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Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries #1
A Devilish Punishment
Prosecuting a pervert. A dead mentor. A new boss. What else could go wrong?
Lillian Booth is pushed to her limits when she’s assigned the worst yet most important case of her career. Trying to disbar a lawyer who abused his clients for years behind closed doors.
But after a series of sinister events, she’s forced to co-counsel with Henry Alton, a man who detested her beloved and now-deceased mentor.
Lillian and Henry have one goal. To win.
But Lillian fears failure if she and Henry can’t get along. And to get along requires her to uncover the origin of Henry’s hatred.
Then survival becomes more important as a mysterious attacker targets them as the case races toward a possibly deadly conclusion.
A Devilish Punishment is the first book in the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries Series.
Lillian Booth is pushed to her limits when she’s assigned the worst yet most important case of her career. Trying to disbar a lawyer who abused his clients for years behind closed doors.
But after a series of sinister events, she’s forced to co-counsel with Henry Alton, a man who detested her beloved and now-deceased mentor.
Lillian and Henry have one goal. To win.
But Lillian fears failure if she and Henry can’t get along. And to get along requires her to uncover the origin of Henry’s hatred.
Then survival becomes more important as a mysterious attacker targets them as the case races toward a possibly deadly conclusion.
A Devilish Punishment is the first book in the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries Series.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
524 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bramseth
37 books171 followersJennifer Bramseth is the author of the Bourbon Springs Series and Bourbonland Series of contemporary romances, and the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries. She is a Kentucky native and lifelong resident who lives next to a horse farm and within minutes of several bourbon distilleries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 31, 2018
Danger, just found a new voice. Jennifer Bramseth has always toed the line between contemporary and suspense, this time around she throws her hat fully into the world of mystery. A Devilish Punishment has it all from dirty deeds to sinister enemies, a high profile case and enough sexual tension to set your heart on fire. Bramseth has always been good at telling stories, so it's no surprise she makes wicked look MARVELOUS.
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April 1, 2020🎁 The complete Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries Series (5 book series) is FREE on iBooks today and Book 1 on Amazon too (4/1/2020)! 🎁
November 7, 2018
I had no idea this was considered a cozy mystery when I started reading. Jennifer Bramseth is one of those authors where I read the book without looking at the description. I've never read one of her books that I didn't love. I just assumed it was another "smart" romance like all the other books in the Bourbon world. Smart as in more than just sex and romance. Her books don't make me hide the title like some "trashy novels". Her stories have so much more than romance in the plots, they're always so well plotted. Once I was about halfway through this one, I gave up on the romance aspect and just sat back and enjoyed the ride. This was so interesting- levels of information and connections popping up, plus a few little familiar pieces sprinkled in. I'm addicted to this new series already! My only complaint was that I didn't get enough physical description of the characters (ages mostly) so that I could mentally try and piece things. I can't explain better without giving away plot!
November 8, 2018
A departure from Ms Bramseth’s previous two Bourbon Springs and Bourbonland series, this cozy mystery, still within the legal genre community, is a captivating beginning to what promises to be a winning series.
With Devilish Punishment taking place before her other two series, and woven in references to occurrences within those series, the reader is given a different perspective...kind of a behind the scenes background.
There is a lot going on within this riveting story with its dynamic characters, a whip smart dialog, and moments of wry humor...the rapid pace is quickly set, keeping the reader immersed and guessing...there’re red herrings, a myriad of twists and turns, and a clever plot that engages you early and keeps the pages turns.
I am definitely looking forward to more stories within this new series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the author. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
With Devilish Punishment taking place before her other two series, and woven in references to occurrences within those series, the reader is given a different perspective...kind of a behind the scenes background.
There is a lot going on within this riveting story with its dynamic characters, a whip smart dialog, and moments of wry humor...the rapid pace is quickly set, keeping the reader immersed and guessing...there’re red herrings, a myriad of twists and turns, and a clever plot that engages you early and keeps the pages turns.
I am definitely looking forward to more stories within this new series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the author. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
December 30, 2019
Almost a 3* but the first half really dragged. The story did grow on me, eventually. As did Lillian as a character.
Every once in a while, in the Bourbon Springs series (which I love,) Ms. Bramseth seemed to get sucked into describing the minutiae of the life of an attorney. I’d find myself suddenly bored and skimming elements that did nothing to further the story. Too often, this felt like an entire book of that style. Plus, I was confused because I thought this series actually takes place in Devil Springs with Greer as the protagonist, but in an afterword by the author, she describes this as a “prequel” and the series will switch to that place and those characters in the next book. OK, but that seems like a strange choice, like she intended this series to be Lillian and Henry, but decided later that she didn’t have more of their story in her.
In the end, she saved the book with good characters and a few interesting plot twists.
Every once in a while, in the Bourbon Springs series (which I love,) Ms. Bramseth seemed to get sucked into describing the minutiae of the life of an attorney. I’d find myself suddenly bored and skimming elements that did nothing to further the story. Too often, this felt like an entire book of that style. Plus, I was confused because I thought this series actually takes place in Devil Springs with Greer as the protagonist, but in an afterword by the author, she describes this as a “prequel” and the series will switch to that place and those characters in the next book. OK, but that seems like a strange choice, like she intended this series to be Lillian and Henry, but decided later that she didn’t have more of their story in her.
In the end, she saved the book with good characters and a few interesting plot twists.
November 6, 2018
I received an Advance copy of A Devilish Punishment for my honest review. Much like the Bourbon Springs and Bourbonland series. This is written in the same great manner of books as the other series. However, this book/series is a departure from the other books, in the fact that the others are romance based and this is a cozy mystery. A slightly different style, new characters (while some of the characters have crossovered from the Bourbon Springs and Bourbonland series), this book is another hit. This was a tale of missing files, misplaced papers, murder, cat and mouse chases, and of course a bit of romance....or the start of one. If you like legal mysteries, this is a the book for you to read!!!! Can’t wait to read the future books!!
November 6, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery story set within the legal and political arena. I’ve been a fan of the Bourbonland series and the cast of characters that keep me entertained. In this story, we meet Lillian, she works on the grievance committee that investigates attorney misconduct and her latest case has been a real challenge. When her friend and colleague suddenly die, she gets a new partner, Henry to help resolve this case. There are many challenges, twists and turns along the way which kept me guessing on what would ultimately happen. I love how Jennifer blends the legal world with the political ramifications allowing me to enjoy all the nuances of these two areas. A very compelling and intriguing mystery story. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
November 7, 2018
A Devilish Punishment by Jennifer Bramseth
Devil Springs #1
Cozy mysteries can be dreadful or delightful and this one is definitely delightful. Why? Well, the sleuth is an intelligent female lawyer that I liked and that I could relate to. There were deaths that eventually proved to be murders and her sleuthing abilities were on target as she found more and more clues and tidbits to follow till she finally unearthed the murderer. AND to add frosting on the cake there was a bit of romance between Lillian and Henry that the author promises we will see a bit more of in the rest of the books in the series.
Did I like this book? Definitely
Do I want to read more in this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Devil Springs #1
Cozy mysteries can be dreadful or delightful and this one is definitely delightful. Why? Well, the sleuth is an intelligent female lawyer that I liked and that I could relate to. There were deaths that eventually proved to be murders and her sleuthing abilities were on target as she found more and more clues and tidbits to follow till she finally unearthed the murderer. AND to add frosting on the cake there was a bit of romance between Lillian and Henry that the author promises we will see a bit more of in the rest of the books in the series.
Did I like this book? Definitely
Do I want to read more in this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 6, 2018
A Devilish Punishment is the first book in the Devil Springs cozy mysteries series. Lillian Booth, the main character finds herself caught up in a tangle of murder and mayhem as she tries to disbar the lawyer who has abused his female clients. Lillian uncovers some surprising events along the way and faces many twists and turns as she tries to solve a mystery she has stumbled upon. The story will keep you guessing about who did what! This is a nice cozy mystery. If you like mysteries, then you will enjoy this one. Thanks to the author for this ARC.
December 24, 2018
Starts out with a lot of characters to keep up with. But, Wow...I think I am hooked. A lot of mystery and suspense with twist and turns. Lillian has her work cut out for her as she tries to keep things going at work. With things happening to fellow associates and new people coming in things seem to be gettin father behind. When helps shows up, she isn't sure how well she can work with the new person. Great story that keeps the pages turning.
May 28, 2019
Lillian works for an agency that investigates and prosecutes shady and abusive lawyers who've had serious complaints filed against them. After her boss dies suddenly, a former employee rejoins the team to bring a high profile case to trial. Sparks fly, and not in a good way, but eventually they learn to work together to put the sleazeball lawyer behind bars. Lots of political twists in the story make for an interesting read. Good mystery with the hint of a possible romance in the future.
August 26, 2019
Lillian is having a bad time - her mentor has just died, she has a new boss and she is assigned the most difficult case of her career (a lawyer is accused of sexual misconduct towards his client). Lillian works as an attorney and handles cases involving punishment/disbarment of lawyers. After the death of a co-worker, she is forced to work with an attorney who did not like her beloved mentor. Quite a few twists and turns, but an interesting read.
December 28, 2020
Can an old rivalry be solved, at least enough for two lawyers to collect the evidence necessary to win their case? Believing her now deceased friend and mentor would never do anything bad enough for another person to hate them so intensely, how can she ever work with the person who spews such vitriol about the friend. Truth is often painful, especially when heroes fall. Two wonderful storylines carefully weaved together to make a captivating story.
January 27, 2021
31/2 This is an interesting mystery I wouldn't call it a cozy mystery.
It has a lot going on, it does all tie together nicely at the end.
There is a lot of mayhem
If one is into law then this book is for them.
The characters are all unlikeable they are all lawyers all hiding things one wouldn't expect.
It is a whole bunch of twists and turns.
Just when you think you figured it out the author throws a curve ball.
I diffently want to read the rest of the series.
It has a lot going on, it does all tie together nicely at the end.
There is a lot of mayhem
If one is into law then this book is for them.
The characters are all unlikeable they are all lawyers all hiding things one wouldn't expect.
It is a whole bunch of twists and turns.
Just when you think you figured it out the author throws a curve ball.
I diffently want to read the rest of the series.
June 1, 2021
A good read, a couple of awesome unexpected twists and turns. But I am extremely other by the fact that they would take files home, have somebody break in the house, fail to replace the locks, leave files, break in again, leave files in car, don't lock said car, break in in said car. How can somebody be THAT irresponsible with important paperwork for a lawsuit you're preparing?! Specially when the perp walked one time before already...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2018
What a way to start a new series! And a Mystery series at that. So much was packed into this first book. It was interesting, exciting, dramatic, and even looking for clues; you had to get to the end to figure out who the real villains were. Lillian is a great character and I also warmed up to Henry. I'm looking forward to the next books in this series.
January 6, 2019
Wonderful debut to the Devil Springs series with a great cast of characters and a well-written story that kept me entertained and intrigued from beginning to end including a good mystery that had twists, turns and surprises. I love this new direction for Jennifer Bramseth and look forward to what happens next in book two of this must-read, can't-put-down cozy series.
May 7, 2019
Having read her Bourbon Springs series, this was a new series with the base of a mystery. Lillian mentor is now dead, and she has to co council with a guy who hated her mentor. So with those odds, would that be against them working together or winning. The case has sex,abused by a lawyer behind doors, it will be tricky to prove, and makes for an interesting plot.
January 7, 2020
I don't normally read or enjoy legal thrillers/mysteries, but this book sounded quirky enough that I thought I would enjoy it. I was correct, this was a fun adventure and if there was some dry areas for me that was expected because, ahem, it was a legal mystery. I look forward to book two to see how everyone is getting g along.
March 27, 2020
This was a great book!
This book appealed to me because of its subject. I knew it had to do with Lawyers, but it sounded like it was going to be fast paced and with not much law.
It was a page turner and it had real twists and turns and many surprises. It was well written and very easy to read. I definitely will continue the series.
This book appealed to me because of its subject. I knew it had to do with Lawyers, but it sounded like it was going to be fast paced and with not much law.
It was a page turner and it had real twists and turns and many surprises. It was well written and very easy to read. I definitely will continue the series.
March 30, 2020
3 star
The book kept me reading and I'd read more. But a lot of what was going on made it not fully fit as a cozy mystery. I'm not good enough at genres to say for sure what it is, but it doesn't fully meet the conventions of a cozy. In terms of actual cozy, the pacing is slow and initial big chunk of book precedes the awareness of a mystery.
The book kept me reading and I'd read more. But a lot of what was going on made it not fully fit as a cozy mystery. I'm not good enough at genres to say for sure what it is, but it doesn't fully meet the conventions of a cozy. In terms of actual cozy, the pacing is slow and initial big chunk of book precedes the awareness of a mystery.
April 25, 2020
A Devilish Punishment - Devil Springs Cozy Mystery Book 1 by Jennifer Bramseth
My thoughts:
This is a well crafted story with very detailed descriptions of what goes on within this fictional legal fraternity and the moral/ethic issues these lawyers deal with. At times the story got a bit bogged down with all the legal terms, but overall I found this to be an interesting cozy mystery. The story telling and writing style held my attention enough for me to want to know how all the clues/cases tied in and what happens to the two main characters of Lillian and Henry. I really liked this. 4 stars.
My thoughts:
This is a well crafted story with very detailed descriptions of what goes on within this fictional legal fraternity and the moral/ethic issues these lawyers deal with. At times the story got a bit bogged down with all the legal terms, but overall I found this to be an interesting cozy mystery. The story telling and writing style held my attention enough for me to want to know how all the clues/cases tied in and what happens to the two main characters of Lillian and Henry. I really liked this. 4 stars.
January 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this mystery book. It has great characters. I loved the romance that became in between all the killings and suspense. I was kept entertained by how the author wrote and want to read more of her books. I will read more from this series and am now following this author.
April 15, 2019
Great read
Even if I was not a Jennifer Bramseth fan I would highly recommend this novel. Her characters are delightful, mean, real and draw you in from the first page. Am off to read the next book in this series and am fortunate to have three waiting to be read!
Even if I was not a Jennifer Bramseth fan I would highly recommend this novel. Her characters are delightful, mean, real and draw you in from the first page. Am off to read the next book in this series and am fortunate to have three waiting to be read!
February 8, 2020
A Devilish Punishment
Great characters and storyline. Quite a bit of info into the law. Trying so hard to get murders figured out and finally finding the truth of a lot of things mixed with a great budding romance. Definite recommend read
Great characters and storyline. Quite a bit of info into the law. Trying so hard to get murders figured out and finally finding the truth of a lot of things mixed with a great budding romance. Definite recommend read
June 15, 2021
The devil is in the details! On point with this book!
Such a truly enjoyable, magnificent read. The characters come to life in such amazing ways through the author's words & descriptions. A riveting plot that carries you through to the very end of the book! Must read!!!
Such a truly enjoyable, magnificent read. The characters come to life in such amazing ways through the author's words & descriptions. A riveting plot that carries you through to the very end of the book! Must read!!!
October 29, 2018
LOVED this little mystery and getting to catch a little glimpse of the backstory of some of my favorite Bourbonland characters! I can’t wait to see where this series will go!
June 9, 2019
Good
This women who is a prosecuting attorney in a county in Kentucky.the court she works out of has some people working there who aren't what they should be.
This women who is a prosecuting attorney in a county in Kentucky.the court she works out of has some people working there who aren't what they should be.
July 4, 2019
An educated author
Good book. Well written. Not one eye roll. Kept me entertained throughout. I'll definitely seek out more of her books!
Good book. Well written. Not one eye roll. Kept me entertained throughout. I'll definitely seek out more of her books!
July 5, 2019
was good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews