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Pepper Brooks #4
Literally Offed
Thoreau found peace in the woods. All Pepper finds is trouble.
Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than a dead body. Pepper Brooks planned a peaceful week in the woods with friends to get away from the stress of daily life. When her dog, Hamburger, sniffs out a murder victim, suddenly the woods feel as far from the tranquil Walden Pond as possible.
Pepper and Alex refuse to let law enforcement brush the case aside… they know there’s more to the story. Their investigation unearths long-buried secrets from Pine Crest’s past, some of which hit uncomfortably close to home.
This case is more than a murder mystery. For Pepper, it just got personal.
Readers, this is the fourth book in a literary-themed cozy series. If you believe books should be enjoyed out in nature and taking a walk in the woods fills your soul with each step, then you’ll love this mystery. And if Thoreau’s not your jam, no worries, each book features a different classic author. ;) Happy reading!
Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than a dead body. Pepper Brooks planned a peaceful week in the woods with friends to get away from the stress of daily life. When her dog, Hamburger, sniffs out a murder victim, suddenly the woods feel as far from the tranquil Walden Pond as possible.
Pepper and Alex refuse to let law enforcement brush the case aside… they know there’s more to the story. Their investigation unearths long-buried secrets from Pine Crest’s past, some of which hit uncomfortably close to home.
This case is more than a murder mystery. For Pepper, it just got personal.
Readers, this is the fourth book in a literary-themed cozy series. If you believe books should be enjoyed out in nature and taking a walk in the woods fills your soul with each step, then you’ll love this mystery. And if Thoreau’s not your jam, no worries, each book features a different classic author. ;) Happy reading!
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2018
152 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Eryn Scott
75 books484 followersEryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 3, 2021
4.5 Star review Literally Offed (Pepper Brooks Cozy Mysteries #4) by Eryn Scott
Audio Review:
I am loving the cozy mysteries written by Eryn Scott that I have listened too. The narrator Anna Caputo is relatively new to me; I enjoyed her performance as she brought this cozy mystery to life for me.
It was good to be back in Pine Crest, Washington as I enjoy stories set in small towns. There are literary references to Thoreau mentioned throughout as Pepper and Alex investigate the clues after her dog Hamburger finds a dead body whilst they are camping with friends in the woods not far from Walden Pond.
Not only are they investigating a murder, but it has just gotten personal for Pepper so she is determined to solve the case. The intrigue and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story. There are several twists, turns and surprises as they follow the clues. and I have to say that I was surprised by the ending.
Narrator Anna Caputo did a fabulous job keeping me entertained. Although I do feel that her male voices were not as strong as her female ones.
Audio Review:
I am loving the cozy mysteries written by Eryn Scott that I have listened too. The narrator Anna Caputo is relatively new to me; I enjoyed her performance as she brought this cozy mystery to life for me.
It was good to be back in Pine Crest, Washington as I enjoy stories set in small towns. There are literary references to Thoreau mentioned throughout as Pepper and Alex investigate the clues after her dog Hamburger finds a dead body whilst they are camping with friends in the woods not far from Walden Pond.
Not only are they investigating a murder, but it has just gotten personal for Pepper so she is determined to solve the case. The intrigue and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story. There are several twists, turns and surprises as they follow the clues. and I have to say that I was surprised by the ending.
Narrator Anna Caputo did a fabulous job keeping me entertained. Although I do feel that her male voices were not as strong as her female ones.
October 11, 2021
Pepper, Alex, Liv and Carson (and Ham, of course) are having a much needed getaway in nature. Nate and his now-girlfriend Victoria crash the camping trip but he brings coffee! Coffee is very much in order after listening to some frat boys partying all night long. Pepper and Alex even overheard fighting but she stopped him from breaking up the fight since he is supposed to be on vacation. The next morning when Pepper takes Hamburger out to do her business, the sweet little pup leads her human to an unexpected surprise- one of the partying frat boys lying dead in the bushes with his throat slashed. Oh dear! The local sheriff isn't interesting in hearing any comments from Alex or letting Alex assist in the investigation. He even goes so far as to suggest the young man was attacked by a mountain lion. Even Alex scoffs at the idea. Pepper knows murder when she sees it, unfortunately, and she worries the sheriff isn't going to do his job. Alex agrees and when Pepper realizes their partying neighbors attend NWU, which outlawed the Greek system 30 years ago, she is surprised. Alex knows he needs Pepper to help with this one and even his dad agrees. The investigation leads to some surprising suggestions about Pepper's beloved university and even a long-held secret of her dad's that makes her worry that everything she knew to be true is not.
This book pays tribute to Henry David Thoreau. While I've been to Walden Pond, know about Thoreau and the Transcendentalists, read excerpts from Walden and Civil Disobedience, this book failed to capture my interest. There was a lot of philosophical debate about what Thoreau meant by civil disobedience and whether he was justified and if it still applies today. I'm inclined to agree with Alex but it depends on the situation. Thoreau refused to pay taxes to an unjust government that support the enslavement of millions of people of African descent. I wish that had been mentioned in this novel. Thoreau's night in jail was justified in that instance and he was upset his sister bailed him out. AGAIN, not mentioned. Instead this novel takes a left turn far from the peaceful Walden Pond and far from 1860s America to the world of underground fraternities. BORING! Thoreau would despise all they stand for and I have never seen the appeal. This story ended up being a little darker than I prefer and I kept losing interest. I did not know who the murderer was. There were TOO many suspects with the same motive and the reveal comes way out of nowhere. The thought crossed my mind just before Pepper realized the truth.
The romance between Pepper and Alex was more interesting and her coming to terms with her father's death and her mother's moving on appealed to me more than the mystery. I thought the father's death plot was handled well and made me tear up a bit.
Pepper is now 23 and still a bit immature. She's managing -barely- to own a bookstore and take graduate classes. She has ONE new store employee which doesn't seem like enough. She's also getting to know Alex's dad better which was funny and sweet. Her investigative skills have improved somewhat with Alex's help but she still acts kind of dumb sometimes. Her reaction to her mom moving on was immature but justified given how close she was to her dad. She handled it well when confronted with her mom and Duncan though. Pepper's reaction to her dad's secret past was overblown. Why did she make assumptions and not ask questions first? I don't think she really wanted answers. Perhaps someone else gave him the book. That whole plot reminded me too much of Dumbledore's backstory. It was weird and didn't fit. Pepper does something out of compassion at the end that is really, really stupid. I didn't like that at all. The whole scene was massively far-fetched. Alex is a sweetheart and finally stopped being a jerk. He still trusts authority, for the most part, but he's learning that sometimes the authorities can't be trusted/aren't telling the truth.
Liv and Carson are barely in the story. He's still goofy. Nate is still socially awkward- BIG TIME. He has no clue how terrifying he sounds to people outside his inner circle, let alone how he sounds to strangers. I was right about him wanting to be friends with Pepper and her crowd. They're the closest things to friends he has. It was a surprise to see him with silent Victoria and yes she IS too young for him. She's a sweet young girl but apparently she sees something in Nate that no one else does. Hammy is so so so so so adorable! She's leash trained now and listens well to Alex. Pepper is sadly not a good pet parent. She's too much of a pushover. I disagree with Alex. If Hammy felt her pack was being threatened, she would and could hurt someone. She's a terrier. Look at her teeth! She has bulldog behind her and they were used in fighting and ratting. So even though she's only about 15 pounds and 15 inches tall, she could do some damage to someone's leg or jump up and bite someone's arm. Hammy is just a sweetie though.
James, the "keg stand" neighbor and murder victim was a real douchebag. He was the president of some underground fraternity and totally power hungry. He didn't treat his friends very nicely or the pledges. I highly doubt he understood anything about Thoreau or Thoreau's writing. The author would be sick to know how his writing has been misinterpreted and corrupted after 160+ years. Still, James didn't deserve to have his throat cut. Expelled from college, yes, made to live in nature for 2 + years alone, yes but murdered? No. Matt is vice-president and eager to be president or so others say. He seems mild-mannered though and just as stupid as James. It's Kevin I would watch out for. He's supposedly a yes man to whoever will give him an advantage. He seems kind of nasty and hot-tempered to me. Plus he's quick to accuse Matt so that makes me suspicious. I strongly suspect he killed James and it was probably for some stupid reason, like over a girl and not about AAA. Grady's dad owns the house the AAAs live in. He could have motive to want to usurp James as president. He might think he deserves the power. There's another good reason it could be Grady.
Sheriff Langley is also suspicious. What kind of mountain lion or wild animal slashes a human's throat and leaves its prey lying around uneaten? No, if it were an animal that killed James, only bones would be left or they'd find his remains somewhere else deep in the woods. Langley is certainly covering up but why is the question. Is it simply to keep tourists from freaking out on the last busy weekend or is it something more sinister? I think he's shady, possibly corrupt and arrogant. He looks at Alex as a snot nosed kid, which he is, but Langley is rude about it. Pepper knows better than to offer her impressions. She knows Langley isn't the type to accept her butting into his investigation.
Chloe French used to write for the satirical newspaper on campus until she tried to write an expose on the underground frat and got fired. She's turned to blogging but no one will believe her. Even Pepper isn't so sure the woman isn't crazy. Is she crazy and making things up? Did she murder James based on her own mistaken beliefs or because she knows what he's really up to? I think she's quirky but serious. She's too paranoid not to believe in what's happening BUT if she were telling the truth, wouldn't she have screen shots of the threatening comments on her blog? Or does she and she's been accused of Photoshopping? Dylan Oakes, a NWU student and former baseball team member, has a similar story. He had a run in with the tri-Alphas trying to pledge that nearly cost him his life. Three years ago a student pledging AAA died and Dylan nearly did too but it isn't enough for people to believe him. He's hooked up with Chloe, the only person who believes his story. Could the two of them have plotted to kill James? Dylan claims he has an alibi for the time of death but it's backed up by his roommate and seems suspicious to me. The last suspect is random but plausible. Gregory Wilford, Dean of Students and former friend of Pepper's dad may be involved in one way or another. Was he the murderer or does he know who did it? I think he knows something and if I were Pepper, I wouldn't go see him alone without Alex.
Pepper is trying to have a better relationship with her mom but her mom has a different personality. Throwing herself into her work and compartmentalizing her emotions help her deal with her loss. It's been over 2 years and she's ready to move on. I get why Pepper doesn't get along with her mom and why Pepper resents Duncan moving in. Pepper is young. If she were older she might be better able to rationalize things and accept that her mom is happy and Dad would want Mom to be happy. Duncan seems like a nice guy now he's away from LA but if it were me, I'd be worried based on my first impression of him. I know the point of the Austen themed story was that first impressions are not always correct but I'd want to know if he was doing anything about his anger management. What are his stress triggers? I would keep worrying about my mom if I were Pepper.
I'm done with this series here. I'm curious about Pepper's future but her far off future. I hope she achieves her dreams and I'd be interested in reading about an older Pepper.
This book pays tribute to Henry David Thoreau. While I've been to Walden Pond, know about Thoreau and the Transcendentalists, read excerpts from Walden and Civil Disobedience, this book failed to capture my interest. There was a lot of philosophical debate about what Thoreau meant by civil disobedience and whether he was justified and if it still applies today. I'm inclined to agree with Alex but it depends on the situation. Thoreau refused to pay taxes to an unjust government that support the enslavement of millions of people of African descent. I wish that had been mentioned in this novel. Thoreau's night in jail was justified in that instance and he was upset his sister bailed him out. AGAIN, not mentioned. Instead this novel takes a left turn far from the peaceful Walden Pond and far from 1860s America to the world of underground fraternities. BORING! Thoreau would despise all they stand for and I have never seen the appeal. This story ended up being a little darker than I prefer and I kept losing interest. I did not know who the murderer was. There were TOO many suspects with the same motive and the reveal comes way out of nowhere. The thought crossed my mind just before Pepper realized the truth.
The romance between Pepper and Alex was more interesting and her coming to terms with her father's death and her mother's moving on appealed to me more than the mystery. I thought the father's death plot was handled well and made me tear up a bit.
Pepper is now 23 and still a bit immature. She's managing -barely- to own a bookstore and take graduate classes. She has ONE new store employee which doesn't seem like enough. She's also getting to know Alex's dad better which was funny and sweet. Her investigative skills have improved somewhat with Alex's help but she still acts kind of dumb sometimes. Her reaction to her mom moving on was immature but justified given how close she was to her dad. She handled it well when confronted with her mom and Duncan though. Pepper's reaction to her dad's secret past was overblown. Why did she make assumptions and not ask questions first? I don't think she really wanted answers. Perhaps someone else gave him the book. That whole plot reminded me too much of Dumbledore's backstory. It was weird and didn't fit. Pepper does something out of compassion at the end that is really, really stupid. I didn't like that at all. The whole scene was massively far-fetched. Alex is a sweetheart and finally stopped being a jerk. He still trusts authority, for the most part, but he's learning that sometimes the authorities can't be trusted/aren't telling the truth.
Liv and Carson are barely in the story. He's still goofy. Nate is still socially awkward- BIG TIME. He has no clue how terrifying he sounds to people outside his inner circle, let alone how he sounds to strangers. I was right about him wanting to be friends with Pepper and her crowd. They're the closest things to friends he has. It was a surprise to see him with silent Victoria and yes she IS too young for him. She's a sweet young girl but apparently she sees something in Nate that no one else does. Hammy is so so so so so adorable! She's leash trained now and listens well to Alex. Pepper is sadly not a good pet parent. She's too much of a pushover. I disagree with Alex. If Hammy felt her pack was being threatened, she would and could hurt someone. She's a terrier. Look at her teeth! She has bulldog behind her and they were used in fighting and ratting. So even though she's only about 15 pounds and 15 inches tall, she could do some damage to someone's leg or jump up and bite someone's arm. Hammy is just a sweetie though.
James, the "keg stand" neighbor and murder victim was a real douchebag. He was the president of some underground fraternity and totally power hungry. He didn't treat his friends very nicely or the pledges. I highly doubt he understood anything about Thoreau or Thoreau's writing. The author would be sick to know how his writing has been misinterpreted and corrupted after 160+ years. Still, James didn't deserve to have his throat cut. Expelled from college, yes, made to live in nature for 2 + years alone, yes but murdered? No. Matt is vice-president and eager to be president or so others say. He seems mild-mannered though and just as stupid as James. It's Kevin I would watch out for. He's supposedly a yes man to whoever will give him an advantage. He seems kind of nasty and hot-tempered to me. Plus he's quick to accuse Matt so that makes me suspicious. I strongly suspect he killed James and it was probably for some stupid reason, like over a girl and not about AAA. Grady's dad owns the house the AAAs live in. He could have motive to want to usurp James as president. He might think he deserves the power. There's another good reason it could be Grady.
Sheriff Langley is also suspicious. What kind of mountain lion or wild animal slashes a human's throat and leaves its prey lying around uneaten? No, if it were an animal that killed James, only bones would be left or they'd find his remains somewhere else deep in the woods. Langley is certainly covering up but why is the question. Is it simply to keep tourists from freaking out on the last busy weekend or is it something more sinister? I think he's shady, possibly corrupt and arrogant. He looks at Alex as a snot nosed kid, which he is, but Langley is rude about it. Pepper knows better than to offer her impressions. She knows Langley isn't the type to accept her butting into his investigation.
Chloe French used to write for the satirical newspaper on campus until she tried to write an expose on the underground frat and got fired. She's turned to blogging but no one will believe her. Even Pepper isn't so sure the woman isn't crazy. Is she crazy and making things up? Did she murder James based on her own mistaken beliefs or because she knows what he's really up to? I think she's quirky but serious. She's too paranoid not to believe in what's happening BUT if she were telling the truth, wouldn't she have screen shots of the threatening comments on her blog? Or does she and she's been accused of Photoshopping? Dylan Oakes, a NWU student and former baseball team member, has a similar story. He had a run in with the tri-Alphas trying to pledge that nearly cost him his life. Three years ago a student pledging AAA died and Dylan nearly did too but it isn't enough for people to believe him. He's hooked up with Chloe, the only person who believes his story. Could the two of them have plotted to kill James? Dylan claims he has an alibi for the time of death but it's backed up by his roommate and seems suspicious to me. The last suspect is random but plausible. Gregory Wilford, Dean of Students and former friend of Pepper's dad may be involved in one way or another. Was he the murderer or does he know who did it? I think he knows something and if I were Pepper, I wouldn't go see him alone without Alex.
Pepper is trying to have a better relationship with her mom but her mom has a different personality. Throwing herself into her work and compartmentalizing her emotions help her deal with her loss. It's been over 2 years and she's ready to move on. I get why Pepper doesn't get along with her mom and why Pepper resents Duncan moving in. Pepper is young. If she were older she might be better able to rationalize things and accept that her mom is happy and Dad would want Mom to be happy. Duncan seems like a nice guy now he's away from LA but if it were me, I'd be worried based on my first impression of him. I know the point of the Austen themed story was that first impressions are not always correct but I'd want to know if he was doing anything about his anger management. What are his stress triggers? I would keep worrying about my mom if I were Pepper.
I'm done with this series here. I'm curious about Pepper's future but her far off future. I hope she achieves her dreams and I'd be interested in reading about an older Pepper.
July 11, 2018
First, if ever a heroine grated on my nerves, it was Pepper, I really couldn't stand her. Second, Thoreau was never one of my favorites, but now I can't stand him, if I hear one more quote, I may scream. Rather than enhancing the book it detracted from it. I know I groaned every time another one made its appearance, which was CONSTANT. Third, it seems (and I have found this in numerous Cozy mysteries) that once Mom grows older, she becomes a severe pain/trial and there are groans and sighs every time her name comes up on the telephone. All I can say, is I never looked at my Mom that way and sincerely hope my children don't look at me that way. Fourth, since our author seems to be enamored/involved/ obsessed with literature, she might try using a better proof reader, thereby lifting her books to a higher literary standard.
As to the actual basis of the book, the plot was very good and laid out succinctly, it kept you guessing and the ending was a surprise. Except for all of the above, it would have been a great book, but it wasn't. I know I will never read one of Eryn Scott's books again.
As to the actual basis of the book, the plot was very good and laid out succinctly, it kept you guessing and the ending was a surprise. Except for all of the above, it would have been a great book, but it wasn't. I know I will never read one of Eryn Scott's books again.
June 13, 2018
Another great Pepper Brooks mystery!
There are some great small town characters, Alex her handsome and smart cop boyfriend, and Pepper Brooks herself, who can't resist trying to figure out who done it.
Each book's mystery is based around a different classic author. It is well done in that the author's works inform the mystery but it isn't a straight retelling of one of their books. The book nerd in me loves learning more about the authors featured!
I don't want to give anything away about the plot, but Pepper is getting better and better at investigating. I love, too, how Alex really takes her seriously and doesn't dismiss her theories and ideas.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are some great small town characters, Alex her handsome and smart cop boyfriend, and Pepper Brooks herself, who can't resist trying to figure out who done it.
Each book's mystery is based around a different classic author. It is well done in that the author's works inform the mystery but it isn't a straight retelling of one of their books. The book nerd in me loves learning more about the authors featured!
I don't want to give anything away about the plot, but Pepper is getting better and better at investigating. I love, too, how Alex really takes her seriously and doesn't dismiss her theories and ideas.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2018
Pepper is growing as a person and she has grown on me. I really love her & Alex, I love the way Alex's father is showing up more often in the story and starting to like Pepper more, too. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, if you haven't read any of them, you need to start! I recommend this book and the previous ones. I was given an advanced copy and this is my true review on the book.
June 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book. To be honest I had never heard of Thoreau but as it is just his ideas and a few quotes it really didn't matter and I enjoyed it for the mystery side of story rather than because of a famous writer (which is featured in each book). The mystery was interesting and with a fraternity involved there was a lot of suspects from both past and present to wonder about. You were given plenty of clues to work out the motive and killer yourself, which a good cozy mystery should be all about. I liked the characters and thought they worked well together, even Nate the scary guy from the coffee shop added to the adventure and of course the loveable dog Hamburger. This is the fourth book in the series so if you haven't met Nate or Pepper and the gang then you have missed out on a lot of fun and background on the quirky characters, it isn't really necessary though to enjoy this book but it does help. Can't wait for the next book.
Pepper and her friends decide to take a break from the stresses of life and seek a quieter and simple life for a few days by camping. Things don't go to plan and the only place left on the site to pitch there tents is next to a group of fraternity boys who's only plans are to drink the weekend away. Then they scary themselves silly telling tells around the campfire and Pepper spends the night with one eye open, even Hamburger doesn't find the break so restful and her little dog can sleep through anything. A fight breaks out between the boys and Alex wants to break it up but Pepper convinces him that he is not on duty. Things soon quieten down until the next morning when Hamburger discovers the body of one of fraternity boys. Did the fight escalate that much? The sheriff is quick to rule it a bear attack and close the case but both Pepper and Alex don't see how a bear can reeled a knife. Why is the sheriff trying to cover it up? The more they look at the group of boys the more questions they turn up and one leads Pepper to start questioning everything she thought she knew about her dead father. Could her dad really have been involved in the underground society? The fraternity and hazing was supposed to have stopped but as far as Pepper can see it is still alive and well, well apart from the dead leader. Can she and Alex find out what is really going on and set Pepper's mind at rest about her father?
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job of building up the tension and mystery, as well as the great voices needed for the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Pepper and her friends decide to take a break from the stresses of life and seek a quieter and simple life for a few days by camping. Things don't go to plan and the only place left on the site to pitch there tents is next to a group of fraternity boys who's only plans are to drink the weekend away. Then they scary themselves silly telling tells around the campfire and Pepper spends the night with one eye open, even Hamburger doesn't find the break so restful and her little dog can sleep through anything. A fight breaks out between the boys and Alex wants to break it up but Pepper convinces him that he is not on duty. Things soon quieten down until the next morning when Hamburger discovers the body of one of fraternity boys. Did the fight escalate that much? The sheriff is quick to rule it a bear attack and close the case but both Pepper and Alex don't see how a bear can reeled a knife. Why is the sheriff trying to cover it up? The more they look at the group of boys the more questions they turn up and one leads Pepper to start questioning everything she thought she knew about her dead father. Could her dad really have been involved in the underground society? The fraternity and hazing was supposed to have stopped but as far as Pepper can see it is still alive and well, well apart from the dead leader. Can she and Alex find out what is really going on and set Pepper's mind at rest about her father?
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job of building up the tension and mystery, as well as the great voices needed for the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 4, 2022
Every book in this series makes me fall in love with the series all over again.
The way literary references are woven into each story, all of the life lesson / mental health growth add ins for many of the characters. Ugh. I hope Eryn has many more books planned for Pepper and the gang.
Pepper's ability to see the literary world come to life around her with each book she is focused on is swoon worthy. With a quote and a case always close at hand, she finds herself in a dozy this time. I was shocked to discover the ties to her family, but loved how well it all fit together. With her father's legacy breathing through everything around her, it was a fitting way to help her bridge the changes with in her life.
I loved the complexity of the mystery, at no point did I see the twist coming but looking back it was a blaring red sign in front of us the whole time. Def. one of my favorite aspects of Eryn's books. She is a wiz at laying the ground work for a enjoyable, believable mystery that seeps it's way into every aspect of the story.
You'll love this series, if you have a love of classic literature, and sleuths who are truly armature. (Her ability to draw the wrong conclusion and bumble around the case is fantastic.)
The way literary references are woven into each story, all of the life lesson / mental health growth add ins for many of the characters. Ugh. I hope Eryn has many more books planned for Pepper and the gang.
Pepper's ability to see the literary world come to life around her with each book she is focused on is swoon worthy. With a quote and a case always close at hand, she finds herself in a dozy this time. I was shocked to discover the ties to her family, but loved how well it all fit together. With her father's legacy breathing through everything around her, it was a fitting way to help her bridge the changes with in her life.
I loved the complexity of the mystery, at no point did I see the twist coming but looking back it was a blaring red sign in front of us the whole time. Def. one of my favorite aspects of Eryn's books. She is a wiz at laying the ground work for a enjoyable, believable mystery that seeps it's way into every aspect of the story.
You'll love this series, if you have a love of classic literature, and sleuths who are truly armature. (Her ability to draw the wrong conclusion and bumble around the case is fantastic.)
February 14, 2023
Good
Pepper and her friends head off for a camping trip before she starts back at her grad school classes, only for them to discover a body in the woods.
With a sheriff who seems inclined to lay the blame at nature’s door, Pepper and Alex begin their own investigation, and the motives might just be a little too close to home.
This one is set, I think, a little over a year after the previous book; Pepper has been in grad school for a while, her relationship with Alex is good, and her mother has a new love.
Unlike the previous books, Pepper is actually encouraged to do her thing here, and of course the literary references abound (Thoreau this time).
It’s an enjoyable story, just as warm and cosy as the previous ones, with a little light humour courtesy of Nate Newton (it cracks me up each time he freaks them all out).
This is a great series, one that does build upon the stories that came before, so the reader should read them in order for the best experience.
A quick and fun read for the cosy mystery enthusiast.
Pepper and her friends head off for a camping trip before she starts back at her grad school classes, only for them to discover a body in the woods.
With a sheriff who seems inclined to lay the blame at nature’s door, Pepper and Alex begin their own investigation, and the motives might just be a little too close to home.
This one is set, I think, a little over a year after the previous book; Pepper has been in grad school for a while, her relationship with Alex is good, and her mother has a new love.
Unlike the previous books, Pepper is actually encouraged to do her thing here, and of course the literary references abound (Thoreau this time).
It’s an enjoyable story, just as warm and cosy as the previous ones, with a little light humour courtesy of Nate Newton (it cracks me up each time he freaks them all out).
This is a great series, one that does build upon the stories that came before, so the reader should read them in order for the best experience.
A quick and fun read for the cosy mystery enthusiast.
June 7, 2018
The savage in man, is never quite eradicated
Another great read, full of great quotes and a plot that will keep you guessing. A camping break should have been a relaxing time. However being placed next to keg swilling frat boys meant that it wasn't he quite they were expecting. Then finding the body of one of the frat boys, killed the vibe completely. Secret fraternities, hazing, death and revenge are mixed into a great plot especially when she learns that her deceased father was one of the two foundling father's. Can they solve the puzzle before anyone is killed. Brilliant quotes from Henry Thoreau and the characters are as great as ever.
Another great read, full of great quotes and a plot that will keep you guessing. A camping break should have been a relaxing time. However being placed next to keg swilling frat boys meant that it wasn't he quite they were expecting. Then finding the body of one of the frat boys, killed the vibe completely. Secret fraternities, hazing, death and revenge are mixed into a great plot especially when she learns that her deceased father was one of the two foundling father's. Can they solve the puzzle before anyone is killed. Brilliant quotes from Henry Thoreau and the characters are as great as ever.
September 4, 2018
Another winner!
I really like Pepper, Alex and of course cute little Hammy! Second one I've read in the series and I love how things are evolving. Pepper and Alex are two years into a relationship, his father is starting to warm up to her and she's moving on in her grief over her own father's death. Taking a few days off from her bookstore before grad classes continue, Pepper and her friends go off camping and find a body while hiking. Trying to solve the mystery they come across some intriguing secrets, some that involve her own father. Interesting and entertaining it kept me turning pages until the end! Loved it!
I really like Pepper, Alex and of course cute little Hammy! Second one I've read in the series and I love how things are evolving. Pepper and Alex are two years into a relationship, his father is starting to warm up to her and she's moving on in her grief over her own father's death. Taking a few days off from her bookstore before grad classes continue, Pepper and her friends go off camping and find a body while hiking. Trying to solve the mystery they come across some intriguing secrets, some that involve her own father. Interesting and entertaining it kept me turning pages until the end! Loved it!
May 1, 2020
A great little romantic cozy mystery story!
I am binge reading through this series. These stories are more than simply good cozy mysteries. A little romance and quotes from some of the literary greats are an added bonus. I love the characters in this series and the development of their family, friend, and romantic relationships as the series progresses. Each book released is just a little better than its predecessor. On to book five.
The books are well-written, entertaining, fun and easy reads. If you enjoy a good mystery with a young adult as the heroine, then this is a series you will not want to miss reading.
I am binge reading through this series. These stories are more than simply good cozy mysteries. A little romance and quotes from some of the literary greats are an added bonus. I love the characters in this series and the development of their family, friend, and romantic relationships as the series progresses. Each book released is just a little better than its predecessor. On to book five.
The books are well-written, entertaining, fun and easy reads. If you enjoy a good mystery with a young adult as the heroine, then this is a series you will not want to miss reading.
June 21, 2018
Another great book in the series!
Another great book in the series! I love this series. I have read them all and highly recommended them. They grab in the very beginning and keep me guessing until the very end. The characters are likeable and believable. If I was to ever meet someone like them I could see myself being friends with them. This one they go camping and discover a murder. This series is cozy mysteries and that means no bad language or gore. If you enjoy great mysteries then this book and the series is for you.
Another great book in the series! I love this series. I have read them all and highly recommended them. They grab in the very beginning and keep me guessing until the very end. The characters are likeable and believable. If I was to ever meet someone like them I could see myself being friends with them. This one they go camping and discover a murder. This series is cozy mysteries and that means no bad language or gore. If you enjoy great mysteries then this book and the series is for you.
May 20, 2019
I absolutely love this series by Eryn Scott! And book 4 did not disappoint. I love Pepper and her relationships with Alex, Liv, and her family. The only downside in this one was that her friendship with Liv wasn't as prominent as in previous books. But I absolutely LOVE her interaction with Alex and her warming relationships with a couple of other characters which I won't name because that might be a little spoiler-ish.
I'm so thankful to have discovered this series along with the Stoneybrook series by Eryn Scott. I can't wait to read book 5, Literally Stalked!
I'm so thankful to have discovered this series along with the Stoneybrook series by Eryn Scott. I can't wait to read book 5, Literally Stalked!
September 21, 2018
This is the 4th in a cozy mystery series about a young woman who is combining graduate school in literature with running a bookstore. Her boyfriend is a police detective, and she just can't seem to keep from "helping" him when a murder occurs. This is not a terribly realistic series, but I get a kick out of the way the author features a different author in each book, and I like the characters and their interactions. And yes, I keep downloading them...
June 7, 2018
Really enjoy reading this series. Love the characters, especially Pepper, Alex and Hammy. Even a quiet getaway turns into a murder investigation; leaving Pepper longing for her regular hectic schedule of grad school and running her bookstore. The characters in this book have grown from the last one. Really like where the series is headed and looking forward to the next book.
August 29, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator wasn't my favorite. A lot of narrators can make the story come alive, but this one fell short to me. I liked that each book focused on a classic, but there was way too much Thoreau in this one for my liking. I think I'll take a break from this series instead of continuing to the next one right away.
June 12, 2018
Pepper is trying for a break from daily life. Balancing studies, a bookshop plus a relationship is heavy going! Then she finds out that a murder tossed into the mix can lead t0 answers that can only be found in the past.
Well written as always
Well written as always
October 5, 2018
A little disappointed.
While I loved the first 3 books I was disappointed in this 4th book. I had trouble keeping interested. While I read book 3 in 2 days I kept putting this down and making myself finish. That said I will read the new book coming out in this series.
While I loved the first 3 books I was disappointed in this 4th book. I had trouble keeping interested. While I read book 3 in 2 days I kept putting this down and making myself finish. That said I will read the new book coming out in this series.
March 17, 2019
Pepper does it again!
While on a camping trip with her friends and boyfriend, Pepper's dog Hamburger leads them to a dead body. The local sheriff seems to be hiding something. Pepper and Alex get very involved in finding the killer. Very intriguing book!
While on a camping trip with her friends and boyfriend, Pepper's dog Hamburger leads them to a dead body. The local sheriff seems to be hiding something. Pepper and Alex get very involved in finding the killer. Very intriguing book!
July 19, 2019
Pepper and her friends take some much needed R&R time to go camping, only to find themselves involved in another murder. The murder is connected to an underground fraternity that now has Pepper questioning her deceased father! Another great cozy little mystery by Eryn Scott.
August 23, 2021
Great Read
Another great read from Eryn Scott. This was the 4th book in the series with Pepper and friends, and it was a little different than the others but good. I look forward to the next book, especially as Alex and Pepper’s relationship grow.
Another great read from Eryn Scott. This was the 4th book in the series with Pepper and friends, and it was a little different than the others but good. I look forward to the next book, especially as Alex and Pepper’s relationship grow.
November 25, 2021
4.5 I still love the series, but for most of this book I really didn’t care about the mystery part at all. By the end there were some connections made that had me a little more invested, but I still didn’t really care to know who “did it.” Even still, I enjoyed spending time with Pepper and Alex.
April 12, 2022
For Literary Fans of the Female Persuasion
Pepper continues her cozy murder mysteries and latches onto a literary favorite. Thoreau is the foundation of this novel bouncing between the calm of Walden’s pond and rebellion of Civil Disobedience.
Pepper continues her cozy murder mysteries and latches onto a literary favorite. Thoreau is the foundation of this novel bouncing between the calm of Walden’s pond and rebellion of Civil Disobedience.
June 7, 2018
Not my favorite but still a good read.
June 19, 2018
Good Book
I really enjoyed this mystery. It was interesting and quirky in a good way. It had new beginnings, family loyalty , love and friends. What more could be ask of a book?
I really enjoyed this mystery. It was interesting and quirky in a good way. It had new beginnings, family loyalty , love and friends. What more could be ask of a book?
June 20, 2018
Love this series!!
I'm a big bibliophile and it is so neat to read mysteries that use great authors as inspiration. I love the characters and their stories
I'm a big bibliophile and it is so neat to read mysteries that use great authors as inspiration. I love the characters and their stories
August 16, 2018
This cozy mystery is very much inspired by Thoreau, and all in all, I think this series keeps getting better!
November 17, 2018
Great mystery
I enjoy mysteries with campgrounds and dogs. This started out with both and a murder. Didn't see the ending coming! Lots of twists. Good ending!
I enjoy mysteries with campgrounds and dogs. This started out with both and a murder. Didn't see the ending coming! Lots of twists. Good ending!
March 27, 2022
What an enjoyable mystery series with Pepper and Alex. I had a lot of entertaining hours reading from the first book to the last.
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