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Grasmere Cottage Mystery #3
Dead in the Shop
A Romantic Cosy Mystery.
Join bestselling author Dahlia Donovan in the final book of her cosy mystery adventure in Grasmere Cottage Mystery book three. With love, wit, and a murder to solve, Valor and Bishan really need to stop life being so bloody complicated in this sweet gay romance.
Deadly fire? Check.
Fear-induced heart attack imminent? Check.
Time running out on them? Not good.
Valor Scott wants nothing more than to enjoy life in his little cottage with his boyfriend. The shadows of a serial killer continue to haunt him, though. He only wants the living nightmare to end. He battles one catastrophic event after the other, intent on bringing his loved ones through to the other side safely.
As their killer finally comes out into the open, Valor finds himself face-to-face with an obsessed murderer intent on destroying everyone in their path.
Join bestselling author Dahlia Donovan in the final book of her cosy mystery adventure in Grasmere Cottage Mystery book three. With love, wit, and a murder to solve, Valor and Bishan really need to stop life being so bloody complicated in this sweet gay romance.
Deadly fire? Check.
Fear-induced heart attack imminent? Check.
Time running out on them? Not good.
Valor Scott wants nothing more than to enjoy life in his little cottage with his boyfriend. The shadows of a serial killer continue to haunt him, though. He only wants the living nightmare to end. He battles one catastrophic event after the other, intent on bringing his loved ones through to the other side safely.
As their killer finally comes out into the open, Valor finds himself face-to-face with an obsessed murderer intent on destroying everyone in their path.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2018
21 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Dahlia Donovan
49 books778 followersDahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 4, 2019
First off, I am pretty conflicted about giving this a positive rating, because I feel that the marketing is dishonest and I was tricked into reading a longer and more expensive book than I realized.
That is not to say that I think $8 is an unreasonable price for the actual book, all 3 parts considered as a whole, I'm fine with that. But what I thought I was starting was a standalone novella for $2 from a new to me author. In actual fact, Dead in the Garden is just an overly long sample you have to pay for.
Inside, in the author's notes and the "Other books by" section this is referred to as a trilogy. It is NOT. It is one book, sold in 3 parts, for reasons we can only speculate on. And while that may be common in the fantasy genre, it's not a thing in mystery or romance publishing, so failing to make that abundantly clear in the marketing counts as deceptive as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not particularly bothered by the fact that it claims to be a romance and is most assuredly not a romance. But some readers probably will be.
The Story:
For the remainder of this review, I will treat all 3 "books" as one book.
I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries, so I don't know how out of the norm some characteristics of this book will seem to regular cozy readers, but cozy feels like the best fitting genre label for the story.
The story focuses on an established couple, Valor, disowned son of an earl, and Bishan, his autistic partner of Indian descent, who have been together since school. They wake up one day to find a body in their garden.
I was excited to have an autistic MC, and I think the author handled Bishan's autism very well. The first third of the book is strictly Valor's pov, but the middle third is all Bishan's which I liked.
For someone with no familiarity with autism it could be a bit ASD 101, as Bishan's various issues are spelled out for the reader. (I never associated the shoe thing with ASD!) The sex x sensory overload situation is even brought up, though there is no on page sex in the book.
The prose is clear, but it did strike me as a bit... simple? I don't know how to express it, a little like it's talking down to the reader, or for a younger audience or something? I do think I've seen similar in other cozies, so maybe it's a fairly normal style in the subgenre.
The body count is quite high, and the aspect of this that feels very not-cozy like to me is fact that it's clear very early the killer is deliberately harassing our MCs. It's personal. There's just a touch of thriller/suspense about this aspect of the plot. I did feel like some of the deaths are forgotten or glossed over more quickly than they should be.
There is some family conflict with Valor and his family who don't approve of his orientation or partner. Bishan's family on the other hand is the sort of everyone's wonderful and accepting family you see in idealized YA.
Once the killer is identified in part 3, a lot of the steam seems to go out of the book and even catching him feels like part of a really long epilogue. The epilogue-y stuff accounts for probably the last 50% of part 3.
About the killer I was somewhat disatisfied in that: so I'm skeptical any fair-play advocates would approve. And also there was never a really convincing motive established, it was just kind of shrugged of as he's crazy, what can you do.
I did mostly enjoy it apart from being ticked about getting tricked into a 380 page book when I was expecting a 130 page one, so I'm going to give this volume 4-stars and leave the other two unrated.
That is not to say that I think $8 is an unreasonable price for the actual book, all 3 parts considered as a whole, I'm fine with that. But what I thought I was starting was a standalone novella for $2 from a new to me author. In actual fact, Dead in the Garden is just an overly long sample you have to pay for.
Inside, in the author's notes and the "Other books by" section this is referred to as a trilogy. It is NOT. It is one book, sold in 3 parts, for reasons we can only speculate on. And while that may be common in the fantasy genre, it's not a thing in mystery or romance publishing, so failing to make that abundantly clear in the marketing counts as deceptive as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not particularly bothered by the fact that it claims to be a romance and is most assuredly not a romance. But some readers probably will be.
The Story:
For the remainder of this review, I will treat all 3 "books" as one book.
I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries, so I don't know how out of the norm some characteristics of this book will seem to regular cozy readers, but cozy feels like the best fitting genre label for the story.
The story focuses on an established couple, Valor, disowned son of an earl, and Bishan, his autistic partner of Indian descent, who have been together since school. They wake up one day to find a body in their garden.
I was excited to have an autistic MC, and I think the author handled Bishan's autism very well. The first third of the book is strictly Valor's pov, but the middle third is all Bishan's which I liked.
For someone with no familiarity with autism it could be a bit ASD 101, as Bishan's various issues are spelled out for the reader. (I never associated the shoe thing with ASD!) The sex x sensory overload situation is even brought up, though there is no on page sex in the book.
The prose is clear, but it did strike me as a bit... simple? I don't know how to express it, a little like it's talking down to the reader, or for a younger audience or something? I do think I've seen similar in other cozies, so maybe it's a fairly normal style in the subgenre.
The body count is quite high, and the aspect of this that feels very not-cozy like to me is fact that it's clear very early the killer is deliberately harassing our MCs. It's personal. There's just a touch of thriller/suspense about this aspect of the plot. I did feel like some of the deaths are forgotten or glossed over more quickly than they should be.
There is some family conflict with Valor and his family who don't approve of his orientation or partner. Bishan's family on the other hand is the sort of everyone's wonderful and accepting family you see in idealized YA.
Once the killer is identified in part 3, a lot of the steam seems to go out of the book and even catching him feels like part of a really long epilogue. The epilogue-y stuff accounts for probably the last 50% of part 3.
About the killer I was somewhat disatisfied in that: so I'm skeptical any fair-play advocates would approve. And also there was never a really convincing motive established, it was just kind of shrugged of as he's crazy, what can you do.
I did mostly enjoy it apart from being ticked about getting tricked into a 380 page book when I was expecting a 130 page one, so I'm going to give this volume 4-stars and leave the other two unrated.
November 16, 2018
It's over. :( I want more!!!
October 26, 2018
Thankfully I read this as a bundle book. It is listed here are 3 separate books, and I have to say that if I had read them as 3 separate, I would've been super annoyed. It is really like one big book in 3 parts. This is the conclusion, and frankly, as much as I was enjoying the story overall, I am glad it is finally over because it seemed to go on a bit too long. By the time we figured out who the bad guy was, I had forgotten who the character was.
Despite that, though, the story itself is really interesting. I like the characters of Val and Bish, and Val is such an awesome and understanding boyfriend. Bish has autism, and has challenges due to that, but Val knows him better than anyone else and helps him in any way he needs. I enjoyed watching them work together.
This is a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up to 4.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Despite that, though, the story itself is really interesting. I like the characters of Val and Bish, and Val is such an awesome and understanding boyfriend. Bish has autism, and has challenges due to that, but Val knows him better than anyone else and helps him in any way he needs. I enjoyed watching them work together.
This is a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up to 4.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
October 17, 2018
A perfect ending to this amazing series! My love for this series was only dulled for a brief moment when I read the last page. If I could, I would continue to read about Valor and Bishan for much longer.
Valor and Bishan are two of the best characters that I have read about in a really long time. Usually, after a couple of books with the same characters, I get bored. But not with these two! I loved getting to know them and watching them grow as individuals and as a couple while reading this series. In this book, I laughed with them, cried with them, and worried with them.
The killer really ups the ante in this book. They become more brazen and daring.
Eventually, we learn who has been killing people throughout these books. A twist I never expected because I thought that I knew for sure who the killer was. But I was wrong!
The ending is simply divine. Since it had to end at some point, I wouldn't have wished for it to end any other way.
Valor and Bishan are two of the best characters that I have read about in a really long time. Usually, after a couple of books with the same characters, I get bored. But not with these two! I loved getting to know them and watching them grow as individuals and as a couple while reading this series. In this book, I laughed with them, cried with them, and worried with them.
The killer really ups the ante in this book. They become more brazen and daring.
Eventually, we learn who has been killing people throughout these books. A twist I never expected because I thought that I knew for sure who the killer was. But I was wrong!
The ending is simply divine. Since it had to end at some point, I wouldn't have wished for it to end any other way.
October 17, 2018
A perfect ending to this amazing series! My love for this series was only dulled for a brief moment when I read the last page. If I could, I would continue to read about Valor and Bishan for much longer.
Valor and Bishan are two of the best characters that I have read about in a really long time. Usually, after a couple of books with the same characters, I get bored. But not with these two! I loved getting to know them and watching them grow as individuals and as a couple while reading this series. In this book, I laughed with them, cried with them, and worried with them.
The killer really ups the ante in this book. They become more brazen and daring.
Eventually, we learn who has been killing people throughout these books. A twist I never expected because I thought that I knew for sure who the killer was. But I was wrong!
The ending is simply divine. Since it had to end at some point, I wouldn't have wished for it to end any other way.
Reviewed by: Brianne M.
Valor and Bishan are two of the best characters that I have read about in a really long time. Usually, after a couple of books with the same characters, I get bored. But not with these two! I loved getting to know them and watching them grow as individuals and as a couple while reading this series. In this book, I laughed with them, cried with them, and worried with them.
The killer really ups the ante in this book. They become more brazen and daring.
Eventually, we learn who has been killing people throughout these books. A twist I never expected because I thought that I knew for sure who the killer was. But I was wrong!
The ending is simply divine. Since it had to end at some point, I wouldn't have wished for it to end any other way.
Reviewed by: Brianne M.
January 4, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery set. As stated by the recommender, once I read the first, I wasn't stopping til I was through with the third! Bishan was such a great character.
Literally my only complaint is that I thought in this one, the ineptitude of the police went too far. Particularly once they had the name of the killer, the idea that they wouldn't have was too absurd for me to believe.
Literally my only complaint is that I thought in this one, the ineptitude of the police went too far. Particularly once they had the name of the killer, the idea that they wouldn't have was too absurd for me to believe.
November 7, 2018
I received this book for free from Silver Dagger Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Content Warning: Murder, Attempted Murder, Stalking, Arson, Kidnapping, Ableism, Racism.
So, I was actually only supposed to review the first book, Dead in the Garden. Instead, I totally read all three back to back in quick succession. Great reading experience for me, harder to review as I think of all three books as one, like seeing the forest instead of the trees. Which leaves me to review the whole in general terms. I HIGHLY recommend reading this series and you're going to want the next one right away anyways.
Valor is a typical English lad, grew up privileged but was disowned for being gay and falling in love with an Autistic Asian Indian man, Bishan. He and Bishan met in at their boarding school, which comes with an old boys network that isn't the usual terrible scum.
They're life is pretty good until someone murders the former school bully, leaves the body in their garden, and frames Bishan. Not so good.
Valor and Bishan aren't the typical bungling amateurs. They work with the police. They listen and follow the detective's instructions. I love their partnership and cooperation with the detectives and the system. I'm not saying their perfect citizens or are necessarily happy about it, but they do it like most people actually would.
grasmere cottage mystery series isn't a weekend or two week romp on the wild side.
This series stays with the pair while they're trying to survive a murderous terror campaign. Because of the lengthened timeline, it does feel slower and longer than most cozies I've read, The stakes here are real. There's no one really off limits or acts out of bounds for this killer. It makes it more suspenseful than the typical cozy mystery. A particular murder or two was legit shocking and hurtful.
And in the end? Scars remain. Valor and Bishan get their happy ending for now like any good romantic suspense and cozy mystery. But not exempt from real world consequences. I want more of this pair, but it would be difficult to continue the series with more killers.
I will so be keeping an eye out for more of Donovan's work though.
bishan's perspective is perfection
There was this one particular moment I will never forgot. If it was seen through Valor's eyes, it'd be an easy sell as a romantic gesture and the gap between readers and allistic readers would have grown. BUT because it was in Bishan's POV, I was legit confused why Valor thought it'd be romantic! With Valor sputtering and trying to explain and talking about it, it really drove how how different and difficult navigating an allistic world is for autistics.
Brilliant code switching between the two perspectives. I think the Autistic aspect is authentic, but I'm an allistic so YMMV. I can confidently say it really helped me see his POV clearly, the differences, and raise my consciousness going forward.
Family Is Important
Bishan's family is soooo cute!! They're supportive but not perfect. They remind me of Simon's family in Simon Vs. actually. I can totally see Valor & Bishan as an older English version of Simon & Blue too.
But I love Valor's found family a little more. That's the stuff I know and love seeing reflected in books. I can never get enough.
My fave though? Their cat, Staccato. He was not harmed during this series. Frogs were only mildly inconvenienced when thrown back over a fence where they below. (Fun article to explain how frogs fly) Birds, not so lucky. Sorry :/
Killer Ableism
The killer doesn't get a lot of spotlight in the end, and I get why. If this was a standard psychopath, I'd be okay. But the sweeping dismissiveness of "craziness" when there's clear treatable mental health issues and how they lash out with the blame...I am not okay with that. Bishan has trouble navigating an allistic world but it gets explored. The mental illness of the antagonist, not so much. Hence the ableism tag. If you're having a bad or sensitive mental health day, my fellow neurodivergents, wait a bit before finishing this one until you're looking up again.
Content Warning: Murder, Attempted Murder, Stalking, Arson, Kidnapping, Ableism, Racism.
So, I was actually only supposed to review the first book, Dead in the Garden. Instead, I totally read all three back to back in quick succession. Great reading experience for me, harder to review as I think of all three books as one, like seeing the forest instead of the trees. Which leaves me to review the whole in general terms. I HIGHLY recommend reading this series and you're going to want the next one right away anyways.
Valor is a typical English lad, grew up privileged but was disowned for being gay and falling in love with an Autistic Asian Indian man, Bishan. He and Bishan met in at their boarding school, which comes with an old boys network that isn't the usual terrible scum.
They're life is pretty good until someone murders the former school bully, leaves the body in their garden, and frames Bishan. Not so good.
Valor and Bishan aren't the typical bungling amateurs. They work with the police. They listen and follow the detective's instructions. I love their partnership and cooperation with the detectives and the system. I'm not saying their perfect citizens or are necessarily happy about it, but they do it like most people actually would.
grasmere cottage mystery series isn't a weekend or two week romp on the wild side.
This series stays with the pair while they're trying to survive a murderous terror campaign. Because of the lengthened timeline, it does feel slower and longer than most cozies I've read, The stakes here are real. There's no one really off limits or acts out of bounds for this killer. It makes it more suspenseful than the typical cozy mystery. A particular murder or two was legit shocking and hurtful.
And in the end? Scars remain. Valor and Bishan get their happy ending for now like any good romantic suspense and cozy mystery. But not exempt from real world consequences. I want more of this pair, but it would be difficult to continue the series with more killers.
I will so be keeping an eye out for more of Donovan's work though.
bishan's perspective is perfection
There was this one particular moment I will never forgot. If it was seen through Valor's eyes, it'd be an easy sell as a romantic gesture and the gap between readers and allistic readers would have grown. BUT because it was in Bishan's POV, I was legit confused why Valor thought it'd be romantic! With Valor sputtering and trying to explain and talking about it, it really drove how how different and difficult navigating an allistic world is for autistics.
Brilliant code switching between the two perspectives. I think the Autistic aspect is authentic, but I'm an allistic so YMMV. I can confidently say it really helped me see his POV clearly, the differences, and raise my consciousness going forward.
Family Is Important
Bishan's family is soooo cute!! They're supportive but not perfect. They remind me of Simon's family in Simon Vs. actually. I can totally see Valor & Bishan as an older English version of Simon & Blue too.
But I love Valor's found family a little more. That's the stuff I know and love seeing reflected in books. I can never get enough.
My fave though? Their cat, Staccato. He was not harmed during this series. Frogs were only mildly inconvenienced when thrown back over a fence where they below. (Fun article to explain how frogs fly) Birds, not so lucky. Sorry :/
Killer Ableism
The killer doesn't get a lot of spotlight in the end, and I get why. If this was a standard psychopath, I'd be okay. But the sweeping dismissiveness of "craziness" when there's clear treatable mental health issues and how they lash out with the blame...I am not okay with that. Bishan has trouble navigating an allistic world but it gets explored. The mental illness of the antagonist, not so much. Hence the ableism tag. If you're having a bad or sensitive mental health day, my fellow neurodivergents, wait a bit before finishing this one until you're looking up again.
October 20, 2018
Cliff hangers done, ending achieved...and what thrill ride it was. Dead in the Shop is the third and final book in the Grasmere Cottage Mystery series. Dead in the Garden started the journey, only we quickly realized we didn't know as much as we thought we did. Dead in the Pond continued the story, but we were knocked around and couldn't exactly figure out which end was up. And finally, Dead in the Shop rounds out the trilogy and all I have to say is brava!
The whole mystery series keeps you guessing and holding your breath while you try to keep your wits about you, and you can't. It sends you every which way while you try to figure it out, and then slaps you along side the head. WOW! I can't say too much without giving certain things away, but Valor and Bishan fight their way thorugh another brilliant book with brains, a sense of humor, and pudding. Of course pudding. Each character in this series is unique and adds something to the mystery and intrigue...and there were a few times that I wondered about a couple of characters.
I'm giving this book 5 stars. It was a fantastic ending to an amazing series with characters who are memorable and real. Once again, I have to applaud this author for her work and writing characters that are relevant. On top of that, the story is enjoyable, and at times you will find yourself holding your breath as you turn the page. I had to remind myself to breathe more than once. I highly recommend this series and this book. They are must reads and you need to read them in order. You will not be disappointed except for the fact that it did have to come to an end.
The whole mystery series keeps you guessing and holding your breath while you try to keep your wits about you, and you can't. It sends you every which way while you try to figure it out, and then slaps you along side the head. WOW! I can't say too much without giving certain things away, but Valor and Bishan fight their way thorugh another brilliant book with brains, a sense of humor, and pudding. Of course pudding. Each character in this series is unique and adds something to the mystery and intrigue...and there were a few times that I wondered about a couple of characters.
I'm giving this book 5 stars. It was a fantastic ending to an amazing series with characters who are memorable and real. Once again, I have to applaud this author for her work and writing characters that are relevant. On top of that, the story is enjoyable, and at times you will find yourself holding your breath as you turn the page. I had to remind myself to breathe more than once. I highly recommend this series and this book. They are must reads and you need to read them in order. You will not be disappointed except for the fact that it did have to come to an end.
October 21, 2025
The finale of Grasmere Cottage Mystery had my arsehole doing somersaults and I had to battle a few tears from escaping my eyes because OMG.
My hopes leading up to the ending were fundamentally shifted and despite a wedding not of my choosing, I still remain comfortable by the aspects of the dynamic duo. Val and Bish really have the best partnership and you can feel the emotion of their love as the story draws to a close.
This last book packs a punch with a whole lot of drama and a whole lot of love. I couldn’t be happier and content leaving these two behind as I chase a different adventure now, and I know I’ll find Val and Bish throughout my own life and experiences - wherever I go. Thank you to Dahlia for gifting the world a story of perseverance and strength, through the eyes of an autistic man and his boyfriend who’d do absolutely anything to keep him grounded and safe. As aspirational force.
My hopes leading up to the ending were fundamentally shifted and despite a wedding not of my choosing, I still remain comfortable by the aspects of the dynamic duo. Val and Bish really have the best partnership and you can feel the emotion of their love as the story draws to a close.
This last book packs a punch with a whole lot of drama and a whole lot of love. I couldn’t be happier and content leaving these two behind as I chase a different adventure now, and I know I’ll find Val and Bish throughout my own life and experiences - wherever I go. Thank you to Dahlia for gifting the world a story of perseverance and strength, through the eyes of an autistic man and his boyfriend who’d do absolutely anything to keep him grounded and safe. As aspirational force.
April 16, 2021
Valor and Bishan's mystery concludes in the final book Dead in the Shop. This book opens immediately after the big cliffhanger from Dead in the Pond. After Bishan is released from the hospital, both men are no closer to figuring out who the serial killer is. More dead bodies pile up including a personal tragedy for Valor. The serial killer is playing with them and the heat is on as Bishan and Valor race against time to discover the identity. So many twists and turns but a satisfying conclusion :) Definitely one of my favorite murder-mystery whodunnit series. I love finding new authors and now I'm off to start Dahlia's Cosplay Killer series :)
October 25, 2018
What a great set of books.
I loved everything about this trilogy.
Each book continues on with the main arc of a story, that of who is trying to hurt Val and Bish.
The mystery gripped me. The chase of trying to catch the killer before he kills again.
How supportive the majority of secondary characters were.
I got to the end and realized there was little if no sex in these books, and you know, I don't care. There is so much going for them without that.
So my question to you is, if you haven't read this series, why not?
I loved everything about this trilogy.
Each book continues on with the main arc of a story, that of who is trying to hurt Val and Bish.
The mystery gripped me. The chase of trying to catch the killer before he kills again.
How supportive the majority of secondary characters were.
I got to the end and realized there was little if no sex in these books, and you know, I don't care. There is so much going for them without that.
So my question to you is, if you haven't read this series, why not?
May 13, 2023
3.5, but I rounded up, especially because I enjoyed the epilogue so much. I loved this story overall, but as many people have stated in other reviews: the reveal of the killer was a bit anticlimactic, since I didn’t even remember that character. Also, Valor became, like, the most obnoxious character in this book: from his treatment of his sister, to how he spoke to anyone as he tried to “protect” Bishan. (Other people have spoken more eloquently about the problematic depiction of his character so I won’t). Alas, I still had a fun time immersed in this work, but as I type this review I feel I must go from 4 stars to 3. :)
October 21, 2018
This trilogy needs to be read in order, but all the books are out there and waiting. What a roller coaster ride of near death experiences, kidnap and murder. For a cosy mystery, this has been more like a Midsommer Murder episode done in 3 parts and each one has been glorious. I have loved reading about Lord Byron and Prince Valiant, their motley group and family, friends and supporters. Of all the possible suspects for psycho bad guy, it was the least expected. I’ve loved this series and I very much look forward to reading more from Dahlia Donovan.
December 16, 2020
This last installment was still fun to read but the resolution was not that satisfying hence the lower rating. The body count is high by the end but there is not really a sense of dread throughout which is kind of surprising. I liked the relationship between the two MCs and with their families (even though Bishan's is almost too perfect). I would still recommend the whole book (meaning the three installments).
September 1, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5 stars. I read all three of these short novels by the pool on a short mini-vacation two hours away from home. With the cliffhangers on books one and two, you might as well make sure you have all three queued up because if you like it even a little, you have to keep reading. This is basically one book split into three parts, which is probably all due to marketing and fairly common on Amazon, honestly. It’s a sweet, inclusive, gay cozy mystery with maybe more Murder and Stress than most cozies. Once I’m not typing on my phone poolside I’ll try to add more thoughts.
October 17, 2018
This is a great conclusion to this trilogy. This book picks up where the events from the previous book ended. I really like these characters and enjoyed getting to know them. There is plenty of suspense, and a few emotional moments. I do suggest reading this trilogy in order for best enjoyment, it’s worth it.
September 26, 2018
Full review coming soon
October 30, 2018
While still super cute I thought it was a little anticlimactic with the reveal of the killer
July 10, 2020
This is my second time reading this series and I still guessed the wrong person 😂
May 12, 2021
4.25 stars
January 24, 2021
3.5 Stars
October 22, 2018
This was a perfect way to end this trilogy. Though I do hope that we will see more of these characters in the future. The story picks up where book two left off so if you haven’t read any of the earlier books this one will not make any sense.
Valor and Bishan are back and boy do they pack a wallop in this book. Bishan is still having a hard time adjusting but with Valor by his side he is doing better. Neither are living without fear though and both want to solve who is doing these murders and why.
These two do have some light comedy amongst the danger and tragedy. Their ongoing fight with their neighbor the frog lady is a hoot. I am loving their gnomes and the detective gnome is awesome.
The story now has Valor having to make some major decisions and we see Bishan begin writing his own composition of music. It begins with him releasing his anger and feelings and ends with such hope to me. While this is happening, he is working on the anagrams not anagrams and trying to get a routine again.
Valor is remodeling he shop, dealing with his family and trying to figure out who is after him and why. They are also working on being together as well. Watching these two and how they love each other and support one another. I love their dynamic and how they are with one another. I love how their friends rally around them and how the detective on the case is there for them as well.
The story has some relationships begin, a family begin to come together or at least brother and sister come together, a killer be found, two men heroically put themselves in the line of danger and have their relationship strengthen as well. There are twists and turns but through it all you can’t help but love Valor and Bishan more than you already do. such a wonderful ending and I really do hope we see more of these characters.
Valor and Bishan are back and boy do they pack a wallop in this book. Bishan is still having a hard time adjusting but with Valor by his side he is doing better. Neither are living without fear though and both want to solve who is doing these murders and why.
These two do have some light comedy amongst the danger and tragedy. Their ongoing fight with their neighbor the frog lady is a hoot. I am loving their gnomes and the detective gnome is awesome.
The story now has Valor having to make some major decisions and we see Bishan begin writing his own composition of music. It begins with him releasing his anger and feelings and ends with such hope to me. While this is happening, he is working on the anagrams not anagrams and trying to get a routine again.
Valor is remodeling he shop, dealing with his family and trying to figure out who is after him and why. They are also working on being together as well. Watching these two and how they love each other and support one another. I love their dynamic and how they are with one another. I love how their friends rally around them and how the detective on the case is there for them as well.
The story has some relationships begin, a family begin to come together or at least brother and sister come together, a killer be found, two men heroically put themselves in the line of danger and have their relationship strengthen as well. There are twists and turns but through it all you can’t help but love Valor and Bishan more than you already do. such a wonderful ending and I really do hope we see more of these characters.
December 3, 2018
When the murderer was discovered, I had no clue who that person actually was, since I read the first of these books a while ago, and had forgotten the names possibly suggested earlier in the series.
Really, this series would've been better off being edited and bundled into one book, rather than having three separate offerings. It was a pleasant enough reading experience, but didn't appeal to me as much as it seems to have appealed to most other reviewers. 2.5 stars
Really, this series would've been better off being edited and bundled into one book, rather than having three separate offerings. It was a pleasant enough reading experience, but didn't appeal to me as much as it seems to have appealed to most other reviewers. 2.5 stars
August 4, 2020
I Am Exhausted! (Capitalized because it's important.*) That was one hell of a ride.
So many murders! So many times our heroes were in danger for their lives!
These three Grasmere Cottage Mystery books were originally published in October 2018, one week apart. One week! I doubt I would have been able to wait that long because books 1 and 2 both ended with HUGE cliffhangers. Thankfully, I was able to jump immediately from one book to the next.
(Usually about half-way through a mystery, I look ahead to see who the murderer is, then go back and read the rest of the book. (No, it doesn't ruin the book for me.) In this case, I had to buy all three books at once because the killer isn't revealed until the third book.)
Warning!: Each book touted as a "Romantic Cozy Mystery." They are NOT (by my definition). They ARE romantic in that the two men are completely in love. But it's not a "romance," in that it isn't about how they met and fell in love. It's about how much they care for each other. The writing about their relationship is just lovely. (I couldn't even begin to describe it.) It jumps off the page. Kudos to Dahlia Donovan.
Nor, as I mentioned before, is the book (and series) "cozy." The body count is high (double digits?) and the victims are close to the MCs. And the lethal danger to our heroes is enormous. My anxiety was crazy high and my adrenaline "rush" didn't rush to go away. It took 6 days to get back to normal levels—the time it took me to finish the series.
I have only one complaint about the ending. But oh well.
*Per A Destiny of Dragons. Or was it The Consumption of Magic?
So many murders! So many times our heroes were in danger for their lives!
These three Grasmere Cottage Mystery books were originally published in October 2018, one week apart. One week! I doubt I would have been able to wait that long because books 1 and 2 both ended with HUGE cliffhangers. Thankfully, I was able to jump immediately from one book to the next.
(Usually about half-way through a mystery, I look ahead to see who the murderer is, then go back and read the rest of the book. (No, it doesn't ruin the book for me.) In this case, I had to buy all three books at once because the killer isn't revealed until the third book.)
Warning!: Each book touted as a "Romantic Cozy Mystery." They are NOT (by my definition). They ARE romantic in that the two men are completely in love. But it's not a "romance," in that it isn't about how they met and fell in love. It's about how much they care for each other. The writing about their relationship is just lovely. (I couldn't even begin to describe it.) It jumps off the page. Kudos to Dahlia Donovan.
Nor, as I mentioned before, is the book (and series) "cozy." The body count is high (double digits?) and the victims are close to the MCs. And the lethal danger to our heroes is enormous. My anxiety was crazy high and my adrenaline "rush" didn't rush to go away. It took 6 days to get back to normal levels—the time it took me to finish the series.
I have only one complaint about the ending. But oh well.
*Per A Destiny of Dragons. Or was it The Consumption of Magic?
October 23, 2018
Dead in the Shop
By: Dahlia Donovan
I was asked by the author or publisher to give an honest review of this book.
I give this one 5 tiaras:
Overall I liked this book and read it quickly. I ended up reading all three books rather quickly as the endings leaving it hanging and I didn’t want to keep waiting to know how things would end. I felt so sorry for these characters and the fact that their lives could never be just another day.
Bish is an autistic, sweet but Sheldon-like person (from Big Bang Theory) he doesn’t like a lot of crowds, noises, etc. he just wants things to be quiet and easy. He wants his music to be able to be played, to write his symphony, and to be with his lover, Val.
Val is a hard worker, a strong man, and absolutely in love with Bish he doesn’t know what he will do if anything ever happens to him.
The problem they are both being hunted by a crazy, serial killer. This time he/she has killed friends and almost killed several more. He/she doesn’t seem to care who gets in the way.
The last one ended on a cliffhanger and I went right into this one. In this one, there are many twists and turns.
Spoiler Alert**
Val’s dad the Earl is killed and this now becomes quite the cop affair, plus in the last book Bish was really hurt and he is still recovering.
Well this time it is Val’s turn to be actually taken by the killer, he is abducted right out front of their still being renovated, shop.
The question is will he survive and how? Will the nightmare ever end and how do the two of them get out of their nightmare roller coaster with a serial killer?
And what is the motive of this person, who seems to want to claim everyone around them? Is it really out of love for Valor? Or is it due to something else? This book ends the quest for peace and harmony for the two lovers and helps to tie up the pieces. But read up to see if their lives will ever be the same!
Happy Reading!
By: Dahlia Donovan
I was asked by the author or publisher to give an honest review of this book.
I give this one 5 tiaras:
Overall I liked this book and read it quickly. I ended up reading all three books rather quickly as the endings leaving it hanging and I didn’t want to keep waiting to know how things would end. I felt so sorry for these characters and the fact that their lives could never be just another day.
Bish is an autistic, sweet but Sheldon-like person (from Big Bang Theory) he doesn’t like a lot of crowds, noises, etc. he just wants things to be quiet and easy. He wants his music to be able to be played, to write his symphony, and to be with his lover, Val.
Val is a hard worker, a strong man, and absolutely in love with Bish he doesn’t know what he will do if anything ever happens to him.
The problem they are both being hunted by a crazy, serial killer. This time he/she has killed friends and almost killed several more. He/she doesn’t seem to care who gets in the way.
The last one ended on a cliffhanger and I went right into this one. In this one, there are many twists and turns.
Spoiler Alert**
Val’s dad the Earl is killed and this now becomes quite the cop affair, plus in the last book Bish was really hurt and he is still recovering.
Well this time it is Val’s turn to be actually taken by the killer, he is abducted right out front of their still being renovated, shop.
The question is will he survive and how? Will the nightmare ever end and how do the two of them get out of their nightmare roller coaster with a serial killer?
And what is the motive of this person, who seems to want to claim everyone around them? Is it really out of love for Valor? Or is it due to something else? This book ends the quest for peace and harmony for the two lovers and helps to tie up the pieces. But read up to see if their lives will ever be the same!
Happy Reading!
October 31, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
For Books 1 through 3
Rating 5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-eUe
From that Review: "The stories appear together under one cover in paperback format at Hot Tree Publishing, also separately in all eBook formats wherein lies the rub for me. See, I was lucky to read it as one story (still not sure how the author and publisher gave me the paperback version in e format). Cal them. Because read in one flowing story? The best thing ever!!
I didn't realize they were actual separate stories until I went back to the author to beg her to write more Grasmere Cottage cosies. That's when I found out these were three stories not one and this couple was, at least, temporarily on hold for more. But after reading these amazing tales you will see why I'm holding out for the trilogy to turn into a series. Why Valor and Bish have captured my imagination along with my heart.
Especially when the author hooks them up with one really ugly serial killer intent on destroying their hard won love and sanctuary in Grasmere Cottage. Oh what a marvelous couple Dahlia Donovan has created here. Unusual and perfect for each other, each with their own fascinating back histories and personalities that when mixed together become a complex, highly intelligent, loving, and absolutely unique crime fighting couple.
Talk about your layers! Valor Tarquin Scott, tossed out of the family (for being gay) highly bred society son, now running a niche bakery and living happily with Bish in what his family refers to as his grubby little cottage. Bishan Tambol, autistic, has been able to turn his love of music into a career with the London Symphony Orchestra. That together with their cat, and a love of the stories of the detective Poirot given them a contented and lovely life together. Plus the support of Bish's huge family too."
for all our reviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
For Books 1 through 3
Rating 5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-eUe
From that Review: "The stories appear together under one cover in paperback format at Hot Tree Publishing, also separately in all eBook formats wherein lies the rub for me. See, I was lucky to read it as one story (still not sure how the author and publisher gave me the paperback version in e format). Cal them. Because read in one flowing story? The best thing ever!!
I didn't realize they were actual separate stories until I went back to the author to beg her to write more Grasmere Cottage cosies. That's when I found out these were three stories not one and this couple was, at least, temporarily on hold for more. But after reading these amazing tales you will see why I'm holding out for the trilogy to turn into a series. Why Valor and Bish have captured my imagination along with my heart.
Especially when the author hooks them up with one really ugly serial killer intent on destroying their hard won love and sanctuary in Grasmere Cottage. Oh what a marvelous couple Dahlia Donovan has created here. Unusual and perfect for each other, each with their own fascinating back histories and personalities that when mixed together become a complex, highly intelligent, loving, and absolutely unique crime fighting couple.
Talk about your layers! Valor Tarquin Scott, tossed out of the family (for being gay) highly bred society son, now running a niche bakery and living happily with Bish in what his family refers to as his grubby little cottage. Bishan Tambol, autistic, has been able to turn his love of music into a career with the London Symphony Orchestra. That together with their cat, and a love of the stories of the detective Poirot given them a contented and lovely life together. Plus the support of Bish's huge family too."
for all our reviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
June 12, 2020
(Same review for each part of this not-series)
2.5 rounded up for positive & realistic inclusion of an autistic MC.
This is -not- the first book in a series. It is the first in a story broken into 3 parts & ends on a cliffhanger. So, instead of the quick cozy I wanted, by the time I got to the cliffhanger, I was 1/3 of the through a 400 page story - not what I signed up for. I went ahead & read the next 2 because I was still curious about who did this & why, although by book 3 I was really just skimming so I could get to the final reveal.
As for the story, I liked the MCs & their circle of friends & family (well, Bish’s family). I snort laughed at the resolution to the escalating tensions with the frog lady.
Spoilers? I thought the mystery aspect fell flat in the resolution. I’ve read many a book with an unsatisfactory denouement, but for the love of Pete, I really expected something that made more sense. This just seemed like. “Ok, here’s the killer. He was crazy & that’s really all you need to know to understand why he did what he did.” There was an attempt to try to explain the motive with his experience at Harrow, but that rang hollow to me. I felt like the murders were mostly chalked up to untreated mental illness. Like it’s a well known fact that people with mental illness are merely a prescription away from becoming serial killers. It’s weird & disappointing that a book that portrayed autism so thoughtfully, would then turn around & stereotype people with mental illness
As I liked the characters & writing, I may read more by this author in the future depending on the genre (no more mysteries) & whether I feel I’m being tricked into a muti-volume book vs a true series.
2.5 rounded up for positive & realistic inclusion of an autistic MC.
This is -not- the first book in a series. It is the first in a story broken into 3 parts & ends on a cliffhanger. So, instead of the quick cozy I wanted, by the time I got to the cliffhanger, I was 1/3 of the through a 400 page story - not what I signed up for. I went ahead & read the next 2 because I was still curious about who did this & why, although by book 3 I was really just skimming so I could get to the final reveal.
As for the story, I liked the MCs & their circle of friends & family (well, Bish’s family). I snort laughed at the resolution to the escalating tensions with the frog lady.
Spoilers? I thought the mystery aspect fell flat in the resolution. I’ve read many a book with an unsatisfactory denouement, but for the love of Pete, I really expected something that made more sense. This just seemed like. “Ok, here’s the killer. He was crazy & that’s really all you need to know to understand why he did what he did.” There was an attempt to try to explain the motive with his experience at Harrow, but that rang hollow to me. I felt like the murders were mostly chalked up to untreated mental illness. Like it’s a well known fact that people with mental illness are merely a prescription away from becoming serial killers. It’s weird & disappointing that a book that portrayed autism so thoughtfully, would then turn around & stereotype people with mental illness
As I liked the characters & writing, I may read more by this author in the future depending on the genre (no more mysteries) & whether I feel I’m being tricked into a muti-volume book vs a true series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2018
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
April 12, 2019
This was a bit of a letdown. I liked the story and I loved Bishan and Val but I feel like the reveal of the mystery and the explanation was not very well done. Also, what possible reason would the killer have to kill Lord Scott? Atleast when the killer was obsessed with Valor things made more sense but yeah, this reveal of the mystery was lukewarm at best.
But despite, that sad note, I still loved Val and Bishan who are two of the most amazing characters I have ever known and all those HP and LOTR references give my face a very cheeky grin to wear. Also, the entire trilogy is a lovefest to Poirot which is just adorable, don't ask me why.
This book and the trilogy as a whole has some amazing characters of note being Reggie Spurling and Hugh, the two detectives who help Bishan and Val so much. I really loved these two especially Reggie who is basically the new Greg Lestrade. I actually wish him a lot of happiness because he was amazing. Also, here's hoping to years of peace to Bishan and Val after what they went through.
This trilogy as a whole spun an amazing mystery with some amazing characters. The characters will definitely stay with me forever and meeting Bishan as an adult autistic felt so nice because we hardly ever get to meet such characters. This trilogy is definitely worth a read for some unforgettable memories.
But despite, that sad note, I still loved Val and Bishan who are two of the most amazing characters I have ever known and all those HP and LOTR references give my face a very cheeky grin to wear. Also, the entire trilogy is a lovefest to Poirot which is just adorable, don't ask me why.
This book and the trilogy as a whole has some amazing characters of note being Reggie Spurling and Hugh, the two detectives who help Bishan and Val so much. I really loved these two especially Reggie who is basically the new Greg Lestrade. I actually wish him a lot of happiness because he was amazing. Also, here's hoping to years of peace to Bishan and Val after what they went through.
This trilogy as a whole spun an amazing mystery with some amazing characters. The characters will definitely stay with me forever and meeting Bishan as an adult autistic felt so nice because we hardly ever get to meet such characters. This trilogy is definitely worth a read for some unforgettable memories.
April 30, 2023
This series was full of potential that it never actually reached. For starters, I fully skipped book two and didn't seem to really miss anything major; I followed this one just fine. Needless to say, that's not good. Let's bulletpoint some major issues I had.
--Serial killers generally are not the domain of cozy mysteries, let alone mentally unstable serial killers. (The mental illness aspect is done with thorough disgrace, by the way.) Serial killers need rising tension and dread to go with the growing body count, but this is a cozy, so we get quirky neighbors and a loved-up main couple. It's cute, but it feels a little tonally jarring.
--This entire series could've easily been one book. I'm not sure why it wasn't; even unedited, it could've been. None of the books are long.
--There's quirky and there's quirky. I don't know how else to explain it. But I didn't find a lot of the humor funny just over the top.
--The body count was stupidly high... the reason for said serial killing spree was... basically nonexistent. It was so flimsy, even the main character didn't believe it! That's... a choice.
--Serial killers generally are not the domain of cozy mysteries, let alone mentally unstable serial killers. (The mental illness aspect is done with thorough disgrace, by the way.) Serial killers need rising tension and dread to go with the growing body count, but this is a cozy, so we get quirky neighbors and a loved-up main couple. It's cute, but it feels a little tonally jarring.
--This entire series could've easily been one book. I'm not sure why it wasn't; even unedited, it could've been. None of the books are long.
--There's quirky and there's quirky. I don't know how else to explain it. But I didn't find a lot of the humor funny just over the top.
--The body count was stupidly high... the reason for said serial killing spree was... basically nonexistent. It was so flimsy, even the main character didn't believe it! That's... a choice.
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