Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Whodunit Antiques #2

A Stab in the Dark

Rate this book
The Ripper has returned, and it’s up to Abigail to uncover the killer with the help of her feisty grandmother, their trusty dogs, and an unlikely ally.

Ever since Abigail moved to the cozy seaside town of Wallace Point, intrigue continues to unfold. She already solved one murder, only to have another spring up at a nearby motel, thought to be the work of the infamous Wallace Point Ripper.

To further complicate things, James Wilson, a hot-headed PI, arrives in town. Abigail is convinced that James is up to something. The whole town, however, welcomes Sheriff Wilson’s prodigal son with a warm embrace, leaving it up to Abigail to uncover his secrets herself. Little does she know that the Ripper’s sordid history extends to more than just one man.

The Whodunit Antiques series is fun, quirky, and, most importantly, cozy! So settle into your favorite chair, preferably with a freshly-baked cookie in hand, and get ready to escape into a town whose residents are always up to mischief, and where mysteries run amok.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2019

660 people are currently reading
214 people want to read

About the author

Shelly West

15 books49 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
424 (54%)
4 stars
225 (28%)
3 stars
113 (14%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Tari.
3,633 reviews103 followers
February 22, 2019
Abigail is investigating what appears to be a copycat killing

I really enjoyed this second installment in a fun new series. I always be such a kick out of Grandma Lane and her Granny Gang as Abigail calls her grandma's group of golf cart driving, sock monkey making friends. It cracked me up when they were driving around a local festival hawking their goods. I really love the addition of James, Sheriff Wilson's PI son and hope he decides to move back to Wallace Point permanently. He and Abigail made a great sleuthing team!

Edited to fix some errors my Kindle auto correct made!
Profile Image for Kelly.
304 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2019
I liked the first book in this series, but I loved the second one! I am now fully invested and I can't wait to read the third one. If you like cozy mysteries set in a small town with a few quirky characters and pets, then you will love this series.
724 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2020
Fantastic!

Wow what a good story. A lot of twists and turns. Kept me wondering whodunit. I especially love how the dogs have begun to help. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book119 followers
February 17, 2020
Another Cozy Visit to Wallace Point

Granny and Abigail are at it again! (Thor and Missy add their parts as well.) Granny seems fully recovered now, and Abigail realizes that her grandma is the leader of The Granny Gang. A murder that had taken place earlier was put on the investigative back burner after The Ripper’s involvement was no longer suspected. The investigation is revitalized when the sheriff's son, who is the private investigator, returns to help his father. More is going on than it appears!

If you enjoyed the adventures in Wallace Point in the previous book of the series, you will enjoy more of the same in this one. While you don’t have to read book one to understand this one—the author does give little tidbits about the previous story—I definitely recommend the first book as well so you get to know the quirky world of Wallace Point as well as understand a bit more about the relationship between Abigail and her recently discovered grandmother.

Oh, and I totally want a Book Cafe in my town! It is an awesome concept for a coffee house!

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
February 21, 2019
Missy and Thor get fit - she's still trying.

Another great read. A plot that relives an old unsolved case when it appears that the killer has struck again. The mood is lifted from the sombre by the antics of the two dogs. Especially Missy who decides that she has unfortunately lost her trimness and needs to get fit. Love the characters and the way the sheriff's PI son just slots into place.
When a wedding guest is murdered it brings back the town's fears. Is the Ripper back? The Sheriff is especially hard hit as his wife was one of the victims. . Now his PI son is back to investigate as well. She too starts looking into the matter. Obsessions, fame and misunderstandings follow. Can they find out what really happened and is the person who confessed to the crime the real killer? Will her attraction to the PI cloud her judgement? Will she and Missy ever get fit?
Profile Image for Mererid Evanna.
272 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2019
Like most tourist towns, Wallace Point is a sleepy place in the off-season and for the most part the tone of the book is very relaxed as the various town characters chat, exercise, garden, knit, and eat cookies. But the dark spectre of unsolved serial killings a generation ago is raised by a fresh murder, and the sheriff's son, a trenchcoat-wearing New Jersey PI, teams up with our sparky heroine to investigate. The local police have supposedly been on the job for a few weeks, and it beats me how they managed to miss the rather elementary suspicious circumstances that the pair uncover. The antiques from the shop don't figure much this time, just a private video tape that provides a clue and a monocular that we never see being used. The characters are attractive and there are some amusing sub-threads (hardly plots) but I didn't find it as interesting as the first book.
293 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2020
Return of the Ripper?

A murder has occurred in Wallace Point and the local newspaper is saying the Ripper, the perpetrator of a string of killings ten or fifteen years before, has returned. Abigail and James, a private investigator and the son of the sheriff, are looking into the murder. The town is in fear that the Ripper has returned. In an about face, the newspaper reporter publishes an apology for trying to throw suspicion on the old case. Abigail finds a clue concerning the murdered man and the members of the wedding party that was cancelled after the murder. Can Abigail and James find the guilty party and has the Ripper returned?
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2019
I love Thor. My heart goes out to you, hopefully you get to get out and fully run. Missy glad you got with the program on your own and Shame on your human pet for making fun of you.

My first by this author and in this series. Really cute cozy mystery: fun, easy to read and can be read in a day if you want. Book does stand alone but like me you might want ot go back and read book one to find out how they met and the other fine details.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
6 reviews
March 26, 2019
I like to read reviews. But I can't figure out why they have to summarize the book. I enjoyed this story. Both the first book and this book were a bit slow. But they are cute. I think the writing has improved a lot in the second book. The author does a good job improving and making the story more interesting. The first book I thought the writing was child like. It was difficult to get into but I like to give each book I read a good chance at getting better. It did get better and this book was a lot better. I look forward to the next book in the series.
687 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2019
Great, great book!!!!

10+++ stars!!!!
Abigail and James really worked this case. Boy, what twists and turns in this book. The suspects kept piling up as they got closer to solving this problem, but things just didn't add up right. There was a high speed Chase with a high in Sedan and a VW Bug.
The whole town was somewhat shut down with worry, but Abigail and James was on the case to help out sheriff Wilson which is James father.
Granny Lane which is Abigail's grandmother, was giving good ideas also.
You will love this book!!!!
1,769 reviews23 followers
March 12, 2020
A Truth to be Found

What intreage, what manipulations and lies. A man is dead and with his death an old murder case is brought back to life,Abigail and her gramma are searching for clues , then along comes the sheriff's son chasing after the very same case. These lovable ladies fallowing and trying to solve the mysterys that keep accuring in an other wise charming little town. Can they solve the who done it?Aquier a copy of "A Stab in the Dark "so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 🙄 Kat
Profile Image for Marge.
90 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2020
Another great cozy read!! This time Abigail & Granny Lane are into the mystery big time since it effects some of their closest friends. I loved James calling Abigail "Cupcake". Reminded me so much of Stephanie Plum and her beaus!! I'm already reading the third book in the series and it's even more delightful than these first two books. Shelly West, you have a brand new fan!!! Of course, it has nothing to do with me owning a Great Dane & Great Dane/Mastiff Mix!! You have Thor. I have Maverick & Luke!
Profile Image for D Marie.
650 reviews
March 1, 2019
Loved the book

This is turning into a good series. I like James and I hope that he is a permanent character in the upcoming books. It was hilarious to find out the whole town knows Granny’s secret. She would be horrified if she found out. Abigail is growing on me and I can’t wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
June 3, 2019
I love Thor. My heart goes out to you, hopefully you get to get out and fully run. Missy glad you got with the program on your own and Shame on your human pet for making fun of you.

My first by this author and in this series. Really cute cozy mystery: fun, easy to read and can be read in a day if you want. Book does stand alone but like me you might want to go back and read book one to find out how they met and the other fine details.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.

Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,665 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2020
Three and a half stars

I'm so glad I gave Book Two a chance! Abigail is more likable, her relationship with her grandmother is proceeding nicely, and some background for the sheriff has made him a more sympathetic character. The mystery is a bit convoluted but makes a good tie-in for a cold case that introduces a new character for the series. The players still need to be more fully sketched, but the "Whodunit Antiques" series appears to be a diamond in the rough.
199 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2019
This is the second book in the Whodunit Antiques mysteries, and I will definitely go back and read the first book. This is a fun light read made better by the Granny Gang and the two dogs. The characters are believable and the plot twists interesting. I look forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
88 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2019
Great mystery

I have really enjoyed reading the first 2 books in this series. I can't wait for the next book. I enjoy the cozy feeling the books have given me. I have loved getting to know the characters and I have already developed an attachment. Please keep writing the books, otherwise I will feel like I have lost a friend. Thank you so much! Janet😀
11 reviews
April 24, 2019
Thank you, Shelly West

I love this book. The writing is crisp and clean. The characters are developed, the story line is interesting, with a couple of turns and twists thrown in. Love the dogs and cookies and the town, and the people in the town, and the fair and the grannies and..........
Profile Image for Carolyn.
466 reviews
June 1, 2019
Second Book and Great Story

Abigail is loving living with and helping her Grandmother. A new murder brings up bad memories for the whole town. The killing appears to duplicate an unsolved series of killings, the last one being the Sheriffs wife. Granny and Abigail are on the hunt. Recommend.
233 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2020
Slow and easy paced reminiscent of small town life!

Loved it. Takes its time filling in the daily life of the Grandma and Abigail giving you the feeling you're right there with them. Loved both Woofers, they ad to the cast of humans! The plot is decidedly convoluted, and, by gosh, I did not foresee the end! Bravo!. Recommend it to all. Good read!
156 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2020
The main male character in this book is terrible. It is as if the author went out of her way to make the guy at total jerk for really no reason whatsoever. Every interaction with other characters was cringe worthy. He was written in such a manner that I refused to continue reading the book. It is likely I will not read another book in this series.
Profile Image for Evonne Hutton.
1,342 reviews10 followers
February 21, 2019
Another murder in town! This one pattered after murders that took place a long time ago
The Sheriff's son is in town to help but can he be trusted?
A good story line
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review
169 reviews
March 9, 2019
Another hit,

Thus is a really enjoyable series - love Adelaide & Grandma and the addition of James is a smart move - creates terrific character diversity - hope you keep him in the mix.
6 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2019
No sophomore slump

Sometimes you may find that subsequent novels are not as enjoyable as the first book in a new series.
A stab in the Dark does Not Disappoint.
Would like to see a little more depth on family dynamic. We've gotten more info, so hoping more to come
71 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2019
A Stab in the Dark is delightful

The plot is fun and the characters people I would enjoy meeting. The descriptions are sufficient to let me visualize the setting. I am looking forward to the next book.
147 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2019
Great mystery read and extremely intriguing .

Abigail and granny and James were delightful and Thor and missy. I hope Abigail and James become an item and start their own pi agency along with granny.
Profile Image for Melissa .
66 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2019
Cute Cozy

Thor and Missy steal the show, but I love the dynamic between Abigail and her Grandmother. The other cast of characters in Wallace Point add charm to this this cozy as well. The plot has a few twists and unexpected turns that keep the reader guessing.
6 reviews
July 15, 2019
Enjoyed reading

I like the characters in the story and look forward to the next book. The story is unpredictable and makes me want to find out what’s next. The dogs in the story make it a more fun read because I love pets. On to the next book....
Would love to see Fugly!
Author 1 book
February 23, 2020
Detective work is never done

Abigail and Grandma are a pair to be reckoned with.Good tale and lots of mysterious curves, but old minds and videos reveal lots of lost detail. Sheriff and son are appreciative of the efforts, mind and cookies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.