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Wrenn Grayson Mystery #2
Designs on Ivy's Locket
Historian-for-hire Wrenn Grayson takes on a difficult client in Kerry St. John. Kerry seeks justice for his great-grandfather’s lifelong heartache. Wrenn meets the renowned jeweler through words recorded in his tattered journal. The year is 1946. He writes from the tiny crossroads of Wyatt, Ohio, about the theft of a treasured locket and the identity of three possible suspects.
The cold case heats up when Lori Hammond arrives. The stolen locket was discovered among her mother’s possessions after her death. Lori refuses to return it to the St. John family, so Wrenn sets out to follow the locket’s path through history. Next, Lori is attacked and Kerry accused. If Kerry’s not guilty, then who is? That question sends cold whispers from the past down Wrenn’s spine.
In Designs on Ivy’s Locket, Connie Chappell focuses on the theme of parents and children, separated by death, by theft, and by design.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2017
290 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Connie Chappell
15 books81 followersConnie Chappell is a bestselling author of literary fiction and literary mystery. A Springfield, Ohio, native, she devotes as much free time as possible to anything out-of-doors. Flowerbeds, golf, walking, and bicycle riding are particular favorites.
In her Wrenn Grayson Mystery Series, Wrenn is a historian and archivist in her hometown of Havens, Ohio. Best Thrillers claims Wrenn’s one-of-a-kind investigative process will have readers flipping pages in her fast-paced mysteries. Chappell take readers into the world of small-town Ohio with its unique combination of local charm and unexpected intrigue. Blending history and modern-day sleuthing, these novels provide a delightfully witty cast of new and returning characters.
Her novel, Every Cloud, is a humorous family drama, packed with mystery, romance, and fun. Readers’ Favorite provided a five-star review. “The plot is engaging and paced with great skill, moving between characters’ individual stories in order to expertly keep the reader engaged at all times.”
The Wild Raspberries Trilogy is complete. These deeply emotional family dramas tell stories of love, loss, and second chances. They have touched the hearts of readers all across the country. The titles are: Wild Raspberries, Proper Goodbye, and Summers Only.
Chappell is the recipient of many writing awards and honors. The Ohio House of Representatives presented her with a commendation in 2019, honoring her writing skills.
Whether literary or mystery, Chappell’s characters are bound to captivate readers till the very end. All of her novels are standalone books that may be read in any order.
Make contact with the author through her website, www.conniechappell.com. While you're there, sign up for her newsletter to learn about future releases.
In her Wrenn Grayson Mystery Series, Wrenn is a historian and archivist in her hometown of Havens, Ohio. Best Thrillers claims Wrenn’s one-of-a-kind investigative process will have readers flipping pages in her fast-paced mysteries. Chappell take readers into the world of small-town Ohio with its unique combination of local charm and unexpected intrigue. Blending history and modern-day sleuthing, these novels provide a delightfully witty cast of new and returning characters.
Her novel, Every Cloud, is a humorous family drama, packed with mystery, romance, and fun. Readers’ Favorite provided a five-star review. “The plot is engaging and paced with great skill, moving between characters’ individual stories in order to expertly keep the reader engaged at all times.”
The Wild Raspberries Trilogy is complete. These deeply emotional family dramas tell stories of love, loss, and second chances. They have touched the hearts of readers all across the country. The titles are: Wild Raspberries, Proper Goodbye, and Summers Only.
Chappell is the recipient of many writing awards and honors. The Ohio House of Representatives presented her with a commendation in 2019, honoring her writing skills.
Whether literary or mystery, Chappell’s characters are bound to captivate readers till the very end. All of her novels are standalone books that may be read in any order.
Make contact with the author through her website, www.conniechappell.com. While you're there, sign up for her newsletter to learn about future releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 22, 2017
What a wonderful book! This is the type of book that makes you wish you had no other obligations except to read it. I grabbed my attention from the very first line and held it for the entire novel. I loved the chemistry between the characters. I feel like they're all my new-found friends. The twist at the end was unexpected (as it should be). I loved learning about Wyatt and, while I found Kerry a bit...obnoxious, I felt he added to the story. And I truly loved Tarbutton, Mae's dog! I'd love to read more about Wyatt and about Wrenn and her friends and family in Haven. I will definitely be reading more by Connie Chappell!
*Many thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
*Many thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
January 5, 2018
This is her best book!!
July 20, 2018
3.5 stars
The Designs on Ivy’s Locket by Connie Chappell is the 2nd in the Wren Grayson Mystery Series.
First, let me thank the publisher Black Rose Writing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Series Background:
Wrenn Grayson is a busy lady, holding down three jobs in the small town of Havens, Ohio. She works for Mayor KC Tallmadge part-time. She also writes historical articles for the newspaper. However, the main thing that keeps her busy is being a Historian-for-hire. She does stick her nose into everybody’s business, so she often finds herself in some rather strange predicaments. Wrenn lives in a small cottage with her partner Gideon, who is a History Professor at the local university.
My Synopsis:
While the Mayor is away for a short time, Wrenn has time to take on the case of Kerry St. John, who wants her to find the ghost town of Wyatt, Ohio. Well, that was easy enough, but now he wants her to find out what really happened to the locket that his jeweller great-grandfather created for a soon-to-be daughter (who turned out to be a boy). Ivy’s locket, as it was called, was stolen in 1946 in Wyatt, and has ended up in the possession of Lori Hammond of New York, who refuses to give it up. Kerry insists it was stolen, and the journal his great-grandfather wrote seems to prove it. Since it’s worth about $75,000, neither party wants to give it up. While the original players in this mystery are now dead, their children and grand-children are alive, and someone knows something.
To make matters worse, both Kerry and Lori seem to have rather short fuses, and Wrenn finds herself trying to mediate.
Wrenn finds that solving this mystery may not be as easy as it seems, and a third party may be involved.
My Opinions:
Connie Chappell has created a rather loveable character in Wrenn, and her plots are always interesting. This book seems to have a lot to do with family, and we learn more about Wrenn’s past as well.
Chappell’s writing is clear, and although I generally like more excitement in my books, these books are a fast, easy read…if a little too detailed at times. Again, I really like her characters, their thoughts and actions seem real, and the plot always has a twist or two to keep you interested.
The Designs on Ivy’s Locket by Connie Chappell is the 2nd in the Wren Grayson Mystery Series.
First, let me thank the publisher Black Rose Writing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Series Background:
Wrenn Grayson is a busy lady, holding down three jobs in the small town of Havens, Ohio. She works for Mayor KC Tallmadge part-time. She also writes historical articles for the newspaper. However, the main thing that keeps her busy is being a Historian-for-hire. She does stick her nose into everybody’s business, so she often finds herself in some rather strange predicaments. Wrenn lives in a small cottage with her partner Gideon, who is a History Professor at the local university.
My Synopsis:
While the Mayor is away for a short time, Wrenn has time to take on the case of Kerry St. John, who wants her to find the ghost town of Wyatt, Ohio. Well, that was easy enough, but now he wants her to find out what really happened to the locket that his jeweller great-grandfather created for a soon-to-be daughter (who turned out to be a boy). Ivy’s locket, as it was called, was stolen in 1946 in Wyatt, and has ended up in the possession of Lori Hammond of New York, who refuses to give it up. Kerry insists it was stolen, and the journal his great-grandfather wrote seems to prove it. Since it’s worth about $75,000, neither party wants to give it up. While the original players in this mystery are now dead, their children and grand-children are alive, and someone knows something.
To make matters worse, both Kerry and Lori seem to have rather short fuses, and Wrenn finds herself trying to mediate.
Wrenn finds that solving this mystery may not be as easy as it seems, and a third party may be involved.
My Opinions:
Connie Chappell has created a rather loveable character in Wrenn, and her plots are always interesting. This book seems to have a lot to do with family, and we learn more about Wrenn’s past as well.
Chappell’s writing is clear, and although I generally like more excitement in my books, these books are a fast, easy read…if a little too detailed at times. Again, I really like her characters, their thoughts and actions seem real, and the plot always has a twist or two to keep you interested.
November 9, 2017
I received this book threw Netgalley. The following words are my review.
My thoughts on the opening of this book were all over the place. I had not gotten the idea of what was happening. There was so much action it was hard to follow. Though by the end of chapter 3 I finally got all the information to continue my journey with Wrenn. There was a point in the book where I was wanting more about the history with Wrenn and her significant other Gideon. "Are they married or not?" And I thought the character of Kerry was rather annoying especially as blunt as he was. But by the middle of the book when Wrenn is investigating on her own I feel more at ease. I want more from Wrenn, Mae, and the rest of the group of assumed regular characters. I was left by the end needing a wrap up to the story. I was surprised by the twist involving Lori. The end action scene just seemed way intense and I wasn't expecting that. I think this series has potential. I would certainly read more about Wrenn. Now I am invested in Wyatt, and Havens. I also want to hear more about the relationship between Gideon and Wrenn.
My thoughts on the opening of this book were all over the place. I had not gotten the idea of what was happening. There was so much action it was hard to follow. Though by the end of chapter 3 I finally got all the information to continue my journey with Wrenn. There was a point in the book where I was wanting more about the history with Wrenn and her significant other Gideon. "Are they married or not?" And I thought the character of Kerry was rather annoying especially as blunt as he was. But by the middle of the book when Wrenn is investigating on her own I feel more at ease. I want more from Wrenn, Mae, and the rest of the group of assumed regular characters. I was left by the end needing a wrap up to the story. I was surprised by the twist involving Lori. The end action scene just seemed way intense and I wasn't expecting that. I think this series has potential. I would certainly read more about Wrenn. Now I am invested in Wyatt, and Havens. I also want to hear more about the relationship between Gideon and Wrenn.
September 3, 2018
Reading Connie Chappell's Wrenn Grayson mysteries transports one into Havens, a fictional Ohio town with its ensemble of characters which reflects the Author's love for her real-life Springfield. "Designs on Ivy's Locket," however, introduces the reader to Wyatt, a tiny neighboring village which vanished off the map as one-by-one her inhabitants died or moved away. Approached by the descendant of a prominent Wyatt jeweler, Historian/Sleuth/Gardener Wrenn Grayson must unravel the mystery behind a stolen locket his great-grandfather designed, one among three; this bearing the name of Ivy and wrought in the form of an ivy leaf.
As Wrenn digs deeper, Wyatt's past comes to life: her men, women and children, the good, bad, ugly and the beautiful. And as she leaves no stone unturned, people around her are being assaulted and beaten.
Two things I enjoyed most about "Designs:" first, the author's capacity to draw the reader into a vicarious setting; and second, the author's unexpected bursts of wit peppered throughout the story. When I wasn't shedding a tear over a lost town, I was chuckling.
This mystery is far from dry: a fine read.
As Wrenn digs deeper, Wyatt's past comes to life: her men, women and children, the good, bad, ugly and the beautiful. And as she leaves no stone unturned, people around her are being assaulted and beaten.
Two things I enjoyed most about "Designs:" first, the author's capacity to draw the reader into a vicarious setting; and second, the author's unexpected bursts of wit peppered throughout the story. When I wasn't shedding a tear over a lost town, I was chuckling.
This mystery is far from dry: a fine read.
January 23, 2018
A most unique and enjoyable read!!! This is a
historical mystery taking place in Havens, Ohio.
Wrenn Grayson, the local historian is hired by
Kerry St John who has his great grandfather
journal and needs her aide in solving the mystery
of a stolen locket and what happened to a town
mentioned in the journal.
A lost town called Wyatt, Ohio,a church fire with
a death, a stolen locket from 1946, an old journal
of the jeweler who designed the locket with three
viable suspects, stolen town record book, a
ransacked motel room, a mugging, a barn fire plus
more makes this a very worthwhile read.
The main characters plus all supporting characters
are artfully created to enhance the mystery.
The past and present are effortless presented in the
smooth flow of the author’s writing.
This is book # 2 in he Wrenn Grayson Mysteries series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
historical mystery taking place in Havens, Ohio.
Wrenn Grayson, the local historian is hired by
Kerry St John who has his great grandfather
journal and needs her aide in solving the mystery
of a stolen locket and what happened to a town
mentioned in the journal.
A lost town called Wyatt, Ohio,a church fire with
a death, a stolen locket from 1946, an old journal
of the jeweler who designed the locket with three
viable suspects, stolen town record book, a
ransacked motel room, a mugging, a barn fire plus
more makes this a very worthwhile read.
The main characters plus all supporting characters
are artfully created to enhance the mystery.
The past and present are effortless presented in the
smooth flow of the author’s writing.
This is book # 2 in he Wrenn Grayson Mysteries series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
June 5, 2020
Could not finish
I was interested in the story line and it is well written. But everything, rooms, cars, views, simple everything is described in detail. If it related to the story that would be fine, but everything? There is also the problem of time changes. She sees her partner, thinks about how they met and starts a conversation with him without having indicated what part was remembering and what part was current. Very hard to follow. I tried to finish the book to see where it went but was totally discouraged with the boring, distracting elements.
Sorry, but I love to read and I was not able to get more than halfway.
I was interested in the story line and it is well written. But everything, rooms, cars, views, simple everything is described in detail. If it related to the story that would be fine, but everything? There is also the problem of time changes. She sees her partner, thinks about how they met and starts a conversation with him without having indicated what part was remembering and what part was current. Very hard to follow. I tried to finish the book to see where it went but was totally discouraged with the boring, distracting elements.
Sorry, but I love to read and I was not able to get more than halfway.
April 24, 2022
Designs On Ivys Locket
I chose the 5 star rating because I didn't become bored halfway through the reading because I'd already solved the mystery puzzle. Connie has a way of mixing up my mind to make that impossible to do. My only thought of this is that there's a method to her madness, and that's to keep the reader interested in learning the answers for the final outcome. Some would say that her well thought out nuances of the actions of her characters is an example of a criminal mind. But in her case that isn't true. It is an example of good writing and a great imagination! I look forward to reading more of her works!
I chose the 5 star rating because I didn't become bored halfway through the reading because I'd already solved the mystery puzzle. Connie has a way of mixing up my mind to make that impossible to do. My only thought of this is that there's a method to her madness, and that's to keep the reader interested in learning the answers for the final outcome. Some would say that her well thought out nuances of the actions of her characters is an example of a criminal mind. But in her case that isn't true. It is an example of good writing and a great imagination! I look forward to reading more of her works!
August 5, 2025
Connie is a masterful storyteller.
I loved the way the story was interwoven between Wyatt and Havens, as well as the timeframes between them. Wrenn is a strong female lead, with plenty of baggage that gets in the way, but only makes her character more endearing. Tarbutton is a great character with a lot of play in this story, which I enjoyed. There are a great many characters to love and love to hate. The story is fast paced and engaging, with a lot of thought needed. There are certain aspects that I guessed right about, and more that had me scratching my head. Which just makes for great Aha moments. I highly recommend this mystery.
I loved the way the story was interwoven between Wyatt and Havens, as well as the timeframes between them. Wrenn is a strong female lead, with plenty of baggage that gets in the way, but only makes her character more endearing. Tarbutton is a great character with a lot of play in this story, which I enjoyed. There are a great many characters to love and love to hate. The story is fast paced and engaging, with a lot of thought needed. There are certain aspects that I guessed right about, and more that had me scratching my head. Which just makes for great Aha moments. I highly recommend this mystery.
April 25, 2018
Weaving through past and present
I enjoyed the history within the mystery. The characters had depth and emotions were richly described. The story did slow a bit midway through but picked up speed again. I liked how judgements were challenged, though it was difficult to see when characters were trying to understand from another's perspective.
I won this on a goodreads.com giveaway.
I enjoyed the history within the mystery. The characters had depth and emotions were richly described. The story did slow a bit midway through but picked up speed again. I liked how judgements were challenged, though it was difficult to see when characters were trying to understand from another's perspective.
I won this on a goodreads.com giveaway.
May 11, 2018
I got this book from Goodreads Giveawys in exchange for an honest review.
I have never read any of this author's other books so was in for a treat it turns out. I started this book and was pulled in from the beginning. I didn't want to put it down when it was time to go to bed or back to work after my breaks. I liked the way the characters blended very well and were just enough different to make the story interesting.
I will have to see if I can find more books by this author.
I have never read any of this author's other books so was in for a treat it turns out. I started this book and was pulled in from the beginning. I didn't want to put it down when it was time to go to bed or back to work after my breaks. I liked the way the characters blended very well and were just enough different to make the story interesting.
I will have to see if I can find more books by this author.
December 23, 2018
Whodunit
A very well written, intriguing story. I found that I enjoyed it most when I had time to read every day. Because of myriad characters, if too much time had elapsed, I found it hard to remember who was who. I also had a problem with a man named Kerrie. I kept thinking of him as a woman. The same happens with women named Alex or Sam. It stops the flow of reading.
A very well written, intriguing story. I found that I enjoyed it most when I had time to read every day. Because of myriad characters, if too much time had elapsed, I found it hard to remember who was who. I also had a problem with a man named Kerrie. I kept thinking of him as a woman. The same happens with women named Alex or Sam. It stops the flow of reading.
December 26, 2018
What a lovely, lovely, bittersweet story! Wonderful characters and tightly twisted plot. Wrenn Grayson, historian for hire, is researching families from a defunct town in an attempt to solve the case of a valuable stolen locket. As the mystery grows more complicated, someone starts attacking the major players and threatening their loved ones. Must Wrenn give up? Can she?
April 13, 2020
It certainly is a gripping suspense novel.
Connie Chappell created marvelous characters. So often I so wanted to shout at Kerry, even punch his arm! I became suspicious of one character as the story moved along but couldn’t figure out the connection. The ending was a masterpiece of detective work.
Connie Chappell created marvelous characters. So often I so wanted to shout at Kerry, even punch his arm! I became suspicious of one character as the story moved along but couldn’t figure out the connection. The ending was a masterpiece of detective work.
May 22, 2021
A brilliant thriller.
Amazing, Awesome, extremely interesting! I could not get my eyes off this book even for a moment. An excellent combination of historical research with plenty of twists as the story progresses makes it a brilliant read. Highly recommended for all the mystery lovers.
Amazing, Awesome, extremely interesting! I could not get my eyes off this book even for a moment. An excellent combination of historical research with plenty of twists as the story progresses makes it a brilliant read. Highly recommended for all the mystery lovers.
March 2, 2018
Excellent writing
This book is well written with realistic characters. Follows an investigation with attention to details allowing the reader to figure out who what and why right to the end. Not one of those books where hidden facts are revealed at the end.
This book is well written with realistic characters. Follows an investigation with attention to details allowing the reader to figure out who what and why right to the end. Not one of those books where hidden facts are revealed at the end.
April 15, 2018
Excellent read
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were well defined and the story unfolded in a well played out way. If you are looking for a nice clean mystery to read this the book for you.
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were well defined and the story unfolded in a well played out way. If you are looking for a nice clean mystery to read this the book for you.
June 7, 2018
This book had lots of characters so at first is was hard to follow. Wrenn is an historian and Kerry St John who has his great grandfather's journal and needs her aide in solving the mystery of a stolen locket and what happened in a town mentioned in the journal.
June 24, 2018
I received a Kindle copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will look for the first book by Connie Chappell. The characters were well developed, the plot was engaging, and I liked the narrator's voice. The mystery was absorbing.
July 8, 2018
DNF
DNF at 35%.
I wish I had anything to say at all about this book; at best I can say I won it in a Goodreads giveaway and so it didn't cost me anything.
I was bored reading this. I even found myself skimming it in an attempt to speed things up. Amateurish writing style, almost too linear storytelling (show, don't tell blast it!) And I had no emotional connection to any of the characters whatsoever.
All of this is, of course, after I got over my annoyance about being dropped into a story with the expectation that you're already supposed to know who's who and what's what. I have waaaayyyyyy too many other books on my TBR list to continue reading something that's still boring over a quarter of the way in.
If Amazon didn't require a star rating, I wouldn't give it one because it's not fair of me to screw up an author's ratings when I'm not reviewing the book as a whole. But it does, so one star it is.
DNF at 35%.
I wish I had anything to say at all about this book; at best I can say I won it in a Goodreads giveaway and so it didn't cost me anything.
I was bored reading this. I even found myself skimming it in an attempt to speed things up. Amateurish writing style, almost too linear storytelling (show, don't tell blast it!) And I had no emotional connection to any of the characters whatsoever.
All of this is, of course, after I got over my annoyance about being dropped into a story with the expectation that you're already supposed to know who's who and what's what. I have waaaayyyyyy too many other books on my TBR list to continue reading something that's still boring over a quarter of the way in.
If Amazon didn't require a star rating, I wouldn't give it one because it's not fair of me to screw up an author's ratings when I'm not reviewing the book as a whole. But it does, so one star it is.
January 30, 2019
Love Wrenn
She's a great character as is Gideon as her grounding love. The author's attention to descriptive detail makes the calm before the storm of action all the more thrilling. Having lived most of my life rurallly, I get the fascination with the loss of the town, Wyatt.
She's a great character as is Gideon as her grounding love. The author's attention to descriptive detail makes the calm before the storm of action all the more thrilling. Having lived most of my life rurallly, I get the fascination with the loss of the town, Wyatt.
February 8, 2019
Ghost Town Mystery
Having grown up near Greenville Ohio, in a small community, I was hooked from the start. Small communities have secrets that are kept for generations. Wyatt Ohio was no different. Wrenn Grayson has to find the key in history that will who owns Ivy's Locket.
Having grown up near Greenville Ohio, in a small community, I was hooked from the start. Small communities have secrets that are kept for generations. Wyatt Ohio was no different. Wrenn Grayson has to find the key in history that will who owns Ivy's Locket.
February 12, 2019
I enjoyed this story, I always like reading about history and how it interacts with the present and this story is just like that it has a good story line and keeps you thinking where the story will led.
April 23, 2020
The title is a play on words. I had suspicions of the main culprit right from the sttart. The partner in crime raised only questions, not suspicions. Danger, violence but it's the history that drew me.
April 28, 2018
A mysterious read.
A look into times and people's pasts. Who were the evil doers? Who were really the good guys? Interesting characters either way.
A look into times and people's pasts. Who were the evil doers? Who were really the good guys? Interesting characters either way.
August 1, 2018
wing the answer.
Enjoyed the mystery tho the reading seemed a little circuitous. I don' t get to read for long periods, however.
Enjoyed the mystery tho the reading seemed a little circuitous. I don' t get to read for long periods, however.
February 23, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so . Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so . Shelley MA
July 21, 2025
Took me much longer than I thought to finish this. The plot was engaging but the writing style just didn't grab me and pull me in. Not a stay up late to finish it type of read.
August 28, 2018
Won this in a giveaway for the Kindle edition. I liked the main character Wrenn and her town. Will continue to read this author.
November 19, 2017
Designs on Ivy’s locket was an interesting story of a lost town, and a mystery of a stolen locket from 1946, the renowned jewellery designers great grandson Kerry St John has his great grandfathers journal and is trying to track down the main suspects, he hires a local historian Wrenn Grayson, to help with the search and the case heats up when the current owner Lori turns up and claims it was her mother’s and she’s not going to give it up without a fight.
Soon Lori, Kerry and Wrenn are caught up in the mystery and someone is determined to make them stop looking for the culprit from so long ago,
The story is a little slow in places but persevere as there a some good twists to keep you interested. All in all Wrenn Grayson could make a good series of stories
Soon Lori, Kerry and Wrenn are caught up in the mystery and someone is determined to make them stop looking for the culprit from so long ago,
The story is a little slow in places but persevere as there a some good twists to keep you interested. All in all Wrenn Grayson could make a good series of stories
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews