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A Maggie McDonald Mystery #1
Address to Die For
Listening Length: 8 hours, 59 minutes
For professional organizer Maggie McDonald, moving her family into a new home should be the perfect organizational challenge. But murder was definitely not on the to-do list . . .
Maggie McDonald has a penchant for order that isn’t confined to her clients’ closets, kitchens, and sock drawers. As she lays out her plan to transfer her family to the hundred-year-old house her husband, Max, has inherited in the hills above Silicon Valley, she has every expectation for their new life to fall neatly into place. But as the family bounces up the driveway of their new home, she’s shocked to discover the house’s dilapidated condition. When her husband finds the caretaker face-down in their new basement, it’s the detectives who end up moving in. What a mess! While the investigation unravels and the family camps out in a barn, a killer remains at large—exactly the sort of loose end Maggie can’t help but clean up . . .
For professional organizer Maggie McDonald, moving her family into a new home should be the perfect organizational challenge. But murder was definitely not on the to-do list . . .
Maggie McDonald has a penchant for order that isn’t confined to her clients’ closets, kitchens, and sock drawers. As she lays out her plan to transfer her family to the hundred-year-old house her husband, Max, has inherited in the hills above Silicon Valley, she has every expectation for their new life to fall neatly into place. But as the family bounces up the driveway of their new home, she’s shocked to discover the house’s dilapidated condition. When her husband finds the caretaker face-down in their new basement, it’s the detectives who end up moving in. What a mess! While the investigation unravels and the family camps out in a barn, a killer remains at large—exactly the sort of loose end Maggie can’t help but clean up . . .
Audible Audio
Published July 24, 2018
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About the author
Mary Feliz
6 books626 followersMary Feliz writes the Maggie McDonald Mystery series featuring whip-smart professional organizer Maggie McDonald and her side-kick golden retriever. Together, with the help of family, friends, and a quirky community, they restore order when violence rips their world apart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
April 16, 2020
Address to Die For is the first book in the Maggie McDonald mystery series written by Mary Feliz. I became aware of the series about a year ago when the fifth book was available as a free download if I participated on a blog tour. I enjoyed it a lot and also read the fourth one which was at my library sale that weekend. I rarely read out of order, but I had too much on my plate and couldn't start from the beginning back then. Now that I'm getting caught up and trying to finish all series that I enjoy, it was back to the beginning this week!
Maggie McDonald is a late-30s mom to two teen boys in California. Her husband's aunt dies and leaves her grand house to them, so they move to a new town and start a new life. Unfortunately, there's a dead man in their basement. As a professional organizer, Maggie cleans up right away (after the body is taken away of course), and she begins finding clues. Maggie meets several people at the school as well as the local cops, befriending most everyone. Her husband has to fly to India for work, so she's stuck figuring things out on her own... and then more deaths happen. Who is after some folks in her new hometown and what does if have to do with the school? Maggie solves the case thru determination and sweat while setting up her new business.
Overall, I like this series. Through Maggie, the author provides an organizational tip at the beginning of each chapter; it has something to do with a clue or a side plot. The characters are fun and likable. Maggie's a quick friend to most, and she's usually careful, but there are times when I think she is a little too nosy for her own good. This is good in an amateur sleuth, yet as a mom, she takes too many risk for my taste... but that's totally fine, everyone's different. The supporting cast is being developed well and the murder was complex. I couldn't imagine how a dead caretaker in her house and someone in the town fit in the puzzle, but it slowly comes together. The clues were clear and vague, at the right levels.
I will keep reading more in the series as I just got a copy of the latest one from NetGalley. Six in total, I've now read 3... they are good for an afternoon read but can also be spread out over a few nights. If you like balanced cozies without the super-sweet characters who can be a little overdone, this is a great series to pick up.
Maggie McDonald is a late-30s mom to two teen boys in California. Her husband's aunt dies and leaves her grand house to them, so they move to a new town and start a new life. Unfortunately, there's a dead man in their basement. As a professional organizer, Maggie cleans up right away (after the body is taken away of course), and she begins finding clues. Maggie meets several people at the school as well as the local cops, befriending most everyone. Her husband has to fly to India for work, so she's stuck figuring things out on her own... and then more deaths happen. Who is after some folks in her new hometown and what does if have to do with the school? Maggie solves the case thru determination and sweat while setting up her new business.
Overall, I like this series. Through Maggie, the author provides an organizational tip at the beginning of each chapter; it has something to do with a clue or a side plot. The characters are fun and likable. Maggie's a quick friend to most, and she's usually careful, but there are times when I think she is a little too nosy for her own good. This is good in an amateur sleuth, yet as a mom, she takes too many risk for my taste... but that's totally fine, everyone's different. The supporting cast is being developed well and the murder was complex. I couldn't imagine how a dead caretaker in her house and someone in the town fit in the puzzle, but it slowly comes together. The clues were clear and vague, at the right levels.
I will keep reading more in the series as I just got a copy of the latest one from NetGalley. Six in total, I've now read 3... they are good for an afternoon read but can also be spread out over a few nights. If you like balanced cozies without the super-sweet characters who can be a little overdone, this is a great series to pick up.
February 6, 2017
This is my first book by Mary Feliz and I know that I will be reading more. In fact, I already have Scheduled to Death in my Kindle to read.
The story is really well written and Maggie is a wonderful character with such realism and just a joy to read. The murders were interesting and kept me involved. If you love mysteries that are a little more than cozy then this is a nice in-between mix Not too graphic, and not too cozy.
I am reading this for Mystery Thriller Week the event that brings fans, authors, and bloggers together in one spectacular event Feb 12-22nd.
The story is really well written and Maggie is a wonderful character with such realism and just a joy to read. The murders were interesting and kept me involved. If you love mysteries that are a little more than cozy then this is a nice in-between mix Not too graphic, and not too cozy.
I am reading this for Mystery Thriller Week the event that brings fans, authors, and bloggers together in one spectacular event Feb 12-22nd.
July 14, 2016
Professional organizer Maggie McDonald is fairly certain she has everything planned to near perfection for her family's move to Silicon Valley. The house has been featured in countless stories of her husband, Max's, childhood, and everyone is excited for the move. The home has been billed as move-in-ready, thanks to a caretaker who knew the previous owner, Max's aunt, and who has been keeping an eye on things until Maggie, Max, their two boys, and their pets can move in. But the run-down, dangerous-looking property the McDonald family pulls up to has them all scratching their heads. Not only is the house not up to par, but the moving van is delayed, Max gets a call from his new boss about traveling abroad ASAP, and there's a dead body in the basement. In record time, Maggie is stuck managing more than the mysteries of a new neighborhood and school system - especially when she stumbles upon another dead body.
Address to Die For is the first in a new series from author Mary Feliz and publisher Lyrical Underground - and it's a good one. Mary has assembled a unique cast of bright, energetic, and spunky characters. The character canvas expands quickly, but it feels natural; we readers are, like Maggie, getting to know the neighbors, school moms, and officials of our new town. The story is fast-paced and engaging; each chapter left me feeling eager to continue piecing together the clues presented and get to the bottom of not only the murders, but also the vandalism that Maggie and her family are being subjected to. The author skillfully amps up the tension until the reveal of the culprits - which felt seamless and matter-of-fact. Of course! I thought to myself as the pieces clicked into place. What's unique about this particular mystery is how sympathetic both the vandal and the killer are - neither are sharp, hard, bad-to-the-bone "bad guys," and that, in my opinion, really makes this story stand out among its cozy competitors. Can't wait to see what comes next!
I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Address to Die For is the first in a new series from author Mary Feliz and publisher Lyrical Underground - and it's a good one. Mary has assembled a unique cast of bright, energetic, and spunky characters. The character canvas expands quickly, but it feels natural; we readers are, like Maggie, getting to know the neighbors, school moms, and officials of our new town. The story is fast-paced and engaging; each chapter left me feeling eager to continue piecing together the clues presented and get to the bottom of not only the murders, but also the vandalism that Maggie and her family are being subjected to. The author skillfully amps up the tension until the reveal of the culprits - which felt seamless and matter-of-fact. Of course! I thought to myself as the pieces clicked into place. What's unique about this particular mystery is how sympathetic both the vandal and the killer are - neither are sharp, hard, bad-to-the-bone "bad guys," and that, in my opinion, really makes this story stand out among its cozy competitors. Can't wait to see what comes next!
I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2016
Mary Feliz’s debut cozy Address to Die For follows the typical formula but with unique elements that give it its own flair. For starters, Maggie isn’t technically a single mom though she ends up as one for most of the book. She has what seems like a solid marriage, and I would have actually liked to see more of her husband in the story. Hopefully he will play a larger role in further books. We can instantly relate to Maggie from the moment she steps out of her car to discover that the house they hoped was “turn key ready” is anything but. From the broken windows to the hole in the porch… to, you know, the dead body in the basement. And it all goes downhill from there LOL.
Seriously, poor Maggie. She’s super resilient though. I would have packed it in and called it a day as soon as my husband told me about the body in the basement. Heck, I pretty much feel that way if we see evidence of mice… so yeah, dead body? I’m outta there.
Along the way, with everything going downhill fast, Maggie gets to know the local police department very well. I absolutely adored several of the local characters, including a couple of the police officers, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them all in later books. Well…. maybe not the murderer. But all the rest, definitely!
Address to Die For is one of those books where the writing, the plot, the characters – it all “clicks” right from the very first word. I was caught up in the story immediately and didn’t want to put it down until I’d figured out whodunit and made sure Maggie and her people were safe and sound. Engaging writing, interesting characters, and a well-plotted mystery. Enjoyable for any cozy mystery fan and even for readers just starting out in the genre.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Seriously, poor Maggie. She’s super resilient though. I would have packed it in and called it a day as soon as my husband told me about the body in the basement. Heck, I pretty much feel that way if we see evidence of mice… so yeah, dead body? I’m outta there.
Along the way, with everything going downhill fast, Maggie gets to know the local police department very well. I absolutely adored several of the local characters, including a couple of the police officers, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them all in later books. Well…. maybe not the murderer. But all the rest, definitely!
Address to Die For is one of those books where the writing, the plot, the characters – it all “clicks” right from the very first word. I was caught up in the story immediately and didn’t want to put it down until I’d figured out whodunit and made sure Maggie and her people were safe and sound. Engaging writing, interesting characters, and a well-plotted mystery. Enjoyable for any cozy mystery fan and even for readers just starting out in the genre.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 6, 2016
Address to Die For by Mary Feliz is the first book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series. Maggie McDonald and her family have picked up moved from Stockton to Orchard View, California (near Silicon Valley). Max (Maggie’s hubby) inherited a beautiful old home from his Aunt Kay (a hundred year old California Craftsman). Max has fond memories of the house, barn, and property and is looking forward to moving in. Maggie is a professional organizer and believes she has everything in hand. Things do not go quite as planned (of course). Max goes down the basement to check on the electrical panel (the lights are not working) and stumbles over a pile (he thought it was laundry at first) at the bottom of the stairs. It turns out to be the dead body of the house’s caretaker, Javier Hernandez (which explains the dilapidated condition of the house). The police investigate and discover that the electrical panel was rigged to cause a fire when the family started using the electricity. To top it off their moving truck has encountered problems and has been delayed. Thankfully, they can stay in the barn (while the police process the house) since it has electricity and full bathroom. Then Max gets a call from his new boss and finds out that he has to leave for India (for a few weeks) on Monday (it is Labor Day weekend). When it rains it pours. Can the things get any worse? The family takes a walk with their dog, Belle and upon their return the mailbox explodes (not from a bomb). It turns out that Javier reported several incidents of vandalism since Aunt Kay passed away. What is going on and why is there house being targeted? Maggie is inquisitive and cannot help poking around (and asking questions). School opens for the year and incidents start happening at the middle school (nasty ones). Maggie has to run a permission slip over to the school one evening and finds the office door unlocked. She enters and finds the principal, Miss Harrier dead in her office. Miss Harrier was not well-liked which makes for a long suspect list (one way for Maggie to meet the townspeople). All of these incidents are not giving the McDonald family a good feeling about Orchard View. Why was Miss Harrier killed? Is the killer also behind the malicious mischief at the school and the McDonald House? Maggie wants to help the investigation, but will her inquisitiveness put her in the path of a killer.
Address to Die For was a good first book. The town is unusual (the schools do not have buses) with quirky characters, the new home sounds gorgeous (just needs a facelift), and I liked the main characters/family (McDonald family). The mysteries are easily solved if you pay careful attention to the clues provided. The first half of the book is slow paced because of all the details (the family, town, house, etc.) which bog it down a little. The pace does pick up in the second half of the book. I found some of the vandalism offensive because it involved animals (I really wish the author had not included it), but that is just me. Address to Die For is easy to read and is nicely written. I give Address to Die For 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I will definitely be reading the next book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series which is Scheduled to Death.
I received a complimentary copy of Address to Die For from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The comments and opinions expressed above are strictly my own.
Address to Die For was a good first book. The town is unusual (the schools do not have buses) with quirky characters, the new home sounds gorgeous (just needs a facelift), and I liked the main characters/family (McDonald family). The mysteries are easily solved if you pay careful attention to the clues provided. The first half of the book is slow paced because of all the details (the family, town, house, etc.) which bog it down a little. The pace does pick up in the second half of the book. I found some of the vandalism offensive because it involved animals (I really wish the author had not included it), but that is just me. Address to Die For is easy to read and is nicely written. I give Address to Die For 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I will definitely be reading the next book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series which is Scheduled to Death.
I received a complimentary copy of Address to Die For from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The comments and opinions expressed above are strictly my own.
July 19, 2016
ADDRESS TO DIE FOR is a good, strong start to the new mystery series that I hope to see last a very long time.
When moving into a new house, a dead body in the basement, or any room for that matter, doesn’t seem like a good omen. Lucky for us readers, it makes for a wonderful read. Not so lucky for series namesake, Maggie McDonald and her family. I really enjoyed getting to know Maggie and her sons. Sometimes children in a mystery can get in the way. I was happy to see that was not the case in ADDRESS TO DIE FOR. Maggie’s husband Max seems likeable, but I really didn’t get to form much of an opinion of him for reasons I can’t get into. There are some real “characters” in the townsfolk. It’s going to be fun to see them fleshed out in future books.
Right off the bat, I enjoyed the tempo of author Mary Feliz’s writing. No wasted words or dragging scenes. Just a fast paced story both well written, and thought out. Each new twist had me reading faster to see what would happen next, propelling me toward the end. The reveal of the antagonist and the scene that followed, held a lot of tension. I have the nubby fingernails to prove it.
All in all, a great read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, SCHEDULED TO DEATH. You can find an excerpt of it at the back of ADDRESS TO DIE FOR.
When moving into a new house, a dead body in the basement, or any room for that matter, doesn’t seem like a good omen. Lucky for us readers, it makes for a wonderful read. Not so lucky for series namesake, Maggie McDonald and her family. I really enjoyed getting to know Maggie and her sons. Sometimes children in a mystery can get in the way. I was happy to see that was not the case in ADDRESS TO DIE FOR. Maggie’s husband Max seems likeable, but I really didn’t get to form much of an opinion of him for reasons I can’t get into. There are some real “characters” in the townsfolk. It’s going to be fun to see them fleshed out in future books.
Right off the bat, I enjoyed the tempo of author Mary Feliz’s writing. No wasted words or dragging scenes. Just a fast paced story both well written, and thought out. Each new twist had me reading faster to see what would happen next, propelling me toward the end. The reveal of the antagonist and the scene that followed, held a lot of tension. I have the nubby fingernails to prove it.
All in all, a great read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, SCHEDULED TO DEATH. You can find an excerpt of it at the back of ADDRESS TO DIE FOR.
July 30, 2017
This was one of my favorites cozies so far this year. It had me guessing with so many great red-herrings that I was quite surprised at the conclusion. Well-paced and a fun read. Looking forward to reading the next in this series...
July 19, 2016
It is Moving day for Maggie McDonald and her family in the first book of fascinating new series. Max, her husband has I inherit the family home from his aunt. He is ready to start a new job nearby. The new house is not in the condition they thought it would be. Max gets a message that he needs to be Bangladesh on Monday. While checking the circuits Max finds a dead body in the basement. The house becomes a crime scene so the barn is a temporary home for awhile. Th closest neighbor is not too friendly. Max leaves for his job leaving Maggie, the two boys, their dog and two cats to settle into the new life. The police are friendly and very helpful. The action is ongoing and rapid as the family is under attack almost every night. Beware as there is animal cruelty. The book was excellent on keeping me wondering who was the guilty party. I am now waiting for the next adventure.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 18, 2016
This is the first in a brand new series featuring Maggie MacDonald by author Mary Feliz. Maggie and her family are relocating to a new home - which unfortunately is not the turn key that was expected. Maggie must deal with vandals, and murder before she can get her new home in a satisfying organized manner.
I enjoyed this book and the characters. I thought they were well drawn out and likable. Often times the first book in a series is a little tedious with information because the author is attempting to set up the characters and setting for the reader. Unfortunately, the first half of the book seemed a little too bogged down with information that it was a little slow moving but once the half way point is reached the book sailed through at a much quicker pace. I liked the characters and look forward to getting to know them more . I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest reviw.
I enjoyed this book and the characters. I thought they were well drawn out and likable. Often times the first book in a series is a little tedious with information because the author is attempting to set up the characters and setting for the reader. Unfortunately, the first half of the book seemed a little too bogged down with information that it was a little slow moving but once the half way point is reached the book sailed through at a much quicker pace. I liked the characters and look forward to getting to know them more . I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest reviw.
September 4, 2016
Book #93 Read in 2016
Address to Die For by Mary Feliz
Maggie, her husband Max, their two boys Brian and David, dog Belle and cats Holmes and Watson move to a country home that Max inherited from his late aunt. As they begin to try to settle in, they first find a dead body in their basement. Then, vandalism happens to their home. Is someone trying to get them to leave before they even unpack? This was a good mystery read...cozy but with an edge to it. The characters were interesting. I enjoy the little organizational tips (homage to Maggie's job as a professional organizer) at the beginning of each chapter. The mystery had good twists and turns which will keep readers guessing. I will continue reading this series. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
Address to Die For by Mary Feliz
Maggie, her husband Max, their two boys Brian and David, dog Belle and cats Holmes and Watson move to a country home that Max inherited from his late aunt. As they begin to try to settle in, they first find a dead body in their basement. Then, vandalism happens to their home. Is someone trying to get them to leave before they even unpack? This was a good mystery read...cozy but with an edge to it. The characters were interesting. I enjoy the little organizational tips (homage to Maggie's job as a professional organizer) at the beginning of each chapter. The mystery had good twists and turns which will keep readers guessing. I will continue reading this series. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
July 18, 2018
Book one in the Maggie McDonald Mystery series. What a great start to a new series. Maggie and her family are relocating to an inherited house in a town only the husband is familiar with having grown up there. The only problem is that everything that can go wrong does including finding a dead body in the basement when they first arrive. The crazy events just build one after another keeping the reader hooked wondering what will happen next. Maggie tries to keep everything going but life sure seems to fighting against her. If you enjoy cozy mysteries then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed reading it so it gets 4/5 stars.
September 24, 2019
Moving to a new home in a new town can be hard enough, but when someone vandalizes, terrorizes and turns to murder it may be time to rethink your future! Great characters with a strong female lead and strong supporting characters make this good plot even better! Nice twists to keep you guessing and to lead you after a few red herrings along the way. Even better, this book was available via audio and the reader did an excellent job of bringing the characters fully to life. I am quite looking forward to the next book already!
June 15, 2018
A good first book in a series. Looking forward to reading the next.
May 14, 2018
I've been wanting to read this book for quite awhile now so I was glad that another online book club I'm in chose it for their May discussion this weekend. I think what drew me to buy it to begin with was that Maggie, the main character, is a professional organizer and I thought that was interesting. I also really liked the idea that for once in a cozy mystery, she was happily married, had two nice young sons and was basically just a mom. It's something that's not written about too often and it's always refreshing to see it.
Maggie and her husband Max, two young sons David and Brian, Belle the dog, Watson and Sherlock the cats moved to Silicon Valley to an old house that Max's aunt Kay had left them. Last time Max saw it though, it looked great but when they arrived, it was in terrible disrepair. Not to mention that there was a dead body in the basement which turned out to be Aunt Kay's caretaker. School budget issues, another murder and some more vandalism had Maggie wondering whether all these events were somehow connected. Being new to town, she wasn't able to get a handle on the residents like she would have in her old town. If all that wasn't enough, her husband had to be in India for his new tech job longer than planned. She and the boys were totally on their own to move in, get adjusted at school and put up with vandalism...hoping all the while that their dream home didn't go up in flames someday!
For the most part, I really liked the new circle of friends that Maggie was able to make both through the local police and the school. Jason was a very fair detective. He definitely didn't want her snooping but I thought it was pretty cool how he treated 7th grade Brian like he was an adult and valued his input during the investigation. Brian actually came up with an idea of where a key clue was for the police to look.
I think my favorite character was Stephen, an ex-Marine who now did counseling and training of veterans who came home and either just needed help coping or getting a service dog to work with. He was always there for people, veterans or civilians, in need whether it was physical needs like food and warm blankets or emotional needs--Maggie said he was like Batman. His own huge dog Munchkin was a rescue he'd found when the dog was a tiny puppy. Another local dog that belonged to Maggie's new friend Tess was an honored veteran canine. I really liked that whole serving the veterans in need angle. It was something different that no one else has ever touched on, at least in what I've read so far in my nearly two years of reading cozies.
My other favorite character was Tess. She seemed like the most unlikely person to be friends with Maggie when they first met at the beginning of school meeting but she was totally different and really down to earth once she was home and just chilling out. She really turned out to be a good friend and I'm looking forward to reading more about her character and learning about her in the next books. Being in real estate, she definitely knew the right contacts for getting Maggie's old house fixed up and in good shape. I loved that she didn't bug Maggie for her real estate business or insist she sell her house like another new neighbor thought she should.
There was no shortage of suspects in this cleverly plotted mystery. Some people were trying to divert suspicion but they might not have even been suspicious themselves. I really enjoyed reading the whole investigation journey of finding out what person or persons were involved in a somewhat elaborate crime wave. The party at the end after the take down and arrest was a lot of fun. Everyone gathered at Maggie's house, Max had said he was coming home soon and for the first time, Maggie felt like she was at home.
I already have the next book in the series and will definitely be reading it. I kind of hated to leave this little town and its interesting people.
Maggie and her husband Max, two young sons David and Brian, Belle the dog, Watson and Sherlock the cats moved to Silicon Valley to an old house that Max's aunt Kay had left them. Last time Max saw it though, it looked great but when they arrived, it was in terrible disrepair. Not to mention that there was a dead body in the basement which turned out to be Aunt Kay's caretaker. School budget issues, another murder and some more vandalism had Maggie wondering whether all these events were somehow connected. Being new to town, she wasn't able to get a handle on the residents like she would have in her old town. If all that wasn't enough, her husband had to be in India for his new tech job longer than planned. She and the boys were totally on their own to move in, get adjusted at school and put up with vandalism...hoping all the while that their dream home didn't go up in flames someday!
For the most part, I really liked the new circle of friends that Maggie was able to make both through the local police and the school. Jason was a very fair detective. He definitely didn't want her snooping but I thought it was pretty cool how he treated 7th grade Brian like he was an adult and valued his input during the investigation. Brian actually came up with an idea of where a key clue was for the police to look.
I think my favorite character was Stephen, an ex-Marine who now did counseling and training of veterans who came home and either just needed help coping or getting a service dog to work with. He was always there for people, veterans or civilians, in need whether it was physical needs like food and warm blankets or emotional needs--Maggie said he was like Batman. His own huge dog Munchkin was a rescue he'd found when the dog was a tiny puppy. Another local dog that belonged to Maggie's new friend Tess was an honored veteran canine. I really liked that whole serving the veterans in need angle. It was something different that no one else has ever touched on, at least in what I've read so far in my nearly two years of reading cozies.
My other favorite character was Tess. She seemed like the most unlikely person to be friends with Maggie when they first met at the beginning of school meeting but she was totally different and really down to earth once she was home and just chilling out. She really turned out to be a good friend and I'm looking forward to reading more about her character and learning about her in the next books. Being in real estate, she definitely knew the right contacts for getting Maggie's old house fixed up and in good shape. I loved that she didn't bug Maggie for her real estate business or insist she sell her house like another new neighbor thought she should.
There was no shortage of suspects in this cleverly plotted mystery. Some people were trying to divert suspicion but they might not have even been suspicious themselves. I really enjoyed reading the whole investigation journey of finding out what person or persons were involved in a somewhat elaborate crime wave. The party at the end after the take down and arrest was a lot of fun. Everyone gathered at Maggie's house, Max had said he was coming home soon and for the first time, Maggie felt like she was at home.
I already have the next book in the series and will definitely be reading it. I kind of hated to leave this little town and its interesting people.
November 26, 2016
In February, when Max McDonald inherited his aunt’s home in Orchard View, CA, it was in good condition, considering it had been a rental for several years. In April, after the estate paperwork had been completed the house was still in pretty good shape, needing just a few repairs to bring it up to more modern standards. Now, in August, as Maggie and Max McDonald, their two sons, their two cats and their one dog stand in the yard ready to move in, they find a battered wreak.
They also find a freshly dead body crumpled at the foot of the basement stairs.
In the course of the police investigation, the electrical panel is found to be sabotaged, jury-rigged to catch fire at the first sign of a load. Their moving van has unusual driver and mechanical problems – twice. Their mailbox is blown up by a cherry bomb cocktail. One of their neighbors, a member of the local school board, informs them that the children are not welcome in their school district. The middle school principal then tries to coerce the transfer of their youngest child, who is gifted both musically and mathematically, out of his new school by forcibly scheduling him into what are essentially remedial classes.
And with no notice, before Max can even report for his first day of work at his new job, he is shipped off to the company satellite office – in India!
For the McDonalds, all these incidents seem to be an unusually nasty spate of bad luck. In the stress of dealing with these problems, which are often occurring multiple times in one day, it never dawns on them that someone or several someones might want the possession of or even just the use of their property. After all, family homestead for generations or not, they now own a piece of property in Silicon Valley that the probate process has assessed at over 15 million dollars!
Right up to the end of this cozy mystery, I felt it was a good solid 4-star effort. While the two McDonald boys seem just a little too “good” for their age bracket, Maggie’s character and actions match and are quite believable.
It was the ending that made the difference and lowered my rating by a point. Frankly, the author’s explanation of some of the evidence comes across as more confusing than believable. And the actions of one perpetrator, at the very end, are directly in opposition to the reasons for and the desired outcome of their final campaign of terror. In other words, if you believe the author’s explanation for those attacks, you cannot accept what that perpetrator does only moments before the police arrive.
However, rough ending or not, for a debut novel, “Address to Die For” is not bad. I like the sensible, down-to-earth, yet modern character of Maggie McDonald. Thus, I plan to read the second in the series when it is published (scheduled for several months subsequent to the date of this review).
While my main reading interest lies in heavier mysteries in the police procedural, legal thriller or urban fantasy genres, a good amateur sleuth or cozy work makes a most refreshing change of pace.
They also find a freshly dead body crumpled at the foot of the basement stairs.
In the course of the police investigation, the electrical panel is found to be sabotaged, jury-rigged to catch fire at the first sign of a load. Their moving van has unusual driver and mechanical problems – twice. Their mailbox is blown up by a cherry bomb cocktail. One of their neighbors, a member of the local school board, informs them that the children are not welcome in their school district. The middle school principal then tries to coerce the transfer of their youngest child, who is gifted both musically and mathematically, out of his new school by forcibly scheduling him into what are essentially remedial classes.
And with no notice, before Max can even report for his first day of work at his new job, he is shipped off to the company satellite office – in India!
For the McDonalds, all these incidents seem to be an unusually nasty spate of bad luck. In the stress of dealing with these problems, which are often occurring multiple times in one day, it never dawns on them that someone or several someones might want the possession of or even just the use of their property. After all, family homestead for generations or not, they now own a piece of property in Silicon Valley that the probate process has assessed at over 15 million dollars!
Right up to the end of this cozy mystery, I felt it was a good solid 4-star effort. While the two McDonald boys seem just a little too “good” for their age bracket, Maggie’s character and actions match and are quite believable.
It was the ending that made the difference and lowered my rating by a point. Frankly, the author’s explanation of some of the evidence comes across as more confusing than believable. And the actions of one perpetrator, at the very end, are directly in opposition to the reasons for and the desired outcome of their final campaign of terror. In other words, if you believe the author’s explanation for those attacks, you cannot accept what that perpetrator does only moments before the police arrive.
However, rough ending or not, for a debut novel, “Address to Die For” is not bad. I like the sensible, down-to-earth, yet modern character of Maggie McDonald. Thus, I plan to read the second in the series when it is published (scheduled for several months subsequent to the date of this review).
While my main reading interest lies in heavier mysteries in the police procedural, legal thriller or urban fantasy genres, a good amateur sleuth or cozy work makes a most refreshing change of pace.
September 25, 2016
Mary McDonald, a professional organizer, along with her husband Max, two sons, two cats and a dog have just arrived at the one hundred year old house that Max has recently inherited from his aunt Kay. Supposedly in move-in condition, the house when they arrive is anything but. Max, having grown up living in the house with his Aunt, had previously regaled the family about how wonderful it was to grow up in Orchard View , CA. Since they've left their old house & jobs behind, all they can do is try to make the best of it until they can find the caretaker to see what's going on. It doesn't take long to find the caretaker, however, but he's very dead.
I found this to be a good, strong beginning to a new series. Although we don't learn much about her husband, Max, since he has to go out of the country for work shortly into the story, their sons David and Brian and especially Maggie are very fully developed. The secondary characters, including law enforcement, a neighbor, fellow parents and who will ultimately become Maggie's best friend, Tess, are as well. As a result, although there are quite a few secondary characters who I'm sure will pop up in the subsequent books, I will have no trouble remembering them or the roles they played in this one. The mystery aspect itself was well plotted and I enjoyed getting to know the people of Orchard View while wondering who was guilty of not only the deaths but the numerous calamities befalling the family. At times, however, I felt that some of the vandalism and scare tactics the family endures were a bit much for a cozy.
There are of course several red herrings and some odd behavior on the part of more than one resident, so when at one point when it appeared to be pointing to the all too easy culprit, before I could even sigh in disappointment, they turned
out not to be guilty after all. Well done.
I look forward to the next book in the series, Scheduled to Death. As luck would have it, I only have until Jan 2017 to see what happens next.
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & comments included in this review are entirely my own.
I found this to be a good, strong beginning to a new series. Although we don't learn much about her husband, Max, since he has to go out of the country for work shortly into the story, their sons David and Brian and especially Maggie are very fully developed. The secondary characters, including law enforcement, a neighbor, fellow parents and who will ultimately become Maggie's best friend, Tess, are as well. As a result, although there are quite a few secondary characters who I'm sure will pop up in the subsequent books, I will have no trouble remembering them or the roles they played in this one. The mystery aspect itself was well plotted and I enjoyed getting to know the people of Orchard View while wondering who was guilty of not only the deaths but the numerous calamities befalling the family. At times, however, I felt that some of the vandalism and scare tactics the family endures were a bit much for a cozy.
There are of course several red herrings and some odd behavior on the part of more than one resident, so when at one point when it appeared to be pointing to the all too easy culprit, before I could even sigh in disappointment, they turned
out not to be guilty after all. Well done.
I look forward to the next book in the series, Scheduled to Death. As luck would have it, I only have until Jan 2017 to see what happens next.
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & comments included in this review are entirely my own.
September 23, 2016
This book is a winner! I started and finished it in one long and delightfully entertaining afternoon, and was happily engrossed in the mysterious events that surround the McDonald family from the moment they pull up in front of their new home in Silicon Valley, California. Maggie McDonald is a great wife, a mother of two teen aged boys, and a professional organizer by trade. She's friendly, easy-going and of course, she's extremely organized which is a trait I find endearingly amusing. Unfortunately, the more organized Maggie is, the more difficult her life becomes when she discovers their 100 year old California Craftsman home has been vandalized and her husband finds a dead body in the basement. What follows is a fast paced, delicious, and smartly written, who-dun-it featuring colorful characters in a great community who welcome Maggie, and provide support and safety when really bad things start to happen and her life spins out of control. This first book in the Maggie McDonald Mystery series is a thrill ride of mayhem, and murder, that has me hooked on this author and already awaiting the next book in what is sure to be a highly acclaimed and oh-so-mysterious debut. I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
February 24, 2017
A new to me author and series, Address to Die For, is the first in A Maggie McDonald Mystery Series. The title character, Maggie, is a professional organizer. As the series opens she is in the middle of moving with her family to a home her husband inherited from his aunt. The move goes anything but smoothly and the main upset is a dead body found in her new house. Maggie steps up the challenge of handling the move, fixing up the dilapidated house, meeting new people in town and figuring out who is trying to drive her family out of their new home with a fist full of lists and a smile on her face.
Maggie is different from the average cozy sleuth in that she is a happily married mother. In most cases, the sleuths are single women, or divorced or widowed. In this, the opening book of the series, her husband was called away for work, but the relationship between them was illustrated through their emails. I look forward to seeing how it their family life is portrayed in the next book.
Very promising start to a new series!
Maggie is different from the average cozy sleuth in that she is a happily married mother. In most cases, the sleuths are single women, or divorced or widowed. In this, the opening book of the series, her husband was called away for work, but the relationship between them was illustrated through their emails. I look forward to seeing how it their family life is portrayed in the next book.
Very promising start to a new series!
September 3, 2016
I usually save my reading for the treadmill at the gym and I must say that Ms. Feliz’s engaging and addictive cozy mystery, Address to Die For, made for a LOT of extra Fitbit steps. She had me laughing, flipping pages, wondering, guessing, and thoroughly entertained. A fresh new voice, an unexpected Silicon Valley setting, great secondary characters and a wonderfully believable and endearing heroine. I especially loved that Maggie McDonald is a professional organizer. Not only does she sort clues with color coded sticky notes, but each chapter begins with a foreshadowing tip taken from her business notebook. That the story also includes an all-but-haunted Victorian home, a couple of great kids, and a loveable menagerie of pets (like cats named Holmes and Watson), is frosting on a completely delicious cozy mystery debut. I can’t wait for the next Maggie McDonald mystery.
November 6, 2020
Maybe moving wasn't that great of an idea.
Max McDonald inherited the house he grew up in and loves from his Aunt Kay. So packing up the family and moving from Stockton, CA and a professorship to Orchard View, CA and a dream job in Silicon Valley was a dream come true.
But once there things begin to unravel quickly. Mainly finding a dead body in the basement and Max having to to Bangalore.
So his wife Maggie, a professional organizer, steps up and takes over.
But soon meeting the neighbors takes a backseat to the vandalism, fires, and murders.
This is an enjoyable book that takes you through twists and turns and the joys and misgivings of moving to places unknown.
Characters are fun if not very developed and descriptions of surrounding area doesn't give much of an idea what the outskirts of the Silicon Valley look like.
That being said, I will be reading more books with fingers crossed.
Max McDonald inherited the house he grew up in and loves from his Aunt Kay. So packing up the family and moving from Stockton, CA and a professorship to Orchard View, CA and a dream job in Silicon Valley was a dream come true.
But once there things begin to unravel quickly. Mainly finding a dead body in the basement and Max having to to Bangalore.
So his wife Maggie, a professional organizer, steps up and takes over.
But soon meeting the neighbors takes a backseat to the vandalism, fires, and murders.
This is an enjoyable book that takes you through twists and turns and the joys and misgivings of moving to places unknown.
Characters are fun if not very developed and descriptions of surrounding area doesn't give much of an idea what the outskirts of the Silicon Valley look like.
That being said, I will be reading more books with fingers crossed.
September 20, 2016
The first word I would use to describe Maggie is "Mom." And since she's a professional organizer, the second word would be "organized." With a dead man in the basement and their new home being targeted for unknown reasons, she's still got to get stuff unpacked and her two sons as settled as is humanly possible. In between errands and trips back and forth to the boys' schools, Maggie makes the time and effort to get acquainted with her neighbors. This is when readers learn that Mary Feliz has created a multi-faceted cast that should work well in a long-running series (as I hope this will be). The author has also written a strong mystery with a fine sense of misdirection that kept me guessing throughout.
There are a lot of things that happen to Maggie's new home. A lot. Each chapter begins with a quote from her own professional organizing business, and these quotes make sense-- especially the ones that advise people to know when to ask for help. I only had one problem with Maggie asking for help. All those things that happen to Maggie's house need fixing. Many of them could be done by homeowners with time and varying amounts of elbow grease. With Max gone and all these crazy things going on, Maggie didn't have time so she pulled out her checkbook and had other people take care of everything. Why did I have a problem with that? Because most of us don't have checkbooks that can withstand one expensive hit after another. (Okay, color me envious and call it a day!)
And once you've called it a day, you'll find that I really enjoyed Address to Die For. I want to see that house get finished. I want to see how Maggie solves more mysteries once Max is back in town-- I already know she can take care of things on her own. I want to see her get her business up and running (because "organized" is a word that most people use to describe me). I like Mary Feliz's mystery and her characters, and I'll definitely be back for more!
There are a lot of things that happen to Maggie's new home. A lot. Each chapter begins with a quote from her own professional organizing business, and these quotes make sense-- especially the ones that advise people to know when to ask for help. I only had one problem with Maggie asking for help. All those things that happen to Maggie's house need fixing. Many of them could be done by homeowners with time and varying amounts of elbow grease. With Max gone and all these crazy things going on, Maggie didn't have time so she pulled out her checkbook and had other people take care of everything. Why did I have a problem with that? Because most of us don't have checkbooks that can withstand one expensive hit after another. (Okay, color me envious and call it a day!)
And once you've called it a day, you'll find that I really enjoyed Address to Die For. I want to see that house get finished. I want to see how Maggie solves more mysteries once Max is back in town-- I already know she can take care of things on her own. I want to see her get her business up and running (because "organized" is a word that most people use to describe me). I like Mary Feliz's mystery and her characters, and I'll definitely be back for more!
September 21, 2016
I absolutely loved this unique first book in a new series. It really stood out for me in a number of ways and is a great introduction to a really sweet family and a perfect little cozy town.
Maggie, her husband, and their two teenage boys (pets too!) move to a new town for a fresh start after they inherit a beautiful big home. Soon upon arriving the drama begins and it feels like it's never ending. Maggie ultimately decides its up to her to do whatever it takes to keep her family safe.
This book felt unique for a number of reasons:
- the storyline was extremely believable (I became so consumed with this story that I felt like it was my life in turmoil and I resolved to get to the bottom of things)
- it wasn't bogged down with a ton of unnecessary descriptions
- the location of a small town near to Silicon Valley allowed the author to include interesting tech references
-the cast of characters were all unique in their own ways and seemed special in comparison with a typical cozy (Maggie's teenage sons played a significant role in the story)
I enjoyed the straightforward style the author used to introduce us to this new series. Without spoiling anything I will say the mystery element tugs at the heartstrings and I didn't figure it all out until it was revealed at the end. Much of this book is meeting and getting to know Maggie and her family and the people around them. There is action all throughout the story as well. The author has done a fantastic job preparing us for many more adventures. I can't wait for the next book to see how Maggie settles in to her new life.
Maggie, her husband, and their two teenage boys (pets too!) move to a new town for a fresh start after they inherit a beautiful big home. Soon upon arriving the drama begins and it feels like it's never ending. Maggie ultimately decides its up to her to do whatever it takes to keep her family safe.
This book felt unique for a number of reasons:
- the storyline was extremely believable (I became so consumed with this story that I felt like it was my life in turmoil and I resolved to get to the bottom of things)
- it wasn't bogged down with a ton of unnecessary descriptions
- the location of a small town near to Silicon Valley allowed the author to include interesting tech references
-the cast of characters were all unique in their own ways and seemed special in comparison with a typical cozy (Maggie's teenage sons played a significant role in the story)
I enjoyed the straightforward style the author used to introduce us to this new series. Without spoiling anything I will say the mystery element tugs at the heartstrings and I didn't figure it all out until it was revealed at the end. Much of this book is meeting and getting to know Maggie and her family and the people around them. There is action all throughout the story as well. The author has done a fantastic job preparing us for many more adventures. I can't wait for the next book to see how Maggie settles in to her new life.
July 21, 2016
This is a new cozy series that I think will be a winner. Set in a small town in CA, Maggie and her family has just moved to this town and it is not starting off very well when they find a dead body in their home. It only goes downhill from there.
I thought this book had some really interesting characters and it was different from other cozies I have read. From the start, Maggie's husband has to fly to India for work right as they move to this new town, so we get a peek at their email correspondence during the fiascos that occur.
There isn't a large collection of characters to try and decipher who the killer is and I have to say that the author did a great job of leading me down some wrong paths! When the killer was reveals I was quite shocked. I would never have suspected this person. There were plenty others that I wanted to pin the murders on just because I didn't like their attitudes.
I liked that at the beginning of each chapter there is an organizational tip. Many of them were actually quite helpful and I hope to incorporate a few into my life.
I will be interested to see what happens in the next book (and we got a sneak peek at the end of this book and it sounds really good!)
I thought this book had some really interesting characters and it was different from other cozies I have read. From the start, Maggie's husband has to fly to India for work right as they move to this new town, so we get a peek at their email correspondence during the fiascos that occur.
There isn't a large collection of characters to try and decipher who the killer is and I have to say that the author did a great job of leading me down some wrong paths! When the killer was reveals I was quite shocked. I would never have suspected this person. There were plenty others that I wanted to pin the murders on just because I didn't like their attitudes.
I liked that at the beginning of each chapter there is an organizational tip. Many of them were actually quite helpful and I hope to incorporate a few into my life.
I will be interested to see what happens in the next book (and we got a sneak peek at the end of this book and it sounds really good!)
July 21, 2017
This is a great start to cozy series that actually is realistic. It's a great story. The sleuth, Maggie McDonald, and her family decide to move to a small town and move into a new (old) house. Her husband, Max, takes a tech job in Silicon Valley, in the small town of Orchard view happens to be in the heart of Silicon Valley. Max finds that his tech job has moved to India, Maggie hopes to get everything settled and set up shop with her business, Simplicity Itself. She is a professional organizer, witch good traits for an amateur detective On there first night moving into town, they find the body of the caretaker in the basement and over the next few days deal with vandalism, threats, and another murder. While Maggie prepares to get her two teenage sons, David and Austin, ready and off to school and makes repairs on the house. She decided to do a little investigating of her own. The book does potray small town life to the the source material. Having grown up in a small town myself, I know it's not always sunshine and roses,and skipping down town square to go to the local fair. The mystery was good and I like solving it. The clues and the suspects were given. The cast was entertaining, well-written and realistic.
September 20, 2016
Professional organizer Maggie McDonald and her family move to Orchard View, California for a safer and slower paced life, which turns out to be anything but. Their house has been vandalized, the moving van delayed and worst of all, there is a dead body in the basement -- certainly not the organized life Maggie was counting on. The vandalism continues, there are problems at the boys' new schools, and Maggie is determined, in an organized way, to find out who is trying to scare them into leaving town -- but who can she trust? The police want her to leave the investigation to them, but Maggie is determined to protect her home and family. I really liked this book, and the characters were all engaging and most felt like friends from the beginning, and I liked Maggie's family very much. Every chapter starts with an organizational tip, and I got a lot of insight into the professional organizing business just from reading them. This book is truly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 23, 2017
I had high hopes for this book since it's set in the SF Bay Area. Pretty disappointing. At points I felt that the author had a check list of elements you find in a cozy and as she met each point she checked it off and moved on. All that was missing was someone who had a disability. It read more like someone's day planner of day to day activities and the amateur detective didn't really do any detecting....it just kind of happened periodically in between her daily errands of trying to move into a new house. What really turned me off is that this is supposed to be a cozy. Yes, at least one character dies in a cozy -- but to gratuitously kill off 4 animals in a brutal manner has no place in a cozy. It was disgusting.
September 16, 2016
What a great new series! Maggie McDonald and her husband Max, sons David and Brian with their pets move from Stockton California to Silicon Valley. Max has inherited his aunts house which has been promised to be "turn key" it is anything but. Upon arriving they find the house in disrepair and to top it off a dead body in the basement! I fell in love with Maggie and her boys! I enjoyed reading a story about a mother and her kids. I also was obsessed with the character of Tess. Definitely a series I am excited to continue!
I received a copy of this delightful mystery from the publisher in exchange for an honest review!
I received a copy of this delightful mystery from the publisher in exchange for an honest review!
October 3, 2016
A great start for a new series. A little unusual for a cozy mystery as the main character, Maggie, is married with two boys. Maggie and her family have just moved to a new town in a house inherited from her husband's aunt and their first hour in the house they find a dead body in the basement. The story is a little slow at the first as a lot of ground work is laid, plus they are trying to get used to their new surroundings. It does pick up towards the middle to carry on through the end. I liked Maggie's character as well as her family. There is also a great group of supporting characters in the friends that Maggie begins making. Looking forward to reading future books in the series.
September 15, 2021
Having lived several years in a neighborhood of Silicon Valley not unlike Orchard View, I can attest that Mary Feliz has nailed the setting in her debut mystery, ADDRESS TO DIE FOR. I loved the descriptions of the Craftsman houses and their eccentric inhabitants, as well as the Northern California summer weather.
The story is exciting and fast-paced, and I found myself rooting for professional organizer, Maggie McDonald, and her two teenage boys—who’ve just moved to the town only to find a dead body in their basement—to solve the murder so they could finally settle down to their new lives.
The story is exciting and fast-paced, and I found myself rooting for professional organizer, Maggie McDonald, and her two teenage boys—who’ve just moved to the town only to find a dead body in their basement—to solve the murder so they could finally settle down to their new lives.
November 9, 2019
This didn’t live up to my expectations. I enjoyed it at first, but after just too many unlikely coincidences, it became difficult for me to suspend disbelief. I may try Scheduled to Death, the next in the series, unless Maggie’s husband Max is called away again in the beginning. “Formulaic” isn’t interesting to me.
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