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Maple Syrup Mysteries #5
Deadly Arms
We have much more to fear than fear itself…
Former lawyer Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes’ week is off to a rough start. Her mom showed up from Virginia for an unannounced visit, there’s a particularly virulent strain of the flu going around Fair Haven, and her friend Mandy discovered blood in one of the guest rooms of her bed-and-breakfast.
A lot of blood.
With Mandy’s livelihood at stake and half of Fair Haven’s police department out sick, Nicole and her mom end up engaged in their version of mother-daughter time—investigating a murder.
The case might prove to be one of the most challenging they’ve faced. The victim’s body is missing. The evidence points to all his co-workers, none of whom seem to have a motive. And Mandy’s attempts to help look a lot more like meddling.
But just because they don’t have a firm lead on who the murderer is doesn’t mean the murderer doesn’t know them…and everything they fear.
Former lawyer Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes’ week is off to a rough start. Her mom showed up from Virginia for an unannounced visit, there’s a particularly virulent strain of the flu going around Fair Haven, and her friend Mandy discovered blood in one of the guest rooms of her bed-and-breakfast.
A lot of blood.
With Mandy’s livelihood at stake and half of Fair Haven’s police department out sick, Nicole and her mom end up engaged in their version of mother-daughter time—investigating a murder.
The case might prove to be one of the most challenging they’ve faced. The victim’s body is missing. The evidence points to all his co-workers, none of whom seem to have a motive. And Mandy’s attempts to help look a lot more like meddling.
But just because they don’t have a firm lead on who the murderer is doesn’t mean the murderer doesn’t know them…and everything they fear.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
About the author
Emily James
34 books94 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Emily James writes cozy mysteries with quirky characters, twisty plots, and a touch of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 14, 2025
I think this is my favorite in the series so far
June 1, 2017
I was thrilled with the release of Deadly Arms. Fair Haven, with the characters, the town, and Toby & Velma, has become a place I love to visit.
Once again Emily James intrigues us with a mystery set in the small, tourist town of Fair Haven. Question number one, why is Nicole's mother calling from The Sunburnt Arms? Question number two, why is there a puddle of, what looks like, blood in the bathroom of room #2 of The Sunburnt Arms? And this is just the first few pages!
In addition to Nicole's sleepless nights and busy days, she is now helping Mandy, befriending Becky, and stealing time away with Mark. Add her mother and a possible murder, with no body, all while most of the police force of Fair Haven is down for the count with that horrible flu that has been going around. The perfect storm...
Emily James gives us more than the same protagonist doing the same thing, book after book. Even though Nicole ends up in a small tourist town taking on a business and house her beloved uncle left her, she has made Fair Haven her home and formed bonds with the town's people. She has also been able to branch out and grow, finding what she is good at. Although she never felt she wanted the career of the defense attorney, she found her niche not only investigating her uncle's death, but even helping a friend broker a plea deal and defending the niece of another. Deadly Arms allows Nicole a chance to continue to grow while staying in her comfort zone. And even though she doubts herself and her strength, she pulls through while learning much about herself and her mother.
This is an intriguing book that is part of a fabulous series. Grab a cozy chair and get comfortable. Once you start the book, or the series, you won't want to put it down until you are finished!
Once again Emily James intrigues us with a mystery set in the small, tourist town of Fair Haven. Question number one, why is Nicole's mother calling from The Sunburnt Arms? Question number two, why is there a puddle of, what looks like, blood in the bathroom of room #2 of The Sunburnt Arms? And this is just the first few pages!
In addition to Nicole's sleepless nights and busy days, she is now helping Mandy, befriending Becky, and stealing time away with Mark. Add her mother and a possible murder, with no body, all while most of the police force of Fair Haven is down for the count with that horrible flu that has been going around. The perfect storm...
Emily James gives us more than the same protagonist doing the same thing, book after book. Even though Nicole ends up in a small tourist town taking on a business and house her beloved uncle left her, she has made Fair Haven her home and formed bonds with the town's people. She has also been able to branch out and grow, finding what she is good at. Although she never felt she wanted the career of the defense attorney, she found her niche not only investigating her uncle's death, but even helping a friend broker a plea deal and defending the niece of another. Deadly Arms allows Nicole a chance to continue to grow while staying in her comfort zone. And even though she doubts herself and her strength, she pulls through while learning much about herself and her mother.
This is an intriguing book that is part of a fabulous series. Grab a cozy chair and get comfortable. Once you start the book, or the series, you won't want to put it down until you are finished!
April 9, 2019
Actions and fallouts
A great read. Loved the plot. Any woman who has suffered at the hands of a man and hasn't been believed will relate to this.
When her mother comes to visit unexpectedly, she is thrown but at least she'll be staying at the B & B and not with her. Wrong! The B & B gets shut down when a pool of blood shows up in a room who's occupant hasn't checked in yet. The Chief however surprises her by asking her to investigate. His department has been decimated by the flu. Now both she and her mother are both working for the police (a bit of arm twisting never hurt anyone). Abuse, murder, PTSD, attempted murder and disillusionment with the law are all blended into a read where the guilty aren't pursued and the innocent suffer. Can she find out why two men are dead and she nearly joined them?
A great read. Loved the plot. Any woman who has suffered at the hands of a man and hasn't been believed will relate to this.
When her mother comes to visit unexpectedly, she is thrown but at least she'll be staying at the B & B and not with her. Wrong! The B & B gets shut down when a pool of blood shows up in a room who's occupant hasn't checked in yet. The Chief however surprises her by asking her to investigate. His department has been decimated by the flu. Now both she and her mother are both working for the police (a bit of arm twisting never hurt anyone). Abuse, murder, PTSD, attempted murder and disillusionment with the law are all blended into a read where the guilty aren't pursued and the innocent suffer. Can she find out why two men are dead and she nearly joined them?
June 3, 2018
This mystery was interesting and nuanced. I really enjoyed the background to the murder victims as well as the murderer. You can actually feel for the murderer and their motivations. This is the first book in this series that actually makes you feel for the murderer and relate to them. The method of working the case was interesting, and I loved how the most important piece of evidence was provided by the murderer themselves.
We finally get to meet Nikki’s mother in this book, and we get to see Mark’s mother more in this book. The dynamic between the two mothers is really interesting. Though they both seem to want the best for the couple, they have very different ideas of what would be best.
We finally get to meet Nikki’s mother in this book, and we get to see Mark’s mother more in this book. The dynamic between the two mothers is really interesting. Though they both seem to want the best for the couple, they have very different ideas of what would be best.
July 8, 2017
Kept me guessing
This one kept me guessing. When the flu takes out most of the police department, Nicole is asked to investigate the murder of the local bed & breakfast desk clerk. As her mom, who surprises her with a visit, assists with the investigation, Nicole begins to see her in a different light which begins the reconciliation of the struggling relationship. When a second murder occurs, its up to them to try to find a connection and find the killer, or is it killers? Good plot and well developed characters. Was it the B&B owner, an employee, or someone else? Read the book to find out.
This one kept me guessing. When the flu takes out most of the police department, Nicole is asked to investigate the murder of the local bed & breakfast desk clerk. As her mom, who surprises her with a visit, assists with the investigation, Nicole begins to see her in a different light which begins the reconciliation of the struggling relationship. When a second murder occurs, its up to them to try to find a connection and find the killer, or is it killers? Good plot and well developed characters. Was it the B&B owner, an employee, or someone else? Read the book to find out.
June 2, 2017
Irresistible Page Turner!
A thrilling book, an awesome series! This author has a way of creating characters that seep into your soul. Main character, Nicole is gutsy, yet vulnerable. I love her empathy & morals about right & wrong. There were quite a few twists & turns with a few hold your breath kind of moments which made this book impossible to put down. While Nicole ultimately unmasks her killer, we are left questioning where life will take her next. Can't wait to read the next book!
A thrilling book, an awesome series! This author has a way of creating characters that seep into your soul. Main character, Nicole is gutsy, yet vulnerable. I love her empathy & morals about right & wrong. There were quite a few twists & turns with a few hold your breath kind of moments which made this book impossible to put down. While Nicole ultimately unmasks her killer, we are left questioning where life will take her next. Can't wait to read the next book!
October 24, 2017
A delicious cozy mystery series
I have read all of the books in this series and find that each one just gets better than the one before, which can be difficult for a series. But our main character Nichol Fitzheney -Dawes becomes such an interesting person, with great skills for puzzle solving and her humor and self insight are a delight to read. This book takes you on a delightful mystery with no body but a lot of blood. The twist and turns will keep you turning pages deep into the night. Looking forward to the next one.
I have read all of the books in this series and find that each one just gets better than the one before, which can be difficult for a series. But our main character Nichol Fitzheney -Dawes becomes such an interesting person, with great skills for puzzle solving and her humor and self insight are a delight to read. This book takes you on a delightful mystery with no body but a lot of blood. The twist and turns will keep you turning pages deep into the night. Looking forward to the next one.
