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Missy DuBois Mystery #4
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor
Making Southern brides beautiful is top priority for hat designer Missy DuBois, but sometimes her Louisiana studio moonlights as a crime-solving headquarters . . .
While driving to her hat shop, Crowning Glory, Missy accidentally sideswipes a car parked in front of Dogwood Manor, an antebellum mansion being converted into a high-end hotel by the much-reviled property developer Herbert Solomon. Of course, the car is his Rolls Royce. But Solomon is too busy berating his contractor and interior designer to worry about a little fender bender. When Missy returns to check out the mansion’s chapel where her latest client will be married, she finds the developer dead on his property. After an autopsy finds poison in his body, Missy’s shop is then flooded right before it’s supposed to be featured in an article about wedding-veil trends. Now before everything becomes sheer disaster, she’ll have to train her sights on finding a killer . . .
While driving to her hat shop, Crowning Glory, Missy accidentally sideswipes a car parked in front of Dogwood Manor, an antebellum mansion being converted into a high-end hotel by the much-reviled property developer Herbert Solomon. Of course, the car is his Rolls Royce. But Solomon is too busy berating his contractor and interior designer to worry about a little fender bender. When Missy returns to check out the mansion’s chapel where her latest client will be married, she finds the developer dead on his property. After an autopsy finds poison in his body, Missy’s shop is then flooded right before it’s supposed to be featured in an article about wedding-veil trends. Now before everything becomes sheer disaster, she’ll have to train her sights on finding a killer . . .
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
166 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2018
22 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Bretting
11 books286 followersAuthor Sandra Bretting made the switch from writing traditional mysteries to writing inspirational historical fiction in 2024. Her first historical novel, called Unfit to Serve, revolves around the chaos caused by the U.S. military when it adopts a brand-new test from France called the IQ test during World War 1. Based on real events, the novel features a courageous school teacher who fights to help the immigrants who can't read the test and fail it by the thousands.
During a career that spans two decades, Bretting also wrote the Missy Dubois Mystery Series, which earned distinction as an Amazon national bestseller.
She graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism and previously wrote for the Los Angeles Times and Houston Chronicle. You can get to know Bretting's books at www.sandrabretting.com.
During a career that spans two decades, Bretting also wrote the Missy Dubois Mystery Series, which earned distinction as an Amazon national bestseller.
She graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism and previously wrote for the Los Angeles Times and Houston Chronicle. You can get to know Bretting's books at www.sandrabretting.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 31, 2022
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is the 4th book in the Missy DuBois cozy mystery series, written by Sandra Bretting and published in June, 2018. I won an ARC of this book through a cozy mystery group I subscribe to and have previously read the 3rd book in the series. At some point, I'll go back to read book one and two once my TBR is a bit shorter this year!
In this book, Missy, a milliner in Louisiana, is distracted and accidentally sideswipes another car. She attempts to do the proper thing by notifying the owner, a rich man sweeping up local mansions and converting them into mini-hotels. She's met him before, and he's not a very kind person, but in this instance, he himself seems distracted by the renovation going on at the house. A few days later... she finds him dead. At the same time, Missy's trying to build up her business and lands a potential big win when a magazine wants to publish an article about her shop. As she stumbles upon several people connected to the deceased man, and works with a designer to freshen up her shop before the photo shoot, everything starts to fall apart and come together in very interesting ways.
I see great improvement from the third book to this fourth book in the series, particularly around the writing style and assemble of the potential suspects. There is more balance and less formal language around Missy's dialog and relationships, which is a great step forward for the series. I enjoyed reading each of the pages and consumed the whole thing in about 2 hours one evening. Missy is very likable and doesn't put herself in harm's way to try solving the case. She is a bit nosy, but its endearing and often just part of who she is rather than an issue of getting in the way of the police. She works with them, as the detective is an old-friend.
Lots of detail, descriptions and research went into building the setting for this edition. Between the various wedding veils and hats Missy's designed, the decor in her own renovated shop, and the design style of the homes-converted-into-hotels, we can see a wonderful backdrop of southern architecture and beauty. There's also a few steps forward in Missy's relationship status, as in the last book, there were two potential suitors. It's a nice small arc rather than a major piece of the story, but seeing her friendships is also one of the more sweeter aspects in these books, too. Bretting's settling in well with this series and I will definitely be interested in reading the first two and the next when it comes out.
In this book, Missy, a milliner in Louisiana, is distracted and accidentally sideswipes another car. She attempts to do the proper thing by notifying the owner, a rich man sweeping up local mansions and converting them into mini-hotels. She's met him before, and he's not a very kind person, but in this instance, he himself seems distracted by the renovation going on at the house. A few days later... she finds him dead. At the same time, Missy's trying to build up her business and lands a potential big win when a magazine wants to publish an article about her shop. As she stumbles upon several people connected to the deceased man, and works with a designer to freshen up her shop before the photo shoot, everything starts to fall apart and come together in very interesting ways.
I see great improvement from the third book to this fourth book in the series, particularly around the writing style and assemble of the potential suspects. There is more balance and less formal language around Missy's dialog and relationships, which is a great step forward for the series. I enjoyed reading each of the pages and consumed the whole thing in about 2 hours one evening. Missy is very likable and doesn't put herself in harm's way to try solving the case. She is a bit nosy, but its endearing and often just part of who she is rather than an issue of getting in the way of the police. She works with them, as the detective is an old-friend.
Lots of detail, descriptions and research went into building the setting for this edition. Between the various wedding veils and hats Missy's designed, the decor in her own renovated shop, and the design style of the homes-converted-into-hotels, we can see a wonderful backdrop of southern architecture and beauty. There's also a few steps forward in Missy's relationship status, as in the last book, there were two potential suitors. It's a nice small arc rather than a major piece of the story, but seeing her friendships is also one of the more sweeter aspects in these books, too. Bretting's settling in well with this series and I will definitely be interested in reading the first two and the next when it comes out.
May 16, 2018
Protagonist Missy DuBois has built a successful business designing hats and veils in her Crowning Glory boutique in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. Her significant other, Ambrose ‘Bo’ Jackson creates stunning wedding dresses, and the pair work well together.
As the story begins, a curmudgeon billionaire who purchased the historic Dogwood Manor home has apparently ticked off someone so badly they’ve murdered him. Missy has to deal with a bridezilla whose wedding was to take place at Dogwood Manor just a few days later. Meanwhile, Missy is scrambling to see to a cosmetic makeover for her shops interior before a popular bridal magazine comes to interview her. Her friend, Detective Lance LaPorte, agrees Herbert Solomon's death is suspicious, and Missy goes into investigate mode to follow up on some of the people the billionaire had run-ins with before his death.
I thought this was an engaging plot that flows along at a steady pace. Bits of humor liven the story and the romance between Missy and Ambrose is given just the right amount of attention so it doesn’t distract from the mystery. I remember the cast of recurring characters from previous books and enjoy re-visiting with them again. I had an idea who the culprit was and found the reveal contains an interesting bit of history that adds to their evilness! There’s sort of a cliffhanger ending, yet I don’t feel like it distracts from the story in any way. It just makes me want to read the next story!
I reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington. Thank you.
As the story begins, a curmudgeon billionaire who purchased the historic Dogwood Manor home has apparently ticked off someone so badly they’ve murdered him. Missy has to deal with a bridezilla whose wedding was to take place at Dogwood Manor just a few days later. Meanwhile, Missy is scrambling to see to a cosmetic makeover for her shops interior before a popular bridal magazine comes to interview her. Her friend, Detective Lance LaPorte, agrees Herbert Solomon's death is suspicious, and Missy goes into investigate mode to follow up on some of the people the billionaire had run-ins with before his death.
I thought this was an engaging plot that flows along at a steady pace. Bits of humor liven the story and the romance between Missy and Ambrose is given just the right amount of attention so it doesn’t distract from the mystery. I remember the cast of recurring characters from previous books and enjoy re-visiting with them again. I had an idea who the culprit was and found the reveal contains an interesting bit of history that adds to their evilness! There’s sort of a cliffhanger ending, yet I don’t feel like it distracts from the story in any way. It just makes me want to read the next story!
I reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington. Thank you.
June 18, 2018
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor by Sandra Bretting was a great southern fun mystery. I loved the main character Missy and the unbelievable things she goes through in this book is while unbelievable at first it all falls into place and out of place and the ending is not to miss. This one is out now and was kindly sent to me as an ARC. Great twists, turns and unexpected events.
May 25, 2018
Missy DuBois is a designer of wedding veils and hats living in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. She owns Crowning Glory, small hat shop there. This is The 4th body she has found and has become good at solving mysteries. Missy has a good relationship with the local homicide detective. Herbert Solomon, a property developer who has many enemies is found dead in his latest development, Dogwood Manor. Followers of the series know that
Solomon's daughter was murder at the Manor on the eve of her wedding.
Missy is delighted that her shop is to be featured in a national bridal magazine. Just before the magazine reported and camera, her shop is flooded causing Missy to panic. The ending will surprise you. I recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Solomon's daughter was murder at the Manor on the eve of her wedding.
Missy is delighted that her shop is to be featured in a national bridal magazine. Just before the magazine reported and camera, her shop is flooded causing Missy to panic. The ending will surprise you. I recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
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September 11, 2018I had the pleasure of reading Death Comes To Dogwood Manor by Sandra Bretting. The "manor" appears to be a popular place that more than one party was interested in buying. One wanted to restore it to its antebellum era magnificence and the other, a developer, wanted to make it into an event venue. When the developer is found dead by our lovely Missy DuBois, she just has to get involved. After all, she IS the one that found the body! Clues galore and fingers pointing, Missy investigates in her own special way while trying to keep her hat making business going and her boyfriend, Ambrose interested. Those boyfriends just never seem to understand our lovely sleuths reasons for having to get involved now do they? The book is well written and keeps you guessing until the very end. The characters are well defined. This is the fourth book in the series and even though I had not read the previous books I was able to keep up as the author provided just enough background snippets throughout the story to give the reader insight on what had gone on previously. The story was so good that I will be looking forward to the next book in the series. I was offered this book to read in return for an honest review.
September 24, 2018
Death comes to Dogwood Manor is the 4th book in the Missy DuBois Mystery series by Sandra Bretting.
Although I haven’t read the previous books in this series, I found that this book was easy to get into and I got to know the characters quickly. Although I would suggestion going back to read the first book, the author did a good job of catching the reader up on what was going on in the characters’ lives if they are not familiar with the series.
The main character, Missy, is likeable and has an interesting business of catering to brides with her hat boutique. There are some other fun characters as well that keep you entertained and engaged throughout the book, including a love interest and a friendly law enforcement officer (who are not one in the same as in most current mysteries it seems, which is a definite plus).
The mystery begins when a billionaire dies and Missy unfortunately stumbles upon his body. It turns out the cause of death was arsenic poisoning but you’ll never guess how this crime was carried out!
There are lots of suspects and a few red herrings are thrown in to keep the reader guessing. The story was fast paced and a lot of action was packed into a shorter book.
Besides the unorthodox murder weapon, the author also included a cliff hanger at the end which is sure to make the reader anxiously await the next book in the series.
I definitely enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via the Cozy Mystery Review Crew.
Although I haven’t read the previous books in this series, I found that this book was easy to get into and I got to know the characters quickly. Although I would suggestion going back to read the first book, the author did a good job of catching the reader up on what was going on in the characters’ lives if they are not familiar with the series.
The main character, Missy, is likeable and has an interesting business of catering to brides with her hat boutique. There are some other fun characters as well that keep you entertained and engaged throughout the book, including a love interest and a friendly law enforcement officer (who are not one in the same as in most current mysteries it seems, which is a definite plus).
The mystery begins when a billionaire dies and Missy unfortunately stumbles upon his body. It turns out the cause of death was arsenic poisoning but you’ll never guess how this crime was carried out!
There are lots of suspects and a few red herrings are thrown in to keep the reader guessing. The story was fast paced and a lot of action was packed into a shorter book.
Besides the unorthodox murder weapon, the author also included a cliff hanger at the end which is sure to make the reader anxiously await the next book in the series.
I definitely enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via the Cozy Mystery Review Crew.
June 21, 2018
Let us take a trip to Bleu Bayou, Louisiana to visit
Missy DuBois, milliner and amateur sleuth. Missy
runs the Crowning Glory boutique where she designs
hats and veils. Her significant other, Ambrose ‘Bo’
Jackson who designs wedding dress works in the
same complex.
On the way to work, Missy stops at Dogwood Manor.
This is an old antebellum house that is being renovated
by billionaire Herbert Solomon. Herbert is not well liked.
Later in the day Missy returns to the Manor where she
discovers the billionaire dead in a small bedroom in the
Manor. How did he die? With so many people not liking
him, the suspect list is lengthy.
Vivid, colorful, quirky, well defined cast of characters
involved in a complex mystery.
Well written, detailed description, southern charm,
southern dialect and sayings plus southern sweet ice
tea, fried chicken and jambalaya.
I was immediately drawn into this delicious read.
This is book # 4 in A Missy DuBois Mystery series.It can be
read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of the book. Thanks
to author via the Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the book.
My opinion is my own.
Missy DuBois, milliner and amateur sleuth. Missy
runs the Crowning Glory boutique where she designs
hats and veils. Her significant other, Ambrose ‘Bo’
Jackson who designs wedding dress works in the
same complex.
On the way to work, Missy stops at Dogwood Manor.
This is an old antebellum house that is being renovated
by billionaire Herbert Solomon. Herbert is not well liked.
Later in the day Missy returns to the Manor where she
discovers the billionaire dead in a small bedroom in the
Manor. How did he die? With so many people not liking
him, the suspect list is lengthy.
Vivid, colorful, quirky, well defined cast of characters
involved in a complex mystery.
Well written, detailed description, southern charm,
southern dialect and sayings plus southern sweet ice
tea, fried chicken and jambalaya.
I was immediately drawn into this delicious read.
This is book # 4 in A Missy DuBois Mystery series.It can be
read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of the book. Thanks
to author via the Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the book.
My opinion is my own.
June 4, 2018
Melissa "Missy" DuBois owns a specialty shop in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana--outfitting ladies in hats and bridal veils. When one of her clients wants an unrealistically long veil, she travels to Dogwood Manor to take measurements of the venue's aisle for the wedding. While searching for Herbert Solomon, the owner, to seek his permission, she finds his deceased body in one of the old plantation house's many bedrooms.
Mr. Solomon was known for not paying his workers so there was no shortage of suspects. As the book progressed, each character's motives seemed to grow stronger. I really enjoyed the historical elements of the book and the manner of death was very clever. Missy is a very amiable character and this is the first book I have read in this series. However, I did not care for the "cliffhanger" ending. At first, I thought there might be missing pages in the manuscript. But the overall story flowed well and I read the book quickly.
** Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Mr. Solomon was known for not paying his workers so there was no shortage of suspects. As the book progressed, each character's motives seemed to grow stronger. I really enjoyed the historical elements of the book and the manner of death was very clever. Missy is a very amiable character and this is the first book I have read in this series. However, I did not care for the "cliffhanger" ending. At first, I thought there might be missing pages in the manuscript. But the overall story flowed well and I read the book quickly.
** Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
June 26, 2018
This series gets better with each book including charming characters and a good mystery that quickly becomes a page-turner. I love Missy DuBois, who owns a hat shop in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana, crafting custom wedding veils and her dynamic with the other characters especially Ambrose Jackson who designs couture wedding dresses for extravagant brides and Lance LaPorte, childhood friend and local police officer. Fans of cozy mysteries should add Death Comes to Dogwood Manor to their must-read list. I can't wait to read Missy DuBois's next mystery adventure. I was given an advance reader copy of this book and this is my unbiased review.
June 10, 2018
This is book 4 in the Missy DuBois series and I really enjoyed it. Missy has once again found a dead body in an antebellum home only this time it's Herbert Solomon, the snarky developer she's had run ins with in the past.
Missy and her friends have been really fun to read about and I'm really enjoying how they are progressing. The antebellum mansions all sound so gorgeous! And I can totally imagine having Missy and Ambrose design my wedding clothes. The book has great characters and scenery and I can't wait for the next one!
I volunteered to write an honest review and received an advanced reader copy in order to do so.
Missy and her friends have been really fun to read about and I'm really enjoying how they are progressing. The antebellum mansions all sound so gorgeous! And I can totally imagine having Missy and Ambrose design my wedding clothes. The book has great characters and scenery and I can't wait for the next one!
I volunteered to write an honest review and received an advanced reader copy in order to do so.
June 18, 2018
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor by Sandra Bretting is the 4th book in the Missy DuBois Mystery series, and a fun read. Missy DuBois is a hat designer in Louisiana, owner of Crowing Glory hat shop that specializes in custom made hats for the elite. Missy and her boyfriend Ambrose “Bo” Jackson who is a wedding dress designer,work next door to each other. When Missy finds another body, she is determined to find the murderer before it ruins her business. Not only is this book funny, it has a great mystery, with wonderful southern charm. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 30, 2018
DEATH COMES TO DOGWOOD MANOR is the fourth book in the Missy DuBois Mystery series by Sandra Bretting, I was transported to the gentle South and its lovely mansions… and to its heat and humidity. The author’s descriptive voice pulls the reader in so I could fully envision (and almost) feel what the characters experience. I loved the charming Southern sayings that Missy and the Bleu Bayou residents spout off for any given situation. I could hear the lyrical, slow-drawl in their conversations and practically taste the sweet tea they consume to keep the heat at bay. Missy is a likeable protagonist and I adore her hat and veil shop, The Crowning Glory. In addition to the title of Missy’s shop, the author has created other pun-y type of companies such as “Been There, Dump That” trash company. The puns add another layer of humor to this entertaining read.
When Missy stumbles upon the murdered body of a greedy developer, the town’s law enforcement officer (who is also her friend) asks her to keep him informed of any leads she might find. Missy is not only curious but people seem to open up to her which helps in solving crimes. But with wedding season in full gear, Missy has her hands full placating difficult brides, redecorating her shop to prepare for a feature article in a popular bridal magazine, and maintaining her relationship with wedding gown designer extraordinaire, Ambrose Jackson. Yet as busy as she is, trouble seems to find Missy and she’s pulled into the investigation whether she has time or not. The plot flowed and while I guessed who the culprit was, I wasn’t sure why the crime was committed. The reveal provided an added historical twist which I enjoyed. It made me jump right on to the internet to read more about it! Ms. Bretting adds a teaser at the very end of the book but I didn’t find it detracting since the murder mystery was satisfactorily resolved in this newest release. Instead, it makes me anticipate the next installment in this charming series!
I was provided a Netgalley advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Missy stumbles upon the murdered body of a greedy developer, the town’s law enforcement officer (who is also her friend) asks her to keep him informed of any leads she might find. Missy is not only curious but people seem to open up to her which helps in solving crimes. But with wedding season in full gear, Missy has her hands full placating difficult brides, redecorating her shop to prepare for a feature article in a popular bridal magazine, and maintaining her relationship with wedding gown designer extraordinaire, Ambrose Jackson. Yet as busy as she is, trouble seems to find Missy and she’s pulled into the investigation whether she has time or not. The plot flowed and while I guessed who the culprit was, I wasn’t sure why the crime was committed. The reveal provided an added historical twist which I enjoyed. It made me jump right on to the internet to read more about it! Ms. Bretting adds a teaser at the very end of the book but I didn’t find it detracting since the murder mystery was satisfactorily resolved in this newest release. Instead, it makes me anticipate the next installment in this charming series!
I was provided a Netgalley advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 25, 2018
The book is cute but has to many references to the first 3. I felt like I should have read those before I read the one. Over and over being told of her being distracted From things like driving. Way to much about parking lot and heat seemed to be repeated over and over, a lot of fluff that really said once or twice would have been enough. When you cut all this and other filler story could have been a chapter or 2.
So, not a whole lot of actual story👎
So, not a whole lot of actual story👎
May 10, 2018
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is the fourth book in Sandra Bretting’s Missy DuBois Mystery series. I love the Louisiana setting, Southern charm, and humor in this book. This is a somewhat slow but steady paced murder mystery, with lots of other things happening. The characters are well developed and the mystery was interesting. All the books in this series can easily be read as standalones. The reveal surprised me, but I was disappointed with the cliffhanger ending.
Melissa “Missy” DuBois is a custom hat maker and her best friend and boyfriend, Ambrose “Bo” Jackson, is a wedding gown designer in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. While visiting Dogwood Manor, an antebellum mansion that is being converted into an event venue, to measure the chapel’s aisle, Missy finds the body of the property owner, Herbert Solomon. Missy has a propensity for stumbling upon murder victims so no one is surprised when she’s on the scene. Missy’s childhood friend, Lance LaPorta, is the local detective assigned to the case, and he gladly accepts her help and even solicits her input. Since Mr. Solomon wasn’t a pleasant man, Missy knows there will be lots of potential suspects. Even though she’s busy creating hats, veils, and fascinators, plus preparing for an interview with a prestigious bridal magazine, she finds time to help him, but the clue that identifies the killer isn’t something that Missy discovered this time.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Melissa “Missy” DuBois is a custom hat maker and her best friend and boyfriend, Ambrose “Bo” Jackson, is a wedding gown designer in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. While visiting Dogwood Manor, an antebellum mansion that is being converted into an event venue, to measure the chapel’s aisle, Missy finds the body of the property owner, Herbert Solomon. Missy has a propensity for stumbling upon murder victims so no one is surprised when she’s on the scene. Missy’s childhood friend, Lance LaPorta, is the local detective assigned to the case, and he gladly accepts her help and even solicits her input. Since Mr. Solomon wasn’t a pleasant man, Missy knows there will be lots of potential suspects. Even though she’s busy creating hats, veils, and fascinators, plus preparing for an interview with a prestigious bridal magazine, she finds time to help him, but the clue that identifies the killer isn’t something that Missy discovered this time.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 12, 2018
When Melissa DuBois decides to stop and take a look at an antebellum mansion, little does she know that it will involve her in another murder. Herbert Solomon is turning Dogwood Manor into a luxury hotel, but his methods have made him many enemies. Apparently one of them couldn't take anymore and killed him. Missy is determined to find out which one. I can't get enough of this Southern belle. She's smart and sassy as well as an amazing sleuth. The way she handles her customers at her hat shop, Crowning Glory, especially Stormie Lanai. Ambrose, Missy's boyfriend, is a keeper. He's there to support and comfort her. I love a man who can cook. Also, I enjoyed Missy's friendship with Lance LaPorte, longtime friend and Police Detective. These two work well together. Sandra Bretting wrote a complex mystery that pulled me in. I loved the setting and the secondary characters. Both added so much to this cozy mystery. I'm really enjoying this series.
I received a copy of this nook which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this nook which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
September 23, 2018
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor (Missy DuBois Mystery #4)
“Death Comes to Dogwood Manor” is the first installment I have read in the “Missy DuBois Mystery” series. I found it enjoyable and fun. I did not have any trouble getting caught up with the characters or the previous happenings. I enjoyed protagonist Missy DuBois and felt she was a perfect character for this delightful southern cozy. Set in Louisiana, Missy is a hat designer and making a southern bride happy is a difficult job, so she has her hands full with her work. Somehow thought, Missy’s gets involved in murder mysteries. This is one of those times.
Crowning Glory owner, Missy, is on her way to check out Dogwood Manor for a wedding she is involved in later in the week. I guess she is human because as she is driving up to the imposing building, she is checking out the work being done and clips the mirror of a Rolls Royce. It just happens to belong to the man converting the antebellum mansion Herbert Solomon. He is not a very nice man. It seems no one likes him or even gets along with him. So when he winds up dead and Missy is the one who finds him, she has a long list of suspects and not much time to deal with this mystery. Her shop is being featured in a magazine, being redone and at her own fault it is flooded. Somehow, with the help of friends and new acquaintances she gets everything done.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this cozy is the cast of characters. Some books have a full ensemble of characters and for me, it can get confusing. I liked that Missy had her boyfriend and a few others in her life. It only makes sense as busy as she is that her circle of friends would be smaller. I enjoyed their relationships and the way they worked together seamlessly. It also made coming into the series at the 4th book so much easier. The author’s well developed characters and entertaining writing style made this an easy read.
I recommend this quick and fun read to any cozy lover, especially those who enjoy a trip to the south. “Death Comes to Dogwood Manor” was just the right mix of humor, intrigue and friendship. As I have said, even coming into the series late, this was easy to get caught up. So you can definitely read this installment without having read the others.
I was kindly given a copy of this book by the author. My review is not based on that and it in no way influenced my opinion.
“Death Comes to Dogwood Manor” is the first installment I have read in the “Missy DuBois Mystery” series. I found it enjoyable and fun. I did not have any trouble getting caught up with the characters or the previous happenings. I enjoyed protagonist Missy DuBois and felt she was a perfect character for this delightful southern cozy. Set in Louisiana, Missy is a hat designer and making a southern bride happy is a difficult job, so she has her hands full with her work. Somehow thought, Missy’s gets involved in murder mysteries. This is one of those times.
Crowning Glory owner, Missy, is on her way to check out Dogwood Manor for a wedding she is involved in later in the week. I guess she is human because as she is driving up to the imposing building, she is checking out the work being done and clips the mirror of a Rolls Royce. It just happens to belong to the man converting the antebellum mansion Herbert Solomon. He is not a very nice man. It seems no one likes him or even gets along with him. So when he winds up dead and Missy is the one who finds him, she has a long list of suspects and not much time to deal with this mystery. Her shop is being featured in a magazine, being redone and at her own fault it is flooded. Somehow, with the help of friends and new acquaintances she gets everything done.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this cozy is the cast of characters. Some books have a full ensemble of characters and for me, it can get confusing. I liked that Missy had her boyfriend and a few others in her life. It only makes sense as busy as she is that her circle of friends would be smaller. I enjoyed their relationships and the way they worked together seamlessly. It also made coming into the series at the 4th book so much easier. The author’s well developed characters and entertaining writing style made this an easy read.
I recommend this quick and fun read to any cozy lover, especially those who enjoy a trip to the south. “Death Comes to Dogwood Manor” was just the right mix of humor, intrigue and friendship. As I have said, even coming into the series late, this was easy to get caught up. So you can definitely read this installment without having read the others.
I was kindly given a copy of this book by the author. My review is not based on that and it in no way influenced my opinion.
August 27, 2018
“Death Comes to Dogwood Manor” earns 5/5 Pearls and Lace…Murderously Fun!
Missy has had a bit of a fender bender accidentally sideswiping the Rolls of local billionaire/property developer Herbert Solomon with whom she has had previous run-ins. She doesn't feel a note on the windshield confessing her responsibility is the proper response, so she heads into the nearby construction area to talk to him for a face-to-face mea culpa. Dogwood Manor is one of the antebellum mansions Solomon has purchased and is converting into a high-end hotel which Missy worries could change a beautiful historic area into “hotel row.” His plans and his uber-controlling manner have put him at odds with most of the locals, so when Missy finds his dead body, she is suspicious that a “heart attack” is the real cause of death…way too many are not adequately mourning the man’s demise.
New to the series, I am now a big fan of Sandra Bretting’s Missy DuBois Mystery, and starting with the fourth book did not put me at a disadvantage. There are references to background and character connections to keep me totally engaged. I love my cozy to have an interesting theme around which the mystery and character interactions revolve, and the idea of a millinery handcrafting veils and such for brides was very interesting. I enjoyed the references to Missy’s work and her designs and the experiences with some “bridezillas” and their families...”Is that blackberry jam on the mirror?” There are several storylines to unpack in this book beyond a clever cozy murder, as we have a popular magazine wanting to highlight Missy and her shop and her concerns about the shop’s country chic decor needing a bit of refreshing. Bretting doesn’t rely on just her third-person narrative with the marvelous description, she includes delightful banter that solicit many emotions and illustrates well personalities and tone. There're Southern tidbits, friendships, and a nice romance that rounds out a delightful Louisiana community. I highly recommend this book!
Missy has had a bit of a fender bender accidentally sideswiping the Rolls of local billionaire/property developer Herbert Solomon with whom she has had previous run-ins. She doesn't feel a note on the windshield confessing her responsibility is the proper response, so she heads into the nearby construction area to talk to him for a face-to-face mea culpa. Dogwood Manor is one of the antebellum mansions Solomon has purchased and is converting into a high-end hotel which Missy worries could change a beautiful historic area into “hotel row.” His plans and his uber-controlling manner have put him at odds with most of the locals, so when Missy finds his dead body, she is suspicious that a “heart attack” is the real cause of death…way too many are not adequately mourning the man’s demise.
New to the series, I am now a big fan of Sandra Bretting’s Missy DuBois Mystery, and starting with the fourth book did not put me at a disadvantage. There are references to background and character connections to keep me totally engaged. I love my cozy to have an interesting theme around which the mystery and character interactions revolve, and the idea of a millinery handcrafting veils and such for brides was very interesting. I enjoyed the references to Missy’s work and her designs and the experiences with some “bridezillas” and their families...”Is that blackberry jam on the mirror?” There are several storylines to unpack in this book beyond a clever cozy murder, as we have a popular magazine wanting to highlight Missy and her shop and her concerns about the shop’s country chic decor needing a bit of refreshing. Bretting doesn’t rely on just her third-person narrative with the marvelous description, she includes delightful banter that solicit many emotions and illustrates well personalities and tone. There're Southern tidbits, friendships, and a nice romance that rounds out a delightful Louisiana community. I highly recommend this book!
June 12, 2018
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor (A Missy DuBois Mystery) is a fun, fast-moving book that I really enjoyed. Missy DuBois is a hat designer in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana with a tendency for stumbling upon dead bodies, like the one she finds at Dogwood Manor, an antebellum house on the River Road that is being renovated by billionaire Herbert Solomon. Residents of Bleu Bayou are not happy with Solomon because he refuses to restore historic homes like Dogwood Manor to their original glory, instead opting to turn them into modern, high-priced hotels. Needless to say, the list of suspects in his questionable death is quite long, and Missy teams up with her detective best-friend, Lance, to try to solve the murder, while also running and renovating her hat shop, Crowning Glory, dealing with finicky brides and trying to spend time with her significant other, Ambrose (Bo).
Although this book is the fourth in the Missy DuBois Mystery series, it can definitely stand on its own, and certainly whetted my appetite for reading the preceding books. The mystery was well thought out, and I was left guessing until the very end. I found the characters to be engaging and well-developed and also loved all of Missy's southern phrases such as "Bless Your Heart" and "Great Mother of Pearl." I look forward to more of Missy's adventures in the near future.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
Although this book is the fourth in the Missy DuBois Mystery series, it can definitely stand on its own, and certainly whetted my appetite for reading the preceding books. The mystery was well thought out, and I was left guessing until the very end. I found the characters to be engaging and well-developed and also loved all of Missy's southern phrases such as "Bless Your Heart" and "Great Mother of Pearl." I look forward to more of Missy's adventures in the near future.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
May 23, 2018
I enjoyed this installment of the Missy DuBois Mystery series. This is number four but can be read as a standalone. The setting is Blue Bayou, Louisiana. Melissa (Missy) is a milliner whom stumbles upon the dead, grouchy, and stingy billionaire in his project remodel of Dogwood Manor. The mansion is in the process of being transformed into a hotel.
One of Missy friend is Lance La Porte, a detective. She calls him and the case begins, incase its murder and not accidental or natural causes. There are plenty of misdirection and twists and turns throughout the story.
A subplot is the remodel of Missy’s Shop, Crowning Glory. She has a photo shoot in two days and has decided the current set up isn’t chic enough. Another subplot is the wedding of the local TV reporter and it’s tied to the milliner’s shop and Dogwood Manor.
This is a quaint southern cozy. Loved the interactions between the characters, the descriptions, and the outrageous sayings attributed to the south. This just adds to the charm.
What I found a little off was the TV reporter’s willingness to ask for a refund for her veil from Missy but not ask for the wedding dress payment back when she chooses a new location and outfit for the wedding.
Otherwise. This is a great read! I highly recommend it.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Lyrical Underground, Kensington books via Netgalley. These are my own opinions.
One of Missy friend is Lance La Porte, a detective. She calls him and the case begins, incase its murder and not accidental or natural causes. There are plenty of misdirection and twists and turns throughout the story.
A subplot is the remodel of Missy’s Shop, Crowning Glory. She has a photo shoot in two days and has decided the current set up isn’t chic enough. Another subplot is the wedding of the local TV reporter and it’s tied to the milliner’s shop and Dogwood Manor.
This is a quaint southern cozy. Loved the interactions between the characters, the descriptions, and the outrageous sayings attributed to the south. This just adds to the charm.
What I found a little off was the TV reporter’s willingness to ask for a refund for her veil from Missy but not ask for the wedding dress payment back when she chooses a new location and outfit for the wedding.
Otherwise. This is a great read! I highly recommend it.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Lyrical Underground, Kensington books via Netgalley. These are my own opinions.
August 22, 2018
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor by Sandra Bretting is the fourth book in the Missy DuBois Mystery series. I have read a previous book, but it is not necessary to enjoy this one. Missy is on her way to her hat shop when she clips the mirror off a car. Unfortunately it is not just any car but a Rolls Royce belonging to Herbert Solomon. Herbert is renovating a mansion into a wedding venue. When Missy returns to the mansion later due to a conflict with a client, she finds Herbert dead. This is only the beginning of everything going on in this book. It is action packed from the beginning up until the very end. I adore the southern setting, and the writing style seems more relaxed than in the previous book I read. It is definitely more Southern. This is a fast paced book which I read in just one day. I look forward to more in the series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own!*
September 24, 2018
Death comes to dog wood manor was a smooth and easy read. I enjoyed meeting all the characters and was glad the author mentioned the background of some of them since i had not read any of the previous books. However, the characters background only need to be mentioned once and not multiple times throughout the novel. I did enjoy the mystery and did not suspect who was the killer. And i definitely want to read the next story after that cliff hanger ending!
May 29, 2018
Missy the milliner solves murders. A delightful series. Southern charm and a clever plot will keep you entranced. This was a quick read. Entertaining and engaging. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley.
June 14, 2018
I was so excited to be visiting Bleu Bayou again and hanging out with Missy Dubois but I have to say this story wasn't as exciting or intriguing as Someone's Mad at the Hatter was!!
It was enjoyable and the surprise at the end was great but the main plot trying to solve the murder of Herbert Solomon was a bit light. It was fairly quick to figure out who the murder was once the story really got going but it was a surprise to learn what they used to do the killing!! It is definitely interesting the things you find out about historical home renovations!!
Yet again Missy was on top of her game when helping Officer Lance LaPorte to solve this mystery. She definitely has a great ability of thinking outside the box and looking at everything as clues.
I was sad that the book had to end and I had to leave Bleu Bayou again. The story did end with an opening for the next story though!! I am ready for my next trip to Bleu Bayou!!
It was enjoyable and the surprise at the end was great but the main plot trying to solve the murder of Herbert Solomon was a bit light. It was fairly quick to figure out who the murder was once the story really got going but it was a surprise to learn what they used to do the killing!! It is definitely interesting the things you find out about historical home renovations!!
Yet again Missy was on top of her game when helping Officer Lance LaPorte to solve this mystery. She definitely has a great ability of thinking outside the box and looking at everything as clues.
I was sad that the book had to end and I had to leave Bleu Bayou again. The story did end with an opening for the next story though!! I am ready for my next trip to Bleu Bayou!!
April 26, 2018
I enjoyed this latest Missy DuBois book. Again, the author brings realism to the setting and provided a decent mystery. The clue that seals the deal against the killer isn't something that Missy came up with, but it was still satisfying.
There was one off note for me. One of the characters responds harshly to something Missy says and what would then need to be done. A professional would not have gotten in that position in the first place.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
There was one off note for me. One of the characters responds harshly to something Missy says and what would then need to be done. A professional would not have gotten in that position in the first place.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2018
A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. This is part of an ongoing cozy mystery series. It reads well as a stand alone, but the main cast of characters obviously have a history. This story was entertaining, and the culprit was a nice unexpected surprise to me!! Always makes it fun. I rate it a 4. I think most cozy mystery readers would enjoy this book.
September 16, 2018
This is a southern mystery that is full of surprises. This is the first book that I have read in this series and didn't feel lost at all. I immediately felt like I was in Louisiana as soon as I started reading this book. The descriptions of the town and the weather are so vivid. I liked Missy and the other characters in the book and the mystery was interesting. So many things happened in the book related to the mystery and Missy's hat shop, which is an interesting business on it's own. I loved the descriptions of the hats that she was designing for the brides and that added to the ambiance of the story for me. I was surprised at the end by who committed the crime, always a sign of a good book in my opinion. I look forward to going back and reading the other books in this series.
