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Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #5
I Know What You Bid Last Summer
Sherry Harris presents the fifth installment of this charming, bestselling cozy mystery series! One man's junk is another man's treasure. But finding that treasure can be murder. As Sarah Winston discovers, someone is always ready to kill someone else for seemingly worthless pieces of junk.
FOUL PLAY IN THE GYM
When it comes to running a successful garage sale, Sarah Winston believes in doing her homework. She also believes in giving back. But when she agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap, she doesn't bargain on an uncharitable killer. The day of the event, the school superintendent is found dead in the gymnasium.
HAS SARAH PLAYING DEFENSE
Suddenly the murder suspects are the school board members--including the husband of a very difficult client who's hired Sarah to run a high-end sale and demands she do her bidding. In between tagging and haggling, Sarah studies the clues to see who wanted to teach the superintendent a lesson. But as she closes in on the truth, the killer intends to give her a crash course on minding her own business . . .
FOUL PLAY IN THE GYM
When it comes to running a successful garage sale, Sarah Winston believes in doing her homework. She also believes in giving back. But when she agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap, she doesn't bargain on an uncharitable killer. The day of the event, the school superintendent is found dead in the gymnasium.
HAS SARAH PLAYING DEFENSE
Suddenly the murder suspects are the school board members--including the husband of a very difficult client who's hired Sarah to run a high-end sale and demands she do her bidding. In between tagging and haggling, Sarah studies the clues to see who wanted to teach the superintendent a lesson. But as she closes in on the truth, the killer intends to give her a crash course on minding her own business . . .
310 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 27, 2018
91 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Sherry Harris
20 books601 followersSherry Harris is the Agatha Award nominated author of the Sarah Winston Garage Sale mystery series and the Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon mysteries. Sherry is a past president of Sisters in Crime and a member of Mystery Writers of America. Sherry loves books, beaches, bars, and bargain hunting — not necessarily in that order. She is also a patent holding inventor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 23, 2018
Each time a new Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery releases, I wonder how amazing author, Sherry Harris, will top the previous book she wrote for the series. I’m never disappointed, and my hat’s off to Ms. Harris who consistently raises the bar for her readers’ entertainment.
Sarah Winston is busy organizing a swap meet in the high school gym when the lights suddenly go out and she’s badly beaten before the intruder steals some valuable antique and autographed sports items. A school official is later found murdered nearby with a vintage sports item used as the weapon leaving the police and district attorney’s office working overtime to find clues and suspects before anyone else is harmed.
Favorite characters from previous books make appearances such as Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone, Seth, the handsome D.A., and Stella, Sarah’s landlord and friend. The story’s pacing is swift, and frequent humor adds to the reading fun. Ms. Harris always inserts nifty plot scenes into her stories that are totally unexpected and one of the many reasons I enjoy her books so much.
Sarah feels like finding the stolen sports items will lead them all to the killer. Building up to an awesome climactic ending; the police include Sarah in a sting operation set up that can only be called, “I Know What You Bid Last Summer.” I highly recommend this action-packed Cozy Mystery!
Garage Sale Tips included.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
Sarah Winston is busy organizing a swap meet in the high school gym when the lights suddenly go out and she’s badly beaten before the intruder steals some valuable antique and autographed sports items. A school official is later found murdered nearby with a vintage sports item used as the weapon leaving the police and district attorney’s office working overtime to find clues and suspects before anyone else is harmed.
Favorite characters from previous books make appearances such as Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone, Seth, the handsome D.A., and Stella, Sarah’s landlord and friend. The story’s pacing is swift, and frequent humor adds to the reading fun. Ms. Harris always inserts nifty plot scenes into her stories that are totally unexpected and one of the many reasons I enjoy her books so much.
Sarah feels like finding the stolen sports items will lead them all to the killer. Building up to an awesome climactic ending; the police include Sarah in a sting operation set up that can only be called, “I Know What You Bid Last Summer.” I highly recommend this action-packed Cozy Mystery!
Garage Sale Tips included.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
January 27, 2018
I Know What You Bid Last Summer was my first Garage Sale Mystery, but it certainly won’t be my last! Author Sherry Harris has the amazing ability to make main character Sarah Winston’s life come alive on the pages. Sarah is organizing an equipment swap for a local school when the lights suddenly go out, Sarah is assaulted and autographed sports memorabilia and several antique items are stolen. One of the stolen items is then used to murder the school superintendent. Sarah’s sleuthing soon uncovers more secrets and lies than anticipated and keeps the reader guessing until the very end! If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I recommend this book and the entire fun and engaging series. You won’t be disappointed. I received an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley, which did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
February 27, 2018
Sarah is running a sport equipment exchange in a local school gym. The night before, as she is about to leave, someone attacks her. Despite the attack, the event goes off without a hitch – until Sarah finds the dead body of the school superintendent. What is going on?
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 17, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Happy Dance! I am all caught up on this series!
Sarah has taken on the schools athletic swap meet. Who knew arranging bats, balls, and hockey sticks could be such a huge undertaking and dangerous too. The night before the event Sarah is working late when she is attacked and several items, including the expensive silent auction items, are stolen. The following day is even worse when Sarah finds the school superintendent has been killed. The murder has to be someone involved at the school, maybe even someone on the school board. Can Sarah find the killer before the police? Maybe she can ask a few questions while organizing and running a garage sale for a wife of one of the board members. Or maybe she should just stay out of it . . . like that would ever happen 🙂
Sarah Winston is a such a great character. She has become an expert at garage sales, thrift stores, swap meets, and online buy and sell sites. I wish I had half her knowledge and energy. She has also become quite adept at solving murder mysteries. People open up to her in a way they never open up to police. She also has no problem asking for help from Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone, but she just may be pushing him a little too far. Her romantic life has had been in flux since this series started and I still have hope that she will end up with the man I have been rooted for.
Solving the murder and the thefts has Sarah running all over the place and not thinking about the danger she is putting herself in. She is warned several times, but her independence makes her act without thinking the situation through. The author takes us on a journey as Sarah uncovers more secrets and lies. A couple of corkscrew twists really has my eyes glued to the pages.
In addition to the main mystery, there is a subplot that had me almost rolling on the floor laughing. All I can say is lasagna! The lengths Sarah goes to for her friends was not only funny but heartwarming and made me very hungry. Guess what we had for supper the night after I finished this book.
I love the way Sherry Harris writes. She describes everything in such a way that it is like watching a movie. Her characters feel like old friends, you want to get involved in their lives. She plots the story so well with perfect amounts of suspense and humor. She draws us in and holds our attention making it almost impossible to take a break from the story for food or sleep. Her worldbuilding is excellent.
I have enjoyed this entire series and highly recommend them all.
Happy Dance! I am all caught up on this series!
Sarah has taken on the schools athletic swap meet. Who knew arranging bats, balls, and hockey sticks could be such a huge undertaking and dangerous too. The night before the event Sarah is working late when she is attacked and several items, including the expensive silent auction items, are stolen. The following day is even worse when Sarah finds the school superintendent has been killed. The murder has to be someone involved at the school, maybe even someone on the school board. Can Sarah find the killer before the police? Maybe she can ask a few questions while organizing and running a garage sale for a wife of one of the board members. Or maybe she should just stay out of it . . . like that would ever happen 🙂
Sarah Winston is a such a great character. She has become an expert at garage sales, thrift stores, swap meets, and online buy and sell sites. I wish I had half her knowledge and energy. She has also become quite adept at solving murder mysteries. People open up to her in a way they never open up to police. She also has no problem asking for help from Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone, but she just may be pushing him a little too far. Her romantic life has had been in flux since this series started and I still have hope that she will end up with the man I have been rooted for.
Solving the murder and the thefts has Sarah running all over the place and not thinking about the danger she is putting herself in. She is warned several times, but her independence makes her act without thinking the situation through. The author takes us on a journey as Sarah uncovers more secrets and lies. A couple of corkscrew twists really has my eyes glued to the pages.
In addition to the main mystery, there is a subplot that had me almost rolling on the floor laughing. All I can say is lasagna! The lengths Sarah goes to for her friends was not only funny but heartwarming and made me very hungry. Guess what we had for supper the night after I finished this book.
I love the way Sherry Harris writes. She describes everything in such a way that it is like watching a movie. Her characters feel like old friends, you want to get involved in their lives. She plots the story so well with perfect amounts of suspense and humor. She draws us in and holds our attention making it almost impossible to take a break from the story for food or sleep. Her worldbuilding is excellent.
I have enjoyed this entire series and highly recommend them all.
January 23, 2018
This is such a fun series and I look forward to each new book. I love the premise because it is not one that is common for cozy mysteries. Who knew that you could get into so much trouble with garage sales. Unfortunately for Sarah, trouble just seems to continue to find her. This time around she is organizing a sports equipment swap for the local school when trouble begins. Her attack while organizing the items starts a series of mishaps which include murder and attempted murder. Once again, Sarah is asked to help an innocent person clear their name. With the help of her friends, old and new, she uncovers clues, with plenty of twists and turns thrown in, that lead her to uncover the killer's identity in a dramatic fashion.
I think Sarah is a fun main characters. She is surrounded by a terrific cast of secondary characters that no only support her, but often times join in her attempts to solve the cases. I also liked that we get to see her deal with being on her own and not in a relationship. It was nice to see her find her inner strength and move on with her life.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. I will definitely be back to see what the next garage sale has in store for Sarah.
I think Sarah is a fun main characters. She is surrounded by a terrific cast of secondary characters that no only support her, but often times join in her attempts to solve the cases. I also liked that we get to see her deal with being on her own and not in a relationship. It was nice to see her find her inner strength and move on with her life.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. I will definitely be back to see what the next garage sale has in store for Sarah.
February 18, 2018
I finished Sherry Harris' I know what you bid last Summer, and I loved it. This was a fun cozy mystery. It has lots of suspense but also a fun side to it. Easy to picture the events throughout the book and it has a truly cozy feel to it. I never thought of a garage sale planners job as if it was a party planner but I guess it really is. It is fun and genius! For me this is the second in the series I have read and I loved reading it, it was a great weekend read and it is coming out February 27th from Kensington!
February 21, 2018
Coping with the break-up with long-time boyfriend/husband, CJ, who had moved to Florida, Sarah is keeping herself busy. Sarah Winston is well known for her ability to plan, organize and hold garage sales in the Ellington, Massachusetts area. Always willing to offer her expertise, Sarah has been asked to run the Athletic Equipment Swap for Ellington High School. Organizing the items donated by sport, item etc., she is attacked when the power is shut down. Unable to determine who her attacker is, all Sarah can remember is the smell of cologne. Unable to really determine what has been taken, all Sarah is able to determine is that many of the silent auction items have been taken. After the swap is held after assistance from many of Sarah’s friends and acquaintances, Sarah goes to the supply room to get a towel to mop up spilled coffee and finds the Superintendent, Melba Harper, dead - stabbed with an antique ski pole. Although she is warned not to get involved, she can’t help to try to find the missing silent auction items and who was her attacker. Along with trying to find out who is responsible, Sarah is asked to help her good friends, Angelo and Rosalie DiNapoli, owners of DiNapoli’s Roast Beef and Pizza, to scope out the other restaurants lasagna that will be their competition in the Bedford Lasagna Bake-Off. This provided a little twist of humor in this storyline.
Having not read any of the earlier books in this series, I found the characters slightly under-developed but enjoyable. Many times, in the storyline it seemed as if the same item was repeated. The tips at the end of the book on buying and selling at a garage sale were interesting.
Having not read any of the earlier books in this series, I found the characters slightly under-developed but enjoyable. Many times, in the storyline it seemed as if the same item was repeated. The tips at the end of the book on buying and selling at a garage sale were interesting.
June 1, 2021
The more books in this series I read the faster I seem to devour them. I really like these cozy mysteries because they are light, full of humor, and a well written mystery. I love the protagonist, Sarah, and I was glad to see even when she was trying to stay out of this one she couldn’t help herself. In this volume CJ is gone and I was glad to see she didn’t lose her friendly (ish) connection with Officer Pellner as any good amateur sleuth needs at least a sympathetic law enforcement officer. I was kind of glad CJ was gone, I felt like Sarah needed a push to make the right decision for her. This mystery started out at a sports equipment swap and auction which I had never heard of and never would have imagined. I loved the introduction to something new and unique. I do love the garage sale tips even though I don’t have a yard or a garage and haggling is not my favorite. I still think they’re fun and who doesn’t love a search for something special among the junk?
January 29, 2018
The fifth book of the garage sale series does not disappoint. Sarah Winston unable to sleep is working on school swap and secret auction.The lights go out and found herself locked in the storage room. Sarah hears strange noises in the room and loses her cool and conscious. The next morning after she was recused she finds the body of the school superintendent at the garage sale. Sarah begins to look into the death and the stolen items from the swap. This will take her on several paths as she starts to unravel the affairs of the school board members. Will Sarah be successful without putting her life on the line? Garage sale tips are included. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington, Books for my copy for review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington, Books for my copy for review. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 10, 2018
I Know What You Bid Last Summer (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #5)
by Sherry Harris is a fun, fast paced story you won't want to put down.
Sarah Winston loves a bargain and browsing garage sales is a fantastic way to do it.
Not only is Sarah a champ at getting bargains, she has the right skills for setting up her own sales and for solving mysteries.
Working on a swap meet for the school, Sarah is knee deep in sports equipment, but when she stumbles upon a dead body, all bets are off. Sarah suspects the murderer may be a member of the school board, so she studies the clues she finds and soon she is putting the pieces together.
This is a really fun series that I look forward to. I can't wait for the next one!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
by Sherry Harris is a fun, fast paced story you won't want to put down.
Sarah Winston loves a bargain and browsing garage sales is a fantastic way to do it.
Not only is Sarah a champ at getting bargains, she has the right skills for setting up her own sales and for solving mysteries.
Working on a swap meet for the school, Sarah is knee deep in sports equipment, but when she stumbles upon a dead body, all bets are off. Sarah suspects the murderer may be a member of the school board, so she studies the clues she finds and soon she is putting the pieces together.
This is a really fun series that I look forward to. I can't wait for the next one!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
February 27, 2018
I love this series! In I Know What You Bid Last Summer, Sherry Harris once again presents us with a first-rate cozy mystery for any mystery lovers. A path of clues to this intricate plot is laid out throughout the novel as Sarah investigates, but you are a better arm-chair sleuth than I if those clues lead you to latch on to the villain before Sarah figures it out. One of the many things that I love about this series is the way Ms. Harris creates Sarah’s world for us. These daily life vignettes pull me into the story as much as the excitement of the mystery. In any wonderful book, it is the characters that I love most and that is one of the places that Ms. Harris shines.. Sarah and her friends are people that I would love to know and in fact feel that I do know. I love that Sarah, and her live are dynamic, even if some of the changes are a little tough to take. I was so excited to get to read this one early! I received an advanced readers' copy of this book via NetGalley and I appreciate the opportunity to enjoy it early and share my delight with my friends and followers. I love it so much that I also order a personal copy!
November 2, 2018
“I Know What You Bid Last Summer” earns 5/5 Killer Price Tags…Engaging!!
I am a newbie, so I recognize that events have occurred and relationships established, but there were enough helpful references that kept me totally engaged. Garage sales planner? A clever theme for this cozy. Sarah Winston is set to manage an athletic equipment swap meet at Ellington High, but has also taken on a “lasagna project” to taste test and covertly gather samples of local lasagnas. Her friend Chef Angelo has entered a bake-off contest, and wants some inside information about the competition. All of this seems reasonably innocent, right? Well, it is a cozy “mystery,” and criminal activity is lurking...an assault, a theft, a murder! Engaging and entertaining Sherry’s first-person narrative is well-written sharing Sarah’s inner thoughts along with excellent descriptions to set the suspense. She doesn't rely just on telling the story by including fun banter to help illustrate tone and personality. Well-plotted story with several scenarios are investigated, but Sarah mostly collaborates with, not ignores, law enforcement. Sarah is a sympathetic, yet wounded, character when it comes to intimate relationships, so there are close friendships, but not much romance. A great bonus rounds out the experience with “Garage Sale Tips” for those who wish to include food and drink—Setting Up a Pretzel Bar! I highly recommend this book, and me, I'm off to check out the other books in the series, too.
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
I am a newbie, so I recognize that events have occurred and relationships established, but there were enough helpful references that kept me totally engaged. Garage sales planner? A clever theme for this cozy. Sarah Winston is set to manage an athletic equipment swap meet at Ellington High, but has also taken on a “lasagna project” to taste test and covertly gather samples of local lasagnas. Her friend Chef Angelo has entered a bake-off contest, and wants some inside information about the competition. All of this seems reasonably innocent, right? Well, it is a cozy “mystery,” and criminal activity is lurking...an assault, a theft, a murder! Engaging and entertaining Sherry’s first-person narrative is well-written sharing Sarah’s inner thoughts along with excellent descriptions to set the suspense. She doesn't rely just on telling the story by including fun banter to help illustrate tone and personality. Well-plotted story with several scenarios are investigated, but Sarah mostly collaborates with, not ignores, law enforcement. Sarah is a sympathetic, yet wounded, character when it comes to intimate relationships, so there are close friendships, but not much romance. A great bonus rounds out the experience with “Garage Sale Tips” for those who wish to include food and drink—Setting Up a Pretzel Bar! I highly recommend this book, and me, I'm off to check out the other books in the series, too.
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
January 30, 2020
Sarah Winston is back, finding another body, and becoming embroiled in another mystery. This was a fun read, and I was thoroughly entertained throughout the book. It was good to be back with this great cast of characters. I am glad that the love triangle from the previous books was absent in this one. I hope that is aspect is over! I feel like it really detracted from the other books. I'm going to immediately begin the next book in this charming series!
March 19, 2018
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Those days of soda and pretzels and beer
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer
- Nat King Cole
Soda, pretzels, and beer are go-to snack foods for a lazy afternoon. They also pop up in the plot of I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER. For me, any Sherry Harris book is a go-to "snack" read for a lazy afternoon. The Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries series is set around the Minute Man Historical National Park outside of Boston where the real Hanscom Air Force Base is located - it is obviously the inspiration for Fitch AFB in the series. Both Sherry and I have spent time (separately) at Hanscom ... so I am naturally drawn to this series.
Indeed, there is much to cheer with I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER. I love the title as it relates to Sarah's passion and profession - finding bargains at garage sales, second hand stores, and estate auctions. I also found it to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the teen scream movies that are predictable but entertaining. Indeed, I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER follows the standard cozy mystery pattern - capable heroine in a small business finds a dead party, becomes an amateur sleuth, finds a few red herrings, puts herself in jeopardy, but solves the mystery. Yet Harris adds a few layers of intrigue with three back-to-back incidents with shadowy characters. These incidents are seemingly unconnected ... but who believes in coincidences?
Harris features a subplot with taste testing lasagna ... it adds comic relief to the story line. Sarah's efforts to sample the pasta staple in the surrounding towns reveals that she is human, that readers can relate to her, as she indulges in carbs galore.
The story unfolds from Sarah's first person point of view. This enables Harris to educate the reader about local customs, such as indulging in fluffernutter sandwiches - marshmellow fluff and peanut butter staple of New England's hardy population. Sarah also offers tips for hosting garage sales .... and haggling at garage sales. The first person POV is helpful at times .. but also distracting. Sarah often explained operational procedures on the military base when Sarah - a civilian - frequently gained access to the restricted area. To be fair, I found it distracting because I am already familiar with the military procedure as a veteran. But other readers might find it helpful.
Still, my one critique did not take away from my enjoyment of I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER. It kept my attention through the plot curves. To discuss the plot further would spoil the story ... just know that it all comes together at the end for a satisfying read. Once I finished the book, I could then see how Harris planted clues along the way.
I believe I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER could be enjoyed as a stand alone novel, but I recommend starting at the beginning with TAGGED FOR DEATH. All five books in the series are easy reads, so you can catch up just in time to join Sarah on the garage sale circuit.
I received a copy of I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER - mil spouse to mil spouse - for an honest review.
Those days of soda and pretzels and beer
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer
- Nat King Cole
Soda, pretzels, and beer are go-to snack foods for a lazy afternoon. They also pop up in the plot of I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER. For me, any Sherry Harris book is a go-to "snack" read for a lazy afternoon. The Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries series is set around the Minute Man Historical National Park outside of Boston where the real Hanscom Air Force Base is located - it is obviously the inspiration for Fitch AFB in the series. Both Sherry and I have spent time (separately) at Hanscom ... so I am naturally drawn to this series.
Indeed, there is much to cheer with I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER. I love the title as it relates to Sarah's passion and profession - finding bargains at garage sales, second hand stores, and estate auctions. I also found it to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the teen scream movies that are predictable but entertaining. Indeed, I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER follows the standard cozy mystery pattern - capable heroine in a small business finds a dead party, becomes an amateur sleuth, finds a few red herrings, puts herself in jeopardy, but solves the mystery. Yet Harris adds a few layers of intrigue with three back-to-back incidents with shadowy characters. These incidents are seemingly unconnected ... but who believes in coincidences?
Harris features a subplot with taste testing lasagna ... it adds comic relief to the story line. Sarah's efforts to sample the pasta staple in the surrounding towns reveals that she is human, that readers can relate to her, as she indulges in carbs galore.
The story unfolds from Sarah's first person point of view. This enables Harris to educate the reader about local customs, such as indulging in fluffernutter sandwiches - marshmellow fluff and peanut butter staple of New England's hardy population. Sarah also offers tips for hosting garage sales .... and haggling at garage sales. The first person POV is helpful at times .. but also distracting. Sarah often explained operational procedures on the military base when Sarah - a civilian - frequently gained access to the restricted area. To be fair, I found it distracting because I am already familiar with the military procedure as a veteran. But other readers might find it helpful.
Still, my one critique did not take away from my enjoyment of I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER. It kept my attention through the plot curves. To discuss the plot further would spoil the story ... just know that it all comes together at the end for a satisfying read. Once I finished the book, I could then see how Harris planted clues along the way.
I believe I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER could be enjoyed as a stand alone novel, but I recommend starting at the beginning with TAGGED FOR DEATH. All five books in the series are easy reads, so you can catch up just in time to join Sarah on the garage sale circuit.
I received a copy of I KNOW WHAT YOU BID LAST SUMMER - mil spouse to mil spouse - for an honest review.
February 28, 2018
I Know What You Bid Last Summer by Sherry Harris is the 5th book in the Garage Sale Mystery series. I love this series, and this book is no exception. Sarah Winston is a well developed main character, who I really like. Sarah makes a living by organizing sales for people and businesses. Sarah has agreed to run an athletic equipment swap, but when Sarah finds a body, she sets out to find the murderer. This mystery has it all, a great plot that is well developed along with great characters. I strongly recommend this book for all cozy mystery lovers, To get the most out of the books read them in order, you won't be disappointed. I can not wait for Sarah's next adventure.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 25, 2018
Not one of my favorites int he series, but overall an enjoyable read. I have to day, the two negatives that stood out for me were the constant mentions of CJ (he was, from the beginning, one of my least favorite characters) and one scene where the MC is literally saving a person's life, and all she can think about is keeping her thoughts "professional." Wow wow wow.
March 13, 2018
Sarah makes her living by arranging garage sales for people. She also agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap. The day of the swap the superintendent is found dead in the gym. There are so many suspects and someone is trying to get her to stop investigating. While it was good, I didn’t like it as much as others in this series.
June 10, 2021
I am flying through this series! I love the way the writing sucks you in. The author is definitely in the right profession 🙂🙂 This one had a sports theme. I had no clue who half the athletes were, but it didn't take away from the story. I had high hopes for Sarah's love life and was sad it was absent in this one. It does show her as a stronger lead, but I still need the love story too! The ending was satisfying and I can't wait for the next one!!
February 28, 2018
Have you ever read a book and just known as soon as you were only a few pages in that you were going to love it? And that you'd have to look for everything else written by the author so that you could read them all asap? Well, this just happened to me with I Know What You Bid Last Summer by Sherry Harris. It's the 5th book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Series, and it's a great cozy story that grabs the reader from the very first page, with the protagonist, Sarah Winston, being asked to go on a lasagna tasting mission by her friend Angelo (sign me up, too, please!!!), and then fast forward to the body that Sarah finds skewered with an antique ski pole at the swap meet she's setting up at the local high school. Before she can blink, similar antique ski poles are showing up all over the place in an effort to get Sarah to back off her unofficial investigation! Incredibly fast-paced, I whizzed through this fun cozy mystery, and now must go back and read the first 4 books! A+
January 21, 2018
I started reading this series less than a year ago, but it has quickly become one of my favorites! This fifth book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries might be the best yet. Although her friends Carol, Stella, and the DiNapolis are around, Sarah is more alone than she's been in earlier books, so she has plenty of time to ponder and investigate the mysteries happening in town. There are a few different mysteries in this story, and several solid suspects to go along with them. The book moves at a good pace, and kept me up until 3am because I couldn't stop reading it. I didn't solve the mysteries or guess the culprit(s) before all was revealed, which kept the suspense going until the very end. There was also a fun side story involving the DiNapolis and a lasagna contest that I really liked. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2019
I can't believe this is the plot for multiple books...
January 24, 2018
I Know What You Bid Last Summer is the fifth book in Sherry Harris’ Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series. I enjoy this author’s writing style and her ability to paint vivid pictures with her written words. The storyline is well plotted, the characters well developed and affable, and there are humorous situations throughout the book. The book moves at a fast pace and there are plenty of viable suspects and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.
Sarah Winston lives in Ellington, Massachusetts and loves garage sales. She manages a virtual garage sale website, provides professional services to people having garage sales, and does volunteer work for several organizations. Until six weeks ago, Sarah and her ex-husband, CJ, were ‘dating’ and trying to work out their differences, but he decided to take a job in Florida and now in an effort to deal with the loss she’s trying to keep busy. Angelo, her friend and the owner of DiNapoli’s Roast Beef and Pizza, has entered a lasagna bake-off in Bedford and he’s so determined to win that he asks her to visit and taste lasagna from his five top competitors’ restaurants and to bring a sample of each to him. Rosalie, his wife, tells her she doesn’t have to do it, but she agrees and treats her friends, landlord, and new neighbor to dinners. Sarah also agreed to manage an athletic equipment swap and has a garage sale scheduled for the following week. Kelly Long is her client and given her requests, it’s going to be more of an event than a garage sale. The night before the swap, she’s organizing the items when someone attacks her in the high school’s gymnasium and steals sport equipment and autographed sports items that were donated for a silent auction. When she escapes the building, Police Officer Scott Pellner is outside and insists she go to the hospital to be checked out and thankfully, her injuries are minor. The day of the event, Sarah goes into the equipment room for towels to clean up a spill and finds Melba Harper, the school superintendent, with a vintage ski pole plunged into her chest. Prior to his arrest, Anil Kapoor, a school board member, asks her for her help in proving his innocence. While investigating, Sarah uncovers lots of secrets and lies as she tries to figure out who Melba’s killer is and unravel the mystery concerning the mysterious relationship between Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone, who has mob connections, and Seth Anderson, the handsome D.A., who she briefly dated.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Sarah Winston lives in Ellington, Massachusetts and loves garage sales. She manages a virtual garage sale website, provides professional services to people having garage sales, and does volunteer work for several organizations. Until six weeks ago, Sarah and her ex-husband, CJ, were ‘dating’ and trying to work out their differences, but he decided to take a job in Florida and now in an effort to deal with the loss she’s trying to keep busy. Angelo, her friend and the owner of DiNapoli’s Roast Beef and Pizza, has entered a lasagna bake-off in Bedford and he’s so determined to win that he asks her to visit and taste lasagna from his five top competitors’ restaurants and to bring a sample of each to him. Rosalie, his wife, tells her she doesn’t have to do it, but she agrees and treats her friends, landlord, and new neighbor to dinners. Sarah also agreed to manage an athletic equipment swap and has a garage sale scheduled for the following week. Kelly Long is her client and given her requests, it’s going to be more of an event than a garage sale. The night before the swap, she’s organizing the items when someone attacks her in the high school’s gymnasium and steals sport equipment and autographed sports items that were donated for a silent auction. When she escapes the building, Police Officer Scott Pellner is outside and insists she go to the hospital to be checked out and thankfully, her injuries are minor. The day of the event, Sarah goes into the equipment room for towels to clean up a spill and finds Melba Harper, the school superintendent, with a vintage ski pole plunged into her chest. Prior to his arrest, Anil Kapoor, a school board member, asks her for her help in proving his innocence. While investigating, Sarah uncovers lots of secrets and lies as she tries to figure out who Melba’s killer is and unravel the mystery concerning the mysterious relationship between Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone, who has mob connections, and Seth Anderson, the handsome D.A., who she briefly dated.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 3, 2018
Though this is the fifth book of this series, it is the first one I have read. Despite not being familiar with the characters or setting, I found it very easy to jump right into this story. I liked the main character, Sarah, instantly. The first person point of view helped me connect with her right away, and I enjoyed getting to know her backstory (including a recent divorce from ex-husband CJ) as well as her new friends in her adopted hometown (especially the DiNapolis, who own an Italian restaurant and send Sarah to spy on their competition). I especially liked that Sarah is tough and independent, but with a sense of humility that makes her feel very human and relatable.
Sarah's garage sale business is also an interesting part of the story. It gives her a lot of reasons to interact with many different people and to work in many different environments so the author has lots of possibilities to work with. I genuinely enjoyed all the details about setting up swap meets and meeting online buyers and sellers in person. I also liked that Sarah associates with some people whose backgrounds are a little bit dubious, as it makes it feel more plausible that she might stumble into a murder investigation. It adds a lot to a mystery when some of the supporting characters could be either allies or suspects.
The writing in this book is fresh and light. The subplots are as entertaining as the mystery itself, and the supporting characters are people I enjoyed spending time with. Now that I have discovered this wonderful series, I plan to go back and read the titles I've missed. And I'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Sarah's garage sale business is also an interesting part of the story. It gives her a lot of reasons to interact with many different people and to work in many different environments so the author has lots of possibilities to work with. I genuinely enjoyed all the details about setting up swap meets and meeting online buyers and sellers in person. I also liked that Sarah associates with some people whose backgrounds are a little bit dubious, as it makes it feel more plausible that she might stumble into a murder investigation. It adds a lot to a mystery when some of the supporting characters could be either allies or suspects.
The writing in this book is fresh and light. The subplots are as entertaining as the mystery itself, and the supporting characters are people I enjoyed spending time with. Now that I have discovered this wonderful series, I plan to go back and read the titles I've missed. And I'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment!
February 3, 2019
Sarah Winston is busy organizing a swap meet in the high school gym when the lights suddenly go out and she’s badly beaten before the intruder steals some valuable antique and autographed sports items. The next day, nearing the end of the event, Sarah finds the School Superintendent murdered in the storage room with a vintage ski pole through her chest. Does the theft of the auction items and sports equipment from the Swap Meet have anything to do with the murder? When someone is arrested and protests that he is being framed, he asks Sarah for help, she can't turn him down. Sarah is sure that finding the stolen sports items will lead them all to the killer, but will the killer find her first?
All the characters from previous books that I have come to love make appearances in this one. We see much more of Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone in this one, as well as Seth, the handsome D.A., CJ, her ex-husband, the DiNapoli's, who have Sarah sneaking around checking out Lasagna from their competitors, Stella and others. The plot is well planned, action packed and the pacing is swift. There is a lot of humour in this one that is unexpected and had me laughing as I read about Sarah's various activities. As the action builds, many law enforcement personnel get involved as well as some "Mob" connections, until the final scene where Sarah has it all figured out and is used as bait. Another great cozy mystery that I can't recommend enough.
All the characters from previous books that I have come to love make appearances in this one. We see much more of Mike ‘the Big Cheese’ Titone in this one, as well as Seth, the handsome D.A., CJ, her ex-husband, the DiNapoli's, who have Sarah sneaking around checking out Lasagna from their competitors, Stella and others. The plot is well planned, action packed and the pacing is swift. There is a lot of humour in this one that is unexpected and had me laughing as I read about Sarah's various activities. As the action builds, many law enforcement personnel get involved as well as some "Mob" connections, until the final scene where Sarah has it all figured out and is used as bait. Another great cozy mystery that I can't recommend enough.
October 11, 2019
This is one of those series that I just cannot get enough of. I am binging the series and I never want to catch up. The setting, the characters, the plot... everything about it makes you feel like starting the next book is just like getting together with old friends.
In this installment, Sarah is all on her again. I am not a fan of love triangles but it works in this series. I could never pick, Team CJ or Team Seth. Well now that CJ is gone (I can't believe he really left, even though I think he will be back), Sarah is keeping busy with her garage sale business. She was asked to head up the school swap and silent auction. What she didn't expect to sign up for was an attack, theft, and a new murder to investigate. She is also "investigating" who in town has the best lasagna for Angelo.
I found this book to be a little more emotional than the others. I felt Sarah's rejection and loneliness. I do love that she has so many friends and that everyone seems to be there for her, well except the killers when she is sleuthing around.
I cannot wait to jump right back in; starting The Gun Also Rises, Book 6.
I have both the digital (from NetGalley) and audio versions of this book. Hillary Huber, who is one of my most favorite narrators, does and phenomenal job with this series.
In this installment, Sarah is all on her again. I am not a fan of love triangles but it works in this series. I could never pick, Team CJ or Team Seth. Well now that CJ is gone (I can't believe he really left, even though I think he will be back), Sarah is keeping busy with her garage sale business. She was asked to head up the school swap and silent auction. What she didn't expect to sign up for was an attack, theft, and a new murder to investigate. She is also "investigating" who in town has the best lasagna for Angelo.
I found this book to be a little more emotional than the others. I felt Sarah's rejection and loneliness. I do love that she has so many friends and that everyone seems to be there for her, well except the killers when she is sleuthing around.
I cannot wait to jump right back in; starting The Gun Also Rises, Book 6.
I have both the digital (from NetGalley) and audio versions of this book. Hillary Huber, who is one of my most favorite narrators, does and phenomenal job with this series.
February 12, 2018
I Know What You Bid Last Summer, #5 in the Sarah Winston garage sales series, continues the excellence of this series with a crackling good story. While finishing odds and ends at the high school gym for the athletic equipment swap meet/silent auction, the lights go out and Sarah is attacked. Many of the items have been stolen. The action never lets up from that point. Sarah gets involved in investigating the theft and the murder of a school board member. There are a number of credible subjects and as she follows the leads, we learn get tips about garage sales and resale sites as a bonus. This is one of my favorite cozy series a page-turner with heart and great characters. Highly recommended!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2018
In this story, Sarah gets involved in a murder investigation when she finds a body in the school gym before a sports equipment swap. Besides the murder she is also trying to find some of the items that were stolen at the same time. Her friend Angelo has entered a lasagna cook off so she is trying to get him samples from the other contestants. Sarah is busy but at the beginning of the book is still missing CJ but not so by the end. The book was a quick easy read.
February 13, 2018
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
This series gets better and better with each book. There is so much going on in this book, but it never gets overwhelming. I was a little sad that there wasn't really a focus on the military this time. I really liked the balance of humor and mystery.
This series gets better and better with each book. There is so much going on in this book, but it never gets overwhelming. I was a little sad that there wasn't really a focus on the military this time. I really liked the balance of humor and mystery.
March 3, 2018
Another terrific entry in this series.
May 29, 2021
I'm enjoying this series
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