December 22, 2025
Nicole Fitzhenry - Dawes inherited - maple sugar farm from her uncle. Engaged to Mark. Offered a job in DC.
Her mom comes to visit.
Murder with no body at Inn that Mandy owns.
Everyone sick at police dept. Niki and her Mom agreed to help investigate.
Julia, co-founder of the PTSD support group had dated Bruce Vilsack. She was "out sick" from the group meeting the night Penny's abusive husband died.
Becky had a key that worked in Mandy's car.
Vigilante justice for rapist and a wife abuser.
Becky CONFESSED to her part.
Julia admitted to KILLING Penny's husband
Her mom comes to visit.
Murder with no body at Inn that Mandy owns.
Everyone sick at police dept. Niki and her Mom agreed to help investigate.
Julia, co-founder of the PTSD support group had dated Bruce Vilsack. She was "out sick" from the group meeting the night Penny's abusive husband died.
Becky had a key that worked in Mandy's car.
Vigilante justice for rapist and a wife abuser.
Becky CONFESSED to her part.
Julia admitted to KILLING Penny's husband
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2017
Good Mysteries
I thought a mystery series called maple syrup mysteries word be a little fluffy, but, after having read four of them, I revised my opinion! The characters are genuine and interesting, the mysteries are intriguing, and the books also contain a little bit of humor and a lot of empathy and insight into the characters psyche and emotions. Like this series a lot!
I thought a mystery series called maple syrup mysteries word be a little fluffy, but, after having read four of them, I revised my opinion! The characters are genuine and interesting, the mysteries are intriguing, and the books also contain a little bit of humor and a lot of empathy and insight into the characters psyche and emotions. Like this series a lot!
June 12, 2017
Gripping suspense
This is one story you won't want to miss. It is full of mysteries with clever twists and turns that make it hard to put this one down until the last word of the last chapter. I absolutely loved this or.
This is one story you won't want to miss. It is full of mysteries with clever twists and turns that make it hard to put this one down until the last word of the last chapter. I absolutely loved this or.
June 18, 2017
Another fun read
I've enjoyed each book in this series. Deadly Arms is my favorite so far. It's fun getting to know more about the people who live in this quaint town. I figured out who did it, but appreciated learning the back story.
I've enjoyed each book in this series. Deadly Arms is my favorite so far. It's fun getting to know more about the people who live in this quaint town. I figured out who did it, but appreciated learning the back story.
July 6, 2017
Keep them coming!
Hopefully Ms James plans on writing a lot more books about Nikki and Mark. I love how they are with each other and how she is growing as a more secure person but with her compassion still a huge part of her.
Hopefully Ms James plans on writing a lot more books about Nikki and Mark. I love how they are with each other and how she is growing as a more secure person but with her compassion still a huge part of her.
September 7, 2021
Loved it!
Another great story! The plot had just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. I love all the characters, both old and new. I can't wait to read the next book!
Another great story! The plot had just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. I love all the characters, both old and new. I can't wait to read the next book!
October 2, 2017
This clean, cozy mystery series keeps getting better. I'm enjoying the developing character relationships as much as the mysteries. And I appreciate how complicated some of the villains are.
March 17, 2019
This series just keeps getting better. The convoluted relationships and clues all eventually come together into a tightly woven ending.
September 6, 2020
Loved it!
January 3, 2021
Oh My Updating... Read entire series ...I Wouldn’t have if I didn’t like the First One So Much..Not reviewing much these days...
June 1, 2017
WOW!! This series just keeps getting better, but Deadly Arms is truly impossible to put down, so set aside a few hours because you'll want to read it from start to finish in one sitting! There's lots more tension in this one, created not only by a visit from Nicole's mother, but also by plenty of plot twists and turns you genuinely don't see coming and an ending that leaves you completely gobsmacked, as the Brits would say! So glad I signed up for Emily James's pre-release reader team, and can't wait for her next Maple Syrup mystery: I hope she writes many many more!
June 25, 2017
This series continues to delight me. Our intrepid sleuth, Nicole is visited by her mother unexpectedly and also is asked to act as a consultant for the ailing Police Chief. What to do with Mother? Why have her act as a consultant also.
This amusing tale kept me turning the pages.
This amusing tale kept me turning the pages.
September 3, 2017
This is my favorite so far in the Maple Syrup mysteries. Interesting characters and plot.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews