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A Bird Lover's Mystery #1
Die, Die Birdie
For Amy Simms, hatching a birding shop in her hometown of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, hasn’t exactly been a breeze. But could a deadly discovery clip her wings for good?
It’s just days before Amy plans to open Birds & Bees on the first floor of her creaky Victorian house, but delayed seed shipments have prevented the fledging owner from stocking her shelves. And it doesn’t help that Amy’s best friend and business partner is out of town indefinitely. With locals skeptical about the niche shop taking flight, the last thing Amy needs now is a dead man in her storeroom—or for a crotchety tenant to catch her holding a bloody birdfeeder hook over his body . . .
Pigeonholed as a leading murder suspect by police and lacking a solid alibi, Amy’s delving into the victim’s ugly past and buzzing around Ruby Lake for clues on his killer . . . before she ends up like so many of her beloved feathery friends—trapped behind bars!
It’s just days before Amy plans to open Birds & Bees on the first floor of her creaky Victorian house, but delayed seed shipments have prevented the fledging owner from stocking her shelves. And it doesn’t help that Amy’s best friend and business partner is out of town indefinitely. With locals skeptical about the niche shop taking flight, the last thing Amy needs now is a dead man in her storeroom—or for a crotchety tenant to catch her holding a bloody birdfeeder hook over his body . . .
Pigeonholed as a leading murder suspect by police and lacking a solid alibi, Amy’s delving into the victim’s ugly past and buzzing around Ruby Lake for clues on his killer . . . before she ends up like so many of her beloved feathery friends—trapped behind bars!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 16, 2016
23 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ripley
32 books230 followersBestselling author of fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, capers, cozies and more. Pseudonym for author Glenn Meganck
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 21, 2016
What a different and interesting concept for a cozy mystery series for Bird and nature fans alike. The cover caught my eye with the cute little blue I love birds and the birdhouse and being a bird fan and watcher I wanted to read Die, Die Birdie.
Amy Simms loves nature and all things birds, she is gearing up for the grand opening of her store, Birds and Bees in her new home/business she purchased from Gertie Hammer. Matt Kowalski is found by Amy and her best friend and assistant, Kim in storeroom dead, Matt is someone who went to school with them.
Roommate nicknamed, Esther the Pester then accuses Amy of committing the murder when Matt's blood is on her hands. Soon it's shopkeeper, Amy Simm's under suspicion of murder when it is found that he was killed with a birdfeeder hook. Amy and her best friend, Kim wonder about the future of Birds and Bees.
Kim is carrying secrets about her past with Matt that make Amy wonder and Gertie Hammer wants to purchase the house back from Amy when it is suspected the holds something of value and could be a reason why Matt and another murder was committed.
Entertaining plot twists made Die,Die Birdie a fun read. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story. The concept of the mystery also made it enjoyable and made for a thrilling adventure. I can't wait to read and review the next book in the Bird lovers mysteries.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
Amy Simms loves nature and all things birds, she is gearing up for the grand opening of her store, Birds and Bees in her new home/business she purchased from Gertie Hammer. Matt Kowalski is found by Amy and her best friend and assistant, Kim in storeroom dead, Matt is someone who went to school with them.
Roommate nicknamed, Esther the Pester then accuses Amy of committing the murder when Matt's blood is on her hands. Soon it's shopkeeper, Amy Simm's under suspicion of murder when it is found that he was killed with a birdfeeder hook. Amy and her best friend, Kim wonder about the future of Birds and Bees.
Kim is carrying secrets about her past with Matt that make Amy wonder and Gertie Hammer wants to purchase the house back from Amy when it is suspected the holds something of value and could be a reason why Matt and another murder was committed.
Entertaining plot twists made Die,Die Birdie a fun read. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story. The concept of the mystery also made it enjoyable and made for a thrilling adventure. I can't wait to read and review the next book in the Bird lovers mysteries.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
June 25, 2016
The first book in the Bird Lover's Mysteries finds Amy Simms getting ready to open her store, Birds & Bees, on the ground level of an old Victorian house that has seen better days.
With her mother and best friend, Kim, helping her finance this new adventure, Amy has a cantankerous tenant on the second floor, along with an empty apartment and she and her mother have taken over the third floor.
But when the old lady upstairs finds Amy in the dark of night standing over a dead man holding a bloody bird feeder hook,things get bad fast.
It seems like everyone in the town of Ruby Lake is up to something. Strange noises, secret meetings and now Amy and her best friend are on the suspect list.
Will Amy be able to open her store or will she be the next victim?
A very well written cozy mystery. It had a good plot, the pace was just right and the characters were well developed and engaging.
I look forward to more of this series!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
With her mother and best friend, Kim, helping her finance this new adventure, Amy has a cantankerous tenant on the second floor, along with an empty apartment and she and her mother have taken over the third floor.
But when the old lady upstairs finds Amy in the dark of night standing over a dead man holding a bloody bird feeder hook,things get bad fast.
It seems like everyone in the town of Ruby Lake is up to something. Strange noises, secret meetings and now Amy and her best friend are on the suspect list.
Will Amy be able to open her store or will she be the next victim?
A very well written cozy mystery. It had a good plot, the pace was just right and the characters were well developed and engaging.
I look forward to more of this series!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2016
This is the first book in the Bird Lover's Mysteries, it's a good start. Amy is opening a store that is devoted to the birds and the bees. Amy has the unfortunate chance of stumbling on a dead body in the store room of her shop and is suspected of murder. It doesn't help her when her nosy tenant finds her holding the bloody knife and the chief of police is her ex-boyfriend. Amy searches for clues that will lead to the killer before she's locked up in a cage.
I thought this was a pretty good start to a new series. The writing is well done and flows nicely. At times I felt the writing was flat, there wasn't any real suspense in the story. I flet as though I reading an accounting of someone else's story. The mystery is well plotted with a few twists to keep things interesting. There is a minor cliffhanger at the end that has me interested in reading the next book.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a pretty good start to a new series. The writing is well done and flows nicely. At times I felt the writing was flat, there wasn't any real suspense in the story. I flet as though I reading an accounting of someone else's story. The mystery is well plotted with a few twists to keep things interesting. There is a minor cliffhanger at the end that has me interested in reading the next book.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2017
I believe this is going to be an enjoyable series. I love the theme and the area this is based on. Hometown, everyone knows everyone kind of setting. The main character, Amy, could have been a bit smarter when purchasing the building for her business, but then again, the book would have taken a whole different turn. Looking forward to the next.
October 27, 2018
A cozy mystery that doesn't disappoint
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series that I discovered. It has a different niche and theme, but didn't disappoint. In Die, Die Birdie, Amy Simms is a thirtysomething brunette who decides she's going to open up a shop for bird wathers/enthusiasts, beekeepers, and nature lovers/gardeners,. She leaves being her cushy, comfortable job and life in Chapel Hill and returns to her hometown of Ruby Lake, buys a old Victorian house and turns it into her house and business, (Birds & Bees). She runs it along with her mother and her best friend, Kim, with the annoyance of her one tenant, Ester, an old busybody. Everything is bliss before opening up the store, thst is until Amy discovers a body in her storeroom and she's arrested and taking to the police station. It is a very good read as far as a cozy goes. It was definitely compelling, etertaining and kept my interested in solving the mystery and getting to the end. I've already purchased book two in the series. It was well written, and the characters were very entertaining and likeable.
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series that I discovered. It has a different niche and theme, but didn't disappoint. In Die, Die Birdie, Amy Simms is a thirtysomething brunette who decides she's going to open up a shop for bird wathers/enthusiasts, beekeepers, and nature lovers/gardeners,. She leaves being her cushy, comfortable job and life in Chapel Hill and returns to her hometown of Ruby Lake, buys a old Victorian house and turns it into her house and business, (Birds & Bees). She runs it along with her mother and her best friend, Kim, with the annoyance of her one tenant, Ester, an old busybody. Everything is bliss before opening up the store, thst is until Amy discovers a body in her storeroom and she's arrested and taking to the police station. It is a very good read as far as a cozy goes. It was definitely compelling, etertaining and kept my interested in solving the mystery and getting to the end. I've already purchased book two in the series. It was well written, and the characters were very entertaining and likeable.
September 6, 2016
Die, Die Birdie by J. R. Ripley is the 1st book in A Bird Lover's Mystery series, and my first book by this author. I am not a bird enthusiast, but I really enjoyed this book. Amy Simms is opening a new store Birds & Bees, with the help of her mother, and her best friend, but things keep going wrong. The biggest problem is finding a dead body.
This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading page after page. Just when I thought I was on the right track, I realize I wasn't. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, because a new challenge already awaits them, which you find out at the end of the . If you love cozy mysteries like I do, than I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading page after page. Just when I thought I was on the right track, I realize I wasn't. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, because a new challenge already awaits them, which you find out at the end of the . If you love cozy mysteries like I do, than I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 28, 2016
Another TSTL heroine
I wish there was a subcategory for cozy mysteries: Heroines who are too stupid to live! The main character of this book goes alone into dark attics wearing night clothes when she hears strange noises - more than once - and after finding a murder victim in her house. All this book needed was a chainsaw and cheesy music . I did wonder for about a minute whether this was intended to be a take off on cozy mysteries but decided it wasn't . None of the characters in this book are interesting enough to me to want to know anymore about so I definitely won't be buying any more books in the series.
I wish there was a subcategory for cozy mysteries: Heroines who are too stupid to live! The main character of this book goes alone into dark attics wearing night clothes when she hears strange noises - more than once - and after finding a murder victim in her house. All this book needed was a chainsaw and cheesy music . I did wonder for about a minute whether this was intended to be a take off on cozy mysteries but decided it wasn't . None of the characters in this book are interesting enough to me to want to know anymore about so I definitely won't be buying any more books in the series.
August 14, 2016
First book in a brand new cozy series and it's a good start.
The main characters are fun and quirky, some are annoying and aggravating and some grow on you over the course of the book.
Lots of information about birds and a little about bees but not enough to distract from the story, just to move it on a little.
I enjoyed the mystery, the town is described wonderfully and the characters are well written.
I'll be keeping my eye out for more in this series!
*Huge thanks to J.R. Ripley, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
The main characters are fun and quirky, some are annoying and aggravating and some grow on you over the course of the book.
Lots of information about birds and a little about bees but not enough to distract from the story, just to move it on a little.
I enjoyed the mystery, the town is described wonderfully and the characters are well written.
I'll be keeping my eye out for more in this series!
*Huge thanks to J.R. Ripley, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
September 18, 2016
Review was originally posted on The Writer's Inkwell
For the start of a new cozy mystery series, I have to say this was a great book to begin with. Unlike other cozy mysteries, this one immediately plunges into the mystery. As Amy returns home late one night, she discovers the lights aren’t working and as she tries to make her way around, she unwillingly stumbles over the body of a dead man. Of course, she happens to pick up the murder weapon just before the old crone who rents from her, catches her in the act.
I actually enjoyed the world building within this book. It’s clear this small town is full of drama and scandal, as even Amy’s best friend has a dirty secret to hide. There are quirky and crazy characters to enjoy, but the one I enjoyed the most was the Pester, aka Amy’s tenant Esther. The old woman is constantly pointing the finger at Amy as the killer and is the bane in Amy’s behind every step of the way. Even though I would have wanted to kick her out, were she my tenant, she does eventually worm her way into your heart… well sort of.
The only complaint I have is that the pacing tends to stall a little here and there. But as it’s a new book for a new series, this can be expected. I’m actually looking forward to the next book. The ending leaves a lot drama hanging over Amy’s head and has you wondering how she’s going to save her fledgling business. Though I did wonder how a bird and bee shop would fair in a small town, the new threat to it is a smart move on the author’s part.
I would highly suggest this book for any cozy mystery lover. Hopefully you’ll be adding it to your reading list and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Reviewer’s note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the start of a new cozy mystery series, I have to say this was a great book to begin with. Unlike other cozy mysteries, this one immediately plunges into the mystery. As Amy returns home late one night, she discovers the lights aren’t working and as she tries to make her way around, she unwillingly stumbles over the body of a dead man. Of course, she happens to pick up the murder weapon just before the old crone who rents from her, catches her in the act.
I actually enjoyed the world building within this book. It’s clear this small town is full of drama and scandal, as even Amy’s best friend has a dirty secret to hide. There are quirky and crazy characters to enjoy, but the one I enjoyed the most was the Pester, aka Amy’s tenant Esther. The old woman is constantly pointing the finger at Amy as the killer and is the bane in Amy’s behind every step of the way. Even though I would have wanted to kick her out, were she my tenant, she does eventually worm her way into your heart… well sort of.
The only complaint I have is that the pacing tends to stall a little here and there. But as it’s a new book for a new series, this can be expected. I’m actually looking forward to the next book. The ending leaves a lot drama hanging over Amy’s head and has you wondering how she’s going to save her fledgling business. Though I did wonder how a bird and bee shop would fair in a small town, the new threat to it is a smart move on the author’s part.
I would highly suggest this book for any cozy mystery lover. Hopefully you’ll be adding it to your reading list and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Reviewer’s note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2016
In Die, Die Birdie, the first book in the Bird Lover's Mystery series, author J.R. Ripley weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of Bird & Bees shop owner Amy Simms, when she unexpectedly finds herself a suspect in the murder of Matt Kowalski, who she found dead in her storage room.
Set in the southern town of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, Amy has returned to her hometown and is a few days away from opening Birds & Bees, a birding supply store in an old three story Victorian home with her best friend and business partner Kim Christy. Amy's life is turned upside down when she stumbles upon Matt's dead body, and she suddenly finds herself a suspect in his murder when her nosy elderly renter Esther Pilaster, aka Esther Pester, finds Amy standing over the body holding a bloody wrought iron bird feeder pole in her hands. When Amy's ex-high school boyfriend Chief of Police Jerry Kennedy suspects her of the murder, Amy decides to search for clues into the identity of the murderer in order to clear her name and save her new business.
Die, Die Birdie is a slow building southern whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, secrets, frenemies, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep you guessing the identity of the murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as Amy tries to solve the murder. Amy's amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.
Die, Die Birdie is an entertaining southern cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with a dose of good ol' southern charm and humor. I really enjoyed the author's rich description of the charming western North Carolina small town of Ruby Lake and it's colorful townsfolk. So pull up a rocking chair and set down for a spell with some sweet tea while Amy takes you on her madcap adventure!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Set in the southern town of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, Amy has returned to her hometown and is a few days away from opening Birds & Bees, a birding supply store in an old three story Victorian home with her best friend and business partner Kim Christy. Amy's life is turned upside down when she stumbles upon Matt's dead body, and she suddenly finds herself a suspect in his murder when her nosy elderly renter Esther Pilaster, aka Esther Pester, finds Amy standing over the body holding a bloody wrought iron bird feeder pole in her hands. When Amy's ex-high school boyfriend Chief of Police Jerry Kennedy suspects her of the murder, Amy decides to search for clues into the identity of the murderer in order to clear her name and save her new business.
Die, Die Birdie is a slow building southern whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, secrets, frenemies, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep you guessing the identity of the murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as Amy tries to solve the murder. Amy's amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.
Die, Die Birdie is an entertaining southern cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with a dose of good ol' southern charm and humor. I really enjoyed the author's rich description of the charming western North Carolina small town of Ruby Lake and it's colorful townsfolk. So pull up a rocking chair and set down for a spell with some sweet tea while Amy takes you on her madcap adventure!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 17, 2016
Die, Die Birdie is the debut book in J. R. Ripley’s Bird Lover’s Mysteries series. This is a fun cozy, with a good plot, and well developed, quirky characters. The story moved at a decent pace, with a few twists and turns, lots of mishaps, and humor. I’m looking forward to reading future installments in this series.
Amy Simms purchased an old three-story Victorian Queen Anne-style house in Ruby Lake, North Carolina. She lives on the third floor with her mother, has one cantankerous tenant, Ester Pilaster (a/k/a Esther the Pester), she “inherited” from the previous owner plus one vacant apartment on the second floor, and is opening a shop, Birds & Bees with her friend and business partner, Kimberly “Kim” Christy on the ground floor. Kim is in Florida taking care of her mother who fell and broke her hip and Amy is working hard to tie up all the loose ends of opening a new business. One night a few days before the grand opening, Amy discovers a man’s body on the second floor storeroom and Esther, who found Amy near the body, starts accusing Amy of murdering the man. The body is identified as Matt Kowalski and he was bludgeoned with a birdfeeder hook. Her former high school boyfriend, William Kennedy, is the local chief of police and Amy is his number one suspect. Amy is determined to clear her name and find the real killer and soon discovers that the old home has a mysterious past, including a rumor of hidden rubies and strange people keep turning up in the store which heightens Amy’s suspicions.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
Amy Simms purchased an old three-story Victorian Queen Anne-style house in Ruby Lake, North Carolina. She lives on the third floor with her mother, has one cantankerous tenant, Ester Pilaster (a/k/a Esther the Pester), she “inherited” from the previous owner plus one vacant apartment on the second floor, and is opening a shop, Birds & Bees with her friend and business partner, Kimberly “Kim” Christy on the ground floor. Kim is in Florida taking care of her mother who fell and broke her hip and Amy is working hard to tie up all the loose ends of opening a new business. One night a few days before the grand opening, Amy discovers a man’s body on the second floor storeroom and Esther, who found Amy near the body, starts accusing Amy of murdering the man. The body is identified as Matt Kowalski and he was bludgeoned with a birdfeeder hook. Her former high school boyfriend, William Kennedy, is the local chief of police and Amy is his number one suspect. Amy is determined to clear her name and find the real killer and soon discovers that the old home has a mysterious past, including a rumor of hidden rubies and strange people keep turning up in the store which heightens Amy’s suspicions.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
April 25, 2017
First in a New series.
For Amy Simms, hatching a birding shop in her hometown of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, hasn’t exactly been a breeze. But could a deadly discovery clip her wings for good?
It’s just days before Amy plans to open Birds & Bees on the first floor of her creaky Victorian house, but delayed seed shipments have prevented the fledging owner from stocking her shelves. And it doesn’t help that Amy’s best friend and business partner is out of town indefinitely. With locals sceptical about the niche shop taking flight, the last thing Amy needs now is a dead man in her storeroom—or for a crotchety tenant to catch her holding a bloody birdfeeder hook over his body . . .
Pigeonholed as a leading murder suspect by police and lacking a solid alibi, Amy’s delving into the victim’s ugly past and buzzing around Ruby Lake for clues on his killer . . . before she ends up like so many of her beloved feathery friends—trapped behind bars!
A fun and quirky start to a new series. Love the concept of a Birds & Bees shop in a rickety old house, with an unwanted grouchy old lady boarder to boot. Well plotted and written, with good set of characters. Will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
An enjoyable read to lighten your day.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Lyrical Underground/Kensington Books and downloaded via NetGalley.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
For Amy Simms, hatching a birding shop in her hometown of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, hasn’t exactly been a breeze. But could a deadly discovery clip her wings for good?
It’s just days before Amy plans to open Birds & Bees on the first floor of her creaky Victorian house, but delayed seed shipments have prevented the fledging owner from stocking her shelves. And it doesn’t help that Amy’s best friend and business partner is out of town indefinitely. With locals sceptical about the niche shop taking flight, the last thing Amy needs now is a dead man in her storeroom—or for a crotchety tenant to catch her holding a bloody birdfeeder hook over his body . . .
Pigeonholed as a leading murder suspect by police and lacking a solid alibi, Amy’s delving into the victim’s ugly past and buzzing around Ruby Lake for clues on his killer . . . before she ends up like so many of her beloved feathery friends—trapped behind bars!
A fun and quirky start to a new series. Love the concept of a Birds & Bees shop in a rickety old house, with an unwanted grouchy old lady boarder to boot. Well plotted and written, with good set of characters. Will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
An enjoyable read to lighten your day.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Lyrical Underground/Kensington Books and downloaded via NetGalley.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
February 5, 2017
I actually would give this a 3 1/2 star. This has the good bones for a series, I think the characters need a little developing. They have conversations but I never really felt a connection between any of them. Amy comes across as ditzy at times but her saving grace is that she is likable. I noticed that there were very few redeeming qualities on any of the men in this cozy, except one and he's sort of shoved to the side. The mystery was good, I didn't figure it out, there seems to be another story which really wasn't solved but with the ending, I'm wondering if that is continuing on. I love the idea of the shop being centered on Birds and Bees, that is something unique and I hope that we get a little more info on both as the series continues. As I said there is a strong base, I hope that the characters develop a little more with some better interaction. I will continue on to the next in the series.
August 30, 2016
When opening a new store, you know you are going to have some glitches; but murder? Well, Amy Simms didn’t expect that when she opened her “Birds and Bees” store in Ruby Lake.
When the murdered man is identified, there is hardly anyone in town that is not a suspect. Somehow Amy is the #1 suspect because she had a not so favorable history with the victim.
Can Amy get herself off the suspect list, deal with a nasty renter and open the store in time?
Good read!
When the murdered man is identified, there is hardly anyone in town that is not a suspect. Somehow Amy is the #1 suspect because she had a not so favorable history with the victim.
Can Amy get herself off the suspect list, deal with a nasty renter and open the store in time?
Good read!
July 15, 2017
Title: Die Die Birdie - Bird Lover's Mystery Book 1
Author: J R Ripley
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 8-16-2016
Pages: 202
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Cozy Mystery; Women's Fiction
ISBN: 97816901838308
ASIN: B018CGZ1J8
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
For Amy Simms, hatching a birding shop in her hometown of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, hasn’t exactly been a breeze. But could a deadlydiscovery clip her wings for good?
It’s just days before Amy plans to open Birds & Bees on the first floor of her creaky Victorian house, but delayed seed shipments have prevented the fledging owner from stocking her shelves. And it doesn’t help that Amy’s best friend and business partner is out of town indefinitely. With locals skeptical about the niche shop taking flight, the last thing Amy needs now is a dead man in her storeroom—or for a crotchety tenant to catch her holding a bloody birdfeeder hook over his body . . .
Pigeonholed as a leading murder suspect by police and lacking a solid alibi, Amy’s delving into the victim’s ugly past and buzzing around Ruby Lake for clues on his killer . . . beforeshe ends up like so many of her beloved feathery friends—trapped behind bars!
The first in a new series. R J Ripley and promises to become a great series. The characters will evolve and develop over time, but show the basic characteristics. The story moves at a steady pace and gives the reader a chance to give their brains a challenge as they try to figure out who the killer is before Ripley gives the final reveal.
My rating of "Die, Die Birdie" is out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018CGZ1J8/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/die-...
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Author: J R Ripley
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 8-16-2016
Pages: 202
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Cozy Mystery; Women's Fiction
ISBN: 97816901838308
ASIN: B018CGZ1J8
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
For Amy Simms, hatching a birding shop in her hometown of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, hasn’t exactly been a breeze. But could a deadlydiscovery clip her wings for good?
It’s just days before Amy plans to open Birds & Bees on the first floor of her creaky Victorian house, but delayed seed shipments have prevented the fledging owner from stocking her shelves. And it doesn’t help that Amy’s best friend and business partner is out of town indefinitely. With locals skeptical about the niche shop taking flight, the last thing Amy needs now is a dead man in her storeroom—or for a crotchety tenant to catch her holding a bloody birdfeeder hook over his body . . .
Pigeonholed as a leading murder suspect by police and lacking a solid alibi, Amy’s delving into the victim’s ugly past and buzzing around Ruby Lake for clues on his killer . . . beforeshe ends up like so many of her beloved feathery friends—trapped behind bars!
The first in a new series. R J Ripley and promises to become a great series. The characters will evolve and develop over time, but show the basic characteristics. The story moves at a steady pace and gives the reader a chance to give their brains a challenge as they try to figure out who the killer is before Ripley gives the final reveal.
My rating of "Die, Die Birdie" is out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018CGZ1J8/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/die-...
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July 20, 2025
Continuing to clean out this mess of books I've owned for like 10+ years. The amount of very low quality books I've gotten through bundles is unfortunately high.
This one is about Amy, who is running a shop that sells bird and bee related stuff. Someone ends up dead in her shop the day before it opens, and she gets blamed for it. Now she needs to solve the mystery and run the shop too.
But just, like... It's boring. The mystery is a bunch of "I don't care", Amy has all the natural charisma of someone who keeps rolling 1s on the d20, but for some reason, she keeps charming people. There is nothing charming or likable about this woman at any point in the book, but the book constantly wants to insist that she's some sort of awesome, charming, fun person to be around. She wins everyone over by being a shithead.
If nothing else, this is a very light and breezy read, which at least was nice for the beach. Amy's "just a roommate, promise" best friend Kim is a fun solid character. The book spends a long time setting up a very stupid plot twist, and then just straight up doesn't go through with it, which is very funny. Also, the last chapter sets up like three new plots then goes "read the sequel to learn them!" and girl you were really thinking this would get a sequel?
Because it did. It got nine of them. Good for you. I will read none of them.
This one is about Amy, who is running a shop that sells bird and bee related stuff. Someone ends up dead in her shop the day before it opens, and she gets blamed for it. Now she needs to solve the mystery and run the shop too.
But just, like... It's boring. The mystery is a bunch of "I don't care", Amy has all the natural charisma of someone who keeps rolling 1s on the d20, but for some reason, she keeps charming people. There is nothing charming or likable about this woman at any point in the book, but the book constantly wants to insist that she's some sort of awesome, charming, fun person to be around. She wins everyone over by being a shithead.
If nothing else, this is a very light and breezy read, which at least was nice for the beach. Amy's "just a roommate, promise" best friend Kim is a fun solid character. The book spends a long time setting up a very stupid plot twist, and then just straight up doesn't go through with it, which is very funny. Also, the last chapter sets up like three new plots then goes "read the sequel to learn them!" and girl you were really thinking this would get a sequel?
Because it did. It got nine of them. Good for you. I will read none of them.
February 26, 2021
Nice cozy mystery 3.5 stars
Nice cozy mystery in a small tourist town in South Carolina. The main character, Amy, just bought an old boarding house and turned the main floor into a store selling items to do with birds and bees. Before opening day, she finds a dead body and becomes suspect number one. It was well written and interesting, with plenty of supporting characters to get to know as the series progresses. I wasn't thrilled with premise that Amy had to investigate the murder because the police had her in their sights and weren't going to investigate anyone else. A bumbling police force is a pet peeve of mine as a reason for someone to investigate - it's pretty much a cop-out on the author's part. Plus, Amy made some really stupid moves, so if she was smarter than the cops, why was she doing idiotic things and ignoring other really big things, like getting her humongous 150+ year old house inspected before buying it. Sigh. It could have been a great story!
Nice cozy mystery in a small tourist town in South Carolina. The main character, Amy, just bought an old boarding house and turned the main floor into a store selling items to do with birds and bees. Before opening day, she finds a dead body and becomes suspect number one. It was well written and interesting, with plenty of supporting characters to get to know as the series progresses. I wasn't thrilled with premise that Amy had to investigate the murder because the police had her in their sights and weren't going to investigate anyone else. A bumbling police force is a pet peeve of mine as a reason for someone to investigate - it's pretty much a cop-out on the author's part. Plus, Amy made some really stupid moves, so if she was smarter than the cops, why was she doing idiotic things and ignoring other really big things, like getting her humongous 150+ year old house inspected before buying it. Sigh. It could have been a great story!
May 15, 2018
Well that was fun.
A nice start to a series which I will certainly continue. Bird watching, small towns, best friends, and nosy neighbors all add up to an entertaining read. Non-birders and bee keepers will feel welcome to stumble along with Amy, her buddy Kim, and her mom, though I warn you, you might walk away thinking a new birdhouse might be just the thing for your deck/yard.
I like Amy's spirit and her cohort of friends, family, and neighborhood scoundrels. Her penchant for cookies is laudable in my book, and I was at first annoyed with what I thought of as the less than realistic hopeful swain and his "can't blame a guy for asking" lines, but then I realized I actually knew guys just like that and that I'd even witnessed those exact exchanges up close and personal before, and I had to laugh -- yup, he's believable alright.
A nice start to a series which I will certainly continue. Bird watching, small towns, best friends, and nosy neighbors all add up to an entertaining read. Non-birders and bee keepers will feel welcome to stumble along with Amy, her buddy Kim, and her mom, though I warn you, you might walk away thinking a new birdhouse might be just the thing for your deck/yard.
I like Amy's spirit and her cohort of friends, family, and neighborhood scoundrels. Her penchant for cookies is laudable in my book, and I was at first annoyed with what I thought of as the less than realistic hopeful swain and his "can't blame a guy for asking" lines, but then I realized I actually knew guys just like that and that I'd even witnessed those exact exchanges up close and personal before, and I had to laugh -- yup, he's believable alright.
November 14, 2019
DNF. I almost never bother rating or reviewing a book I DNF but I have to say something about this. A character that is set up as a major player and possible love interest is given two different last names even within the same chapter. Stays with the second name for several pages, then goes back. This is just plain incompetence and doesn’t even require a good editor, just basic read through for errors. If a writer can’t take the time to pick up on a major error like this, I can’t take the time to finish the book.
October 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I tripped over the first chapter. It almost felt forced, but once I got used to the author's humor, it added to the story for me. The mystery was solid, and I liked the characters in the story. I even liked that the author added a little surprise at the end (even though I think most readers probably guessed it way ahead of time). There wasn't a lot of birding going on, which I guess I sort of expected, but the bird analogies were fun.
May 26, 2024
a young woman has bought a very old house with a past history. she wants to start a store for bird and animal products. she comes home and finds a dead body in her house and the police are trying to say she is the killer so she sets out to find the real killer. the ending was not what i thought would happen.
March 10, 2018
Amy Sims just wants to make her business a success but she seems to be tripping over dead men, and that throws her groove off. The story is amusing and light-hearted in spite of the murders happening.
September 17, 2020
This is the first book in a new series.
The problem I found with the story is that it takes Murphy's Law to an extreme. So many things went wrong that it was unbelievable even for a work of fiction.
The problem I found with the story is that it takes Murphy's Law to an extreme. So many things went wrong that it was unbelievable even for a work of fiction.
February 24, 2019
A bit boring and not particularly interesting main characters
March 8, 2019
Editing confusing with character names, or something was missed inthe plot
March 14, 2019
A nice premise and good characters, but needs a little work when it comes to the mystery.
June 7, 2019
Just an ok mystery with a fairly annoying main character.
August 22, 2019
I liked this book so much that I bought #s 2,3,4, and 5.
October 27, 2019
It was cute!
August 17, 2020
Good story, like the bird references, but not crazy about the repetitive play descriptions or all the babbling.
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