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A Brie Hooker Mystery #2
Picked Off
Udderly Kidding Dairy is hosting a campaign fundraiser for Eva’s best friend, who hopes to be South Carolina’s next governor. The candidate’s son, a pro quarterback, is flying home for the wingding. And Brie’s eager to get a close-up view of the cute tush she’s admired on TV, even though she’s reluctantly sworn off even more tempting local beefcake.
The campaign fundraiser promises to be a huge success until a pitchfork attack turns the goat farm into a crime scene—again. To protect her friends, Brie puts her sleuthing skills to work. Will she live long enough to find out who’s behind a vicious assault, a kidnapping, blackmail, and murder?
The campaign fundraiser promises to be a huge success until a pitchfork attack turns the goat farm into a crime scene—again. To protect her friends, Brie puts her sleuthing skills to work. Will she live long enough to find out who’s behind a vicious assault, a kidnapping, blackmail, and murder?
270 pages, Hardcover
Published June 5, 2018
About the author
Linda Lovely
16 books304 followersA native of Iowa, Linda has called the South home for more than forty years.
Her eleventh novel, A KILLER APP, will be released November 7, 2023 by publisher Level Best Books. It's the third book in a new HOA (homeowner association) Mystery Series set in the South Carolina Lowcountry and featuring heroine Kylee Kane, a retired Coast Guard investigator.
New editions of Linda's cozy Brie Hooker Mysteries will be released fall/winter 2023 by Level Best Books. The humorous mysteries are set in a fictitious county near Linda's current Upstate South Carolina home. The heroine is a vegan chef who lives on a goat dairy farm with her aunt, a cantankerous carnivore. BONES TO PICK, PICKED OFF, and BAD PICK are the titles.
Linda has published books in two other series. Her Marley Clark Mysteries dish up a main course of suspense, action and adventure with a generous side of humor and romance. DEAR KILLER and NO WAKE ZONE feature Marley Clark, a kick-ass, 52-year-old heroine.
Linda's Smart Women, Dumb Luck romantic thrillers chronicle the adventures of smart women, who became friends through dumb luck, but now depend on each other when luck turns bad. DEAD LINE, the first "Smart" novel, was honored as a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards and the published Maggies. DEAD HUNT, second in the series, is set in Upstate South Carolina.
Prior to landing her first publishing contract, Linda's manuscripts made the finals in 15 contests, including RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart and Daphne du Maurier competitions and mystery contests such as Deadly Ink, Murder in the Grove and Malice Domestic.
The author belongs to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. For several years, she helped organize the Writers' Police Academy. She feels lucky to have found close friends and exceptional critique partners—snarky, funny, talented and generous—through these organizations.
Linda lives with her husband beside a South Carolina lake, where she regularly perturbs the geese and one honking big turtle by jumping off her dock for a swim or pedaling (yes, pedaling not paddling) her kayak.
Linda can’t imagine going to bed without a book nightcap. Thankfully, her husband shares her passion for reading so she doesn’t have to use a miner’s light.
Her eleventh novel, A KILLER APP, will be released November 7, 2023 by publisher Level Best Books. It's the third book in a new HOA (homeowner association) Mystery Series set in the South Carolina Lowcountry and featuring heroine Kylee Kane, a retired Coast Guard investigator.
New editions of Linda's cozy Brie Hooker Mysteries will be released fall/winter 2023 by Level Best Books. The humorous mysteries are set in a fictitious county near Linda's current Upstate South Carolina home. The heroine is a vegan chef who lives on a goat dairy farm with her aunt, a cantankerous carnivore. BONES TO PICK, PICKED OFF, and BAD PICK are the titles.
Linda has published books in two other series. Her Marley Clark Mysteries dish up a main course of suspense, action and adventure with a generous side of humor and romance. DEAR KILLER and NO WAKE ZONE feature Marley Clark, a kick-ass, 52-year-old heroine.
Linda's Smart Women, Dumb Luck romantic thrillers chronicle the adventures of smart women, who became friends through dumb luck, but now depend on each other when luck turns bad. DEAD LINE, the first "Smart" novel, was honored as a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards and the published Maggies. DEAD HUNT, second in the series, is set in Upstate South Carolina.
Prior to landing her first publishing contract, Linda's manuscripts made the finals in 15 contests, including RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart and Daphne du Maurier competitions and mystery contests such as Deadly Ink, Murder in the Grove and Malice Domestic.
The author belongs to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. For several years, she helped organize the Writers' Police Academy. She feels lucky to have found close friends and exceptional critique partners—snarky, funny, talented and generous—through these organizations.
Linda lives with her husband beside a South Carolina lake, where she regularly perturbs the geese and one honking big turtle by jumping off her dock for a swim or pedaling (yes, pedaling not paddling) her kayak.
Linda can’t imagine going to bed without a book nightcap. Thankfully, her husband shares her passion for reading so she doesn’t have to use a miner’s light.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 13, 2018
Another crazy, fun mystery with Brie Hooker and the gang.
Close to Halloween Aunt Eva hosts a fundraiser event for her friend Carol Strong who is aspiring to become the governor of South Carolina. A haunted barn is set up at the farm for the guests.
Carol's son Zack, a pro quarterback, who shows up to join the event and support his mother is stabbed in the haunted house with a pitch fork and barely survives.
Brie, Paint, Andy and Mollye are getting into some very precarious situations on their mission to find the perp. A murder, an abduction, a hike in the woods and being shot at just makes them more persistent in finding out who stabbed Zack and why.
I had a great time with this mystery and am looking forward to the next book. I really wonder what is going to happen with Brie's love triangle. I can't see her holding Andy and Paint any longer without a decision.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Henery Press and the author provided me with an advance copy.
Close to Halloween Aunt Eva hosts a fundraiser event for her friend Carol Strong who is aspiring to become the governor of South Carolina. A haunted barn is set up at the farm for the guests.
Carol's son Zack, a pro quarterback, who shows up to join the event and support his mother is stabbed in the haunted house with a pitch fork and barely survives.
Brie, Paint, Andy and Mollye are getting into some very precarious situations on their mission to find the perp. A murder, an abduction, a hike in the woods and being shot at just makes them more persistent in finding out who stabbed Zack and why.
I had a great time with this mystery and am looking forward to the next book. I really wonder what is going to happen with Brie's love triangle. I can't see her holding Andy and Paint any longer without a decision.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Henery Press and the author provided me with an advance copy.
April 1, 2018
Get ready for another madcap adventure with Brie Hooker and her Aunt Eva at the goat farm! It’s close to Halloween and the gang’s been working on a scary haunted barn. Brie is still being courted by best friends, Paint and Andy, and trying to decide who she likes best. Senator Carol Strong’s son, Zack, a pro-quarterback for the Las Vegas Aces, comes home to visit and is attacked and badly injured during the haunted barn event. The sheriff, Brie, Aunt Eva, and Sala Lemmon, owner of the Aces, aim to find out who hurt him and why! The exciting plot deals with the seriousness of gambling addiction. Author Linda Lovely has some surprises for readers and the story is a swift, humorous read! Note: Contains mild adult language.
I reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and Henery Press.
I reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and Henery Press.
May 26, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The South Carolina Governor’s race is heating up and Udderly Kidding Dairy Farm is hosting a fundraiser for Senator Carol Strong. A Halloween themed costume party has been set up on the grounds and people have come from all over. The Senator’s son has even flown in from Las Vegas. Zack is the starting quarterback for the Aces. Brie who has told Paint and Andy she values their friendship too much to date them decides she may like to get to know Zack a little better. Before she has the chance he is attacked by someone with a pitchfork in the barn. He survives his injuries but has a long recovery ahead of him. Since it happened on at Udderly and Eva and Carol are best friends, Eva decides Brie needs to find the culprit that brought the party to a complete halt. Was it someone from nearby or did someone follow him from Vegas to make sure the quarterback has thrown his last pass?
This is a very exciting story. Gambling, greed, fame, revenge, jealousy, all play a part in the wonderfully written tale. The first victim is just seriously hurt, then another victim is kidnapped, and then a murder is uncovered. Twists, turns, spins, this story has it all.
The attack of pro quarterback Zack Stone brings not only a lot of press to the area but it also brings the owners of his team, extra security, and his back up quarterback to town. These additional characters take the story in an unexpected direction and really add dimension to the story. Brie, Eva, Mollye, Andy, and Paint have their hands full taking care of some and avoiding others as they all piece together the clues to find out who did what and why. A certain animal plays a pivotal role in one scene that had me both on the edge of my seat and laughing out loud.
I will say everyone seems to be worried about Brie’s love life including Brie. I was excited to see at one point it looked like she had made a huge decision only to backtrack herself a few chapters later. I know romantic triangles are a big part of cozy mysteries, but this one needs to be decided soon. I don’t think the idea Andy and Paint have come up with is tenable for long in the future. I do appreciate the friendship all the core characters have. It is very believable and real.
Linda Lovely’s plot takes on a serious issue in a very entertaining way. As with the first book, I enjoy the author’s writing style. Her descriptions create fantastic imagery of time and place. The dialogue is spot on. Brie’s meat and cheese curse words always make me smile. Aunt Eva’s cursing is a little stronger, but she is a strong woman. A huge heart but I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side.
I had a great time reading the story. Another perfect escape from this author. I can’t wait for book #3!!
The South Carolina Governor’s race is heating up and Udderly Kidding Dairy Farm is hosting a fundraiser for Senator Carol Strong. A Halloween themed costume party has been set up on the grounds and people have come from all over. The Senator’s son has even flown in from Las Vegas. Zack is the starting quarterback for the Aces. Brie who has told Paint and Andy she values their friendship too much to date them decides she may like to get to know Zack a little better. Before she has the chance he is attacked by someone with a pitchfork in the barn. He survives his injuries but has a long recovery ahead of him. Since it happened on at Udderly and Eva and Carol are best friends, Eva decides Brie needs to find the culprit that brought the party to a complete halt. Was it someone from nearby or did someone follow him from Vegas to make sure the quarterback has thrown his last pass?
This is a very exciting story. Gambling, greed, fame, revenge, jealousy, all play a part in the wonderfully written tale. The first victim is just seriously hurt, then another victim is kidnapped, and then a murder is uncovered. Twists, turns, spins, this story has it all.
The attack of pro quarterback Zack Stone brings not only a lot of press to the area but it also brings the owners of his team, extra security, and his back up quarterback to town. These additional characters take the story in an unexpected direction and really add dimension to the story. Brie, Eva, Mollye, Andy, and Paint have their hands full taking care of some and avoiding others as they all piece together the clues to find out who did what and why. A certain animal plays a pivotal role in one scene that had me both on the edge of my seat and laughing out loud.
I will say everyone seems to be worried about Brie’s love life including Brie. I was excited to see at one point it looked like she had made a huge decision only to backtrack herself a few chapters later. I know romantic triangles are a big part of cozy mysteries, but this one needs to be decided soon. I don’t think the idea Andy and Paint have come up with is tenable for long in the future. I do appreciate the friendship all the core characters have. It is very believable and real.
Linda Lovely’s plot takes on a serious issue in a very entertaining way. As with the first book, I enjoy the author’s writing style. Her descriptions create fantastic imagery of time and place. The dialogue is spot on. Brie’s meat and cheese curse words always make me smile. Aunt Eva’s cursing is a little stronger, but she is a strong woman. A huge heart but I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side.
I had a great time reading the story. Another perfect escape from this author. I can’t wait for book #3!!
May 29, 2018
I was asked to review Linda Lovely's second in the Brie Hooker Mystery series Picked Off and was excited to download my ARC from Netgalley. I loved the first one and the second one did not disappoint. This one had a bunch of great storylines and I enjoy the wannabe love triangle between main character Brie and best friends Andy and Paint. I also love that Brie is a vegan, which is such an odd part of the plot and yet comes together beautifully. Lots of animals, dogs and mayhem at their farm. The mystery in this one I very much enjoyed, the political twist was not what I expected and read really well not a predictable run of the mill plot line. I really enjoyed it. I could not put it down and I read it in one night. This one is out June 5th and well worth the read. A fine Henery Press book! *Not sure why but Amazon has the cover below. I liked both covers but this is what it looks like if you go looking for it.
May 9, 2018
The second book in the Brie Hooker series is another story covering a serious matter. The goats, donkey, the guard dogs are there to add relief as the tension grows as things become difficult for Brie and her Aunt Eva. A dread Lover's Triangle is developing and it is slightly different.
At Udderly Kidding Dairy friends have gathered to plan a fundraiser for Carol Strong, Eva best friend who is running governor of South Carolina. It has Halloween theme with a haunted house. Carol's son is the quarterback for a professional football team that is expected to go the Superbowl. The fundraiser is a success until the quarterback is an attack with a pitchfork in the haunted barn. The dairy is again a crime scene attracting a lot of media because of persons involved. Brie and her friends begin to explore for answers. They will discover revenge, murder, betrayal and vicious assault before they find answers. I highly recommend the book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
At Udderly Kidding Dairy friends have gathered to plan a fundraiser for Carol Strong, Eva best friend who is running governor of South Carolina. It has Halloween theme with a haunted house. Carol's son is the quarterback for a professional football team that is expected to go the Superbowl. The fundraiser is a success until the quarterback is an attack with a pitchfork in the haunted barn. The dairy is again a crime scene attracting a lot of media because of persons involved. Brie and her friends begin to explore for answers. They will discover revenge, murder, betrayal and vicious assault before they find answers. I highly recommend the book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2018
In this second book of the series we meet Carol who is Eva's friend and a state senator. Carol is running for governor and Brie along with her Aunt are getting the farm ready for a get together where she will speak about her running points. Brie along with Andy and Paint are setting up the Udderly Haunted Barn of Horrors to help raise money to put towards Carols campaign. Carols famous footballer player son, Zack, will be joining the party to help promote his mother and catch up with old friends. When Zack is found in the Barn of Horrors knocked out and stabbed it doesn't look good. Follow along as Brie and her friends delve into who would want to hurt Zack and why. When Carol goes missing things seem to go from bad to worse. Is Carol alive? Why was she taken? Will they be able to find her? Is what happen to Zack and Carol connected? With long ago issues, a reporter who is always out to make the family look bad, and a security duo on the take will Brie be able to sort through it all? This was a great read that I couldn't put down and had me laughing the whole way through. I had my suspicions on who the culprit was but was surprised in the end. I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
May 23, 2018
Picked Off by Linda Lovely is the 2nd book in A Brie Hooker Mystery series, and another great addition. Brie and her aunt Eva, are hosting a fundraiser at Kidding Dairy when a local celebrity is attacked with a pitch fork. Why would someone attack him at their dairy, Brie vows to find out. Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. If you love fun cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, you will love this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 27, 2018
PICKED OFF by Linda Lovely
The Second Brie Hooker Mystery
A Halloween themed political fundraiser for Eva's friend, Carol Strong, turns frightening when people start running from the haunted barn. The cause is not the scary decorations, but rather the bloody body of Carol's son, Zach, star quarterback of the Las Vegas Aces. With Zack in a coma, Brie tries to puzzle out who attacked him. Was it one of the local enemies from his past? Did it come from a disgruntled football fan or someone from his team? Or was the attack politically motivated, a way to bring down his mother and stop her running for governor? While Eva comforts Carol, Brie, along with Mollye, Andy, and Paint search for the truth.
Lies, deception, and trust are at the heart of this second Brie Hooker mystery. Who is telling the truth? Who can you trust? There are lots of characters with ulterior motives and plenty of suspects and I, for one, wasn't trusting anyone! The mystery was cleverly plotted with plenty of action and lots of humor. My favorite bits included scenes with Duncan and Rita! I could picture their antics as well as their heroics perfectly! Although not a fan of love triangles in mystery series, I do like the underlying friendship and camaraderie of all three characters. Indeed family and friendship is at the heart of this series.
PICKED OFF is a fun mystery that celebrates friends and family while providing plenty of action and laughs.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Second Brie Hooker Mystery
A Halloween themed political fundraiser for Eva's friend, Carol Strong, turns frightening when people start running from the haunted barn. The cause is not the scary decorations, but rather the bloody body of Carol's son, Zach, star quarterback of the Las Vegas Aces. With Zack in a coma, Brie tries to puzzle out who attacked him. Was it one of the local enemies from his past? Did it come from a disgruntled football fan or someone from his team? Or was the attack politically motivated, a way to bring down his mother and stop her running for governor? While Eva comforts Carol, Brie, along with Mollye, Andy, and Paint search for the truth.
Lies, deception, and trust are at the heart of this second Brie Hooker mystery. Who is telling the truth? Who can you trust? There are lots of characters with ulterior motives and plenty of suspects and I, for one, wasn't trusting anyone! The mystery was cleverly plotted with plenty of action and lots of humor. My favorite bits included scenes with Duncan and Rita! I could picture their antics as well as their heroics perfectly! Although not a fan of love triangles in mystery series, I do like the underlying friendship and camaraderie of all three characters. Indeed family and friendship is at the heart of this series.
PICKED OFF is a fun mystery that celebrates friends and family while providing plenty of action and laughs.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
May 22, 2018
Picked Off
A Brie Hooker Mystery, Book #2
Linda Lovely
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Udderly Kidding Dairy is hosting a campaign fundraiser for Eva’s best friend, who hopes to be South Carolina’s next governor. The candidate’s son, a pro quarterback, is flying home for the wingding. And Brie’s eager to get a close-up view of the cute tush she’s admired on TV, even though she’s reluctantly sworn off even more tempting local beefcake.
The campaign fundraiser promises to be a huge success until a pitchfork attack turns the goat farm into a crime scene—again. To protect her friends, Brie puts her sleuthing skills to work. Will she live long enough to find out who’s behind a vicious assault, a kidnapping, blackmail, and murder? (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I like the interactions between Brie, Aunt Eva and Mollye, Brie’s friend. They are sometimes outrageous and always funny. I enjoy spending time with them and seeing what they are up to. I have to say that I wish Brie would make up her mind about her love interests, Paint and Andy. I started getting frustrated with her wishy washy ways. That is only my opinion and others may not feel the same way. I hope the next book settles the issue.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and she created a farm setting that was teeming with some incredible animals, especially one special mule. The mystery had enough suspects and clues to consider and even though I thought I knew who had done the deed, I was wrong. But that is okay with me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you are an animal lover, you should read this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Brie Hooker Mystery, Book #2
Linda Lovely
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Udderly Kidding Dairy is hosting a campaign fundraiser for Eva’s best friend, who hopes to be South Carolina’s next governor. The candidate’s son, a pro quarterback, is flying home for the wingding. And Brie’s eager to get a close-up view of the cute tush she’s admired on TV, even though she’s reluctantly sworn off even more tempting local beefcake.
The campaign fundraiser promises to be a huge success until a pitchfork attack turns the goat farm into a crime scene—again. To protect her friends, Brie puts her sleuthing skills to work. Will she live long enough to find out who’s behind a vicious assault, a kidnapping, blackmail, and murder? (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I like the interactions between Brie, Aunt Eva and Mollye, Brie’s friend. They are sometimes outrageous and always funny. I enjoy spending time with them and seeing what they are up to. I have to say that I wish Brie would make up her mind about her love interests, Paint and Andy. I started getting frustrated with her wishy washy ways. That is only my opinion and others may not feel the same way. I hope the next book settles the issue.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and she created a farm setting that was teeming with some incredible animals, especially one special mule. The mystery had enough suspects and clues to consider and even though I thought I knew who had done the deed, I was wrong. But that is okay with me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you are an animal lover, you should read this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
May 26, 2018
PICKED OFF, the second book in the Brie Hooker Mysteries by Linda Lovely, is a terrific addition to a zany series that will keep you entertained! From the opening scene to the final chapter, there are several attention grabbing plotlines to keep the reader turning pages. Protagonist, Brie Hooker, is a vegan yet finds herself working at her Aunt Eva’s Udderly Kidding goat dairy farm, tending to 400 goats. Surrounded by meat and cheese loving family and friends, Brie still holds her own and has taken it as her mission to convert them by introducing her vegan fare a little at a time. Aunt Eva is quite the character and the repartee that she and Brie have is quite humorous. I also enjoy Brie’s curses of choice, which are concoctions of meat and cheese phrases. This adds to the colorfulness of the dialog without resorting to inappropriate language. Another colorful addition is Brie’s best friend, Mollye. She is a great sidekick and adds more hilarity to each scene she’s in. Also, I can’t overlook the two male supporting characters, Andy and Paint. These hunky best friends both want to date Brie and she in turn is enamored of them both. While I don’t mind a love triangle starting out in a series, I’m not a fan of it continuing past the first book. For me, in this instance, it did detract from the overall plot and mystery which is unfortunate because I do love the characters and Ms. Lovely’s writing style.
That said, when the story centered on the mystery at hand I was enthralled! A contender for South Carolina’s governorship goes missing, her pro-football quarterback son is attacked, and his old high school friend is found murdered. Not only was I kept guessing about who the killer could be, I was kept guessing about who the intended victim(s) really were and why they were the victim. Could it be someone who opposes the political candidate or does someone from Vegas have it in for the quarterback? Haunted houses, secrets from the past, sketchy news reporters, and the theme of gambling are woven into this fun read!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That said, when the story centered on the mystery at hand I was enthralled! A contender for South Carolina’s governorship goes missing, her pro-football quarterback son is attacked, and his old high school friend is found murdered. Not only was I kept guessing about who the killer could be, I was kept guessing about who the intended victim(s) really were and why they were the victim. Could it be someone who opposes the political candidate or does someone from Vegas have it in for the quarterback? Haunted houses, secrets from the past, sketchy news reporters, and the theme of gambling are woven into this fun read!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
May 22, 2018*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a great addition to this wonderful cozy mystery series. This time Brie gets wrapped up in the investigation of a pro football player that has been attacked. Her eclectic style mixed with the farm details, vegan bits, and her aunt makes for a comical story line that you can really get hooked on. Add the cheese curses plus a hoot for her best friend to bring on the laughs even more. I have to say that this is very well written cozy that I highly recommend to fans of the genre. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What a great addition to this wonderful cozy mystery series. This time Brie gets wrapped up in the investigation of a pro football player that has been attacked. Her eclectic style mixed with the farm details, vegan bits, and her aunt makes for a comical story line that you can really get hooked on. Add the cheese curses plus a hoot for her best friend to bring on the laughs even more. I have to say that this is very well written cozy that I highly recommend to fans of the genre. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
July 17, 2025
Another great read by Linda Lovely! I genuinely love everything I have read by her so far and Picked Off is added to that list. Brie Hooker, family, and friends solve another mystery! If you loved Nancy Drew or other mysteries growing up, this is the perfect read for you. The banter between characters and inner monologue of Brie is chef's kiss. Enjoy!
March 23, 2018
Picked Off is udderly charming! Hunky heroes and a spunky heroine will sweep you off your feet in this adorable cozy. A sweet Southern tale of revenge, jealousy, and murder. Grab a mint julip for this one. Better yet a goat's milk shake. Sans pitchfork.
May 22, 2018
This is such a fun series and it is interesting to see how the mystery plays out since it does not hinge on someone being murdered.
I've really enjoyed getting to know these characters - Brie the vegan chef, her wacky friend Mollye, Aunt Eva, and of course the two men vying for Brie's affection - Paint and Andy. And of course the goat farm's name is very creative - Udderly Kidding.
This book pulled in politics, attempted murder, kidnapping, and gambling into the why of the mystery. There is a murder but as I said earlier, it is not what causes Brie and the gang to start looking into this curious situation. I was partially surprised at how the mystery portion unveiled. While I wasn't totally shocked at who was behind it all, it did take awhile before I guessed it might be this character.
I still love the way Brie uses meat and cheese to substitute for curse words. It cracks me up every time.
This is a fun series and the only thing that might make it better is some vegan recipes.
I've really enjoyed getting to know these characters - Brie the vegan chef, her wacky friend Mollye, Aunt Eva, and of course the two men vying for Brie's affection - Paint and Andy. And of course the goat farm's name is very creative - Udderly Kidding.
This book pulled in politics, attempted murder, kidnapping, and gambling into the why of the mystery. There is a murder but as I said earlier, it is not what causes Brie and the gang to start looking into this curious situation. I was partially surprised at how the mystery portion unveiled. While I wasn't totally shocked at who was behind it all, it did take awhile before I guessed it might be this character.
I still love the way Brie uses meat and cheese to substitute for curse words. It cracks me up every time.
This is a fun series and the only thing that might make it better is some vegan recipes.
August 1, 2018
I have mixed feelings about Picked Off by Linda Lovely. I love Brie and all of her friends, who I first met in Bones to Pick. Her aunt is awesome, feisty and honest and loving. She and her friends, Mollye, Paint and Andy make a great team, even if they’re a bit bumbling, like any good amateur detectives. They are funny and truly care about each other. The mystery is good. We’ve got plenty of suspects and motives, which is not surprising considering the victim – who doesn’t actually die by the way – is a professional football player and his mother is a politician. We’ve got rednecks and franchise owners and gamblers.
Then the author goes and ruins it all with a love triangle, which was my problem with the first in the series too. I had hoped she would let that go by the wayside, but nope. Apparently Brie can not be “just friends” with either of them – again, so at the end of this one they’ve all decided that one week she will date guy #1 and the next week guy #2. Sorry if that’s a spoiler but it really annoys me. Especially because other than that it’s a really good series.
Picked Off takes place around Halloween, so if you’re looking for a cozy in October, keep it in mind
Then the author goes and ruins it all with a love triangle, which was my problem with the first in the series too. I had hoped she would let that go by the wayside, but nope. Apparently Brie can not be “just friends” with either of them – again, so at the end of this one they’ve all decided that one week she will date guy #1 and the next week guy #2. Sorry if that’s a spoiler but it really annoys me. Especially because other than that it’s a really good series.
Picked Off takes place around Halloween, so if you’re looking for a cozy in October, keep it in mind
March 30, 2018
This is the second book in the Brie Hooker Mystery Series by Linda Lovely (the first was Bones to Pick), however, it was the first in the series I read. I generally hate to start in the middle of a series, but I had the opportunity to review it for NetGalley and it looked like an interesting premise.
Brie Hooker lives with her aunt Eva at Udderly Kidding dairy farm. Eva’s best friend, Carol (who is really more like family), is running for office and Eva agreed to have a Halloween-themed fundraiser at the farm, complete with haunted house. However, the evening takes a turn when Carol’s son Zack is attacked with a pitchfork in the barn and goes into a coma. Another family member is soon targeted, and everyone is on edge wondering who the culprit could be, and the reason behind it.
I was a little disappointed in this book. For one thing, it references the first book a few times and while you don’t have to have read it to enjoy this book, I always recommend starting in the beginning. Second, Brie is consumed with her sex life (because it has been 19 months since she has had the pleasure, as the reader is reminded often) and which of her suitors she should choose. Every single chapter discusses it. I don’t mind it if it is a romance, but in a mystery I like to focus on, well, the mystery. I also got tired of hearing her exclamations: rotting ribeyes, pickled pig’s feet, deviled ham! The first five or six were cute. After that, I was over it. I will admit I skimmed or skipped several pages in the book just to get to the climax. I cared enough to stick with it to find out who the culprit(s) was/were, but barely. It was nice to get to know Brie and her friends, but I think one book was enough in this series for me.
Brie Hooker lives with her aunt Eva at Udderly Kidding dairy farm. Eva’s best friend, Carol (who is really more like family), is running for office and Eva agreed to have a Halloween-themed fundraiser at the farm, complete with haunted house. However, the evening takes a turn when Carol’s son Zack is attacked with a pitchfork in the barn and goes into a coma. Another family member is soon targeted, and everyone is on edge wondering who the culprit could be, and the reason behind it.
I was a little disappointed in this book. For one thing, it references the first book a few times and while you don’t have to have read it to enjoy this book, I always recommend starting in the beginning. Second, Brie is consumed with her sex life (because it has been 19 months since she has had the pleasure, as the reader is reminded often) and which of her suitors she should choose. Every single chapter discusses it. I don’t mind it if it is a romance, but in a mystery I like to focus on, well, the mystery. I also got tired of hearing her exclamations: rotting ribeyes, pickled pig’s feet, deviled ham! The first five or six were cute. After that, I was over it. I will admit I skimmed or skipped several pages in the book just to get to the climax. I cared enough to stick with it to find out who the culprit(s) was/were, but barely. It was nice to get to know Brie and her friends, but I think one book was enough in this series for me.
April 11, 2018
When Brie and her friends Paint and Andy are getting Udderly Kidding Dairy ready for a Halloween fundraiser for her Aunt Eva's best friend Carol Strong, who is running for governor, all talk is about Carol's son Zack, who grew up with the two men and has now made it big in football. But no sooner are they talking about him when he shows up to visit with his old friends.
Once the costumed affair is underway, everyone seems to be having a good time...until Zack is found unconscious in the barn, having been hit on the head and then stabbed with a pitchfork. The attack has left him in a coma, and since almost everyone wore a mask, no one can tell who the attacker might have been.
But it doesn't stop there. Soon Carol disappears, and both Brie and Eva thinks she might have been kidnapped. It doesn't help that suddenly the town is filled with people from Zack's football team, including a pair of hired thugs who are more menacing than protective. And if Brie doesn't figure out what's going on pretty soon, she might be the next one in the line of fire...
First off, I should get the things that bothered me out of the way: Having read the first one, I was looking forward to this book. However, this time out, Brie is really concerned with sex (as she reminds us how long she's been celibate). Also, as I've said before, if this were a man and he were making remarks about two women who were interested in him, the demographics would be a whole lot different on peoples' opinion of the book.
Her friend Mollye, who is supposed to be witty and funny, comes off like a twisted teenager in this book. She's constantly making sexual innuendos which seem out of place considering there's a man in the hospital and his mother is missing. I just felt that she never took the situation seriously; it gave me the impression that this book was centered more on the romantic angle, and because of that, the mystery angle suffered. It wasn't until the second half of the book when there's a murder to be solved. (Let's face it, folks, you read a mystery because of the murder, and you expect it fairly early on). Unfortunately, since I'm not the least interested in love triangles, it made the first part of the book slow going for me.
But once the mystery started to get going, so did the action. The pace picked up, and suspects began to come out of the woodwork, making the last half of the book quite interesting. There were some harrowing situations that Brie managed to get into (and out of) and I enjoyed this immensely. The words began to flow off the page, bringing us into the story and keeping us involved right up until the end. It was this half that saved the book for me, and the best part of it, in my humble opinion.
Brie manages to think on her feet in tight situations, and that's always a good thing. I found the writing to be very good, the plot line engaging. I enjoyed how everything came together nicely at the end, and look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
Once the costumed affair is underway, everyone seems to be having a good time...until Zack is found unconscious in the barn, having been hit on the head and then stabbed with a pitchfork. The attack has left him in a coma, and since almost everyone wore a mask, no one can tell who the attacker might have been.
But it doesn't stop there. Soon Carol disappears, and both Brie and Eva thinks she might have been kidnapped. It doesn't help that suddenly the town is filled with people from Zack's football team, including a pair of hired thugs who are more menacing than protective. And if Brie doesn't figure out what's going on pretty soon, she might be the next one in the line of fire...
First off, I should get the things that bothered me out of the way: Having read the first one, I was looking forward to this book. However, this time out, Brie is really concerned with sex (as she reminds us how long she's been celibate). Also, as I've said before, if this were a man and he were making remarks about two women who were interested in him, the demographics would be a whole lot different on peoples' opinion of the book.
Her friend Mollye, who is supposed to be witty and funny, comes off like a twisted teenager in this book. She's constantly making sexual innuendos which seem out of place considering there's a man in the hospital and his mother is missing. I just felt that she never took the situation seriously; it gave me the impression that this book was centered more on the romantic angle, and because of that, the mystery angle suffered. It wasn't until the second half of the book when there's a murder to be solved. (Let's face it, folks, you read a mystery because of the murder, and you expect it fairly early on). Unfortunately, since I'm not the least interested in love triangles, it made the first part of the book slow going for me.
But once the mystery started to get going, so did the action. The pace picked up, and suspects began to come out of the woodwork, making the last half of the book quite interesting. There were some harrowing situations that Brie managed to get into (and out of) and I enjoyed this immensely. The words began to flow off the page, bringing us into the story and keeping us involved right up until the end. It was this half that saved the book for me, and the best part of it, in my humble opinion.
Brie manages to think on her feet in tight situations, and that's always a good thing. I found the writing to be very good, the plot line engaging. I enjoyed how everything came together nicely at the end, and look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
May 11, 2019
Picked Off is another intense, edge-of-your-seat cozy mystery set in the world of a vegan working her family’s goat dairy farm. The South Caroline world of Brie Hooker created by Linda Lovely is spectacularly written and the images of each scene in the book were not only vivid but easy to get immersed in as you read. The world and characters were written well, and I felt like I was there at the farm, on the climbing trails, or in the middle of the scuffles.
Brie’s character is down-to-earth, enjoyable, and a completely likable character. It is no wonder she has two suitors vying for her attention and affection. Paint and Andy, men on complete opposite ends of the spectrum, are well-written and caring, each wanting Brie for themselves. Aunt Eva is a quirky yet strong woman who demonstrates the ability to be independent and self-sufficient. Brie’s friend Mollye (yes, it ends with an “e”) rounds out the character list quite nicely.
Regarding Brie’s love life, the author developed an unusual relationship status for her. The direction the author is taking Brie's potential love-match is different from most relationships in books and found that I enjoyed the differentiation. Regardless of the outcome, I like both guys, so I am not really rooting for one over the other. I would be fine with whatever direction the author takes. Well, maybe that's not true. If I were to pick, I would pick Paint, but I like a little bit of bad boy in my men.
The author did a wonderful job weaving everything in this book together. The book contains attempted murder, disappearances, and a tangled web of one disaster after another, carefully explained, envisioned, and played out. Add those elements to simmering romances, secrets, a vegan working on a dairy farm, and one unpredictable mule and you have one spectacular tale in Picked Off. The plot is solid, and I didn't see the conclusion coming. There were several suspects to choose from and the correct one was camouflaged quite well. Picked Off is a great novel that drew me in, kept me engaged, and continued to pique my curiosity from the very beginning. I can't wait to see where Linda Lovely takes Brie, Eva, and the rest of the cast in the next book.
Brie’s character is down-to-earth, enjoyable, and a completely likable character. It is no wonder she has two suitors vying for her attention and affection. Paint and Andy, men on complete opposite ends of the spectrum, are well-written and caring, each wanting Brie for themselves. Aunt Eva is a quirky yet strong woman who demonstrates the ability to be independent and self-sufficient. Brie’s friend Mollye (yes, it ends with an “e”) rounds out the character list quite nicely.
Regarding Brie’s love life, the author developed an unusual relationship status for her. The direction the author is taking Brie's potential love-match is different from most relationships in books and found that I enjoyed the differentiation. Regardless of the outcome, I like both guys, so I am not really rooting for one over the other. I would be fine with whatever direction the author takes. Well, maybe that's not true. If I were to pick, I would pick Paint, but I like a little bit of bad boy in my men.
The author did a wonderful job weaving everything in this book together. The book contains attempted murder, disappearances, and a tangled web of one disaster after another, carefully explained, envisioned, and played out. Add those elements to simmering romances, secrets, a vegan working on a dairy farm, and one unpredictable mule and you have one spectacular tale in Picked Off. The plot is solid, and I didn't see the conclusion coming. There were several suspects to choose from and the correct one was camouflaged quite well. Picked Off is a great novel that drew me in, kept me engaged, and continued to pique my curiosity from the very beginning. I can't wait to see where Linda Lovely takes Brie, Eva, and the rest of the cast in the next book.
June 11, 2018
Scenes were perfectly described. I had no trouble visualizing any of the settings. It would be fun if there were a few recipes at the end of the book, just to sample some of the dishes Brie made. The food-related substitutes for cursing didn't really appeal to me, but that's just personal taste. I also thought this book was maybe a little more sex-oriented than many Henery cozies. I should mention, however, that most things weren't described in a lot of detail.
Most characters were very easy to visualize thanks to the way they were presented, though a few of the lesser bad guys became somewhat difficult to keep straight in my mind. The mystery might have gotten a little over complicated, but it was alright for the most part. I liked that Brie doesn't exactly run headlong into dangerous situations, she gets pulled into them. There was also a fantastic action sequence involving a mule and a goat. You'll know if when you see it. It was a lot of fun.
I wasn't expecting the scene with the Ouija board. I went into this book not knowing about Brie's friend, Mollye's, job. Oversight on my part. But it was easy enough to skim that part. I also wasn't a fan of Brie's prolonged indecisiveness over which of two guys to date. She clearly liked having them both on the hook, based on her reaction to the idea of them dating other women. The guys' solution...well, I since I wasn't a fan of the whole situation, I might be perceiving it as more belittling to Brie than it actually is.
Though this series wasn't really for me, I did enjoy some parts of it quite a bit. It has a whole lot of charm and some of the characters were really memorable. I'm sure the series will continue for a long time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Most characters were very easy to visualize thanks to the way they were presented, though a few of the lesser bad guys became somewhat difficult to keep straight in my mind. The mystery might have gotten a little over complicated, but it was alright for the most part. I liked that Brie doesn't exactly run headlong into dangerous situations, she gets pulled into them. There was also a fantastic action sequence involving a mule and a goat. You'll know if when you see it. It was a lot of fun.
I wasn't expecting the scene with the Ouija board. I went into this book not knowing about Brie's friend, Mollye's, job. Oversight on my part. But it was easy enough to skim that part. I also wasn't a fan of Brie's prolonged indecisiveness over which of two guys to date. She clearly liked having them both on the hook, based on her reaction to the idea of them dating other women. The guys' solution...well, I since I wasn't a fan of the whole situation, I might be perceiving it as more belittling to Brie than it actually is.
Though this series wasn't really for me, I did enjoy some parts of it quite a bit. It has a whole lot of charm and some of the characters were really memorable. I'm sure the series will continue for a long time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 27, 2018
I enjoyed Picked Off, a cozy mystery by Linda Lovely, but I didn’t love it and I didn’t think it was as good as the first book in the series.
On the positive side, it has an interesting plot, likable characters and appropriate injections of humor. In fact, there is an exciting escape scene that is as funny as all get out! It’s worth reading the book just to experience that piece of writing. There are lots of fun, folksy figures of speech to roll off the tongue and stir the imagination.
On the negative side, Brie, who is helping her Aunt Eva with Udderly Kidding Dairy, is as enmeshed as ever in her attractions to Paint and Andy who are best friends to each other. The irony of a vegan who runs a dairy farm and engages in cheese and meat curses is lost on no one and remains amusing in the second book. The romantic triangle, however, is losing its appeal. Brie, along with the author, appears stuck on the fence. My other criticism is that there were a few loose ends that did not get tied up. I am especially interested in the missing backpack containing evidential video footage. It seems to have dropped off the radar.
The basic plot is interesting: Carol Strong is campaigning for South Carolina governor and her son, football star Zack, is attacked during a Halloween themed rally for her benefit. There is more mayhem, lots of entanglements, and plenty of folks to accuse. Imagine trying to identify suspects when most guests are wearing masks. Brie, her friend Mollye, and Aunt Eva find themselves overly and dangerously involved, but the reader benefits by enjoying the plot’s development.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
On the positive side, it has an interesting plot, likable characters and appropriate injections of humor. In fact, there is an exciting escape scene that is as funny as all get out! It’s worth reading the book just to experience that piece of writing. There are lots of fun, folksy figures of speech to roll off the tongue and stir the imagination.
On the negative side, Brie, who is helping her Aunt Eva with Udderly Kidding Dairy, is as enmeshed as ever in her attractions to Paint and Andy who are best friends to each other. The irony of a vegan who runs a dairy farm and engages in cheese and meat curses is lost on no one and remains amusing in the second book. The romantic triangle, however, is losing its appeal. Brie, along with the author, appears stuck on the fence. My other criticism is that there were a few loose ends that did not get tied up. I am especially interested in the missing backpack containing evidential video footage. It seems to have dropped off the radar.
The basic plot is interesting: Carol Strong is campaigning for South Carolina governor and her son, football star Zack, is attacked during a Halloween themed rally for her benefit. There is more mayhem, lots of entanglements, and plenty of folks to accuse. Imagine trying to identify suspects when most guests are wearing masks. Brie, her friend Mollye, and Aunt Eva find themselves overly and dangerously involved, but the reader benefits by enjoying the plot’s development.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2018
This is the second book in the Brie Hooker series. Brie is a vegan chef who has returned back to her home farm roots. None of her family and friends are vegans and, while she stays true to her foodstuff, she still has to be able to work and live with those who eat meat.
Brie is now living with and working with her aunt at Udderly Kidding Dairy, a goat farm. She has decided to stay put for a while and even start working on her special plan of a vegan bed and breakfast establishment.
The only problem is that murders keep happening and she keeps stumbling over them. She tries to keep her distance but then, a sleuth has to do what a sleuth has to do.
She is aided not only by her aunt but also by a somewhat ditsy new age girlfriend. Then too, there are the two now in her life. One is a good guy veterinarian and the other is a bit of a bad boy moonshine distiller. Brie can’t make up her mind about which man to date.
This makes up the only plot point that I’m not thrilled about. She should know her own mind and be willing to let one of these men go. I hope the author does not continue with this as, the further it goes, the more unpleasant it becomes.
Apart from that, the book is humorous and a quick read. I do wish that some of the great sounding vegan dishes had recipes included in the book.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.
Brie is now living with and working with her aunt at Udderly Kidding Dairy, a goat farm. She has decided to stay put for a while and even start working on her special plan of a vegan bed and breakfast establishment.
The only problem is that murders keep happening and she keeps stumbling over them. She tries to keep her distance but then, a sleuth has to do what a sleuth has to do.
She is aided not only by her aunt but also by a somewhat ditsy new age girlfriend. Then too, there are the two now in her life. One is a good guy veterinarian and the other is a bit of a bad boy moonshine distiller. Brie can’t make up her mind about which man to date.
This makes up the only plot point that I’m not thrilled about. She should know her own mind and be willing to let one of these men go. I hope the author does not continue with this as, the further it goes, the more unpleasant it becomes.
Apart from that, the book is humorous and a quick read. I do wish that some of the great sounding vegan dishes had recipes included in the book.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.
May 14, 2018
My favorite time of year! The Halloween season is upon Udderly Kidding Dairy, along with election season. Brie Hooker and her Aunt Eva are dead center in all the activities.
When a famous football star is attacked in the haunted barn and his mother, the candidate, goes missing Brie and friends (yes, just friends, for now) take it upon themselves to find out who and why, along with what makes Zack's phone so important.
The animals are not as involved in this book as the previous one, but the humans are acting like animals! The story twists and tangles, making everyone question if and how the assaults are related. The action moves forward at a terse, tense, quick pace. It gently focuses on some adult issues but the writing is not graphic, so as to offend. You can read this as a stand alone mystery.
I loved some colorful phrases and hope I find occassion to use them myself.
I accepted a copy of this book to review. The opinions are my own. I can't wait to see where they all go from here. Brie may be the main heroine, but Mollye sometimes steals the spotlight.
When a famous football star is attacked in the haunted barn and his mother, the candidate, goes missing Brie and friends (yes, just friends, for now) take it upon themselves to find out who and why, along with what makes Zack's phone so important.
The animals are not as involved in this book as the previous one, but the humans are acting like animals! The story twists and tangles, making everyone question if and how the assaults are related. The action moves forward at a terse, tense, quick pace. It gently focuses on some adult issues but the writing is not graphic, so as to offend. You can read this as a stand alone mystery.
I loved some colorful phrases and hope I find occassion to use them myself.
I accepted a copy of this book to review. The opinions are my own. I can't wait to see where they all go from here. Brie may be the main heroine, but Mollye sometimes steals the spotlight.
June 5, 2018
I was shocked at how much I loved the second in this series. I feel like it got a pacing down that I liked and the characters were jumping off the page. Brie was even stronger and more vegan and I think she was more in control than the first book. Aunt Eva was just as sassy and Paint and Andy just as in love with Brie. While I am not typically a sports fan I admired Zach and I found the fantasy football leagues fascinating. You hear about the Fantasy Football Leagues but unless you know something about football you don’t know much about them. The mystery had me turning pages to see how Carol was coping with everything. What this series has is heart and a strong family relationship outside of the mystery elements. Cannot wait for more of the series!
Synopsis: It’s been seven months since Brie Hooker, a vegan, moved to Udderly Kidding Dairy to live with her feisty Aunt Eva, a confirmed carnivore.
But tonight there’ll be no family feud over dinner entrees.
Udderly’s hosting a campaign fundraiser for Eva’s best friend, who hopes to be South Carolina’s next governor. The candidate’s son, a pro quarterback, is flying home for the wingding. And Brie’s eager to get a close-up view of the cute tush she’s admired on TV, even though she’s reluctantly sworn off even more tempting local beefcake.
The campaign fundraiser promises to be a huge success until a pitchfork attack turns the goat farm into a crime scene—again.
To protect her friends, Brie puts her sleuthing skills to work. Will she live long enough to find out who’s behind a vicious assault, a kidnapping, blackmail, and murder?
Synopsis: It’s been seven months since Brie Hooker, a vegan, moved to Udderly Kidding Dairy to live with her feisty Aunt Eva, a confirmed carnivore.
But tonight there’ll be no family feud over dinner entrees.
Udderly’s hosting a campaign fundraiser for Eva’s best friend, who hopes to be South Carolina’s next governor. The candidate’s son, a pro quarterback, is flying home for the wingding. And Brie’s eager to get a close-up view of the cute tush she’s admired on TV, even though she’s reluctantly sworn off even more tempting local beefcake.
The campaign fundraiser promises to be a huge success until a pitchfork attack turns the goat farm into a crime scene—again.
To protect her friends, Brie puts her sleuthing skills to work. Will she live long enough to find out who’s behind a vicious assault, a kidnapping, blackmail, and murder?
May 18, 2018
What drew me to this story was that I did read the previous book and did want to continue the story. The cover draws you in with its farm theme.
This book can be read as a standalone. I like the wit, the characters have spunk and relevancy of issues being discussed in the book. Just be forewarned there is much innuendo in this book. The plot is engaging and there is humor even if some of it falls flat.
This one deals with gambling addiction, greed and of course, jealousy. It is set in around Halloween and can be added to the holiday themed book section.
It took awhile for the murder to occur, I read cozy mysteries to solve a murder or a puzzle and be entertained.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Netgalley and these are my own opinions. I thank Netgalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me to read this book.
This book can be read as a standalone. I like the wit, the characters have spunk and relevancy of issues being discussed in the book. Just be forewarned there is much innuendo in this book. The plot is engaging and there is humor even if some of it falls flat.
This one deals with gambling addiction, greed and of course, jealousy. It is set in around Halloween and can be added to the holiday themed book section.
It took awhile for the murder to occur, I read cozy mysteries to solve a murder or a puzzle and be entertained.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Netgalley and these are my own opinions. I thank Netgalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me to read this book.
June 22, 2018
***Copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review*****
I think this book shows a series starting to get into its stride - I enjoyed this more than I enjoyed the first Brie Hooker mystery. It still has it's problems - Brie still comes off as one of those self-righteous people who goes on and on to everyone around them about their superior lifestyle choice (in this case veganism) which makes her hard to really like and I'm not sure that the love triangle that is being set up is satisfactorily resolvable (unless we're going to end up with a menage - which isn't really a thing you get in the genre!) - but the mystery is good and the resolution is satisfactory. I'll probably come back in a few books time and see how it's going.
I think this book shows a series starting to get into its stride - I enjoyed this more than I enjoyed the first Brie Hooker mystery. It still has it's problems - Brie still comes off as one of those self-righteous people who goes on and on to everyone around them about their superior lifestyle choice (in this case veganism) which makes her hard to really like and I'm not sure that the love triangle that is being set up is satisfactorily resolvable (unless we're going to end up with a menage - which isn't really a thing you get in the genre!) - but the mystery is good and the resolution is satisfactory. I'll probably come back in a few books time and see how it's going.
June 28, 2018
Brie Hooker and her Aunt Eva live and work on the Udderly Kidding Dairy Farm - a goat dairy farm. They've consented to host her Aunt Eva's friend Carol's campaign fundraiser- which in the flavor of the season is a masquerade party complete with a haunted house in the barn. Carol's son, Zack, a pro-quarterback flies in to attend.
This mystery has so much: a vicious pitchfork attack, blackmail, kidnapping, and murder. It even alludes to the dangers of gambling. And yet it's not too much. There's rarely a dull moment once the action starts. Action packed scenes are balanced with investigation and discussion. There are motives old and new for the crimes. And while there are references to previous events, this book can be read as a standalone.
As with many cozies, romance is a subplot. Brie is attracted to two men and has refused to date either because they are best friends. By the end of the book, this changes and leaves the future open. This will allow for growth and change in the main character of Brie.
Other than Brie and Eva, my favorite character is Brie's close friend Mollye. Mollye is dating a police officer and runs a new age store. She also easily comes up with some of the most out-there ideas for how to proceed with investigating the mysteries.
The plot is well-paced. It's well-written. I enjoyed the characters and their adventures as they try to solve the mysteries, Overall, I give this book 4 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
This mystery has so much: a vicious pitchfork attack, blackmail, kidnapping, and murder. It even alludes to the dangers of gambling. And yet it's not too much. There's rarely a dull moment once the action starts. Action packed scenes are balanced with investigation and discussion. There are motives old and new for the crimes. And while there are references to previous events, this book can be read as a standalone.
As with many cozies, romance is a subplot. Brie is attracted to two men and has refused to date either because they are best friends. By the end of the book, this changes and leaves the future open. This will allow for growth and change in the main character of Brie.
Other than Brie and Eva, my favorite character is Brie's close friend Mollye. Mollye is dating a police officer and runs a new age store. She also easily comes up with some of the most out-there ideas for how to proceed with investigating the mysteries.
The plot is well-paced. It's well-written. I enjoyed the characters and their adventures as they try to solve the mysteries, Overall, I give this book 4 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
August 22, 2018
We are back to Udderly kidding Dairy with Brie and Aunt Eva in book 2 In this cute cozy series. The farm is hosting a fund raiser for Aunt Eva’s best friend, Aron who is running for South Carolina governor. When her son Zack is stabbed in the Halloween inspired haunted barn it puts a damper on the festivities. I think Brie. Reds to finally choose a steady boyfriend as the series continues. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 31, 2019
I didn't like this as much as the first one in the series. I enjoy the "madcap" ingredient but thought this one was too centered on the love triangle and there were just too many sexual innuendos for my preferences in a cozy. I feel it took away from the mystery and found it no longer humorous. Not sure I will be continuing the series.
May 28, 2018
Southern charm and farm fresh this story is sure to entertain. Lots of action. The euphemisms are a hoot. The triangle romance is getting stale, and I had hoped for a third party, Zack, to sweep our protagonist off her feet, but it was not to be. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley.
June 12, 2018
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises.
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