it did. And Jason was only really mad at Maggie for two pages. Hiding the fact that his partner is in jail and possibly facing a murder charge would warrant being pissed for more than two pages. I would have remained angry for at least an entire chapter, if it had been me. :)
All in all, another great Maggie McDonald cozy! I can't wait for the next book! :)
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
July 8, 2017
Maggie is a fascinating, enjoyable character who would make a great friend to have if she were a real person. She likes to keep things organized and ordered and could teach me a lot. :)
All of the characters are well-developed, and you can see growth in the core group from the first book. I look forward to seeing the friendships grow and evolve in future stories. The various settings are described so vividly that you feel as if you are right there with the characters.
The mystery kept me guessing through the entire book...I was blaming the wrong person for about 80% of the story!
**I received a copy of this book with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
All of the characters are well-developed, and you can see growth in the core group from the first book. I look forward to seeing the friendships grow and evolve in future stories. The various settings are described so vividly that you feel as if you are right there with the characters.
The mystery kept me guessing through the entire book...I was blaming the wrong person for about 80% of the story!
**I received a copy of this book with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
October 3, 2019
Organizing a murder investigation wasn't what Maggie set out to do, but when Steven ends up in jail and Munchin comes dragging home badly injured that is exactly what Maggie ends up rushing to do! Once again this series brings us great characters, excellent plotting, a few options for villains and all around great enjoyment! I can't wait to hear what happens in the next audiobook in the series!
December 29, 2018
Maggie McDonald is a professional organizer. She helps her customers put order into the unorganized. Each chapter begins with a helpful hint about keeping organized. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. In this book, Maggie is planning to meet with her friend, Stephen and his mastiff, Munchkin to organize his house prior to beginning renovations. When Maggie and her golden retriever, Bella arrive at the house, Stephen is not there and Munchkin shows up injured and covered in something. Munchkin is Stephen's therapy dog as he suffers from PTSD. Maggie is immediately worried and after taking Munchkin to the vet, begins making calls to see if anyone knows what has happened to Stephen. Unfortunately, Stephen;s partner, Jason, is off to Texas helping with the flooding situation there. When Maggie finds out that Stephen has been arrested for murder, she immediately tries to help him. The big problem is that Stephen won't tell the police what really happened. Who is he protecting?
This is a well written and developed story. There are so many issues in this one, such as immigration, homelessness, gambling, small business issues, bullying and threats in schools, cost of education, therapy dogs, PTSD and natural disasters. The story deals with trust and friendship as well as the solving of a rather intricate and detailed mystery. There were many twists and turns in this story with a lot of red herrings. The characters are strong in this series. I enjoy Maggie and her family. With everything going on, she still makes sure she is there for her boys. Stephen is stubborn yet proud, and everything he does has a reason, even though some people do not understand what that reason could be. The suspense in this story builds gradually until coming to a satisfying conclusion, one that I did not expect. This was a great story that kept me hooked to the last sentence. I listened to the audio version of this book via hoopla and enjoyed the narration very much. I definitely recommend this book and series to cozy mystery lovers.
This is a well written and developed story. There are so many issues in this one, such as immigration, homelessness, gambling, small business issues, bullying and threats in schools, cost of education, therapy dogs, PTSD and natural disasters. The story deals with trust and friendship as well as the solving of a rather intricate and detailed mystery. There were many twists and turns in this story with a lot of red herrings. The characters are strong in this series. I enjoy Maggie and her family. With everything going on, she still makes sure she is there for her boys. Stephen is stubborn yet proud, and everything he does has a reason, even though some people do not understand what that reason could be. The suspense in this story builds gradually until coming to a satisfying conclusion, one that I did not expect. This was a great story that kept me hooked to the last sentence. I listened to the audio version of this book via hoopla and enjoyed the narration very much. I definitely recommend this book and series to cozy mystery lovers.
September 17, 2017
Maggie McDonald is a professional organizer. She
helps her customers put order into unorganized or
messy conditions. Each chapters begins with an
suggestion to help the reader organize.
Maggie is scheduled to help her friends organize
their house prior to having it remodeled. She
arrives with her golden retriever,Bella to meet with
Stephen and his mastiff, Munchkin who is a therapy
dog for him. No one answers!!!! Where could they be??
Then Munchkin shows up injured but without Stephen.
What happened to Munchkin??? Where is Stephen??
Turns out Stephen has been arrested for the murder
of a Chinese restaurant owner. Now Maggie must
investigate to prove him innocence.
A well written, well plotted story with many social
issues mixed into the puzzle. Issue such as immigration,
threats against Maggie's son, homelessness, small
business survival problems, gambling, mentoring and
financial help needed for hard working unprivileged
kids to get advanced education, therapy dogs, traumatic
experience problems, adventure, intrigue, mystery,
suspense, friendship and trust are all well organized to
create an fast paced story.
There are two ginger-colored cats, Holmes and Watson.
Dead Storage is book # 3 in the Maggie McDonald
Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone. I am
looking forward to reading the beginning of the series.
I volunteered to read Dead Storage. Thanks to the author
and publishing company via Net Gallery for the
opportunity. My opinion is my own.
helps her customers put order into unorganized or
messy conditions. Each chapters begins with an
suggestion to help the reader organize.
Maggie is scheduled to help her friends organize
their house prior to having it remodeled. She
arrives with her golden retriever,Bella to meet with
Stephen and his mastiff, Munchkin who is a therapy
dog for him. No one answers!!!! Where could they be??
Then Munchkin shows up injured but without Stephen.
What happened to Munchkin??? Where is Stephen??
Turns out Stephen has been arrested for the murder
of a Chinese restaurant owner. Now Maggie must
investigate to prove him innocence.
A well written, well plotted story with many social
issues mixed into the puzzle. Issue such as immigration,
threats against Maggie's son, homelessness, small
business survival problems, gambling, mentoring and
financial help needed for hard working unprivileged
kids to get advanced education, therapy dogs, traumatic
experience problems, adventure, intrigue, mystery,
suspense, friendship and trust are all well organized to
create an fast paced story.
There are two ginger-colored cats, Holmes and Watson.
Dead Storage is book # 3 in the Maggie McDonald
Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone. I am
looking forward to reading the beginning of the series.
I volunteered to read Dead Storage. Thanks to the author
and publishing company via Net Gallery for the
opportunity. My opinion is my own.
July 18, 2017
Lots of twists and turns take you on a roller coaster ride through this mystery-a real page turner!
Maggie McDonald is a professional organizer and agrees to help her friends Stephen and Jason with their home so they can begin renovations. While waiting for Stephen to return home so they can get started since Jason was called away on business, Stephen's dog, Munchkin shows up badly injured while there is no sight of Stephen. While taking Munchkin to a vet, she is summoned by the police department where she finds Stephen is arrested but won't talk to anyone but Maggie. So begins an incredible murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and social issues that get woven in. There are many secrets that make solving the mystery to free her friend, Stephen one of the hardest things Maggie has to do. Can she solve it before Stephen's PTSD creates some horrible problems for him? Why won't Stephen tell the police what happened since he was attacked like his dog? What have the store owners seen? Are they involved? So many crazy red-herrings you are led away from any of the people you thought were suspects and then the ending! You meet the strong characters - sometimes pig-headed which causes a lot od dead-ends. This is a page turner and a great read. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I received a copy of this book from the author, but the opinions here are stricly my own.
Maggie McDonald is a professional organizer and agrees to help her friends Stephen and Jason with their home so they can begin renovations. While waiting for Stephen to return home so they can get started since Jason was called away on business, Stephen's dog, Munchkin shows up badly injured while there is no sight of Stephen. While taking Munchkin to a vet, she is summoned by the police department where she finds Stephen is arrested but won't talk to anyone but Maggie. So begins an incredible murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and social issues that get woven in. There are many secrets that make solving the mystery to free her friend, Stephen one of the hardest things Maggie has to do. Can she solve it before Stephen's PTSD creates some horrible problems for him? Why won't Stephen tell the police what happened since he was attacked like his dog? What have the store owners seen? Are they involved? So many crazy red-herrings you are led away from any of the people you thought were suspects and then the ending! You meet the strong characters - sometimes pig-headed which causes a lot od dead-ends. This is a page turner and a great read. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I received a copy of this book from the author, but the opinions here are stricly my own.
July 11, 2017
In this third book of the Maggie McDonald series, Mary Feliz has crafted a complex tale of deception, protection, immigration, homelessness, small businesses, mentors and friendship.
Yes, there is a lot to unpack in this book - without any spoilers.
Maggie has agreed to help her friends organize their stuff, in preparation for a major remodel. Then Jason is called out of town and Stephen isn't answering calls. Their dog turns up badly injured. When Stephen does surface, he's in jail, accused of the brutal murder of a local restaurant owner. He insists that Maggie not tell Jason, and begs her to find a young man who can't come forward until his fear of deportation is resolved. So Maggie, with the support of her family, starts asking questions to find the young man and try to clear Stephen. Along the way, she must track down a homeless woman who may have some of the answers.
Everyone seems to be hiding something, and sorting it out is further complicated when one of Maggie's sons is threatened at school.
There is a lot going on and while many of the threads are woven into the conclusion, some are left a little looser than others. The young witness and the homeless woman are integral parts of the story, but not equally developed as characters. Annie is well drawn, but I would have liked to have known Rafi better.
There is a lot of social justice discussion, along with kids who need mentoring, and shop owners trying hard to keep their doors open with thin margins. All of these are important as both red herrings and clues, but they do occasionally get in the way of the story. In spite of the burdensome layers, I enjoyed the book and hope Ms. Feliz continues this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book received from the author.
Yes, there is a lot to unpack in this book - without any spoilers.
Maggie has agreed to help her friends organize their stuff, in preparation for a major remodel. Then Jason is called out of town and Stephen isn't answering calls. Their dog turns up badly injured. When Stephen does surface, he's in jail, accused of the brutal murder of a local restaurant owner. He insists that Maggie not tell Jason, and begs her to find a young man who can't come forward until his fear of deportation is resolved. So Maggie, with the support of her family, starts asking questions to find the young man and try to clear Stephen. Along the way, she must track down a homeless woman who may have some of the answers.
Everyone seems to be hiding something, and sorting it out is further complicated when one of Maggie's sons is threatened at school.
There is a lot going on and while many of the threads are woven into the conclusion, some are left a little looser than others. The young witness and the homeless woman are integral parts of the story, but not equally developed as characters. Annie is well drawn, but I would have liked to have known Rafi better.
There is a lot of social justice discussion, along with kids who need mentoring, and shop owners trying hard to keep their doors open with thin margins. All of these are important as both red herrings and clues, but they do occasionally get in the way of the story. In spite of the burdensome layers, I enjoyed the book and hope Ms. Feliz continues this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book received from the author.
June 30, 2017
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Professional Organization expert Maggie McDonald wanted nothing more than to help her friends Jason and Stephen organize their home. When her appointment time with the ultra-punctual Stephen comes and goes with no sign of him, she knows something is very wrong. Stephen's dog, Munchkin, comes limping home badly injured which leads Maggie into yet another murder mystery. Maggie faces frightened business owners, the secretive homeless community and an uncooperative Stephen while trying to find out who was responsible for the murder of a beloved restaurant owner. She is racing the clock to save Stephen from the danger he faces in jail, both physically and mentally. Dead Storage is full of twists, humor and wonderful organizational tips. A great next installment in a fun series.
July 10, 2017
Dead Storage is Mary Feliz' third installment in the Maggie McDonald Mysteries, and is just as entertaining and enjoyable as the first two. Maggie and her family seem to finally be settling into their lives in Orchard View, California after a recent move (and several mishaps), and her organizing service is beginning to take off. Maggie is happy to be working on friends' Stephen and Jason's home, but when Stephen fails to show up for a session and she finds his constant companion, mastiff dog, Munchkin, severely injured, Maggie knows something very bad has happened. Stephen has been arrested for the murder of the owner of the Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, but refuses to speak to anyone but Maggie, whom he convinces to prove his innocence. Maggie feels completely out of her element, but using her organizational skills, begins to investigate. However she desperately needs to find a missing witness to help her put all the pieces together.
Maggie is a wonderful and caring protagonist who has the help of her family and friends to assist her in her quest, and I had a hard time putting this book down. I found myself just as anxious as Maggie to solve the mystery. Each chapter starts with an organizational tip which I personally found to be very timely and helpful and can't wait to try. I can't recommend this book and series highly enough, and while it can definitely stand alone, don't miss the first two books in the series!
I voluntarily received a copy of this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Maggie is a wonderful and caring protagonist who has the help of her family and friends to assist her in her quest, and I had a hard time putting this book down. I found myself just as anxious as Maggie to solve the mystery. Each chapter starts with an organizational tip which I personally found to be very timely and helpful and can't wait to try. I can't recommend this book and series highly enough, and while it can definitely stand alone, don't miss the first two books in the series!
I voluntarily received a copy of this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 18, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I have to admit that I am thoroughly enjoying this cozy mystery series. The eclectic group of characters really provide a well-rounded range of personalities while still interacting well together. Maggie and her family are finally a little more settled by this book but of course things cannot go smoothly. I got attached to both Stephen and Jason in the first tow books so I was hooked from page one of this one. I love the little details and surprises that pop-up throughout and the little pieces of advice at the beginning of each chapter are useful as well. This author has a smooth writing style that really drags the reader in until they cannot help but read it all just to find out what happens next. I highly recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries especially if you would like a family set-up that is slightly different from the others (which I really liked by the way). I really enjoyed it so it gets 4/5 stars.
I have to admit that I am thoroughly enjoying this cozy mystery series. The eclectic group of characters really provide a well-rounded range of personalities while still interacting well together. Maggie and her family are finally a little more settled by this book but of course things cannot go smoothly. I got attached to both Stephen and Jason in the first tow books so I was hooked from page one of this one. I love the little details and surprises that pop-up throughout and the little pieces of advice at the beginning of each chapter are useful as well. This author has a smooth writing style that really drags the reader in until they cannot help but read it all just to find out what happens next. I highly recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries especially if you would like a family set-up that is slightly different from the others (which I really liked by the way). I really enjoyed it so it gets 4/5 stars.
May 12, 2017
Dead Storage is the third book in this series by Mary Feliz.
Maggie MacDonald is fun character, she is dedicated to her family, friends and her career.
Family friends Stephen and Jason add an entertaining bit of drama to this story.
Jason is away, Stephen has found himself in a bit of trouble. Knowing Jason would run home in a flash, Stephen begs Maggie to help him. How hard can it be right? Well, Stephen is in jail, facing a murder charge, Maggie faces the homeless situation as she searches for a woman who can help them and she's investigating the murder.
Will Maggie be able to solve the murder and free Stephen before Jason finds out?
She will need more than her organizational skills to get her out this mess.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Maggie MacDonald is fun character, she is dedicated to her family, friends and her career.
Family friends Stephen and Jason add an entertaining bit of drama to this story.
Jason is away, Stephen has found himself in a bit of trouble. Knowing Jason would run home in a flash, Stephen begs Maggie to help him. How hard can it be right? Well, Stephen is in jail, facing a murder charge, Maggie faces the homeless situation as she searches for a woman who can help them and she's investigating the murder.
Will Maggie be able to solve the murder and free Stephen before Jason finds out?
She will need more than her organizational skills to get her out this mess.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
July 3, 2017
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
I almost feel like I need different ratings for different parts of this book. Overall, it is a good book. The mystery, which is the most important part, was very well-written and a bit surprising. The rest of the book was a bit heartbreaking as it talked about PTSD in humans and animals.
I almost feel like I need different ratings for different parts of this book. Overall, it is a good book. The mystery, which is the most important part, was very well-written and a bit surprising. The rest of the book was a bit heartbreaking as it talked about PTSD in humans and animals.
June 18, 2017
Maggie McDonnell has a meeting with Stephen to began the organize his and Jason's home for the remodel. Jason is away leading his team of first responders in Texas due to tornadoes and flooding. Maggie is surprised that Stephen has missed the appointment. However, she starts putting Belle in the backyard. Suddenly, Belle is upset and Maggie sees Munchkin, Stephen bull mastiff limping home. She takes to their vet. Munchkin has been in a fight. She begins to look for Stephen. Paolo calls her and wants to meet her at once. He tells Maggie that Stephen is in jail as he was found wandering in a Chinese restaurant and the owner dead in the refrigerator unit. Stephen had been in a fight. Stephen wants to see her and he begs her not to tell Jason as he wants to protect a young male who birth certificate was not issued at his birth. As Maggie examines the situation she learns about the homeless problem, being Hispanic and no birth certificate and frighten and scare small store owners. Her son is threatened at his school. She can't tell Jason about Stephen's plight. Maggie must tread slowly if she manages to get Stephen out of jail before he is charged with the murder. Organizations tips are included at the beginning of each chapter. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 19, 2017
A very enjoyable book. This is the third in a series, but the first I have read. The main character, Maggie McDonald, quickly felt familiar even though this was my introduction to her. I had expected more about organizing, since she is a professional organizer and she's starting a new job, with old friends, to organize their belongings. The book took a very fast turn into different territory. In quick succession, Maggie is dealing with an injured dog, a friend in jail, a murder, a US citizen without a birth certificate and fearful of deportation, and the problems of the homeless. As Maggie perseveres through these problems, she proves to be one very organized person! Although it did not have the organization plot I had expected, tips are found throughout the book (maybe not enough to get my life organized). I really enjoyed the book and look forward to trying the earlier ones and future books.
July 10, 2017
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. The story itself wasn't bad, but there was so much information that I think was unnecessary. This wasn't a long book to begin with and I feel like the author might have just been trying to fill more space. As a reader, I phased out a few times and lost my spot because it was boring. If I didn't know any better, I would think that this was a first book by this author. I MIGHT go back and read the first two, but if I do, I will be checking them out from the library and not buying them.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 22, 2017
I like this cozy series, Maggie McDonald Mystery #3. Maggie has a habit of finding dead bodies and this time her client Stephen is found covered in blood standing over a dead body. She wants to help and have the crime solved before his partner Jason returns home. There are always some very useful tips for getting rid of clutter and storage in your home. Dog lovers will also enjoy since Maggie is a dog fanatic and most of her clients have dogs. This book touches on the homeless and brings a little light to the subject.
July 19, 2017
I really like Maggie McDonald, professional organizer and amateur sleuth in a great cozy series by Mary Feliz with complex characters, a really good mystery with interesting twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I couldn't put this page-turner down and was reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next, Ms. Feliz doesn't disappoint and adds bonus organizational tips at the beginning of each chapter. Fans of well-crafted mysteries will enjoy Dead Storage. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
July 4, 2017
Dead Storage combines mystery and enlightenment on current social issues. This book was a slight deviation from the series. The first two books in the series introduced and developed several supporting characters. This book centered mainly on Maggie, the main character. It also brought to light many social issues facing veterans, homeless and immigration. The author developed the story around these issues while also creating an intriguing murder mystery. She was able to balance the two perfectly. The mystery was not easily solved and kept me guessing until the end. I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book. This is the second one in the series I have read, somehow I missed #2 and I will have to get that one.
Maggie is married and has two sons. She promises to help her friend, who has been accused of murder. So besides taking care of her household and family, Maggie is talking to shop owners and homeless people in order to find the real killer. I really like that she has her family to support her.
I really like this series and look forward to reading more of it.
Maggie is married and has two sons. She promises to help her friend, who has been accused of murder. So besides taking care of her household and family, Maggie is talking to shop owners and homeless people in order to find the real killer. I really like that she has her family to support her.
I really like this series and look forward to reading more of it.
July 17, 2017
I have not read the previous books in this series but I didn't feel like I was missing any information by doing so. The author has done a good job of developing the characters so you are able to get a good sense of who they are.
I really enjoyed Maggie's character. She seems like she would be a wonderful friend to have since she's very caring and loyal. I also appreciate her love for animals. I enjoyed her organization skills and how she goes about doing everything.
The mystery kept me interested and guessing until the very end. It was very well written since I was completely stumped on who the killer was.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Maggie's character. She seems like she would be a wonderful friend to have since she's very caring and loyal. I also appreciate her love for animals. I enjoyed her organization skills and how she goes about doing everything.
The mystery kept me interested and guessing until the very end. It was very well written since I was completely stumped on who the killer was.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2020
A charming addition to the series.
July 1, 2017
Dead Storage by Mary Feliz is the third in the series. It can be read as a stand alone book but I wish I had read the previous ones so I could get a better sense of the characters. The title character has an organizational business and the author includes tips at the start of each chapter.
This was a fast paced book and the only thing I would have liked was less on the homeless and more on the mystery.
This was a fast paced book and the only thing I would have liked was less on the homeless and more on the mystery.
July 25, 2017
This was a fun read, with great characters. I am thinking the Mary Feliz will end up being a regular cozy mystery writer on my shelf. Being new to the genre, I was exceedingly happy to fall in love with this writer's characters and writing style. If you are thinking of trying out this type of mystery novel, Mary Feliz is a great author to start with!
July 18, 2017
I love Maggie McDonald and her supporting characters. In this story Jason and Stephen both again show they are guys that you would want to know. Stephen goes beyond what I think the normal person would do to help out someone who has a real need. It’s heartwarming to read stories where others are put above your own needs. Don’t think that everything goes along perfectly, because it doesn’t. There are many crisis and things that have to be dealt with. All these things combined make this a great book and series. I love the tips that Maggie gives at the beginning of each chapter.
July 18, 2017
I just discovered this series and though I did not read books one and two, enjoyed book three and Maggie McDonald!! This is a very action packed book with a lot going on in a short amount of time, I think the fact that I had not read the first two books slowed me down a little at first because while things and people (relationships) were alluded to they were not really explained. Maggie is all set to help a couple of friends reorganized ahead of a major renovation project but when she shows up her usually very timely friend is not there and when she tries to track him down discovers his dog very badly injured, what is going on? This book deals with lots of issues, why was a man who appears to be a pillar of the community murdered, why is Stephen taking the fall to protect a young man with immigration issues, who is targeting local business people and where do the local homeless population fit in? Needless to say Maggie is busy before all these questions get satisfactory answers. Maggie is not your usual cozy mystery heroine, she is married with children as well as a businesswoman. I enjoy Maggie because she is smart, doesn't do some of the crazy things heroines in other cozies are prone to do and considerate of her family and friends while still getting things done!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book received from the author.
July 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this new to me author. Mary Feliz has a gift blending plot with enough everyday life to make her stories and characters believable. I liked reading the organization tips at the beginning of each chapter, also. It was a perfect summer read for me and I will look forward to reading more of her work!
July 18, 2017
Dead Storage is the third book in Mary Feliz’s Maggie McDonald Mystery series. This book is well written, with great character development and the story flows smoothly at a steady pace, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Ms. Feliz is talented in creating suspense and tension with her written words.
The author provides helpful organizational tips at the beginning of each chapter. I highly recommend this series and am already looking forward to reading the next installment.
Maggie McDonald, her husband, Max, and their two teenage sons, David and Brian, live in the small town of Orchard View, California located in the hills above Silicon Valley. Maggie is a professional organizer and her latest clients are her friends, Detective Jason Mueller and Stephen Laird, who want to organize their possessions prior to renovating their home. Jason has been called out of town with his newly formed rapid-response team to help tornado and flood victims and law enforcement in Texas, but has left instructions and agreed to trust Stephen and Maggie to work on the organization project in his absence. Maggie becomes concerned when Stephen doesn’t show up for their meeting and when she discovers his mastiff, Munchkin, limping and bloody, she takes him to the local vet, Dr. Calvert Davidson. Detective Paolo Bianchi, Jason’s law enforcement partner, contacts Maggie and tells her Stephen was picked up by the Mountain Valley Police about the possible murder of the owner of the Golden Dragon, a Chinese restaurant. Following an anonymous telephone tip, the restaurant owner, Mr. Xiang, was found dead in the cold storage room and Stephen was the only person there. A knife was found behind the restaurant, with Stephen’s and an unknown person’s fingerprints on it. Paolo was able to talk to Stephen, who told him no one was to call Jason and that he’d only talk to Maggie. For reasons Jason will only share with Maggie, he’s decided to remain silent regarding the night of the murder and stay in jail. Maggie starts interviewing shop owners, and seeks off-record help from Paolo. She discovers that Orchard View has a homeless problem, she was unaware of while searching for a woman who might be able to help them.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The author provides helpful organizational tips at the beginning of each chapter. I highly recommend this series and am already looking forward to reading the next installment.
Maggie McDonald, her husband, Max, and their two teenage sons, David and Brian, live in the small town of Orchard View, California located in the hills above Silicon Valley. Maggie is a professional organizer and her latest clients are her friends, Detective Jason Mueller and Stephen Laird, who want to organize their possessions prior to renovating their home. Jason has been called out of town with his newly formed rapid-response team to help tornado and flood victims and law enforcement in Texas, but has left instructions and agreed to trust Stephen and Maggie to work on the organization project in his absence. Maggie becomes concerned when Stephen doesn’t show up for their meeting and when she discovers his mastiff, Munchkin, limping and bloody, she takes him to the local vet, Dr. Calvert Davidson. Detective Paolo Bianchi, Jason’s law enforcement partner, contacts Maggie and tells her Stephen was picked up by the Mountain Valley Police about the possible murder of the owner of the Golden Dragon, a Chinese restaurant. Following an anonymous telephone tip, the restaurant owner, Mr. Xiang, was found dead in the cold storage room and Stephen was the only person there. A knife was found behind the restaurant, with Stephen’s and an unknown person’s fingerprints on it. Paolo was able to talk to Stephen, who told him no one was to call Jason and that he’d only talk to Maggie. For reasons Jason will only share with Maggie, he’s decided to remain silent regarding the night of the murder and stay in jail. Maggie starts interviewing shop owners, and seeks off-record help from Paolo. She discovers that Orchard View has a homeless problem, she was unaware of while searching for a woman who might be able to help them.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 10, 2017
Dead Storage
A Maggie McDonald Mystery, Book #3
Mary Feliz
5 Stars
Synopsis:
As a professional organizer, Maggie McDonald brings order to messy situations. But when a good friend becomes a murder suspect, surviving the chaos is one tall task . . .
Despite a looming deadline, Maggie thinks she has what it takes to help friends Jason and Stephen unclutter their large Victorian in time for its scheduled renovation. But before she can fill a single bin with unused junk, Jason leaves for Texas on an emergency business trip, Stephen’s injured mastiff limps home—and Stephen himself lands in jail for murder. Someone killed the owner of a local Chinese restaurant and stuffed him in the freezer. Stephen, caught at the crime scene covered in blood, is the number one suspect. Now Maggie must devise a strategy to sort through secrets and set him free—before she’s tossed into permanent storage next . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I was happy to see that Maggie’s husband and sons were in this book because that, to me, is one of the things I like best about this series. I really like the fact that Maggie is a mom and has a family to take care of and protect. This makes her seem a lot more realistic to me. Most of the cozies that I read have a protagonist that is single and young and has a group of friends that help her solve the mystery so this is refreshing, being a family affair.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place and listening in on conversations. The author is also very talented in creating suspense and tension with the written word. The mystery was carried on well throughout the book and it was difficult to figure out who the killer was. There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing along the way.
I liked the fact that the author took a serious problem, the homeless and wrote about it in such a way as to not be preachy but still bring it to everyone’s attention. I thought that was a great thing.
Another thing I liked was that organizing tips were included at the beginning of each chapter. They were very practical and varied tips that someone could use every day.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The books in this series just keep getting better and better.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A Maggie McDonald Mystery, Book #3
Mary Feliz
5 Stars
Synopsis:
As a professional organizer, Maggie McDonald brings order to messy situations. But when a good friend becomes a murder suspect, surviving the chaos is one tall task . . .
Despite a looming deadline, Maggie thinks she has what it takes to help friends Jason and Stephen unclutter their large Victorian in time for its scheduled renovation. But before she can fill a single bin with unused junk, Jason leaves for Texas on an emergency business trip, Stephen’s injured mastiff limps home—and Stephen himself lands in jail for murder. Someone killed the owner of a local Chinese restaurant and stuffed him in the freezer. Stephen, caught at the crime scene covered in blood, is the number one suspect. Now Maggie must devise a strategy to sort through secrets and set him free—before she’s tossed into permanent storage next . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I was happy to see that Maggie’s husband and sons were in this book because that, to me, is one of the things I like best about this series. I really like the fact that Maggie is a mom and has a family to take care of and protect. This makes her seem a lot more realistic to me. Most of the cozies that I read have a protagonist that is single and young and has a group of friends that help her solve the mystery so this is refreshing, being a family affair.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place and listening in on conversations. The author is also very talented in creating suspense and tension with the written word. The mystery was carried on well throughout the book and it was difficult to figure out who the killer was. There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing along the way.
I liked the fact that the author took a serious problem, the homeless and wrote about it in such a way as to not be preachy but still bring it to everyone’s attention. I thought that was a great thing.
Another thing I liked was that organizing tips were included at the beginning of each chapter. They were very practical and varied tips that someone could use every day.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The books in this series just keep getting better and better.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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