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Juniper Grove #3
At Death's Door
The 3rd book in the Juniper Grove Mystery Series!
Thanksgiving in Juniper Grove is a time for family, good friends, and good food. But at Nora Barberton’s home, Thanksgiving ends in tragedy when one of her dinner guests is murdered and a precious artifact disappears from her house—seemingly vanishing into thin air.
When Nora pleads for help, Rachel agrees to tackle the case. Soon she uncovers a web of deception wove by those Nora trusts most. In a race against time, and as her relationship with James Gilroy, the town’s police chief, takes a surprising turn, Rachel must solve the mystery before the killer strikes again.
This light, cozy mystery offers a clean read with a female amateur sleuth in a small-town setting. No foul language, sex, gore, or graphic scenes of any kind. It can be read as a standalone, but it will be enjoyed more as part of the series.
Thanksgiving in Juniper Grove is a time for family, good friends, and good food. But at Nora Barberton’s home, Thanksgiving ends in tragedy when one of her dinner guests is murdered and a precious artifact disappears from her house—seemingly vanishing into thin air.
When Nora pleads for help, Rachel agrees to tackle the case. Soon she uncovers a web of deception wove by those Nora trusts most. In a race against time, and as her relationship with James Gilroy, the town’s police chief, takes a surprising turn, Rachel must solve the mystery before the killer strikes again.
This light, cozy mystery offers a clean read with a female amateur sleuth in a small-town setting. No foul language, sex, gore, or graphic scenes of any kind. It can be read as a standalone, but it will be enjoyed more as part of the series.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2017
278 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Karin Kaufman
47 books184 followersKarin Kaufman grew up devouring murder mysteries, especially of the cozy kind. Give her a mystery, a comfy couch, her sweet dog at her side, and (preferably) a rainy day, and she’s in heaven. She’s the author of the Juniper Grove Cozy Mystery Series, the Smithwell Fairies Cozy Mystery Series, and the Anna Denning Mystery Series. The Witch Tree, the first book in her Anna Denning series, was a finalist for a Grace Award. Karin also writes children's books in the Geraldine Woolkins and Woolkins Bookshelf series.
For giveaways and news on all Karin's latest releases, sign up for her mailing list at http://www.KarinKaufman.com. And connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorkarinka....
For giveaways and news on all Karin's latest releases, sign up for her mailing list at http://www.KarinKaufman.com. And connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorkarinka....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 27, 2020
As Thanksgiving is upon us, I thought that I would read a book with a Thanksgiving setting. Karin Kaufman’s
At Death’s Door (Juniper Grove Mystery, #3) fit this bill. Rachel Stowe is invited to Thanksgiving dinner at Nora Baberton’s home along with some of Nora’s friends. Nora has a collection of many things relating to Colorado’s early history and military man, St. Vrain. As everyone is viewing Nors’s new acquisition, Rachel notices one guest taking this new prime piece of Nora’s collection and placing it in her pocket. All of a sudden this guest dies and this precious object disappears.
Nora looks to Rachel for her help in finding the missing piece as well as identifying the guest’s killer. Rachel and Police Chief James Gilroy begin to identify the killer when the stolen piece ‘appears’. The excitement about the finding of of this piece dies not overshadow the fact that Nora’s friend lost her life. Then to everyone’s horror, another death occurs, and this person was at Nora’s for Thanksgiving also. While working on this investigation, the ‘new’ relationship between Rachel and Police Chief Gilroy produces an unexpected result, but both of these characters know a killer is ‘out there’ and must be caught before anyone else is hurt or worse. The author’s realistic characters provide a holiday that will not soon be forgotten. 4.5 stars.
At Death’s Door (Juniper Grove Mystery, #3) fit this bill. Rachel Stowe is invited to Thanksgiving dinner at Nora Baberton’s home along with some of Nora’s friends. Nora has a collection of many things relating to Colorado’s early history and military man, St. Vrain. As everyone is viewing Nors’s new acquisition, Rachel notices one guest taking this new prime piece of Nora’s collection and placing it in her pocket. All of a sudden this guest dies and this precious object disappears.
Nora looks to Rachel for her help in finding the missing piece as well as identifying the guest’s killer. Rachel and Police Chief James Gilroy begin to identify the killer when the stolen piece ‘appears’. The excitement about the finding of of this piece dies not overshadow the fact that Nora’s friend lost her life. Then to everyone’s horror, another death occurs, and this person was at Nora’s for Thanksgiving also. While working on this investigation, the ‘new’ relationship between Rachel and Police Chief Gilroy produces an unexpected result, but both of these characters know a killer is ‘out there’ and must be caught before anyone else is hurt or worse. The author’s realistic characters provide a holiday that will not soon be forgotten. 4.5 stars.
September 6, 2020
If you're looking for cozy mysteries that make you feel cozy, this book was a perfect example of that. The Thanksgiving setting, the crackling fireplaces, the DONUTS--all added up to a delicious story that was just the kind of brain-teaser mystery that was both hard to figure out but not graphic or disturbing, so it's a perfect read just before bed. I enjoyed trying to guess whodunit and the dynamic between Rachel and Gilroy is charming. A great series!
August 20, 2017
I enjoy all Karin Kaufman's books. She is a terrific writer with a wonderful sense of suspense.
This series, the Juniper Grove Cozy Mystery series, is absolutely wonderful and so incredibly delightful! Follow along with returned Colorado native, Rachel Stowe, to the little town of Juniper Grove, as she finds more than enough crime to solve and thus feed her mystery writing career. Her pals Holly and Julia, along with the really, really nice and handsome police chief, James Gilroy, will become like your own friends.
One thing about her books: I never can figure out the culprit until she does the reveal. Now I'm looking forward to #4 in the series.
This series, the Juniper Grove Cozy Mystery series, is absolutely wonderful and so incredibly delightful! Follow along with returned Colorado native, Rachel Stowe, to the little town of Juniper Grove, as she finds more than enough crime to solve and thus feed her mystery writing career. Her pals Holly and Julia, along with the really, really nice and handsome police chief, James Gilroy, will become like your own friends.
One thing about her books: I never can figure out the culprit until she does the reveal. Now I'm looking forward to #4 in the series.
June 22, 2018
In At Death’s Door by Karin Kaufman, Rachel Stowe goes with her next door neighbor, Julia, to the house of Nora Barberton, Julia’s senior friend in Juniper Grove, Colorado. While there, Nora excitedly tells her guests about a highly valuable miniature picture from Colorado history they just discovered and takes everyone to the “Documents Room” to show it off. Then, Rachel sees the picture disappear into the pocket of Anne Reitler, a lonely elderly lady Nora has made a point of inviting to her home for dinners every month. Pointing this action out to Julia, Rachel learns that Anne has recently had a fixation that someone from their regular dinner parties has been stealing from Nora. So Anne takes things to “protect” them and returns them at the end of the evening, though everyone knows what is going on.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
probably-won-t-read
September 21, 2023I finished the first two in this series, but the plots are so similar that it will be a while before I get into this book, if at all.
November 29, 2022
I’m not always a huge fan of cozy mysteries, because I usually like something more twisty and sinister, but sometimes it’s nice to have suspense without all that, too. This is a decent enough little story, unique because it takes place around Thanksgiving, and not many mysteries do. I was able to read it all in one day, so this is a good one to pick up when you just want to breeze through a book. The donut references might make you hungry!
October 31, 2020
Who knew an archives collection could spark murder...
Another fun story of murder and mayhem in Juniper Grove! I honestly wish all cozy mysteries were as good as At Death's Door and the rest of the Juniper Grove Mysteries from author Karin Kaufman! This book had everything I could wish for. Suspects galore, motives aplenty, a well paced mystery, some fun and quirky characters. And that doesn't even mention the fact that as a museum volunteer myself, I loved the archival theme and ambiance that came with the, in my opinion, perfect settings.
As a cozy mystery, I seriously enjoyed At Death's Door. The little touches of romance were very good. I had fun sorting out the suspects and their motives as I listened. But, I have to say that other than the setting my favorite thing had to be the retirement home residents who just happen to give Rachel some invaluable clues. That crowd was a total hoot! And then there's also the way Karin Kaufman portrays her heroine as so relatably imperfect. Can anyone say blueberry jelly doughnut and a clean jacket? Yep, we've all been there...
As to the fact that I listened to this novel in audiobook form, once again the narrator, one if my favorites, did an excellent job bringing the story to life and her recording production was perfect. No complaints, just a really great audiobook that I would recommend to any cozy mystery fan.
Another fun story of murder and mayhem in Juniper Grove! I honestly wish all cozy mysteries were as good as At Death's Door and the rest of the Juniper Grove Mysteries from author Karin Kaufman! This book had everything I could wish for. Suspects galore, motives aplenty, a well paced mystery, some fun and quirky characters. And that doesn't even mention the fact that as a museum volunteer myself, I loved the archival theme and ambiance that came with the, in my opinion, perfect settings.
As a cozy mystery, I seriously enjoyed At Death's Door. The little touches of romance were very good. I had fun sorting out the suspects and their motives as I listened. But, I have to say that other than the setting my favorite thing had to be the retirement home residents who just happen to give Rachel some invaluable clues. That crowd was a total hoot! And then there's also the way Karin Kaufman portrays her heroine as so relatably imperfect. Can anyone say blueberry jelly doughnut and a clean jacket? Yep, we've all been there...
As to the fact that I listened to this novel in audiobook form, once again the narrator, one if my favorites, did an excellent job bringing the story to life and her recording production was perfect. No complaints, just a really great audiobook that I would recommend to any cozy mystery fan.
August 25, 2017
Rachel and Julia are looking forward to a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with Nora, a wealthy widow, and some interesting friends of Nora's. By the end of the evening, there's a stolen historical artifact, suspicious guests and a murder.
This book reminds me of a classic British mystery where everyone has a secret and to solve the case, those secrets must be revealed.
The ending was perfect and I appreciate the way Karin Kaufman ties up all the loose ends with her characters. There is no character or situation that readers are left to wonder about - a good example is Nora. The friendship that Rachel, Julia and Holly share is so inspiring and I appreciate that all three women are from different generations - makes it more interesting. I also enjoyed the blossoming romance between Rachel and Gilroy.
The Juniper Grove series are heartwarming , suspenseful, romantic books with characters you care about in a town that is cozy but is filled with intrigue. I can't wait for the next book!
This book reminds me of a classic British mystery where everyone has a secret and to solve the case, those secrets must be revealed.
The ending was perfect and I appreciate the way Karin Kaufman ties up all the loose ends with her characters. There is no character or situation that readers are left to wonder about - a good example is Nora. The friendship that Rachel, Julia and Holly share is so inspiring and I appreciate that all three women are from different generations - makes it more interesting. I also enjoyed the blossoming romance between Rachel and Gilroy.
The Juniper Grove series are heartwarming , suspenseful, romantic books with characters you care about in a town that is cozy but is filled with intrigue. I can't wait for the next book!
September 17, 2018
Book 3 is another winner
Rachel and Julia have been invited to Thanksgiving Dinner at Julia's friend Nora's large house. Also in attendance is two couples who have been working with Nora to catelogue some of her historical papers, documents and antiques. Nora also invited a dead old lady from the local elderly housing center and this lady has a habit of stealing things from Nora claiming that she does it to protect her. When a valuable small painting goes missing and then the old lady is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, Rachel believes that a murderer is afoot. With Sheriff Gilroy, her pals Julia and Holly, Rachel begins investigating the murder. When the young caterer is also found murdered and Rachel's house is broken into, she believes that she herself might have caught the killer's attention. Will Rachel be the next victim? Will she solve the murder before someone else is injured? Join this gang of sleuths as they face to find the killer and stay safe themselves. Another winning book by Kathi Kaufman.
Rachel and Julia have been invited to Thanksgiving Dinner at Julia's friend Nora's large house. Also in attendance is two couples who have been working with Nora to catelogue some of her historical papers, documents and antiques. Nora also invited a dead old lady from the local elderly housing center and this lady has a habit of stealing things from Nora claiming that she does it to protect her. When a valuable small painting goes missing and then the old lady is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, Rachel believes that a murderer is afoot. With Sheriff Gilroy, her pals Julia and Holly, Rachel begins investigating the murder. When the young caterer is also found murdered and Rachel's house is broken into, she believes that she herself might have caught the killer's attention. Will Rachel be the next victim? Will she solve the murder before someone else is injured? Join this gang of sleuths as they face to find the killer and stay safe themselves. Another winning book by Kathi Kaufman.
December 3, 2021
A Thanksgiving dinner party goes sour when an elderly guest dies under mysterious circumstances and a rare miniature portrait disappears and, as always, Rachel is on the job, working to figure out who-dun-it.
The third in a series of light-hearted murder mysteries. I love the interaction between the "girls" and their coffee and cream puffs approach to solving crime as well as the ever present "will they - won't they" romance that looms always, just below the surface of Rachel's relationship with the the local constabulary.
I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the thief and the murderer were and whether they were one in the same.
The third in a series of light-hearted murder mysteries. I love the interaction between the "girls" and their coffee and cream puffs approach to solving crime as well as the ever present "will they - won't they" romance that looms always, just below the surface of Rachel's relationship with the the local constabulary.
I really enjoyed trying to figure out who the thief and the murderer were and whether they were one in the same.
December 9, 2025
If you love cozy mysteries featuring a community of dependable friends and a smidgen of romance I highly recommend the Juniper Grove series. Becky Doughty brings Rachel Stowe and the Juniper Grove cast to life as the reader travels with Rachel and her friends Julia and Holly, to search out clues and solve the latest murder mystery. They remind me a bit of the original Nancy Drew books I read while growing up! No profanity, no explicit details, no sex...just a healthy clean story with a satisfying ending!
September 22, 2017
Good Mystery
I liked this story and hope to read more. This was a nice length and was pretty fast paced without being redundant or too drawn out. The story line was interesting, the characters believable, and I loved the budding romance aspect. I also like stories centered around the holidays and this one had not only a theft and murder but also had a feel good ending on several fronts. Highly recommended.
I liked this story and hope to read more. This was a nice length and was pretty fast paced without being redundant or too drawn out. The story line was interesting, the characters believable, and I loved the budding romance aspect. I also like stories centered around the holidays and this one had not only a theft and murder but also had a feel good ending on several fronts. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2018
Another winner
I really enjoy author Karin Kaufman's writing. It's nice to have a protagonist who is in her 40's & a mystery writer. Then there is the bit of romance on the side!
Enjoy meeting with the Juniper Grove Mystery Gang, have a cream puff & some scones with coffee & settle down to read.
Although I feel this could be a stand alone book, you really should get books 1 & 2 so you can enjoy knowing the characters.
I really enjoy author Karin Kaufman's writing. It's nice to have a protagonist who is in her 40's & a mystery writer. Then there is the bit of romance on the side!
Enjoy meeting with the Juniper Grove Mystery Gang, have a cream puff & some scones with coffee & settle down to read.
Although I feel this could be a stand alone book, you really should get books 1 & 2 so you can enjoy knowing the characters.
June 22, 2018
Stickly fingers or a case of protection
Awesome! Thanksgiving is curtailed with a fall down the stairs. Did she fall or was she pushed? Why was she taking items to give them back later. A short list of suspects but whittling it down to the killer will take some clever clue deciphering. The killer really was a surprise. Also it's nice that the romantic angle is slowly being upped. A great read.
Awesome! Thanksgiving is curtailed with a fall down the stairs. Did she fall or was she pushed? Why was she taking items to give them back later. A short list of suspects but whittling it down to the killer will take some clever clue deciphering. The killer really was a surprise. Also it's nice that the romantic angle is slowly being upped. A great read.
October 18, 2017
Interesting new-to-me cozy series
I really liked this short little cozy. Although it wasn't very long, it felt longer in that there was interesting character development and story telling. I liked that the main character was of an age not often written about, her 40's, and that she was given a romantic interest. I will definitely read more of this series.
I really liked this short little cozy. Although it wasn't very long, it felt longer in that there was interesting character development and story telling. I liked that the main character was of an age not often written about, her 40's, and that she was given a romantic interest. I will definitely read more of this series.
June 29, 2018
This book was okay but I thought it was a little bit too long. There were too many suspects made really couldn't eliminate anyone until the very end of the book. I knew who the killer was from the very beginning because of certain clues that was made obvious by the author however it was a good read and I'll continue to read this series. I still think Rachel is nosy but what can you do LOL
March 24, 2019
Love this series!
These books are wonderful. Many suspects are introduced but the perpetrator is not exposed until the end, so at least for me knowing who did it early on is not a spoiler too the book. The characters are developing very well and are extremely likeable and easy to root for. Very entertaining way to spend a few hours or an evening!
These books are wonderful. Many suspects are introduced but the perpetrator is not exposed until the end, so at least for me knowing who did it early on is not a spoiler too the book. The characters are developing very well and are extremely likeable and easy to root for. Very entertaining way to spend a few hours or an evening!
June 6, 2018
Love this series
Well I'm hooked! Best series ever. Each book has you believing you and Rachel are solving these mysteries together. Can't wait to read the next book. Definitely recommend this series and Karin Kaufman to all cozy mystery fans.
Well I'm hooked! Best series ever. Each book has you believing you and Rachel are solving these mysteries together. Can't wait to read the next book. Definitely recommend this series and Karin Kaufman to all cozy mystery fans.
May 5, 2021
This is becoming a great series. Very Entertaining! Love the characters and the development of them. As you read you feel as your part of the story, it is so well written it just pulls you in. Great Reading Everyone!
July 28, 2021
Thanksgiving to share with friends, and seeing the newest pieces in her collection. When one is lifted and person later found murder. With the holiday season and Rachel has a murder to solve. Delightful
Given audio for my voluntary review
Given audio for my voluntary review
August 20, 2017
A truly lovely, cozy mystery. I highly recommend this book and this series.
October 2, 2017
Delightful series
Warm and cozy. I enjoyed this book as the characters were built up even more. They are becoming old friends. Thumbs up.
Warm and cozy. I enjoyed this book as the characters were built up even more. They are becoming old friends. Thumbs up.
March 12, 2018
Enjoying these mysteries, and the relationships that main character Rachel is building in her new community of Juniper Grove. Another fast, good read.
March 18, 2018
This series gets better and better. I love the characters.
September 17, 2018
really enjoying the series, thought I had this book figured out, was only half way through, nice
twist...
twist...
October 4, 2018
Escape
This authors books are a great way to escape. They are interesting. I love the comment about the Sears Tower. Very clean with no curse words or other inappropriate material.
This authors books are a great way to escape. They are interesting. I love the comment about the Sears Tower. Very clean with no curse words or other inappropriate material.
November 8, 2018
Great
I've been enjoying this series of books. They keep me engaged. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I've been enjoying this series of books. They keep me engaged. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 13, 2019
This series is a treat!
Fun mysteries , twists & turns, love the heroine & her friends. Love the quaint town & its hunky police chief.
Fun mysteries , twists & turns, love the heroine & her friends. Love the quaint town & its hunky police chief.
September 16, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
March 28, 2020
Death's Door
I am liking this series of mystery stories. I have just recently found this author. The characters were likable and interesting.
I am liking this series of mystery stories. I have just recently found this author. The characters were likable and interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews