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Dear Abby Cozy Mystery #1
End of the Lane
Abby Maguire’s luck is about to change. She’s looking for a sea change and starting a new job in a new town. With any luck, she should be able to put her past behind her in no time. Her first assignment working for the Eden Rise Gazette will be to cover the weekend’s bake sale. Within a short time of arriving in town, there is a slight change of plans and Abby finds herself giving a statement to the police. Now her new job and her new life hang in the balance…
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language but lots of fun, quirky dialogue & characters.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language but lots of fun, quirky dialogue & characters.
230 pages, ebook
Published January 11, 2018
1083 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Parin
124 books199 followersI write Cozy Mysteries: humorous historical (1920s), contemporary and paranormal.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 30, 2020
2.5 stars
For a Kindle freebie, there was actually a lot I liked about this novel. It follows an American who moves to a tiny town in Australia for a job only to find her new boss murdered when she arrives. The tiny town is populated by a host of colorful characters (including a handful of Potential Love Interests and Female BFFs), the main character isn't annoying, and the author doesn't feel the need to fill in every detail but leaves a lot to the imagination. I felt genuinely engaged from page 1.
But the mystery is problematic. The murderer's motive was utterly ridiculous. And the pacing of the story overall drove me crazy. It mostly involves the main character running around meeting people, setting them off with otherwise innocent questions, and drinking coffee. To give the book credit, it doesn't re-hash everything we already know over and over. But it does try so hard to introduce Every Person In The Town that I gave up tracking who was who pretty quickly.
I like it enough that I'd give another freebie a read. And if I liked that freebie, I might buy the rest of the series. But I'm not sure I'd commit to buying anything on the strength of this book alone.
For a Kindle freebie, there was actually a lot I liked about this novel. It follows an American who moves to a tiny town in Australia for a job only to find her new boss murdered when she arrives. The tiny town is populated by a host of colorful characters (including a handful of Potential Love Interests and Female BFFs), the main character isn't annoying, and the author doesn't feel the need to fill in every detail but leaves a lot to the imagination. I felt genuinely engaged from page 1.
But the mystery is problematic. The murderer's motive was utterly ridiculous. And the pacing of the story overall drove me crazy. It mostly involves the main character running around meeting people, setting them off with otherwise innocent questions, and drinking coffee. To give the book credit, it doesn't re-hash everything we already know over and over. But it does try so hard to introduce Every Person In The Town that I gave up tracking who was who pretty quickly.
I like it enough that I'd give another freebie a read. And if I liked that freebie, I might buy the rest of the series. But I'm not sure I'd commit to buying anything on the strength of this book alone.
August 16, 2018
I LOVE this book. The writing flowed, the story drew me in immediately and the characters were incredibly likable. Abby flies halfway around the world to start a new life as a small-town newspaper reporter in Australia. Her first assignment is supposed to be about cake, of all things, but instead she finds herself investigating the murder of her new boss. This is sincerely the perfect cozy mystery. It is fast-paced, lighthearted, fun and engaging. I will be keeping my eye out for more books by Sonia Parin.
July 17, 2019
“End of the Lane” by Sonia Parin had me by the cover with its atmospheric illustration, a cute doggy and the phrase “cozy mystery.” And the story had me hooked too!
Abby Maguire transfers to a new city for a reporter’s job in small town Eden, which turns out to be less of a paradise than expected, because instead of finding a hot tip for a front page lead, she discovers her new boss’ body. And ... she’s the main suspect, while being effectively unemployed. Not a great way to start a new life, eh? But she endears the reader, as do other quirky story characters, as she sleuths for clues to prove her innocence. Loved it! 5/5
Pub Date 15 Jan 2018
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#EndOfTheLane #NetGalley
Abby Maguire transfers to a new city for a reporter’s job in small town Eden, which turns out to be less of a paradise than expected, because instead of finding a hot tip for a front page lead, she discovers her new boss’ body. And ... she’s the main suspect, while being effectively unemployed. Not a great way to start a new life, eh? But she endears the reader, as do other quirky story characters, as she sleuths for clues to prove her innocence. Loved it! 5/5
Pub Date 15 Jan 2018
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#EndOfTheLane #NetGalley
August 23, 2019
Great read with humour despite the murder!!
I enjoyed this book, very different to her 1920's series set in England but still well written and researched. Even includes a recipe for Lamingtons.. I admit to copy and pasting as I haven't had one in 20 years and I am definitely going to try them, I do recommend adding the jam though as no matter where I went in Australia they all contained jam or had a layer prior to the chocolate coating!!
Back to the book.. our heroine, a lifestyle reporter, has left Seattle for a small town in Victoria, Australia following a difficult relationship break down. Along her drive she finds a stray dog, who is looking the worst for wear, and in need of rescue. On arrival she finds her new boss's dead body and somewhat overwhelmed decides to look into it while waiting to find out if she still has a job.
Enter the local detective, her colleague, the town's coffee shop owner and her new "landlords" at the town's only bar and hotel and her sidekick dog who she's adopted by default. As the locals welcome her arrival in their typically Australian way, captured very well indeed, she's encouraged to dig around for information on the killer.
Having experienced the joys of turning up in small town Australia and being welcomed enthusiastically and quirkily I can testify that Ms Parin has done a great job with her characters and setting.
Can't wait for the next one!
I enjoyed this book, very different to her 1920's series set in England but still well written and researched. Even includes a recipe for Lamingtons.. I admit to copy and pasting as I haven't had one in 20 years and I am definitely going to try them, I do recommend adding the jam though as no matter where I went in Australia they all contained jam or had a layer prior to the chocolate coating!!
Back to the book.. our heroine, a lifestyle reporter, has left Seattle for a small town in Victoria, Australia following a difficult relationship break down. Along her drive she finds a stray dog, who is looking the worst for wear, and in need of rescue. On arrival she finds her new boss's dead body and somewhat overwhelmed decides to look into it while waiting to find out if she still has a job.
Enter the local detective, her colleague, the town's coffee shop owner and her new "landlords" at the town's only bar and hotel and her sidekick dog who she's adopted by default. As the locals welcome her arrival in their typically Australian way, captured very well indeed, she's encouraged to dig around for information on the killer.
Having experienced the joys of turning up in small town Australia and being welcomed enthusiastically and quirkily I can testify that Ms Parin has done a great job with her characters and setting.
Can't wait for the next one!
November 29, 2019
Abby moves from the US to Australia to escape a life that had become disappointing and sad. There she encounters a murder, a town full of interesting characters and some very nice looking men. I liked this book. The situations Abby encounters are a little different than I expected but familiar enough that my expectations were met.
March 27, 2020
2.5 stars
The town is full of quirky characters and I love that. The main character not so much. There is a hint that she has a past she wants to put behind her and that's all it is because ... the author didn't reveal much. Abby flies halfway across the world to a new job and circumstances put it in jeopardy so of course she's asked to nose around and figure things out. I don't like that the police detective gave Sebastian information just because he called and asked/demanded. I also don't like the clumsy attempt to set things in motion for a possible love triangle with Sebastian and Joshua (the detective). I don't mind a clean read but the author didn't explore people getting bothered by someone questioning them the way she did. Surely someone would have called the police to complain or left nasty notes instead of a box of poisoned lamingtons that we aren't 100% sure who sent them. Have to assume the killer did. You would think the detective would warn her to stop asking questions at that point. The killer was a bit unhinged but it went unnoticed for most of the story until one little moment clicked for Abby. Why would she figure it out when she was pretty clueless for most of the book. I won't bother reading any more in this series.
The town is full of quirky characters and I love that. The main character not so much. There is a hint that she has a past she wants to put behind her and that's all it is because ... the author didn't reveal much. Abby flies halfway across the world to a new job and circumstances put it in jeopardy so of course she's asked to nose around and figure things out. I don't like that the police detective gave Sebastian information just because he called and asked/demanded. I also don't like the clumsy attempt to set things in motion for a possible love triangle with Sebastian and Joshua (the detective). I don't mind a clean read but the author didn't explore people getting bothered by someone questioning them the way she did. Surely someone would have called the police to complain or left nasty notes instead of a box of poisoned lamingtons that we aren't 100% sure who sent them. Have to assume the killer did. You would think the detective would warn her to stop asking questions at that point. The killer was a bit unhinged but it went unnoticed for most of the story until one little moment clicked for Abby. Why would she figure it out when she was pretty clueless for most of the book. I won't bother reading any more in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
A fun cozy mystery set in the small town of Eden, Australia. Abby has just arrived from America to work on the small-town paper & discovers the body of her new boss. Lots of quirky characters & suspects. I look forward to more of this series.
October 28, 2018
A cool sometimes hilarious and captivating cozy mystery with a truly motivated reporter who needed to know all. Abby has one of those nature that is inquisitive from birth, she just can’t help getting up in peoples business, but she is also cool with it. As she quickly became at home in the quaint little village, as she tries to uncover the truth behind the death of her new boss. This book was interesting, entertaining and it vastly captivates your imagination, making it a nice cozy afternoon read.
March 15, 2018
💜 it!
The perfect cozy mystery! Sonia Parin has become one of my favorite authors. My only problem is the books need more romance💕💕
If you love cozy mysteries you need to read her books!😃
The perfect cozy mystery! Sonia Parin has become one of my favorite authors. My only problem is the books need more romance💕💕
If you love cozy mysteries you need to read her books!😃
July 2, 2019
This is a terrific story! Loved it!
This cleverly written story was both creative and entertaining. I enjoyed the characters, and look forward to learning more about them, especially what brought Abby to Eden.
This cleverly written story was both creative and entertaining. I enjoyed the characters, and look forward to learning more about them, especially what brought Abby to Eden.
March 30, 2020
This was a great book to read. Action happened right away. A new newspaper reporter finds her new boss dead. The way the author wrote this story you can picture everyone in town as you are reading. I’m not going to spoil anything. This is not graphic or bloody as some murder stories. Enjoy.
April 12, 2019
cute
Abby has made a move to start a new life when she finds her new boss is dead. Love the characters, and I picked the wrong suspect and I am usually spot on!
Abby has made a move to start a new life when she finds her new boss is dead. Love the characters, and I picked the wrong suspect and I am usually spot on!
January 14, 2018
Abby got a new job on a News Paper in Australia, took the long trip out to meet her new boss, only to find him murdered! A great new series by Sonia Parin, awesome story, characters, and plot... had me trying to figure out who the killer was, why he or she committed the crime, and never got it right. I enjoyed small town stories and how intriguing they become.
January 20, 2019
This is a wonderful quick read and beginning to a series. I really enjoyed this mystery, it has several twists and turns along the way. I never suspected the killer or why they did it. I love Abby’s character, how she is changing her life after heartbreak. I also love how she rescued the little dog. Okay, I will admit it I just love the little dog and his personality. He is probably my favorite character although Abby and other characters are very likable. The setting of a small town although not in America still seems very relatable to me being from a small town. I recommend this book to other mystery lovers.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
January 20, 2019
This is a wonderful quick read and beginning to a series. I really enjoyed this mystery, it has several twists and turns along the way. I never suspected the killer or why they did it. I love Abby’s character, how she is changing her life after heartbreak. I also love how she rescued the little dog. Okay, I will admit it I just love the little dog and his personality. He is probably my favorite character although Abby and other characters are very likable. The setting of a small town although not in America still seems very relatable to me being from a small town. I recommend this book to other mystery lovers.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
July 7, 2019
Good story
The plot is good The characters are interesting. However, you pore over a paper, not pour . A person named Lexie suddenly appears, once, and I have no idea who that is. There are other examples, but it needs a little editing. Or they spell things funny and change names in Australia.
The plot is good The characters are interesting. However, you pore over a paper, not pour . A person named Lexie suddenly appears, once, and I have no idea who that is. There are other examples, but it needs a little editing. Or they spell things funny and change names in Australia.
June 29, 2018
Wonderful.
This story is awesome, her energy, small town vibe. The mystery everything is just wonderful. I really love how she discovers what’s going on, and is very proactive. I love her relationship with her dog, and I cannot wait to read more from the series.
This story is awesome, her energy, small town vibe. The mystery everything is just wonderful. I really love how she discovers what’s going on, and is very proactive. I love her relationship with her dog, and I cannot wait to read more from the series.
June 20, 2018
Good book.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting and realistic. I would read more of this author's books. Really like this series.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting and realistic. I would read more of this author's books. Really like this series.
October 1, 2018
A great find.
Sonia Marin has a new fan. As the first book in this series it has drawn me in and I am hoping the rest of the series keeps me interested.
Sonia Marin has a new fan. As the first book in this series it has drawn me in and I am hoping the rest of the series keeps me interested.
October 9, 2020
End of the Lane by Sonia Parin
This is the very first book I have read from this author and I am honestly surprised that I had not heard of her at the time I read this. I am giving this review late but really wanted to share my opinion on it. I found this to be very refreshing. While I do not mind reading books that contain graphic language and sex,it is rare to find a mystery novel that has nothing of the sort. Unless you are reading a Christian novel.
Abby Maguire is moving to a new town and a new job. Everything seems to be perfect and she is certainly not afraid to have conversations with her dog Doyle and he has no problem showing in his expressions how he feels. However, when Abby arrives she finds her boss dead.... Abby must put her sleuthing skills to bat. Except, wait, Abby is the suspect? It can’t be..... what will Abby do now? The writer pulls you in with a tenacious writing ability and the story flows with every twist. I read this in one sitting because it kept my interest throughout. This is one that I would want my friends and family to read.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the very first book I have read from this author and I am honestly surprised that I had not heard of her at the time I read this. I am giving this review late but really wanted to share my opinion on it. I found this to be very refreshing. While I do not mind reading books that contain graphic language and sex,it is rare to find a mystery novel that has nothing of the sort. Unless you are reading a Christian novel.
Abby Maguire is moving to a new town and a new job. Everything seems to be perfect and she is certainly not afraid to have conversations with her dog Doyle and he has no problem showing in his expressions how he feels. However, when Abby arrives she finds her boss dead.... Abby must put her sleuthing skills to bat. Except, wait, Abby is the suspect? It can’t be..... what will Abby do now? The writer pulls you in with a tenacious writing ability and the story flows with every twist. I read this in one sitting because it kept my interest throughout. This is one that I would want my friends and family to read.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 3, 2022
In many ways an interesting story with an unusual cast of likeable characters. It seems, though, that a murder within the first few hours of Abby's arrival is too rushed. We've no time to connect with her. And the writer doesn't waste time with meet & greet conversations. The grandson, Sebastian, within an hour of meeting her, knowing absolutely nothing about her, asks her to make inquiries re: grandpa's death.
Abby as a sleuth doesn't come across as very credible--to me or to the town residents she annoyed. Arriving as a newcomer only two days before from the US, she rushes into questioning people like a big city reporter out for a scoop. Coming across as the typical pushy Yank, getting in people's faces with pointed questions and accusations, she doesn't behave like someone who intends to settle down there.
I like the way the townsfolk welcomed her, but found their joking about suspects and murder odd. And Abby jokes about not drinking the offered beverage just in case. In very poor taste, considering this victim, Dermitt, was a loved and respected man in the town.
For all that, it was an interesting tale. A bit more "getting to know you" and sobriety about the murder would have helped. And the town sounds like a place we'd all like to live.
Abby as a sleuth doesn't come across as very credible--to me or to the town residents she annoyed. Arriving as a newcomer only two days before from the US, she rushes into questioning people like a big city reporter out for a scoop. Coming across as the typical pushy Yank, getting in people's faces with pointed questions and accusations, she doesn't behave like someone who intends to settle down there.
I like the way the townsfolk welcomed her, but found their joking about suspects and murder odd. And Abby jokes about not drinking the offered beverage just in case. In very poor taste, considering this victim, Dermitt, was a loved and respected man in the town.
For all that, it was an interesting tale. A bit more "getting to know you" and sobriety about the murder would have helped. And the town sounds like a place we'd all like to live.
October 22, 2018
I requested this book on NetGalley because it was the first of a cozy mystery series. I have a penchant for cozy mysteries and they tend to be an interesting light read.
We are introduced to Abby Maguire in this book, who has moved thousands of miles away from her old life just to start over but walks in to find her new employer dead. Things get a lot crazier then as she acclimatized with her surroundings. We are introduced to a lot of interesting characters and there is a strong foundation for a lot of future stories. Some of the random interactions reminded me of the conversations my friends and I used to have. It was not easy to figure out who did the deed till the author actually leads you to the ending.
The only thing I was not comfortable with was the style of narration. There was more of telling than showing, everything just seemed to keep happening without giving me the time to actually digest/process the information or feel for the situation. This book released in the beginning of this year and I think holds some appeal for certain readers of this genre. It is a small book and does not take long to read in one sitting.
We are introduced to Abby Maguire in this book, who has moved thousands of miles away from her old life just to start over but walks in to find her new employer dead. Things get a lot crazier then as she acclimatized with her surroundings. We are introduced to a lot of interesting characters and there is a strong foundation for a lot of future stories. Some of the random interactions reminded me of the conversations my friends and I used to have. It was not easy to figure out who did the deed till the author actually leads you to the ending.
The only thing I was not comfortable with was the style of narration. There was more of telling than showing, everything just seemed to keep happening without giving me the time to actually digest/process the information or feel for the situation. This book released in the beginning of this year and I think holds some appeal for certain readers of this genre. It is a small book and does not take long to read in one sitting.
August 5, 2024
Sonia Parin is a new author to me and I enjoyed the first book in the Dear Abby cozy mystery series. In End of the Lane, Abby Maguire leaves Seattle and heads to a new job at the Eden Rise Gazette. On her way there, she picks up a stray dog. After having him checked out by a veterinarian, he ends up becoming her sidekick--Doyle. She meets her new co-worker Faith O'Keefe and goes to see her new boss at his home. Shockingly, Dermont Cavendish is dead when she gets there. While Inspector Joshua Ryan is on the case, she uses her reporter's instincts and sleuthing to get to the bottom of things. This series is off to a good start. The small town has interesting people and places. And as she settles into her new home, Abby is lucky to have Doyle by her side.
July 1, 2024
The dialogue is so stilted and sounds nothing like how people actually speak, especially the rural Australian characters.
The only character I really connected with was Doyle, the dog, but even then the behavior was so un-dog-like and unbelievable. I love when authors create a sense of place and make the world their own, but in this case, it just wasn't a world I could believe in nor were the characters ones I cared about. The death meant nothing and had such low stakes, even that I didn't care about.
It's a shame, because I was really excited about the book from the cover, but I couldn't get past the writing, so had to put it down.
The only character I really connected with was Doyle, the dog, but even then the behavior was so un-dog-like and unbelievable. I love when authors create a sense of place and make the world their own, but in this case, it just wasn't a world I could believe in nor were the characters ones I cared about. The death meant nothing and had such low stakes, even that I didn't care about.
It's a shame, because I was really excited about the book from the cover, but I couldn't get past the writing, so had to put it down.
October 24, 2019
The other reviews had to be planted. This book is horrendous. The flow is choppy, the characters are not engaging, and the details are odd. Poor character development, waaay too much pushing on the male leads. Apparently all tall men are good looking with sparkly eyes that distract our protagonist... blah, blah, blah.
I get that cozy mysteries are supposed to be fun and many of the best writers are not professionals.. just good storytellers... but this one should have stayed on the floor of the Starbucks where her writing group meets. It is THAT bad.
I get that cozy mysteries are supposed to be fun and many of the best writers are not professionals.. just good storytellers... but this one should have stayed on the floor of the Starbucks where her writing group meets. It is THAT bad.
June 24, 2020
Abby McGuire has traveled 1/2 way across the world for her new job. Just to find her new boss dead as she arrives to introduce herself.
Abby is a reporter, who once covered a murder and was enough to turn her off from murder investigations. And she's not even sure if she'll still have a job once the murderer is discovered.
This was a slow, but steady paced story that had mostly developed questions, and a decent story line.
I really enjoy a different series written by Sonia Parin. I will be reading the next in this series to help make up my mind as to how well I like this series.
Abby is a reporter, who once covered a murder and was enough to turn her off from murder investigations. And she's not even sure if she'll still have a job once the murderer is discovered.
This was a slow, but steady paced story that had mostly developed questions, and a decent story line.
I really enjoy a different series written by Sonia Parin. I will be reading the next in this series to help make up my mind as to how well I like this series.
December 16, 2024
A new start
Abby has had a terrible year and taken a job on a small town weekly free newspaper. In Eden, Australia, a long way from Seattle, Washington. A place to start anew.
Before she evens meets her new boss, she finds him dead.
A much loved gentleman who is greatly missed by the residents and Abby gets caught up in finding the murderer .
Characters are a bit quirky and small town life is a bit strange to Abby, yet she fits in with only a few adjustments. The story moves right along with only one or two throwaway clues but the solution wasn't easy to suss out.
Abby has had a terrible year and taken a job on a small town weekly free newspaper. In Eden, Australia, a long way from Seattle, Washington. A place to start anew.
Before she evens meets her new boss, she finds him dead.
A much loved gentleman who is greatly missed by the residents and Abby gets caught up in finding the murderer .
Characters are a bit quirky and small town life is a bit strange to Abby, yet she fits in with only a few adjustments. The story moves right along with only one or two throwaway clues but the solution wasn't easy to suss out.
July 12, 2019
Excellent!
Cute cozy mystery set in a small town in Australia, outside of Melbourne. When Abby loses her newspaper job in Seattle, she accepts this new job . She arrives to discover her new boss, dead in his armchair. He was poisoned! She encounters many new people, an abandoned dog, and lots of strange situations. It is a delightful romp to find the killer, aided by many of her new friends and her dog. Fun read!
Cute cozy mystery set in a small town in Australia, outside of Melbourne. When Abby loses her newspaper job in Seattle, she accepts this new job . She arrives to discover her new boss, dead in his armchair. He was poisoned! She encounters many new people, an abandoned dog, and lots of strange situations. It is a delightful romp to find the killer, aided by many of her new friends and her dog. Fun read!
January 23, 2023
2.5 rounded up to 3. The idea of a “cozy mystery” intrigued me, and it was a quick read. But the main character wasn’t very likable and I couldn’t figure out how the townspeople warmed up to her so quickly. I kept reading to find out “whodunit”, which is something I usually figure out in mysteries, but didn’t in this one. Overall, it was cute, clean, and an easy read, but I probably won’t continue with the series.
October 22, 2023
Interesting beginning to a new series of books. Abby moves halfway around the world to take a new job and on the day of her arrival, she finds her new boss dead in his home. She contacts emergency services and they do in fact find he is deceased. She is then on the hunt for the killer and tries getting used to her new life. Does she still have a job? Only time will tell. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews