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Cottonwood Springs #2
Murder at the Church
Starting over in Cottonwood Springs was supposed to be a fresh beginning for Brigid. After a tumultuous divorce and a career setback, she was ready for quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and a slower pace of life. But fate has a way of shuffling the deck when you least expect it.
Suddenly, she finds herself entrusted with a teen daughter, a lovable yet massive Newfoundland dog, and the attentions of a charming neighbor who seems determined to break down her walls. But amid this newfound chaos, tragedy strikes—the murder of Maggie, a woman with secrets and enemies in equal measure.
Maggie's past is a tangled web of theft, betrayal, and broken promises. With so many wounded by her actions, it seems almost anyone in town could have wanted her gone. As Brigid delves deeper into the mystery, the list of suspects grows, and motives multiply.
Balancing her complicated new life while seeking justice for Maggie, Brigid discovers that forgiveness isn't just divine—it's necessary for the soul to heal.
Join Brigid in "Murder at the Church," an inspirational journey through love, loss, redemption, and mystery. Crafted with heart and insight by a two-time USA Today Bestselling Author, this cozy mystery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Suddenly, she finds herself entrusted with a teen daughter, a lovable yet massive Newfoundland dog, and the attentions of a charming neighbor who seems determined to break down her walls. But amid this newfound chaos, tragedy strikes—the murder of Maggie, a woman with secrets and enemies in equal measure.
Maggie's past is a tangled web of theft, betrayal, and broken promises. With so many wounded by her actions, it seems almost anyone in town could have wanted her gone. As Brigid delves deeper into the mystery, the list of suspects grows, and motives multiply.
Balancing her complicated new life while seeking justice for Maggie, Brigid discovers that forgiveness isn't just divine—it's necessary for the soul to heal.
Join Brigid in "Murder at the Church," an inspirational journey through love, loss, redemption, and mystery. Crafted with heart and insight by a two-time USA Today Bestselling Author, this cozy mystery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of forgiveness.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2018
789 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 14, 2023
Great story! Fun to read.
December 18, 2020
I loved this book. I have listened to a few books by this author, so know the characters well and it was brilliant to go back to the beginning and find out what happened to Holly's mother. Holly is one of the central characters for this author and has even started to get her own series, so it was great to find out how Holly ends up living with Brigid. You can listen to the books in any order and the enjoyment it's ruined if you jump around because they are stand alone stories. The story starts with the murder and then goes back in time giving you the motives for the suspects before getting cleverly solved. The author always provides you with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and with a strong family gone between the characters it is a great series to sit back and enjoy.
Maggie might have done some terrible things and hurt a lot of people, the worst being done to her daughter, when she was drunk or high but now she is sober she would like to make amends. She has found solace in the church and the friendship of good friends. Unfortunately someone doesn't think she should get forgiveness and she is killed. Holly with no other family around turns to the last person who was kind to her for help. Brigid lets the teenager move in with her and at the same time she assists the sheriff in tracking down alibis for the most likely suspects. Can Brigid solve the murder and give Holly the comfort she needs?
I liked the narrator she spoke slowly and clearly so you had no problems understanding her.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Maggie might have done some terrible things and hurt a lot of people, the worst being done to her daughter, when she was drunk or high but now she is sober she would like to make amends. She has found solace in the church and the friendship of good friends. Unfortunately someone doesn't think she should get forgiveness and she is killed. Holly with no other family around turns to the last person who was kind to her for help. Brigid lets the teenager move in with her and at the same time she assists the sheriff in tracking down alibis for the most likely suspects. Can Brigid solve the murder and give Holly the comfort she needs?
I liked the narrator she spoke slowly and clearly so you had no problems understanding her.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 31, 2020
Life is good for Brigid and her dog Jett in Cottonwood Springs, Colorado. But when Maggie Lewis is found murdered at the church, Sheriff Davis asks for her help. Brigid had recently met Maggie when she helped get things ready for an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting. After giving her a ride home from the meeting, Brigid then met her teen aged daughter Holly. Now Holly is an orphan and Brigid has agreed to let her stay in her guest room in order to finish out the school year. Meanwhile her relationship with her neighbor, Linc Olson is going strong. She even gets to meet his parents. After reading the first book in Dianne Harman's Cottonwood Springs cozy mystery series, I knew I would enjoy getting to know the main characters better. Brigid has a way of getting suspects to talk so she can help the sheriff solve his cases quickly. This is an entertaining series and I look forward to seeing how things go in Brigid's life as she continues to help catch the bad guys!
November 20, 2018
When a one time thief and addict is found murdered in a church--she leaves behind a young daughter. The daughter is a highly intelligent girl but because of her mother has a very hard time. They live in a trailer park--the daughter up until relatively recently did everything the mother didn't--cook, clean etc. No one in the town really cared that the women was murdered--
Bridget had recently met these two and decided to help them. The only one that the young girl knew to tell the police to call was Bridget. Bridget took her in and then proceeded to find the killer--so many suspects-and they all had good reasons.
What happens at the end will having you smiling with joy!! I can't say much more or I will give it all away. All I can say is this second book in this series is a must read!!
Bridget had recently met these two and decided to help them. The only one that the young girl knew to tell the police to call was Bridget. Bridget took her in and then proceeded to find the killer--so many suspects-and they all had good reasons.
What happens at the end will having you smiling with joy!! I can't say much more or I will give it all away. All I can say is this second book in this series is a must read!!
September 9, 2019
When she moved back to Cottonwood Springs after a divorce and the publishing company she was working for went bankrupt, Brigid never thought she would have a huge Newfoundland dog, and a hunky neighbor who wants to get to know her better, a lot better. Brigid meets a woman at church who has stolen money and someone else's husband, and when she is found murdered Brigid feels she owes it to her and her daughter to find her murderer.
This was a quick-paced book with a good storyline though the killer was pretty easy to work out. I like Brigid she is sensible liking having a nice guy around but not needing to be falling at his feet. I also love her love interest who is sweet, a good cook and knows when to support and when to give her space. The other characters like the Sherriff I think they need to be developed a little more and her sister.
This was a quick-paced book with a good storyline though the killer was pretty easy to work out. I like Brigid she is sensible liking having a nice guy around but not needing to be falling at his feet. I also love her love interest who is sweet, a good cook and knows when to support and when to give her space. The other characters like the Sherriff I think they need to be developed a little more and her sister.
November 21, 2018
Fantastic New Series
I am loving this new series!! It’s different from the Cedar Bay series and I love it.. Brigid is a character that is developing into her own. She’s starting at the beginning, laying a foundation. I can’t wait for more books in this to come along.
Now about the story. Maggie was a woman with a past. She did a whole lot of bad to a lot of people. She was trying to straighten her life out right because of her daughter Holly who was a genius. But, sometimes when people from your past that you used to do bad things with, see you’re trying to better yourself, they get mad. And then they want to get even.. poor Maggie. Worse yet, poor Holly. Good thing Holly has Brigid, Linc, and Jett
I am loving this new series!! It’s different from the Cedar Bay series and I love it.. Brigid is a character that is developing into her own. She’s starting at the beginning, laying a foundation. I can’t wait for more books in this to come along.
Now about the story. Maggie was a woman with a past. She did a whole lot of bad to a lot of people. She was trying to straighten her life out right because of her daughter Holly who was a genius. But, sometimes when people from your past that you used to do bad things with, see you’re trying to better yourself, they get mad. And then they want to get even.. poor Maggie. Worse yet, poor Holly. Good thing Holly has Brigid, Linc, and Jett
March 10, 2019
Holly,a brilliant teenage girl, who is striving to get top grades, to go on to college. The other side is a girl who had the responsibility of a Mother, and paying bills, and seeing to food in the house. Her mother finally started to clean her act up, after years of abuse to her body and neglect of her daughter. It was a struggled, the church, offered solace to her troubled soul, a chance to pray for strength and guidance. It also was a release of her trouble soul. A killer to be found. For Holly a place that will become a home for her, one of love and safe to be a young teen age girl.
Emotion, and good story, of a girl who succeeded and a mother that was trying.
Emotion, and good story, of a girl who succeeded and a mother that was trying.
January 3, 2019
Mystery for simpletons
Good heavens who thought this book was worth publishing? The main characters are simply too perfect. Perfect protagonist in a relationship with a perfect suitor and owner of a perfect dog with the ability to communicate. A perfect understanding sister and a perfect minister's wife. Even the Sheriff is perfect. He not only welcomes but depends on the amateur sleuth to solve the case. Even the murderer was perfect. He was a lowlife drug dealer and user.
Good heavens who thought this book was worth publishing? The main characters are simply too perfect. Perfect protagonist in a relationship with a perfect suitor and owner of a perfect dog with the ability to communicate. A perfect understanding sister and a perfect minister's wife. Even the Sheriff is perfect. He not only welcomes but depends on the amateur sleuth to solve the case. Even the murderer was perfect. He was a lowlife drug dealer and user.
July 29, 2020
You know what I love about a good cozy mystery? The story gets right to the point; the characters are laid out immediately; and, when a crime is committed, the characters find the suspects in 200 pages or less. This book made an excellent afternoon read and I loved it. There is a murder; there’s a young girl now orphaned; and, there is a wonderful dog that seems to give therapy to everyone. Thanks to the author, I’ve enjoyed a great read.
February 3, 2021
I’m enjoying this series just as much as the Cedar Bay series! I enjoyed the characters and the story. Brigid was hoping for a quiet lifestyle when she came back to Cottonwood Springs. But instead she finds herself involved with a murder. And somehow she is involved in trying to figure out who the murderer is! There are lots of suspects and motives. The story has some humor, a bookstore, and a little bit of romance.
March 24, 2021
I'm trying to make my way through this series. I've read a few at the end, it's nice to see how these people came together in the beginning. As usual I enjoyed the story. I listened on Audible. The narrator did a great job. Dianne's books are easy to read, easy to follow and always enjoyable. I will continue to work on this series and move on to another series. I am enjoying my commute to work so much more these days.
November 18, 2018
Cottonwood Springs cozy Mystery series
This is another winner. Dianne writes wonderful storylines and great characters in every book. The different series are great. The recipes are great to. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves cozy mysteries and dogs. Diana Romano
This is another winner. Dianne writes wonderful storylines and great characters in every book. The different series are great. The recipes are great to. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves cozy mysteries and dogs. Diana Romano
August 5, 2020
A good murder mystery that is appropriate for both teens and adults.
After Maggie is murdered. her young daughter Holly asks to stay with Brigid who had been friendly to her mother. The sheriff has turned to Brigid to help him solve the murder. Can Brigid meet everyone's need of her time?
After Maggie is murdered. her young daughter Holly asks to stay with Brigid who had been friendly to her mother. The sheriff has turned to Brigid to help him solve the murder. Can Brigid meet everyone's need of her time?
September 5, 2020
This is the 2nd in the series. The main character is Brigid. She is asked to help out at an AA meeting and meets Maggie who is trying to stay clean. She gives Maggie a ride home and meets Holly her daughter. A few days later Maggie is murdered and Holly comes to live with Brigid. Brigid helps the Sheriff try find out who killed Maggie. Can they figure this out ?
September 7, 2020
No matter what you have done everyone deserves a second chance especially when they really want to change to become a better person. It’s a shame that Maggie didn’t get to complete that!! Drugs and alcohol destroy people. Not only the people who are addicted but their family and friends. Ms Harman has written a really good book, I really enjoyed it!!
November 15, 2018
Murder in small town
Great plot with many suspects. Characters are savy and believable. I'm not aware that Dianne Harman even knows how to write anything bad. I've read all her books. Keep them coming.
Great plot with many suspects. Characters are savy and believable. I'm not aware that Dianne Harman even knows how to write anything bad. I've read all her books. Keep them coming.
December 30, 2018
Great Cozy
Bridgid is at work again helping Sherrif Corey solve a crime.
I loved the storyline,twists and turns and the interesting characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Bridgid is at work again helping Sherrif Corey solve a crime.
I loved the storyline,twists and turns and the interesting characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
May 10, 2019
Very good mystery. Bad decisions, love and jealousy end in murder.
Many suspects each with a motive to be the killer. Trying to start over can be hard. Some people are helpful and some recent and will not forgive. Change can be murder and that affects many in the town.
Many suspects each with a motive to be the killer. Trying to start over can be hard. Some people are helpful and some recent and will not forgive. Change can be murder and that affects many in the town.
May 5, 2020
Who Would Murder Someone in a Church?
The Episcopal priest finds a strangled woman in the church chapel. The sheriff asks Brigid to help him find the Perl like she did the last murder.
The Episcopal priest finds a strangled woman in the church chapel. The sheriff asks Brigid to help him find the Perl like she did the last murder.
September 3, 2020
I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know Holly better. I had read later books but didn't have the whole back story until now. Sad that Holly's mom was finally getting her life on track when it is snuffed out. Holly has mixed feelings as her life is improving but her mother is gone.
April 25, 2021
Life after you screw up
When you try to turn your life around, but end up dead, what happens next? Brigid steps in to help find the killer. In the process she gets herself a "daughter". Enjoyed the story and the characters.
When you try to turn your life around, but end up dead, what happens next? Brigid steps in to help find the killer. In the process she gets herself a "daughter". Enjoyed the story and the characters.
January 20, 2022
Murder at the church
I like the way Dianne writes. Her characters feel like real people. Your neighbor or friends. Also it keeps you guessing who the killer is. You won't be sorry getting this or any of Dianne's other books
I like the way Dianne writes. Her characters feel like real people. Your neighbor or friends. Also it keeps you guessing who the killer is. You won't be sorry getting this or any of Dianne's other books
August 4, 2023
Second book in the Cottonwood Springs cozy mystery series, this book finds Brigid involved yet again in solving a murder mystery. Maggie is a recovering addict when she is found strangled to death in the local church - several people
Have a strong motive and Brigid works hard to find the culprit.
Have a strong motive and Brigid works hard to find the culprit.
November 17, 2018
Murder st the Church
A pizza owner and friend is found murder in a church, now her friend wants to find the murderer. Great story, characters, and wonderful receipts.
A pizza owner and friend is found murder in a church, now her friend wants to find the murderer. Great story, characters, and wonderful receipts.
November 27, 2018
😊
:)😀 It's funny and really makes you hungry . It's great to have the recipes in the back. Looking forward to trying some of them .
:)😀 It's funny and really makes you hungry . It's great to have the recipes in the back. Looking forward to trying some of them .
January 15, 2019
Ok, just a little same ole same ole.
May 21, 2019
Really Enjoyed
This was the first time in a very long time that I read a murder mystery, I am very glad that I stumbled across this one it was excellent.
This was the first time in a very long time that I read a murder mystery, I am very glad that I stumbled across this one it was excellent.
February 12, 2019
Excellent Reading
I chose this rating because the book was very enjoyable. The author is a very talented writer. I have enjoyed every book that I have read so far.
I chose this rating because the book was very enjoyable. The author is a very talented writer. I have enjoyed every book that I have read so far.
April 9, 2019
Great Beach Read
As always with Dianne Harman mystery’s - a fun read. I hope to see more of Holly in future books.
As always with Dianne Harman mystery’s - a fun read. I hope to see more of Holly in future books.
May 14, 2019
Good mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews