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Grasmere Cottage Mystery #2
Dead in the Pond
A Romantic Cosy Mystery.
Join bestselling author Dahlia Donovan on a cosy mystery adventure in Grasmere Cottage Mystery book two. With love, wit, and a murder to solve, life for Valor and Bishan continues to be blinkin' complicated in this sweet gay romance.
Killer on the loose? Check.
Frogs in the garden? Check.
Playing a twisted game with a killer? Not good.
Bishan Tamboli struggles to recover from his false arrest. He worries the police still aren’t as convinced about his innocence. With his longtime boyfriend, Valor, at his side, he intends to solve the puzzles and catch the murderer amongst their former schoolmates.
He’s fought hard for his independence as an autistic and refuses to throw it all away because of a nameless monster. With friends and family in the killer’s crosshairs, Bishan fears the mystery will bring the end of everything and everyone he loves.
Join bestselling author Dahlia Donovan on a cosy mystery adventure in Grasmere Cottage Mystery book two. With love, wit, and a murder to solve, life for Valor and Bishan continues to be blinkin' complicated in this sweet gay romance.
Killer on the loose? Check.
Frogs in the garden? Check.
Playing a twisted game with a killer? Not good.
Bishan Tamboli struggles to recover from his false arrest. He worries the police still aren’t as convinced about his innocence. With his longtime boyfriend, Valor, at his side, he intends to solve the puzzles and catch the murderer amongst their former schoolmates.
He’s fought hard for his independence as an autistic and refuses to throw it all away because of a nameless monster. With friends and family in the killer’s crosshairs, Bishan fears the mystery will bring the end of everything and everyone he loves.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2018
18 people are currently reading
222 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 70 reviews
November 14, 2018
This just gets better and better! Have the third one queued up when this one is done!
October 15, 2018
This book picks up where the first book ends,starting this story off at a fast paced and not stopping until the last page is turned. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and following along on their journey. As with the previous book, this ends on a cliffhanger. I suggest reading this series in order. It’s a great series and worth reading.
October 12, 2018
I fell in love with the first book in this series and I fell even more in love with this book. This one picks right up where "Dead in the Garden" ends. However, this time, we get to read from Bishan's point of view and I think this make me even more excited to read each page.
Again, Valor and Bishan are faced with a murder and puzzles. They still are working to figure out who is targeting them and why. With each chapter, the plot gets thicker. And with each chapter, I am more captivated.
As much as the plot is captivating, so is the character development. We get to learn more about Bishan in this book than we did in the first. We also get to learn more about Valor's background and his family. And it is all so very interesting.
Starting the third book in this trilogy, (Dead in the Shop) right now! I cannot wait to see where this story takes our characters and our mystery!
Reviewed by: Brianne M.
Again, Valor and Bishan are faced with a murder and puzzles. They still are working to figure out who is targeting them and why. With each chapter, the plot gets thicker. And with each chapter, I am more captivated.
As much as the plot is captivating, so is the character development. We get to learn more about Bishan in this book than we did in the first. We also get to learn more about Valor's background and his family. And it is all so very interesting.
Starting the third book in this trilogy, (Dead in the Shop) right now! I cannot wait to see where this story takes our characters and our mystery!
Reviewed by: Brianne M.
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, with a major cliffhanger at the end of this one.
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 (especially now that Bish is no longer in jail). The mystery did seem to drag on just a little bit at times, but that might just be because of the cliffhanger.
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 (especially now that Bish is no longer in jail). The mystery did seem to drag on just a little bit at times, but that might just be because of the cliffhanger.
This is a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up to 4.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
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March 4, 2019!!! Part 2 of 3 - not a complete story !!!
This volume is from Bishan's pov. (The autistic partner who was off page for too much of volume one.)
Total cliffhanger ending.
Not doing a real review until the end of volume 3 since it's really just one book randomly chopped into thirds.
This volume is from Bishan's pov. (The autistic partner who was off page for too much of volume one.)
Total cliffhanger ending.
Not doing a real review until the end of volume 3 since it's really just one book randomly chopped into thirds.
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 18, 2018
This is book two in the Grasmere Cottage Mystery Trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alones and they follow on.
Bishan, now out of jail, and Valor still have no idea who is killing, and why Bish and Valor have been singled out. Then another body is discovered, and Valor's worst nightmare comes true. Bish tries, he really does, but he just wants things to go back to the way they were, before.
Bishan has his say here, and just Bishan. He is Autistic, and his minds does go off at tangents all over the place, and he does take some following.
But I'm so bloody glad he gets his voice here!!
The guys are trying to piece together who might be doing this, and getting nowhere. Neither are the police. Things seem to calm down, then Bish and Valor are in a car accident that appears to be anything but. Didn't expect that particular person to stoop quite so low, but when HE turns up dead, and Valor is faced with having to deal with the family who disowned him so long ago. Bish struggles with that, but knows it's gotta be done.
Bish's mind wanders all over the place, but always seems to come back to the point at hand, he just goes the long way round. You have to concentrate, pat attention and keep up! For ME?? That's a really good thing! Being a speed reader at the best of times, if I've gotta slow down, it's the sign of a great book.
There is almost two plot lines going on here: the murders, and whatever is happening with Valor's family and just WHY they are so desperate to bring him back to London, away from Bish. But Valor won't go, not without Bishan. He LOVES Bishan, I loved the scene where they decide to definitely NOT get married! The love these two have for each other comes across every time Valor reaches for Bish and is rewarded with their joined hands, every time Bish makes tea for Valor, in every single thing they do for each other.
I fell in love with Bishan here, and his mum!
I'm still none the wiser as to whodunnit or why, but it's great that I'm being kept on my toes!
OH!!! Massive cliffhanger here! There was one for book one, but here's is far bigger!
Since Bishan has such an interesting voice
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Bishan, now out of jail, and Valor still have no idea who is killing, and why Bish and Valor have been singled out. Then another body is discovered, and Valor's worst nightmare comes true. Bish tries, he really does, but he just wants things to go back to the way they were, before.
Bishan has his say here, and just Bishan. He is Autistic, and his minds does go off at tangents all over the place, and he does take some following.
But I'm so bloody glad he gets his voice here!!
The guys are trying to piece together who might be doing this, and getting nowhere. Neither are the police. Things seem to calm down, then Bish and Valor are in a car accident that appears to be anything but. Didn't expect that particular person to stoop quite so low, but when HE turns up dead, and Valor is faced with having to deal with the family who disowned him so long ago. Bish struggles with that, but knows it's gotta be done.
Bish's mind wanders all over the place, but always seems to come back to the point at hand, he just goes the long way round. You have to concentrate, pat attention and keep up! For ME?? That's a really good thing! Being a speed reader at the best of times, if I've gotta slow down, it's the sign of a great book.
There is almost two plot lines going on here: the murders, and whatever is happening with Valor's family and just WHY they are so desperate to bring him back to London, away from Bish. But Valor won't go, not without Bishan. He LOVES Bishan, I loved the scene where they decide to definitely NOT get married! The love these two have for each other comes across every time Valor reaches for Bish and is rewarded with their joined hands, every time Bish makes tea for Valor, in every single thing they do for each other.
I fell in love with Bishan here, and his mum!
I'm still none the wiser as to whodunnit or why, but it's great that I'm being kept on my toes!
OH!!! Massive cliffhanger here! There was one for book one, but here's is far bigger!
Since Bishan has such an interesting voice
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
October 13, 2018
More action, more intrigue, and more questions!! Once again, Donovan leaves us at the edge of a cliff, desperate for answers. The stakes are even higher this time and we are still no closer to discovering who the killer is.
The death toll keeps rising and I’m not sure what to think about that. In addition to that, there are lots of characters to keep track of. At times it’s confusing as we haven’t met most except for the quick party scene in the first book. They mention these names and I have to go back to see who they are talking about and what their interactions were like. I’m hoping things start coming together more in the next book.
Through all the danger and worry, Valor and Bishan remain intact. Their love for one another and their fierce loyalty are so endearing. The relationship aspect adds so much the story. I’m really enjoying their story and I love that we got to see things from Bish’s POV this time. It allowed me to gain a better understanding of who he is. I am eager to jump into the next book to see what happens!
April 16, 2021
Dead in the Pond immediately picks up after the ending in Dead in the Garden. Bishan has just been released from jail after he was arrested as a suspect for murdering a former classmate. It turns out the police arrested the wrong person and now there's a murderous serial killer on the loose killing former classmates and heads of their alma mater. I enjoyed hearing Bishan's POV in the second book as he tries to ease back into a normal routine after weeks in prison. The mystery continues in Book 2 and more bodies start piling up as Valor and Bishan channel their inner Poirot to find the killer before someone else dies! This ends on a major cliffhanger which is where Book 3 comes in. I'm so glad I started reading this series after the last book was released because I would have died waiting! I love this series and it's an amazing mystery-murder whodunnit romance :)
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.
ETA: I liked this one the most, because I enjoyed seeing Bishan's POV after he spent most of the first book in jail for no reason.
ETA: I liked this one the most, because I enjoyed seeing Bishan's POV after he spent most of the first book in jail for no reason.
October 20, 2025
Another adventure with Val and Bish has made me even MORE thirsty. We continue our murder mystery with absolutely no clue where the ending may take us, and baby I’m here for it!
Just when you think you’re getting somewhere close, Dahlia decides to throw a twist and points us in a new direction. Was I convinced I knew who the murderer was? Yes. Did Dahlia do something to throw my suspicions around violently? Yes. Do I have an idea of who the killer may be? Nope, and I’m not even mad.
This author knows how to keep a murder mystery journey exciting and consistent, and as I travel onto third book of the series, I can only pray we learn who the killer is…..otherwise I’m going to scream.
Loved this book and whenever I eat something with cinnamon, I’ll be thinking of this dynamic duo.
Just when you think you’re getting somewhere close, Dahlia decides to throw a twist and points us in a new direction. Was I convinced I knew who the murderer was? Yes. Did Dahlia do something to throw my suspicions around violently? Yes. Do I have an idea of who the killer may be? Nope, and I’m not even mad.
This author knows how to keep a murder mystery journey exciting and consistent, and as I travel onto third book of the series, I can only pray we learn who the killer is…..otherwise I’m going to scream.
Loved this book and whenever I eat something with cinnamon, I’ll be thinking of this dynamic duo.
October 4, 2018
So this book picks up right where book 1 ended. A heartbreaking death for the couple. Sadly it only is going to only get worse for the guys and their friends and family. Valor works on trying to figure out what his family wants and why they keep trying to get him to come back home. On top of that he has to deal with helping Bishan find some sort of normal from prison. But their is no time for routine or rest. AMD it ends in a cliffhanger
The second book really takes off with the action. Bishan spends his time trying to figure out what all the puzzles mean. Bishan really starts showing everyone that he is stronger than people think. The book is told from bishans point of view.
I just loved this book as much as the 1st. I cried and laughed. I could not put it down, I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
The second book really takes off with the action. Bishan spends his time trying to figure out what all the puzzles mean. Bishan really starts showing everyone that he is stronger than people think. The book is told from bishans point of view.
I just loved this book as much as the 1st. I cried and laughed. I could not put it down, I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
October 16, 2018
This book sucked me right in and I read this in one day. I could not put it down.
Val and Bish have been through the ringer and it’s not about to get any better for them. This books picked right up where book one left off. There is a killer on the loose and no one is safe.
We get to see more of Bish and how he interacts and reacts to the friends and family through this stressful time. I totally fell in love with these guys and their relationship. They are perfect for each other and know how to calm each other.
Don’t miss out on installment two. I can’t wait to move onto book 3. I need this killer found.
Val and Bish have been through the ringer and it’s not about to get any better for them. This books picked right up where book one left off. There is a killer on the loose and no one is safe.
We get to see more of Bish and how he interacts and reacts to the friends and family through this stressful time. I totally fell in love with these guys and their relationship. They are perfect for each other and know how to calm each other.
Don’t miss out on installment two. I can’t wait to move onto book 3. I need this killer found.
June 26, 2020
Another very mysterious mystery.
I enjoyed getting to hear through Bish in this one.
I love how sweet this couple are.
The murderer is intriguing me. I'm eagerly looking forward to all being revealed.
My only niggle is again being left hanging and feeling I am being held hostage to buy the next book.
I enjoyed getting to hear through Bish in this one.
I love how sweet this couple are.
The murderer is intriguing me. I'm eagerly looking forward to all being revealed.
My only niggle is again being left hanging and feeling I am being held hostage to buy the next book.
December 15, 2020
The plot thickens and is not resolved. This installment is told from Bishan POV. This feels more like 3 parts of the same book (especially given their short length) than a series so it's difficult to summarize: you need to have read the first book because it takes up right where the first left off and nothing is explained again. It's still fun and light.
May 5, 2023
I liked it, but not quite as much as the first entry in the trilogy. I appreciate the array of characters, but because these are relatively short books the author doesn’t really develop many characters as deeply as I would like. Still a fun and entertaining read, and I’m definitely excited to finish the last book, but didn’t capture my attention quite the same as the first one.
April 29, 2019
Thrilling
I love book 2 as much as I loved book 1! An autistic Anglo-Indian and a disinherited aristocrat may not seem to have much in common, but these two fascinating men have to fight a serial killer to survive.
A great gay series!
I love book 2 as much as I loved book 1! An autistic Anglo-Indian and a disinherited aristocrat may not seem to have much in common, but these two fascinating men have to fight a serial killer to survive.
A great gay series!
October 27, 2018
Again, super cute. That cliffhanger ending got me. I’m really excited to see how the third and final book plays out
September 8, 2019
Cliffhanger! You better have book three ready to go because this ends in a big cliffhanger and book three picks up right where this one left off. Thank goodness I got all three books at the same time.
August 3, 2020
In her forward to her book Murder at Pirate's Cove, Josh Lanyon states a cozy mystery doesn't include on-page sex. (Probably written so her long-standing fans wouldn't be disappointed.) So if you're looking for steamy sex, this series isn't for you. However, if you enjoy the sweetness of a still-romantic established couple, each man with his own challenges, by all means, read the series!
This second book is told from Bishan's POV. We see his every day struggles with autism and how he copes with it. (And how Valor can read him and supports him when Bish is overwhelmed.) Interestingly, this is the second book I've read this year written from the perspective of an autistic character. Since Dahlia Donovan is also autistic, Bishan's actions are sure to be realistic. I do think that Forget Me Not by Jordan Castillo Price may be a better representation, probably because she's the better writer.
That said, I no longer consider this a cozy mystery. Sure, it takes place in a quaint village and has eccentric supporting characters (plus a cat). But the body count is ridiculously HIGH (and likely go even higher since this is only the 2nd of 3 books) and the victims are too close to the MCs for comfort. And our heroes are in extreme danger throughout (as opposed to just regular danger towards the end of the book). I'm worried what's in store for them in the next book!
Still, I'm intrigued by the mystery, the supporting characters are enjoyable, and the writing is fine (albeit a little simplistic). Is it wrong that I've watched every single series mentioned in the books—including every single episode of Poirot? (Although I'm more of a Miss Marple fan.)
This second book is told from Bishan's POV. We see his every day struggles with autism and how he copes with it. (And how Valor can read him and supports him when Bish is overwhelmed.) Interestingly, this is the second book I've read this year written from the perspective of an autistic character. Since Dahlia Donovan is also autistic, Bishan's actions are sure to be realistic. I do think that Forget Me Not by Jordan Castillo Price may be a better representation, probably because she's the better writer.
That said, I no longer consider this a cozy mystery. Sure, it takes place in a quaint village and has eccentric supporting characters (plus a cat). But the body count is ridiculously HIGH (and likely go even higher since this is only the 2nd of 3 books) and the victims are too close to the MCs for comfort. And our heroes are in extreme danger throughout (as opposed to just regular danger towards the end of the book). I'm worried what's in store for them in the next book!
Still, I'm intrigued by the mystery, the supporting characters are enjoyable, and the writing is fine (albeit a little simplistic). Is it wrong that I've watched every single series mentioned in the books—including every single episode of Poirot? (Although I'm more of a Miss Marple fan.)
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."
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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 28, 2018
This is the second installment in the Grasmere Cottage Mystery. If you haven't read the first in the series, it is a must in order to understand what is happening with Bishan, Valor and the murders. Dead in the Pond picks up right where Dead in the Garden left off.
This story is told from Bishan's point of view. You get a bit of an insight into how the autistic mind works. His mind thrives on routine, logic and when his mind wanders, you get to see how he comes back to himself. You also see how his family and Valor are with him. I liked seeing that people didn't treat Bishan as a fragile, breakable thing because his mind works differently that most peoples'.
Valor and Bishan together gave me heart eyes. They truly love and care for each other. They take care of each other.
There is a bit more action in this book. The killer has seemed to stepped up his game and is becoming more and more dangerous towards Bishan and Valor. There only clues we really have at this point is the puzzles that are being left behind and that very obviously, the killer is stalking Bish and Valor.
I can not stand the cliffhangers. They make me want to pull my hair out. My advice, read them as the bundle of three books that it is. Otherwise you're not going to be too happy. In my honest opinion, this could have been published as one book and it would have been perfect.
I'm off to read the third book, because I seriously need to know why Bishan and Valor were chosen and why people are being murdered.
This story is told from Bishan's point of view. You get a bit of an insight into how the autistic mind works. His mind thrives on routine, logic and when his mind wanders, you get to see how he comes back to himself. You also see how his family and Valor are with him. I liked seeing that people didn't treat Bishan as a fragile, breakable thing because his mind works differently that most peoples'.
Valor and Bishan together gave me heart eyes. They truly love and care for each other. They take care of each other.
There is a bit more action in this book. The killer has seemed to stepped up his game and is becoming more and more dangerous towards Bishan and Valor. There only clues we really have at this point is the puzzles that are being left behind and that very obviously, the killer is stalking Bish and Valor.
I can not stand the cliffhangers. They make me want to pull my hair out. My advice, read them as the bundle of three books that it is. Otherwise you're not going to be too happy. In my honest opinion, this could have been published as one book and it would have been perfect.
I'm off to read the third book, because I seriously need to know why Bishan and Valor were chosen and why people are being murdered.
October 13, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Dead in the Pond is book 2 in the Grasmere Cottage Mystery Trilogy and it needs to be read in order, do not try to skip book 1 because you'll be thoroughly lost otherwise, plus it's a fantastic read (despite the evil cliffhanger). If you don't like cliffhangers, well, you just have one more week before the third book is released so it's not that long of a wait, anyway.
This time around we got Bishan's POV and let me tell you, Dahlia Donovan did a fantastic job with him. She was able to translate her firsthand knowledge about Autism into her writing and I simply adored the insight into what Bishan had been dealing with his whole life and ever since the murders started and his thought processes and reactions to everyday stuff happening. I also love how sweet and protective Valor is of him, and yet, how he is always so careful to give Bishan the space he needs to be himself, to be independent.
The case is well thought out and I'm intrigued over who can be behind it all. Just when I thought I had a prime suspect, Ms. Donovan threw me a curveball and I'm back to square one. LOL I guess I'll have to wait until later next week to find out when I read book 3.
All in all, this series just keeps getting better and better, despite the cliffy, which was not nice at all. I choose to trust the author, though, so I'm hoping it isn't as bad as it appears. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Dead in the Pond is book 2 in the Grasmere Cottage Mystery Trilogy and it needs to be read in order, do not try to skip book 1 because you'll be thoroughly lost otherwise, plus it's a fantastic read (despite the evil cliffhanger). If you don't like cliffhangers, well, you just have one more week before the third book is released so it's not that long of a wait, anyway.
This time around we got Bishan's POV and let me tell you, Dahlia Donovan did a fantastic job with him. She was able to translate her firsthand knowledge about Autism into her writing and I simply adored the insight into what Bishan had been dealing with his whole life and ever since the murders started and his thought processes and reactions to everyday stuff happening. I also love how sweet and protective Valor is of him, and yet, how he is always so careful to give Bishan the space he needs to be himself, to be independent.
The case is well thought out and I'm intrigued over who can be behind it all. Just when I thought I had a prime suspect, Ms. Donovan threw me a curveball and I'm back to square one. LOL I guess I'll have to wait until later next week to find out when I read book 3.
All in all, this series just keeps getting better and better, despite the cliffy, which was not nice at all. I choose to trust the author, though, so I'm hoping it isn't as bad as it appears. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
December 19, 2018
Bishan is recovering from the memories of being falsely accused of murder and his time in jail waiting for release. How can he relax when he keeps expecting the police to come back and lock him up again. With Valor, he works to solve the mystery especially as another body is found.
Being autistic, he has to work for his right to his independence, he refuses to let this steal that away from him. He is going to fight to find the killer and keep the rest of his friends and family safe.
I really liked reading from Bishan's point of view. He has a unique view into the world and this POV helped bring character to life. We also get to see how different Bishan's warm and loving family is from Valor's cold and strange family.
This second book in the Grasmere Cottage Mystwry trilogy keeps up the suspense of who is targeting these characters. We get more character development that just endears these men to us. Be prepared for a cliffhanger ending and the continuation in book 3, Dead in the Shop.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Being autistic, he has to work for his right to his independence, he refuses to let this steal that away from him. He is going to fight to find the killer and keep the rest of his friends and family safe.
I really liked reading from Bishan's point of view. He has a unique view into the world and this POV helped bring character to life. We also get to see how different Bishan's warm and loving family is from Valor's cold and strange family.
This second book in the Grasmere Cottage Mystwry trilogy keeps up the suspense of who is targeting these characters. We get more character development that just endears these men to us. Be prepared for a cliffhanger ending and the continuation in book 3, Dead in the Shop.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
October 15, 2018
This series you fall in love with from the beginning but this book you just are more in love with Bishan and Valor with each passing page. I love how Valor is there for Bishan and doesn’t push him. He just loves him and supports him. He believes in his strength and helps when Bishan needs it.
I love how yes Bishan is struggling but he isn’t letting the killer win. He is slowing finding his normal and fighting back. I love how he loves is family and how he is with VAlor. We learn more about Bishan in this book and see more of what is up with Valor and his family. We watch Bishan work on those puzzles and see them go through so much sadness and pain. But they are strong and together we see they are each other’s strength and what they need is each other.
The story is so entertaining and sweet. The detective inspector grows on you. And the feud with the frog lady is classic. There is more going on in this story and it is just as captivating as the first one. I hope even after the trilogy ends we get to see more of these two and their friends. The story is just wonderfully written and really endears you to everyone involved. The ending just wow..
I love how yes Bishan is struggling but he isn’t letting the killer win. He is slowing finding his normal and fighting back. I love how he loves is family and how he is with VAlor. We learn more about Bishan in this book and see more of what is up with Valor and his family. We watch Bishan work on those puzzles and see them go through so much sadness and pain. But they are strong and together we see they are each other’s strength and what they need is each other.
The story is so entertaining and sweet. The detective inspector grows on you. And the feud with the frog lady is classic. There is more going on in this story and it is just as captivating as the first one. I hope even after the trilogy ends we get to see more of these two and their friends. The story is just wonderfully written and really endears you to everyone involved. The ending just wow..
October 22, 2018
Dead in the Pond
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.
This one ends on a cliffhanger so just try not to pick up the next one. I couldn’t I had to pick it up and I am already almost done with it!
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.
This one ends on a cliffhanger so just try not to pick up the next one. I couldn’t I had to pick it up and I am already almost done with it!
Happy Reading!
October 20, 2018
We continue on where we left off in Dead in the Garden. More than half way through this second book and I was realizing that some of what I was thinking was faulty. Especially after at least one more body drops. This is truly a 'Who dun it?' book as there are reasons why different people could and would be behind the murders. Who has been murdered already? Who else gets murdered? How are they all connected, if at all? What is the deal with the puzzles that are left? Why does Valor go to London to see his family? What have they found? When Bishan and Reva go to their Auntie's restaurant? What happens? Talk about a suspenseful mystery series and this is only the second book! You're going to have to read to say why I said that my thought process was faulty! Enjoy the book!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
April 9, 2021
Death In the Pond is told from Bishan's POV, which surprised me. The first book was solely Valor's POV and I just assumed he would continue throughout the series. Bishan's POV is amazing. The author did a great job giving each man a unique voice. Maybe it's because one is autistic and the other is not, so there would be clear differences anyway. But I'm interested to see if that's the same in this author's other books.
In the meantime, the mystery is definitely escalating. The danger is more intense and getting more personal. I have my thoughts on who the killer is, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm missing something important. That the person I'm thinking of is meant to look suspicious so I'm looking in that direction instead of noticing other clues. We'll see.
While there is this intensity, most of the book feels like a cozy blanket. Warm, comfortable, familiar. While this is not a romance, per se ... it is romantic in it's own way. Valor and Bishan get each other. Clearly. And one of the sweetest, nicest, most breathtakingly romantic things I've ever read happens while they are arguing. Sort of. Because, as Bishan says, he avoids confrontation at all costs.
In the meantime, the mystery is definitely escalating. The danger is more intense and getting more personal. I have my thoughts on who the killer is, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm missing something important. That the person I'm thinking of is meant to look suspicious so I'm looking in that direction instead of noticing other clues. We'll see.
While there is this intensity, most of the book feels like a cozy blanket. Warm, comfortable, familiar. While this is not a romance, per se ... it is romantic in it's own way. Valor and Bishan get each other. Clearly. And one of the sweetest, nicest, most breathtakingly romantic things I've ever read happens while they are arguing. Sort of. Because, as Bishan says, he avoids confrontation at all costs.
October 11, 2018
I fell in love with the first book in this series and I fell even more in love with this book. This one picks right up where "Dead in the Garden" ends. However, this time, we get to read from Bishan's point of view and I think this make me even more excited to read each page.
Again, Valor and Bishan are faced with a murder and puzzles. They still are working to figure out who is targeting them and why. With each chapter, the plot gets thicker. And with each chapter, I am more captivated.
As much as the plot is captivating, so is the character development. We get to learn more about Bishan in this book than we did in the first. We also get to learn more about Valor's background and his family. And it is all so very interesting.
Starting the third book in this trilogy, (Dead in the Shop) right now! I cannot wait to see where this story takes our characters and our mystery!
Again, Valor and Bishan are faced with a murder and puzzles. They still are working to figure out who is targeting them and why. With each chapter, the plot gets thicker. And with each chapter, I am more captivated.
As much as the plot is captivating, so is the character development. We get to learn more about Bishan in this book than we did in the first. We also get to learn more about Valor's background and his family. And it is all so very interesting.
Starting the third book in this trilogy, (Dead in the Shop) right now! I cannot wait to see where this story takes our characters and our mystery!
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