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Nosy Parkers Mysteries #2

The Case of the Clobbered Cad

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Inspired by the famous Girl Detective, the members of the Olentangy Heights Girls' Detective Society, affectionately known as the Nosy Parkers, spent their formative years studying criminology, codes, and capers. Unfortunately, opportunities to put their unique skills to work were thin on the ground in the post-war boom of their little corner of suburbia and they eventually grew up to pursue more sensible careers. Until...

Heather Munro’s youthful devotion to The Girl Detective led to a passion for digging around in history. Now pursuing her Master's Degree in Celtic Studies, Heather must balance exploring Edinburgh with her determination to excel in her all–male classes at the University. Unfortunately, on her first night working in the Archives room, she discovers the dead body of a visiting professor, the same would-be lothario she’d hoped never to see again.

As clues come to light, it’s clear someone hopes to frame Heather for the murder. Besides her quirky landlady, whom can she trust? How can she clear her name? The police and the American Consul have plenty of suspects, but only two seem to have both motive and opportunity: Heather and the quiet Scottish historian she longs to trust.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2017

34 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Debra E. Marvin

21 books125 followers
Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says. She'd like to live a wee bit closer to her grandchildren, but is thankful that God is in control, that He chooses to bless us despite ourselves and that He has a sense of humor.

Other than writing light-hearted romances and gritty gothics, she has rather normal obsessions such as fabric, peanut butter, vacations, British dramas, and whatever mystery series she's currently stuck on.

debraemarvin.com
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Pinterest @debraemarvin
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5 stars
29 (42%)
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34 (49%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
3,844 reviews1,759 followers
August 29, 2017
I'm gobsmacked over how utterly delicious this book is. (And also that the author used gobsmacked in a sentence in the story!) My inner girl sleuth is doing tailspins and loop-de-loos and I'm still grinning like a Cheshire Cat over how much of a campy fun read this was.

If you are looking for something Nancy Drewish for grown-ups look no further. The Nosy Parker Mystery series is definitely going to satisfy. And seriously, can you get any more retro than this title? Clobbered Cad -- snicker.

It's 1956 and Miss Heather Munro is in for the adventure of her life. After spending her youth enamored with The Girl Detective, she's put away her childish dreams of sleuthing in favour of pursuing her Masters Degree...in EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND!!!! If that doesn't set you squealing, I don't know what will. (Anyone remember The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes aka Nancy Drew?!) That's totally irrelevant but this book has me in such a giddy literary tizzy I can barely get my words out. Taking a deep breath and trying to gather my thoughts.

So we have a young ingenue foreign student in Scotland, her crackerjack landlady, Mrs. K, two potential Scottish suitors (be still my heart -- the brogue!) and the cad, of course (who gets clobbered.) And since the police seem to be getting everything wrong, Heather and friends decide to work at getting it right.

Truly superb mystery writing -- Marvin leaves a trail of clues tossed liberally with red herrings and a bevy of interesting characters, some of whom make excellent suspects. Or do they? Clever plotting, an excellent cast and the hint of romance make this a real delight of a read. I can't wait until the next book comes out.

My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky Smith.
349 reviews5 followers
October 11, 2017
This is an incredibly fun, fun read!! The intrigue, the mystery, the suspense, the delightful, but sometimes quirky characters, the setting, and the secrets all combined to keep me on the edge of my seat, trying to solve who the murderer was. But there were constantly reasons to NOT rule out just about everybody, and reasons to suspect each one. Then there is the adorable Mrs. K, whom I hope will be in another story. The story has great truths about forgiveness, especially of one’s ownself, wasting time on worrying, and seeing the consequences of our decisions, good or bad. Great storyline, great characters, fun setting, fun words like kirk and flibbertigibbet! Yes, this book is fun, fun, FUN!!!
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book491 followers
October 13, 2017
4.5 stars

Not only do I get my Nancy Drew fix, but we also get to go to SCOTLAND!!! Men in kilts. Feisty landladies. Red phone booths. Wellies. Afternoon tea. History around every corner. Scotland Yard. I’m giddy! Gobsmacked, even. And the mystery is so well-written, full of twists and turns and delicious little tidbits filtered in at the perfect moment. Heather and her marvelous landlady, Mrs. K, are a dynamic duo to be sure, and Heather’s two suitors (the clobbered cad, notwithstanding) are dashing and swoonworthy. The job Heather takes introduces us to two more characters, both fabulously quirky, and I wouldn’t mind spending more time with them in future reads.

