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Alaska #5
Spring into Murder
Detective Sarah Garland is happy that a harsh winter in Alaska has ended and spring has arrived. The joy of spring, she hopes, will take away the difficult battles she faced during the winter months. What could go wrong with fresh, warm air dancing around her small town, waking up sleeping animals and beautiful flowers? Surely all of the criminals would remain frozen in the winter, right, allowing spring to sing and hope to rinse the cold off itself and begin anew.
But while shopping for clothes at the local merchant store with her best friend Amanda, Sarah is approached by Andrew, the new Chief of Police, and is told a hunter was found dead on an old hiking trail north of town. The hunter, it seems, died of exposure to the elements and no foul was suspected. Sarah is simply asked to help deal with the hunter's family who was on their way up to Alaska from Los Angeles. She agrees, thinking that the case would be simple to manage.
But when hidden answers begin to surface, Sarah is soon thrust into a dangerous case filled with a deadly enemy determined to destroy the lives of two innocent people. Will Sarah be able to put back on her detective hat and outwit and clever adversary, or will she become victim to a poison plot that involves murder for power?
But while shopping for clothes at the local merchant store with her best friend Amanda, Sarah is approached by Andrew, the new Chief of Police, and is told a hunter was found dead on an old hiking trail north of town. The hunter, it seems, died of exposure to the elements and no foul was suspected. Sarah is simply asked to help deal with the hunter's family who was on their way up to Alaska from Los Angeles. She agrees, thinking that the case would be simple to manage.
But when hidden answers begin to surface, Sarah is soon thrust into a dangerous case filled with a deadly enemy determined to destroy the lives of two innocent people. Will Sarah be able to put back on her detective hat and outwit and clever adversary, or will she become victim to a poison plot that involves murder for power?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2017
About the author
Wendy Meadows
200 books444 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 10, 2023
Family, sometimes they are quite literally the death of you. Sarah and Amanda investigate the death of a 90+ year old hunter found in the woods. Was it natural causes or murder? If it’s murder, which of his children, or young wife, or was it all of them together, committed the deed. This time with Conrad in N. Y. Andrew joins Sarah and Amanda to solve this baffling case,
March 26, 2018
Having read these books in order, I have to agree with some of the comments about errors that should have been caught. Amanda's husband has a new name? He was Jack in the first four books....now he's Simon? Numerous typos that the editorial process should have addressed?
While I've enjoyed the storylines in this series, I do question some of the premises....Two women in a small Alaska town, successfully solving mysteries (that the local law enforcement couldn't do with out their guidance) even though one has no investigation/police experience? Why on earth do they always wear dresses (hiking through the woods, in the rain, snow and cold)?
The books are easy reading, but reader, be aware that they are not the best written or best edited books on the shelf.
While I've enjoyed the storylines in this series, I do question some of the premises....Two women in a small Alaska town, successfully solving mysteries (that the local law enforcement couldn't do with out their guidance) even though one has no investigation/police experience? Why on earth do they always wear dresses (hiking through the woods, in the rain, snow and cold)?
The books are easy reading, but reader, be aware that they are not the best written or best edited books on the shelf.
April 28, 2020
Another cute mystery solved by the amazing duo Sarah and Amanda.
A man is found dead on a secluded trail in Snow Falls, AK. It looks like an accident but is it? Guess you'll have to read to find out. 💚💙🖤
A man is found dead on a secluded trail in Snow Falls, AK. It looks like an accident but is it? Guess you'll have to read to find out. 💚💙🖤
January 17, 2018
Another exciting, sometimes wacky but never a dull moment installment in this series. This time, Conrad is down in New York so when an elderly man is found dead, presumably frozen when hunting and found now spring is here, Sarah has to be acting detective for the police force. Of course she's going to have her BFF Amanda help her out. Andrew gets a more prominent role in this book since Conrad is gone for most of it.
The old man's family that came from Los Angeles seems like a train wreck waiting to happen, or at least his daughter and very young wife are. Andrew and Amanda get to laughing so hard over the daughter looking like a circus act--that was one of the funniest parts of the book. Since the family was from LA, Sarah had already conferred with her long time friend and mentor, Pete, from her old police department and knew basically what to expect from this very dysfunctional family.
The rest held my interest as Sarah used her cop's instincts and training to set a trap for the criminals. A couple of glaring editorial errors stood out. This book started referring to Amanda's husband as Simon and I could have sworn in the previous books his name was Jack. Then Teresa was referred to a lot more than once as Milton's wife when she was in fact, Chet's wife. Small errors and by context I knew what was going on. Hopefully future editions might receive some corrections.
One more to go and I'll be caught up!
The old man's family that came from Los Angeles seems like a train wreck waiting to happen, or at least his daughter and very young wife are. Andrew and Amanda get to laughing so hard over the daughter looking like a circus act--that was one of the funniest parts of the book. Since the family was from LA, Sarah had already conferred with her long time friend and mentor, Pete, from her old police department and knew basically what to expect from this very dysfunctional family.
The rest held my interest as Sarah used her cop's instincts and training to set a trap for the criminals. A couple of glaring editorial errors stood out. This book started referring to Amanda's husband as Simon and I could have sworn in the previous books his name was Jack. Then Teresa was referred to a lot more than once as Milton's wife when she was in fact, Chet's wife. Small errors and by context I knew what was going on. Hopefully future editions might receive some corrections.
One more to go and I'll be caught up!
March 1, 2018
A body is found off an old hunting trail north of Snow Fall, Alaska, the victim appears to have died exposure. Alaska law requires an autopsy of a death and the Hopski family is not going to change this protocol. Detective Sarah Garland senses something is wrong and she is out to find out what really happened to Mr. Hopski.
A cozy mystery and though I read this book of the series out of order I got the gist of the backstory from the dialogue. I was surprised to find this book was not listed as Christian fiction though not preachy the characters displayed their spirituality.
A cozy mystery and though I read this book of the series out of order I got the gist of the backstory from the dialogue. I was surprised to find this book was not listed as Christian fiction though not preachy the characters displayed their spirituality.
June 14, 2018
A family divided by greed
Wonderful series that doesn't disappoint with this latest book. A body found on the trail is that of a wealthy businessman. Was it natural or is there something more sinister at stake. A family at war, a vast fortune at stake and more lies then anyone can swallow. Okay we all know who the "baddie" is but the plot will keep you reading until the end to find out how everything is resolved. The characters are all full and vivid and the descriptions are so good that you can visualise the surroundings. Another winner.
Wonderful series that doesn't disappoint with this latest book. A body found on the trail is that of a wealthy businessman. Was it natural or is there something more sinister at stake. A family at war, a vast fortune at stake and more lies then anyone can swallow. Okay we all know who the "baddie" is but the plot will keep you reading until the end to find out how everything is resolved. The characters are all full and vivid and the descriptions are so good that you can visualise the surroundings. Another winner.
December 13, 2019
Good addition!
I really like this book. I think it was a good story. It wasn’t scary or necessarily upsetting but it really showed the bond of friendship and family. I’m really enjoying this series quite a bit. I love it the books are short and I can read them in between all of my work nonsense. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to have a job but technology just needs to get it self together. I strongly recommend a series. Of course, you can read them out of order but it really helps build the characters up if you start at the beginning.
I really like this book. I think it was a good story. It wasn’t scary or necessarily upsetting but it really showed the bond of friendship and family. I’m really enjoying this series quite a bit. I love it the books are short and I can read them in between all of my work nonsense. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to have a job but technology just needs to get it self together. I strongly recommend a series. Of course, you can read them out of order but it really helps build the characters up if you start at the beginning.
August 21, 2024
Sarah .Amanda and Conrad solve a murder
Author Wendy Meadows has a great imagination. Family trying to undermine the Dad to get all the money. The man was very wealthy and had changed his will. Greed leads to more than one murder in the town of Snow Falls Alaska. See how Acting detective figures out who the five culprits are involved to get the money. The two nice sons Chet and Milton help Sarah and get to say goodbye to their dad at his hidden cabin . Good story to read.
Author Wendy Meadows has a great imagination. Family trying to undermine the Dad to get all the money. The man was very wealthy and had changed his will. Greed leads to more than one murder in the town of Snow Falls Alaska. See how Acting detective figures out who the five culprits are involved to get the money. The two nice sons Chet and Milton help Sarah and get to say goodbye to their dad at his hidden cabin . Good story to read.
February 16, 2025
Very good
Sarah and Amanda are on a case again. Conrad is back in New York.
A very rich man has been found dead on a trail. His family has showed up and it appears that all they care about is his money.
As Sarah and Amanda get to know Chet and Milton, they realize these 2 guys actually cared for their father. They can't say the same for the daughter or the wife.
The suspect list dwindles even more after the wife is found dead.
Will Sarah and Amanda solve this case?
Sarah and Amanda are on a case again. Conrad is back in New York.
A very rich man has been found dead on a trail. His family has showed up and it appears that all they care about is his money.
As Sarah and Amanda get to know Chet and Milton, they realize these 2 guys actually cared for their father. They can't say the same for the daughter or the wife.
The suspect list dwindles even more after the wife is found dead.
Will Sarah and Amanda solve this case?
January 26, 2026
Simply love this cozy little series. The relationship between Sarah and Amanda is my favorite, they are the cutest best friends ever! This installment was quite predictable and didn’t feel as ‘high-stakes,’ but the new characters and their personalities along with physical descriptions were perfectly executed. Wendy does a great job at emotionally connecting you to each character, making you feel like you’re just a fellow resident living in Snow Falls, Alaska.
January 29, 2019
Wow! What a wonderful read
Wow! What a wonderful read
I hope this wasn't the end of your series, because it was getting good and your ending in this book had touched my heart when you wrote, "a fawn came out of the woods and smelled the red rose, that Amanda placed on Mr. Hopski's grave, then layed down.
Thank you for an amazing adventure
Cherie A Harlow
Wow! What a wonderful read
I hope this wasn't the end of your series, because it was getting good and your ending in this book had touched my heart when you wrote, "a fawn came out of the woods and smelled the red rose, that Amanda placed on Mr. Hopski's grave, then layed down.
Thank you for an amazing adventure
Cherie A Harlow
August 1, 2019
Spring Into Murder (Alaska Cozy Mystery Book) By Wendy Meadows)
Wendy did a much better job developing the plot in this book. I think she should should dress in
omg warm pants to wear their cozy warm sweaters with. I would like to see Amanda's husbands character develop more in future stories. Who line's maybe they already have.
Wendy did a much better job developing the plot in this book. I think she should should dress in
omg warm pants to wear their cozy warm sweaters with. I would like to see Amanda's husbands character develop more in future stories. Who line's maybe they already have.
October 26, 2017
Awesome Read
This is an amazing story that pits good against. bad, and shows how greed makes monsters of humans. Sarah, Andrew and Amanda show strength as they work to overcome evil. This is an excellent read that will keep the reader turning the pages
This is an amazing story that pits good against. bad, and shows how greed makes monsters of humans. Sarah, Andrew and Amanda show strength as they work to overcome evil. This is an excellent read that will keep the reader turning the pages
October 31, 2017
Changes, and not good ones
More mistakes in this than the previous books. Chet and Milton's names are mixed up quite a few times, when that should have been an obvious catch. Also a loot of mentions of god that I don't recall in the other books, which I find off putting.
More mistakes in this than the previous books. Chet and Milton's names are mixed up quite a few times, when that should have been an obvious catch. Also a loot of mentions of god that I don't recall in the other books, which I find off putting.
November 14, 2017
I've read all the books in this series. I really enjoyed them all. The characters are fun, the friendship between Sarah and Amanda is a nice touch. Makes you want to move to Alaska. I like how you don't know right away who is the culprit.
November 18, 2017
Great!
I read all 5 books back to back! Love the characters!! Didn’t want to finish!! Can’t wait for the next books in this series so I hope u write fast lol now I will start your other series u have put!!
I read all 5 books back to back! Love the characters!! Didn’t want to finish!! Can’t wait for the next books in this series so I hope u write fast lol now I will start your other series u have put!!
June 9, 2019
Once again excellent
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I like reading about the characters as they move from book to book. The author always has a interesting and amusing storyline. I would recommend it to anyone.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I like reading about the characters as they move from book to book. The author always has a interesting and amusing storyline. I would recommend it to anyone.
May 30, 2020
Spring into Murder
April in Alaska is gorgeous, beautiful wild flowers, bear ,fixed and murder. A family feud, comes from California to a small town, and murder follows them. An exciting mystery.
April in Alaska is gorgeous, beautiful wild flowers, bear ,fixed and murder. A family feud, comes from California to a small town, and murder follows them. An exciting mystery.
October 7, 2020
Not bad
Better than the book before it. I liked Milton & Chet. It was missing Conrad & that messed with the flow of the book. Not much mystery in it but the writer kind of didn't try to hide anything either. I liked it.
Better than the book before it. I liked Milton & Chet. It was missing Conrad & that messed with the flow of the book. Not much mystery in it but the writer kind of didn't try to hide anything either. I liked it.
October 11, 2020
Excellent storytelling and characters
Another great instalment in the Alaska Cozy Mystery series - this is number 5. I really enjoyed the book and loved the characters. It’s a great story and series which I would highly recommend.
Another great instalment in the Alaska Cozy Mystery series - this is number 5. I really enjoyed the book and loved the characters. It’s a great story and series which I would highly recommend.
January 28, 2021
Awesome series
I was not sure what to expect when I started this series. I was really surprised. Love the characters. Keeps you on your toes. I'm already on book 5. Looking forward to book 6 !!
I was not sure what to expect when I started this series. I was really surprised. Love the characters. Keeps you on your toes. I'm already on book 5. Looking forward to book 6 !!
April 9, 2021
Crazy Alaskan Murder Mystery
I really like these books. They're easy to read, and the stories aren't too far fetched like some cozy mysteries, but there's a little too much 'God is good, God is great' for my liking. I'll continue to read them though.
I really like these books. They're easy to read, and the stories aren't too far fetched like some cozy mysteries, but there's a little too much 'God is good, God is great' for my liking. I'll continue to read them though.
January 24, 2023
A series you must read!
I can't get enough of the characters, through laughter tears and suspense. June Bug and Los Angeles friendship is often put to the test due to their occopational differences!
I can't get enough of the characters, through laughter tears and suspense. June Bug and Los Angeles friendship is often put to the test due to their occopational differences!
October 30, 2017
Great a t quick read.
The girls need to solve a murder while Conrad is out of t o an. Question is are they the next targets.
The girls need to solve a murder while Conrad is out of t o an. Question is are they the next targets.
November 1, 2017
Love her books!!
A quick read that is very enjoyable!! Cozy up in front of a fire and read! Enjoyable boo for the day!!
A quick read that is very enjoyable!! Cozy up in front of a fire and read! Enjoyable boo for the day!!
December 1, 2017
OMG best one yet
Loved it. Sat here crying, she made me feel like I was right there with them in Alaska. Makes me want to move there. It was amazing.
Loved it. Sat here crying, she made me feel like I was right there with them in Alaska. Makes me want to move there. It was amazing.
January 25, 2018
Amazing read 📚❤
Couldn't have asked for a better book. Love all of this series. I can't wait for them to come out and read a quick as possible hopefully more follows.
Couldn't have asked for a better book. Love all of this series. I can't wait for them to come out and read a quick as possible hopefully more follows.
February 13, 2018
Enjoyable
Holds the readers interest from cover to cover. Characters are quite likable and realistic. Easy read. Only took a few hours to complete.
Holds the readers interest from cover to cover. Characters are quite likable and realistic. Easy read. Only took a few hours to complete.
April 7, 2018
Better and better
This series just keeps getting better. I'm going to be said when I've finished all the books. They all feel like family to me, even Andrew. :)
This series just keeps getting better. I'm going to be said when I've finished all the books. They all feel like family to me, even Andrew. :)
May 1, 2018
So sad but uplifting.
I loved this story. It was sad but also so beautiful. This is the best one so far. Thank you Wendy for such a great story.
I loved this story. It was sad but also so beautiful. This is the best one so far. Thank you Wendy for such a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews