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The Leafy Hollow Mysteries #6
The Grave Truth
A shocking revelation. A long-buried secret. An old mystery reappears…
Verity Hawkes’ new life as Leafy Hollow's resident landscaper and part-time sleuth is just about perfect. She has a new love interest, a new home–even a new pet. The last thing she needs is a reminder of her troubled past.
So when her estranged father shows up with a plea for help, her first instinct is to throw the cad out. Until he reveals scandalous new details that threaten to tarnish the memory of her deceased, and beloved, mother.
To solve the decades-old cold case, Verity must confront a surly detective, a bungling helper, and a lethal paper shredder. But when the trail leads to murder, she soon becomes the prime suspect. To clear her name, Verity must solve the most baffling mystery she’s ever faced—one from her own life.
The Grave Truth is the sixth installment in a series of charmingly funny cozy mysteries. If you like picturesque Canadian villages, endearingly weird characters, and high-stakes whodunnits, then you’ll love Rickie Blair’s Leafy Hollow series.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2019
88 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Rickie Blair
19 books146 followersWhen not hunched over my computer conversing with people who exist only in my head, I spend my time trying to tame an unruly half-acre garden and a mischievous Jack Russell-cross. I also share my southern Ontario home with two rescue cats and an overactive Netflix account.
I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.
Rickie
I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.
Rickie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 7, 2019
I love this series! Verity's dad has shown up in Leafy Hollow. His reasons for being there are vague and mysterious. In the process of trying to understand why he is there, Verity discovers a part of her mother's past she hadn't known about. While unraveling her family history and mystery, murder joins the plot. Complex and fun with great characters, I couldn't put it down. Rickie keeps delivering with this series. Although a series, there is no obvious formula. Each book brings new ideas and a different focus. I love this series!
June 30, 2019
The Grave Truth by Rickie Blair is an entertaining cozy read for an afternoon. The plot was quickly paced involving the appearance of Verity's father after a 20 year disappearance and new information regarding her mother. Nothing is as it seems at first for Verity; but with the help of her friends and her estranged father, Verity solves this cold case mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
May 18, 2019
After a 20 year absence Verity’s dad shows up claiming that her mother left him something and it is a matter of life and death. What that something is he won’t tell. But does find it in Rose Cottage.
As Verity gets herself more involved into the mystery she has also put herself in danger.
Characters are quirky, personalities are intriguing, the mystery is full of twists and turns.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
As Verity gets herself more involved into the mystery she has also put herself in danger.
Characters are quirky, personalities are intriguing, the mystery is full of twists and turns.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
May 5, 2019
I loved reading this book! I've waited for this to come out, and was pretty excited when I got an email to be an ARC reader for it.
Verity had me worried that she bit off more than she could chew this time around, and she had me in tears as well..
The book can be read as a standalone, but all the books in this series are so much fun to read.
Love love love this series.
Verity had me worried that she bit off more than she could chew this time around, and she had me in tears as well..
The book can be read as a standalone, but all the books in this series are so much fun to read.
Love love love this series.
August 5, 2020
I loved this book but then again I have loved the whole series, so much that I have got my mum hooked on it too. I liked the mystery but it is the characters that steal the show for me, they are so much fun and find themselves in some funny situations. This continues from where the last book finished and we find out what Verity fathers wants, you don't have to have read or listened to the previous book but you are missing out on another excellent story, so why not start at the beginning of the series work your way through if you haven't already, I promise you are in for a chuckle if you do. I enjoyed learning more about Verity parents and adds more depth to what are already great characters. I can't wait for the next book and hope there are lots more to come.
Verity rushes to her friends cafe to find her long lost father standing there as though he had never been away. Adeline doesn't trust him and for good reason, Verity is doesn't know why he is back and why he would be meeting with hee mother lawyer. The man himself isn't really talking only saying he is back for his inheritance and it could be a matter of life and death. Verity with the help of her friends try to piece the clues together as to why he is in town. Following up on a clue found in the attic of her aunts home Verity starts to retrace her mother's moments only to stumble over a scandal, a long ago disappearance and a fresh body. The body she is accused of killing, no body who knows her believes she is capable of murder, except the police and at times likes these they are the only people who matter. Could he mother really be capable of having an affair or her father of murder? These are the questions Verity will have to answer if she stands any chance of digging up the past and finding answers.
I liked the narrator and I am glad the author has stuck with her though the whole series, as she brings a little something to each book.
Verity rushes to her friends cafe to find her long lost father standing there as though he had never been away. Adeline doesn't trust him and for good reason, Verity is doesn't know why he is back and why he would be meeting with hee mother lawyer. The man himself isn't really talking only saying he is back for his inheritance and it could be a matter of life and death. Verity with the help of her friends try to piece the clues together as to why he is in town. Following up on a clue found in the attic of her aunts home Verity starts to retrace her mother's moments only to stumble over a scandal, a long ago disappearance and a fresh body. The body she is accused of killing, no body who knows her believes she is capable of murder, except the police and at times likes these they are the only people who matter. Could he mother really be capable of having an affair or her father of murder? These are the questions Verity will have to answer if she stands any chance of digging up the past and finding answers.
I liked the narrator and I am glad the author has stuck with her though the whole series, as she brings a little something to each book.
October 25, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"She knows. I told her."
Twenty years ago, when Verify was just a child, her father left not to be heard from again, and, for the next ten years, she was brought up by her mother alone. Then ten years ago, her mother died, too. Now Verify has recently moved into Rose Cottage, gifted to her complete with all of it's contents, in sleepy Leafy Hollow close to her aunt. She is working as a gardener and, occasionally, as sleuth with a couple of friends, and is romantically engaged with Jeff, a policeman.
Then one day, completely unexpectedly, after a 20 year absence, her father, Frank, appears in the village: he's there to recover something that he says that C!aire, Verity's mother, left for him. But what it is and where to find it be doesn't seem to know.
This is a totally pleasurable, easy read cozy mystety, well written, with fun characters and a rather strange plot line. The dialogue is comfortable and an underlying stream of gentle amusement runs through it. The narration by Patrea Burchard is excellent, with good pacing and phrasing, her use of cadence weaving a pleasant sound tapestry and holding the reader's interest throughout. She also gives individual voicing to each of the protagonists but is especially believable in the role of Verify herself, who is recounting the story in the first person. A good performance.
The Grave Truth is the sixth in the Sleepy Hollow Mysteries series and, although not great literature, was an enjoyable eight hours of listening. Not being acquainted with the earlier books didn't matter as everything pertinent was there for the reader. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Recommended for anyone who likes to read cozy mysteries: I'm going to go back now to find out more about the other Leafy Hollow inhabitants, starting with book one, From Garden to Grave.
"She knows. I told her."
Twenty years ago, when Verify was just a child, her father left not to be heard from again, and, for the next ten years, she was brought up by her mother alone. Then ten years ago, her mother died, too. Now Verify has recently moved into Rose Cottage, gifted to her complete with all of it's contents, in sleepy Leafy Hollow close to her aunt. She is working as a gardener and, occasionally, as sleuth with a couple of friends, and is romantically engaged with Jeff, a policeman.
Then one day, completely unexpectedly, after a 20 year absence, her father, Frank, appears in the village: he's there to recover something that he says that C!aire, Verity's mother, left for him. But what it is and where to find it be doesn't seem to know.
This is a totally pleasurable, easy read cozy mystety, well written, with fun characters and a rather strange plot line. The dialogue is comfortable and an underlying stream of gentle amusement runs through it. The narration by Patrea Burchard is excellent, with good pacing and phrasing, her use of cadence weaving a pleasant sound tapestry and holding the reader's interest throughout. She also gives individual voicing to each of the protagonists but is especially believable in the role of Verify herself, who is recounting the story in the first person. A good performance.
The Grave Truth is the sixth in the Sleepy Hollow Mysteries series and, although not great literature, was an enjoyable eight hours of listening. Not being acquainted with the earlier books didn't matter as everything pertinent was there for the reader. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Recommended for anyone who likes to read cozy mysteries: I'm going to go back now to find out more about the other Leafy Hollow inhabitants, starting with book one, From Garden to Grave.
November 12, 2020
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audibel:
It's 3.5 rounded up to 4 for the story and 5 for the interpretation, which makes it 4 stars overall:)
It's my first book in the series and my first by Rickie Blair so I didn't know what to expect, and I have to say it was quite a pleasant listen and a series I would probably go back to.
The plot was OK; there were some twists and turns I liked, there were some mysteries to solve and some secrets to unravel... It wasn't very fast, but it also didn't feel too slow most of the time. Some situations felt a bit artificial, some behaviours illogical or irrational at this or that particular moment but as a whole, the case got a plausible conclusion so I can overlook the few inconsistencies...:)
The main character is... well, I got irritated with her quite a few times in the first half of the book, I warmed up to her in the second but I still think she is too insipid... I can't tell you if I liked her or not - she left me indifferent, really, and what is worse, it's been a few days since I finished the book and I can't remember much about her other than the fact that her boyfriend is a police officer... I just wish she had a stronger personality to make a longer-lasting impression on me...
The narration by Ms Burchard, however, is excellent. She does a great job with the voices, the pace of her reading is right, the emotions ring true. It definitely rises my overall rating for this particular cozy mystery:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's 3.5 rounded up to 4 for the story and 5 for the interpretation, which makes it 4 stars overall:)
It's my first book in the series and my first by Rickie Blair so I didn't know what to expect, and I have to say it was quite a pleasant listen and a series I would probably go back to.
The plot was OK; there were some twists and turns I liked, there were some mysteries to solve and some secrets to unravel... It wasn't very fast, but it also didn't feel too slow most of the time. Some situations felt a bit artificial, some behaviours illogical or irrational at this or that particular moment but as a whole, the case got a plausible conclusion so I can overlook the few inconsistencies...:)
The main character is... well, I got irritated with her quite a few times in the first half of the book, I warmed up to her in the second but I still think she is too insipid... I can't tell you if I liked her or not - she left me indifferent, really, and what is worse, it's been a few days since I finished the book and I can't remember much about her other than the fact that her boyfriend is a police officer... I just wish she had a stronger personality to make a longer-lasting impression on me...
The narration by Ms Burchard, however, is excellent. She does a great job with the voices, the pace of her reading is right, the emotions ring true. It definitely rises my overall rating for this particular cozy mystery:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 25, 2019
The Grave Truth book review.
I have read most of the books in this series over the last few years. I have enjoyed them all! Great to be meeting up with the same main characters in each of the books including this book which is sixth in the series.
This book, "The Grave Truth" added a new character, Verity's father! a little more info was given about her parents and their marriage breakup. Things with her father are tense in the beginning and the reader will find out why...
I also want to mention that this book could be a standalone mystery if you have not read any of the other ones before. There's enough information given throughout that you don't feel lost.
I found the story engaging as well as interesting with the mystery. There is a missing professor that her mother worked for as a student when she was studying to be an archaeologist. There is the absent father who shows up on Verity's doorstep. There's something hidden at Verity's house that her father wants very much! So many little clues that slowly unravel as Verity gets to the truth. I enjoyed the journey while Verity was figuring it all out!
A bit of excitement at the end and things did not end up quite the way I thought they might! The author is fun to read as she draws you into the story and keeps you guessing until the very end!
I look forward to the next book in this series!
I did receive an advanced readers copy and I'm happy to provide a review that is all my own.
I have read most of the books in this series over the last few years. I have enjoyed them all! Great to be meeting up with the same main characters in each of the books including this book which is sixth in the series.
This book, "The Grave Truth" added a new character, Verity's father! a little more info was given about her parents and their marriage breakup. Things with her father are tense in the beginning and the reader will find out why...
I also want to mention that this book could be a standalone mystery if you have not read any of the other ones before. There's enough information given throughout that you don't feel lost.
I found the story engaging as well as interesting with the mystery. There is a missing professor that her mother worked for as a student when she was studying to be an archaeologist. There is the absent father who shows up on Verity's doorstep. There's something hidden at Verity's house that her father wants very much! So many little clues that slowly unravel as Verity gets to the truth. I enjoyed the journey while Verity was figuring it all out!
A bit of excitement at the end and things did not end up quite the way I thought they might! The author is fun to read as she draws you into the story and keeps you guessing until the very end!
I look forward to the next book in this series!
I did receive an advanced readers copy and I'm happy to provide a review that is all my own.
May 26, 2019
Another entertaining and challenging cozy from Rickie Blair! Yet again, Verity Hawkes finds herself embroiled in a decades-old mystery when her father suddenly appears after having abandoned her and her mother when she was eight years old. Verity wants nothing to do with him and does not trust his motive for returning to Leafy Hollow. He claims Verity’s mother, Claire, who died ten years earlier, had left him a gift and he wanted to retrieve it. Not only does Verity not believe him, neither does feisty Aunt Adeline, Claire’s elder sister. Frank (Verity’s father) refuses to leave without the treasure, and claims his daughter’s life is in danger. When Verity discovers postcards and a mysterious coded message, she sets out to discover the secret Frank is hiding and what the cards mean. Deaths and intrigue promptly follow.
This is a well-developed book, touched with humor and a lot of historical interest and detail. Its fast pace takes the reader on a trip into the world of archaeology, Native American culture, and business schemes. It is fascinating and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat trying to solve the mystery of a university professor’s death 20 years earlier, its association with Verity’s mother, and the treasure Frank is trying to locate. A wonderful addition to this delightful cozy mystery series.
This is a well-developed book, touched with humor and a lot of historical interest and detail. Its fast pace takes the reader on a trip into the world of archaeology, Native American culture, and business schemes. It is fascinating and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat trying to solve the mystery of a university professor’s death 20 years earlier, its association with Verity’s mother, and the treasure Frank is trying to locate. A wonderful addition to this delightful cozy mystery series.
May 8, 2019
When Verity's father showed up at the end of Book 5, I could hardly wait for this one. It didn't bode well... and I didn't expect it to. But it starts another good story... and it did. Verity and her aunt Adeline had been angry with Frank, her Dad for a very long time, because he walked out on Verity and her Mum when she was little and it had been hard growing up without a Dad, and even harder not understanding or knowing why he did that. Everyone assumed that he either left in a jealous rage, believing (rightly or wrongly) that Claire was having an affair, or that he left her for another woman. The problem with "what everyone assumed" is that is it often nowhere near the truth, and Verity was about to find that out.
I always enjoy Rickie Blair's mysteries. They are well thought out and often full of surprising events that knocks you sideways, never run-of-the-mill where things are pretty obvious, often a delightful wow! that did not occur to me! As always, you cannot help but love Adeline - tough, feisty and so caring of her niece and of course, Em and Lorne who are always there for Verity - how lucky can you be to have friends like that.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I always enjoy Rickie Blair's mysteries. They are well thought out and often full of surprising events that knocks you sideways, never run-of-the-mill where things are pretty obvious, often a delightful wow! that did not occur to me! As always, you cannot help but love Adeline - tough, feisty and so caring of her niece and of course, Em and Lorne who are always there for Verity - how lucky can you be to have friends like that.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
May 25, 2019
More of the family backstory for Verity Hawkes is revealed. Aunt Adeline has been her port in a stormy life for many years . She may have been traveling a lot when Verity was young, and her presumed death a while back being more alleged than actual stirred things up between them. Despite an ongoing teapot battle, the Hawkes girls stick together at the end of the day.
Frank, the long absentee father, makes a rather dubious appearance. He may have had some vaguely noble ideas about his departure and continued absence, but in the end, even his somewhat noble efforts seem pretty selfish to me. Guilt over a great deal seems to move him. Not pleased to expect to see more of him.
Verity has an amazing collection of furry friends that prevent Daddy Dearest from going too off the rails.
With her two and four legged friends, Jeff at her side and Addy at her back, Verity looks fair to have a strong team - if she is wise enough to use them in time.
Mystery, humor, and personal growth with mixed motives. Awesome read!
I was pleased to read an advance copy of this book.
I am a fan of the series, and have bought or borrowed many of the other books by this fun author- and I look forward to more!
Frank, the long absentee father, makes a rather dubious appearance. He may have had some vaguely noble ideas about his departure and continued absence, but in the end, even his somewhat noble efforts seem pretty selfish to me. Guilt over a great deal seems to move him. Not pleased to expect to see more of him.
Verity has an amazing collection of furry friends that prevent Daddy Dearest from going too off the rails.
With her two and four legged friends, Jeff at her side and Addy at her back, Verity looks fair to have a strong team - if she is wise enough to use them in time.
Mystery, humor, and personal growth with mixed motives. Awesome read!
I was pleased to read an advance copy of this book.
I am a fan of the series, and have bought or borrowed many of the other books by this fun author- and I look forward to more!
May 10, 2019
The Grave Truth by Rickie Blair is the sixth installment in The Leafy Hollow Mystery series.
Finally we get to find out the truth about Verity's father, and when he suddenly shows up in Leafy Hollow claiming that Verity's mother has left him a legacy everybody is beside themselves. Verity's aunt Adeline will have some confessing to do but before that she is just about ready to chase her father out of town. Verity is not too happy about him being there either, but when suspicious things begins to happen and her father Frank is not forthcoming with the information she can't help but get involved.
Craziness and mayhem are part of this series. Full of unusual and quirky characters, they provide endless fun. I particularly like that main character is not one dimensional but that with each new book we find out more and more about her life before she came to Leafy Hollow.
There are many twists and turns to keep reader more than engaged and suffice to say no one is as they appear.
I do have to mention that I miss some funny laugh out loud moments that were part of first few books.
Great additional to well loved series.
Finally we get to find out the truth about Verity's father, and when he suddenly shows up in Leafy Hollow claiming that Verity's mother has left him a legacy everybody is beside themselves. Verity's aunt Adeline will have some confessing to do but before that she is just about ready to chase her father out of town. Verity is not too happy about him being there either, but when suspicious things begins to happen and her father Frank is not forthcoming with the information she can't help but get involved.
Craziness and mayhem are part of this series. Full of unusual and quirky characters, they provide endless fun. I particularly like that main character is not one dimensional but that with each new book we find out more and more about her life before she came to Leafy Hollow.
There are many twists and turns to keep reader more than engaged and suffice to say no one is as they appear.
I do have to mention that I miss some funny laugh out loud moments that were part of first few books.
Great additional to well loved series.
May 27, 2019
Verity and the gang from Leafy Hollow return for a new adventure. Only this time, Verity’s long gone father shows up to add to the suspense. His appearance leads to a long unsolved disappearance that involves Verity’s late mother. The plot moves quickly between revelations of tangled secrets from the past and their impact on the present, including the relationship between Verity and her father. Does she reject him or accept him back into her life? What role does her mother play in these events? Why does a grumpy detective suspect Verity of murder? This complicated intrigue takes Verity to a past she never knew existed and returns her to a present with danger, questions, and especially — love. If you enjoy mysteries that balance murder and misdeeds with a delightful bit of humor, you will enjoy this book and the others in this series. With Rickie Blair and Leafy Hollow you can’t go wrong
May 24, 2019
Another winner in this 6th book in the Leafy Hollow Mystery series! With the end of the last book leaving us guessing why Verity's father showed up after 20 years. He came to plead with Verity for help in finding something (not knowing exactly what) in the house she lives in: something her mother hid. Not believing anything he says, Verity keeps fighting him on allowing him to search her house. When things happen, that may show her mother in a very bad light, and a murder in which she becomes the number one suspect, she is drawn into the case with her father. Rickie Blair leads you on a roller coaster ride with lots of red-herrings, mis-cues and crazy antics. The ending is a surprise and a page turner. A must read cozy series with great characters and I am looking forward to the next book into this series! I received and ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
May 25, 2019
Verity thinks her life is just about perfect. Good job in her Gardening Business check.
Part time slueth check.
Great romance with her boyfriend Jeff.
Absent Father just showing not so perfect after all especially when he starts telling her things about her mother and a past crime. What is Verity to do figure it out and find out what her father is up to really with his tails and bits and pieces of information. Whats he really want is it time with his daughter or something he thinks he's owed. What secrets was her mother keeping she needs to figure things out and clear her mother. But will put her in danger and make her a suspect when someone goes missing and someone ends up dead. With her boyfriend helping and her cat maybe she can uncover the truth. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
Part time slueth check.
Great romance with her boyfriend Jeff.
Absent Father just showing not so perfect after all especially when he starts telling her things about her mother and a past crime. What is Verity to do figure it out and find out what her father is up to really with his tails and bits and pieces of information. Whats he really want is it time with his daughter or something he thinks he's owed. What secrets was her mother keeping she needs to figure things out and clear her mother. But will put her in danger and make her a suspect when someone goes missing and someone ends up dead. With her boyfriend helping and her cat maybe she can uncover the truth. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
May 27, 2019
Verity Hawkes, a full-time gardener and part-time investigator, is at it again – caught up in a web of family mystery, her own and that of another family. Verity’s father, Frank, took off twenty years ago without any explanation. Now he is back, looking for his bequest from the wife he deserted. Will Verity and her Aunt Adeline (with an interesting past of her own) be able to forgive him and help to figure out what he is looking for? Does Verity even want to have Frank back in her life? How will her police officer boyfriend, Jeff, react in this new situation?
The characters in this book are excellent, somewhat believable, and totally interesting and funny at times. I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to anyone who likes a cozy mystery.
The characters in this book are excellent, somewhat believable, and totally interesting and funny at times. I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to anyone who likes a cozy mystery.
June 10, 2019
It's always nice to catch up with Verity and Leafy Hollow. Verity deals with her father's return in this one. The mystery was fine, but it felt like it was too dependent on people being foolishly withholding information, which was somewhat frustrating. Still, it held my interest, and I'll always be ready for a trip to Leafy Hollow..
This book wasn't quite as much fun for me as most of the others in the series. That might have been because didn't seem to get to interact as much with her friends Emmy and Lorne. The things they get up to together are usually a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing if I'm correct in my guess about where things are headed.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This book wasn't quite as much fun for me as most of the others in the series. That might have been because didn't seem to get to interact as much with her friends Emmy and Lorne. The things they get up to together are usually a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing if I'm correct in my guess about where things are headed.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 28, 2020
This is the sixth book in The Leafy Hollow Mysteries Series, a great cozy mystery. Verity's adventures continue in this installment. She is strong, independent, and smart. The supporting characters are great, and they have an important part in this story. Jeff, Verity's boyfriend, is handsome. I like his protectiveness. The storyline is well written, captivating, funny, filled with twists and turns. The mystery unfolds at a great pace. This is a great addition to the Series. Now I need more! Petrea Burchard did a fantastic job with the narration. I enjoyed it. If you like cozy mysteries, this series is definitely for you. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 25, 2019
Although this is not the first in this series, it's the first I've read of it. What a great find!
Verity Hawkes is settling into her new home, new business and indeed new life, when the father who walked out on her twenty years ago suddenly shows up. This unexpected visitor sets off a series of events that catapults Verity into her deceased mother's past and brings some not too pleasant discoveries.
Verity's path to the solutions takes a well written, circuitous route with unexpected twists and turns.
I thoroughly enjoyed Verity, Jeff, and Emy, as well as the other inhabitants - and visitors - of Leafy Hollow. Now I'm off to catch up on their other adventures!
Verity Hawkes is settling into her new home, new business and indeed new life, when the father who walked out on her twenty years ago suddenly shows up. This unexpected visitor sets off a series of events that catapults Verity into her deceased mother's past and brings some not too pleasant discoveries.
Verity's path to the solutions takes a well written, circuitous route with unexpected twists and turns.
I thoroughly enjoyed Verity, Jeff, and Emy, as well as the other inhabitants - and visitors - of Leafy Hollow. Now I'm off to catch up on their other adventures!
May 26, 2019
Rickie Blair always comes up with original means of mayhem for Verity Hawkes to investigate! Her long-absent father shows up, and a series of happenings leads her to investigate the death of an archaeologist, who may have been involved with her dead mother before Verity was even born. But murder in the here and now seems to threaten everyone she questions, maybe even endangering Verity herself! (Murder by paper-shredder strangulation? Only in a Verity Hawkes mystery!) As always, there are laughs, a little romance, mystery surrounding her father (is he the murderer?), good friends, colorful relatives, and an ever-deepening mystery! I love this series!
May 27, 2019
Verity’s life is going good until she walks into Emy’s bakery! Her long lost father is standing at the counter as she tries to recover from the shock! This book Verity discovers her parents past and her moms love of archeology! Her father is looking for something her mom left him yet he won’t say what it is. Learning about her parents past she stumbles into a 20 yr old murder mystery! There was plenty of action, family drama and mystery! I couldn’t put this book down as I tried to figure out who did what! The surprise ending was awesome! I highly recommend this book and this series! I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 28, 2019
This was a long awaited book! I even got to the point of wondering whether Ms. Blair had forgotten about us and left us hanging to dry. Haha! Well, a surprise at the end of previous book left us all wondering and excited on what would happen next.
So this what happened next! Verity must have faced her father who had been absence for decades, some disturbing revelation about her mother, uncovering buried mystery, while also got thrown in a murder case. An interesting, yet a bit exhausting, life. Wrapped in light words, the appeal of this book was unquestionable.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
So this what happened next! Verity must have faced her father who had been absence for decades, some disturbing revelation about her mother, uncovering buried mystery, while also got thrown in a murder case. An interesting, yet a bit exhausting, life. Wrapped in light words, the appeal of this book was unquestionable.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
June 3, 2019
Fantastic addition to the series. Verity learns so much more about her family in this latest book. She can't get the answers she needs for so many questions, so she takes matters into her own hands. She has the time since the winter months aren't her landscaping busy times. Luckily she has that sexy police man boyfriend to get her out of her latest jam! Trouble really does follow her around on this case. You never know who you can trust anymore and boy she falls face first into it this time. I loved the family resolutions, she needed it for her peace of mind.
I loved this book so much I had to leave a review so everyone would know to get a copy of this book!
I loved this book so much I had to leave a review so everyone would know to get a copy of this book!
August 10, 2020
Verity is patiently waiting for spring and just enjoying her life, when her deadbeat father walks back into her life. Her father stirs up all kinds of memories and feelings that Verity thought were long gone and a whole bunch of questions about her mother. Verity has a 20 year old missing person mystery to solve that seems to rotate around her mother and she attracts the wrong type of attention. A very enjoyable series, the characters are unique adding to the suspense filled plot in this action filled, humourous tale. I will be checking out more books in this series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review.
March 17, 2023
Verity’s father shows up after twenty years saying his wife had left him an inheritance that is in the house. He doesn’t know what it is but he knows it is in the house. Verity of course says “No, you may not search my house”. He tells Vrity’s boyfriend she is in danger if he doesn’t get this inheritance and turn it over to unknown persons. When the bakery is crashed into with an suv when Verity is the only customer she starts to put two and two together. Also looking into her mothers past at a dig and the disappearance of her professor adds additional clues. A very convoluted plot. The characters become more interesting as time goes by and of course the location is lovely.
May 5, 2019
Rickie Blair has outdone herself this time!
A Grave Truth has everything you want in a mystery. The characters and their relationships with eachother are complex and relatable. The mystery is full of twists and turns. The entire book is a page turner from its explosive beginning to its satisfying end.
The books in this series keep getting better. Blair is an excellent Canadian writer, who has clearly done her research into the issues touched on in her book. If you haven't followed this series, what are you waiting for?
A Grave Truth has everything you want in a mystery. The characters and their relationships with eachother are complex and relatable. The mystery is full of twists and turns. The entire book is a page turner from its explosive beginning to its satisfying end.
The books in this series keep getting better. Blair is an excellent Canadian writer, who has clearly done her research into the issues touched on in her book. If you haven't followed this series, what are you waiting for?
May 7, 2019
This is a wonderful series! This time we get to meet Verity's father after a 20 year absence. Needless to say, he has some explaining to do. He's come looking for something hidden in Rose Cottage but refuses to tell Verity what it is. She uncovers items from her mother's past and the game is afoot. She's determined to find the truth whether her father likes it or not. Great characters and it was great to get more background on Verity's life.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 12, 2019
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. Verity's father shows up out of the blue, after many years, what does he want? He won't tell her other than saying it's a matter of life and death and that her late mother (his ex) had left him something, but he won't or can't say what that is just claims he will know it when he sees it. As usual this was a page turner and hard to put down. I loved it and highly recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
May 24, 2019
Verity thought everything was going pretty well for her, and it was until...her estranged father shows up. Why is he here and what does he want? When her deceased mother's name is implicated in crime from years ago, Verity is not going to let that go without finding out the truth. Jeff, her boyfriend, and cop, is actually helping Verity where ever he can to keep her safe. Can Verity solve this cold case and clear her mother's name? All will be answered in the book....now go get a copy and read it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 25, 2019
The plot picks up right at the beginning, and we have so many questions about what this dying old man has to do with anything. What does he know? What is he hiding? And then we see Verity in the bakery with her deadbeat father. In true deadbeat fashion, he’s only here because he needs something, but he tries to convince Verity that he is actually trying to keep her safe. Which of course is a lie. Maybe. Possibly... Uh oh... Super entertaining, fun to read, and some truly fantastic characters and dialogues.
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