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The Leafy Hollow Mysteries #5
Snowed Under
A crazy crossword conspiracy. A chilling murder. Will a green PI solve the clues without finding a deadly answer?
With Leafy Hollow in a deep winter freeze, landscaper Verity Hawkes is all out of funds. Setting up a private investigator business seems like the best way to indulge her fantasy and make a few bucks. But she never expected her first case would turn the whole town against her.
As she investigates a shady, million-dollar crossword competition, even her detective boyfriend sides with her neighbors in thinking it’s legit. But when the contest seems to connect with scruffy dog walkers and a missing investment advisor, Verity hopes she can solve the clues before the whole town descends into a scammy word-smithing frenzy. Between vegan food scandals and a village hoarder biting the dust, the landscaper-turned-PI has her hands full.
With time running out, can Verity discover the phantom killer before the culprit makes it two down?
Snowed Under is the fifth standalone installment in a series of charmingly-funny cozy mysteries. If you like quirky characters, twisty plots, and laugh-out-loud moments, then you’ll love Rickie Blair’s Leafy Hollow series.
Buy Snowed Under to sift through a blizzard of clues today!- GenresMystery
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2018
About the author
Rickie Blair
19 books146 followersWhen not hunched over my computer conversing with people who exist only in my head, I spend my time trying to tame an unruly half-acre garden and a mischievous Jack Russell-cross. I also share my southern Ontario home with two rescue cats and an overactive Netflix account.
I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.
Rickie
I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.
Rickie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 29, 2018
Everyone in Leafy Hollow is excited about a crossword puzzle that showed up out of thin air and promises the winner $1 Million...really? Then a recluse is found dead in his home and Verity wonders if it is connected to the puzzle but no one else seems to share her worries, not even her cop boyfriend Jeff.
There wasn't any of the conspiracy theme going on that we had in previous books in the series and I didn't miss it. There was so much going on that I was thoroughly busy trying to figure out what the heck was going on in Leafy Hollow.
I enjoyed reconnecting with Verity and her friends and had no clue whatsoever who the perp was until the showdown.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advance readers copy.
There wasn't any of the conspiracy theme going on that we had in previous books in the series and I didn't miss it. There was so much going on that I was thoroughly busy trying to figure out what the heck was going on in Leafy Hollow.
I enjoyed reconnecting with Verity and her friends and had no clue whatsoever who the perp was until the showdown.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advance readers copy.
April 10, 2021
For any reader who likes more light-hearted mysteries with interesting characters and a bit of drama, these Leafy Hollow books are for you!
August 19, 2018
Snowed Under
The Leafy Hollow Mysteries, Book #5
Rickie Blair
5 Stars
Synopsis:
When a crossword craze turns lethal, can a green PI solve the clues before the killer makes it two down?
With Leafy Hollow in a deep winter freeze, landscaper Verity Hawkes is all out of funds. Setting up a private investigator business seems like the best way to indulge her fantasy and make a few bucks. But she never expected her first case would turn the whole town against her.
As she investigates a shady, million-dollar crossword competition, even her detective boyfriend sides with her neighbors in thinking it’s legit. But when the contest seems to connect with scruffy dog walkers and a dead village hoarder, Verity’s determined to puzzle out the clues before the whole town descends into a word-smithing frenzy.
With time running out, can Verity find the killer before the culprit delivers another deadly answer? (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Verity is a smart hardworking woman who loves to solve puzzles. So it makes sense that she would try to open a private investigation office, she will make some money and indulge her puzzle solving appetite. She will have plenty of help from her friends and neighbors. I especially liked her relationship with her best friend, Emy. It was funny, caring and you can tell that they are really close.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and she had me shivering from the cold as I was reading. She really gave the reader an insight into a cold Canadian winter and the impending snow storm. I think it takes talent to create that type of atmosphere with just the written word. There are mysteries galore in this book and they are well plotted. I thought the crossword puzzle contest was very clever and fun.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With great characters, great descriptions and great intrigue, what is not to like?
The Leafy Hollow Mysteries, Book #5
Rickie Blair
5 Stars
Synopsis:
When a crossword craze turns lethal, can a green PI solve the clues before the killer makes it two down?
With Leafy Hollow in a deep winter freeze, landscaper Verity Hawkes is all out of funds. Setting up a private investigator business seems like the best way to indulge her fantasy and make a few bucks. But she never expected her first case would turn the whole town against her.
As she investigates a shady, million-dollar crossword competition, even her detective boyfriend sides with her neighbors in thinking it’s legit. But when the contest seems to connect with scruffy dog walkers and a dead village hoarder, Verity’s determined to puzzle out the clues before the whole town descends into a word-smithing frenzy.
With time running out, can Verity find the killer before the culprit delivers another deadly answer? (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Verity is a smart hardworking woman who loves to solve puzzles. So it makes sense that she would try to open a private investigation office, she will make some money and indulge her puzzle solving appetite. She will have plenty of help from her friends and neighbors. I especially liked her relationship with her best friend, Emy. It was funny, caring and you can tell that they are really close.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and she had me shivering from the cold as I was reading. She really gave the reader an insight into a cold Canadian winter and the impending snow storm. I think it takes talent to create that type of atmosphere with just the written word. There are mysteries galore in this book and they are well plotted. I thought the crossword puzzle contest was very clever and fun.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With great characters, great descriptions and great intrigue, what is not to like?
September 5, 2018
This was truly a fun and light book to read. OK, nothing light about a dead body, but the way the story told was really fun and light. I like how Verity tried to do her best, solving crimes where others didn’t see it as one, stick to her gut and solved the mystery. This was nice paced story with great characters and enjoyable environment.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
August 29, 2018
Snowed Under by Rickie Blair was a fun addition to the Leafy Hollow Mysteries. Verity is once again on the case as Leafy Hollow has been enticed by a million dollar mystery crossword puzzle. Verity has her doubts about this intriguing puzzle and then there is not one but two suspicious deaths. With the "storm of the century" heading toward Leafy Hollow, can Verity put all the clues together before she becomes part of the frozen landscape? The plot moved swiftly and there plenty of suspects along with twists that kept me guessing until the reveal. I'm already looking forward to the next one in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
August 17, 2018
Once again, Verity is involved in figuring out the mysteries of Leafy Hollow. The town is preparing for a winter storm (a once in a century storm) when the first murder happens. As usual Jeff (police) warns Verity off from getting involved but Verity has new things to focus on. The start up of her own PI business, or so her friend Emy hopes. But, as Verity investigates the small things, like a mysterious crossword puzzle with the clues being left around the town (so much fun!) she can't help but run into clues about the more serious things going on in town. The mystery is good, the characters charming and funny and the story captivating. I loved it!
August 19, 2018
Leafy Hollow is preparing for “the storm of the century”. As Verity is talking about starting up her own PI business.
When a body is discovered once again Verity is right in the middle of figuring out who did it. Does a crossword puzzle contest have anything to do with the murder?
Lots of mysteries in this story, great characters, fast paced and an easy to read cozy mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions expressed are my own.
When a body is discovered once again Verity is right in the middle of figuring out who did it. Does a crossword puzzle contest have anything to do with the murder?
Lots of mysteries in this story, great characters, fast paced and an easy to read cozy mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions expressed are my own.
September 1, 2018
“Snowed Under” earns 5/5 Wallets and Fake IDs…Murderously Fun!
The beginning of a book, even one from a series with which you've been engaged, is crucial to ensure the reader will continue turning the pages, and Ricki Blair’s newest release “Snowed Under” does not disappoint. Her narrative right off has us following Mickey Doig’s covert invasion of Oskar York’s home, committing theft, rescuing the dog from the closet, navigating through stacks and stacks of hoarded junk, finding Oskar dead on the floor, and in the end we discover Mickey’s attempt to go unnoticed has been witnessed…whew! That’ll get you to chapter two. The mystery expands into a curious crossword puzzle contest with a million dollar prize for the one who can fill in a blank puzzle, clues are not included, but oddly participants need to locate discarded wallets around the village. Weird way of doing it, but residents are excited, and Verity is suspicious. Then winter is here with the storm of the “century” on its way. Verity’s landscaping busy is on hiatus, so taking on a simple investigation gig would help her bottom line. We'll, maybe something small… Small leads to something humongous, and again, Ricki Blair has penned an engaging, clever mystery (murder and puzzles) with delightful characters (I love Verity…level headed.) and another “Oh, no!” ending that puts someone in peril. Her first-person narrative illustrates well the village, the people, the sights and smells, and Verity’s inner thoughts, but she doesn't just rely on the narrative. She has added an entertaining banter between Verity and her friends, family, and all the curious suspects. I was thrilled, and continue to be a big fan!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
The beginning of a book, even one from a series with which you've been engaged, is crucial to ensure the reader will continue turning the pages, and Ricki Blair’s newest release “Snowed Under” does not disappoint. Her narrative right off has us following Mickey Doig’s covert invasion of Oskar York’s home, committing theft, rescuing the dog from the closet, navigating through stacks and stacks of hoarded junk, finding Oskar dead on the floor, and in the end we discover Mickey’s attempt to go unnoticed has been witnessed…whew! That’ll get you to chapter two. The mystery expands into a curious crossword puzzle contest with a million dollar prize for the one who can fill in a blank puzzle, clues are not included, but oddly participants need to locate discarded wallets around the village. Weird way of doing it, but residents are excited, and Verity is suspicious. Then winter is here with the storm of the “century” on its way. Verity’s landscaping busy is on hiatus, so taking on a simple investigation gig would help her bottom line. We'll, maybe something small… Small leads to something humongous, and again, Ricki Blair has penned an engaging, clever mystery (murder and puzzles) with delightful characters (I love Verity…level headed.) and another “Oh, no!” ending that puts someone in peril. Her first-person narrative illustrates well the village, the people, the sights and smells, and Verity’s inner thoughts, but she doesn't just rely on the narrative. She has added an entertaining banter between Verity and her friends, family, and all the curious suspects. I was thrilled, and continue to be a big fan!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
June 13, 2023
This is my least favourite of the series so far. The plot seemed a little disjointed and the culprit came out of left field for me. Perhaps I missed a clue on the way. Still an enjoyable read with interesting characters and in this case interesting weather.
August 26, 2018
Rickie Blair has done it again! Not only is this new installment of Verity's adventures well written, fast paced and intriguing, it gives the reader a fairly realistic look at what life in a small Canadian town in the winter is like.
I particularly enjoyed how this book returns to centre on the mysteries found in Leafy Hollow. Not that the previous couple of books, with the ongoing tale of her missing aunt, weren't engaging and enjoyable. It's just nice to get back to the setting and characters we fell in love with in the first book, without international complications.
All in all, you cannot go wrong with this series. Fun and intriguing, it's the perfect escape from the dog days of summer. Or any other time, really.
I particularly enjoyed how this book returns to centre on the mysteries found in Leafy Hollow. Not that the previous couple of books, with the ongoing tale of her missing aunt, weren't engaging and enjoyable. It's just nice to get back to the setting and characters we fell in love with in the first book, without international complications.
All in all, you cannot go wrong with this series. Fun and intriguing, it's the perfect escape from the dog days of summer. Or any other time, really.
August 28, 2021
Snowed under is a cute Leafy Hollow mystery with all of the characters who’ve become like old friends to those of us who’ve read or listened to the previous books (I suppose you could enjoy the book as a stand-alone as well, but it’s so much more fun when you read them all).
The audiobook narrator’s vibrant reading really brings the story to life.
The audiobook narrator’s vibrant reading really brings the story to life.
August 15, 2018
This is another great book that is fun and scary and deeply romantic as well. With crazy killers on the loose, very strange and eccentric people in town and the storm of the century what more fun could you have? Escaping death might be nice. Very enjoyable captivating book.
August 17, 2018
Enjoyable mystery!! Verity has her work cut out for her as she tries to discover the killers in 2 deaths that the police call accidents! The crossword puzzle is definitely full of clues in many wats!
August 27, 2018
Mickey Doig looked at a house across the street from his van that appeared deserted. He knew it wasn’t. Dust, dirt, and endless clutter was all over the inside of the house and was not attractive to any thief. Oskar York never paid Mickey for the walking service provided for his dog, but he also never realized that his obnoxious terrier, Boomer, made Mickey the most money. Only the poodle who was an expert at wallet-snatching was even close to his record.
It was odd that Boomer wasn’t barking at Mickey as he entered the house. But he heard a scratching sound from a closet door under the stairs. Boomer bolted out and ran to the closed kitchen door, scratching again. The dog ran back to Mickey, knocking him down while piles of magazines fell on him. When he got back up and followed the dog further, he saw a foot sticking out from more magazine piles. There was no phone to call 9-1-1 and Mickey had a record so did not want to stick around. With no neighbors in sight, he got into his van and drove away, never noticing that a sedan pulled from the curb and followed him.
Shivering from the cold, Verity entered the bakery. Emy told her about a strange “blank” crossword puzzle contest where clues were found in discarded wallets and posted in the library. The solution was worth a million dollars! Emy suggested Verity investigate it, just for publicity for her PI work. Emy also told her Henry had found a wallet under a bush in his yard. The police said the ID was fake, as were the cards. Forgeries! Something strange was going on in town, and Emy thought Verity would be the perfect one to solve the mystery! Verity needed to earn money since her gardening work was on hold during the snowy winter. And this kind of investigation was perfect publicity! More and more clues come up. Can Verity put them together and solve the mystery? Or is she putting herself in danger?
I love cozy mysteries! Join Verity in solving the mystery – see if you can find the answer before she does! The cast of characters is fun and the story line keeps getting more exciting! Do you know what the bad guys are up to?
It was odd that Boomer wasn’t barking at Mickey as he entered the house. But he heard a scratching sound from a closet door under the stairs. Boomer bolted out and ran to the closed kitchen door, scratching again. The dog ran back to Mickey, knocking him down while piles of magazines fell on him. When he got back up and followed the dog further, he saw a foot sticking out from more magazine piles. There was no phone to call 9-1-1 and Mickey had a record so did not want to stick around. With no neighbors in sight, he got into his van and drove away, never noticing that a sedan pulled from the curb and followed him.
Shivering from the cold, Verity entered the bakery. Emy told her about a strange “blank” crossword puzzle contest where clues were found in discarded wallets and posted in the library. The solution was worth a million dollars! Emy suggested Verity investigate it, just for publicity for her PI work. Emy also told her Henry had found a wallet under a bush in his yard. The police said the ID was fake, as were the cards. Forgeries! Something strange was going on in town, and Emy thought Verity would be the perfect one to solve the mystery! Verity needed to earn money since her gardening work was on hold during the snowy winter. And this kind of investigation was perfect publicity! More and more clues come up. Can Verity put them together and solve the mystery? Or is she putting herself in danger?
I love cozy mysteries! Join Verity in solving the mystery – see if you can find the answer before she does! The cast of characters is fun and the story line keeps getting more exciting! Do you know what the bad guys are up to?
September 1, 2021
This is the fifth in The Leafy Hollow Mystery series. I listened to the book. The narrator is very good.
This was a wonderful turn of events. No Control or The Syndicate involved. Winter is rolling into Leafy Hollow and Verity needs another source of income as lawn maintenance & seasonal yard maintenance are not happening during the winter months. She does not want to do snow removal.
Emy suggests private detective work for the community involving looking for lost items.
Verity does not have a PI license.
Henri, the gallery owner finds a wallet. Verity looks into this as she thinks it connected to the crossword puzzle contest. She does not believe the contest to be real. No is claiming responsibility/support of the contest. Rumor has it there is a million dollar prize.
OsKar York winds up dead. Appears to be accidental in his home. He is a hoarder and is eventually found buried under a boat load of magazines.
A new vegan restaurant opens & Emy is being trashed on social media for supposedly using butter in her vegan recipes.
What are Mickey Doig, Noah Butterfield, and Rick Armstrong’s roles, if any?
I had a great time listening to this story as I walked.
This was a wonderful turn of events. No Control or The Syndicate involved. Winter is rolling into Leafy Hollow and Verity needs another source of income as lawn maintenance & seasonal yard maintenance are not happening during the winter months. She does not want to do snow removal.
Emy suggests private detective work for the community involving looking for lost items.
Verity does not have a PI license.
Henri, the gallery owner finds a wallet. Verity looks into this as she thinks it connected to the crossword puzzle contest. She does not believe the contest to be real. No is claiming responsibility/support of the contest. Rumor has it there is a million dollar prize.
OsKar York winds up dead. Appears to be accidental in his home. He is a hoarder and is eventually found buried under a boat load of magazines.
A new vegan restaurant opens & Emy is being trashed on social media for supposedly using butter in her vegan recipes.
What are Mickey Doig, Noah Butterfield, and Rick Armstrong’s roles, if any?
I had a great time listening to this story as I walked.
August 28, 2018
Verity loves to poke her nose into mysteries. First we have a blank crossword puzzle. People find clues all over town to work it. Then we have someone trying to sabotage her friends Emy's vegan shop. Oskar Yorke is found dead and there's something fishy, or downright slimy about the dog walker. Verity is trying to look into all this and then some while ignoring everybody's warnings about the storm of the century. This is a fun read with a good plot and interesting characters, including the dogs. I really enjoyed it.
August 27, 2018
After four books and a number of mysteries Varity Hawks has finally found her niche its solving mysteries and now she's going to make some money doing it if the constant crosswords dont drive crazy her pets and the fact that know one believes her about the fraud even her main squeeze what's Varity going to do. And then theres the strange dog walkers and someone ends up dead and if Varity is not careful it could happen to her next. I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 16, 2020
Verity is better at then solving mysteries, is finding trouble, and it's doubled for her with the "storm of the century" about to hit. A very enjoyable series, the characters are unique adding to the suspense filled plot in this action filled, humourous tale. I will be checking out more books in this series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review.
September 15, 2020
This is the fifth book in The Leafy Hollow Mysteries Series, a great cozy mystery. The characters are great, and intriguing. The storyline is captivating, and filled with twists and turns. The mystery unfolds at a great pace. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series. Petrea Burchard did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 3, 2021
I have read and enjoyed the previous 4 stories in this series but this one didn't quite hit the mark. I enjoyed reading about the main characters but wasn't convinced by the relationship between Verity and Jeff, and felt the plot didn't run as smoothly as previous books. I have the next 2 books in the series so will give the characters another chance.
August 19, 2023
Another Great One
I’m really enjoying this series. I read this book in a day. I didn’t know how things would work after Verity and Jeff became an official couple and Aunt Adeline was back, but neither one has slowed Verity down. She still manages to be in the thick of every situation.
Great plot. It keeps you guessing till the very end.
I’m really enjoying this series. I read this book in a day. I didn’t know how things would work after Verity and Jeff became an official couple and Aunt Adeline was back, but neither one has slowed Verity down. She still manages to be in the thick of every situation.
Great plot. It keeps you guessing till the very end.
October 16, 2018
Love this series!
I absolutely fell in love with this series! I love the character of Verify Hawkes! Thank you so much for writing this series and I wait with great anticipation for the next book(s)!!!!!
I absolutely fell in love with this series! I love the character of Verify Hawkes! Thank you so much for writing this series and I wait with great anticipation for the next book(s)!!!!!
September 21, 2018
Snowed Under
This was very exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read the next book. Thanks for a great series.
This was very exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read the next book. Thanks for a great series.
April 6, 2019
Things move on
Verity gets into more trouble in Leafy Hollow, simply cause she refuses to believe the hype. She also take her first case as an investigator.
Verity gets into more trouble in Leafy Hollow, simply cause she refuses to believe the hype. She also take her first case as an investigator.
June 17, 2019
This one definitely kept me guessing the whole time. There were plenty of red herrings.
April 26, 2020
Slower moving and not as cute as the previous books in this series. Unlikeable characters.
June 8, 2021
I so enjoy these light mysteries and the unusual cast characters. 5 down and I do intend to read the rest
August 4, 2021
I love these cosy mysteries by Rickie Blair. Very enjoyable. Can't wait for the next one.
January 10, 2022
This is a cute series. Lots of twists and turns in the plot.
August 23, 2018
The 5th book in the Leafy Hollow Series and it is so much fun to read! Verity Hawkes has a landscaping business in the nice weather but refused to have a snow plow business in the winter to tide her over, so her best friend Em who runs the bakery on one side and a vegan bakery on the adjoining store tells Verity she should run a private investigating business looking for small items and solving small cases. But when a million dollar crossword puzzle contest unexplainably shows up in town, she is asked by one of the residents, who is advertising his art gallery opening to check on a wallet connected to the strange puzzle contest. Verity, ever the realist, believes the contest itself is a scam which sets the whole town against her. And when there is what seems to be an accidental death of a recluse seemingly crushed by his hoard of stuff, she is skeptical, she believes it could be murder. Then she is approached by a shady dog walking character asking her to sell pictures he stole from the hoarder's home. We are then treated to a second murder. So many things happening at the same time - so many threads are woven into a fun, laugh out loud mystery wrapped with a little romance from her hunky detective boyfriend, Jeff. The ending is a surprise you didn't expect and the cliff-hanger makes you crazy waiting for the next book in the series. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews