Dead Wrong

Blackmoore Sisters #1

by Leighann Dobbs

There’s more than one secret in the old Blackmoore house. Some have been buried for a long time and some are sitting closer to the surface.

Morgan and Fiona Blackmoore enjoy their simple life in the sleepy ocean-side town of Noquitt Maine where they offer herbal remedies and crystal healing for locals and tourists alike.

...Until Morgan is accused of killing the town shrew, Prudence Littlefield.

Suddenly the girls find themselves scrambling to find the real killer while they battle a crooked Sheriff, planted evidence, and a long list of suspects that all had a reason to want Prudence dead.

Handsome Jake Cooper is new to the Noquitt Maine police force, which is exactly why Fiona Blackmoore doesn't trust him. But with time running out and the evidence against her sister piling up, Fiona has to make a choice - will she trust Jake with her sisters case ... and her own heart?

Add in an old mansion on the cliffs of Maine, an attic full of mysterious treasures, and a cat that has the uncanny ability to show up at exactly the right time and Fiona has her hands full proving the Sheriff's accusations about her sister being a murderer are Dead Wrong.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Fiction, Cozy

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.

Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.

Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars to Leighann Dobbs's Dead Wrong, her debut novel in the Blackmoore Sisters Mystery series. I selected this book as it was a free electronic iBooks read on my Apple iPad and because I had read another debut novel in a different series by the author. It's a fun, short read, contains a direct path to the resolution and begins to drop a few hints about potential magical ways that run through the town and in the Blackmoore family.

Story
Four sisters, living in huge cliff-side Victorian home belonging to their family for centuries, are barely scraping by to afford the taxes on their inheritance when one of them is thrown in jail for killing an elderly fuddy duddy who accuses them of being witches. Morgan, who jokingly told Prudence how she'd kill her, finds herself the primary suspect when the woman winds up dead in the same manner she'd threatened the previous morning. The sisters unite to find the real killer while fighting off the persistent real estate broker attempting to buy their home and offer them a way out of maintaining the family land. As the sisters question the neighbors, search their attic full of mysterious boxes and tchotchkes, and commiserate on their love lives, the mystery comes to a quick resolution leaving the sisters even more curious about their family history.

Strengths
1. Noquitt, the Maine town setting, has all the classic characteristics needed to charm readers. Think "Practical Magic," the movie about a witch family starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, and you'll instantly know what you're dealing with!

2. It's a very quick read with little in the way of sub-plots and side-stories. If you are a reader fond of just the mystery without any distractions, you'll love it but you'll also probably guess it fairly quickly.

Weaknesses
The story has so many hints and clues about future things to come, it's almost too simple. We already know 3 primary characters are keeping secrets but don't know exactly what they are. We already know they are witches even though nothing has come right out and said it. It does build a little suspense but too obviously.

Final Thoughts
I do like the story and the setting. I see potential. These are the kinds of books I'll squeeze in when I need something fairly light and quick as you can run through it in about 3 hours one evening before bed or on a Sunday morning before you start your day!

About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This isn't a good book. The plot is ridiculous and doesn't make sense. There is weirdness with the cat that is never explained. And insta-love. Really, I tried to like it but just didn't. The characters are ridiculous. If you have this book, I hope you got it for free.

There are so many good cozies out there to read. Stay away from this one. The best thing I can say about it was it was short.

P.S. They aren't witches, and this isn't paranormal. Again, this isn't a good book.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason (perhaps the cover) I thought this was going to be a book about witches. It's not really and to be honest it's not all that much of a fantasy book despite being shelved as fantasy.

It's not bad. A cute cozy mystery about a group of sisters, one of whom has been accused of a murder by the corrupt chief of police. It mostly works but really needs a single protagonist. This book occasionally switched from one sister to the other which made it feel a little disjointed.

But overall it's pretty good lighthearted fun.

[Alice Liu]

I feel like I just read a middle school book for adults. I am also reluctant to call Dead Wrong a cozy mystery. Cozies feature amateur female sleuths who solve crimes through ingenuity, and that is far from the case here. Instead, the Blackmoore sisters solve a murder through huge, illogical plot holes. When it looks like Morgan Blackmoore is being railroaded for a murder she didn't commit by the corrupt police chief, she and her sisters are given access to the murder scene and allowed to remove evidence because another police officer is sexually attracted to Fiona Blackmoore. Yes, this officer has a gut feeling that something is wrong with the police chief, but that hardly justifies his own corruption and personal agenda. There isn't much mystery about the house except the sisters seem lazy about exploring it or learning about their own past. The cat is interesting, and provides the only paranormal element. Despite my problems with the book, I still enjoyed reading it. Sometimes I need something very, very, very light. My first Leighann Dobbs books was Ghostly Paws, which I really liked -- it didn't suffer from the same issues as Dead Wrong. For that reason, I won't be revisiting anymore of her older books, but I will continue with the Mystic Notch series.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - English Ebook -
Quote from the book : where was that necklace? With the killer?
Four sisters in an old house. One is accuised of murder. All stick together to get to the truth. Nice cozy mistery. 🌷🌷🌷

[Shauni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute cozy mystery with a touch of magic. A fun read.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

This is very Charmed-esque.
There's an old family house.
Secrets in the attic.
Three sisters.
A cop love interest.
Fun and light

[Pariskarol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm almost embarrassed to say I read this absurd book, but it was free on iBooks, and I had a lot of waiting around to do, with nothing but my phone for entertainment. So I was sort of trapped and desperate.

Where do I start? No clue about police procedure? Characters that do and say stupid things? More focus on boring people's inane thoughts than the facts of the mystery? All wrapped up in copy that appears never to have met an editor.

I used to think self-publishing was a democratic development, but now I'm starting to think it is flooding the market with useless material. Talented new writers probably get lost or overlooked all the time in this tide of trash.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick read of a book. A sort of mystery with a bit of romance & spookiness thrown in via the cat Belladonna. The book isn't any great literary feat, but it's fair to say it hasn't been written with that in mind. Just a well written, thoroughly enjoyable read to while away a few hours. I look forward to reading more books in the series.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Morgan Blackmore is wrongfully accused of murder, she and her sister investigate.

Dobb's writing is delightfully whimsical. She includes plenty of twists in the mystery plot and there's even a touch of romance. The characters are well-fleshed out, relatable and interesting.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5

This was a good start to the Blackmore Sisters series. I can't wait to see what's going to happen next and did Morgan really see Luke? The mystery continues. I wonder what's going to happen next with the sisters and will they find out what's really going on with Overton and why does he have such a hard for the sisters?

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars - English Ebook

Strange things are happening to the Blackmoore sisters. Is it all because of a mysterious family secret?
Only their cat knows for sure.

The Blackmoore sisters: Morgan, Fiona, Jolene & Celeste inherited their home, land & store Sticks & Stones, in Norquitt, Maine.

Eli Stark ha been trying to buy their land to build condo. They kept telling him no. The property had been in their family for many generation, at the top of a cliff with a beautiful view of the cove & ocean.

Morgan has confrontation at the coffee shop with Prudence Littlefield. Prudence didn't want her to get out of the shop, called Morgan a witch. Morgan told her if she was a witch she would have turned into a newt a long time ago. They finally parted.

Shortly after Prudence was found dead in the woods, murdered with a Newt in her throat.

Sheriff Overton picks up Morgan, has her cuffed & taken to the station.
Fiona hires a lawyer Delphine Jones, who gets Morgan released, lack of evidence.

So much more happens that the sisters start investigating the murder. The new Police Officer Jake Cooper offers to help them when off duty.

Their lives are in danger, love could be in the future. All speak againat Morgan, but who done it?

This book is worth reading to find out who murdered Prudence. This series should be good. Like to read book 2.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dead Wrong is a light magical mystery with not a lot of depth. While I usually like to read these during the month of October (all things witchy), this one fell flat. The author revealed too much too soon. Characters weren't fleshed out either. If you're looking for a light read without much to it, pick up Dead Wrong.

My Rating: 3 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went into this book not expecting much. I thought I would enjoy it, but I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular. I just wanted a light, fun, cozy mystery. Unfortunately, my expectations were too high. I almost DNF’ed Dead Wrong, but in the end, I decided to stick it out. The plot was just way too simplistic. The character’s all had developed physical characteristics, but otherwise, all of the Blackmoore sisters seemed interchangeable. Character development was just almost non-existent. I knew who the killer was practically from the very start, and it made for a boring and somewhat repetitious story. I honestly felt like I was reading a middle school book. The writing was lackluster and simple, and the whole thing just felt juvenile. I know cozy mysteries are supposed to be pretty simple and just for fun, but Dead Wrong was just immature and boring. I’ve read much better cozy mysteries. I would advise skipping this one.
You can find more of my reviews at Bookworm Book Reviews.

[AngryGreyCat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dead Wrong was a freebie Kindle download that has been sitting on my Kindle for a while. It seemed very short, not sure of the pages but it was a super fast read. The story centers around a set of sisters who run a few “new agey” style businesses – a natural remedies shop, a yoga studio, and a crystal/jewelry shop. The sisters live together in the family home and are barely scraping by when one of them is accused of murder. They band together to prove Morgan’s innocence by finding the real killer. There is a romantic lead in the form of a new police officer who helps the sisters solve their case, while romancing Fiona. This read with more of a chick lit feel than a mystery, perhaps chick lit suspense?

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Feel Good Book... Of course The Setting is Always Important to me... Are They Semi-Psychic? Moving on to Finish The Series..

[Sarah (knightofstories) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars to the nice mystery.A perfect cosy read for rainy January days.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short and quite simple, but competent cosy mystery. Palette cleanser for me. Worked just like charm, pun intended. Even if I sometimes found it a bit difficult to keep all the sister apart within such a short story, I most likely will return to this series.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A one word description of this story would be vanilla. Set in the small township of Noquitt, Maine, it is the story of four sisters and a double homicide. The Blackmoore sisters, Morgan, Fiona, Celeste and Jolene (listed from oldest to youngest) are happy in this community that their family had been part of for untold generations. Morgan and Fiona shared a shop in the village called “Sticks and Stones”, a very appropriate name for their lines of work. Morgan was a Doctor of Pharmacology with a Master Herbalist’s License and Fiona was a gemologist and costume jewelry designer. When Morgan is suddenly suspected and arrested for the murder of another colorful (if not well loved) citizen, Prudence Littlefield, the Blackmoore sisters revealed another hidden talent.

Much like Jessica Fletcher in the series Murder She Wrote, the sisters (under the guide and inspirational energy of Fiona) set about clearing their sister’s name and bringing the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice. Like a soup set on a low flame to simmer, the story unfolds and the scenes of almost bloodless deaths and murders without horror are served up to the readers. For most people this story will be too light to sedate their literary hunger but it makes for the perfect fictitious aperitif.

[Ankit Garg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dead Wrong, the first book under the Blackmoore Sisters Mystery series of cozy mysteries, is a short read. The author has used 'dead simple' words (see what I did there?) across the book, which is a welcome move since it makes the book very easy to read and understand. These are the only two things I liked about the book.

The story feels incomplete. There are things which are left unaddressed, leaving a void in the reader's mind. Moreover, the cover is misleading.

Verdict: Pick only if you are looking for a short and easy read.

[Erin Wolak · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was definitely one of those books that you kind of just read to get it off your tablet, or if you're waiting for a book you've requested from the library to get in. The whole thing was extremely predictable and boring. In a matter of hours I was able to finish this book. Not because it was interesting but because it was that easy to read. There was no wanting to prolong the ending because you want to savor every second, there was only....how much longer until I'm done.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Moore Girls live in a small Town where everyone knows everyone and about their personal lives.When Prudence a long time enemy of the Black Moore Sister's is found Dead, All signs point to Morgan who had a confrontation with Prudence in the Town Coffee Shop the morning of the murder. Fiona and her other Sisters are determined to prove Morgan didn't kill Prudence and to find out the truth about who did?

[Sandra Nedopričljivica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I ripped off Gillian Larkin's novels and gave a chance to another cozy story. I chose Leighann and her Blackmoore sisters and I liked it: it was funny, romantic and mysterious. It wasn't boring at all so I'm looking forward to other Leighann's novels.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate a clean read.

[PugMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun first in series!!

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun and quick read! I've had this on my Kindle for a long time now and was happy to get an excuse to finally read it, excuse being another online book club discussion for this weekend.

The four Blackmoore Sisters lived in Noquitt, Maine in a huge old mansion. Celeste worked at a yoga studio in town, Jolene had recently graduated and was still deciding what she wanted to do (and she did think of something as the story ended). Fiona was a gemologist and Morgan was a pharmacologist master herabalist. Together they ran Sticks and Stones, their family business. When a very disagreeable local woman is killed, the crooked sheriff right away tried to pin it on Morgan. With the help of a newer officer who had worked in Boston, Fiona was determined to prove her sister's innocence. All the sisters pitched in and helped in various ways. The perp was caught but the sheriff was still a bad person but no proof to be found.

I really liked Jake Cooper! He was such a nice police officer and all around decent guy. I loved how he was trying to do the right thing and how he still thought something was not right where the sheriff was concerned. I'll be anxious to find out how things progress with him and Fiona. Also at the end of the book, Morgan thought she spotted someone familiar...but was it? She was hoping for an uneventful summer as she put it but her gut was telling her otherwise. And she knew to listen to her gut.

I'm looking forward to reading on in this series. The main mystery was solved but I like how there seems to be an ongoing thing about the sheriff that will keep needing investigated and also the little tease at the end of the story about someone Morgan knew once. Oh and I did guess the killer and also the reason for once but I still had a good time being diverted by other possibles and also tracking down and taking down the killer.

I'm the type who reads on after a story is done, after all when it's not 100% there has to be more, right? I found a really interesting note from the author telling about the area she wrote about for this story and how Perkins Cove is real. And there really was a creepy house there she remembered but said it was now fixed up and had become a summer rental.

There is also an excerpt at the end from the first in another series by this author. I have that book as well and have been meaning to start reading it.

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc 3.5 stars actual rating

Perfect for fans of strong sibling bonds, instalove, murder mystery, and quirky characters.

This was a quick cute read, I felt like it could’ve been a bit longer. But I still enjoyed it! If you’re looking for a fun light read, this one is definitely for you. This story follows 4 sisters living in a Victorian home which kind of made me think of a mix of the charmed home and Practical Magic. The sisters get caught in a mix up of conversation which ends up in one of them being accused of unaliving someone.

I loved the inclusion of the sister bond, this story revolves around them and the quaint little town where everyone knows each other. I’m so interested in finding out more about the town and the history of the Blackmoore family. I’m such a sucker for that, and I’m sure it will open up more about the potential magic tied to the family.

One of the items I wish I would’ve seen a bit less were too many hints, it became a tad predictable as the story evolved. This is not to say I didn’t enjoy the mystery aspect.

The characters really did it for me, loved seeing their dynamic and the cozy setting.

Huge thanks to Ingram and the author for gifting me a copy! All opinions are my own

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't anything special to me but it was a nice lite read.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cozy mystery.

Not much drama, which was nice.

Subtle romance.

A dash of magic - & an adorable cat.

Very enjoyable.

[Bookmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly easy, relaxing tale about 4 sisters who live together on the waterfront in the many-generations-owned-mansion, barely making ends meet. When Morgan makes her morning stop at the coffee shop, she’s confronted by Prudence Littlefield, a woman who has had a problem with her family since Morgan’s grandmother was alive. Prudence calls her a witch and Morgan replies that if she was a witch she would have turned the woman into a newt long ago. Prudence is found shortly after that encounter, strangled with a newt in her mouth, about ¼ mile from the shop Morgan and her sister Fiona own. And for some reason the sheriff is determined to see Morgan convicted of the crime.

The characters are likeable and interesting and the setting is one I’d like to visit. Don’t expect a gripping page-turner with twists and red herrings as the woman decide the best way to keep Morgan out of jail is to find the killer themselves. It’s fairly obvious from the start who would have a good reason for both committing the murder and setting Morgan up for it, but that character isn’t even brought up in the discussions.

There is an aspect of romance in this story and apparently we have an ongoing back story involving another character.

Not a bad way to spend a few hours.