Bottom Line: The Case of the Clobbered Cad is just the right amount of campy with a dash of romance, a bit of Scottish brogue, and a delightful landlady who really needs her own series! There’s also a case – specifically about a clobbered cad, as the title would suggest – packed with intrigue and plenty of suspects. If you wished there was a Nancy Drew investigative society to join when you were younger (or was that just me…), you will fall in love with the Nosy Parkers and especially Heather Munro! Can’t wait for more from this author and this series!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
August 5, 2017
This was a very entertaining murder mystery like Nancy Drew, Miss Marple, and Agatha Christie.
The roller- coaster suspense kept my eyes glued to the page along with the engaging characters, the intriguing story line, and the beautiful scenery of Scotland.
I recommend this book to those that like cozy mysteries.
An arc was given to me by the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Trisha.
445 reviews46 followers
August 29, 2017
See full review at: joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com

The Case of the Clobbered Cad is such an exciting, page-turning mystery! You don’t have to read very far into the story for the Cad to be Clobbered. With many twists and turns, this story will keep you guessing right to the end! This is the first book I’ve read from Debra Marvin, and I foresee many more books of Debra’s in my future.

What first captured my attention is the setting of the story. Edinburgh, Scotland, 1956. For many years now I have read any book I could get my hands on that is set in Scotland. The history, the culture, fascinate me and spark my imagination. Debra has written the setting so well it’s like a secondary character in the story.

One of my favorite characters in this story was Mrs. Kintyre. She had all the spunk and frankness that you’d expect in an older lady of distinction. Reading the story I could almost hear her speaking her lines as I read. At times she almost reminded me of an every-day, common (in other words not so fancy) version of Lady Violet Grantham from Downton Abbey.

Fans of Nancy Drew and cozy mysteries will fall head-over-heals for this exciting story! I have given The Case of the Clobbered Cad 4 stars. I look forward to reading many more books from Debra in the future.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Profile Image for Rebecca Douglass.
Author 25 books190 followers
October 22, 2017
The Case of the Clobbered Cad is a thoroughly enjoyable cozy in a great setting. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of 1956 Edinburgh with Heather as she is trying so hard to settle into her new graduate (or, as they'd say around there, post-graduate) program. She, and we, know that she has to be extra good at it to be accorded any respect, as virtually the only woman in the department. So we can understand the double problem presented by the presence of a professor on whom she developed a crush on the voyage over from the U.S. The author presents Heather's feelings well--her squirming discomfort over having made an idiot of herself, and the realization that this will just make everything harder.

And boy, does it make things harder, because once he is dead, she does look as though she had a motive, and the local police don't seem too friendly. I liked that they aren't incompetent, though, and they aren't evil. The police officer in charge is simply hard-nosed and determined to get the truth out of everyone, which isn't that easy. But since he's not getting there fast enough, and he seems to be suspicious of Heather and other people she likes, it's not unreasonable that she wants to look into it more. An occasional reminder of her childhood interest in detecting (a la Nancy Drew) is more gratuitous than necessary; there is little connection to the "Nosy Parkers" and she has adequate justification for her research without it.

About the only thing that rang wrong in my mind (okay, aside from a day where she was sitting outside enjoying Indian summer weather and then ran for the bus in the rain, which might be an error or might be a comment on Scottish weather), was the insistence from the beginning that she was putting herself in danger. On reflection, I'm not sure why I didn't believe all the people who were worrying about her, since of course digging into murder could be dangerous, but I did feel the concerns were exaggerated, creating a sense of suspense where otherwise there wasn't one. As complaints go, it's pretty minor.

The writing is strong, and the characters well-developed. The balance of romance vs. mystery is about right for my tastes (i.e., almost all mystery with just a bit of romance). Ms. Marvin seems like an author to watch.

My Recommendation:
A promising series for lovers of the cozy mystery, and an especial prize for those who like historical settings, not to mention Anglophiles (is that right for Scotland, too? Brit-o-philes?). Anyway, I recommend it. Note: this is the second in the series, but the series appears to be written by multiple authors.
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews92 followers
October 7, 2017
If you’re after a cozy mystery to curl up with for a couple of hours, look no further. Heather Munro has you covered! It may be a while since the days of the Olentangy Heights Girls’ Detective Society, but she hasn’t lost her curiosity or her desire to solve a mystery; particularly when it could save her from being arrested!

Heather is only recently arrived in Edinburgh at the opening of this story, fresh from a crossing of the Atlantic where she met charming and charismatic fiction author, Professor Jack Winter. She couldn’t help but develop a small crush on him during the crossing, despite learning he was married, but when he had flowers sent to her cabin, she began to suspect he was not an honourable man. Imagine her dismay when she discovered he would be lecturing at the same university she’s attending. How will she avoid him? Well, as it turns out, that won’t be a problem.

The story was well-paced with a wonderful assortment of characters, and I found it impossible to be entirely sure who the murderer was. Jack Winter’s ex-wife was certainly not happy about his philandering ways, and there’s a big question mark over Jack’s agent, Mr Crowder. Just what is his relationship to the grieving widow? Then there’s adjunct professors Tom Brown and Sean Innes, both of whom lost their lectures and their private offices to make room for the celebrity professor. And what about the mysterious antiques dealer, Mr Summerhill?

Heather’s formidable landlady, Mrs Kintyre, is determined to help get to the bottom of it all. After all, no one pays any attention to a greying woman with a thick waist. They’re invisible. (Remind you of Miss Marple, anyone? Well, not so much the thick waist, but you know what I mean!) And as Heather soon discovers, Mrs Kintyre could charm an answer out of an MI5 agent!

Oh, and the Scottish setting was an added bonus. All in all, an engaging mystery with just a hint of romance.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
1,232 reviews
October 12, 2017
For fans of Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, or cozy mysteries in general, The Case of The Clobbered Cad is a treat! Main character, Heather Munro is on the case of the murder of the much hated celebrity archaeologist/author/professor Jack Winters. There is no lack of suspects; everyone seems to have a motive and opportunity. And the police, though completely in control of the investigation, seem to have preconceived notions of just whodunit! It takes Heather, with a little help from her landlady, to get to the bottom of things.

I really enjoyed this historical cozy mystery. The setting of Edinburg in the 1950s gave it a classic mystery vibe, while the sweet, and somewhat naive Heather is the perfect girl detective. Heather has some history with the murder victim which puts her on the short list of suspects. I liked how the author allows Heather to come to grips with her small indiscretion as she searches for the killer. Heather’s landlady assists Heather in the investigation and in Heather’s ultimate forgiveness of herself. Other characters are all a bit shifty, and it is difficult for Heather to know whom to trust. The clues and close calls keep Heather and the reader on their toes. I didn’t see the ending coming, which is a big plus in my book. There is a bit of romance for Heather that I would love to see explored should there be another book (yes, please!). Heather Munro is an endearing character, and I’d love to join her on more mysterious adventures in Scotland.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Singing Librarian Blog Tours for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,321 reviews159 followers
August 24, 2017
"It didn't make any sense. Nothing made any sense."

It's only her first night on the job, and masters student Heather Munro has found a dead body in the archives room; worse still, she knows the man; an American professor visiting Edinburgh University as a guest lecturer, but there's more to the story. Much, much more.

Fearing that she is already a suspect, Heather confides in her landlady and two other young history professors to discover evidence surrounding the murder of the handsome, flirtatious Professor Jack Winter. The two people with the most obvious motive cannot be placed at the scene, and the more poking around that Heather does, the more she is convinced that it's not going to be easy to solve the "case of the clobbered cad".

What a delightful read, with quirky likable characters who make you want to to tip-toe along side them or eavesdrop on their conversations, while they put their God-given curiosity to the test and discover that "the people who care to know the truth . . . are the ones that really matter".
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2017
This was my first cozy mystery, and I had no idea what to expect. I was surprised at how fast we were thrown into the mystery at the beginning of the book, but it certainly kept the action coming. I loved Mrs. Kintyre, Heather's landlady. I felt like her character served a lot of purpose by providing a colorful sidekick and sounding board for Heather. Despite the book description mentioning Heather's childhood spent solving mysteries in her own hometown, there was very little if any connection drawn between her past and present. I was hoping that there would be a bit more bravery and sleuthing skills thrown in there, but Heather doesn't have the strength of character that one might attribute to someone like Nancy Drew. Perhaps that's an unfair assessment since Nancy Drew was less "cozy" in her mysteries. There was also one little piece of drama that never got resolved. I'm hoping that that was deliberate and we'll find out more about it in subsequent installments in this series! Overall, a cute read with a surprise ending, which is always fun!

***I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for LAWonder10.
953 reviews738 followers
November 12, 2017
I absolutely loved the Title of this book and it fit so perfectly!

This is a delightful extension of the members of the "Olentangy Heights Girls' Detective Society" series.

This has a lot of adventure and a touch of romance.

Fast-paced, but slightly predictable, there were enough twists to keep the reader unsure of the outcome.

The only thing I felt lacking was a stronger ending. For this reason I give it Four and a Half Stars

*This book was gifted me with no expectations for a positive review. This is my honest review.

Profile Image for Andrea.
712 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2018
This was such a sweet murder mystery! I liked the bits of Scottish brogue mixed in the story, it really made the characters real people to me. I loved that it was a bit historical but still modern, 1956 wasn't really that long ago but things were different. Tagging along with Heather and her friends finding clues and solving the mystery was fun. The danger parts had me holding my breath, waiting to see what was going to happen. You will never guess who did it!
I would love to see this as a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie!
Profile Image for Heather.
87 reviews20 followers
October 20, 2017
If you love mysteries, you will thoroughly enjoy Debra E. Marvin’s book The Case of the Clobbered Cad. The story is set in Edinburgh, Scotland during the 1950's, and it follows the academic career of Heather Munro. She has arrived in Scotland to pursue a history degree, but in the process falls into a bit of a tragedy. A professor at her university gets murdered, and Heather becomes one of the main suspects—along with several other individuals within her circle. Dealing with this man’s death is not only overwhelming, but Heather also begins to wonder who she can trust. Everyone seems kind and helpful, but deep down, Heather knows that someone she has interacted with is ultimately the one behind Dr. Winter’s murder. Will the police be able to find that individual before someone else gets hurt?

Unfortunately, Heather has a connection to the recently departed professor. She met him on the ship that brought her from America to Scotland and embarrassingly was briefly enchanted by his dashing ways. Heather worries that her reputation is being scarred from her brief encounter with the professor, since the local detective wants to use her previous knowledge of him against her. So many people want to embellish her past introductions to the Winter’s family, in order to scar the truth, and therefore be able to use it against her in their murder inquiries. Can she find a way to make them listen to the facts? Will they ever believe the information she voluntarily gives to the local authorizes?

Mrs. Kintyre is Heather’s landlady and her instant friend. She is the one person who Heather confides in as she deals with all the horror that is unfolding in her life. After traveling so far from home, Mrs. Kintyre does all she can to make Heather feel welcome in this new city. From making tea to chatting about life over scones, Kintyre is a welcomed addition to Heather’s world and someone she knows she could not live without. Interestingly, Heather begins to learn more about her landlady as the case goes along—even to the point of seeing how great a sleuth she truly is.

I highly recommend checking out this book. Mysteries are my favorite genre, and I loved getting to know the characters throughout the various scenes in this book—along with the protagonist—I thought her name was really great too. :) Another thing I loved about this book was the setting. I traveled to Edinburgh when I was in college—beautiful city—and it is always amazing to read books that have a backdrop from another country and that are detailed through the eyes of another decade. When you get an opportunity to read this text, let me know your thoughts about this mystery in the comments below. Happy reading!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Singing Librarian Books for my copy.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,813 reviews151 followers
August 27, 2017
Girl detective Nancy Drew was my first introduction to suspense and mystery novels and I have been a fan since reading The Secret of the Old Clock. Debra E. Marvin has written a book that reminded me why I loved these books so much. The black silhouette of a young woman holding a magnifying glass on the cover of The Case of the Clobbered Cad was the first indication that I was in for a treat and my introduction to Heather Munroe in the first chapter convinced me that I needed to keep reading. Heather is a young graduate student who has left her home in Ohio to study in Edinburgh, Scotland and she is immediately thrown into a scandal, a murder, and a mystery. She is convinced that important clues are being overlooked by authorities so she sets out to uncover them herself. After all, she was a member of The Nosy Parkers, an amateur detective society back in Ohio! In her quest for the truth Heather is supported by Mrs. Kintyre, her landlady and confidant, and two young men who work at the university, Tom and Sean.

This story occurs in 1956 and it is obvious that the author has thoroughly researched both the time period and the settings of Scotland and England in her clever use of trivia facts in the plotline. Heather mentions to Mrs. Kintyre that she is reading a book by a new suspense and mystery writer, Mary Stewart. Mr. Sandman was a popular song first recorded in 1954 and it is playing on a passing car radio as Heather and Sean walk together. And communicating to her parents that she is safe and well offers Heather great challenges. No cell phones in 1956!

I also appreciate that Debra E. Marvin has created characters who possess a strong faith. I would love to see if Heather and Tom's relationship develops further and I also wonder about a secret involving Tom that Heather has inadvertently learned.

I thought I knew who had committed the crime but there were enough twists and turns to leave me waiting until the end of the book for the solution. I thoroughly enjoyed The Case of the Clobbered Cad and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys good, clean mysteries.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by the author but I wasn't obligated to post a review.

Profile Image for Virginia Campbell.
1,282 reviews348 followers
August 28, 2017
Reading “The Case of the Clobbered Cad”, from author Debra E. Marvin, is a fun trip back to the 1950’s, and it includes all of the elements of those great black & white mystery movies from that era. With its appealing heroine, quick pace, beautifully detailed story line, and of course, the “Whodunnit” at the heart of the tale, this is a real treat for mystery lovers. Settle in for a while with a pot of tea and some “biscuits”—you’ll enjoy the story so much that you will read it all the way through in one setting. Young American Heather Munro is residing in Edinburgh, Scotland to pursue her Master’s Degree in Celtic Studies. Her part-time job at the university begins and ends in one fell swoop with the murder of Jack Winter, author and celebrity professor. Movie-star handsome with charisma to spare, Jack is also a womanizer. Heather met Jack, and his wife, on the ship which brought her to Scotland. After realizing that Jack was married, his appeal began to fade, and Heather was more than surprised to find him on staff at her university. On her first night monitoring the Archives room at the university, Jack is murdered, and Heather is the one who finds his body. Fascinated by detective work and historical research from a young age, Heather now finds herself at the center of a crime case where suspicions swirl around and about, and she must find the real killer in order to be free from implications of guilt. Her landlady, Mrs. Kintyre, is a policeman’s widow with a lively mind of her own. She offers friendship and advice, and Heather is grateful for her support. Then there’s Tom Brown, a university historian who seems most interested in Heather—but is he someone she can trust? As a history lover myself, I enjoy Debra E. Marvin’s way of making the past come alive while telling an entertaining story with rich detail and captivating characters.

Book Copy Gratis Author
Profile Image for Laura.
3,204 reviews346 followers
October 8, 2017
Aye what a tangled web we weave, or dig ourselves into, when we play with the hearts of men and women. The intelligent and attractive Miss Heather Monro is headed off to Edinburgh, Scotland as a grad student. She is looking forward to the excitement and romance of this trip.
She gets a little of the "romance" on the ship delivering her, as she develops a small and soon cured "crush" on an American celebrity visiting professor.
She did not know the same professor would be teaching at her university nor could she predict that she would be the one to discover his bloody body on her first day of work-study.
Being alone in a strange land in a time before Skype and internet access, fortunately Heather finds an ally in her landlady. Two adjunct professors at the college also seem to be trying to help clear Heather of suspicion, but how can she be sure they do not have other motives? What about the dead man's wife? Isn't it often the spouse who is guilty - especially when the man seemed to be well known as a philandering cad?

Set in the days when every young girl dreamed of following in Nancy Drew's shadow, with the added attraction of men in kilts and a delectable Scottish brogue, this exciting mystery will sweep you off your feet. I loved the setting and the vocabulary choices, the phrasing. Heather and Mrs. K are extremely lovely characters from the start. The male characters are likable yet shady enough to give us doubt as to their true motives. The official investigation moves forward but then jerks back a few steps. I also appreciated the tongue in cheek aspect of "we're from the government. You can trust us." All around a wonderful addition to the cozy mystery genre.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,409 reviews80 followers
October 9, 2017
What a well written novel. The talk, the setting, the situations – all seemed realistic to the location and time period of the story. The research that Ms. Marvin put into this novel was evident in every page. Aside from that, the mystery was great and I found myself diving in head first to finding the killer. In fact, I’m not who wanted it more, me or Heather. The way that the clues were given was genius. I had my theories of course, as will you. But here’s the thing, just when you are going in one direction and think you have it figured out, surprise! Ms. Marvin has steered you into an entirely different direction. The clues keep you on your toes right up until the end.

My favorite character was actually Mrs. Kintyre. I think it’s because if I were her, I would find myself meddling in the case as well. She was a smart lady, and paid attention to things you wouldn’t necessarily think about. She also had a way of nudging Heather forward when Heather was ready to go a different direction. And she was not afraid of the authorities! She had this spunk that I kind of admired.

I thought the ending was great. Turns out, I was wrong about the killer. In fact, it ended up being someone I only briefly thought about. What does that mean? Well either I am just naïve, or the author is really good at what she does. I’m thinking the latter on that! Honestly, if I look back and some scenes it does come together. But it takes the second read to see that! I hope you enjoy the mystery as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deb.
339 reviews15 followers
September 23, 2017
The Case of the Clobbered Cad by Debra E Marvin is a wonderful, fun, exciting, mystery that keeps you guessing to the end. I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down.

Heather Munro finds herself in Scotland going to the University for her degree in Celtic History. She thinks she has gotten the ideal job when she lands the position in the Archives room of the University oh boy if only she knew.  Her first night on the job is not what she expected. When she steps out of the room and comes back to find a body things get dangerous and interesting. Heather finds herself one of the suspects and has to find who really is the murderer and clear her name. Can she, like Nancy Drew, find the answers she seeks in the murder case with the help of her friends Mrs Kintyre and Tom Brown?

Heather is smart but tends to put herself in danger without thinking about it. She has good instincts and gumption but also a soft somewhat naive side that can lead her into trouble at times. I love her land lady Mrs Kintyre. She has spunk and is up to a good challenge. She reminds me a little of Miss Marple. I found myself liking several of the people but others sent my radar up while still others I just plain didn't care for which included DI Payne. He was mean, ARROGANT and intimidating. I loved how Mrs Kintrye didn't let him bully her or Heather and stood up to him. This book just had the right mix of unique and interesting characters.

If you like a good mystery which has all the right ingredients  starting with a great setting, strong characters, a good plot with many turns and enough suspects to keep you guessing then this is the book for you.Right from the first page this book grabs you and takes you on a ride to the very end. If you like Nancy Drew or Agatha Christie mysteries you will enjoy this one too.
I highly recommend this book. 5 stars
886 reviews70 followers
August 28, 2017
What could be more fun than experiencing a cozy murder mystery in one of my favourite countries...Scotland! This was a fun, fast-paced murder mystery that had many suspects. Unfortunately, for Heather Munro, she was one of them! Just newly arrived from the United States to pursue her Masters Degree in Celtic Studies at the University of Edinburgh in 1956, she is to start work in the evening with the Archaeology Department monitoring the archives to help defray costs. However, during her first evening, she finds "Him" dead in the archives room after returning from the ladies room. This doesn't bode well for her, as she had a rather large crush on "Him" during her trip over on the HMS Mauretania.

The atmosphere was well developed as were the characters. I found Heather's two colleagues intriguing, but Heather's landlady, Mrs. Kintyre was an absolute delight. She was just what Heather needed being far from home.

"I sometimes do get lonely for a man's company, but not enough to train a new one."

I enjoyed how Heather took her childhood interest of solving mysteries and applied them to this case with the help of Mrs. Kintyre and her two colleagues. There is also another side mystery that never did get fully answered but that would be my only quibble.

All in all an enjoyable cozy mystery dealing with murder, black market and possible hit men!

I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
481 reviews12 followers
October 16, 2017
If the cover doesn't 'get you' check it out anyway. I am somewhat of a cover junkie. If it doesn't click for me I probably won't pick it up. This one is different. You can't judge a book by it's cover.

I read the synopsis (huge surprise...I usually don't) and I thought to myself 'well dawng' I wish I had read book 1. I loved the idea of the teens girl sleuths that grew up and to pursue sensible careers.

So what happened to the group in book 1 The Counterfeit Clue.
I have it on my list. This is a series that I want to read and collect.

Just the description reminds me a little of Trixie Belden (did
you see my banner?) or maybe more like Nancy Drew.

It was a little bit different for me and not that it's negative but just different. The story takes place actually just before I was born.
So to me it was odd.

The reader along with Heather has plenty of suspects to consider.
Unlike the local authorities who want to focus on Heather.

As Heather struggles to clean her name she is drawn into a bit of romance. But she has to question who she can trust.

Overall at least for this reader there is just enough romance mixed with mystery to make for a great read!

I look forward to reading more in the Posey Mystery Series.

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
Profile Image for Karen Hadley.
540 reviews17 followers
October 12, 2017
GOOD MORNING AND FRIDAY IS A COMING!
Okay, I hope you are having a great week. Mine has been crazy and
that is okay because I’m a little crazy too. For example, yesterday I was
typing this review, had it finished and went to save it and it disappeared
into cyber space or wherever things go when you can’t find them. So,
there ya go but you know what I’ll rewrite the review and life will go on.
“The Case of The Clobbered Cad” reminds me of my youth when I read
The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew. I love the who-dun-it books. This is a great mystery with all the character and the trying to figure out “WHO-DUN-IT” you’re looking for.
Heather is so brave to be in a foreign country with no family trying to finish her degree. Throughout she finds friends she can rely on or can she. You will twist and turn trying to discover the culprit. Is it someone she knows, has she been set up or maybe it’s someone she doesn’t expect at all. I will say that Mrs. Kintyre is my favorite character. She’s nosy and likes to play detective and she doesn’t let
anyone stop her. She is a hoot!!!
My advice on this book: READ IT!!!

Blessings,
Karen Hadley
Rating: 4*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Crystal.
259 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2017
Optimistic Heather Munro has unfortunately found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time when she is targeted as the prime suspect in the death of a distinguished American guest professor at the Scottish university where she is studying. Police deem that Heather has the motive as a possible party in a love triangle with the professor and the means since she was the only known employee in the Archives room with access to the murder weapon. With the help of her savvy landlady, Mrs. Kintyre, and two new adjunct friends from the university, Sean and Tom, Heather must put into practice her investigative skills in order to clear her name and uncover the truth. Readers are taken on a whirlwind sleuthing expedition all over Edinburgh as the gang pieces together clue after clue while also finding themselves facing dangerous foes! Marvin keeps the reader guessing at "who done it" as the complex plot unfolds, connections are made to key players in the plot, and the true motive comes out. Exciting read that kept me up late into the night!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. However, this review reflects an honest view of my own thoughts and opinions regarding this book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,163 reviews43 followers
August 14, 2017
There were so many elements that I love featured in this book, an inquisitive girl detective, the beautiful setting of Scotland, a look at college life, interesting characters, and an intriguing mystery that left me guessing until the end. All of this combined into an exciting and fun cozy mystery that I couldn't put down.

Mrs. Kintyre was my favorite character. Mrs. K and Heather were quite the entertaining crime-solving duo. The murder victim wasn't very well liked, so there were quite a few suspects with strong motives. I thought I had it figured out, but then the reveal came and I was shocked.

THE CASE OF THE CLOBBERED CAD was the first book I've read by Marvin and I loved every second of it! I highly recommend it for people who love cozy mysteries!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,503 reviews131 followers
August 19, 2017
I received this book from the author and was in no way influenced to provide a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

In this wonderful cozy mystery by Debra E. Marvin, the heroine, Heather Munro has traveled across the pond to study at Edinburgh, Scotland. She barely starts her classes when she is faced with a dead body! She is compelled to solve the crime -- Nancy Drew style-- with the help of her trusted, but quirky landlady and two young professors from the University, even after being warned off by the local constabulary.

Debra inserts interesting facts about England and Scotland along the way in a manner that is natural.
The main characters faith is subtle but thought provoking in a way that drives their actions.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
283 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2018
Scotland,mystery with a surprise ending and a little romance

Heather Munro chose to go to university in Scotland but never expected to find a dead body or be accused of having an affair with and murdering a married professor. When young she was a member of a detective club. She makes friends with two men and her landlady who all combine to go sleuthing. She gets a strange phone call ordering her to keep her nose out of the murder investigation.
The American consulate even gets involved and she is let go of one job but finds another with a surprise. Intrique questins, more suspects and a knock out story..great read
919 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2017
The Case of the Clobbered Cad is a delightful cozy mystery set in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1956. Debra E. Marvin has chosen the perfect setting for her book, and her realistic and endearing characters are perfectly drawn for the story. I absolutely adored Mrs. Kintyre, Heather's spunky, mystery-solving sidekick. She added life and spirit to the tale. Any story set in Scotland captures my attention immediately, and the mystery kept me guessing to the end. I look forward to more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
1,230 reviews30 followers
October 4, 2017
A charming, cozy murder mystery set in 1950s Scotland.
Action from the first chapter to the end.
Twists and turns. I was definitely surprised at the end.
Fun characters! Heather is down-to-earth, just what you'd expect of a girl in her position.
How unfortunate that she made the mistake of getting to close to that professor.
And then, he happens to be killed so close to her office, on her very first day of work?
What a strange coincidence! Or was it?
Was someone framing her?
You will want to read this one!
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
October 24, 2017
Quirky characters. Intrigue. Espionage. Faith in God. Author Debra Marvin put it all into this book!

I truly did love the characters; especially Mrs. K. (Read it to find out who she is!) They are all lovable, realistic people who will pull you in as you follow them around Scotland, trying to figure out who done it.

Full of surprises, I loved this cozy mystery and it grabbed me right from the start.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,747 reviews27 followers
October 3, 2017
I always enjoy any book set in Scotland and appreciated the Edinburgh setting. The main protagonist, Heather, was an interesting character who didn't always use wisdom! The Case of the Clobbered Cad was a cute mystery. I received an advance reader e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
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