What do you think?
Rate this book
Firefly Junction #1
Death in the Park
Book 1 of London Lovett's brand new cozy mystery series, Firefly Junction.
With her social life and writing career in tatters at the ripe old age of thirty-five, Sunni Taylor decides to pack up her things and join her sisters, Lana and Emily, in the small town of Firefly Junction. Hoping to open a bed and breakfast, Sunni sets herself the task of refurbishing the rundown Cider Ridge Inn, a two-hundred-year-old house with a sordid past. In the meantime, she's stuck writing dull human interest stories for the Junction Times. But when Sunni decides to bend the rules on her first newspaper assignment, she soon finds herself in her favorite place—right in the center of a murder investigation. Now if she can just steer clear of the cocky, irritating and far too appealing local detective , Brady "Jax" Jackson.
It isn't long before Sunni discovers that avoiding Jax is a piece of cake compared to staying clear of the equally cocky, irritating and far too appealing two-hundred-year-old ghost haunting the halls of the Cider Ridge Inn.
Death in the Park is a full-length cozy mystery novel with a fun paranormal twist.
Book 2, Killer Bridal Party is now available!
With her social life and writing career in tatters at the ripe old age of thirty-five, Sunni Taylor decides to pack up her things and join her sisters, Lana and Emily, in the small town of Firefly Junction. Hoping to open a bed and breakfast, Sunni sets herself the task of refurbishing the rundown Cider Ridge Inn, a two-hundred-year-old house with a sordid past. In the meantime, she's stuck writing dull human interest stories for the Junction Times. But when Sunni decides to bend the rules on her first newspaper assignment, she soon finds herself in her favorite place—right in the center of a murder investigation. Now if she can just steer clear of the cocky, irritating and far too appealing local detective , Brady "Jax" Jackson.
It isn't long before Sunni discovers that avoiding Jax is a piece of cake compared to staying clear of the equally cocky, irritating and far too appealing two-hundred-year-old ghost haunting the halls of the Cider Ridge Inn.
Death in the Park is a full-length cozy mystery novel with a fun paranormal twist.
Book 2, Killer Bridal Party is now available!
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2018
1672 people are currently reading
2655 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
July 23, 2020
Frustrated with what she perceives to be dull assignments, small town journalist Sunni Taylor turns amateur sleuth and noses around in a murder investigation instead. Also, the inn she's refurbishing might be haunted. Decent entertainment, but the mystery and paranormal angles didn't mesh all that well and the protagonist was a little too annoying and pushy for my liking.
January 23, 2020
Probably the dullest murder mystery I've ever read
I don't think I've ever read a less compelling murder plot. I've certainly never sympathised less with a motive, or indeed probably a victim (not through likeability, just interest). I'm being quite harsh here; the writing is decent enough, but the author cannot plot or pace for toffee. When the main clues include cardboard boxes and undistributed yearbooks, it doesn't really get less compelling. Add in a shoehorned romance and a poorly fleshed out, hastily resolved, and unnecessary ghost subplot, and you have a seriously mediocre novel
I don't think I've ever read a less compelling murder plot. I've certainly never sympathised less with a motive, or indeed probably a victim (not through likeability, just interest). I'm being quite harsh here; the writing is decent enough, but the author cannot plot or pace for toffee. When the main clues include cardboard boxes and undistributed yearbooks, it doesn't really get less compelling. Add in a shoehorned romance and a poorly fleshed out, hastily resolved, and unnecessary ghost subplot, and you have a seriously mediocre novel
January 1, 2019
Love that cover! The insides started off slow 🐌, but once we were introduced to a myriad of characters, out made the cut off series I will continue. Interesting twist at the end, that will definitely change the direction of the next books.
March 10, 2021
Another fun cozy. Sunni Taylor moves to Firefly Junction to be near her sisters. Sunni being a journalist bags a job at the local newspaper. Her first story (which was kind of a dull story) turns interesting when the main interest of the story gets murdered. Sunni is obviously drawn to investigating as the victim was known to be a very good person, yet there was some scandalous things about him that have come to the forefront. Overall, the mystery was great. And then there's the side story of the ghost haunting Sunni's inn. It wasn't explored too much in this book, as we get introduced to the ghost only in the end.
January 14, 2020
IMHO, the best character showed up at the very end of the book.
November 3, 2020
So good! Such an engaging mystery. I have already picked up the second book. Sunni has moved to Firefly Junction to live near her sisters. Her family owns an old inn that she is slowly restoring with long term plans for it to be a B&B. But Sunni's career is as a journalist. Starting her new job with the town paper, her first assignment drops her into the middle of a murder. We follow Sunni as she uses her skills as journalist to investigate. We meet some of the characters that make up her family and the town but this story if focused on Sunni and the mystery. The clues and the suspense captured me and I read half the night because I couldn't put it down. London has great skills as a writer of mystery. The story has emotion and depth. The clues are logical and come in a way that it is like putting together a puzzle. I loved it!
February 22, 2023
A fun debut. These are short, fun, fastpaced stories. There’s no great or deep thinking required, just pure fun. Sunni moves to the town of Firefly Junction after a breakup with her long term boyfriend. With a new job at the town’s newspaper, something that’s not very fulfilling as the editor keeps giving her “fluff” pieces, she decides to investigate the murder of the local school janitor.
There’s a tiny paranormal twist with a ghost in the home she’s renovating, plus a potential love interest in the detective investigating the murder. Overall not a bad read.
There’s a tiny paranormal twist with a ghost in the home she’s renovating, plus a potential love interest in the detective investigating the murder. Overall not a bad read.
May 10, 2019
A great start to a new series by London Lovett. I really enjoyed getting to know Sunni and her sisters in this intro to FireFly Junction. I have already purchased the next two in the series, and can’t wait to see what Sunni stumbles upon next! I would definitely recommend anything that London Lovett writes!
July 21, 2020
What a cute cozy. It feels just like the mystery hallmark movies. I loved all of the characters especially Sunni and the handsome detective. They cracked me up throughout the book. I can’t wait for the next to arrive in the mail. Love love the cover
March 19, 2021
Fun cozy mystery. Love the interaction between Sunny and her resident ghost. And of course there is the hunky detective. Sunny turns out to be quite the super sleuth.
May 16, 2024
I can't describe how much I enjoyed Death in the Park! It just ticked all of my happy place boxes. The heroine has had setbacks but she's back in action and ready to move on with her life. That sort of determination is inspiring, especially when it's not accompanied by either "woe is me" or "let's just put the show on here" type sentiments.
I really felt a part of the story. I questioned some of the decisions that Sunni made and cringed from time to time as she questioned people, but all of it was investigative journalism and there is a solid reason why I'm not in that field.
This was a strong beginning to what promises to be a well-rounded and imaginative series.
~~~~~~~
Additional comments stemming from a second reading:
I don't normally re-read books (there are too many more out there to enjoy!), but it had been ages since I read this one and I'm finally at the point where I'm ready to continue with the series. I'm still just as enthusiastic about these books as I was the first time around.
One thing that failed to trigger the first time - Raine needs to research All Hallow's Eve which is not just a children's holiday as she sniffingly suggested. As Raine is a medium/psychic (she seems to be both), I'm shocked that she would have been so dismissive.
Finally, a spoiler:
:)
I really felt a part of the story. I questioned some of the decisions that Sunni made and cringed from time to time as she questioned people, but all of it was investigative journalism and there is a solid reason why I'm not in that field.
This was a strong beginning to what promises to be a well-rounded and imaginative series.
~~~~~~~
Additional comments stemming from a second reading:
I don't normally re-read books (there are too many more out there to enjoy!), but it had been ages since I read this one and I'm finally at the point where I'm ready to continue with the series. I'm still just as enthusiastic about these books as I was the first time around.
One thing that failed to trigger the first time - Raine needs to research All Hallow's Eve which is not just a children's holiday as she sniffingly suggested. As Raine is a medium/psychic (she seems to be both), I'm shocked that she would have been so dismissive.
Finally, a spoiler:
:)
June 6, 2019
Cute story, but marred by one WTF: This 'journalist' only wants the 'big' stories, not seeing the retirement of the head janitor at the local high school as a big thing in this small town. Pissed me off no end for her to blow off assignments SHE didn't find immediately captivating. She can bemoan the assignment all she wants, but if she is any type of journalist at all, she should be able to find the interesting angle - or at least find the angle interesting to her readers. OTHER THAN THAT HUGE ISSUE - which cost the book one whole star (would have been a solid 4 without this issue) - it was a cute cozy that I otherwise enjoyed. The paranormal aspect of the haunted house bodes well for future stories. Will read on - through the library or a deep discount (like free), and try not to virtually strangle the 'reporter'.
December 10, 2023
This is a fun and illuminating story about an investigative reporter who moves to a very small town and begins starting a new life. She gets assigned a fluff piece, yet is immediately involved in a murder. This is one very determined reporter and follows all sort of leads to find the person murdered was a good and fair man. One thing leads to another and she also discovers something a bit more disturbing. Read the story, yourself and find out what. I most definitely recommend this book.
January 29, 2020
Meh. The paranormal/ghost-haunting-the-inn part didn't really seem cohesive with the mystery part. I also kind of found Sunni annoying sometimes but I understand that her personality is supposed to be a bit pushy. Since this is just the first book, I'll probably check out the next. While this one didn't do a whole bunch for me...it wasn't exactly bad, just giving the "It was OK" 3-stars.
November 7, 2018
Quirky characters and mystery with a touchy ghosty.
Good mystery, quirky characters, and a budding romance and a cool ghost will keep you reading. I'm a big fan of London's Port Danby series.
Good mystery, quirky characters, and a budding romance and a cool ghost will keep you reading. I'm a big fan of London's Port Danby series.
September 24, 2020
Sunni Taylor has taken over the Cider Ridge Inn, a very dilapidated place in dire need of restoration, which is near 2 of her sister in Firefly Junction. Her sister, Lana, runs a very successful party business and her other sister Emily and husband Nick have a small farm. They intended to raise organic chickens, but Emily became so fond of each batch of chicks that they gave it up. Their farm horse, Butterscotch, often comes to visit Sunni. Sunni has come to Firefly Junction because her boyfriend, whom she was working very hard to put through medical school has decided to marry a surgeon he met during his residency and she was fired from her reporting job at the newspaper for working on a story on corruption in the mayor's office, and the mayor was a relative of the newspaper owner. So, she got a job at the local weekly paper to help pay for the work on the Inn. There are rumors that the Inn is haunted, but Sunni and Lana don't believe them. Although Raine, who works part time for Lana is a medium and wants to hold a seance to see if it's true.
Sunni's first assignment is the story of the retirement of the high school's maintenance man. She visits with the Quilting circle making him a quilt as a retirement present. The next day, the man is murdered. She's handed another assignment at the high school on the summer work program and decides to use the chance to see what she can learn about the maintenance man.
Sunni's first assignment is the story of the retirement of the high school's maintenance man. She visits with the Quilting circle making him a quilt as a retirement present. The next day, the man is murdered. She's handed another assignment at the high school on the summer work program and decides to use the chance to see what she can learn about the maintenance man.
April 3, 2024
This was a fun, light-hearted read that kept me guessing. The characters were interesting ... and the touch of a slightly arrogant ghost was just a plus for me. I'm anxious to see how the ghost character develops in future books, as well as the progression of the relationship of the lead heroine and the sexy police detective!
September 23, 2022
I liked the protagonist, and the way she communicated with the reader. I found it a light read and easy to get through, but I didn't really connect with or relate to any of the characters, or with what was going on.
January 6, 2020
Very enjoyable
September 22, 2020
I really enjoyed the characters. The plot is involving and not typical.... Definitely a book to read
June 19, 2021
I enjoyed it.
January 16, 2023
5 stars
August 17, 2020
I very much enjoyed the beginning, but I felt as if the author just got tired of the story and ended it.
May 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this new to me series (and author). The story hooked me right from the beginning. I love the paranormal aspect as well as the inclusion of a potential B&B at her house. The mystery itself was well-paced and had me guessing until the end. Looking forward to more of the series (I've already bought them!)
March 1, 2018
Lots of fun
I enjoyed the characters and setting as well as the layered plot. I did find the resolution abrupt and anti-climatic, but it didn't seriously detract from enjoying the story as a whole. Worth reading!
I enjoyed the characters and setting as well as the layered plot. I did find the resolution abrupt and anti-climatic, but it didn't seriously detract from enjoying the story as a whole. Worth reading!
March 29, 2021
This was a very enjoyable read. We arrive with an investigative reporter picking up a story, but following the real story. The author brings the area and people to life for us. It is easy to imagine that you are along for the ride as clues are found, details are discovered and the pieces are slowly put together.
Definitely a recommended read, particularly if you like cozy mysteries and small town environments.
Definitely a recommended read, particularly if you like cozy mysteries and small town environments.
April 28, 2018
I love Ms.Lovett's Port Danby mysteries and now love her Firefly Junction series too!
Sunni, formerly a big city a reporter, has decided to join her two sisters and relocate to a small town to run a B&B in a historical but crumbling mansion. To support herself, she takes a job at the local newspaper and finds herself embroiled in the mystery of a beloved school custodian's murder.
I enjoyed the different background stories, along with the mystery, in the book. It worked perfectly to give a wonderfully well rounded description of all the characters and it was a nice introduction to the series. The mystery kept me guessing and had a poignant end.
A great mystery story, humor, a little promised romance and a ghost (trust me, you're going to love him) make this a series to put on your list!
I have the second book, Killer Bridal Party and can't wait to start it!
Sunni, formerly a big city a reporter, has decided to join her two sisters and relocate to a small town to run a B&B in a historical but crumbling mansion. To support herself, she takes a job at the local newspaper and finds herself embroiled in the mystery of a beloved school custodian's murder.
I enjoyed the different background stories, along with the mystery, in the book. It worked perfectly to give a wonderfully well rounded description of all the characters and it was a nice introduction to the series. The mystery kept me guessing and had a poignant end.
A great mystery story, humor, a little promised romance and a ghost (trust me, you're going to love him) make this a series to put on your list!
I have the second book, Killer Bridal Party and can't wait to start it!
May 28, 2021
A very good book, it started a bit slow though. I greatly enjoyed reading this, a great mystery with a bit of the super natural to it. Once I was able to get into the book I couldn't put it down, and I am bow on book 5.
May 7, 2020
Better than I expected, honestly. No contrived romance (although there was a hint for a possible one in the future), the main character was nosey, but not illogical about it, the mystery was interesting enough and not implausible. As you can tell, I expect very little from cozy mysteries. The best part was the ending, actually. It made up for some of the earlier crimes and intrigued me enough I'll probably read the next one.
In short, not amazing, but a good enough read to keep me occupied for an hour or two.
In short, not amazing, but a good enough read to keep me occupied for an hour or two.
November 27, 2018
"Death in the Park" is the story of one of three sisters, Sunni Taylor who moves to Firefly Junction after her cad of a boyfriend dumps her for another resident in the physician's program. Oh, she also loses her job as a top investigative reporter when she refuses to back down from a controversial story. Sunni moves to Firefly Junction to turn her grandmother's house into an inn. Of course, it also helps that the inn is rumored to be inhabited by ghosts.
As the workers work on restoring the inn, Sunni begins her new job as an investigative reporter for the town's small newspaper. Her first assignment is to investigate the local quilting bee responsible for making a quilt for the beloved school custodian who is retiring. While Sunni is initially disappointed with the assignment, that quickly turns around when the custodian is found murdered in the park.
Now Sunni is determined to find out who killed the custodian and why. Of course, she will have to find a way around the handsome but arrogant detective Jackson who is in charge of the case. Additionally, Sunni is beginning to believe that there might be something to the rumors of a ghost in her house. The problem is what is she going to do about it!
I really enjoyed the characters in this quirky little town of Firefly Junction as well as the quandry Sunni finds herself in with both the murder investigation and the ghost. I am also intrigued with her bantering with Detective Jackson and look forward to see where this series is headed. London Lovett does is again and proves she is a master of her craft.
As the workers work on restoring the inn, Sunni begins her new job as an investigative reporter for the town's small newspaper. Her first assignment is to investigate the local quilting bee responsible for making a quilt for the beloved school custodian who is retiring. While Sunni is initially disappointed with the assignment, that quickly turns around when the custodian is found murdered in the park.
Now Sunni is determined to find out who killed the custodian and why. Of course, she will have to find a way around the handsome but arrogant detective Jackson who is in charge of the case. Additionally, Sunni is beginning to believe that there might be something to the rumors of a ghost in her house. The problem is what is she going to do about it!
I really enjoyed the characters in this quirky little town of Firefly Junction as well as the quandry Sunni finds herself in with both the murder investigation and the ghost. I am also intrigued with her bantering with Detective Jackson and look forward to see where this series is headed. London Lovett does is again and proves she is a master of her craft.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews