What do you think?
Rate this book
Frugal Lissa Mysteries #1
Frugal Lissa Finds a Body
Specially priced during preorder!
Melissa Eller looks for ways to save people money. She never wanted to find a dead body…
Especially since she and the victim argued in public the previous evening. And she kind of threatened him (all a big misunderstanding – really).
When would she learn to keep her big mouth shut?
Now, she's suspect number one in the guy’s murder. Worse, the detective in charge of the case is someone Lissa made fun of in high school—because he made fun of her—and he holds more leverage than just the threat of getting her sent to detention. Her boys don't need a mom in prison!
She should never have moved back home.
Who said small towns were safer?
Frugal Lissa Finds a Body is the first title in the new cozy Frugal Lissa Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames.
BONUS: Along with solving the crime, Lissa finds ways to save her blog subscribers money and shares those methods with readers. Also included are terrific family-friendly recipes.
This is a NEW cozy mystery series:
Book 1: Frugal Lissa Finds a Body
Book 2: Frugal Lissa Digs Up a Body (preorder soon)
Book 3: Frugal Lissa Hunts for a Body (coming soon)
And more to follow!
Melissa Eller looks for ways to save people money. She never wanted to find a dead body…
Especially since she and the victim argued in public the previous evening. And she kind of threatened him (all a big misunderstanding – really).
When would she learn to keep her big mouth shut?
Now, she's suspect number one in the guy’s murder. Worse, the detective in charge of the case is someone Lissa made fun of in high school—because he made fun of her—and he holds more leverage than just the threat of getting her sent to detention. Her boys don't need a mom in prison!
She should never have moved back home.
Who said small towns were safer?
Frugal Lissa Finds a Body is the first title in the new cozy Frugal Lissa Mysteries series from USA TODAY bestselling author Ritter Ames.
BONUS: Along with solving the crime, Lissa finds ways to save her blog subscribers money and shares those methods with readers. Also included are terrific family-friendly recipes.
This is a NEW cozy mystery series:
Book 1: Frugal Lissa Finds a Body
Book 2: Frugal Lissa Digs Up a Body (preorder soon)
Book 3: Frugal Lissa Hunts for a Body (coming soon)
And more to follow!
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2019
43 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Ritter Ames
23 books679 followersRitter Ames is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Organized Mysteries series and the Bodies of Art Mysteries series. When she's not writing or brainstorming new mysteries Ritter is usually trying to get her favorite yellow Lab to stay out of the pond, or keep her grouchy black cat from trying to give the dog away on Freecycle. Ritter would love to live on a boat and write from far flung locations around the globe, but the dog would constantly have to be fished from the water, and her husband and cat would just complain endlessly about the dog's smell, so staying on land seems to be the only good option to keep her sanity and not get sidetracked from writing.
Ritter tries to blog regularly at http://ritterames.com/ and subscribe there to get the latest news about upcoming releases, and inside scoops on her characters and series. She uses her Pinterest boards at http://www.pinterest.com/ritterames/ to capture great places and ideas she wants to use in both series. Go to her website to subscribe to her newsletter and get the first alert about new books in her series.
Ritter tries to blog regularly at http://ritterames.com/ and subscribe there to get the latest news about upcoming releases, and inside scoops on her characters and series. She uses her Pinterest boards at http://www.pinterest.com/ritterames/ to capture great places and ideas she wants to use in both series. Go to her website to subscribe to her newsletter and get the first alert about new books in her series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 2, 2019
This is a wonderful cozy mystery! First in a series, and very likeable characters! There are great frugal tips for your budget within the series, as well tips and recipes at the end! Great way to start off a new series! Can't wait for more! 😊
September 4, 2019
Melissa Eller, who prefers to be called Lissa, writes a blog and helps people with tips on how to save money. Her husband, Derek, is a photojournalist and is frequently away on assignment. This leaves Lissa to deal with the day-to-day chores, which includes raising her two young boys, Mac and Jamey, as well as the family dog, Honey. On a rare "Girls Night Out" with her friend, Abby Newlin, Lissa is approached by a man named J.C. Carlisle, who says he is interested in buying her home. She insists that it is not for sale, but he tells her it is on some list and he is intent on buying it
The next day, Lissa gets a call from her elderly neighbor, Mrs. G., saying she heard a noise in her garage and would like Lissa to check it out to see if the neighbor's cat is responsible. Taking her Golden Lab, Honey, with her, Lissa goes to investigate the noise in her neighbor's garage. The "crash" was not caused by a cat, but she did find J.C. Carlisle, with a tent pole sticking out of his body.
Who killed Carlisle? Why was he killed? Why was Carlisle in Mrs. G's garage? What is the list he referred to? Why is Lissa's house on the list? Can Lissa prove her innocence and find the real killer?
Ritter Ames has a great start to a new series with wonderful characters and realistic situations. She does a great job of building a foundation for the series and keeps the reader guessing clear to the end.
The next day, Lissa gets a call from her elderly neighbor, Mrs. G., saying she heard a noise in her garage and would like Lissa to check it out to see if the neighbor's cat is responsible. Taking her Golden Lab, Honey, with her, Lissa goes to investigate the noise in her neighbor's garage. The "crash" was not caused by a cat, but she did find J.C. Carlisle, with a tent pole sticking out of his body.
Who killed Carlisle? Why was he killed? Why was Carlisle in Mrs. G's garage? What is the list he referred to? Why is Lissa's house on the list? Can Lissa prove her innocence and find the real killer?
Ritter Ames has a great start to a new series with wonderful characters and realistic situations. She does a great job of building a foundation for the series and keeps the reader guessing clear to the end.
July 1, 2019
Entertaining, fun mystery!
Not only did I get a great story, Frugal Lissa Finds A Body offers recipes, cost-cutting tips and a five-alarm puppy dog! Melissa Eller — Lisa to everyone who knows her, REALLY knows her — has a blog and online business to help support her family while her husband, Dek, travels the world as a photo journalist. She has two adorable little munchkins and a dog named Honey that keep her busier than all get out. Only Lisa has a penchant for finding trouble AND an attitude to go with it so when she steps in to help a neighbor...she finds a dead body. A dead body who also happens to be the guy she argued with the night before she found him in her neighbor’s garage.
Simple explanation for what the author has written but I loved Lissa’s attitude and mouth. Her snark made me laugh. And the kids, OMG, two little boys who are hilarious and smart and always trying to get away with anything they can. Honey the dog? She is a goof but the best-est protection and alarm system a family could have. Lissa has it well in hand, even if she does tend to run off at the mouth sometimes, especially with the police detective that she has known since they were both young and in school.
Lots going on, fun read, great family (even the absent but working father, Dek), and a mystery. I read it in one sitting because I needed to know what was going on and how it would end. And the ending is priceless!
Not only did I get a great story, Frugal Lissa Finds A Body offers recipes, cost-cutting tips and a five-alarm puppy dog! Melissa Eller — Lisa to everyone who knows her, REALLY knows her — has a blog and online business to help support her family while her husband, Dek, travels the world as a photo journalist. She has two adorable little munchkins and a dog named Honey that keep her busier than all get out. Only Lisa has a penchant for finding trouble AND an attitude to go with it so when she steps in to help a neighbor...she finds a dead body. A dead body who also happens to be the guy she argued with the night before she found him in her neighbor’s garage.
Simple explanation for what the author has written but I loved Lissa’s attitude and mouth. Her snark made me laugh. And the kids, OMG, two little boys who are hilarious and smart and always trying to get away with anything they can. Honey the dog? She is a goof but the best-est protection and alarm system a family could have. Lissa has it well in hand, even if she does tend to run off at the mouth sometimes, especially with the police detective that she has known since they were both young and in school.
Lots going on, fun read, great family (even the absent but working father, Dek), and a mystery. I read it in one sitting because I needed to know what was going on and how it would end. And the ending is priceless!
September 24, 2019
I won this eBook over the weekend and finished it last night - my first book by Ritter Ames!
I enjoyed the fact that the author took some time up front to allow the reader to get to know the very likable characters as well as include some pertinent back-story details, such as how Lissa started her refinishing business and Frugal Lissa blog. It moves on to the mystery itself which unfolded in an interesting and natural flow. The pacing was good, which I enjoy because I don't like reading a book that moves along too slowly. This book - perfectly paced.
The main character is friendly and intelligent, and a tad quirky, too (I can totally relate!) and though I'm not a parent myself, I actually enjoyed the parenting scenes depicted in the story. Her interactions with her two young boys made me smile since they seemed patient, loving, and funny as well! (Thanks for indulging a non-parent a quick parenting comment!) :-)
She shows a great concern for all her neighbors and wasn't at all pushy with her amateur sleuthing.
Thoughout the story, I had no idea who did it which is fantastic! All in all, it was a great story with a fun twist at the end! (Just how I like my cozies!) I’ll definitely read more of her books!
Thank you, Ritter Ames, for the opportunity to discover your work!
I enjoyed the fact that the author took some time up front to allow the reader to get to know the very likable characters as well as include some pertinent back-story details, such as how Lissa started her refinishing business and Frugal Lissa blog. It moves on to the mystery itself which unfolded in an interesting and natural flow. The pacing was good, which I enjoy because I don't like reading a book that moves along too slowly. This book - perfectly paced.
The main character is friendly and intelligent, and a tad quirky, too (I can totally relate!) and though I'm not a parent myself, I actually enjoyed the parenting scenes depicted in the story. Her interactions with her two young boys made me smile since they seemed patient, loving, and funny as well! (Thanks for indulging a non-parent a quick parenting comment!) :-)
She shows a great concern for all her neighbors and wasn't at all pushy with her amateur sleuthing.
Thoughout the story, I had no idea who did it which is fantastic! All in all, it was a great story with a fun twist at the end! (Just how I like my cozies!) I’ll definitely read more of her books!
Thank you, Ritter Ames, for the opportunity to discover your work!
July 8, 2019
If you like Ritter Ames' Organized for Murder series you'll love this one too.
Lissa's husband, Derek aka Dek, is a globe trotting photographer, leaving her home to raise their two small sons on her own most of the time. Melissa Eller, Lissa, has a blog page "Frugal Lissa Finds" offering money saving tips and items she has found and refurbished that she sells to help with household expenses in order to be a stay at home mom.
This book includes energy saving laundry tips amidst others as well as recipes.
The characters are lovable and her new neighbors John & Jane Harper, her BFF attorney Abby Newlin, Police Detective Brian Baker, Lissa's nemesis, are people I'd like to get to know better.
The Kobo copy I read has quite a few typos or similar errors that at times had me stopping to figure out just what the author was trying to convey. Kobo seemed to release this e book sooner than Amazon so maybe that is the reason for the errors in my edition.
Lissa's husband, Derek aka Dek, is a globe trotting photographer, leaving her home to raise their two small sons on her own most of the time. Melissa Eller, Lissa, has a blog page "Frugal Lissa Finds" offering money saving tips and items she has found and refurbished that she sells to help with household expenses in order to be a stay at home mom.
This book includes energy saving laundry tips amidst others as well as recipes.
The characters are lovable and her new neighbors John & Jane Harper, her BFF attorney Abby Newlin, Police Detective Brian Baker, Lissa's nemesis, are people I'd like to get to know better.
The Kobo copy I read has quite a few typos or similar errors that at times had me stopping to figure out just what the author was trying to convey. Kobo seemed to release this e book sooner than Amazon so maybe that is the reason for the errors in my edition.
July 1, 2019
Frugal Lissa Finds a Body is the first book in a new cozy mystery series.
I REALLY enjoyed this mystery. I enjoyed the main character Lissa, who is sassy, snarky and downright hilarious. The kids are always into some mischief, which I adore. I have to say though, Honey the Dog STEALS THE SHOW! She is so silly filled with character and charm.
The story is well written with humor, family , and mystery intertwined into a story that flows very well.
There is a lot to love in this book and the mystery is fabulous. The ending is absolutely to die for!
I really look forward to future books in this series to see what Lissa, Honey and the gang are up to next.
I REALLY enjoyed this mystery. I enjoyed the main character Lissa, who is sassy, snarky and downright hilarious. The kids are always into some mischief, which I adore. I have to say though, Honey the Dog STEALS THE SHOW! She is so silly filled with character and charm.
The story is well written with humor, family , and mystery intertwined into a story that flows very well.
There is a lot to love in this book and the mystery is fabulous. The ending is absolutely to die for!
I really look forward to future books in this series to see what Lissa, Honey and the gang are up to next.
August 25, 2021
It has been a long time since I read such a good cozy Mistry.. review to come
August 26, 2019
Frugal Lissa Finds A Body and I find a new series to love. Lissa is married and raising two boys alone while her husband is working overseas. She needs to make her money stretch. She blogs her tips and makes a little money from it. I love that Lissa is a real mom, flawed but loving. I love how her boys are in the story. They don’t just get mentioned at the beginning then disappear only to return at the end. She takes care of them. They have a lab who is called Honey. Delightfully, she is a true member of the family. Dad is away but yet still in the story. Her best friend is Abby. Reading this book, to me, was like being a part of Lissa’s life. I really enjoyed that. I loved the feeling I had while reading. I was truly welcomed into Lissa’s life. The finding of the body doesn’t happen on the first page. The book first gets us comfortable with the family and neighborhood. So when the body is found we are just as shocked as the characters. I think that’s a hard thing to accomplish. After all most cozy mysteries involve a body. We are expecting it. Yet we are surprised when it happens. This was when I got the delicious chill that you get when an author has written a scene flawlessly.
I never go into the book farther than this. If I did you would have no need to read it. I had an entertaining time reading this book. If it weren’t for a family emergency, I probably would have read it in one day. There are money saving tips in the story. Recipes are at the end. Now go read the book.
I never go into the book farther than this. If I did you would have no need to read it. I had an entertaining time reading this book. If it weren’t for a family emergency, I probably would have read it in one day. There are money saving tips in the story. Recipes are at the end. Now go read the book.
September 24, 2019
I seldom read the acknowledgements page because they usually are personal thanks to people I don't know, but I had to stop and read this when when I caught the words "canine sidekick Honey" on the first line. It was such an enchanting description of the model for the dog in the story that I immediately knew I was going to love the book. And I did. This is the first in a new series, featuring Lissa, wife and mother of two active (definitely active) young boys, trying to augment their family income with her blog full of frugal ideas to manage a budget on a limited income. But when she and her dog accidentally stumble across a body in her neighbor's garage, she is thankful that her friend, Abby, is there to help her with legal advice. Can she clear her own name of this crime before the local police detective...a former classmate that she saddled with a hateful nickname...before she finds herself in jail or worse! The conversations between Lissa and Abby flowed and felt authentic, and I really enjoyed the "mother" tactics she employed with her two sons. The clues kept the reader guessing and maybe there was a hint to the identity, but still fun to get to the end and find out all the twists and turns in the mystery. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Bonus to the story were the extra money-saving hints throughout the book and at the end. I even found myself looking up scented vinegar and dryer balls while reading. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
July 3, 2019
Loved it! Loved the plot! Loved the characters! Ready for more! It seems appropriate the Frugal Lissa Finds a Body is my 100th cozy mystery for 2019.
Ritter Ames has done it again. She creates mysteries that are exciting, but reading them is like spending time with friends. As a major fan of her Organized Mystery series, I had high hopes for the new series, Frugal Lissa Mysteries. Ms. Ames and Lissa met every expectation.
1) The characters were fun and realistic to be around, not to mention just a bit snarky.
2) The plot was excellent, and reasonable, and it ran the gamut from heartwarming friend time to page turning intensity
3) Lissa offered budget friendly ideas that I can really use. Boy, can I use them!
4) The boys were generally well-behaved but were into enough mischief to make them believable, were so precious, and brought the kind of humor that only kids can bring.
5) Honey, the yellow lab who prefers to be called blond since they have more fun, was adorably realistic. Fans of any dog will surely relate.
Note: Maybe that expectation came from following Ms. Ames on Facebook rather than the Organized Mysteries. The real life Honey would be quite proud of Mommy's portrayal of her, but then she helped in the writing. Keeping Mommy company is lots of help and inspiration, isn't it.
Note2: Why is it that sometimes it is hardest to share what really makes a favorite book special?
Ritter Ames has done it again. She creates mysteries that are exciting, but reading them is like spending time with friends. As a major fan of her Organized Mystery series, I had high hopes for the new series, Frugal Lissa Mysteries. Ms. Ames and Lissa met every expectation.
1) The characters were fun and realistic to be around, not to mention just a bit snarky.
2) The plot was excellent, and reasonable, and it ran the gamut from heartwarming friend time to page turning intensity
3) Lissa offered budget friendly ideas that I can really use. Boy, can I use them!
4) The boys were generally well-behaved but were into enough mischief to make them believable, were so precious, and brought the kind of humor that only kids can bring.
5) Honey, the yellow lab who prefers to be called blond since they have more fun, was adorably realistic. Fans of any dog will surely relate.
Note: Maybe that expectation came from following Ms. Ames on Facebook rather than the Organized Mysteries. The real life Honey would be quite proud of Mommy's portrayal of her, but then she helped in the writing. Keeping Mommy company is lots of help and inspiration, isn't it.
Note2: Why is it that sometimes it is hardest to share what really makes a favorite book special?
July 13, 2019
“Police don’t scare me a bit, but don’t make me face my mother.”
Melissa Eller, known to most in the neighborhood as Lissa, mother of two, wife of globe trotting journalist Derek “Dek” Eller and dog-mom to Honey, a Golden Lab. Between worry about Dek, and her two precocious sons,”Frugal Lissa”runs an online blog about saving money.
Returning to live in the town you grew up in might have advantages, however,there are also disadvantages when the people you went to school with are now those in charge. Lissa and her legal eagle friend Abby are reminded of this when a body is found in her neighbor’s garage and Lissa May have been one of the last people to see him before he died. When she does the right thing and calls 911, one of her high school nemesis responds as the Detective Sargent in charge. And it goes downhill from there. With Abby’s help, Lissa finally gets to the root of the situation having turned over a number of things to find clues.
Without a doubt, Ritter Ames is still one of my favorite cosy mystery writers. This first in a new series has twists and turns, dead ends and old rivalries enough to fill many new books. This is a marvelous introduction to a new “family” of characters I can hardly wait to know better...oh, and the tricks and recipes at the back are enough to make you want to go cook! Highly Recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
Melissa Eller, known to most in the neighborhood as Lissa, mother of two, wife of globe trotting journalist Derek “Dek” Eller and dog-mom to Honey, a Golden Lab. Between worry about Dek, and her two precocious sons,”Frugal Lissa”runs an online blog about saving money.
Returning to live in the town you grew up in might have advantages, however,there are also disadvantages when the people you went to school with are now those in charge. Lissa and her legal eagle friend Abby are reminded of this when a body is found in her neighbor’s garage and Lissa May have been one of the last people to see him before he died. When she does the right thing and calls 911, one of her high school nemesis responds as the Detective Sargent in charge. And it goes downhill from there. With Abby’s help, Lissa finally gets to the root of the situation having turned over a number of things to find clues.
Without a doubt, Ritter Ames is still one of my favorite cosy mystery writers. This first in a new series has twists and turns, dead ends and old rivalries enough to fill many new books. This is a marvelous introduction to a new “family” of characters I can hardly wait to know better...oh, and the tricks and recipes at the back are enough to make you want to go cook! Highly Recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
July 3, 2019
What do you do when you have:
two energetic young sons
a husband who travels all over the world for a living
a lovable Honey of a Lab who loves treats
a work-in-progress blog on saving money
a wonderful best friend with a change of career crisis
AND
you're....dealing with a dead guy who put your house on a list of properties that have mortgage problems (even though yours doesn't).......(whew!).......well you have to solve his murder to save your family's life and home!
Lissa is a " down to earth" main character that I love! No perfect Mom here - but a loving, smart and determined woman who doesn't stand for anyone "messing" with her family. The supporting characters, like her best friend Abby, are relatable and interesting. Lisa doesn't rush right into danger and her sons well-being is always foremost in her mind. Jamey and Mac, Lissa's sons, are "kid-like" and their adventures add to the story. Honey, the lovable yellow Lab is a sweetheart and loves her treats! Dek, Lissa's husband, is off on assignment, so the reader doesn't get to meet him, in this book.
I enjoyed the mystery, humor and the family feeling of the book. It was like stepping into a family that may be like yours - without the murder!
I'm looking forward to the next adventure of Frugal Lissa!
I received a Book from the author for a fair and honest review!
two energetic young sons
a husband who travels all over the world for a living
a lovable Honey of a Lab who loves treats
a work-in-progress blog on saving money
a wonderful best friend with a change of career crisis
AND
you're....dealing with a dead guy who put your house on a list of properties that have mortgage problems (even though yours doesn't).......(whew!).......well you have to solve his murder to save your family's life and home!
Lissa is a " down to earth" main character that I love! No perfect Mom here - but a loving, smart and determined woman who doesn't stand for anyone "messing" with her family. The supporting characters, like her best friend Abby, are relatable and interesting. Lisa doesn't rush right into danger and her sons well-being is always foremost in her mind. Jamey and Mac, Lissa's sons, are "kid-like" and their adventures add to the story. Honey, the lovable yellow Lab is a sweetheart and loves her treats! Dek, Lissa's husband, is off on assignment, so the reader doesn't get to meet him, in this book.
I enjoyed the mystery, humor and the family feeling of the book. It was like stepping into a family that may be like yours - without the murder!
I'm looking forward to the next adventure of Frugal Lissa!
I received a Book from the author for a fair and honest review!
August 5, 2019
Another new cozy series from Ritter Ames, destined to become a favourite of mine and I hope of yours, too. I literally fell asleep reading this book, that’s how good it is. And it is good, that’s actually a positive, I just wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next until I just finally couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. And still I devoured this read in only a couple of days, despite the length in number of chapters plus recipes and money-saving tips. (I’m definitely going to try the homemade dressing.) If I had one criticism of the story, it took a little while to get to the titular crime but this is the first in a new series so there was a lot of set-up needed. And the solution to the mystery seemed to come on stronger at the end with not as much build-up investigating as I might have liked. (I guess that’s actually two criticisms, oops.) But still a very enjoyable read and nice to pay a visit to the relatives of Kate and Keith from Hazelton, VT. (I don’t know if the author intended this but, at least in my mind, Lissa is Keith’s sister.)
July 5, 2019
When Mrs. Glover a call Melissa Eller to see if she's the one making noise in her garage. Melissa had promised to help her clear out some of her accumulated things from over the last several decades of living in that particular house.
Lissa and her friend Abby Newlin who is in town visiting, (she's also a lawyer. Lissa will need her services shortly.) go over to check out the garage thinking it was probably the neighbor's cat. Instead, she finds the body a man she had had an argument with the night before.
This story started out pretty slow and I wasn't completely sure if I would like it or not.
It wound up being a solid, well-written mystery with well-defined characters, a little humor, and a bit of intrigue thrown in also.
Ritter Ames is the author of one of my favorite series. Bodies of Art. This new series is closer to her third series and will fall second into my reading list for her works.
Lissa and her friend Abby Newlin who is in town visiting, (she's also a lawyer. Lissa will need her services shortly.) go over to check out the garage thinking it was probably the neighbor's cat. Instead, she finds the body a man she had had an argument with the night before.
This story started out pretty slow and I wasn't completely sure if I would like it or not.
It wound up being a solid, well-written mystery with well-defined characters, a little humor, and a bit of intrigue thrown in also.
Ritter Ames is the author of one of my favorite series. Bodies of Art. This new series is closer to her third series and will fall second into my reading list for her works.
August 1, 2019
Money is tight for Melissa “Lissa” Eller, her husband Derek (Dek), and their two boys – she even runs a blog with tips on how to save money. Still, money isn’t so tight that she and Dek are about to lose their house, no matter what J. C. Carlisle says – something she tells him rather loudly in front of a crowd. When she finds Carlisle dead soon after that, Lissa realizes that she is the chief suspect in his murder and she, with the help of her best friend Abby Newlin, sets out to clear her name but she needs to be careful or she’ll become the next victim.
For the most part, I really enjoyed “Frugal Lissa Finds a Body”. I love reading about Lissa, her hectic family life with dog Honey and young sons Jamey and Mac whom she often raises alone as Dek is traveling for work. Her life is hectic and author Ritter Ames does a wonderful job of capturing the life of a busy mother. I also like the brief glimpses of Lissa’s blog and the money savings tips included in the book. For the most part, the mystery is well done with plenty of suspects. However, the ending of the book felt rushed and there were a few plot points that should have been tied up but weren’t. This, as well as a few editing mistakes have me giving this otherwise enjoyable mystery four stars instead of five stars.
For the most part, I really enjoyed “Frugal Lissa Finds a Body”. I love reading about Lissa, her hectic family life with dog Honey and young sons Jamey and Mac whom she often raises alone as Dek is traveling for work. Her life is hectic and author Ritter Ames does a wonderful job of capturing the life of a busy mother. I also like the brief glimpses of Lissa’s blog and the money savings tips included in the book. For the most part, the mystery is well done with plenty of suspects. However, the ending of the book felt rushed and there were a few plot points that should have been tied up but weren’t. This, as well as a few editing mistakes have me giving this otherwise enjoyable mystery four stars instead of five stars.
July 10, 2019
Frugal Lissa Finds a Body is a brand new series from Author Ritter Ames. Lissa and Dek are a lovely young couple with two rambunctious boys and a blonde dog named Honey. While Dek is overseas working as a Photo-Journalist Lissa stays home to look after the family and write a money-saving blog. When her elderly neighbour calls to say she thinks someone is in her garage Lissa goes to investigate and finds the body of a man she argued with the night before.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters are delightful and the money-saving tips are an added bonus. I look forward to more books from this Author.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters are delightful and the money-saving tips are an added bonus. I look forward to more books from this Author.
July 2, 2019
Lissa Eller is a stay-at-home mom of two boys. She runs a blog where she helps others learn how to pinch pennies. Her husband has a job that keeps him out of the country a lot of the time, but you can’t miss the Love they share. When I began reading this book, I couldn’t stop reading. This author certainly knows her stuff! The tips that are given through Lissa’s blog are great. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
July 2, 2019
A cozy mystery worth every cent! I loved the cost saving tips in this book! The rust removal tip in itself was note worthy! Spending time with Lissa's family and friends was a warm and inviting experience. I was entertained from the first page to the very end. I highly recommend this book and new series!
July 5, 2019
Great tips as well
A fun new series by Ritter Ames. While looking after 2 rambunctious kids, a very smart dog, keeping track of a globe trotting husband, keeping up her helper blog and being a good neighbour, Lissa finds herself involved in a local murder investigation which it appears she knows too much about.
A fun new series by Ritter Ames. While looking after 2 rambunctious kids, a very smart dog, keeping track of a globe trotting husband, keeping up her helper blog and being a good neighbour, Lissa finds herself involved in a local murder investigation which it appears she knows too much about.
July 3, 2019
Ritter Ames has another terrific series! This cozy is enjoyable from the beginning through to the end, with characters who are charming and realistic. Lissa, the main character, writes a blog on how to save money on everything from cleaning items to recipes. It was fun to count the tips that I am familiar with, and to learn a few new tricks,as well. The family moments, laced with humor, blend well with the mystery making this a quick read. I highly recommend this new series!
July 8, 2019
An unlikely hero
So happy to see a favorite in this book. It was fun to meet Lissa and her family. I was not expecting the end but I loved it
So happy to see a favorite in this book. It was fun to meet Lissa and her family. I was not expecting the end but I loved it
July 8, 2019
I absolutely love this new series. The story was great. The recipes sound delicious and the frugal tips are awesome. I am so excited that there will be two more books in the series.
August 28, 2019
I always find it exciting when a favorite author begins a new series. Being a long-time fan of Ritter Ames (and her real-life Honey!), I was thrilled to dive into Frugal Lissa Finds a Body, the first in the Frugal Lissa Mystery series. Mom of two young boys and wife of a globe-trotting photojournalist, Lissa is the master of stretching a dollar. She operates a successful blog helping other moms and families get the most for their money and plenty of tips, tricks, and coupons, as well. Her days are carefully orchestrated chaos, so the last thing she needs is her blonde Lab, Honey, dashing into a neighbor's garage--presumably after another neighbor's cat. Well, wait, I take that back. Truly, the last thing Lissa needs is to go in after her dog and find a body pinned to the ground with a tent pole.
Frugal Lissa Finds a Body has a different feel from many of the other cozy mysteries I have read. Less romantic subplot and not as much danger around every corner. Rather, readers are treated to a scarily realistic puzzle--how did Lissa's home get listed on a list of soon-to-be-foreclosed-upon properties--and two smart, capable sleuths (Lissa and her BFF, Abby) who follow the information to untangle the mysterious knot.
Frugal Lissa Finds a Body has a different feel from many of the other cozy mysteries I have read. Less romantic subplot and not as much danger around every corner. Rather, readers are treated to a scarily realistic puzzle--how did Lissa's home get listed on a list of soon-to-be-foreclosed-upon properties--and two smart, capable sleuths (Lissa and her BFF, Abby) who follow the information to untangle the mysterious knot.
July 18, 2019
The good:. fun characters, especially the cute kids and dog, light mystery with several choices for the bad guy. The bad:. editing mistakes, rushed ending, too many interruptions with tips and recipes. The distractions made it feel like I was plodding to get to the end. That may be others favorite part as preferences are so individual. I will try the next book in the series to see how Brian is going to fit in.
August 23, 2019
So much fun, action and I didn't guess the who. I really like Lissa, her family and want her dog.
Can't wait for the next one!
Can't wait for the next one!
August 17, 2019
Loved it!
Really fun mystery, very well written and the characters are well developed so that it pulls you into the story. I look forward to more!
Really fun mystery, very well written and the characters are well developed so that it pulls you into the story. I look forward to more!
February 21, 2020
Love this new series
Once again the author, Ritter Ames has developed a charming heroine that seems like a next door neighbor. When Lissa has a very public argument with a man who insists he wants to buy her house, she finds his dead body in an neighbor's garage. The investigating officer is a nemis from high school and Lissa looks like the prime suspect. She needs to clear her name and satisfy her curiosity in between running a home with two rambunctious boys and a large dog.
The story is funny and the mystery is not obvious. I love copies and this one is a winner. Can't wait for the next episode.
Once again the author, Ritter Ames has developed a charming heroine that seems like a next door neighbor. When Lissa has a very public argument with a man who insists he wants to buy her house, she finds his dead body in an neighbor's garage. The investigating officer is a nemis from high school and Lissa looks like the prime suspect. She needs to clear her name and satisfy her curiosity in between running a home with two rambunctious boys and a large dog.
The story is funny and the mystery is not obvious. I love copies and this one is a winner. Can't wait for the next episode.
March 15, 2020
I gave this book a four-star rating only because it gave us hints on saving money, and I assume the sequels will be doing more of the same. As to the basic story, I give it three stars. It was confusing in part because of suspects that did not have much of a background. And the story came to an abrupt end - too fast for my liking. There were also some mistakes that could have been corrected by a good prior read-through. But I would like to continue on to the next book.
January 7, 2020
A How To Save Money Blogger
It is how she makes a little extra money while her photojournalist husband travels the world. She also has two sons. And she solves murders.
It started a bit slow for me, but I was glad I kept reading. I like her and the police detective and her friend, Abby. I love Honey the dog!
It is how she makes a little extra money while her photojournalist husband travels the world. She also has two sons. And she solves murders.
It started a bit slow for me, but I was glad I kept reading. I like her and the police detective and her friend, Abby. I love Honey the dog!
July 20, 2020
I so enjoyed Lissa! She’s making the most out of being a mostly single mom, helping her best friend navigate new territory, mastering her budget, and solving a mystery along the way. Plenty of suspense in a comfortable, cozy mystery format. I especially love Lissa‘s relationship with her elderly neighbor who is also caught up in the drama.
I hope to see more of these mysteries soon.
I hope to see more of these mysteries soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews