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A Kay Driscoll Mystery #5
Murder Misunderstood
A privileged and unlikeable newcomer arrives in Sudbury Falls. This not-so-welcome addition to the community furthermore has an unsettling hobby: cultivating a poisonous garden. When the newcomer is discovered dead, the neighbors are somewhat relieved, yet someone must be held responsible for the crime. The unfortunate accused, desperate to prove her innocence, asks Kay Driscoll to investigate the crime and discover the real culprit(s).
Kay faces obstacles as she seeks answers from those who knew the unpopular murder victim. Cooperation is difficult to obtain when many people are happy to see the victim gone. Nevertheless, Kay's investigations take her on an adventure with unexpected twists and a diverse lineup of potential suspects.
A fortune teller from a traveling carnival with a strong and suspicious interest in the victim's poison garden, adds to the mystery and intrigue of this riveting tale.
Kay faces obstacles as she seeks answers from those who knew the unpopular murder victim. Cooperation is difficult to obtain when many people are happy to see the victim gone. Nevertheless, Kay's investigations take her on an adventure with unexpected twists and a diverse lineup of potential suspects.
A fortune teller from a traveling carnival with a strong and suspicious interest in the victim's poison garden, adds to the mystery and intrigue of this riveting tale.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2019
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Susan Bernhardt
9 books87 followersAuthor of The Ginseng Conspiracy
I'm an author living in northern Wisconsin. Like Kay Driscoll, in my cozy mystery series, I'm a retired public health nurse who volunteers at her local free clinic. An avid reader of mysteries, I'm a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association.
My published works include: The Ginseng Conspiracy (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 1), Murder Under the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 2), Murder by Fireworks (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 3), Paradise Can Be Murder (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 4), Murder Misunderstood (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 5), The Neighborhood (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 6), Repercussions (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 7), A Manhattan Murder Mystery (An Irina Curtius Mystery), Dress to Kill (An Irina Curtius Mystery Book 2) "October 31st", "Midsummer", and "John and Madeline."
My town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for the quaint setting of my novels. Ninety-five percent of American ginseng is grown in Wisconsin. I live with my husband, William, and have two sons who are both married and also live in Wisconsin.
When not writing, I love to travel, bicycle, kayak, and create culinary magic in my kitchen. I work in stained glass, daydream in my organic garden, stay up late reading mysteries, and eat lots of chocolate.
I'm an author living in northern Wisconsin. Like Kay Driscoll, in my cozy mystery series, I'm a retired public health nurse who volunteers at her local free clinic. An avid reader of mysteries, I'm a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association.
My published works include: The Ginseng Conspiracy (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 1), Murder Under the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 2), Murder by Fireworks (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 3), Paradise Can Be Murder (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 4), Murder Misunderstood (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 5), The Neighborhood (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 6), Repercussions (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 7), A Manhattan Murder Mystery (An Irina Curtius Mystery), Dress to Kill (An Irina Curtius Mystery Book 2) "October 31st", "Midsummer", and "John and Madeline."
My town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for the quaint setting of my novels. Ninety-five percent of American ginseng is grown in Wisconsin. I live with my husband, William, and have two sons who are both married and also live in Wisconsin.
When not writing, I love to travel, bicycle, kayak, and create culinary magic in my kitchen. I work in stained glass, daydream in my organic garden, stay up late reading mysteries, and eat lots of chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 23, 2019
Oh Kay, another murder?
I always wish I lived in Sudbury Falls. Such a nice town with friends like Kay and Deirdre and Elizabeth. No wonder murderers are drawn to the town. What they don't realize is Kay Driscoll lives there and much to hubby Phil's displeasure Kay will stick her nose in, after all it's her way.
Murder Misunderstood is the 5th book in the Kay Driscoll series. And has Kay using the talents of Deirdre and her knowledge of plants.
A couple move into town and buy Margaret's MacAlister's house. The house from the Ginseng Conspiracy, with the beautiful gardens. The couple, Lillith and Don Covington are condescending to the neighbors and throw wild party's every weekend causing the old neighbors to talk about running them out of town on a rail. The one thing that has Deirdre dying to go over there is to see the Poison Garden Lillith has planted.
When Kay and the group are deemed worthy of socialization with the Covington's Kay has no desire to go. But of course where a live band is Phil won't be far behind. So off they go.
Days later Lillith is found dead and Kay feels the killer needs to be brought to justice.
Was it the husband who flaunted his mistress in his wife's face?
The air headed mistress and her equally flackly best friend or maybe someone completely off radar.
For me this was like catching up with old friends.
Susan Bernhardt brings life to her characters and the surroundings.
The mysteries are down to earth and at the same time intriguing with the twists and turns and the side stories all converging to create an enjoyable break from your everyday life.
And for me reading this book was almost like a letter from a good friend, letting me know what is going on in Sudbury Falls.
If you're looking for a good mystery and a look into the lives of best friends, and like twists and surprises than this is the book for you.
And you will get to meet the new member of the Driscoll family.
I always wish I lived in Sudbury Falls. Such a nice town with friends like Kay and Deirdre and Elizabeth. No wonder murderers are drawn to the town. What they don't realize is Kay Driscoll lives there and much to hubby Phil's displeasure Kay will stick her nose in, after all it's her way.
Murder Misunderstood is the 5th book in the Kay Driscoll series. And has Kay using the talents of Deirdre and her knowledge of plants.
A couple move into town and buy Margaret's MacAlister's house. The house from the Ginseng Conspiracy, with the beautiful gardens. The couple, Lillith and Don Covington are condescending to the neighbors and throw wild party's every weekend causing the old neighbors to talk about running them out of town on a rail. The one thing that has Deirdre dying to go over there is to see the Poison Garden Lillith has planted.
When Kay and the group are deemed worthy of socialization with the Covington's Kay has no desire to go. But of course where a live band is Phil won't be far behind. So off they go.
Days later Lillith is found dead and Kay feels the killer needs to be brought to justice.
Was it the husband who flaunted his mistress in his wife's face?
The air headed mistress and her equally flackly best friend or maybe someone completely off radar.
For me this was like catching up with old friends.
Susan Bernhardt brings life to her characters and the surroundings.
The mysteries are down to earth and at the same time intriguing with the twists and turns and the side stories all converging to create an enjoyable break from your everyday life.
And for me reading this book was almost like a letter from a good friend, letting me know what is going on in Sudbury Falls.
If you're looking for a good mystery and a look into the lives of best friends, and like twists and surprises than this is the book for you.
And you will get to meet the new member of the Driscoll family.
March 9, 2021
Murder Misunderstood
A Kay Driscoll Mystery, Book#5
Susan Bernhardt
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A privileged and unlikeable newcomer arrives in Sudbury Falls. This not-so-welcome addition to the community furthermore has an unsettling hobby: cultivating a poisonous garden. When the newcomer is discovered dead, the neighbors are somewhat relieved, yet someone must be held responsible for the crime. The unfortunate accused, desperate to prove her innocence, asks Kay Driscoll to investigate the crime and discover the real culprit(s).
Kay faces obstacles as she seeks answers from those who knew the unpopular murder victim. Cooperation is difficult to obtain when many people are happy to see the victim gone. Nevertheless, Kay's investigations take her on an adventure with unexpected twists and a diverse lineup of potential suspects.
A fortune teller from a traveling carnival with a strong and suspicious interest in the victim's poison garden, adds to the mystery and intrigue of this riveting tale. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Kay finds herself in the middle of another murder to solve, but with the help of her friends, Elizabeth and Deirdre, that will be a little easier. They all add a little something to the investigation, a different perspective to consider. And with Janey, a relative, on the case, the killer does not stand a chance.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the beginning and took me on an intriguing ride. The descriptions also included lots of different foods and it made me hungry while reading it. I wish there was a Sweet Marissa’s Patisserie to go to to get some sweet treats.
The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and when I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong and had to start over again. I really did not figure out the culprit until the reveal at the end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It felt like I was visiting with old friends and getting caught up on their lives and hearing all the gossip from the neighborhood as well as solving a mystery.
A Kay Driscoll Mystery, Book#5
Susan Bernhardt
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A privileged and unlikeable newcomer arrives in Sudbury Falls. This not-so-welcome addition to the community furthermore has an unsettling hobby: cultivating a poisonous garden. When the newcomer is discovered dead, the neighbors are somewhat relieved, yet someone must be held responsible for the crime. The unfortunate accused, desperate to prove her innocence, asks Kay Driscoll to investigate the crime and discover the real culprit(s).
Kay faces obstacles as she seeks answers from those who knew the unpopular murder victim. Cooperation is difficult to obtain when many people are happy to see the victim gone. Nevertheless, Kay's investigations take her on an adventure with unexpected twists and a diverse lineup of potential suspects.
A fortune teller from a traveling carnival with a strong and suspicious interest in the victim's poison garden, adds to the mystery and intrigue of this riveting tale. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Kay finds herself in the middle of another murder to solve, but with the help of her friends, Elizabeth and Deirdre, that will be a little easier. They all add a little something to the investigation, a different perspective to consider. And with Janey, a relative, on the case, the killer does not stand a chance.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the beginning and took me on an intriguing ride. The descriptions also included lots of different foods and it made me hungry while reading it. I wish there was a Sweet Marissa’s Patisserie to go to to get some sweet treats.
The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and when I thought I knew who did it, I was wrong and had to start over again. I really did not figure out the culprit until the reveal at the end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It felt like I was visiting with old friends and getting caught up on their lives and hearing all the gossip from the neighborhood as well as solving a mystery.
April 24, 2019
I love this series and the author, Susan Bernhardt. Her mysteries are so well written. I normally read her books in one day because I do not want to put them down.
Kay Driscoll, has a new neighbor in Sudbury Falls. Lilith Covington, has been spotted around town but Kay and her friends want to make an “official” welcome to the neighborhood visit. It is soon realized Lilith is neither pleasant or hospitable, and their visit ends shortly after visiting Lilith’s “poisonous” garden. Who would care for a “poisonous” garden, seems to be the consensus within the group.
Weekends are booming at Lilith’s home every weekend and the neighbors are not pleased. In fact, a petition is being drawn up to remove their new neighbor out of the neighborhood. Don, Lilith’s husband comes home with his mistress every weekend to put on these elaborate parties. Very interesting characters within this group.
Lilith is found poisoned as her cause of death, in her upstairs bathroom. Too many suspects but Kay, Elizabeth, and Deirdre are determined not to let the Chief of Police make a mess out of this case. So the mystery begins! And did I mention a circus is in town with a list of characters, as well.
A wonderful mystery! The entire series is excellent.
Kay Driscoll, has a new neighbor in Sudbury Falls. Lilith Covington, has been spotted around town but Kay and her friends want to make an “official” welcome to the neighborhood visit. It is soon realized Lilith is neither pleasant or hospitable, and their visit ends shortly after visiting Lilith’s “poisonous” garden. Who would care for a “poisonous” garden, seems to be the consensus within the group.
Weekends are booming at Lilith’s home every weekend and the neighbors are not pleased. In fact, a petition is being drawn up to remove their new neighbor out of the neighborhood. Don, Lilith’s husband comes home with his mistress every weekend to put on these elaborate parties. Very interesting characters within this group.
Lilith is found poisoned as her cause of death, in her upstairs bathroom. Too many suspects but Kay, Elizabeth, and Deirdre are determined not to let the Chief of Police make a mess out of this case. So the mystery begins! And did I mention a circus is in town with a list of characters, as well.
A wonderful mystery! The entire series is excellent.
April 22, 2019
Another entertaining visit to Sudbury Falls!
When a snobby new neighbor is murdered in a mysterious manner, Kay, Dediere and Elizabeth are on the case! The only problem is now Kay may be the next target and an unwelcome person from Kay's past makes an appearance!
A cozy mystery you'll love - engaging characters, a mystery that will keep you reading, humor, a bit of romance and a main character you'd love to have as a best friend!. I enjoy mysteries where character development is just as important as the mystery itself and Susan Bernhardt never disappoints. Her characters, in Sudbury Falls are relatable, perfectly imperfect (Elizabeth) funny and always ready to help! Even when the Chief of Police would rather they didn't!
A visit to Sudbury Falls requires a comfy chair, a hot beverage, a delicious pastry and be sure to plan for time to read the whole book in one sitting - you won't want to put it down - I didn't!
Waiting impatiently for the next case with Kay and the ladies!
When a snobby new neighbor is murdered in a mysterious manner, Kay, Dediere and Elizabeth are on the case! The only problem is now Kay may be the next target and an unwelcome person from Kay's past makes an appearance!
A cozy mystery you'll love - engaging characters, a mystery that will keep you reading, humor, a bit of romance and a main character you'd love to have as a best friend!. I enjoy mysteries where character development is just as important as the mystery itself and Susan Bernhardt never disappoints. Her characters, in Sudbury Falls are relatable, perfectly imperfect (Elizabeth) funny and always ready to help! Even when the Chief of Police would rather they didn't!
A visit to Sudbury Falls requires a comfy chair, a hot beverage, a delicious pastry and be sure to plan for time to read the whole book in one sitting - you won't want to put it down - I didn't!
Waiting impatiently for the next case with Kay and the ladies!
April 14, 2019
I have been reading cozies for more years than I can remember, but have written few reviews. I'm a little out of practice.
The characters in the mysteries written by Susan Bernhardt are among my favorites. I feel I know each of them well. They are not caricatures. I usually enjoy the older cozies because the stories have more depth, but Bernhardt's are unique, bold and full of adventure. From her first, Ginseng Conspiracy to the latest Murder Misunderstood, all are captivating.
The characters in the mysteries written by Susan Bernhardt are among my favorites. I feel I know each of them well. They are not caricatures. I usually enjoy the older cozies because the stories have more depth, but Bernhardt's are unique, bold and full of adventure. From her first, Ginseng Conspiracy to the latest Murder Misunderstood, all are captivating.
April 24, 2020
Love the mystery solving skills of Kay Driscoll. She baffled me as to how she goes about solving the murder. Suspects are many especially when. the victim is unpopular.
June 16, 2019
Another great Kay Driscoll Mystery
Author Susan Bernhardt is a master at weaving a fabulous tale that takes the reader on a journey through an intriguing storyline. This is the fifth installment in this entertaining series and each one is better than the last. I love the characters, the setting, and the mystery. Kay is a fabulous protagonist. Her determination and intelligence really makes her a character you root for and get invested in easily. This is truly a well written read, full of great characters, a fabulous story, perfect setting, and an enjoyable mystery. A must read for any cozy mystery fan.
Author Susan Bernhardt is a master at weaving a fabulous tale that takes the reader on a journey through an intriguing storyline. This is the fifth installment in this entertaining series and each one is better than the last. I love the characters, the setting, and the mystery. Kay is a fabulous protagonist. Her determination and intelligence really makes her a character you root for and get invested in easily. This is truly a well written read, full of great characters, a fabulous story, perfect setting, and an enjoyable mystery. A must read for any cozy mystery fan.
March 16, 2023
Lured by the intriguing promise of a poison garden and a mysterious murder, I joined Sudbury Falls own sleuth, Kay Driscoll, for an exciting tale. When a new resident settles in town, Kay wants to welcome her in but soon learns how rude and insufferable Lilith can be. I wondered if the choice of character name might come from the old Fraser show or maybe the original meaning of the name— “night monster”, or “storm goddess.” In any case, the name is resoundingly fitting!
Shortly after one of Lilith’s wild parties, she turns up dead. There is no shortage of suspects for Kay to investigate because the woman is so disliked. Philandering husband, mistress, hired help, ticked-off neighbors, even carnival transients all must be considered. Kay is up to the task with some help from her loyal friends, Diedre and Elizabeth.
The combination of familiar setting, characters, delicious desserts, and unexplained murder are combined seamlessly in this well-written, cozy mystery. The author did an excellent job of interweaving happenings from other books into this book giving the reader an understanding of the past, allowing closure, and a hopeful look to the future. A nice addition to the series which allows a deepening of the relationships between the characters.
Shortly after one of Lilith’s wild parties, she turns up dead. There is no shortage of suspects for Kay to investigate because the woman is so disliked. Philandering husband, mistress, hired help, ticked-off neighbors, even carnival transients all must be considered. Kay is up to the task with some help from her loyal friends, Diedre and Elizabeth.
The combination of familiar setting, characters, delicious desserts, and unexplained murder are combined seamlessly in this well-written, cozy mystery. The author did an excellent job of interweaving happenings from other books into this book giving the reader an understanding of the past, allowing closure, and a hopeful look to the future. A nice addition to the series which allows a deepening of the relationships between the characters.
January 16, 2020
Kay Driscoll, the protagonist in Susan Bernhardt’s cozy mystery series, is back in Murder Misunderstood, and Kay’s admirers should be very happy. A nasty, very snobbish woman—who keeps a poison garden just for fun—is found murdered. The Sudbury Falls Chief of Police is a nincompoop, and Kay gets involved. Part of the fun of a Kay Driscoll novel is that you get to catch up with Kay’s friend’s, Elizabeth and Diedre, who help solve the current mystery, and with Marissa, who makes pastries that are assiduously described as the trio of sleuths parse out the details of the latest crime. The reader also gets to revisit Kay’s somewhat distracted husband, Phil, and Janey, the precocious girl next door. And then, of course, there is the mystery. Clues are followed, food is eaten (after being described in luscious detail), and suspects are sorted. It is all good fun, and cozy mystery lovers who have enjoyed Susan Bernhardt’s prior novels will surely enjoy this one!
May 22, 2019
I'm a fan of Susan Bernhardt's stories and I've enjoyed every Kay Driscoll book, but this one, Murder Misunderstood, is by far the best.
The characters, Kay, her three best friends, their husbands, her husband ... her community is coming more to life with each book and they add flavor and texture to the story. For example, I always enjoy catching up with young Janey a pizza-loving teenager who likes to shadow Kay, and the trips to the pastry shop with her besties make me drool.
But besides all of that, at the core of the story is a really good mystery. I loved hating the eccentric newcomer to town who grows her own poison garden. I loved how the whole community hated her and then had to come to terms with her murder.
A great read, filled with action, colorful characters and a touch of humor. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries.
The characters, Kay, her three best friends, their husbands, her husband ... her community is coming more to life with each book and they add flavor and texture to the story. For example, I always enjoy catching up with young Janey a pizza-loving teenager who likes to shadow Kay, and the trips to the pastry shop with her besties make me drool.
But besides all of that, at the core of the story is a really good mystery. I loved hating the eccentric newcomer to town who grows her own poison garden. I loved how the whole community hated her and then had to come to terms with her murder.
A great read, filled with action, colorful characters and a touch of humor. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries.
May 2, 2019
Let's face it. Kay, Elizabeth and Deidre just don't believe Police Chief Kirk is a very thorough investigator, so they always want to help the investigation along much to the Chief's dismay. I laughed at every meeting Kay had with Kirk. Really added even more enjoyment to this well-told story. Who poisoned the woman? Ms. Bernhardt carefully leads us through the investigation and spotlights the persons of interest. A lot of folks didn't like this gal. If you are reading cozy mysteries, then this one is for you.
April 21, 2020
Another perfect murder mystery in the Kay Driscoll series. Kay reminds me of a grown up Nancy Drew. I hope another one is in the works!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews