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Serena Manchester #1
Bittersweet Motives
Former reporter Serena “Rena” Manchester has transitioned into her new career as a private detective. The Clayton Matthews Law firm sends a few investigations her way that pay the bills, though the work is hardly exciting. However, a shift occurs one day while she is taking photos of a prominent businessman, Edwin Peters, with his young mistress. When the woman shows up dead, Serena has no doubt that Edwin Peters is the prime suspect.
A monkey wrench is thrown at her theory when Serena realizes her client, Mrs. Judith Peters, has just as much motive to kill the young woman. Rena is going to need her hard-nosed tactics to find a murderer because the suspects keep piling up. Which one of these people succeeded in killing the troubled woman?
As the investigation heats up, Serena decides to keep the love-of-her-life, Minister Trey Evans, at a comfortable friends-only distance. Will she finally push him away forever?
A monkey wrench is thrown at her theory when Serena realizes her client, Mrs. Judith Peters, has just as much motive to kill the young woman. Rena is going to need her hard-nosed tactics to find a murderer because the suspects keep piling up. Which one of these people succeeded in killing the troubled woman?
As the investigation heats up, Serena decides to keep the love-of-her-life, Minister Trey Evans, at a comfortable friends-only distance. Will she finally push him away forever?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
42 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Tyora Moody
84 books526 followersTyora Moody is the author of Soul-Searching Mysteries which includes cozy mystery, women sleuth mystery, and romantic suspense under the Christian Fiction genre. Her books include the Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Serena Manchester Mysteries, Reed Family Mysteries, and the Victory Gospel Family Series.
When Tyora isn’t working for a literary client, she's either loving on her cats, listening to an audiobook or podcast, binge-watching crime shows or Marvel movies, and of course, thinking about the next book.
To contact Tyora about book club discussions or to sign-up for her newsletter, visit her online at TyoraMoody.com.
When Tyora isn’t working for a literary client, she's either loving on her cats, listening to an audiobook or podcast, binge-watching crime shows or Marvel movies, and of course, thinking about the next book.
To contact Tyora about book club discussions or to sign-up for her newsletter, visit her online at TyoraMoody.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 6, 2023
First, and Foremost... Yes!
First, I enjoyed the story. The drama and suspense were good. The different angles kept the story fluid. Second, I am a suspense and mystery aficionado, so I knew the killer early on. The story was good, and I will be back for more.
First, I enjoyed the story. The drama and suspense were good. The different angles kept the story fluid. Second, I am a suspense and mystery aficionado, so I knew the killer early on. The story was good, and I will be back for more.
July 2, 2019
Title: Bittersweet Motives
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Tymm Publishing LLC
Series: Serena Manchester Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bittersweet Motives" (Serena Manchester Book 2) by Tyora Moody
My Rationalization:
I found 'Bittersweet Motives" a good Mystery, Thriller and Suspenseful read that will definitely keep your attention. I enjoyed how well this author brings out this case that Serena who was a PI investigator for her brother-in-law's company. And when she started working on one particular case it will lead her to another case that will present her with a lot of drama that could make life very hard for her especially from her past history. Also at this time, it seems like there was someone there that wanted to be with Serena but for some reason, she didn't want to commit herself due to her past.
How will all of this come out for Serena as she seeks the truth for her client while trying to figure out what she wants for her life? There will be a lot of guessing in this novel because when it seems like you have it solved something else will come up and change the whole picture.
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Tymm Publishing LLC
Series: Serena Manchester Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bittersweet Motives" (Serena Manchester Book 2) by Tyora Moody
My Rationalization:
I found 'Bittersweet Motives" a good Mystery, Thriller and Suspenseful read that will definitely keep your attention. I enjoyed how well this author brings out this case that Serena who was a PI investigator for her brother-in-law's company. And when she started working on one particular case it will lead her to another case that will present her with a lot of drama that could make life very hard for her especially from her past history. Also at this time, it seems like there was someone there that wanted to be with Serena but for some reason, she didn't want to commit herself due to her past.
How will all of this come out for Serena as she seeks the truth for her client while trying to figure out what she wants for her life? There will be a lot of guessing in this novel because when it seems like you have it solved something else will come up and change the whole picture.
September 15, 2024
This book had murder, mystery, suspense and romance all entangled in a neighborhood "Whodunnit."
I was intrigued by the initial storyline/plot because the author led you to believe it was predictable, then did a pivotal move that took the book to another level.
I enjoyed that the book was not one dimensional, and the different story layers made it intriguing to this reader.
This is my first book by Ms. Moody and needless to say, I do not anticipate it being my last.
I was intrigued by the initial storyline/plot because the author led you to believe it was predictable, then did a pivotal move that took the book to another level.
I enjoyed that the book was not one dimensional, and the different story layers made it intriguing to this reader.
This is my first book by Ms. Moody and needless to say, I do not anticipate it being my last.
Want to read
September 25, 2019This book was really good. It hooked me from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. It was a perfect blend of mystery and suspense.
I felt like the characters were easy to relate to and they felt real. They were the type that I could imagine knowing in real life.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All options are my own*
I felt like the characters were easy to relate to and they felt real. They were the type that I could imagine knowing in real life.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All options are my own*
gave-up-on
June 16, 2024I'm not really giving up on this one. I'm just setting it aside until I can read the real first book in the series. This is actually the second book. I'm assuming that since the real first book and this one have different publishers, the new publisher didn't acquire the rights to "Hostile Eyewitness" and chose to ignore it and start over with the numbering.
October 12, 2020
It was okay. Slow, draggy. I like the Cozy mysteries Tyora Moody writes much more than these.
Just felt like a lot of information constantly. It was easy to figure out who the killer was...Sometimes, no information tells us all we need to know.
Just felt like a lot of information constantly. It was easy to figure out who the killer was...Sometimes, no information tells us all we need to know.
March 31, 2022
Serena is a go-getter!
I enjoyed the storyline. I'm all about figuring out "who dunnit."
I figured it out early on, but the author had me doubting myself a few times. Still, an enjoyable read...heading to the next story.
I enjoyed the storyline. I'm all about figuring out "who dunnit."
I figured it out early on, but the author had me doubting myself a few times. Still, an enjoyable read...heading to the next story.
February 6, 2023
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Serena Manchester private investigator thought she had a simple case of a cheating spouse. But she stumbled upon so much more. This was an interesting mystery, of deceit and murder. It held my attention.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Serena Manchester private investigator thought she had a simple case of a cheating spouse. But she stumbled upon so much more. This was an interesting mystery, of deceit and murder. It held my attention.
February 19, 2023
Marvelous Mystery
A page turner for sure by Tyora Moody. Serena's sleuthing and creative clues gathering is amazing. Moody's murder mysteries and interesting cast of suspects keeps the story interesting till the end.
A page turner for sure by Tyora Moody. Serena's sleuthing and creative clues gathering is amazing. Moody's murder mysteries and interesting cast of suspects keeps the story interesting till the end.
September 12, 2020
Great book
Very captivating. Loved the female character as a private investigator. Amir& Trey liked the private investigator but didn't want to admit it.
Very captivating. Loved the female character as a private investigator. Amir& Trey liked the private investigator but didn't want to admit it.
November 6, 2021
Great
She didn't let what happen in her past determine her future. Also, she was concerned about someone else instead of herself.
She didn't let what happen in her past determine her future. Also, she was concerned about someone else instead of herself.
September 27, 2025
This kept me in a “whodunnit” mode for many chapters. I knew who I wanted it to be, but that shoe just couldn’t fit. Then I started to think beyond my emotional self, about who had committed this horrible crime. Who had motive, and opportunity? Why would they do it? Before the author revealed the killer, I was spot on for one of my suspects. We solved the crime, but I want Serena to have love too.
September 2, 2024
Creative book❗
The characters are modeled to be tension filled in this story and I'm beginning to enjoy the mystery and suspense. The book grabs my attention and I cannot stop until the ending. Reminds me of an old television show.
The characters are modeled to be tension filled in this story and I'm beginning to enjoy the mystery and suspense. The book grabs my attention and I cannot stop until the ending. Reminds me of an old television show.
March 31, 2022
Elder Re
Great read. Tyora never disappoints. I love the Serena Manchester series. If you’re looking for a great suspense without the foul language you’ll enjoy this series.
Great read. Tyora never disappoints. I love the Serena Manchester series. If you’re looking for a great suspense without the foul language you’ll enjoy this series.
Read
May 12, 2022A bit predictable but engrossing just the same
I really enjoyed Serena working through the case as well as hee own issues. Looking forward to the next installment!
I really enjoyed Serena working through the case as well as hee own issues. Looking forward to the next installment!
November 4, 2024
A nice mystery book! Kind of predictable though. I also wanted the main character to be a little less holy and a little more hot girl lol but I will be checking out the rest of the series!
April 21, 2022
Bittersweet Motives
This read was not a page turner but was a decent read. My first book by this author.Not sure if I am going to read series.
This read was not a page turner but was a decent read. My first book by this author.Not sure if I am going to read series.
November 19, 2019
I’ve been waiting for Serena Manchester to tackle another mystery and she doesn’t disappoint me. Bittersweet Motives is about murder, secrets, family dysfunction and divorce proceedings taking a wrong turn. Serena is working as a private investigator who gets hired by Judith Peters to find out her husband secrets, which could help her in the divorce. When a young girl connected to the Peters is found dead, Serena takes the job and finds herself weeding through several suspects.
This book has everything I want in a mystery, twist, suspense and characters I can invest in. I enjoyed taking the journey in trying to solve the case with Serena. She is more evolved and stronger since the first book. I also liked her struggle with the attraction she has for Trey, who is now a minister.
Judith Peters is a determined character who cares about not letting her children get hurt by their father, Edwin’s actions. His character made me think of selfishness. The murder victim seemed innocent and liked by others, but it made me question them all.
I love a book that keeps me guessing until the end and Bittersweet Motives does just that. Serena’s strategies in solving the case and her interactions with the cops handling the case kept me turning the pages. I recommend this book to readers of mysteries.
4Stars= Great Page Turner
This book has everything I want in a mystery, twist, suspense and characters I can invest in. I enjoyed taking the journey in trying to solve the case with Serena. She is more evolved and stronger since the first book. I also liked her struggle with the attraction she has for Trey, who is now a minister.
Judith Peters is a determined character who cares about not letting her children get hurt by their father, Edwin’s actions. His character made me think of selfishness. The murder victim seemed innocent and liked by others, but it made me question them all.
I love a book that keeps me guessing until the end and Bittersweet Motives does just that. Serena’s strategies in solving the case and her interactions with the cops handling the case kept me turning the pages. I recommend this book to readers of mysteries.
4Stars= Great Page Turner
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews