Death Comes in Threes

Addie Foster Mystery Series #1

by Kimberley O'Malley

Addie Foster, owner of Smiling Dog Books, loves her small-town life. Until someone, or rather several someones, tries to end it. What secrets is she hiding? Add one gay BFF and one dark, brooding detective into the mix and watch everything unfold. Will Addie figure out why someone wants her dead before it’s too late? Or will this be her final chapter?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Suspense, Ebooks, Romance

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2019

About the author

Kimberley O’Malley is a transplant to Charlotte, North Carolina from the frozen North. She is learning to say y’all but draws the line at sweet tea. Sarcasm is an art form in her world. When not writing, she is a full-time nurse and part-time lacrosse Mom, but not necessarily in that order. She shares her life with an amazing husband of more than twenty-five years, two mostly grown kids, and two mischievous Shetland Sheepdogs, Callie & Lucy.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can also find my review here: https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....

I recently discovered the cozy mystery genre and found that I really enjoy it. It's a fresh change of pace apart from what usually read and it's a lot less intense. Cozy mysteries are usually set in charming small towns, filled with quirky, gossipy characters and of course there is some type of mystery. Death Comes in Threes however, was rather disappointing. I really wanted to like this novel, there were even dogs on the cover, so I thought it would be an adorable fun read.

I just couldn't find much about this novel that I actually enjoyed. The whole thing felt a bit cliche. I didn't like the characters, the dialogue felt forced and just over the top. The gay best friend was very cliche and stereotypical and without much depth and the main character didn't feel real. Add all of that to a plot that felt half developed and a cringe-y romance and this whole book was just a bust for me.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

The usual cozy protagonist starts having strange dreams. Then she discovers a dead body in the garage of a house nearby. It turns out he was an international arms dealer. The usual darkly handsome supercop show up. The stage is all set.

I waited for the story to start up, but it never really does. The amateur sleuth never investigates anything. There's a climax, but the sleuth doesn't do anything to get out of danger.

Then the protagonist gets a note, there's one more dead body, and the book ends without really ever finding out anything, or solving anything.

To me, this is simply unacceptable. A mystery needs to be solved before the end of the book.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Comes in Threes by Kimberley O'Malley was an intriguing cozy mystery novella.

Ms. O'Malley has done a great job establishing the main characters for this series in this book. I liked Addie as she's a little quirky, independent and completely out of her element throughout the story. Her small town life is totally upended when international criminals seem to be looking for her. Her best friend, Greyson, and The Aunties are wonderful secondary characters that provided insight into Addie and humor into the story. Detective Wolfe definitely has eyes on Addie and I hope the next book provides more information regarding the brooding detective.

A fast paced plot that kept me turning the pages for a lovely afternoon read. The mystery behind the criminals actions carries over into the next book and I'm excited to read it.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Laurie White and Carolina Blue Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addie Foster is dreaming of a mysterious man, and they are not pleasant dreams at all. One morning after another one of these nightmares, she discovers a body in the garage of the house next door. Jonah Wolfe is the detective on the case, and it soon turns out that Addie is a target.

This is an interesting story, with a very abrupt ending, and you will have to read the following books if you want to know how the story continues. I am not a fan of sudden cliff-hanger endings, so I didn’t appreciate this at all. I will probably read the next installments, because the story was quite interesting and gripping, and now I really want to know what is going on.

This story is really just the start of a bigger story. It introduces the characters, and we can see some of the interaction between them, but there really wasn’t enough time to develop it much. And this first little taster just created more questions than answers.

It was over so fast that I didn’t really get a solid impression of the characters. Addie’s world seems a bit small, with her book store and her one best friend. And the entire story is written from her point of view, so we never get a glimpse into what makes detective Wolfe tick.

Only start this book if you intend to read the others as well, otherwise it will leave you wanting.

I received a copy from Netgalley.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams, international criminals and a detective hottie

A really good start to a brand new series. A plot with international criminals, a hint of paranormal and characters that add spice and vigour to the main storyline. I wonder if the missing link is a family connection?
Ever since she had her accident she has had strange dreams. Today she is still trying to get over the last one, in fact she's running late because of it, when one of her dogs starts barking at her neighbour's garage. A look-see wouldn't hurt would it? However the sight before her makes her pass out but not before she is able to get a garbled message to her BFF. Now the police want to know if she's responsible and why a Croatian criminal would be anywhere near her. When the criminal's close ally is shot in her bedroom she not only has the police department but the FBI involved. Why are the criminals after her. She's a small town girl living a small town life. Another dream, being used as bait, being kidnapped and a hero that doesn't stick around after notifying the police. Then a note arrives leading to more questions. Why?

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multi-published in contemporary romance, Kimberley O'Malley launches "Death Comes in Threes," the first book in a delightful new cozy mystery series.

Read full review in the 2019 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small-town bookshop owner Adelaide Foster is mom to pups Gracey and Lily, while running late to work one day, and reacting to one of Gracey’s strange behavior, she discovers the body of a man in a garage. After calling for assistance, she passes out. When she recovers, she meets Detective Wolfe. The victim is identified at Richard Allen, but it’s later found out that that’s not his real name, and that he and two others are actually in town and after Addie. No one, including Addie, knows why these men are after her. Detective Wolfe, the rest of the police department, and even the FBI, get involved in the case to not only protect Addie, but to figure out why they’re after her and to stop them before they get to her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Though you don’t get to find out why the men were after her, I have my ideas. I like the chemistry between Detective Wolfe and Adelaide, and I hope it continues through the series. I absolutely love Adelaide and her BFF Grey. They are so wonderful together. I also hope to see more of Aunt Clementine and Aunt Beatrice, they’re a hoot! The writing is wonderful, I enjoyed the writing, and I love the characters. I can’t wait to dive into book 2, Dyeing for Change.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does an innocent book store owner in small town North Carolina end up fearing for her life because of some international criminals? That is the question no one can answer. But the FBI, a hot detective and book store owner Adelaide Foster all hope someone can figure it out before it is too late.

This is the perfect book if you have a couple of hours and want a fun, light mystery with a touch of romance. It has likeable characters and the reader is left with a number of unanswered questions that will make you want to read the second book in the Addie Foster Mystery Series to see what happens.

[L Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was such a good short mystery in a cozy little setting. I felt an immediate connection to each character. The mystery was not anything super sinister but it was exciting enough for me. It reminded me of an episode of Castle or any one hour detective series on tv. I loved that it was quick and yet gripping. I look forward to the next in the series.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and light read. I enjoyed the heroine Addie, her friend Grey and her two aunties. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Addie and Detective Wolf. The story was good and kept my interest until the very end.

[Ashley Sledge( UnderCoversBookBlog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This was my first cozy mystery and I have to say I absolutely loved it. Kimberley done an amazing job at keeping me guessing what was coming next.
I can't wait to see what happens between Addy and Detective Wolfe cause something has to happen between them!
I also want to know who the man in Addy's dream is. And why those men were after her.
Can't wait for the next book!

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first "cozy mystery " and I really liked it. What this poor girl went through is almost funny in a weird way. I love the best friend and her aunties. This story has a little bit of everything. Cute dogs, bookstore, hot detective and an awesome hair salon name. "Dyeing for Change" can't wait for more from this series

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Man, this book was disappointing. Addie seems like a decent protagonist, her friends, family and dogs make solid supporting characters, and a small-town bookstore owner is a great cozy plot driver. But the book moves really fast, makes no sense, gives no answers and is unbelievably unrealistic.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Murder, mystery book. It was light hearted but with the right amount of suspense that kept you intrigued.
Addie is having frightening dreams that wake her up with the realness of them.
Her best friend Grey and her live in a small town where nothing really exciting happens, until Addie stumbles upon a dead body a few doors down from her. This leads to her being targeted by some heavy Croatian Criminals hunting her down, for which she has no idea why. Throw in a good looking Detective and the sparks Addie feels for him and this makes for an exciting read.
I loved the importance of Addie's dreams and can't wait to find out what they all mean. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Debra Jo Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick yet intense. Addie owns Smiling Dog Books and enjoys her simple life in her small town. Addie begins having unsettling nightmares and can only confide in her bff, Gray. Things begin to unravel a bit for Addie when her nightmares start to become a reality. There are several people that seem to be after her, but why? She has a very simple and unimportant life. That is what she and the handsome detective need to find out. Will they get to the bottom of it before its too late?

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Incomplete Cozy!

Fortunately I had read a couple of reviews before starting this book - they both bemoaned the abruptness of the ending. (There was 1 review that was gushing & twee, but given that it was a gift from the publisher, that explains that)!

I didn’t enjoy the book. There were serious plot failings (in my opinion).
1. Head Injury! What was that about? Absolutely NO Explanation about it, but constant references to it! Multiple fainting spells and largely for no apparent reason.
2. The Investigation. There wasn’t any! To be honest, if the 1st body hadn’t been found, nobody would have paid ‘attention’ the others and the matter would have resolved itself!
3. The Romance. What romance? It was a petty, Junior School, non-plot line, not worthy of mentioning.
4. Conclusion. There is no conclusion! If there was a crime, no one knows (& apparently no one cares). In a TV Series, you’re not necessarily expecting the current action to be resolved in one sitting, you expect that there may be a cliffhanger. However with a book series, even if there’s more to come, if it’s a Cozy Mystery, then there should be some completion, with a dangling cliffhanger to entice you to get the next book. That was absent. I shall not be getting the next book. Without giving any spoilers, all I can say is…
(& essentially, that’s it).

If you have to pay for this book - don’t! If you can get it on Kindle Unlimited then, knock yourself out!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Comes in Threes by Kimberley O'Malley is the first book in Addie Foster Mystery series and a great beginning.

Addie together with her best friend Gray runs a book store in a sleepy N.C. town. Until one day she stumbles upon a dead body and her life is turned up side down. International criminals want to kill her for no apparent reason and FBI uses her as a bait. To top it all, leading Detective Wolfe is someone who makes her heart beat faster.
But she is fighting to save her life and has no time to think about certain detective especially as he thinks she is hiding something.

Really charming and thoroughly entertaining story. I loved all characters, especially fun were the Aunties. I enjoyed Addie and Grey's easy banter and loving relationship.
Well plotted and executed mystery with an international theme and slightly serious and more sinister than an average cozy.
Lovely paced and easy to read, it's impossible to put down. I finished in one setting.

I can't wait to read the next book as the first one has a quite intriguing ending.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[A Belle & A Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death Comes in Threes is Kimberly O'Malley dipping her toe into the cozy mystery scene. I gave the book 3 stars because 1. Errors 2. The mystery wasn't solved. The errors should have been caught by an editor of proofreader because they were simple mistakes. For example Addie refers to Detective Wolfe as Detective Foster and the Dyeing for Change salon is called Dyeing for Curl (in the excerpt for book 2 that is included). Also the mystery was not solved. Three men from Russia are out to kill Addie and a fourth mysterious man saves her. At no point is it explained why these men are after Addie. The police and FBI have no idea. I even read the first chapter of book 2 to see if the storyline was continued. It does mention that Addie has researched the men but she still has no answers. I am really hoping this mystery is solved cause inquiring minds want to know. I plan to continue the series to find out.

What I did enjoy about Death Comes in Threes was the characters. Two adorable dogs, a fantabulous gay bestie, and two mothering aunties! I hope the aunties make more appearances in the future installments.

[Jacqui Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already a fan of Kimberley O'Malley, her new cozy mystery ( I've never heard this genre type) was one I wanted to read. It was an easy read and done in about a day.
Small town NC has a mystery on its hands. Book store owner Addie Foster has stumbled, literally, onto a murder of an international crime syndicate member. Now she is on the radar of not only the crime syndicate but also the FBI. With her dogs, BFF Greyson, and two crazy aunties in tow, she embarks on a mission to find out why she is being targeted. Of course there is a hunky FBI agent trying to keep her safe. The book does leave you hanging and with lots of unanswered questions. This is the first book in the Addie Foster Mystery Series.
I liked it enough to want to read more in the series. I like the writing style of Kimberley O'Malley and the dedication in the front of the book was moving. I think she has a good start with these characters and I look forward to seeing where she takes them. Thank you Kimberley O'Malley for the beginning of what could be a great series.

[Susan Homan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Comes in Threes

This is the first cozy mystery written by the author and the first in the series. It is set in a cute little town that becomes a little less safe when Addie gets the attention of some evil dudes from Russia, that have done lots of bad things. Addie owns a bookstore, has two dogs that are always with her, a BFF in Grey, and two doting older aunts. She starts having bad dreams and tries to write down what happens in them when she wakes. Eventually some of the dreams begin to happen in real life. The chemistry with Addie and the detective she is working with is crazy. I didn't feel like the book had a great ending, and I know it isn't over because book 2 is out, but I would have preferred a little more closure. However, the characters and plot were well developed and very enjoyable and believable. I will read the next book to see how the story continues unfolding. Very quick and short read!

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the Windsor Falls series so when Kimberley O'Malley came out with a cozy mystery series I had to read them too. Addie stumbles upon a dead man in a garage in her neighborhood. Since she is the person that found the body she is the first person that the police are looking at as the murderer. I like the interaction between Addie and Grey which her best friend and co-worker at her bookstore, lots of fun and witty banter, but also a very close relationship. Grey is always taking care of her since somehow she gets into trouble often. For some reason Addie has encounters with some international crime syndicate that are targeting her and she has no idea why. The zing between Detective Wolfe and her has me wondering how the relationship will unfold. The Aunties, dogs, Grey, Addie, and the detective are fun characters. The novel was a quick and easy read. I do wish there was a little more development about her mother and her accident that is causing the prophetic dreams. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see where the story goes.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a nice introduction to this series. You get an introduction to the major players--who I assume will stay big players in the series--you meet some side characters that have the potential to be fun (I'm looking at you, Aunties!) and it was a quick read.

While this is an independent author, I try to be a bit easier on the errors, but....still when there's enough to frustrate me, I need to make a note.

I thought it was a good story and I'm going to read the rest to see where it goes, as I am curious, what with the way it ended. It was a little weird, though. I mean, reading it, you get the feeling she's going to try to solve it, become some sort of amateur sleuth and she does look into things, but, she doesn't really follow through. Granted, with everything she goes through, it's certainly understandable, but....I don't know. I'm kind of hoping her having these dreams that seem like premonitions....something comes of it.

[Kitty Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Kimberley O'Malley. And also this was out of range of my normal genre. I don't normally read mysteries but these cozy mysteries as they are apparently labeled, were a delightful read. I will admit in the beginning I wasn't sure I was going to like it. It began slow and didn't immediately grab me, though the banter between best friends Addie and Grey was fun and endearing. Addie's quiet small town life has gone topsy-turvy with the threat of international criminals that mysteriously end up dead. Took me a bit to get into the story but once I did, I didn't want it to end. More or less I think this was an endearing introduction of Addie and everyone in her life to set up the Addie Foster Mystery Series since it is the first book in the series. Looking forward to more.

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book, left you guessing for a little while, but then all became clear. It might be considered a cliff-hanger, except for the fact that anyone with half a brain knows who the mystery man is. So, the question is, do you want to know the back story about Daddy and where he has been and what he had gotten himself into. If you do, most definitely read the next book as I am sure Ms. O'Malley will explain it beautifully. If not, if it is unimportant to you to know what happened to mark her for death as a form of revenge and just knowing that it was Daddy that saved her is sufficient, then you can rest easy. It all depends on what you want to get out of a book.
In any case, it is my opinion that if what you read has been written by Ms O'Malley, you will enjoy happy reading.

[Sandy Digger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death comes in threes

This is a fairly short story about a young woman who owns a bookstore. She is late getting up that morning and she has had a bad dream about her being in danger which has left her with a headache. When she’s finally ready for work she gets her two dogs and heads out the door, but one of them takes off down the street. When she catches up to it the dog is a couple doors down growling at an empty house. She takes the dogs and puts them in the car then goes back to the house and discovers a dead body in the garage. She phones her bff to call the cops and then passes out. This is the beginning of the mystery. It’s a good storyline and my only complaint is that in the end we don’t know the reason behind it all. But of course that would be the reason for book 2.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

At just over 100 pages, Death Comes in Threes, is a fun quick read. Written by Kimberley O'Malley, it introduces Adelaide (Addie) Foster of Ocean Grove, North Carolina. Addie owns Smiling Dog Books. Her gay protective bff, Greyson Waverly, works in the book store with her. Addie lives with her shelties Gracey and Lily. One morning she discovers a dead man in a neighbor's garage. Through the murder case she meets hottie detective Jonah Wolfe. He tells her that the dead man was an arms dealer from Croatia. He and his two international criminal partners are wanted for horrific crimes. Before the summer is over, the other two men are dead as well. Now the question is why did they come to Ocean Grove? Furthermore, how is she involved and who killed them? Since the book ends without answering the questions, it's on to book two!

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite escape reads are Cozy Mysteries. This one has the right amount of good solid characters, extra interest (in this case two dogs and two great Aunts) and a decent Mystery. Also what I love is when a series book has an ending yet leaves you so entrenched by the characters that you want more – and this book did that too. This is a very quick read allowing you to jump into Addie’s world, (oh and she owns a bookstore – dream job!) get interested and realize just how much you want to keep going. Luckily there are already two more in the series. If you want to read just for the pure fun of it – this is the book.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Cute short cozy mystery. Think I know who the mysterious savior is. Addie is a bookshop owner. I love this because that’s my dream job. She is a dog mom. Love this as well because I’m a dog mom too. Addie lives in a small town kinda in the middle of nowhere. She keeps having these dreams. Then one morning she stumbles upon a body. Now things are happening to her. Her best friend is there to help her. The Detective has her on his suspect list. Now Addie has to figure out what’s going on and how she’s involved. Will she figure it out before it’s too late? Check out the book to find out.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was an awesome intriguing cozy mystery! It pulled me in from page 1 right to the end and it was a quick read. Super enjoyable! Addie owns a bookstore with her BFF Grey. Her dogs get loose on a walk in her neighborhood and she finds a man dead. The police show up including a hunky detective. One thing leads to another and Addie is caught in the middle and she doesn't know why. Very intriguing! Likeable strong characters, a good cozy mystery, friendship, and a hint of romance. Everything I like about cozy mysteries! Can't wait for the next book!

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Kimberley  O'malley. This is the first book in the Addie Foster mystery series. This was a quick read for me. I enjoyed the book. I loved how it was a light mystery with a little bit of a romance. All the characters were great. I loved how Addie stuck up for herself. Her best friend Grey was so cute. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next in the series. You do have a little cliffhanger. I really want to know what's going to happen next. Great fast read