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Wrenn Grayson Mystery #3
Lily White Lie
In Lily White Lie, engravings on a pocketwatch, cryptic messages, Easter lilies, and sidelined spy Bret Kilmore combine to thrust historian Wrenn Grayson into the mysterious world of symbolism. A worried Wrenn connects the messages to her longtime love Gideon and his father. Contact is impossible. Gideon deer hunts deep in the West Virginia wilderness. His father, a prominent banker, vanished after he uncovered a money- laundering scheme.
Bret disagrees with Wrenn's assessment. He believes the messages threaten her. They both agree on the symbolism behind the lilies: Lilies signify death. But can Wrenn trust Bret, the man who coincidentally arrived in concert with the first message? The symbolism here is less clear: Bret is a man of intricacies, of light and dark, and lingering shadows.
The pocketwatch ticks off the time Wrenn doesn't have. Danger mounts while every viable solution evaporates into mist.
Bret disagrees with Wrenn's assessment. He believes the messages threaten her. They both agree on the symbolism behind the lilies: Lilies signify death. But can Wrenn trust Bret, the man who coincidentally arrived in concert with the first message? The symbolism here is less clear: Bret is a man of intricacies, of light and dark, and lingering shadows.
The pocketwatch ticks off the time Wrenn doesn't have. Danger mounts while every viable solution evaporates into mist.
- GenresMystery
276 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2018
132 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Connie Chappell
15 books81 followersConnie Chappell is a bestselling author of literary fiction and literary mystery. A Springfield, Ohio, native, she devotes as much free time as possible to anything out-of-doors. Flowerbeds, golf, walking, and bicycle riding are particular favorites.
In her Wrenn Grayson Mystery Series, Wrenn is a historian and archivist in her hometown of Havens, Ohio. Best Thrillers claims Wrenn’s one-of-a-kind investigative process will have readers flipping pages in her fast-paced mysteries. Chappell take readers into the world of small-town Ohio with its unique combination of local charm and unexpected intrigue. Blending history and modern-day sleuthing, these novels provide a delightfully witty cast of new and returning characters.
Her novel, Every Cloud, is a humorous family drama, packed with mystery, romance, and fun. Readers’ Favorite provided a five-star review. “The plot is engaging and paced with great skill, moving between characters’ individual stories in order to expertly keep the reader engaged at all times.”
The Wild Raspberries Trilogy is complete. These deeply emotional family dramas tell stories of love, loss, and second chances. They have touched the hearts of readers all across the country. The titles are: Wild Raspberries, Proper Goodbye, and Summers Only.
Chappell is the recipient of many writing awards and honors. The Ohio House of Representatives presented her with a commendation in 2019, honoring her writing skills.
Whether literary or mystery, Chappell’s characters are bound to captivate readers till the very end. All of her novels are standalone books that may be read in any order.
Make contact with the author through her website, www.conniechappell.com. While you're there, sign up for her newsletter to learn about future releases.
In her Wrenn Grayson Mystery Series, Wrenn is a historian and archivist in her hometown of Havens, Ohio. Best Thrillers claims Wrenn’s one-of-a-kind investigative process will have readers flipping pages in her fast-paced mysteries. Chappell take readers into the world of small-town Ohio with its unique combination of local charm and unexpected intrigue. Blending history and modern-day sleuthing, these novels provide a delightfully witty cast of new and returning characters.
Her novel, Every Cloud, is a humorous family drama, packed with mystery, romance, and fun. Readers’ Favorite provided a five-star review. “The plot is engaging and paced with great skill, moving between characters’ individual stories in order to expertly keep the reader engaged at all times.”
The Wild Raspberries Trilogy is complete. These deeply emotional family dramas tell stories of love, loss, and second chances. They have touched the hearts of readers all across the country. The titles are: Wild Raspberries, Proper Goodbye, and Summers Only.
Chappell is the recipient of many writing awards and honors. The Ohio House of Representatives presented her with a commendation in 2019, honoring her writing skills.
Whether literary or mystery, Chappell’s characters are bound to captivate readers till the very end. All of her novels are standalone books that may be read in any order.
Make contact with the author through her website, www.conniechappell.com. While you're there, sign up for her newsletter to learn about future releases.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 10, 2018
Lily White Lie by Connie Chappel is the 3rd in the Wrenn Grayson Mystery series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Black Rose Writing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Wrenn Grayson is a busy lady, holding down three jobs in the small town of Havens, Ohio. She works for Mayor KC Tallmadge part-time. She also writes historical articles for the newspaper. Usually, the main thing that keeps her busy is being a Historian-for-hire. She tends to stick her nose into everybody’s business, so she often finds herself in some rather strange predicaments. Wrenn lives in a small cottage with her partner Gideon, who is a History Professor at the local university.
My Synopsis:
Wrenn is on her own while Gideon is hunting for a week. When an old buddy of his stops in with news about Gideon’s fugitive father, he decides to stay until Gideon’s return. He decides to stay with Wrenn, in her small cottage, and without her actual approval. Brett is going to be a pain.
A new councilman is stirring up issues for the Mayor, and it looks like the Mayor may be on his way out in the next election, which means Wrenn may lose her job as well. She isn’t sure she would mind, as she is not happy with the political shenanigans happening in Haven. This may leave her more time to devote to her passion, which is research and writing. Fortunately, she has been given an old watch to research so that the owner’s descendants could be re-united with this family heirloom. She hopes to find out who the original owner is, and then write a feel-good story for the newspaper.
Meanwhile, Wrenn is receiving flowers and strange notes. She would like to brush these aside, but Brett is convinced that she is in danger.
My Opinions:
I almost stopped reading this one. I hate bullies, and I hate women who will not stand up for themselves. Connie Chappel created both these characters (quite well), and the respect I had for Wrenn in the first couple books has diminished – drastically. In this book, every time I think she’s going to grow a pair, Brett sweet talks her out of it. Hated that part of the book.
However, I am glad I continued reading, because Brett ended up having some redeeming qualities, just not quite enough to make me like him. Also on the good side was the plot, and as always, the writing was clear. Chappel writes straight-forward mysteries. Although I suspected early on who the culprit was, the motive behind everything was a twist I didn’t see coming.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Black Rose Writing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Wrenn Grayson is a busy lady, holding down three jobs in the small town of Havens, Ohio. She works for Mayor KC Tallmadge part-time. She also writes historical articles for the newspaper. Usually, the main thing that keeps her busy is being a Historian-for-hire. She tends to stick her nose into everybody’s business, so she often finds herself in some rather strange predicaments. Wrenn lives in a small cottage with her partner Gideon, who is a History Professor at the local university.
My Synopsis:
Wrenn is on her own while Gideon is hunting for a week. When an old buddy of his stops in with news about Gideon’s fugitive father, he decides to stay until Gideon’s return. He decides to stay with Wrenn, in her small cottage, and without her actual approval. Brett is going to be a pain.
A new councilman is stirring up issues for the Mayor, and it looks like the Mayor may be on his way out in the next election, which means Wrenn may lose her job as well. She isn’t sure she would mind, as she is not happy with the political shenanigans happening in Haven. This may leave her more time to devote to her passion, which is research and writing. Fortunately, she has been given an old watch to research so that the owner’s descendants could be re-united with this family heirloom. She hopes to find out who the original owner is, and then write a feel-good story for the newspaper.
Meanwhile, Wrenn is receiving flowers and strange notes. She would like to brush these aside, but Brett is convinced that she is in danger.
My Opinions:
I almost stopped reading this one. I hate bullies, and I hate women who will not stand up for themselves. Connie Chappel created both these characters (quite well), and the respect I had for Wrenn in the first couple books has diminished – drastically. In this book, every time I think she’s going to grow a pair, Brett sweet talks her out of it. Hated that part of the book.
However, I am glad I continued reading, because Brett ended up having some redeeming qualities, just not quite enough to make me like him. Also on the good side was the plot, and as always, the writing was clear. Chappel writes straight-forward mysteries. Although I suspected early on who the culprit was, the motive behind everything was a twist I didn’t see coming.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 9, 2018
Lily White Lie by Connie Chappell is a thriller set in Ohio in the United States. The main character Wrenn Grayson works part time for the Mayor of Stonehedge and also contributes historical pieces for the local paper. She lives on the edge of town with her long-time partner Gideon and when the story opens we learn that he is away for a week on a hunting trip out of cell phone range. Thanksgiving is approaching, a difficult time of year for Gideon as it was then that his father, on the run from the FBI left and no one knows where he is. Enter a Bret Kilmore, who tells Wrenn he is an old friend of Gideon’s and against her will, moves into the cottage. There is political intrigue by an unsavoury character attempting to unseat the Mayor, Wrenn is asked to investigate the history of a pocket watch found in the church tower and then Wrenn receives bunches of white lilies with threatening messages.
There are many characters in Lily White Lie by Connie Chappell who could be responsible for the threats on her life. The plot is quite complex, but her character leaps off the page. I particularly enjoyed the banter between her and Bret Kilmore who foists himself on her with the excuse he must wait for her boyfriend’s return from a hinting trip in a week’s time. There are several red herrings, many people to distrust and a Christmas carnival to organize. The story also includes many interesting facts about heraldry and the historical construction of churches. I found the accounts of how Wrenn researched the past particularly interesting. A cozy mystery that is easy to read and I enjoyed it.
There are many characters in Lily White Lie by Connie Chappell who could be responsible for the threats on her life. The plot is quite complex, but her character leaps off the page. I particularly enjoyed the banter between her and Bret Kilmore who foists himself on her with the excuse he must wait for her boyfriend’s return from a hinting trip in a week’s time. There are several red herrings, many people to distrust and a Christmas carnival to organize. The story also includes many interesting facts about heraldry and the historical construction of churches. I found the accounts of how Wrenn researched the past particularly interesting. A cozy mystery that is easy to read and I enjoyed it.
November 8, 2018
Another great addition to the Wrenn Garyson Mystery Series. As usual a surprise ending. An interesting new male character is introduced named Bret that I would love to meet in person. I would probably swoon. I hope to see him in the other additions to the series.
March 3, 2019
Two attributes make me await the next in the Wrenn Grayson book series. One is impeccable wit. Author Connie Chappell seasons her whodunnit mysteries with a wry humor throughout the story which causes me to chuckle repeatedly.
Example: “Hearing this, even my Rice Krispies ceased their chatter, in order to listen up.”
The other is her ability as an artist to render a painting of a fictional small town and her inhabitants, detailing their stories and those of the historic buildings so as to bring them to life.
This time, it’s the town church. During its construction years ago, a pocket watch was lost. Now found, all efforts to find the owner’s heirs must be made, and historian-sleuth Wrenn is recruited by the newly appointed minister.
It seems innocent enough, a worthwhile cause for which she will earn some extra money. But as Wrenn conducts her research, she comes face-to-face with danger and intrigue which worms its way into her everyday life.
Every aspect of the story is connected with precision, including her boyfriend, Gideon’s, missing father and Gideon’s super-obnoxious, highly evasive friend who comes for a temporary stay while Gideon is away, and the lilies someone leaves atop the windshield of her car with threatening notes.
This is my third read in the series, and I am sitting tight for the fourth when Ms. Chappell pens it.
Example: “Hearing this, even my Rice Krispies ceased their chatter, in order to listen up.”
The other is her ability as an artist to render a painting of a fictional small town and her inhabitants, detailing their stories and those of the historic buildings so as to bring them to life.
This time, it’s the town church. During its construction years ago, a pocket watch was lost. Now found, all efforts to find the owner’s heirs must be made, and historian-sleuth Wrenn is recruited by the newly appointed minister.
It seems innocent enough, a worthwhile cause for which she will earn some extra money. But as Wrenn conducts her research, she comes face-to-face with danger and intrigue which worms its way into her everyday life.
Every aspect of the story is connected with precision, including her boyfriend, Gideon’s, missing father and Gideon’s super-obnoxious, highly evasive friend who comes for a temporary stay while Gideon is away, and the lilies someone leaves atop the windshield of her car with threatening notes.
This is my third read in the series, and I am sitting tight for the fourth when Ms. Chappell pens it.
December 17, 2018
One of the best character driven reads I have read. Sadly, this read didn't qualify as a standard detective read in my opinion. I have read thick, more complex detective reads before, and this read didn't not fit in. But if we look upon it as a humorous read then I really wish to rate it a "thumbs up".
September 29, 2020
This was my first novel from Connie Chappell but do not believe that reading any of the others would have helped much in understanding what was actually happening. Wrenn is a very hard worker taking on several jobs as well as the love of her life Gideon. They have had their fair share of trauma and heartache mostly at the hands of Gideons father, who was a well known banker who mysteriously vanishes after finding information about money laundering. While Gideon is away for a week on a hunting trip, some interesting items show up for Wrenn. There is a pocket watch with an engraving with which wrenn hopes to find its owner. Then there are letters with cryptic messages and Easter lilies. Enter Brett Kilmore. Brett is looking for Gideon. Once Wrenn informes Brett that Gideon will be gone for a week, he decides to stay and wait for him to return. While there he tells Wrenn he is concerned about the items she has been receiving. At first Wrenn seems to be more of a stronger character but becomes weaker when Brett is around. I really loved the premise of this story but the author fell short of holding my interest. There was way to much going on at one time and the characters were all over the place. This might make a good lifetime movie but fell short of a great mystery.
January 24, 2020
Mystery and thrills in a small country town.
Another book in the Wren Grayson series. The historian and municipal receives a visitor who is a friend of her partner and his father as well. When she also receives a request to unlock the history of a pocketwatch, he makes a nuisance of himself as he seems determined to help her as well. But as her investigation continues, it becomes obvious that this friend is in fact more than who he lets on. Small town politics, a threat bigger than the town itself, and the mystery of her step dad, all combine to make this a cosy mystery with a wonderful atmosphere which adds to the enjoyment of the plot. This is wonderfully entertaining to read.
Another book in the Wren Grayson series. The historian and municipal receives a visitor who is a friend of her partner and his father as well. When she also receives a request to unlock the history of a pocketwatch, he makes a nuisance of himself as he seems determined to help her as well. But as her investigation continues, it becomes obvious that this friend is in fact more than who he lets on. Small town politics, a threat bigger than the town itself, and the mystery of her step dad, all combine to make this a cosy mystery with a wonderful atmosphere which adds to the enjoyment of the plot. This is wonderfully entertaining to read.
October 25, 2019
Wonderful book! I loved the characters, the story, and the dialogue. Gideon goes on a hunting trip and his enigmatic best friend, Bret, shows up unexpectedly. Then weird, threatening things begin to happen. Will Wrenn figure out what’s going on before something really bad happens? Is Bret actually Bret or is he the villain?
October 14, 2025
Excellent story with plenty of mystery and history.
This is a well written story with a lot of action, mystery and suspense. Wrenn and Bret make a great team and their banter back and forth, is engaging. The history is intertwined with the story, so that it feels like a character in its own right.
This is a well written story with a lot of action, mystery and suspense. Wrenn and Bret make a great team and their banter back and forth, is engaging. The history is intertwined with the story, so that it feels like a character in its own right.
November 26, 2018
I'd be lying if I said I didn't like Lily White Lie
I enjoy the characters introduced in this series. The books are well-written with surprising twists. The historical aspects woven into the stories give readers new ways to consider their surroundings and the lives that preceded their own.
I enjoy the characters introduced in this series. The books are well-written with surprising twists. The historical aspects woven into the stories give readers new ways to consider their surroundings and the lives that preceded their own.
May 19, 2024
Another Great Story
One main character not really in the story with a new (possibly continuing) character with twists and turns, innuendo, and page-turning storyline to keep me guessing.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
One main character not really in the story with a new (possibly continuing) character with twists and turns, innuendo, and page-turning storyline to keep me guessing.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
April 23, 2020
In liked it. Best and Wrenn could be brother and sister...much alike in many respects.
March 26, 2021
Great thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of humor and intrigue. Loved the happy ending. Can't wait to read more with Seen as the main character.
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of humor and intrigue. Loved the happy ending. Can't wait to read more with Seen as the main character.
August 22, 2024
2.5 rating
The writing is very bland, the characters are uninspired, the story has nothing exceptional to offer. The book reads like something a highschooler wrote because he was tasked with it - there is neither soul nor passion in it and it is very matter-of-fact.
The writing is very bland, the characters are uninspired, the story has nothing exceptional to offer. The book reads like something a highschooler wrote because he was tasked with it - there is neither soul nor passion in it and it is very matter-of-fact.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews