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Silver Hills #1

Flo Charts

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Come to Silver Hills. Where new friends are made and a grim reaper is born.

Agnes Willard is moving into Silver Hills. She’s worried about the change and concerned about fitting in. Luckily for her, Florence Bee has decided to take Agnes under her wing. When Agnes’ cat Tolstoy escapes as they’re getting Agnes settled into her new apartment, they quickly find him across the hall, perched on a dying woman’s chest. The new friends soon learn three things from the 1. The cat definitely has an instinct for and proclivity toward people who are on death’s doorstep. 2. Finding and avoiding a killer is a really tough way to spend your first days in a new place. And 3. Agnes truly does have a unique talent for debauching a crime scene.

93 pages, ebook

First published February 23, 2018

869 people are currently reading
551 people want to read

About the author

Sam Cheever

195 books1,077 followers
USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes mystery and suspense, creating stories that draw you in and keep you eagerly turning pages. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 100+ books.

Website: www.samcheever.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-c...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Ch...
Blog: https://samcheever.com/blog/

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5 stars
297 (36%)
4 stars
280 (34%)
3 stars
163 (20%)
2 stars
49 (6%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,411 reviews80 followers
June 14, 2019
This is a 4.5 star read.

An entertaining, funny cozy with larger than life feisty characters, witty dialogue and eye-raising situations. Add in a wandering kitty that predicts death and his bumbling owner who's always putting her foot in it and you have a fabulous read with situational giggles and a series that I will continue to read.
Profile Image for Jenna.
413 reviews16 followers
September 8, 2018
Hilariously funny!

I loved every moment of this tale, especially since I live in a senior living place but much more quieter.
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,353 reviews12 followers
August 1, 2018
Cosy crime novella. Quick easy read that entertains whilst reading but nothing that makes me want to race out and read more about these characters.
Profile Image for Andretta Schellinger.
Author 4 books44 followers
June 17, 2018
Cozy little mystery.

What do you get when you put to old biddies in a mystery novel? This book :). My only issue is the presumption that Agnes is fat. She is over 6foot tall and 200 lbs which is actually normal to thin. So all the little quips about her being large, etc is kind of offensive to people who are not large at all but are tall and weigh more than 200 lbs.
Profile Image for Andrea Latham.
1,346 reviews26 followers
September 20, 2018
I laughed almost all through the book. I could see myself doing this with some of my friends. I love reading Cozy Mysteries like this.
2,525 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2020
Great little story! Flo and Agnes together are a hoot. Very entertaining.
Profile Image for Betty.
547 reviews62 followers
April 22, 2018
Loved this story, full of interesting activities
This was my first book by Sam Cheever and I know I will want more. I've had this book for some time due to circumstances, but as soon as I started reading it, I was hooked. Wonderful word pictures came to mind as I read. There is a new senior moving into the Silver Hills Senior and Singles Residence and Flo is the first to greet her. It seems Agnes has quite a presence but it doesn't stop her from being oddly accident prone because of that presence. She is certainly a good ally if you want to do any detecting. Flo and Agnes make an interesting team and good friends. Even their pets get along. But what is so unique about Agnes' cat, is it that he likes to roam around the building, or is there more to it? He makes his rounds in his own perfected style and process. What makes Flo so afraid of him?

When someone at the home becomes ill, work-related, Flo and Agnes start to ask questions. Flo being the questioner and Agnes providing a powerful backup. A very large woman, she is foil to Flo's lightweight methods. When the two of them try to gain access to the company where their friend works, checking it out becomes a hilarious misadventure. For a warehouse of household items and similar in storage, it has some very unexpected items here and there, not easily moved, but strangely unnoticed. All's well that ends well as soon as the police are in control...or maybe not as another case becomes a comedy of errors. Uniquely different from other cozy mysteries I've read.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
August 13, 2018
Flo Charts - A funny book with touches of Evanovich and Deliverance and Snatch. Well written and interesting, with likable characters. I read Dose Vidanya first, but read Flo Charts first if possible, although it's not necessary. This quickly read story was fast paced and kept my interest, but I kept getting flashes of other influences that I've read or seen before. Even with the flashes, which actually added to the humor, this is a good story to spend a couple of hours reading. 4*

Dose Vidanya - Hilarious as the story develops. What! I almost lost interest when the ladies started trying to solve the death before calling the police, but I read more and I'm glad I did. The story did get better and the ladies weren't stupid, less the first chapter. A well written suspense laced with humor, developed characters and a twisty plot. This book has an overview, which I appreciate knowing what a book is about before I read; entertaining on its own. Minor editing needed. 5*

Sam Cheever, Toxic Tech (Summer Snoops and Cozy Crimes) - Another interesting story with the added bonus of a large amount of animals, and even a reptile as a major character. Intriguing with suspense and the usual humor found from this author blend well with the characters to keep the reader immersed in the story. Another good addition to the Honeybun and Runa series. There's a overview to let the reader know what the story is about, which I always appreciate. I purchased this set to support the authors' cause since they did so well with 12 Slays of Christmas. 4*
Profile Image for Ainee Beland.
Author 9 books2 followers
October 20, 2022
The story ends with the women and a new character; another of Florence’s friends named TC who is an author of cozy mysteries; Miss Colombo, Agnes, and Flo went to try and find what happened to the tank that they’d seen on the properties of the storage warehouse company where the late Betty was employed; they walked all around the buildings and went out back and followed what seemed to be tracks from a tank and found it hidden with shrubs/large leaves around a ravine on the property’s backside or such area…and it is there that they nearly met with their demise…that being Rufus, who might have made minced meat out of Agnes and the rest of them … “by then Rufus will be done with you and even your families won’t recognize you.” But Syd came to their rescue and disabled Bickel by shooting him in his thigh; “he ain’t going nowhere. Rufus ‘Il make sure that”…--No trip to Mexico for Bickel since this was his getaway plan while framing Syd for the crimes.
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This story has a nice wrap-up…”Your quite the jokester, aren’t you, Miss Agnes?” Agnes smiled; beaming with a grin… “I can be. Sometimes I like to let it sneak up on people though.” Flo laughed heartily, ushering Agnes through the door ahead of her. “Something tells me that you and I are going to become great friends.” “Something tells me the same thing, Flo.”
I found plenty of humor in this story but it lacked depth, so my rating is three stars!
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
January 28, 2023
This was a fun cozy mystery. I can't decided if Agnes accident prone tendencies were a good investigative skill to have or just a danger to herself and others but they sure lead to some humours situations. I liked the idea of two elderly ladies playing amateur sleuths but you would never have know and definitely hey didn't let anything stop them. The characters were a lot of fun though from the accident prone Agnes, to the inquisitive pig. They will either you rolling your eyes or chuckling along. The mystery was a different one and though I little bit on the short side it was a lot of fun and I finished it in a day. Off to start book two of what I think could be an entertaining series.
When Agnes moves into the Silver Hills a Senior and Singles Residence, Flo is on hand to lend a helping hand. They become fast friends and quickly find themselves feet first in a mystery when Anges's cat leads them to a sick resident with the worse luck. Her boss was just murdered hours before she was run off the road, then she catches a tummy bug. Are the things related? When she also is found dead Flo and Agnes start to look into her place of work. Can they find the killer?
Profile Image for Sandra.
643 reviews8 followers
March 3, 2018
I received this book for free for an honest opinion.
This should really be a first book in the series, since Flo and Agnes meet for the first time when Agnes moves into Silver Hills and Flo offers to help.
While moving stuff they manage to lose Agnes' cat Tolstoy and when found, he is in the bed with one of the residents who is feeling poorly. She had also been run off the road the previous day and her boss is dead. Something smells fishy to Flo and together with new pal Agnes she tries to find out what is going on. When they return to Silver Hills the friend is dead.
This is how the first case for the most unusual sleuths begins. I was trilled to be able to read about how they met, how they got to know each other so well and how their relationship progressed. Agnes is still on her best behaviour and Flo is amazed at how much food her new friend can put away.
This is a light cozy read with fabulously funny and quirky characters. Good story with a clever plot and witty dialogue. I have enjoyed it immensely and can not wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,580 reviews23 followers
March 28, 2018
If you want a cozy mystery with two totally opposite senior sleuths that makes you laugh...a lot, this is it!

A laugh out loud senior sleuths cozy mystery that keeps you laughing. A prequel showing how Flo and Agnes met and how Agnes' cat Tolstoy has a seemingly uncanny ability to know when someone might die, or so Flo believes. Agnes and Tolstoy move into the Silverhill Independent living facility and meet Flo as they pull up to the new place. Agnes was a former Weight lifter and is a Big and Tall woman who can't pass any food by without devouring it and is a klutz! Together, Flo and Agnes solve their first case which is the poisoning of Flo's friend who Agnes had just met and so goes the beginning of the Senior Sleuths. A fast paced, thoroughly entertaining light and easy prequel makes you want to read the series to see how these two new best friends who are polar opposites continue in their sleuthdom! I received and ARC from the author but also purchased this book on my kindle. I will definitely follow these two ladies from here on!
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2018
It's funny how trends come and go, I have been sent quite a few prequels to series in the past few weeks whereas I used to get them very rarely. This book is a prequel to the Silver Hills series, and tells the tale of how Flo and Agnes met, and the first mystery they solved together. They are two lovely elderly characters with Florence (Flo) being the 'brains' of the outfit and Agnes being the muscle (a six foot ex-weightlifter with an inexhaustible hunger for apparently any sort of food).
The gentle humour of their friendly verbal sparring and Agnes' clumsiness combine to make this book, and the entire series, very easy and entertaining reading, helped along by a clever mystery plot.
I received a complimentary copy ARC of the book, but this honest review is voluntarily written and based solely on my own opinions.
Profile Image for Gabrielle Hashimoto.
99 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2018
Actually 4 1/2 stars. A charming prequel to the Silver Hills Cozy Mystery series which begins the day Agnes moves into Silver Hills and meets Flo. When Flo sees someone new moving into Silver Hills, she offers to help her and an unlikely friendship is formed. When one of the residents, and a friend of Flo’s, is found dead not long after Flo and Agnes visit her, they suspect that foul play was involved and set off to find out what happened. Thus begins Agnes and Flo’s adventures as amateur sleuths. Who says retirement has to be boring? I loved finding out how Tolstoy became known as the grim reaper of Silver Hills and his inclusion in the series is always fun. A great prequel to the series with an intriguing mystery and a good introduction to some of the major characters at Silver Hills.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue.
596 reviews19 followers
March 12, 2018
This prequel to the series brings you back to the first time Flo and Agnes met. Worrisome Agnes moves into the Silver Hills Community with concerns about change and fitting in, but as luck would have you she encounters Agnes who happily takes her under her wing.

When Agnes’ cat Tolstoy gets loose and is discovered on a dying woman’s chest, it looks like Flo and Agnes put their new friendship to the test. Ex-champion weightlifter Agnes has the strength and fortitude but is a bit ungraceful (okay, a six foot something klutz); while Flo is somewhat of a loveable busybody. These two combined somehow make a great sleuthing combo.

This is a fun-filled cute cozy mystery that is enjoyable for all ages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
March 9, 2019
I just loved the charactor's in this novel! Even the cat plays a big part!

Agnes is moving into Silver Springs-a mostly adult unit-the first person she meets is Florence who immediately takes her under her wing and they become immediate friends. When Agnes cat escapes her apartment-Florence takes her around to find the cat and also meet some of the neighbors. They find the cat cuddled up in bed with one of them---Before they can check up on this neighbor again--she is dead!

Now Agnes is a klutz and you will find yourself laughing at some of the predicaments she gets into while the friends are trying to solve yet another murder--She also LOVES to eat---

I can not imagine anyone not enjoying this book--Laughs--twists and turns--and a big old pig!


I read a complimentary Copy of this book sent to me by the author & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,783 reviews154 followers
January 25, 2019
Flo Charts is the novella prequel to the Silver Hills Cozy Mystery series. This charming story begins the day Agnes moves into Silver Hills and meets Flo and a great friendship is formed. Shortly after Agnes and Flo visit one of Flo's friends, another resident, she is found dead. Agnes and Flo are such great characters! I love how different they are. Agnes is ALWAYS eating and it is laugh out loud hilarious. These two form a great team for solving the mystery . Its refreshing to see older amateur sleuths in this book and they are not only smart and sassy, but hilarious.

This is the very first book I have read of this author, and it will not be the last. I cannot wait to dive into this series and see what adventures Agnes and Flo go on next!
2,235 reviews44 followers
May 26, 2019
In Flo Charts, Agnes Willard meets and befriends Florence (Flo) Bee when she moves into Silver Hills Senior and Singles Residence. She doesn't get the chance to know fellow resident Betty Marlowe, however because they find her murdered. Betty was a clerk at a trucking company called Carey's Truck 'n' Store. Her boss, Brad Carey was also found dead-- stabbed with his letter opener! Flo and Agnes talk to Detective Brent Peters and then do some sleuthing of their own. The activities director at Silver Hills, Trisha Columbo (TC), gets involved in the mystery too. My favorite line from the book was, "except for serving as a canvas for a series of colorful bruises, her arms seemed fine." This series has fun characters that are bound to get into all kinds of adventures!
Profile Image for Mary Lou Webb.
521 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2019
How Flo and Agnes met

Of course, even while Agnes is moving into a Silver Hill’s, she and Flo are pulled into a murder. Now, the bad guys are after them. True to form, things go horribly wrong.

I loved reading the backstory for the characters. As expected from one of Ms. Cheever’s books, the story is well-written and highly entertaining. I laughed until I cried at some parts. If you enjoy cozy mysteries doused with humor, I can highly recommend this series. Start with this book and take the tim e to get to know these characters, then journey on through the series to be pulled into the spell Ms. Cheever weaves.

[Spoiler alert: When the bad guys hit Flo’s car with a tank, it goes from bad to worse! Flo ends up, but as true to character, Flo figures how to get released early, so back to sleuthing!]
142 reviews
February 18, 2023
Agnes moving into a seniors residence meets Florence and Betty. Later that night Betty is murdered. Flo and Agnes decide to investigate Bettys death. Their car is hit by a truck, they find a “military arms collector” who uses half of a rocket as a trough for his pig, and an army tank which is gone when the police look for it. They eventually find the tank again, but when a wild animal appears, are forced to climb aboard it. The killer appears with a gun… but you will have to read this delightful story to find out what happens next.
I enjoyed every moment of this story and am looking forward to additional stories about Flo, Agnes and the others of Silver Hills Senior and Single Residence. . I received a free copy and am writing this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Chelsea .
47 reviews
March 30, 2023
Quick read.

Overused the word 'grimaced'.

What happened to the mafia guys wife, Candice or whatever her name was? She was along for the ride in the beginning and then just dipped out. No mention of her again.

I'm also curious about this community. Are they old people or younger people or both? Like, is this just a regular apartment complex or a retirement community. I guess it doesn't really matter since the entire story wasn't overly descriptive but there were just so many character introductions of what seemed various ages.

Whatever. Good quick read. Interesting enough.

2,673 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2024
Humor and mystery.

Florence Bee remembers what it was like when she first moved into Silver Hills so she wants to make sure Agnes Willard gets a proper welcome. They get acquainted as Flo helps her move in, unpack, and introduces her to other residents. Agnes’ cat Tolstoy escapes. They find him in another apartment where a resident is sick. Later that day the woman dies and the indications point to murder. What better way to get to know each other than to solve a murder case?

This is a good series starter. Flo and Agnes are complete opposites which provides humor in the storyline. I enjoyed the book and finished it in one day.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
Author 4 books7 followers
February 27, 2018
If you ever wanted to know how the unholy trinity of unusual female sleuths found together and what was their first case - how Tolstoy came to be the dark cat of death - how a certain detective met his fate (and found love in a rather hopeless place) - and how it really all began in Silver Hills, look no further. All your questions will be answered and you will enjoy the ride, as whirlwind and chaotic and hilarious as we know and love it. I can't say which part was my favorite. But if I was forced to... I'd snort like a piggy!
669 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2018
Murder becomes a cat.

Newly arrived cat and his owner, Agnes move into an apartment building and people start to turn up dead. Within no time at all the cat is referred to as the Death Angel. Florida and Agnes know he isn't but they are so busy trying to solve the murders they don't have time to convince the other older people around Silver Hills that it is a coincidence. This mystery is a real laugh even when the going gets tough. I have a feels that this isn't a one book read.
1,599 reviews15 followers
October 11, 2020
This is a humorous cozy mystery with new friends in a senior's community. The ladies find an escaped cat in the home of another senior who wasn't feeling well. They found out that the ill woman's boss had just died.

After another unexplained death, the new friends kick into high gear to investigate the loose ends. They get themselves into some interesting and unique situations while trying to gather information.

This is a well written, quick moving story that is great entertainment. I think cozy mystery readers of all ages will enjoy this fun story.
252 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2023
Finding the clues for Justice.

I liked the characters the Ms. Charger created for this series. These two ladies don't let old ages get them down at all. And the friendship that they bonded over was swift in the making. Flo and Antes make a great detective pair. I would recommend this book and series to anyone who loves to read funny fast paced . The rating a gave this book is because of the characters , the way the plot moved the characters and story alone. This is the type of story that will keep you reading on until the end.
6,028 reviews45 followers
February 28, 2018
Agnes might have been a champion weight lifter, but unexpected lack of grace seems to be her hallmark. Given her more than six foot body builder's frame, she has some spectacular crashes.

Flo is somehow both a busy body and an able, caring friend who sleuths.

A dynamic, if slightly dangerous duo.

This prequel introduces the ladies to each other, along with their pets, and their crazy horde of friends and associates.

A fun and fabulous intro.
21 reviews
March 9, 2018
This prequel to the Silver Cove series about Flo and Agnes tells us how these two ladies met and became besties. It's relatively short, but tells a full story and introduces us to the other characters in the series. A definite "must" for Flo and Agnes fans...or for anyone who just likes a good cosy mystery with a plethora of laughs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,372 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2018
Flo and Agnes are at again. Their friend has been poisened and they want to find out why so they go to her workplace to see what they can find out and they find so much more like a tank and a pig that eats his food out of a rocket. The killer is the last person you would think of. I am so glad I found this author these books are hilarious.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan Ferguson.
1,087 reviews21 followers
June 28, 2018
A light-hearted mystery of the residents of Silver Hills Senior and Singles Residence. Florence Bee is in the side yard when Agnes Willard arrives with her cat, Tolstoy. Flo immediately gets Agnes help in moving things in. Then Tolstoy goes missing andis found in the apartment of a neighbor who is ill and later dies. This spurs the two of them to search to find why she was killed. This sets off all kinds of mayhem..
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