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Oakwood Mystery #3
The Advice Column Murders
Listening Length: 9 hours, 5 minutes
What’s the couple next door really hiding? Vintage fashionista and amateur sleuth Charley Carpenter finds out in this engrossing cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Book Club Murders.
In a small town like Oakwood, Ohio, everyone knows everyone else’s business—except for Charley Carpenter’s standoffish new neighbors, who tend to keep to themselves. But behind closed doors, Paxton Sharpe’s habit of screaming bloody murder at all hours of the day keeps Charley awake all night. Coupled with the stress of the increasingly delayed expansion of her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, the insomnia is driving Charley crazy. Her only distraction? The local paper’s irreverent new advice column, “Ask Jackie.”
Jackie’s biting commentary usually leaves Charley and her employees rolling on the floor, but her latest column is no laughing matter. An oddly phrased query hinting at a child in peril immediately puts Charley on high alert. After arriving home to a bloodcurdling scream next door, she follows the noise into the basement and makes a grisly discovery: the body of Judith Sharpe’s adult daughter.
With Detective Marcus Trenault off in Chicago, Charley decides to take matters into her own hands. Convinced that the murder is connected to the desperate plea for help in “Ask Jackie,” she embarks on a twisted investigation that has her keeping up with the Sharpes—before a killer strikes again.
What’s the couple next door really hiding? Vintage fashionista and amateur sleuth Charley Carpenter finds out in this engrossing cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Book Club Murders.
In a small town like Oakwood, Ohio, everyone knows everyone else’s business—except for Charley Carpenter’s standoffish new neighbors, who tend to keep to themselves. But behind closed doors, Paxton Sharpe’s habit of screaming bloody murder at all hours of the day keeps Charley awake all night. Coupled with the stress of the increasingly delayed expansion of her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, the insomnia is driving Charley crazy. Her only distraction? The local paper’s irreverent new advice column, “Ask Jackie.”
Jackie’s biting commentary usually leaves Charley and her employees rolling on the floor, but her latest column is no laughing matter. An oddly phrased query hinting at a child in peril immediately puts Charley on high alert. After arriving home to a bloodcurdling scream next door, she follows the noise into the basement and makes a grisly discovery: the body of Judith Sharpe’s adult daughter.
With Detective Marcus Trenault off in Chicago, Charley decides to take matters into her own hands. Convinced that the murder is connected to the desperate plea for help in “Ask Jackie,” she embarks on a twisted investigation that has her keeping up with the Sharpes—before a killer strikes again.
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Published April 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 5, 2018
4 Fun Stars with a Mystery Machine on the side 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a very well-done cozy mystery.... this is the third book in the series and admittedly I did miss out on a bit of character development not having read the previous two books.... so while you could read this as a standalone I would encourage you to read the previous books 1st, just for a little more background on these characters....
Charley was a great female protagonist.... Charley is a shop owner and it was a good thing her shop was going under renovation so she had time to drive around in her Mystery Machine and solve murders.... as in all good cozy mystery series people seem to get murdered around Charley... this time it is her next-door neighbors adult daughter who just returned home, Sarah... of course not only is Charlie the person who finds the body, she is also dating a police officer, and the medical examiner seems pretty keen to have her help with the case.... unfortunately not everybody feels this way....
It was fun trying to solve the crime along with Charley, her father, his caretaker, her BFF, along with many others.... this was a much more complex mystery then you find in a lot of cozy mysteries..... there were quite a few twists and turns and unexpected reveals......... and the book definitely had an ending I did not see coming!
This book checked off all the boxes for what I love in a cozy mystery... fabulous characters... quaint setting... great who done it... plenty of suspects... and a touch of humor.... this book also had the bonus of some romance.....
Strongly recommend to fans of cozy mysteries and fabulous whodunits!
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
This was a very well-done cozy mystery.... this is the third book in the series and admittedly I did miss out on a bit of character development not having read the previous two books.... so while you could read this as a standalone I would encourage you to read the previous books 1st, just for a little more background on these characters....
Charley was a great female protagonist.... Charley is a shop owner and it was a good thing her shop was going under renovation so she had time to drive around in her Mystery Machine and solve murders.... as in all good cozy mystery series people seem to get murdered around Charley... this time it is her next-door neighbors adult daughter who just returned home, Sarah... of course not only is Charlie the person who finds the body, she is also dating a police officer, and the medical examiner seems pretty keen to have her help with the case.... unfortunately not everybody feels this way....
It was fun trying to solve the crime along with Charley, her father, his caretaker, her BFF, along with many others.... this was a much more complex mystery then you find in a lot of cozy mysteries..... there were quite a few twists and turns and unexpected reveals......... and the book definitely had an ending I did not see coming!
This book checked off all the boxes for what I love in a cozy mystery... fabulous characters... quaint setting... great who done it... plenty of suspects... and a touch of humor.... this book also had the bonus of some romance.....
Strongly recommend to fans of cozy mysteries and fabulous whodunits!
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
March 31, 2018
The Advice Column Murders by Leslie Nagel is the third book in the cozy Oakwood Mystery series. Each book in the series is a new case to be solved so while the characters have carried over from book to book it would be possible to read any as a standalone if choosing to do so. There would however be a bit of character building left out as their lives have progressed from book to book.
In this third installment of the series Charley Carpenter is in the middle of dealing with several setbacks with the expansions in her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. Things seem to keep happening and she needs to figure out who seems to want to slow the work down. However, before Charley has a chance to figure out just what is going on she hears screams coming from the neighbor’s house and upon investigation Charley comes across her standoffish neighbor Judith Sharpe kneeling over her eldest daughter’s body.
With Judith seemingly in shock and her husband not there Charley ushers Judith’s younger twins to her own home to take care of them as long as needed. With a new detective one this case Charley doesn’t see herself getting involved until she gets a little nudge from her friends to look into the case.
The Oakwood Mystery series is again a fun one to come back to with this latest addition. With a strong female lead with ties to law enforcement the sleuthing is always fun to follow. With this particular book the author has taken a cozy story and mixed it with a whole lot of family drama to wade through to find a killer so I found it that much more compelling to wade through the secrets and lies until the end. Once again I’ll be looking forward to returning to this small town if the series continues.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In this third installment of the series Charley Carpenter is in the middle of dealing with several setbacks with the expansions in her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. Things seem to keep happening and she needs to figure out who seems to want to slow the work down. However, before Charley has a chance to figure out just what is going on she hears screams coming from the neighbor’s house and upon investigation Charley comes across her standoffish neighbor Judith Sharpe kneeling over her eldest daughter’s body.
With Judith seemingly in shock and her husband not there Charley ushers Judith’s younger twins to her own home to take care of them as long as needed. With a new detective one this case Charley doesn’t see herself getting involved until she gets a little nudge from her friends to look into the case.
The Oakwood Mystery series is again a fun one to come back to with this latest addition. With a strong female lead with ties to law enforcement the sleuthing is always fun to follow. With this particular book the author has taken a cozy story and mixed it with a whole lot of family drama to wade through to find a killer so I found it that much more compelling to wade through the secrets and lies until the end. Once again I’ll be looking forward to returning to this small town if the series continues.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 3, 2018
What an adorable cozy mystery! A perfect weekend read :)
I enjoyed this book immensely! One of my favorite aspects of this genre (the cozy mystery genre), is that you get the mix of the mystery/detective work, with this running commentary of the quirky lives of the town's residents. I actually discovered in the end of the epilogue that the author, Leslie Nagel, is from a real town of Oakwood, OH. Though there are likely less murders in the real Oakwood, I fell completely in love with this town, and Nagel's true experiences are why this town felt so authentic. This book made me want to live in that sweet town, with it's wacky residents and sweet hometown newpaper!
Leslie Nagel's The Advice Column Murders is actually the third in her Oakwood Mystery series. I haven't read the first two, but any reader can absolutely go into this book as a standalone. At first I felt a bit thrust into a world that had already existed. But, by the end of the second chapter, I had gotten immersed in Charley's small world in Oakwood and got the hang of the relationships and dynamics that had been established in the previous books.
One additional thing to note that I loved, is that this book very carefully does not spoil the whodunit of any of the first two books. It mentions she has worked on cases before, but the who/why/how/where is completely left to the reader to go back and explore. This allowed me to read the third, and then go back and read the first two (which I plan to do, because I fell in love with this series!).
Plot Teaser
Charley Carpenter is in the middle of an expansion and renovation to her boutique, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, but the renovation project is seemingly cursed with setbacks! Charley enters her shop to check on the progress, only to find five gallons of paint splashed across the floor. Trudging back to her father's house, she meets up with two of her staff members and dear friends for a fresh baked cookie and some work.
Vanessa and Heddy cannot help pulling her into the latest entry in the local Oakwood paper featured in the "Ask Jackie" column--an agony aunt column serving up sassy advice to the residents of Oakwood and a particular favorite column of Charley and her friends. But this particular letter is different--the language is odd and distinct, and it mentions the endangerment of a small child. Charley, Vanessa, and Heddy discuss the letter and then move on to lunch al fresco, promptly forgetting it.
Later that afternoon, Charley becomes distracted by some loud noises coming from nextdoor. Though they live in close proximity, Charley and her dad Bobby are not close to their new neighbors. They aren't the friendliest sort of neighbors. But when the noises turn to sounds of distress, Charley and her father's caregiver Lawrence jump into action, racing across the driveways to lend a hand. In the basement, they find their neighbor Judith wailing over the body of her adult daughter Sarah.
As Charley does her best to deal with the murder, she becomes enmeshed with the case. There is a connection that she believes exists between the odd letter in the paper, Sarah's plea for assistance from Charley, and the murder. In a crazy power struggle, Charley's detective boyfriend Marc is cautioned not to assist, but Charley knows that the Sheriff's office is going down the wrong path to solving this murder. If only Charley can use her sharp wit, and connections around town, she may be able to help solve this thing before someone else is hurt!
Reflection
This was an absolutely fantastic, fun read. I love cozy mysteries, and this one surpassed many I've read! One thing that I love about this genre is the sprinkling of town gossip that underlies everything that happens in the story. In a town as small as Oakwood, everyone knows everyone, and gossip travels fast. Charley has a lot of spunk, but she also has vulnerabilities. I loved her as a character.
I thought Leslie Nagel did a great job of allowing each book to technically be read on its own, or out of order from the series. I never felt like there was no point in returning to the previous books because I read this one first. I particularly like this series for my post-grad students. Many of them have never found their love of reading, and I think books such as this one are a great way to remind them that reading can be fun and light-hearted, even when covering a dark topic such as murder.
I want to thank NetGalley, Alibi, and Random House Publishing Group for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out! Order it here!
I enjoyed this book immensely! One of my favorite aspects of this genre (the cozy mystery genre), is that you get the mix of the mystery/detective work, with this running commentary of the quirky lives of the town's residents. I actually discovered in the end of the epilogue that the author, Leslie Nagel, is from a real town of Oakwood, OH. Though there are likely less murders in the real Oakwood, I fell completely in love with this town, and Nagel's true experiences are why this town felt so authentic. This book made me want to live in that sweet town, with it's wacky residents and sweet hometown newpaper!
Leslie Nagel's The Advice Column Murders is actually the third in her Oakwood Mystery series. I haven't read the first two, but any reader can absolutely go into this book as a standalone. At first I felt a bit thrust into a world that had already existed. But, by the end of the second chapter, I had gotten immersed in Charley's small world in Oakwood and got the hang of the relationships and dynamics that had been established in the previous books.
One additional thing to note that I loved, is that this book very carefully does not spoil the whodunit of any of the first two books. It mentions she has worked on cases before, but the who/why/how/where is completely left to the reader to go back and explore. This allowed me to read the third, and then go back and read the first two (which I plan to do, because I fell in love with this series!).
Plot Teaser
Charley Carpenter is in the middle of an expansion and renovation to her boutique, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, but the renovation project is seemingly cursed with setbacks! Charley enters her shop to check on the progress, only to find five gallons of paint splashed across the floor. Trudging back to her father's house, she meets up with two of her staff members and dear friends for a fresh baked cookie and some work.
Vanessa and Heddy cannot help pulling her into the latest entry in the local Oakwood paper featured in the "Ask Jackie" column--an agony aunt column serving up sassy advice to the residents of Oakwood and a particular favorite column of Charley and her friends. But this particular letter is different--the language is odd and distinct, and it mentions the endangerment of a small child. Charley, Vanessa, and Heddy discuss the letter and then move on to lunch al fresco, promptly forgetting it.
Later that afternoon, Charley becomes distracted by some loud noises coming from nextdoor. Though they live in close proximity, Charley and her dad Bobby are not close to their new neighbors. They aren't the friendliest sort of neighbors. But when the noises turn to sounds of distress, Charley and her father's caregiver Lawrence jump into action, racing across the driveways to lend a hand. In the basement, they find their neighbor Judith wailing over the body of her adult daughter Sarah.
As Charley does her best to deal with the murder, she becomes enmeshed with the case. There is a connection that she believes exists between the odd letter in the paper, Sarah's plea for assistance from Charley, and the murder. In a crazy power struggle, Charley's detective boyfriend Marc is cautioned not to assist, but Charley knows that the Sheriff's office is going down the wrong path to solving this murder. If only Charley can use her sharp wit, and connections around town, she may be able to help solve this thing before someone else is hurt!
Reflection
This was an absolutely fantastic, fun read. I love cozy mysteries, and this one surpassed many I've read! One thing that I love about this genre is the sprinkling of town gossip that underlies everything that happens in the story. In a town as small as Oakwood, everyone knows everyone, and gossip travels fast. Charley has a lot of spunk, but she also has vulnerabilities. I loved her as a character.
I thought Leslie Nagel did a great job of allowing each book to technically be read on its own, or out of order from the series. I never felt like there was no point in returning to the previous books because I read this one first. I particularly like this series for my post-grad students. Many of them have never found their love of reading, and I think books such as this one are a great way to remind them that reading can be fun and light-hearted, even when covering a dark topic such as murder.
I want to thank NetGalley, Alibi, and Random House Publishing Group for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out! Order it here!
May 3, 2018
This was the first book I read in the Oakwood Mystery series and in the beginning I thought it would be nice to know a bit more about the main characters but further on into the story it was fine and didn't make a difference anymore.
Some very lovable main characters with a great family relationship and a very fast paced mystery. Interesting twists and turns kept me guessing until the surprising reveal.
There was so much going on that it is hard to put it into a few words here - I had a great time reading!
The first books were mentioned in this installments but no details on the cases or the perps were given. I'd love to go back and read the first books in this series.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Alibi and the author provided me with an advance copy.
Some very lovable main characters with a great family relationship and a very fast paced mystery. Interesting twists and turns kept me guessing until the surprising reveal.
There was so much going on that it is hard to put it into a few words here - I had a great time reading!
The first books were mentioned in this installments but no details on the cases or the perps were given. I'd love to go back and read the first books in this series.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Alibi and the author provided me with an advance copy.
May 8, 2018
Living in small town Oakwood, Charley Carpenter puts her curiosity and intelligence to the test in the 3rd Oakwood mystery. The renovations to her hat shop slowed by vandalism, she has time to become involved when there is a murder next door. Well-written, the mystery is plotted fairly, but I still didn't guess the killer. Looking forward to reading the first two.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2018
This is the third book in the Oakwood series, I loved the first two, so I was really excited to read #3. I adore how well written this series in, from the creative and twisty plots to the lovable characters, and this one was no exception! Very nicely plotted, with two murders that occur just steps from Charley's front door. After a new family moves in next door, Judith's adult daughter, Sarah, is found murdered. Later, Judith is found murdered in the street, the blame falls on a carpenter with ties to the family. Charley smells a setup and investigates into the family's past and uncovers several secrets. With a few mini mysteries to solve along the way (I loved the revelation of who was behind the advice column and I don't think they should stop!) to the person responsible for the vandalism delaying the expansion at Charley's vintage shop, Old Hat (which was puzzling, not puzzling as in whodunit but puzzling as in *scratches head* whaat?) and there were many surprise twists that kept things interesting right up to the exciting ending. Wholly enjoyable and entertaining, The Advice Column Murders is another great addition to this excellent cozy series.
December 6, 2018
Ok, forse sto abbondando con la mia valutazione, ma questa serie mi piace perché mi sembra un po' più "reale" di tanti altri cozy mysteries... Cerco di spiegarmi. Normalmente in questo genere di letteratura è difficile trovare un linguaggio più "normale, da tutti i giorni" o i protagonisti non vanno oltre a un casto bacio col loro partner: qui ci sono anche improveri vari e la protagonista e la sua dolce metà hanno effusioni abbastanza "spinte", pur non arrivando alla descrizioni di scene di sesso (si capisce che lo fanno, al contrario di altri cozy mystery, dove mi sembra di leggere un inspirational romance...). Inoltre, qui la protagonista indaga per davvero e non inciampa nella soluzione per caso, come accade spesso. Anche se, in questo caso, sono arrivata prima io a capire chi fosse il colpevole...
April 14, 2018
This is such a great little series. Charley is in for a lot of surprises when she finally meets her new neighbors; they are one big mystery to her. From Dr. Paxton’s early morning screaming matches then tearing off in his Mercedes to the young woman who tries to reach out to Charley late one evening to talk about something. The young woman is cut off by her mom, calling her home before they could finish their conversation. The young woman seems to be too old to be the daughter of Judith, Dr. Paxton’s wife who has a set of four-year-old twins. Marc is out of town, and Charley is having her shop renovated so she's at loose ends. When a murder happens next door, things start getting crazy; there seems to be only a few people who could have committed the murder and worse yet, the Chief of police is letting the Sheriff’s department handle the case which is a total bust. When Marc returns home, he’s under strict orders to stay away from this case. Charley is determined to find the killer anyway. She finds herself in hot water with the Sheriff’s department and things are not looking so hot for Marc either. She’s found out a lot of secrets about the Paxton’s and none of them are good. Can she flush out the killer before it’s too late?
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley of this book for my honest opinion.
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley of this book for my honest opinion.
March 21, 2018
This is the third book in The Oakwood Mystery Series by Leslie Nagel and I have enjoyed each and every one of them. This one is just as good, maybe even a bit better, than the previous two books. What I enjoy about the cozy mystery genre is that there is something for everyone - from fun, to thematic to a bit edgier/mature. I think Leslie Nagel's series, for me, is a bit edgier/mature cozy mystery. For those of you who are sensitive to cursing/swearing in your cozy mysteries, this one does contain that type of language so keep that in mind if you plan to read it. The language doesn't bother me and I really enjoy the main character Charlie Carpenter and the secondary cast of characters. Charlie is smart, loyal, determined and doesn't purposely put herself in danger when sleuthing. The secondary cast of characters including her father Bobby, his caretaker Lawrence, and Charlies friends all add to the story. They are diverse in age, gender, personality, and place in life but each one brings a unique perspective that helps Charlie or supports her in solving the mystery. Charlie and Marc also make progress in their romance in a way that fits the characters and how they have developed so far.
Once again, Charlie is in a position where she finds a dead body. However, just like the previous books, there are always multiple mysteries within the book that Charlie has to solve. I thought the mystery was really well done. It unfold over the course of the entire book and this time Charlie can't really involve Marc or he will risk losing his job. The mystery is layered so there are plenty of suspects to choose from and clues to sift through to get to the identity of the culprit or culprits. I didn't realize the identity of the killer until the same time Charlie put the clues together and solved the mystery.
I very much enjoy this series and will be back to see what Leslie Nagel has in store for Charlie and the rest of the cast in future books. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Alibi Publishing, through Netgalley. This book is scheduled for release on April 3, 2018.
Once again, Charlie is in a position where she finds a dead body. However, just like the previous books, there are always multiple mysteries within the book that Charlie has to solve. I thought the mystery was really well done. It unfold over the course of the entire book and this time Charlie can't really involve Marc or he will risk losing his job. The mystery is layered so there are plenty of suspects to choose from and clues to sift through to get to the identity of the culprit or culprits. I didn't realize the identity of the killer until the same time Charlie put the clues together and solved the mystery.
I very much enjoy this series and will be back to see what Leslie Nagel has in store for Charlie and the rest of the cast in future books. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Alibi Publishing, through Netgalley. This book is scheduled for release on April 3, 2018.
March 12, 2018
The Advice Column Murders is the 3rd in this series by Leslie Nagel.
I am a huge fan of this series and this particular book is exceptional.
Charley is a fun character and her loyalty to friends and family shows in her personality.
In this book, Charley is in the middle of a renovation project for her shop and she is missing her boyfriend Detective Marcus Trenault.
There is always something to keep Charley busy, but getting caught up in the middle of another murder investigation isn't in her plans.
Charley lives with her dad and his caretaker, Lawrence, in Oakwood, Ohio. It's a quiet little town where everyone knows each other.
Charley has new neighbors and although they tend to ignore her waves and hellos, Charley runs to help when she hears the anguished cries coming from their home.
The scene she walks into is heartbreaking, she finds her neighbor leaning over her daughter, shaking her, but there is no response.
This story becomes tangled with lies and secrets, luring Charley in to the investigation.
This book is the best yet. It was fast paced and kept me guessing the whole time.
The were characters in this book that made me so mad and others I just wanted to hug.
When an author can get that kind of reaction from a reader, you have to know how truly talented they are to create such a great story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
I am a huge fan of this series and this particular book is exceptional.
Charley is a fun character and her loyalty to friends and family shows in her personality.
In this book, Charley is in the middle of a renovation project for her shop and she is missing her boyfriend Detective Marcus Trenault.
There is always something to keep Charley busy, but getting caught up in the middle of another murder investigation isn't in her plans.
Charley lives with her dad and his caretaker, Lawrence, in Oakwood, Ohio. It's a quiet little town where everyone knows each other.
Charley has new neighbors and although they tend to ignore her waves and hellos, Charley runs to help when she hears the anguished cries coming from their home.
The scene she walks into is heartbreaking, she finds her neighbor leaning over her daughter, shaking her, but there is no response.
This story becomes tangled with lies and secrets, luring Charley in to the investigation.
This book is the best yet. It was fast paced and kept me guessing the whole time.
The were characters in this book that made me so mad and others I just wanted to hug.
When an author can get that kind of reaction from a reader, you have to know how truly talented they are to create such a great story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
November 13, 2024
I hadn't read the previous books in this series, but this worked well enough as a standalone though I may go back and read the others. This series seems to be a bit darker and edgier than some other cozies with occasional rough language and darker themes. It's a good mystery with lots of twists and turns, But best read if you're in a frame of mind to deal with some dark family drama. I really didn't guess the killer though the explanation fit together well.
February 19, 2018
This is the third installment in the Oakwood series and they just keep getting better.
Charlie and her friends, along with her beau Detective Marc Brixton try to untangle the mystery of the dead woman in the house next door. His boss and the Sheriff try to block Marc at every turn due to a personal grudge ..but the group perseveres, risking arrest...but not in time to avoid another death in the same family.
Secrets abound, and the letter in the advice column Charley connects to the murder..seems to point at family...but is it the right family member? Charley suspects several, one who is cleared by her own death...but new leads seem to point at then clear her suspect pool.
I love the way the group chases down clues and follows them to the murderer....not the person arrested or their own favorite suspect.
I've enjoyed this series and requested an ARC from NetGalley as soon as I saw it was on offer, and have already recommended it to cozy reading friends.
Charlie and her friends, along with her beau Detective Marc Brixton try to untangle the mystery of the dead woman in the house next door. His boss and the Sheriff try to block Marc at every turn due to a personal grudge ..but the group perseveres, risking arrest...but not in time to avoid another death in the same family.
Secrets abound, and the letter in the advice column Charley connects to the murder..seems to point at family...but is it the right family member? Charley suspects several, one who is cleared by her own death...but new leads seem to point at then clear her suspect pool.
I love the way the group chases down clues and follows them to the murderer....not the person arrested or their own favorite suspect.
I've enjoyed this series and requested an ARC from NetGalley as soon as I saw it was on offer, and have already recommended it to cozy reading friends.
March 4, 2018
The Advice Column Murders the third of the Oakwood Mystery series by Leslie Nagel. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I will be. Charley Carpenter is the protagonist in the series, yet another amateur sleuth. She's a good one two, even having convinced her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Trenault, that she has something to offer the police. Her neighbor, Mr. Schmidt, had gone to live in assisted living. Instead of selling his house, he had rented it. The first tenants were Dr. Paxton Sharpe, his wife, Judith, and two little boys. The home also had two visitors: Brandon, Dr. Sharpe's son home on spring break, and Sarah, Judith's adult daughter.
One morning when Charley was out front preparing for her day, Sarah approached her and stopped just short of asking her for help. Charley's phone rang, and by the time she had responded, the moment had passed and Sarah was gone. The bad news is that Sarah ended up murdered. And the investigating officer was not one of Charley's fans and was outright rude. Plus as she made her way home, reporters mobbed her, until a strong arm reached out to grab her and get her inside. Marc was home from Chicago and at just the right time. As the investigation progresses all kinds of interesting information come to light.
The investigation was going nowhere. The investigator wasn't interested in justice, just in closing the investigation. Things got pretty hairy. Even police employees were helping Charley try to solve the murder and the second one, that of Judith. The police chief was furious and before he got the chance to fire Marc, he quit. He was able to help the investigation without ignoring a direct order from his superior.
I loved this book. Can't wait to go back and read the first two. Charley is bright and interesting. She has a knock. She is NOT hair-brained like so many amateur detectives. Her supporting cast of characters: Bobby, her Dad; Lawrence, Dad's caregiver; Heddie and Vanessa, her employees; Dale Penwater, the construction guy in charge of the renovation of her store, Mitch, Camille, and Sharon, with the police department; Paul Brixton, Marc's partner, and on and on. The mystery was good and not so far-fetched as to be unbelievable. The pacing of the story was good. It moved along well and did not drag. There was plenty of foreshadowing and the reader almost solved the crime along with Charley. A great cozy mystery. I recommend it.
One morning when Charley was out front preparing for her day, Sarah approached her and stopped just short of asking her for help. Charley's phone rang, and by the time she had responded, the moment had passed and Sarah was gone. The bad news is that Sarah ended up murdered. And the investigating officer was not one of Charley's fans and was outright rude. Plus as she made her way home, reporters mobbed her, until a strong arm reached out to grab her and get her inside. Marc was home from Chicago and at just the right time. As the investigation progresses all kinds of interesting information come to light.
The investigation was going nowhere. The investigator wasn't interested in justice, just in closing the investigation. Things got pretty hairy. Even police employees were helping Charley try to solve the murder and the second one, that of Judith. The police chief was furious and before he got the chance to fire Marc, he quit. He was able to help the investigation without ignoring a direct order from his superior.
I loved this book. Can't wait to go back and read the first two. Charley is bright and interesting. She has a knock. She is NOT hair-brained like so many amateur detectives. Her supporting cast of characters: Bobby, her Dad; Lawrence, Dad's caregiver; Heddie and Vanessa, her employees; Dale Penwater, the construction guy in charge of the renovation of her store, Mitch, Camille, and Sharon, with the police department; Paul Brixton, Marc's partner, and on and on. The mystery was good and not so far-fetched as to be unbelievable. The pacing of the story was good. It moved along well and did not drag. There was plenty of foreshadowing and the reader almost solved the crime along with Charley. A great cozy mystery. I recommend it.
March 24, 2018
Review: THE ADVICE COLUMN MURDERS by Leslie Nagel
I raced through this cozy mystery at practicality the speed of light. I love to read a cunning puzzle requiring me to think and think hard, one in which the number of clearly possible suspects is multiple, and one that wrings my emotions as well. This second in the Oakwood Mystery Series is set in real-life Oakwood, Ohio, a peaceful community near Dayton. Hard-charging heroine and amateur sleuths Charley is a delight, and far from the only empowered woman here. The male characters are pretty exciting, too, and the author knows how to paint with broad brushstrokes as well as how to pencil in the fine lines. Quite an enjoyable and fascinating mystery.
I raced through this cozy mystery at practicality the speed of light. I love to read a cunning puzzle requiring me to think and think hard, one in which the number of clearly possible suspects is multiple, and one that wrings my emotions as well. This second in the Oakwood Mystery Series is set in real-life Oakwood, Ohio, a peaceful community near Dayton. Hard-charging heroine and amateur sleuths Charley is a delight, and far from the only empowered woman here. The male characters are pretty exciting, too, and the author knows how to paint with broad brushstrokes as well as how to pencil in the fine lines. Quite an enjoyable and fascinating mystery.
May 10, 2018
We've all had that one neighbor. Or, if you're lucky enough to never have had that one neighbor, you've probably heard stories. The one who views your routine lawn maintenance as a challenge to step up his game. Or the one who pulls out the snow blower for an inch of snow at six o'clock on a Sunday morning. For Charley Carpenter, that one neighbor means a surly, self-righteous military surgeon and his skittish wife. The situation quickly goes from bad to worse when Charley finds the body of her neighbor's daughter only a few days after she bumped into Charley and awkwardly implied she might need help.
After stumbling upon the body, Charley swings into action. But her usual investigative skills are hampered by the absence of her boyfriend, Detective Marc Trenault. Determined to figure out who killed her neighbor's daughter, Charley doubles down--and soon finds herself looking into a double homicide.
There are many worthy and readable series in the cozy mystery genre. For me, this one stands out. There's a slight edge to the storytelling that amplified the action without kicking the book into a more grisly category. I also appreciate the wit and intelligence written in the characters--especially Charley and Marc. The sharp writing and smart plots make this series shine--and keep me turning pages!
After stumbling upon the body, Charley swings into action. But her usual investigative skills are hampered by the absence of her boyfriend, Detective Marc Trenault. Determined to figure out who killed her neighbor's daughter, Charley doubles down--and soon finds herself looking into a double homicide.
There are many worthy and readable series in the cozy mystery genre. For me, this one stands out. There's a slight edge to the storytelling that amplified the action without kicking the book into a more grisly category. I also appreciate the wit and intelligence written in the characters--especially Charley and Marc. The sharp writing and smart plots make this series shine--and keep me turning pages!
April 9, 2018
I am truly enjoying this series. This time we are in for some major surprises! Things are being shaken up in Oakwood, Ohio. All the action seems to be focused on the street where unofficial sleuth Charley Carpenter lives. The new neighbors next door are anything but neighborly. What secrets are they hiding behind their doors?
When one of them reaches out for help, the timing is bad and Charley says she'll get back to her. Sadly, the neighbor runs out of time. This adds to Charley's guilt and curiosity.
Her sweetheart, ace detective Marcus Trenault, is out of town and the detective assigned is not making friends or headway on the case. He also is not inclined to listen to any theories Charley has to offer.
Fortunately for Charley she has a loyal group of friends and "irregulars" who not only listen but give her extra information. Unfortunately for the neighbors, the closer Charley gets to the truth, another victim is discovered under their noses and on their street.
A wonderful cast of personalities populate this series and this changing community.
Certain events occur in this book that set things up for interesting times ahead.
I like how all the regulars were tied into being involved but it was a fresh approach.
When one of them reaches out for help, the timing is bad and Charley says she'll get back to her. Sadly, the neighbor runs out of time. This adds to Charley's guilt and curiosity.
Her sweetheart, ace detective Marcus Trenault, is out of town and the detective assigned is not making friends or headway on the case. He also is not inclined to listen to any theories Charley has to offer.
Fortunately for Charley she has a loyal group of friends and "irregulars" who not only listen but give her extra information. Unfortunately for the neighbors, the closer Charley gets to the truth, another victim is discovered under their noses and on their street.
A wonderful cast of personalities populate this series and this changing community.
Certain events occur in this book that set things up for interesting times ahead.
I like how all the regulars were tied into being involved but it was a fresh approach.
July 15, 2018
The Advice Column Murders
Oakwood Mystery, Book #3
Leslie Nagel
5 Stars
Synopsis:
What’s the couple next door really hiding? Vintage fashionista and amateur sleuth Charley Carpenter finds out in this engrossing cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Book Club Murders.
In a small town like Oakwood, Ohio, everyone knows everyone else’s business—except for Charley Carpenter’s standoffish new neighbors, who tend to keep to themselves. But behind closed doors, Paxton Sharpe’s habit of screaming bloody murder at all hours of the day keeps Charley awake all night. Coupled with the stress of the increasingly delayed expansion of her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, the insomnia is driving Charley crazy. Her only distraction? The local paper’s irreverent new advice column, “Ask Jackie.”
Jackie’s biting commentary usually leaves Charley and her employees rolling on the floor, but her latest column is no laughing matter. An oddly phrased query hinting at a child in peril immediately puts Charley on high alert. After arriving home to a bloodcurdling scream next door, she follows the noise into the basement and makes a grisly discovery: the body of Judith Sharpe’s adult daughter.
With Detective Marcus Trenault off in Chicago, Charley decides to take matters into her own hands. Convinced that the murder is connected to the desperate plea for help in “Ask Jackie,” she embarks on a twisted investigation that has her keeping up with the Sharpes—before a killer strikes again. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Charley, her best friend Frankie and her detective boyfriend Marc. Charley is smart, hardworking and can get feisty at times. When there is a murder next door, Charley knows she has to do what she can to help find the killer. And she will not give up until she does just that. The secondary characters add a lot to the story and I really love the relationship between Charley and her dad.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I felt that the writing style let me know the characters a little better through their actions and words. The author is very talented in creating suspense from just the written word. I found myself swiping pages as fast as I could to see what was going to happen next. This book is a little edgier than most cozies I read with a little more language but that did not bother me at all. I thought that the mystery was well paced and well developed. There were enough clue to sift through and suspects to consider and solving the mystery was not easy at all.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. I have read all three books in this series and I have loved them all. I cannot wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Alibi, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate
Oakwood Mystery, Book #3
Leslie Nagel
5 Stars
Synopsis:
What’s the couple next door really hiding? Vintage fashionista and amateur sleuth Charley Carpenter finds out in this engrossing cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Book Club Murders.
In a small town like Oakwood, Ohio, everyone knows everyone else’s business—except for Charley Carpenter’s standoffish new neighbors, who tend to keep to themselves. But behind closed doors, Paxton Sharpe’s habit of screaming bloody murder at all hours of the day keeps Charley awake all night. Coupled with the stress of the increasingly delayed expansion of her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, the insomnia is driving Charley crazy. Her only distraction? The local paper’s irreverent new advice column, “Ask Jackie.”
Jackie’s biting commentary usually leaves Charley and her employees rolling on the floor, but her latest column is no laughing matter. An oddly phrased query hinting at a child in peril immediately puts Charley on high alert. After arriving home to a bloodcurdling scream next door, she follows the noise into the basement and makes a grisly discovery: the body of Judith Sharpe’s adult daughter.
With Detective Marcus Trenault off in Chicago, Charley decides to take matters into her own hands. Convinced that the murder is connected to the desperate plea for help in “Ask Jackie,” she embarks on a twisted investigation that has her keeping up with the Sharpes—before a killer strikes again. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Charley, her best friend Frankie and her detective boyfriend Marc. Charley is smart, hardworking and can get feisty at times. When there is a murder next door, Charley knows she has to do what she can to help find the killer. And she will not give up until she does just that. The secondary characters add a lot to the story and I really love the relationship between Charley and her dad.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I felt that the writing style let me know the characters a little better through their actions and words. The author is very talented in creating suspense from just the written word. I found myself swiping pages as fast as I could to see what was going to happen next. This book is a little edgier than most cozies I read with a little more language but that did not bother me at all. I thought that the mystery was well paced and well developed. There were enough clue to sift through and suspects to consider and solving the mystery was not easy at all.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. I have read all three books in this series and I have loved them all. I cannot wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Alibi, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate
March 24, 2018
The Advice Column Murders is the third book in Leslie Nagel’s Oakwood Mystery Series. The characters are well developed and relatable and because the author provides great background information, this book can be read as a standalone. The storyline is strong and well plotted, with lots of twists and turns. Ms. Nagel’s writing style flows smoothly and she provides enough suspects, twists and turns, and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing. This book is a little edgier than most cozies and I was disappointed by the amount of strong adult language. That being said, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Charlotte (Charley) Carpenter lives in the quiet little town of Oakwood, Ohio with her widowed father, Bobby, who has suffered multiple strokes, and his caretaker, Lawrence Whittman. Charley’s the owner of Old Hat Vintage Fashions and has decided to expand her shop to include upscale wedding and baby gifts and apparel and change the name to Old Hat New Beginnings, but odd things keep happening to delay the renovations and she’s beginning to suspect someone is sabotaging her project. Charley’s suffering from insomnia and missing her boyfriend, Detective Marcus (Marc) Trenault, who’s in Chicago attending a law enforcement seminar and visiting his father, Warren. Just before Christmas, Dr. Paxton Sharpe, who is a thoracic surgeon, his wife, Judith, and their four-year-old twins, Henry and Phillip, moved into the house next door. Judith’s daughter, Sarah Weller, and Paxton’s son, Brandon, who attends a military academy but is on spring break, are both visiting. The new neighbors keep to themselves and are unfriendly, and Dr. Sharpe’s yelling is quite disturbing. When Charley hears screams, she and Lawrence rush to the Sharpe’s house and find Judith kneeling over Sarah’s body. Marc’s boss, Chief Dwight Zehring, assigns the case to Sgt. George Drummond of the Sheriff’s Homicide Division and Marc is warned that his job is on the line if he does anything on the case without a direct request from Sgt. Drummond. Several people are persons of interest, but when Sgt. Drummond narrows it down to one person, Charley is convinced he’s focusing on the wrong suspect. Charley believes the death might have something to do with a new advice column, Ask Jackie, in the Oakwood Register newspaper. No one knows who answers the questions submitted to the advice column, but Charley suspects Sarah may have written one of the letters seeking advice. As she investigates, Charley uncovers numerous lies and secrets
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Charlotte (Charley) Carpenter lives in the quiet little town of Oakwood, Ohio with her widowed father, Bobby, who has suffered multiple strokes, and his caretaker, Lawrence Whittman. Charley’s the owner of Old Hat Vintage Fashions and has decided to expand her shop to include upscale wedding and baby gifts and apparel and change the name to Old Hat New Beginnings, but odd things keep happening to delay the renovations and she’s beginning to suspect someone is sabotaging her project. Charley’s suffering from insomnia and missing her boyfriend, Detective Marcus (Marc) Trenault, who’s in Chicago attending a law enforcement seminar and visiting his father, Warren. Just before Christmas, Dr. Paxton Sharpe, who is a thoracic surgeon, his wife, Judith, and their four-year-old twins, Henry and Phillip, moved into the house next door. Judith’s daughter, Sarah Weller, and Paxton’s son, Brandon, who attends a military academy but is on spring break, are both visiting. The new neighbors keep to themselves and are unfriendly, and Dr. Sharpe’s yelling is quite disturbing. When Charley hears screams, she and Lawrence rush to the Sharpe’s house and find Judith kneeling over Sarah’s body. Marc’s boss, Chief Dwight Zehring, assigns the case to Sgt. George Drummond of the Sheriff’s Homicide Division and Marc is warned that his job is on the line if he does anything on the case without a direct request from Sgt. Drummond. Several people are persons of interest, but when Sgt. Drummond narrows it down to one person, Charley is convinced he’s focusing on the wrong suspect. Charley believes the death might have something to do with a new advice column, Ask Jackie, in the Oakwood Register newspaper. No one knows who answers the questions submitted to the advice column, but Charley suspects Sarah may have written one of the letters seeking advice. As she investigates, Charley uncovers numerous lies and secrets
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 15, 2018
The Advise Column Murders is a cozy mystery and my introduction to a very likable character, Charley Carpenter. Charley is exactly the type of character that is she has a real-life doppelganger, I would want as a friend. Charley lives with her father Bobby and his caregiver Lawrence. She owns a vintage clothing store which is currently closed while she expands the business. A series of unfortunate events is slowing down the construction and who is behind it and why is weighing heavily on Charley. In addition, she has new neighbors, Paxton and Judith who not only are unfriendly but also have loud arguments that never seem to end and keep her awake all night. Her boyfriend Marcus is out of town and it seems the only thing that provides her the opportunity to laugh is the advice column, “Ask Jackie”.
If Charley's picture was to appear in a dictionary, it would be next to the word stressed. Clearly, Charley could benefit from some peace and quiet, but that is not what she gets. When Judith's daughter Sarah is murdered, Charley puts on her amateur sleuth hat determined to discover the perpetrator of this tragic crime.
The book was fast-paced, the town of Oakwood, Ohio seemed like a great place to live and the characters were memorable. This is actually the third book in The Oakwood Mystery Series, but I thought it was fine as a standalone. If did, however, make me curious to read the first two books and I would be delighted if the author has plans to continue this series. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
Thank you, Leslie Nagel, Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC to read and review.
If Charley's picture was to appear in a dictionary, it would be next to the word stressed. Clearly, Charley could benefit from some peace and quiet, but that is not what she gets. When Judith's daughter Sarah is murdered, Charley puts on her amateur sleuth hat determined to discover the perpetrator of this tragic crime.
The book was fast-paced, the town of Oakwood, Ohio seemed like a great place to live and the characters were memorable. This is actually the third book in The Oakwood Mystery Series, but I thought it was fine as a standalone. If did, however, make me curious to read the first two books and I would be delighted if the author has plans to continue this series. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
Thank you, Leslie Nagel, Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC to read and review.
May 28, 2019
Phew! Leslie Nagel has done it again, a fast paced murder mystery that keeps you turning the pages (and turning and turning!) and then wanting to read it all again just in case you missed something!
Charley's business is expanding, the problem is this means the shop is shut whilst the re-model happens, Charley and her staff (Heddy and Vanessa) are keeping busy with plans - oh and reading the Ask Jackie advice column in the local newspaper, all of which seems like good humoured fun until one letter seems overly serious, but not as serious as finding a dead body which occurs not long afterwards. Charley knows that even though her sweetie is out of town on a course, his partner will works his hardest to find out who killed her neighbour's visiting adult daughter, only Paul isn't in charge, a total idiot appears to be and when Marcus gets back he and Paul are told in no uncertain terms to stay away from the investigation, luckily that isn't going to stop Charley, especially when the rest of the small force is passing her information! Then there is another death and a young man seems to be being framed for both deaths - framed in a very obvious way (unless of course you are Officer Idiot), now the people behind finding out the truth want to figure out what has happened, and to help two young kids come to terms with what has happened.
Charley's business is expanding, the problem is this means the shop is shut whilst the re-model happens, Charley and her staff (Heddy and Vanessa) are keeping busy with plans - oh and reading the Ask Jackie advice column in the local newspaper, all of which seems like good humoured fun until one letter seems overly serious, but not as serious as finding a dead body which occurs not long afterwards. Charley knows that even though her sweetie is out of town on a course, his partner will works his hardest to find out who killed her neighbour's visiting adult daughter, only Paul isn't in charge, a total idiot appears to be and when Marcus gets back he and Paul are told in no uncertain terms to stay away from the investigation, luckily that isn't going to stop Charley, especially when the rest of the small force is passing her information! Then there is another death and a young man seems to be being framed for both deaths - framed in a very obvious way (unless of course you are Officer Idiot), now the people behind finding out the truth want to figure out what has happened, and to help two young kids come to terms with what has happened.
March 12, 2018
The Advice Column Murders is the third installment in Leslie Nagel’s cozy mystery series set in Oakwood, Ohio. Charley Carpenter, the sleuthing owner of a vintage clothing store, sets out to solve the crimes playing out in in the rental house next door.
Charley employs the help of a cast of recurring characters, including friends, family, co-workers, members of law enforcement, and a squad of local teenagers that find refuge in her store. It’s the relationships between these supporting characters that I enjoy the most, along with the descriptions of places around the real town of Oakwood. I tend to have a movie playing in my head when I read, and the author gives my brain a solid framework to help me build the set.
I usually have a pretty good idea of who the “bad guy” is, but The Advice Column Murders kept me guessing until the final reveal (which I like). A couple of twists within the plot had me literally saying “WTH” as I read. This ended up being my favorite of the three books, mostly because the characters have developed so vividly over the course of the series. I hope we get to see more of Charley and her Scoobies.
Another note: I’m really glad to have been directed to NetGalley. I wanted to read this while I had time on my Spring Break; it was the perfect length for quick reading and was fun to come back to each night.
Charley employs the help of a cast of recurring characters, including friends, family, co-workers, members of law enforcement, and a squad of local teenagers that find refuge in her store. It’s the relationships between these supporting characters that I enjoy the most, along with the descriptions of places around the real town of Oakwood. I tend to have a movie playing in my head when I read, and the author gives my brain a solid framework to help me build the set.
I usually have a pretty good idea of who the “bad guy” is, but The Advice Column Murders kept me guessing until the final reveal (which I like). A couple of twists within the plot had me literally saying “WTH” as I read. This ended up being my favorite of the three books, mostly because the characters have developed so vividly over the course of the series. I hope we get to see more of Charley and her Scoobies.
Another note: I’m really glad to have been directed to NetGalley. I wanted to read this while I had time on my Spring Break; it was the perfect length for quick reading and was fun to come back to each night.
April 3, 2018
The Advice Column Murders
By
Leslie Nagel
What it's all about...
Charlie literally discovers a murder that occurs right next door! These neighbors are kind of odd...strange...not neighborly at all but Charlie and her family find themselves caught up in the midst of this crime! Charlie cannot help but become involved in solving this murder. She and her boyfriend...also involved with the police department...are in this from the beginning to the end.
Why I wanted to read it...
This was a new series for me. The book that I read was the third in this series. I wasn’t at all lost and I felt as though the author did a winning job of fleshing out the main characters. The book moved at a fast pace...I never really knew who the villain was. That made the book very sustainable for me.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Charlie was a fun lead character. The fact that she has a reputation for solving crimes made her even more interesting. This book was so good that I want to read the first two books, too!
Why you should read it, too...
My advice is that readers who love fun and exciting cozy mysteries will love this book as well as the first two in the series.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
March 13, 2018
The Advice Column Murders is the third installment in The Oakwood Mystery series set in Oakwood, Ohio and featuring vintage clothing shop owner, Charley Carpenter. Charley is renovating and expanding her storefront and Old Hat will soon become Old Hat New Beginnings, offering wedding and baby gifts in addition to vintage fashions.
Charley's boyfriend Detective Marcus Trenault is away in Chicago, someone is sabotaging the construction at Old Hat, and the new neighbors the Sharpes do nothing but shout day and night. As a result, Charley has the worst case of insomnia but is doing her best to stay up beat for her father Bobby and his live in caregiver Lawrence.
Something is definitely suspicious about the Sharpes and when Charley is approached by their daughter Sarah Weller asking for help, she doesn't act quick enough. Sarah is found stabbed to death and the clues to her murder just might lie in the newspaper's new advice column "Ask Jackie". With Marcus removed from the case, Charley sets out on her own and quickly finds herself the killers next target.
A fast paced plot with well developed characters. Slightly darker than a typical cozy, the author touches on a subject that is both controversial and at the forefront of today's society. A well written series that continues to grow with each new addition.
I received an advanced copy of The Advice Column Murders from NetGalley via Alibi, a division of Penguin Random House. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Charley's boyfriend Detective Marcus Trenault is away in Chicago, someone is sabotaging the construction at Old Hat, and the new neighbors the Sharpes do nothing but shout day and night. As a result, Charley has the worst case of insomnia but is doing her best to stay up beat for her father Bobby and his live in caregiver Lawrence.
Something is definitely suspicious about the Sharpes and when Charley is approached by their daughter Sarah Weller asking for help, she doesn't act quick enough. Sarah is found stabbed to death and the clues to her murder just might lie in the newspaper's new advice column "Ask Jackie". With Marcus removed from the case, Charley sets out on her own and quickly finds herself the killers next target.
A fast paced plot with well developed characters. Slightly darker than a typical cozy, the author touches on a subject that is both controversial and at the forefront of today's society. A well written series that continues to grow with each new addition.
I received an advanced copy of The Advice Column Murders from NetGalley via Alibi, a division of Penguin Random House. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
did-not-finish
March 25, 2018I had trouble getting into this book, and after four or five attempts to get past the first chapter, I finally decided to give up and move on to something else. I think part of the problem is that this is the third book of a series. It probably could have stood on its own, but references to past books in the first chapter made me feel disconnected from the main character. I also felt that the tone was more serious in the first chapter than is typical of the cozy mysteries I enjoy. I was waiting for the protagonist's sense of humor to come through, and it didn't happen. I didn't feel like I could get into her voice. So while the subject matter was definitely appealing, the writing style just didn't grab me strongly enough for me to want to keep reading.
April 8, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is an easy read mystery with a good plot, great characters and a wholesome, pleasant setting. The author has a real talent for introducing characters and making them unique and memorable. The main character, Charlie, quickly becomes a real person to the readers and she brings family and friends aboard to solve two murders. The plot was complicated enough to keep you interested and the suspects were believable.. Overall, a good read and Naget seems to get better at storytelling with each book.
My only complaint was that the actual catching of the murderer was a bit long-winded.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys light mysteries with a bit of romance.
This is an easy read mystery with a good plot, great characters and a wholesome, pleasant setting. The author has a real talent for introducing characters and making them unique and memorable. The main character, Charlie, quickly becomes a real person to the readers and she brings family and friends aboard to solve two murders. The plot was complicated enough to keep you interested and the suspects were believable.. Overall, a good read and Naget seems to get better at storytelling with each book.
My only complaint was that the actual catching of the murderer was a bit long-winded.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys light mysteries with a bit of romance.
August 20, 2021
This was a fun read! This is actually the third book in Leslie Nagel’s Oakwood Mystery series, but it can easily be read as a standalone novel. The characters are interesting, though, and now I need to read the previous stories to get some more history.
In this book, Charley Carpenter is renovating her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, and is working from home. Her neighbors are secretive and standoffish. One day, a young woman, the adult daughter of the woman next door talks with Charley in the yard. Charley gets the sense s the woman may need help, but she returned to the house. The next day, the woman is dead and Charley can’t help but investigate what happened.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery.
In this book, Charley Carpenter is renovating her shop, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, and is working from home. Her neighbors are secretive and standoffish. One day, a young woman, the adult daughter of the woman next door talks with Charley in the yard. Charley gets the sense s the woman may need help, but she returned to the house. The next day, the woman is dead and Charley can’t help but investigate what happened.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery.
April 7, 2018
The third book of the Oakwood mysteries does not disappoint and is the best so far. Charlie Carpenter has new neighbors in the rental unit, a Dr Paxton Sharpe and his family. The family does not intermix with neighbors until one day Charlie hears a blood curling scream. Upon investigating she find the body of the stepdaughter in the basement. The county police take over the case and her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Trenault is forbidden to have anything do with case. Charlie is not happy with the way the investigation is growing as she feels a column in the local paper 'ASK JACKIE' is the key. The twists and turns you encounter will have guessing. I kind of realize the prep but didn't guess the motive. It was will hidden until reveal. Yes, Charlie has new neighbors, who will surprise you. I HIGHLY recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Alibi for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Alibi for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 3, 2018
Charley Carpenter, Oakwood's resident vintage shop proprietress/part-time sleuth, is at it again when murder rocks too close to home - specifically the house next door. Soon after she's approached for help by her new neighbor's visiting daughter, Charley finds the woman brutally murdered in the basement, and discovers all is not what it seems behind closed doors as she begins her investigation. Hidden secrets abound in this very well-written cozy in Leslie Nagel's Oakwood Mystery series. This third installment is, in my opinion, the best yet. I was absolutely floored at the end, as I'd pegged someone else for the murderer, and even had to go back and look at all the clues the author had cleverly woven into the story. Well done! A+
April 27, 2018
I have loved this series from the beginning, and Advice Column Murders is no exception. The writing is smart, quick, funny, and the mystery is intricate and fascinating. Nagel gives you just enough clues that you could solve it on your own, but it’s never an easy feat. She keeps you guessing until the very end, and you can tell she does thorough research on the potential motives to support her plots. I’ve learned quite a bit from each book in the series regarding all sorts of laws! If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading the first two books in this series.
April 3, 2018
The Advice Columns Murders is the third book in The Oakwood Mystery Series. Having been approved previously to review the second book, I was very happy to get the opportunity to review the third.
Our main character, Charley, is currently renovating and expanding her shop, to be called Old Hat New Beginnings. (Yes, there should be a comma. I agree, but there isn't the several times it is in print.) Unfortunately, there has been a series of "accidents" at the store. There have been no injuries and only minor damage, but it has become a major annoyance. As a result, she's been spending most of her time at home. Next door to her house, a new family has moved in. The father, Paxton, a Lt. Col. in the Air Force, works lots of hours and spends his free time yelling at his family. The mother, Judith, is rather odd, not letting her twins, Henry and Phillip, go to preschool or play with other kids. And the step-daughter and step-son each have their own problems. Then Charley hears a scream and runs into the neighbors' house to find Judith kneeling over her daughter Sarah's body.
Like the previous story, there are multiple mysteries - one murder followed by another, sabotage to Charley's shop, and the secret identity of the Ask Jackie columnist. Lots of different angles going on at once to add more plots, that all eventually coincide. Very entertaining.
I also should mention, since I did in my review of the previous book, that I like Marc a LOT more in this one. He has dropped his crappy condescending attitude towards Charley and her detecting. He even says at one point: "You're an asset, no the goddamned enemy!" So much better!
Our main character, Charley, is currently renovating and expanding her shop, to be called Old Hat New Beginnings. (Yes, there should be a comma. I agree, but there isn't the several times it is in print.) Unfortunately, there has been a series of "accidents" at the store. There have been no injuries and only minor damage, but it has become a major annoyance. As a result, she's been spending most of her time at home. Next door to her house, a new family has moved in. The father, Paxton, a Lt. Col. in the Air Force, works lots of hours and spends his free time yelling at his family. The mother, Judith, is rather odd, not letting her twins, Henry and Phillip, go to preschool or play with other kids. And the step-daughter and step-son each have their own problems. Then Charley hears a scream and runs into the neighbors' house to find Judith kneeling over her daughter Sarah's body.
Like the previous story, there are multiple mysteries - one murder followed by another, sabotage to Charley's shop, and the secret identity of the Ask Jackie columnist. Lots of different angles going on at once to add more plots, that all eventually coincide. Very entertaining.
I also should mention, since I did in my review of the previous book, that I like Marc a LOT more in this one. He has dropped his crappy condescending attitude towards Charley and her detecting. He even says at one point: "You're an asset, no the goddamned enemy!" So much better!
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