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Waterfell Tweed #1
Once Upon a Crime
The first book in the Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery series!
Sandy Shaw finds herself torn away from her beloved bookshop and cafe when village eccentric Reginald Halfman is found murdered, just hours after he announced his plans to open a competing bookshop right across the village square. As the city police arrive and make it clear Sandy is under suspicion, she is forced to investigate the murder herself. Can she solve the case before it's too late?
Once Upon a Crime is a novella of around 35,000 words. Light and cozy, the book introduces our female amateur sleuth, the village of Waterfell Tweed, and a whole host of quirky characters! Each book in this series can be read as a standalone (but is better enjoyed if read in order), and is free from swearing, sex, violence and cliffhangers.
Sandy Shaw finds herself torn away from her beloved bookshop and cafe when village eccentric Reginald Halfman is found murdered, just hours after he announced his plans to open a competing bookshop right across the village square. As the city police arrive and make it clear Sandy is under suspicion, she is forced to investigate the murder herself. Can she solve the case before it's too late?
Once Upon a Crime is a novella of around 35,000 words. Light and cozy, the book introduces our female amateur sleuth, the village of Waterfell Tweed, and a whole host of quirky characters! Each book in this series can be read as a standalone (but is better enjoyed if read in order), and is free from swearing, sex, violence and cliffhangers.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2018
356 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 28, 2019
Oh, Sandy baby, someday.... long time ago I wanted Travolta sang it for me. Do I have to tell you, it was my nickname for long? So, Mona, you did it at the beginning by naming your main character. Few months ago, I've promised Mona to read one of her books. I'm glad I did, it's very nice book - cozy with books and sweets. I'm not a person of sweets but those cakes Sandy has made... God, I could smell them through my Kindle. I'm looking forward to read other Mona's books.
"I think that when you are blessed, you should build a longer table, not a higher wall."
"I think that when you are blessed, you should build a longer table, not a higher wall."
March 3, 2018
I was given a copy of this to read.
I've found myself another enjoyable cozy mystery. I loved that it moved quickly. I had no idea who was behind it. I did feel bad for Sandy because the police were so quick to believe that she did it. Thankfully she has a wonderful sister to stand by her and help her through it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I've found myself another enjoyable cozy mystery. I loved that it moved quickly. I had no idea who was behind it. I did feel bad for Sandy because the police were so quick to believe that she did it. Thankfully she has a wonderful sister to stand by her and help her through it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 1, 2019
Books and cakes and murder, oh my!! That's what you'll get when you read Once Upon a Crime, the first book in the Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery series! This debut book is short and sweet but contains a well planned mystery. The characters are engaging and the author paints such a detailed picture of Waterfell Tweed that you'll want to go visit Sandy's bookshop and cafe (just don't get murdered!). This book can definitely be read in one sitting because the twists and turns that keep you guessing make it a page turning delight! The book would have been made even better with the addition off a recipe or two from Sandy's cafe.
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
January 18, 2018
This book was a lot of fun! I liked the whole sense of mystery and the way the reader doesn't know who the killer is and finds the clues just like Sandy does.
Sandy is just your average woman. She runs the local bakery/bookstore in the tiny village of Waterfell Tweed. You see the whole book through Sandy's perspective, which is why the reader doesn't know who the killer is until the very end when Sandy figures it out.
Sandy has a bunch of friends/neighbors who she ends up suspecting. But as soon as she suspects each and every one of them, she finds out that they couldn't have been the killer. And she has to move on to another suspect. I loved that she was thinking and working out just who it could have been the whole time. It kept me engaged in the plot and wanting more.
This book is short enough to read in an afternoon. It will keep you wanting to read more until you figure out just who the killer is! It's clean, suspenseful and just a fun story.
Sandy is just your average woman. She runs the local bakery/bookstore in the tiny village of Waterfell Tweed. You see the whole book through Sandy's perspective, which is why the reader doesn't know who the killer is until the very end when Sandy figures it out.
Sandy has a bunch of friends/neighbors who she ends up suspecting. But as soon as she suspects each and every one of them, she finds out that they couldn't have been the killer. And she has to move on to another suspect. I loved that she was thinking and working out just who it could have been the whole time. It kept me engaged in the plot and wanting more.
This book is short enough to read in an afternoon. It will keep you wanting to read more until you figure out just who the killer is! It's clean, suspenseful and just a fun story.
February 16, 2019
The charming English village of Waterfall Tweed, is the setting for a puzzling murder! Sandy Shaw, owner of Books and Bakes has to prove she's innocent while staying ahead of a killer!
I loved the characters in this book - Sandy, her sister Coral, Cass her best friend with a secret , Berneice , Doris and the people who visit her bookshop/bakery/diner on a regular basis.
A great book to lose yourself in a keep you guessing mystery, characters the reader can relate to, beautiful descriptions of the countryside and a main character you'll love!
I can't wait to see what mysteries Sandy and her friends solve next!
I loved the characters in this book - Sandy, her sister Coral, Cass her best friend with a secret , Berneice , Doris and the people who visit her bookshop/bakery/diner on a regular basis.
A great book to lose yourself in a keep you guessing mystery, characters the reader can relate to, beautiful descriptions of the countryside and a main character you'll love!
I can't wait to see what mysteries Sandy and her friends solve next!
June 12, 2019
I don't really do Cozies, i have yet to find one that keeps me truly entertained but i had brought this a while back and it fit a group challenge i was working on perfectly.
I loved the way the Author captured the rural life and the book made your mouth water with all the delicious foods involved, the characters where likable enough.
I didn't really understand the motive of the killer.... I may have been a lot better if the Motive made a bit more sense, but the rest was well written and enjoyable.
I loved the way the Author captured the rural life and the book made your mouth water with all the delicious foods involved, the characters where likable enough.
I didn't really understand the motive of the killer.... I may have been a lot better if the Motive made a bit more sense, but the rest was well written and enjoyable.
March 19, 2018
I am already a little suspicious when a person chooses the name of a famous fictional detective as their pseudonym author name… and the main character’s name is Sandy Shaw. Her sister is Coral.
*blinks* I don’t think Coral fits the ‘shore’ thing. Shouldn’t it be Rocky? Pebble? Geordie? *snorts*
I should not be laughing at this… [and editing: speech identifier goes with the speech. Actually, you probably don’t even need it here. She’s the only person in the house. No one else is speaking.]
In her cafe two people ask about a vegetarian option and she assumes they must therefore be having a secret meeting. *frowns* do vegetarians HAVE secret meetings?
She also doesn’t want to make cakes for her customers because that would mean turning her back and there’s a killer around… this just isn’t logical and it’s also bad for business. She’s literally refusing to serve anything other than drinks for people.
Sure and shaw aren’t even pronounced the same (in England) …so how is this a pun?
[I am walking around the block saying ‘shaw/sure’ to myself in various accents… my neighbours already think I’m weird; this isn’t helping!]
No. Don’t do that. Just say ‘Ingrid Tate stood there…’ we know Ingrid is a woman’s name, and we can guess she’s the lawyer. Please don’t suggest it’s unusual for a woman to be a lawyer.
Her lawyer - that she didn’t arrange - asks her if she’s innocent. As a lawyer it isn’t your job to determine guilt or innocence. You act on your client’s instructions. You can ask what they want to plead if it reaches that stage but don’t ask them if they did it. You don’t want to know.
There aren’t TWO murders if Cassie called the lawyer and she’s the victim of the last assault AND she’s still alive. Ffs.
Bwahaha - was it relevant law or just random snippets of the Dog Act? [or law facts: in the state of New York it is illegal to do anything against the law etc]
Later she calls the lawyer to shout at her that she’s not getting her off; again… not her job.
A character who never buys books, says she takes a shot of the cover and reads them on her phone, then launches into a speech about how her house would be full of books… what? Sandy also has a go at her for not reading. Ebooks ARE books, Sandy. [I’m reading your story in an ebook format.]
Coral, her sister, is now complaining that the whole of Manchester doesn’t have wi-fi. *frowns* I find that hard to believe.
At 40% my brain has clicked into editing mode… always is a favourite word; it’s everywhere. [resist urge to say ‘always there’]
Be consistent. Use asked or said with a question mark - not both.
The incorrect speech markers are annoying me. “Oh my,” she said. NOT “Oh my.” She said.
Stop saying people’s names in dialogue.
It’s quite hard to write a good cosy mystery.
1 star
*blinks* I don’t think Coral fits the ‘shore’ thing. Shouldn’t it be Rocky? Pebble? Geordie? *snorts*
An unknown man in a long coat, holding a tall umbrella in his hand, stood at the front door. Her assailant.
“Who is it?” She asked. (pp. 26-27).
I should not be laughing at this… [and editing: speech identifier goes with the speech. Actually, you probably don’t even need it here. She’s the only person in the house. No one else is speaking.]
In her cafe two people ask about a vegetarian option and she assumes they must therefore be having a secret meeting. *frowns* do vegetarians HAVE secret meetings?
She also doesn’t want to make cakes for her customers because that would mean turning her back and there’s a killer around… this just isn’t logical and it’s also bad for business. She’s literally refusing to serve anything other than drinks for people.
“Are you sure, Miss Shaw?” He asked, smirking at his play on her surname. (p. 33).
Sure and shaw aren’t even pronounced the same (in England) …so how is this a pun?
[I am walking around the block saying ‘shaw/sure’ to myself in various accents… my neighbours already think I’m weird; this isn’t helping!]
The lawyer was a woman. Ingrid Tate. (p. 39).
No. Don’t do that. Just say ‘Ingrid Tate stood there…’ we know Ingrid is a woman’s name, and we can guess she’s the lawyer. Please don’t suggest it’s unusual for a woman to be a lawyer.
Her lawyer - that she didn’t arrange - asks her if she’s innocent. As a lawyer it isn’t your job to determine guilt or innocence. You act on your client’s instructions. You can ask what they want to plead if it reaches that stage but don’t ask them if they did it. You don’t want to know.
There aren’t TWO murders if Cassie called the lawyer and she’s the victim of the last assault AND she’s still alive. Ffs.
Ingrid had told DC Sullivan that he had no evidence against Sandy at all, and when he sneered at that suggestion, Ingrid had quoted pieces of law to him, until he had agreed to allow Sandy to go - for now. (p. 40).
Bwahaha - was it relevant law or just random snippets of the Dog Act? [or law facts: in the state of New York it is illegal to do anything against the law etc]
Later she calls the lawyer to shout at her that she’s not getting her off; again… not her job.
A character who never buys books, says she takes a shot of the cover and reads them on her phone, then launches into a speech about how her house would be full of books… what? Sandy also has a go at her for not reading. Ebooks ARE books, Sandy. [I’m reading your story in an ebook format.]
Coral, her sister, is now complaining that the whole of Manchester doesn’t have wi-fi. *frowns* I find that hard to believe.
At 40% my brain has clicked into editing mode… always is a favourite word; it’s everywhere. [resist urge to say ‘always there’]
Be consistent. Use asked or said with a question mark - not both.
The incorrect speech markers are annoying me. “Oh my,” she said. NOT “Oh my.” She said.
Stop saying people’s names in dialogue.
It’s quite hard to write a good cosy mystery.
1 star
March 23, 2021
I'd been wanting to read this for awhile, so when the author, whose email newsletter I get, offered a special short story that directly follows this book, I guess that made me act on it, lol. She had said not to read the short story since it would name the killer. I'm so glad I started this series though, because it's a lot of fun and has some really likable and quirky characters in it. It's also a short and easy read, perfect for one sitting.
Sandy Shaw had the shop Books and Bakes, a combination cafe and bookshop. When a local not-so-well-liked man said he was going to open a bookshop across the street from her, then turned up dead, Sandy was becoming the prime suspect. The city detective constable seemed determined to wrap up the case so he could just go home, so Sandy thought it would be up to her to find out who really killed the man who would be her book competition.
There were some good plot twists even though this was a short read, and I definitely didn't guess the killer. The showdown was enjoyable, nice and neatly delivered the killer to the police. I loved how close Sandy and her sister Coral had stayed since they had both lost their parents when they were young. Bernice, Sandy's main employee, seemed like a mom type figure and always went above and beyond when it came to her job.
Some of the people in town had their secrets and the author cleverly pointed blame at any number of them, so it's no wonder I wasn't able to guess. I will be anxious to visit this charming village again soon!
Sandy Shaw had the shop Books and Bakes, a combination cafe and bookshop. When a local not-so-well-liked man said he was going to open a bookshop across the street from her, then turned up dead, Sandy was becoming the prime suspect. The city detective constable seemed determined to wrap up the case so he could just go home, so Sandy thought it would be up to her to find out who really killed the man who would be her book competition.
There were some good plot twists even though this was a short read, and I definitely didn't guess the killer. The showdown was enjoyable, nice and neatly delivered the killer to the police. I loved how close Sandy and her sister Coral had stayed since they had both lost their parents when they were young. Bernice, Sandy's main employee, seemed like a mom type figure and always went above and beyond when it came to her job.
Some of the people in town had their secrets and the author cleverly pointed blame at any number of them, so it's no wonder I wasn't able to guess. I will be anxious to visit this charming village again soon!
January 18, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
A cozy mystery indeed and a nice start of a series with a heroine I liked. Sandy is the owner of a bookshop including a café, or is it a café including a bookshop? This sweet combination is a real crowd puller and she is happy with her daily life.
This life is stirred up when Reginald is found dead & the police has her under suspicion.
The book is full of events, the crime case isn't easy in my opinion because at the end you have a lot of people under suspicion but they are all wrong. I liked how energetic Sandy was, how she tries to find the murder although she is just an ordenary shop owner.
Actually the book was although short full of information and a lot of people you have to remember. Sometimes I had to pause and collect myself because I was a tiny bit overwhelmed by the many events and new people.
All in all the crime case was solid though sometimes I felt it a bit dull, I wasn't sure if some parts couldn't have been shorter. Still the book was a good entertainment for an afternoon & I'm curious what's on Sandy's plate the next time. :) I'm also curious if we see the detective again but I doubt it and since I can't really get a measure of him I'm not sure if I want a reunion with him and Sandy, but we'll see.
The subplot with Sandy's best friend Cass is pretty promising so I can't wait to see if it will continue in the next book. It was a part in the book which made the book really interesting, though I thought for a moment it had a different direction. ;) It took me by suprise that's for sure. :)
A pleasant read, good solid crime case & entertaining characters. I'm curious to get more information about them. 4 out of 5 stars for this.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
A cozy mystery indeed and a nice start of a series with a heroine I liked. Sandy is the owner of a bookshop including a café, or is it a café including a bookshop? This sweet combination is a real crowd puller and she is happy with her daily life.
This life is stirred up when Reginald is found dead & the police has her under suspicion.
The book is full of events, the crime case isn't easy in my opinion because at the end you have a lot of people under suspicion but they are all wrong. I liked how energetic Sandy was, how she tries to find the murder although she is just an ordenary shop owner.
Actually the book was although short full of information and a lot of people you have to remember. Sometimes I had to pause and collect myself because I was a tiny bit overwhelmed by the many events and new people.
All in all the crime case was solid though sometimes I felt it a bit dull, I wasn't sure if some parts couldn't have been shorter. Still the book was a good entertainment for an afternoon & I'm curious what's on Sandy's plate the next time. :) I'm also curious if we see the detective again but I doubt it and since I can't really get a measure of him I'm not sure if I want a reunion with him and Sandy, but we'll see.
The subplot with Sandy's best friend Cass is pretty promising so I can't wait to see if it will continue in the next book. It was a part in the book which made the book really interesting, though I thought for a moment it had a different direction. ;) It took me by suprise that's for sure. :)
A pleasant read, good solid crime case & entertaining characters. I'm curious to get more information about them. 4 out of 5 stars for this.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
January 18, 2018
I received free copy for an honest review.
Once Upon a Crime by Mona Marple is a true cozy mystery.
I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down. Sandy, owner of Books and Bakes, is mistakenly accused of having something to do with the death of local eccentric who has just announced his new business idea, which is to open new book store therefore becoming Sandy’s competition.
Add to all of that, the fact that her best friend is hiding something from her, mysterious goings on in the little village and Sandy is not sure who she can trust and no one seems to be who they claim.
I particularly liked how down to earth and natural characters are, the dialogue is intelligent and witty, situations are realistic and well described. It has a good plot and well presented story.
Once Upon a Crime by Mona Marple is a true cozy mystery.
I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down. Sandy, owner of Books and Bakes, is mistakenly accused of having something to do with the death of local eccentric who has just announced his new business idea, which is to open new book store therefore becoming Sandy’s competition.
Add to all of that, the fact that her best friend is hiding something from her, mysterious goings on in the little village and Sandy is not sure who she can trust and no one seems to be who they claim.
I particularly liked how down to earth and natural characters are, the dialogue is intelligent and witty, situations are realistic and well described. It has a good plot and well presented story.
March 14, 2022
If you like British-village mysteries, this series is for you! Sandy Shaw is the village’s primary baker and book seller, until the man who just announced he’s going to open a rival bookstore turns up dead. Then she becomes the primary suspect.
This is a fun read, with a well-plotted mystery and a final twist I did not see coming. I give Once Upon a Crime 4 ½ stars. I’ve deducted a half star because there are some typos. Not enough to be all that distracting, but I’m one of those people for whom typos jump off the page, so I did notice them.
This is a fun read, with a well-plotted mystery and a final twist I did not see coming. I give Once Upon a Crime 4 ½ stars. I’ve deducted a half star because there are some typos. Not enough to be all that distracting, but I’m one of those people for whom typos jump off the page, so I did notice them.
April 11, 2019
A good little mystery. Sandy is wondering if her business will survive. Things haven't been so good lately. Then a potential business rival announces that he will open a new book store and put her out of business. When the man is found dead, Sandy is the first suspect. Since the police are not even trying to find another suspect, Sandy knows that she has to solve the murder before she spends her life behind bars.
January 19, 2018
This book is located in this small town,Waterfell Tweed, in England. Based in a combination cafe/used book store owned by Sandy. It's a gossipy little town so any thing travels fast. There is a rumor that the shop across the street is being sold and being turned into a cafe/book store. But that can't be as it's Sandy's best friend that owns the shop across the street and she would have told her, she tells her everything. Once Upon a Crime is a fun read with a murder to solve. Looking forward to Book Two.
September 3, 2018
This was a fun cozy mystery to read. Set in a small village in England, I really enjoyed the descriptions of small town living and I am looking forward to reading book two in the series. I could relate to the main characters and their goals and struggles, and I am looking forward to reading more stories with the main characters in them.. I highly recommend this fun cozy to cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
June 30, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible. I recommend it for those who enjoy British cozy mysteries. The author paints a detailed picture of the setting. You can easily picture every scene as you listen. The narrator is excellent. She has a soothing voice and uses different voices for the characters. Listening to her reminded me very much of listening to story time at the library. I ended up listening to the entire book in one day. I was so caught up in the story I didn’t try solving it. I was enjoying listening while running it as a movie in my mind.
April 25, 2025
In the quaint and picturesque town of Waterfell Tweed, Sandy Shaw is juggling the demands of running her charming but struggling bakery bookstore, Books and Bakes. Just when it seems like her business might be facing its toughest challenge yet, Reginald Halfman, the town's wealthiest resident, makes a bold and public announcement. He declares his intention to turn the neighboring building, currently home to Sandy’s best friend Cass’s LA Nails, into a competing bookshop, The Book Stop. The news threatens to overshadow Sandy’s dreams, but the unfolding events take a dramatic turn when Reginald is found dead under suspicious circumstances that very evening. Initially dismissed as a burglary gone awry, the investigation soon reveals layers of deception and premeditated malice lurking beneath the surface.
As Sandy becomes embroiled in the mystery, she witnesses a heated exchange between Cass and an enigmatic woman, sparking questions about what secrets the townsfolk might be hiding. Conversations around Waterfell Tweed become fraught with tension, and Sandy realizes that nearly everyone has something to conceal. The stakes heighten when someone close to her suffers a mysterious attack, landing them in the hospital. With the police casting a suspicious eye on Sandy for both murder and attempted murder, she recognizes that she must unravel the tangled web of secrets herself. Her quest is not only to clear her own name but to protect those she loves. Yet, another question remains: are the incidents connected, or is there another sinister force taking advantage of the chaos?
Reading "Once Upon a Crime: Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery, Book 1" by Katie Forrest (writing as Mona Marple) was an absolute delight. I was immediately drawn into the vibrant world of Waterfell Tweed, where the small-town charm is both a comfort and a cloak for darker deeds. The book's engaging plot twists kept me guessing at every turn, and the well-developed, quirky characters added layers of intrigue and subtle humor to the narrative. The portrayal of the close-knit friendship between Sandy and Coral was particularly heartwarming, highlighting the importance of community and support amidst turmoil. The descriptive scenes of the café bookstore painted vivid images that made me feel like a part of the town.
What I found particularly impressive was the book's ability to maintain a perfect balance between suspense and coziness. The pacing was leveled just right, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually while giving readers the chance to savor the quaint setting and its colorful inhabitants. The storyline was not only entertaining but also satisfying, with a resolution that tied up loose ends while leaving room for anticipation. As the first installment in the Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery series, it sets a high bar, and I eagerly look forward to diving into the next book, "A Tale of Two Bodies," to see what further adventures await Sandy and her friends.
Book Rating:
Originality: 4.25/5.0
Plot Structure: 4.5/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 5.0/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5/5.0
Cover Design: 4.5/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 4.65/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)
As Sandy becomes embroiled in the mystery, she witnesses a heated exchange between Cass and an enigmatic woman, sparking questions about what secrets the townsfolk might be hiding. Conversations around Waterfell Tweed become fraught with tension, and Sandy realizes that nearly everyone has something to conceal. The stakes heighten when someone close to her suffers a mysterious attack, landing them in the hospital. With the police casting a suspicious eye on Sandy for both murder and attempted murder, she recognizes that she must unravel the tangled web of secrets herself. Her quest is not only to clear her own name but to protect those she loves. Yet, another question remains: are the incidents connected, or is there another sinister force taking advantage of the chaos?
Reading "Once Upon a Crime: Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery, Book 1" by Katie Forrest (writing as Mona Marple) was an absolute delight. I was immediately drawn into the vibrant world of Waterfell Tweed, where the small-town charm is both a comfort and a cloak for darker deeds. The book's engaging plot twists kept me guessing at every turn, and the well-developed, quirky characters added layers of intrigue and subtle humor to the narrative. The portrayal of the close-knit friendship between Sandy and Coral was particularly heartwarming, highlighting the importance of community and support amidst turmoil. The descriptive scenes of the café bookstore painted vivid images that made me feel like a part of the town.
What I found particularly impressive was the book's ability to maintain a perfect balance between suspense and coziness. The pacing was leveled just right, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually while giving readers the chance to savor the quaint setting and its colorful inhabitants. The storyline was not only entertaining but also satisfying, with a resolution that tied up loose ends while leaving room for anticipation. As the first installment in the Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery series, it sets a high bar, and I eagerly look forward to diving into the next book, "A Tale of Two Bodies," to see what further adventures await Sandy and her friends.
Book Rating:
Originality: 4.25/5.0
Plot Structure: 4.5/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 5.0/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5/5.0
Cover Design: 4.5/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 4.65/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)
January 26, 2025
This book is as much about a woman and her bakery/cafe as it is about a crime...maybe more. Most of the village life in Waterfell Tweed seems to evolve around the people who frequent the establishment called Books and Bites. Sandy Shaw, the owner and operator of the business works long hours, getting up early to bake everything and finishing late after cleaning everything up. Thank goodness she has a trusty helper named Bernice.
Things get interesting when the community loudmouth is found murdered in his home. Because murders just don't happen in this little town, a Detective Constable from London is sent to investigate. Regretfully, he is more interested in finding a suspect and accusing her than he is in actually doing any investigating and solving the crime. He wants to get back to the city. So when he finds out that the victim stood on a table in Books and Bites and announced to everyone that he was buying the salon across the street and planning to make it a fantastic bookstore that would put Sandy's store out of business, she was the first and only suspect and was accused of his murder. Thankfully a friend got her a lawyer who got her off the hook temporarily.
As a result Sandy made it her goal to find the actual killer. At this point the story becomes more and more complicated. Maybe the killer wants her dead, too. I've probably told you too much already, so I won't tell you how the story ends. Just be prepared for day after day needing to hear about what the bakery is making and who loves it.
Things get interesting when the community loudmouth is found murdered in his home. Because murders just don't happen in this little town, a Detective Constable from London is sent to investigate. Regretfully, he is more interested in finding a suspect and accusing her than he is in actually doing any investigating and solving the crime. He wants to get back to the city. So when he finds out that the victim stood on a table in Books and Bites and announced to everyone that he was buying the salon across the street and planning to make it a fantastic bookstore that would put Sandy's store out of business, she was the first and only suspect and was accused of his murder. Thankfully a friend got her a lawyer who got her off the hook temporarily.
As a result Sandy made it her goal to find the actual killer. At this point the story becomes more and more complicated. Maybe the killer wants her dead, too. I've probably told you too much already, so I won't tell you how the story ends. Just be prepared for day after day needing to hear about what the bakery is making and who loves it.
November 8, 2018
“Once Upon a Crime” earns 5/5 Suspect Lists…Clever and Entertaining!
I am a big fan of cozies set in England; add a bookshop with a bakery, quiet and capable young woman, quirky residents of a small village, and murder, then I am in! Sandy Shaw is a delightful figure who finds herself a person of interest when a dead body is found. Reginald Halfman is dead, and because he planned to open a competing bookshop, Sandy, of course, is at the top of the list of suspects. So, she better add amateur sleuth to her list of accomplishments or this life’s chapter is closed for good. Clever, engaging mystery enfolds as Sandy checks off her list a whole town of suspects. This first book is a marvelous start to Mona Marple’s Waterfell Tweed series making me an eager fan. Although I am more a fan of the “I” perspective, Mona made an engaging third-person narrative that did well explaining Sandy’s inner thoughts and perspective and including an entertaining sense of humor, realistic investigative techniques, and a satisfying ending. The well-developed characters surrounding an admirable main character make for engaging banter that kept me turning the pages. Easy reading! And a bonus! At the end of the book you have a chance to receive “The Prison Diaries” by…well, I can't tell you. The killer in “Once Upon a Crime” has their own story to tell. I loved it, too!
I am a big fan of cozies set in England; add a bookshop with a bakery, quiet and capable young woman, quirky residents of a small village, and murder, then I am in! Sandy Shaw is a delightful figure who finds herself a person of interest when a dead body is found. Reginald Halfman is dead, and because he planned to open a competing bookshop, Sandy, of course, is at the top of the list of suspects. So, she better add amateur sleuth to her list of accomplishments or this life’s chapter is closed for good. Clever, engaging mystery enfolds as Sandy checks off her list a whole town of suspects. This first book is a marvelous start to Mona Marple’s Waterfell Tweed series making me an eager fan. Although I am more a fan of the “I” perspective, Mona made an engaging third-person narrative that did well explaining Sandy’s inner thoughts and perspective and including an entertaining sense of humor, realistic investigative techniques, and a satisfying ending. The well-developed characters surrounding an admirable main character make for engaging banter that kept me turning the pages. Easy reading! And a bonus! At the end of the book you have a chance to receive “The Prison Diaries” by…well, I can't tell you. The killer in “Once Upon a Crime” has their own story to tell. I loved it, too!
February 19, 2019
When the wealthy Reginald Halfman announces that he is opening a competing business directly across the street from Sandy Shaw's cafe/bookstore Books and Bake, and was reveling in how he was going to put her out of business while standing in her store. When she wakes up the next morning, she learns he had been killed the previous day, and she herself is the prime suspect.
It's just a matter of time before the out of town DC Sullivan arrest her and charges her for the crime as she has been set up very nicely.
This is the first story I've read from Mona Marple,
Pro's - It has a nice story line, interesting characters, and nice descriptions of the towns settings.
Cons's - The story did not have a really satisfying ending as it never told the exact reason she had
been set up, just that the murderer had never been nice to her. Also there were a couple of
phrases used in the story that are the exact wording I've been hearing use for some of the
political unrest here in this country lately. Whether that was intentional or not, I'm not
positive. But, political views and messages have no business in a story line unless the story
itself is about politics, or a political campaign that is being ran.
It's just a matter of time before the out of town DC Sullivan arrest her and charges her for the crime as she has been set up very nicely.
This is the first story I've read from Mona Marple,
Pro's - It has a nice story line, interesting characters, and nice descriptions of the towns settings.
Cons's - The story did not have a really satisfying ending as it never told the exact reason she had
been set up, just that the murderer had never been nice to her. Also there were a couple of
phrases used in the story that are the exact wording I've been hearing use for some of the
political unrest here in this country lately. Whether that was intentional or not, I'm not
positive. But, political views and messages have no business in a story line unless the story
itself is about politics, or a political campaign that is being ran.
February 9, 2018
Great story & Characters!
This story takes place in a cozy little English village where the main character Sandy owns & operates a shop called Books and Bakes. Sandy gets caught up in a mystery when a customer who just announced in her shop that he was going to open a rival book shop across the street. Sandy becomes the main suspect and works hard to figure out who really committed the murder before she's arrested for it.
I really enjoyed the book. Unlike other books, I did not figure out who did it before the author revealed it. I love books that have bakeries and/or books in it. I would love to have some of the recipes for the delicious sounding baked good that Sandy the main character made in her shop.
The story is written by an English author and there were some words/phrases that I didn't understand, but the author did a pretty good job of writing the surrounding info so that it did not seem to harm the story line if you aren't familiar with it. I look forward to reading book #2.
This story takes place in a cozy little English village where the main character Sandy owns & operates a shop called Books and Bakes. Sandy gets caught up in a mystery when a customer who just announced in her shop that he was going to open a rival book shop across the street. Sandy becomes the main suspect and works hard to figure out who really committed the murder before she's arrested for it.
I really enjoyed the book. Unlike other books, I did not figure out who did it before the author revealed it. I love books that have bakeries and/or books in it. I would love to have some of the recipes for the delicious sounding baked good that Sandy the main character made in her shop.
The story is written by an English author and there were some words/phrases that I didn't understand, but the author did a pretty good job of writing the surrounding info so that it did not seem to harm the story line if you aren't familiar with it. I look forward to reading book #2.
January 12, 2025
Sandy has been running a shop called Books and Bakes, combining her love for books with her love of baking. She's been struggling and has had to give her part-timers fewer hours. One night, out of the blue, Reginald Halfman enters Sandy's bookstore and announces to everyone that he will open a bookstore across the street from Sandy's. She is horrified because Reginald has lots of money, which means he will take over the space across the street from her best friend, who currently has a nail salon.
The following day, everyone is shocked to learn that Reginald has been poisoned in his home. The local police have been sidelined, and the case has been given to the police of the next larger town. They immediately assume Sandy is the killer. She realizes she is the only one who cares enough to worry about getting the correct culprit.
This story was OK, just nothing special. I don't intend to read any others in this series because there wasn't enough to make me look forward to the next one. Score = G+.
The following day, everyone is shocked to learn that Reginald has been poisoned in his home. The local police have been sidelined, and the case has been given to the police of the next larger town. They immediately assume Sandy is the killer. She realizes she is the only one who cares enough to worry about getting the correct culprit.
This story was OK, just nothing special. I don't intend to read any others in this series because there wasn't enough to make me look forward to the next one. Score = G+.
December 11, 2018
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I read a lot of mystery/thriller books. But this is the first “cozy mystery” I have read so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although shorter in length and less intense than my usual mystery/thriller fare, I have to say that I enjoyed this book. It was well-written with interesting and unique characters. The mystery part of the story, although not as intense as what I’m used to, captured my interest and held it, and kept me guessing until the killer was revealed. I liked the village setting - it reminded me of growing up in a small town. And Sandy’s bookstore/cafe is a place you want to keep coming back to. This book was a wonderful easy read - fast, light and fun - with enough gentle mystery to satisfy the reader. I find myself wanting to read more about these characters, so I’ll definitely be moving on to the next book in the series. Well-done!
January 20, 2020
Once Upon A Crime is the first book in the Waterfell Tweed series, so there is quite a bit of exposition introducing readers to Sandy, Coral, Cas, and other residents of the town. Mona Marple does an excellent job of weaving the exposition into the story so that it never lags.
Sandy Shaw is the proprietor of a cafe/bookstore who finds herself the number one suspect in the murder of Reginald Halfman. She is forced to investigate the murder herself when it becomes obvious that the police sent to Waterfell Tweed from London are looking for the easiest out, which happens to be her.
The real strength in Once Upon A Crime is the characters. I quickly cared about them and felt invested in finding the real murderer. I was happily led down the primrose path and appropriately distracted by red herrings so that the reveal of the murderer was a surprise.
Once Upon A Crime is a strong start to the Waterfell Tweed series.
Sandy Shaw is the proprietor of a cafe/bookstore who finds herself the number one suspect in the murder of Reginald Halfman. She is forced to investigate the murder herself when it becomes obvious that the police sent to Waterfell Tweed from London are looking for the easiest out, which happens to be her.
The real strength in Once Upon A Crime is the characters. I quickly cared about them and felt invested in finding the real murderer. I was happily led down the primrose path and appropriately distracted by red herrings so that the reveal of the murderer was a surprise.
Once Upon A Crime is a strong start to the Waterfell Tweed series.
March 6, 2018
Light-hearted, fun, suspenseful, surprising!
Sandy owns a bookstore slash café in a small village where everyone knows each other. She’s really good at baking, but her passion is books. And then a murder… When she becomes a serious suspect, she decides to investigate herself. But can she do it? Can she solve the case and prove who the killer is? Most of the villagers have a secret or two… anyone could be the killer! A terrible thought.
Light-hearted and fun. The writing was just a tad juvenile in the beginning, and the phrasing a bit simple, but I got used to it or it got better. It got very suspenseful and the outcome was surprising! Very pleasant to read. With a good plot and a good pace. And a lot about village life. Charming! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to go back to Waterfell Tweed!
Sandy owns a bookstore slash café in a small village where everyone knows each other. She’s really good at baking, but her passion is books. And then a murder… When she becomes a serious suspect, she decides to investigate herself. But can she do it? Can she solve the case and prove who the killer is? Most of the villagers have a secret or two… anyone could be the killer! A terrible thought.
Light-hearted and fun. The writing was just a tad juvenile in the beginning, and the phrasing a bit simple, but I got used to it or it got better. It got very suspenseful and the outcome was surprising! Very pleasant to read. With a good plot and a good pace. And a lot about village life. Charming! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to go back to Waterfell Tweed!
July 29, 2024
"Once Upon a Crime" by Mona Marple, my favorite modern-day cozy mystery writer, starts the "Waterfell Tweed" series with a blend of humor and mystery. Sandy Shaw owns a cozy bookstore and café in the charming village of Waterfell Tweed. The story begins with Sandy feeling a bit uneasy about a new competitor opening a shop nearby, but soon, things take an unexpected turn, and Sandy finds herself in a tricky situation that involves "a body."
Determined to get to the bottom of things, Sandy starts her own investigation, navigating through the quirky personalities and hidden secrets of the village. The book does a great job capturing the cozy, small-town feel while keeping readers intrigued with a mystery, making it a fun and enjoyable read.
"Once Upon a Crime" sets the stage for the rest of the mysteries in this series, offering entertainment that's just right for cozy mystery fans.
Determined to get to the bottom of things, Sandy starts her own investigation, navigating through the quirky personalities and hidden secrets of the village. The book does a great job capturing the cozy, small-town feel while keeping readers intrigued with a mystery, making it a fun and enjoyable read.
"Once Upon a Crime" sets the stage for the rest of the mysteries in this series, offering entertainment that's just right for cozy mystery fans.
April 8, 2018
One of the sub genres of books I enjoy are books about bookstores. Sandy runs a delightful book cafe where patrons can enjoy browsing through books while enjoying Sandy's cakes , drinks and other morsels. She becomes concerned when she hears of a rival bookstore opening up in town. Imagine her surprise when she learns her rival is dead and becomes confused when her rivals claim turns out to be a lie. Sandy's best friend is attacked and Sandy is arrested for the murder. Sandy knew she had to do something and decided to search for the real killer. I'm not a big fan of mysteries but I enjoyed this one. Interesting characters with some unexpected subplots. I received a free digital copy of this from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2018
Waterfall Tweed is such a nice little town. Sandy is enjoying running her shop, Books and Bakes. Well, she normally enjoys it until the day Reginald stands on one of her cafe tables and announces that he's opening a bookstore right across the street. Not only that, but he's taking over her best friend's nail shop to do it! When Reginald is found murdered and her sister is found on her doorstep, Sandy seems to be the one and only suspect. After being interrogated and released, she decides to look into the murders herself. The characters in this book are great and the plot is interesting too. I never saw it coming when Sandy found out who the true murderer was. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery.
July 16, 2019
4.5 Stars
I recently paid a visit to the lovely village of Waterfell Tweed. I must confess to dragging my feet so that the sojourn would last a little bit longer. While I was there, a murder was committed and then another one. Without a hint, I managed to deduce the evil-doer - not through any cleverness, but by thinking "Hm, wouldn't it be funny if it was that person" and alas, it was!
This pretty little hamlet is a wonderful place to spend time. I'd like to live there, myself, though it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I cannot wait to return and spend more time with Sandy, Coral, Cass, Bernice and all the other denizens. It was a fabulous change of pace from city-dwelling, if just for an hour or two.
I recently paid a visit to the lovely village of Waterfell Tweed. I must confess to dragging my feet so that the sojourn would last a little bit longer. While I was there, a murder was committed and then another one. Without a hint, I managed to deduce the evil-doer - not through any cleverness, but by thinking "Hm, wouldn't it be funny if it was that person" and alas, it was!
This pretty little hamlet is a wonderful place to spend time. I'd like to live there, myself, though it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I cannot wait to return and spend more time with Sandy, Coral, Cass, Bernice and all the other denizens. It was a fabulous change of pace from city-dwelling, if just for an hour or two.
August 2, 2023
I'm just not into the main character or the story.
Amazon synopsis:
Sandy Shaw enjoys her reign as the sole baker and bookseller in the sleepy village of Waterfell Tweed. But when Reginald, the local eccentric, announces plans to open a competing shop across the square, she fails to hide her frustration. As she formulates her plan of attack, Reginald goes from being the town weirdo to serving as the town corpse…
Thrust into the middle of a murder investigation as the prime suspect, Sandy must go from selling buns to solving crimes in a hurry. With no one to save her biscuits but herself, she puts down her rolling pin and gets to work. If she fails to find the murderer in time, she'll be serving a whole lot more than tea and jam.
Amazon synopsis:
Sandy Shaw enjoys her reign as the sole baker and bookseller in the sleepy village of Waterfell Tweed. But when Reginald, the local eccentric, announces plans to open a competing shop across the square, she fails to hide her frustration. As she formulates her plan of attack, Reginald goes from being the town weirdo to serving as the town corpse…
Thrust into the middle of a murder investigation as the prime suspect, Sandy must go from selling buns to solving crimes in a hurry. With no one to save her biscuits but herself, she puts down her rolling pin and gets to work. If she fails to find the murderer in time, she'll be serving a whole lot more than tea and jam.
March 6, 2018
A sound middle-of-the-road cozy with entertaining characters and a decent mystery. It shows good awareness that a murder in a quiet place affects everyone's sense of security. I thought the red herrings were nicely planted, though the clues to the actual perpetrator were rather subtle – all right, I completely missed them.
Though set in the Peak District, an area I'm very fond of, it doesn't give much sense of the place beyond deploring the weather. The rather bijou scene on the cover doesn't help either. That's not the Derbyshire I know! On the other hand, the food was lovingly described and I really wished I could visit that cafe bookshop.
Though set in the Peak District, an area I'm very fond of, it doesn't give much sense of the place beyond deploring the weather. The rather bijou scene on the cover doesn't help either. That's not the Derbyshire I know! On the other hand, the food was lovingly described and I really wished I could visit that cafe bookshop.
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