Thank you to the The Cozy Mystery Review Crew and Sandra Bretting for a copy of this book. This did not influence my review in any way.
Thank you to the The Cozy Mystery Review Crew and Sandra Bretting for a copy of this book. This did not influence my review in any way.
September 24, 2018
Love this book. By Sandra Bretting. This was the second book of hers that I have read.
Death Comes to Dogwood, is a great southern fun mystery. I loved the main character Missy and the unbelievable things she goes through in this book is while unbelievable at first it all falls into place and out of place and the ending is not to miss.
Missy DuBois is a designer of wedding veils and hats living in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. She owns Crowning Glory, small hat shop there. This is The 4th body she has found and has become good at solving mysteries. Missy has a good relationship with the local homicide detective.
This series gets better with each book including charming characters and a good mystery that quickly becomes a page-turner.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Death Comes to Dogwood, is a great southern fun mystery. I loved the main character Missy and the unbelievable things she goes through in this book is while unbelievable at first it all falls into place and out of place and the ending is not to miss.
Missy DuBois is a designer of wedding veils and hats living in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. She owns Crowning Glory, small hat shop there. This is The 4th body she has found and has become good at solving mysteries. Missy has a good relationship with the local homicide detective.
This series gets better with each book including charming characters and a good mystery that quickly becomes a page-turner.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2018
Missy accidentally sideswipes a car parked in front of Dogwood Manor which happens to be the Rolly Royce owner by developer Herbert Solomen. When Missy later returns to Dogwood Manor to measure the chapel for a custom veil made for a client she finds Mr. Solomen dead. Not there is a murder, magazine article and her shop Crowning Glory is flooded. Can Missy stop find a killer, fix a veil and save her shop in time?
This was my first book by Sandra Bretting and I was not disappointed in the least her quirky characters and unfortunate events leave you wanting to binge read till the last even leaving you with a cliffhanger for the next read. You feel for Missy and her sometimes chaotic thoughts who leave everyone wondering what she is thinking and yet the police seek out her advice as the case progresses because everyone wants to tell Missy what exactly they think about what is going on. It is one of those rare who done its that you are not really shocked by the killer but by the motive.
This was my first book by Sandra Bretting and I was not disappointed in the least her quirky characters and unfortunate events leave you wanting to binge read till the last even leaving you with a cliffhanger for the next read. You feel for Missy and her sometimes chaotic thoughts who leave everyone wondering what she is thinking and yet the police seek out her advice as the case progresses because everyone wants to tell Missy what exactly they think about what is going on. It is one of those rare who done its that you are not really shocked by the killer but by the motive.
June 16, 2018
Death Comes to Dogwood Manor, 4th in a series by Sandra Betting, was a wonderful surprise. I had not read the previous books in the series, but that didn’t take away from the story.
The heroine is Melissa DuBois, a hat maker in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. By accident (literally), Missy ends up at Dogwood Manor which in the midst of renovation. It is owned by nasty Herbert Solomon with whom she has previously crossed paths. This time was no more pleasant. After returning to her hat store, Morning Glory, Missy returns to the manor to measure for an upcoming wedding. That’s where she finds the body of Mr. Solomon.
There is no end to the list of people who wanted him dead; curiosity (and previous experience finding dead bodies) prompts Missy to investigate.
There were several aspects of this book that I particularly enjoyed. The characters are likable (even the person who ends up being the killer). She has a boyfriend, Ambrose; an employee, Beatrice; and a detective, Lance LaPorte who are like real people. Often books are filled with too many quirky people, which I think takes away from the story. The description of the setting is clear, including the heat and humidity!
The mystery was well-developed and kept me guessing until the end.
I enjoyed this book very much and, with the cliff-hanger at the end, am waiting for the next book. In the meantime, I plan to read more in this series. A fun read!
I received a free copy of this book for my review.
The heroine is Melissa DuBois, a hat maker in Bleu Bayou, Louisiana. By accident (literally), Missy ends up at Dogwood Manor which in the midst of renovation. It is owned by nasty Herbert Solomon with whom she has previously crossed paths. This time was no more pleasant. After returning to her hat store, Morning Glory, Missy returns to the manor to measure for an upcoming wedding. That’s where she finds the body of Mr. Solomon.
There is no end to the list of people who wanted him dead; curiosity (and previous experience finding dead bodies) prompts Missy to investigate.
There were several aspects of this book that I particularly enjoyed. The characters are likable (even the person who ends up being the killer). She has a boyfriend, Ambrose; an employee, Beatrice; and a detective, Lance LaPorte who are like real people. Often books are filled with too many quirky people, which I think takes away from the story. The description of the setting is clear, including the heat and humidity!
The mystery was well-developed and kept me guessing until the end.
I enjoyed this book very much and, with the cliff-hanger at the end, am waiting for the next book. In the meantime, I plan to read more in this series. A fun read!
I received a free copy of this book for my review.
June 20, 2018
Things are heating up in the south especially when everyone's least favorite billionaire keels over! Missy once again finds herself in the thick of things as she finds the body and helps her friend who is a deputy unravel the mystery of the man's death. Humor, southern charm and relatable characters keep you interested in a well developed plot with multiple suspects to keep you guessing! Definitely a great book to keep you entertained for the day and if you haven't read the series, you definitely should as the series is a fun way to spend a few days entertaining your brain in a series of "whodunits!" I'm looking forward to the next book in the series already!
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