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Aurora Anderson Mysteries #4
Designed For Haunting
October brings a message from Beyond The Grave...
Halloween is fast approaching in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson. While her painting chapter prepares to open its annual boutique house, Rory receives an unexpected email from Beyond The Grave, a company that automatically sends out messages when someone dies.
“I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.” Haunted by her friend’s disappearance and possible death, Rory begins her search with the help of best friend and fellow painter, Elizabeth (Liz) Dexter. Can they discover who has designs on the missing woman and uncover the truth before one of them becomes the stalker’s next victim?
Halloween is fast approaching in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson. While her painting chapter prepares to open its annual boutique house, Rory receives an unexpected email from Beyond The Grave, a company that automatically sends out messages when someone dies.
“I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.” Haunted by her friend’s disappearance and possible death, Rory begins her search with the help of best friend and fellow painter, Elizabeth (Liz) Dexter. Can they discover who has designs on the missing woman and uncover the truth before one of them becomes the stalker’s next victim?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2018
35 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Sybil Johnson
27 books357 followersMy love affair with reading began in kindergarten with "The Three Little Pigs." Visits to the library introduced me to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where I continued reading while studying Computer Science. After a rewarding career in the computer industry, I decided to try my hand at writing mysteries. My short fiction has appeared in Mysterical-E and Spinetingler Magazine, among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I now live in Southern California where I enjoy tole painting, learning ancient languages and spending time with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 27, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Halloween is just a few days away and so is the annual decorative painting open house. Rory’s group has been working hard to get everything ready. But an unusual and scary email has Rory Anderson concerned about a friend. The company, Beyond the Grave, offers a service that sends out a prewritten email if their member fails to respond to their check-in emails after a set number of days. Rory has received an email from Zelena, “I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.” Zelena was at the recent painting meeting, so she must have disappeared shortly after that. Rory asks her best friend Liz to help her try to find Zelena, hopefully, alive and get to the bottom of this haunting email.
This fourth installment to the Aurora (Rory) Anderson series evokes the Halloween theme very well. In addition to the missing woman, there are pranksters creating havoc with each prank worse than the last, a craft sale open house I would love to attend, and rumors of a ghost appearing nightly on the beach. All of which are drawing Rory’s attention.
The core characters of Rory and Liz are strong. They have each other’s back and Liz is still doing her best to push Rory to be a little more adventurous. Not quite Thelma and Louise and not quite Lucy and Ethel, but they do share characteristics of these famous duos. They do make a great team of sleuths.
We did meet some new characters this time. They were interesting in their own ways and added so much to this story. I did miss some of the usual characters from previous stories though.
I did enjoy the open house charity event. Set in an actual home that was on the market, each room set up to show wares decoratively painted for the different upcoming holidays. There was even a special escape room experience where entrants are given a set limit of time to “investigate” the room and its contents to solve a mystery. What a fun addition to a craft sale.
With three mysteries to solve, revealing the pranksters, the “ghost” on the beach, and Zelena’s disappearance, readers are kept on their toes. Rory is asked by her detective boyfriend to let him handle things but Rory just can’t do that even when things take an ominous turn. I always have fun tagging along with these amateur sleuths. Rory has a way of getting to the truth and the closer she gets the faster the pages were flipping. Hold on tight for that ending.
Another great story from Ms. Johnson and a fine addition to this series.
Halloween is just a few days away and so is the annual decorative painting open house. Rory’s group has been working hard to get everything ready. But an unusual and scary email has Rory Anderson concerned about a friend. The company, Beyond the Grave, offers a service that sends out a prewritten email if their member fails to respond to their check-in emails after a set number of days. Rory has received an email from Zelena, “I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.” Zelena was at the recent painting meeting, so she must have disappeared shortly after that. Rory asks her best friend Liz to help her try to find Zelena, hopefully, alive and get to the bottom of this haunting email.
This fourth installment to the Aurora (Rory) Anderson series evokes the Halloween theme very well. In addition to the missing woman, there are pranksters creating havoc with each prank worse than the last, a craft sale open house I would love to attend, and rumors of a ghost appearing nightly on the beach. All of which are drawing Rory’s attention.
The core characters of Rory and Liz are strong. They have each other’s back and Liz is still doing her best to push Rory to be a little more adventurous. Not quite Thelma and Louise and not quite Lucy and Ethel, but they do share characteristics of these famous duos. They do make a great team of sleuths.
We did meet some new characters this time. They were interesting in their own ways and added so much to this story. I did miss some of the usual characters from previous stories though.
I did enjoy the open house charity event. Set in an actual home that was on the market, each room set up to show wares decoratively painted for the different upcoming holidays. There was even a special escape room experience where entrants are given a set limit of time to “investigate” the room and its contents to solve a mystery. What a fun addition to a craft sale.
With three mysteries to solve, revealing the pranksters, the “ghost” on the beach, and Zelena’s disappearance, readers are kept on their toes. Rory is asked by her detective boyfriend to let him handle things but Rory just can’t do that even when things take an ominous turn. I always have fun tagging along with these amateur sleuths. Rory has a way of getting to the truth and the closer she gets the faster the pages were flipping. Hold on tight for that ending.
Another great story from Ms. Johnson and a fine addition to this series.
October 10, 2018
It's a couple of weeks before Halloween, and Aurora “Rory” Anderson and the rest of her painting friends are working on the annual benefit they put on where they sell their work for charity. That changes when Rory gets an e-mail from Zelena, a friend in her painting group that says the e-mail is being sent to Rory because Zelena is missing. As Rory begins to investigate, she learns that no one has seen Zelena for several days. A dead body just increases the stakes. Can Rory figure out what is really happening?
This is a great mystery with several other mysterious happenings that help cloud the issue. Yet as Rory sorts through what applies to the main mystery, she leads us to a clear picture of what happened. It all comes together in a page turning climax. The characters are strong; the new characters do their job of keeping us wondering what is really happening while Rory and the other series regulars were a delight to be around. This book evoked a Southern California Halloween for me perfectly, complete with a potentially spooky sub-plot or two to add to the seasonal fun.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a great mystery with several other mysterious happenings that help cloud the issue. Yet as Rory sorts through what applies to the main mystery, she leads us to a clear picture of what happened. It all comes together in a page turning climax. The characters are strong; the new characters do their job of keeping us wondering what is really happening while Rory and the other series regulars were a delight to be around. This book evoked a Southern California Halloween for me perfectly, complete with a potentially spooky sub-plot or two to add to the seasonal fun.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 12, 2018
Vista Beach is getting ready to celebrate Halloween, but when Rory Anderson receives a mysterious email from a close friend, things take a nasty turn. Rory’s friend’s email lets her know she has a stalker and, if Rory is reading this email, then her friend is either dead or in terrible danger.
Rory and her best friend, Liz, decide to investigate. Although, Rory’s detective boyfriend tries to talk her out of it, Rory and Liz completely throw themselves into the investigation. They had no idea there would be so many suspects and just how dangerous this search could be.
This is the fourth book in the Aurora Anderson Mystery series. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series. I wasn’t sure if I was getting into these books too late, but it turns out I didn’t have to worry. I jumped right in and became acquainted with all the characters immediately.
It’s a fast-paced mystery with many puzzle pieces to put together. It took me until the end to realize what was going on. It certainly kept me guessing. I’ll be checking out the backlist in this series very soon.
There’s both mystery and romance packaged in one engrossing story. I’m ready for more.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rory and her best friend, Liz, decide to investigate. Although, Rory’s detective boyfriend tries to talk her out of it, Rory and Liz completely throw themselves into the investigation. They had no idea there would be so many suspects and just how dangerous this search could be.
This is the fourth book in the Aurora Anderson Mystery series. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series. I wasn’t sure if I was getting into these books too late, but it turns out I didn’t have to worry. I jumped right in and became acquainted with all the characters immediately.
It’s a fast-paced mystery with many puzzle pieces to put together. It took me until the end to realize what was going on. It certainly kept me guessing. I’ll be checking out the backlist in this series very soon.
There’s both mystery and romance packaged in one engrossing story. I’m ready for more.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 14, 2021
I picked this one up for the r/CozyMystery Halloween theme read. I've never read this series before, so I can safely say this can be read as a standalone.
Absolutely loved this one, it had everything I want in a cozy; a twisty plot, charming and likeable characters (I loved Rory and Liz, they were a fantastic team!) realistic police interactions and procedures (often a sticking point for me!) and a great atmosphere.
But the plot was the star of this book; Zelena, a former child actress, goes missing, which triggers an email to her friend, Rory. Rory contacts her detective boyfriend Martin Green and begins to search for Zelena, who is later found dead. While I figured out the WHO before the end of the book, I never saw the WHY coming, although the clues were all there. The side plot, concerning escalating Halloween pranks (that skeleton in a hammock is on the cover for a reason!) made for a great distraction/red herring that muddied the waters even further. Really, this was a superbly written plot that kept me guessing all the way through.
A fantastic read and I'm definitely going to pick up the other books in the series. Can't recommend it enough!
Absolutely loved this one, it had everything I want in a cozy; a twisty plot, charming and likeable characters (I loved Rory and Liz, they were a fantastic team!) realistic police interactions and procedures (often a sticking point for me!) and a great atmosphere.
But the plot was the star of this book; Zelena, a former child actress, goes missing, which triggers an email to her friend, Rory. Rory contacts her detective boyfriend Martin Green and begins to search for Zelena, who is later found dead. While I figured out the WHO before the end of the book, I never saw the WHY coming, although the clues were all there. The side plot, concerning escalating Halloween pranks (that skeleton in a hammock is on the cover for a reason!) made for a great distraction/red herring that muddied the waters even further. Really, this was a superbly written plot that kept me guessing all the way through.
A fantastic read and I'm definitely going to pick up the other books in the series. Can't recommend it enough!
December 30, 2018
Engrossing mystery with an artistic touch. I did NOT see that ending coming! Brava!
October 31, 2018
This book had it all-and it worked! There was a Halloween house with an Escape Room, a ghost story that was seemingly witnessed, random Halloween pranks, adultery, pleasant romance, a lady's club with an assortment of ladies typical of most groups, oh and a murder. Keep in mind those are just the high spots. So much happening that there wasn't time to get bored or let your mind wander. I kept second guessing how things would be intertwined, and I couldn't have done a worse job figuring it all out. That makes me happy and I recommend this book for a fun seasonal story. Loved the cover!!!
October 10, 2018
Full of suspense, this is the perfect book if you’re in the mood for a Halloween mystery!
I enjoyed the layers in this book. The mystery is well thought out and keeps the reader engaged through the entire reading experience. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the author would throw in a curveball that kept me guessing. I’ll be checking out more books in this series for sure!
For complete review, visit: https://cozyexperience.com/designed-f...
I enjoyed the layers in this book. The mystery is well thought out and keeps the reader engaged through the entire reading experience. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the author would throw in a curveball that kept me guessing. I’ll be checking out more books in this series for sure!
For complete review, visit: https://cozyexperience.com/designed-f...
August 5, 2019
The fourth book of the Aurora Anderson series find it's near Halloween when Rory Anderson receives a letter from Beyond the Grave that tells her if she received this letter her friend, Zelena was either missing or dead. Rory feels she must investigate the letter as her friend wanted to Rory to find out what happened to her. Rory and her best friend Liz Decker begin to look into the matter. They were busy getting ready for their annual boutique house. Pranks are occurring that are causing trouble threw out the area. Who is responsible for the pranks? Is Zelena dead? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
October 22, 2018
I'm so happy to be back in Vista Beach with Rory, Liz, and Martin, along with all the rest of the characters in Designed for Haunting.
The story's setting is just prior to Halloween and starts right in with the mystery. As the town is gearing up for the festivities, Rory is assisting in the preparation of her painting group's annual open house. As she's going through her emails she receives a haunting message from her friend Zelena Alvaraz from Beyond the Grave. Beyond the Grave is an online company that specializes in sending out email messages, set up by their clients, upon the person's death. These messages are typically stored and sent by guidelines set up by the client. Rory and Liz then begin trying to locate Zelena in hopes that she's still alive.
There are several storylines in Designed for Haunting that are seemingly distinct but the author takes each thread and magically weaves them all together. Designed for Haunting is quite engaging, flows well, and keeps the reader on their toes. The red herrings tossed in will keep the reader guessing what exactly is going on and then near the end everything seamlessly falls into place.
Rory is a great character and very compassionate and determined to find her friend, even if it means taking unsafe and unnecessary chances. Her boyfriend, Detective Martin Green, is a wonderful character and we see a bit more of their romance. I wish there was a bit more of their lives together but the amount is tasteful and doesn't overshadow the other threads in the book. Martin is my favorite character in the book. He's capable and competent, and I love his interactions with Rory, even when things are tense. I loved Liz, Rory's friend, and Arika, Rory's mother. They were unique and added to the story.
The story was a quick and easy read. There wasn't anything confusing or hard to understand. The dialogue between all of the characters was fluid and comfortable. The author does a great job creating a world that grabs the reader and pulls them in, keeping them engaged from start to finish. The characters are vibrant and exciting for the most part. I really enjoyed Designed for Haunting.
The story's setting is just prior to Halloween and starts right in with the mystery. As the town is gearing up for the festivities, Rory is assisting in the preparation of her painting group's annual open house. As she's going through her emails she receives a haunting message from her friend Zelena Alvaraz from Beyond the Grave. Beyond the Grave is an online company that specializes in sending out email messages, set up by their clients, upon the person's death. These messages are typically stored and sent by guidelines set up by the client. Rory and Liz then begin trying to locate Zelena in hopes that she's still alive.
There are several storylines in Designed for Haunting that are seemingly distinct but the author takes each thread and magically weaves them all together. Designed for Haunting is quite engaging, flows well, and keeps the reader on their toes. The red herrings tossed in will keep the reader guessing what exactly is going on and then near the end everything seamlessly falls into place.
Rory is a great character and very compassionate and determined to find her friend, even if it means taking unsafe and unnecessary chances. Her boyfriend, Detective Martin Green, is a wonderful character and we see a bit more of their romance. I wish there was a bit more of their lives together but the amount is tasteful and doesn't overshadow the other threads in the book. Martin is my favorite character in the book. He's capable and competent, and I love his interactions with Rory, even when things are tense. I loved Liz, Rory's friend, and Arika, Rory's mother. They were unique and added to the story.
The story was a quick and easy read. There wasn't anything confusing or hard to understand. The dialogue between all of the characters was fluid and comfortable. The author does a great job creating a world that grabs the reader and pulls them in, keeping them engaged from start to finish. The characters are vibrant and exciting for the most part. I really enjoyed Designed for Haunting.
June 11, 2025
Designed for Haunting is the 4th book in the Aurora Anderson Mysteries, set in October as Hallowe'en is approaching. Rory's painting chapter is getting things ready for their annual boutique house. As things are being prepared, Rory received an email from her friend Zelena. It is sent through a company, "Beyond the Grave" that automatically sends messages when someone dies. “I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.” Rory begins her search with the help of best friend and fellow painter, Liz Dexter to try and discover who has designs on the missing woman and uncover the truth before one of them becomes the stalker’s next victim?
This is a great Hallowe'en cozy mystery. Not only are they searching for whoever killed Zelena, but there are all kinds of pranks occurring in Vista Beach, and a reported ghost that appears nightly on the beach. The craft sale is also going on, with contests and fun events, which is a huge charity event. I loved the escape room activity and how some groups needed a lot of help, while others solved the mystery on their own. There is a lot happening, but Rory and Liz are a strong pair and they don't stop investigating. They have each other's backs and Liz's contacts once again supply her with information that helps their investigation. Rory is now dating Detective Green and he is not happy with what he sees as her interference. Zelena's estranged father is in town and having lost all her money from when she was a child star, is an immediate suspect. With several possible persons of interest and different motives, I wasn't sure if this one would be solved. When the crime is finally figured out, I was surprised, but it fit nicely. Another good mystery story from Sybil Johnson. I listened to this one using Apple Voice, and it was not terrible, but not great either.
This is a great Hallowe'en cozy mystery. Not only are they searching for whoever killed Zelena, but there are all kinds of pranks occurring in Vista Beach, and a reported ghost that appears nightly on the beach. The craft sale is also going on, with contests and fun events, which is a huge charity event. I loved the escape room activity and how some groups needed a lot of help, while others solved the mystery on their own. There is a lot happening, but Rory and Liz are a strong pair and they don't stop investigating. They have each other's backs and Liz's contacts once again supply her with information that helps their investigation. Rory is now dating Detective Green and he is not happy with what he sees as her interference. Zelena's estranged father is in town and having lost all her money from when she was a child star, is an immediate suspect. With several possible persons of interest and different motives, I wasn't sure if this one would be solved. When the crime is finally figured out, I was surprised, but it fit nicely. Another good mystery story from Sybil Johnson. I listened to this one using Apple Voice, and it was not terrible, but not great either.
October 26, 2018
For Rory Anderson, Halloween keeps her very busy. Things are about to get even busier. She receives a strange email from a company called Beyond The Grave. They send out notices when someone dies and the email is in reference to her friend Zelena. All attempts by Rory to track down her friend leave her empty handed. It appears Zelena is either missing or could be dead.
Despite being told to stay out of the investigation by her boyfriend, Detective Martin Green, Rory and her friend, Liz, start digging around for answers. But maybe she should have listened to his warnings. If something bad happened to Zelena, who’s to say it can’t happen to them. Especially if they get close to discovering the who and why.
I’ve been known to jump into a series anywhere and that’s what happened here. My worries about reading this book out of order in the series were put to rest fairly quickly. The author easily filled me in on the character’s and their associations with each other without slowing down my reading experience. I settled in for some fun antics, delightful romance, Rory and Martin are so cute together, and a mystery that I couldn’t figure out until it was revealed to me.
So, whether you’ve read the previous books in this series, or you choose to jump in here, I can tell you it’ll be fun. And, you’ll need your detecting skills.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Despite being told to stay out of the investigation by her boyfriend, Detective Martin Green, Rory and her friend, Liz, start digging around for answers. But maybe she should have listened to his warnings. If something bad happened to Zelena, who’s to say it can’t happen to them. Especially if they get close to discovering the who and why.
I’ve been known to jump into a series anywhere and that’s what happened here. My worries about reading this book out of order in the series were put to rest fairly quickly. The author easily filled me in on the character’s and their associations with each other without slowing down my reading experience. I settled in for some fun antics, delightful romance, Rory and Martin are so cute together, and a mystery that I couldn’t figure out until it was revealed to me.
So, whether you’ve read the previous books in this series, or you choose to jump in here, I can tell you it’ll be fun. And, you’ll need your detecting skills.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
October 21, 2018
I just finished Designed for Haunting by Sybil Johnson, and the first thing that came to my mind was “Well, I enjoyed that!” It isn’t particularly humorous and doesn’t need to be. It isn’t paranormal despite its title. It is a good, basic cozy mystery with a plot that evolves nicely with twists and turns, interesting characters, and a background of Halloween and tole painting.
Like the author, main character Rory works in the tech industry but also loves tole painting. Her friend Zelena notifies her through an automated digital service that she is being stalked and is perhaps dead. Rory determines that Zelena is indeed missing. There are many complications from Halloween pranks to serious crimes. Zelena’s disappearance sets in motion a lot of amateur sleuthing by Rory and her friend Liz. Meanwhile, both ladies are participating with their painting chapter in hosting a local Halloween Holiday Boutique in support of a charity. All of the loose ends are tied up nicely at the end, but there are plenty of characters with unclear motivations along the way to keep you guessing. Enjoy!
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Like the author, main character Rory works in the tech industry but also loves tole painting. Her friend Zelena notifies her through an automated digital service that she is being stalked and is perhaps dead. Rory determines that Zelena is indeed missing. There are many complications from Halloween pranks to serious crimes. Zelena’s disappearance sets in motion a lot of amateur sleuthing by Rory and her friend Liz. Meanwhile, both ladies are participating with their painting chapter in hosting a local Halloween Holiday Boutique in support of a charity. All of the loose ends are tied up nicely at the end, but there are plenty of characters with unclear motivations along the way to keep you guessing. Enjoy!
I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2018
A lot is going on in this mystery. Beyond Zelena’s disappearance, the town is being plagued by a group of practical jokesters, Rory’s neighbor is making mysterious midnight trips, and a local legend about a ghostly boy rising up from the ocean takes on a life of its own. Oh, and don’t forget to throw in rising tensions between the ladies in the painting group and romantic troubles for Rory and her detective. The abundance of action makes this a quick read.
The mystery of what happens to poor Zelena is especially twisty, and very neatly plotted. I’m pleased with the ending—it is something I didn’t see coming and, after reviewing the clues again, am surprised to have missed. The beach setting is put to good use (sometimes, books set near an ocean don’t really have much actual beach ambiance) with visits to piers and walks on the sand.
Designed For Haunting is a pleasant addition to this charming series and perfect reading for the holiday.
The mystery of what happens to poor Zelena is especially twisty, and very neatly plotted. I’m pleased with the ending—it is something I didn’t see coming and, after reviewing the clues again, am surprised to have missed. The beach setting is put to good use (sometimes, books set near an ocean don’t really have much actual beach ambiance) with visits to piers and walks on the sand.
Designed For Haunting is a pleasant addition to this charming series and perfect reading for the holiday.
October 14, 2018
A mysterious email causes alarm when it appears that a former child actress is missing or dead. Rory doesn't know why she received this email but ends up in the middle of another murder investigation after a body washes up almost at her feet.
A group of women is trying to raise money for a charitable cause with a Halloween themed benefit and escape room. Will it lend clues to the missing and murdered woman as well?
Meanwhile, someone is playing pranks on the town and they are increasing in their destructiveness.
Getting involved in another investigation is not earning Rory any points with her dashing detective, either.
So much is happening and somehow it all seems to be connected. Can Rory, with help of best friend, Liz figure it out before Halloween and before someone else is killed?
A complicated entangled mystery that will keep your interest all the way through.
A group of women is trying to raise money for a charitable cause with a Halloween themed benefit and escape room. Will it lend clues to the missing and murdered woman as well?
Meanwhile, someone is playing pranks on the town and they are increasing in their destructiveness.
Getting involved in another investigation is not earning Rory any points with her dashing detective, either.
So much is happening and somehow it all seems to be connected. Can Rory, with help of best friend, Liz figure it out before Halloween and before someone else is killed?
A complicated entangled mystery that will keep your interest all the way through.
October 18, 2018
This book follows Rory Anderson whose received a message from the beyond from a friend of hers. Zelena begs Rory to find out what happened to her. Of course Rory isn't sure what is going on and with the help of her friend Liz Dexter she is determined to find out what happened to Zelena and why. With not much to go on they search to find out what happened to Zelena even when they are warned not to investigate by Rory's boyfriend. Will they figure out in time or will they be sending messages from beyond?
I really enjoyed this adventure and everything it brought definitely a great spooky mystery in time for Halloween. You can't help but love following along with Rory and Liz as they try to get to the bottom of this mystery. Definitely a great mystery to spend your time this holiday season!
I really enjoyed this adventure and everything it brought definitely a great spooky mystery in time for Halloween. You can't help but love following along with Rory and Liz as they try to get to the bottom of this mystery. Definitely a great mystery to spend your time this holiday season!
November 13, 2023
The main character Rory receives an ominous email message from Beyond the Grave, a company that automatically sends out messages when someone dies. The message is from her friend Zelena and is a warning that if she is receiving this, she is either missing or dead. Rory feels compelled to find out what happened.
Even though this is not the first book in the series, and I haven't read the first, I was able to catch up on things fairly quickly. I enjoyed getting to know Rory and the secondary characters. The mystery was interesting, and it kept me guessing. I also enjoyed the Halloween theme. The story was well written and engaging. I also enjoyed the touch of romance. Would definitely be interested in reading more of this author's series.
Even though this is not the first book in the series, and I haven't read the first, I was able to catch up on things fairly quickly. I enjoyed getting to know Rory and the secondary characters. The mystery was interesting, and it kept me guessing. I also enjoyed the Halloween theme. The story was well written and engaging. I also enjoyed the touch of romance. Would definitely be interested in reading more of this author's series.
May 12, 2019
DESIGNED FOR HAUNTING is an enjoyable book. The mystery kept me guessing, and there were enough characters to keep me wondering who did what. I especially enjoyed how there are several other things going on in addition to the main mystery, and how everything was tied up in the end.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book.
August 25, 2018
This is the first book of this series that I read. I don't think I lost anything by not reading the series in order. I really enjoyed this book and its characters. I was guessing til the end who done it. I will be picking up the other books in this series for sure!
October 8, 2018
Loved it! Terrific addition to the series. Halloween activities, but so much more. Interesting characters. Clever plot line with some surprises. I look forward to reading the next one in this delightful cozy mystery series. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via Edelweiss.
October 16, 2018
Great cozy mystery! 4th book in the Aurora Anderson Mystery series and once again, Rory finds herself involved with investigating a murder. This well written and entertaining book kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend.
November 16, 2019
Rory and Friends
This is the first of this series I have read and I found it enthralling. Rory (Aurora) and her painting group are good friends, all people I would like to know. Her detective boyfriend sounds great, too. A great mystery.
This is the first of this series I have read and I found it enthralling. Rory (Aurora) and her painting group are good friends, all people I would like to know. Her detective boyfriend sounds great, too. A great mystery.
August 11, 2019
First book I’ve read by this author and I really liked it. I love Halloween themed cozy mysteries and this one will definitely get you in the Halloween spirit. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
December 21, 2019
Cute book by a local author. I loved the small town setting and the character interaction.
Not the first of the series, but I enjoyed it without having read them in order.
Not the first of the series, but I enjoyed it without having read them in order.
November 20, 2024
Received a copy from the author, new series for me I enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews