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A Red Herring Mystery #2
Seeing Red
If it wasn't for art thieves, spies, and killers, Alex Vlodnachek's life would be bliss.
Her freelance career is catching fire. Her relationship with B&B owner Ian Sterling is flirty and fun. Just like the glittering cocktail parties he throws at his sprawling Victorian inn.
But the ex-reporter discovers that something's off at the Cotswolds House -- and it's not the canapes. When Ian’s father vanishes, the enigmatic innkeeper asks for her assistance. And her discretion.
Meanwhile, Alex is having the opposite problem at her tiny bungalow: People keep showing up uninvited. Including a mysterious intruder found sleeping in her kitchen.
After the intrepid redhead discovers a body in the B&B’s basement and a “reproduction” Renoir in the library, she begins to suspect that Ian is more than just a simple hotel owner.
With editor pal Trip, brother Nick, feisty grandmother Baba, and rescue-pup Lucy riding shotgun, Alex scrambles to stay one step ahead of disaster—and some very nasty characters.
Can she find the missing man before it’s too late? Or will Alex be the next one to disappear?
Her freelance career is catching fire. Her relationship with B&B owner Ian Sterling is flirty and fun. Just like the glittering cocktail parties he throws at his sprawling Victorian inn.
But the ex-reporter discovers that something's off at the Cotswolds House -- and it's not the canapes. When Ian’s father vanishes, the enigmatic innkeeper asks for her assistance. And her discretion.
Meanwhile, Alex is having the opposite problem at her tiny bungalow: People keep showing up uninvited. Including a mysterious intruder found sleeping in her kitchen.
After the intrepid redhead discovers a body in the B&B’s basement and a “reproduction” Renoir in the library, she begins to suspect that Ian is more than just a simple hotel owner.
With editor pal Trip, brother Nick, feisty grandmother Baba, and rescue-pup Lucy riding shotgun, Alex scrambles to stay one step ahead of disaster—and some very nasty characters.
Can she find the missing man before it’s too late? Or will Alex be the next one to disappear?
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
435 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 28, 2019
8 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Dana Dratch
4 books196 followersDana Dratch writes and the fast, funny "Red Herring" mysteries -- featuring redheaded coffeeholic and reluctant sleuth Alex Vlodnachek. CONFESSIONS OF A RED HERRING, SEEING RED, and her newest mystery, RED HOT, available now from Kensington Books.
Dana's currently working on a fresh pot of coffee — and her next Alex Vlodnachek mystery adventure. Contact her at: RedHerringConfessions@protonmail.com
Dana's currently working on a fresh pot of coffee — and her next Alex Vlodnachek mystery adventure. Contact her at: RedHerringConfessions@protonmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 22, 2021
In this 2nd book in the 'Red Herring Mystery Series', red-haired journalist Alex Vlodnachek - whose brother is a baker - has a lot on her plate.....and it's not just pastries. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Alex Vlodnachek is a free lance journalist who lives in Fordham, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Other members of Alex's household are her brother Nick - who's recovering from heartache and starting a bakery business and Lucy - a sweet puppy who was rescued from the streets.
Since going free-lance Alex has been making ends meet by writing exposés about local affairs - a job that often leads to trouble. Moreover, Alex has now agreed to be the advice columnist dubbed 'Aunt Margie', while the regular writer is off for six weeks. Aunt Margie is a fount of wisdom, and Alex muses: "Whether you were a teenager with a crush on your mom's hot best friend or a grandma who secretly hated one of your grown kids, everybody wanted commonsense coaching from Aunt Margie."
As the story opens, Alex is attending a party at the 'Cotswold Inn' - a B&B across the street from her house.
Owned by a handsome British gent called Ian Sterling, the Cotswold Inn regularly hosts tourists as well as big shots from the capitol who want a quiet place to rest. Ian is assisted by his father (and business partner) Harkins, a man with a colorful past.
At Ian's party Alex hears about strange goings on at the inn, including sounds of a ghost baby crying; plumbing problems; electrical mishaps; and more. These occurrences are nothing, though, compared to what Alex herself finds at the inn over the next few days - including stolen artworks and dead bodies.
Before any of that happens, though - on the morning after the party - Alex finds a live baby on her kitchen counter, with a couple of diapers, a few bottles, and no note.
Alex and her brother decide not to call the police, thinking they'll take care of the child while they search for the mother. Nick promptly dubs the infant James Bond Vlodnachek (JB), and the house soon gets filled with baby paraphernalia, including diapers, formula, clothing, and a crib.
Because of everything that's going on, Alex's small home becomes crowded with people. Grandma Baba is recruited to help with little JB; the 'real' Aunt Margie - a disheveled, middle-aged man named Marty, who's recovering from surgery - arrives to get away from a pushy niece; and Alex's fashionista mom shows up - but lack of space relegates her to a bed in the Cotswold Inn. All this leads to fun and mayhem, especially when Baba mistakes Marty for an intruder.
The hullaballoo at Alex's house, plus her strange discoveries, make the journalist nervous - especially when murder occurs at the B&B.....and bodies disappear.
It turns out there are several mysteries afoot, and the plot gets a tad complicated. In between villainous goings on, though, there are light scenes: everyone pitching in to care for JB; Nick baking and selling cakes and cookies; Lucy getting walked, scarfing snacks, and going to the doggie park; romantic tingles between Alex and Ian; and more.
This is an engaging cozy, but requires a huge suspension of disbelief. The average person - if they found a baby, stolen art, and two dead bodies - would call the police. Not Alex! She's going to investigate everything herself - with a little help from Trip, her best friend and former editor.
In the course of her inquiries Alex makes some startling discoveries and puts her own life in danger.....but she discovers everything in the end.
I liked the book and got a kick out of the entertaining characters. I'd recommend the novel to fans of cozy mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Dana Dratch), and the publisher (Kensington) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 6, 2019
Seeing Red by Dana Dratch is the second book in the cozy A Red Herring Mystery series. Each book of the series has it’s own self contained mystery to be solved so they can be read as a standalone. However, the best way to get to know the characters is reading from the beginning as there is some character building carrying over from book to book.
In this series Alex Vlodnachek had spent years as a reporter but left that industry to work in a PR firm and now has a blooming freelance career. With Alex doing well she offered her brother a place to stay while he tries to get his baking business up and going.
When returning to her locked home one morning Alex finds an intruder in her kitchen, a sleeping infant. Alex and her brother assume that someone meant for them to ca re for the baby and decide to investigate who it belongs to before calling the law. Meanwhile, Alex also thinks something is a bit off with her flirty neighbor and she needs to figure out what is going on.
This second installment of the Red Herring Mystery series really showed a bit of the quirkiness that I love in this genre. We have a close family with a cute baby, a adorable puppy and their granny overseeing it all with her wisdom. There was plenty going on to keep readers guessing as to how everything would turn out in the end and I’ll look forward to returning to this series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In this series Alex Vlodnachek had spent years as a reporter but left that industry to work in a PR firm and now has a blooming freelance career. With Alex doing well she offered her brother a place to stay while he tries to get his baking business up and going.
When returning to her locked home one morning Alex finds an intruder in her kitchen, a sleeping infant. Alex and her brother assume that someone meant for them to ca re for the baby and decide to investigate who it belongs to before calling the law. Meanwhile, Alex also thinks something is a bit off with her flirty neighbor and she needs to figure out what is going on.
This second installment of the Red Herring Mystery series really showed a bit of the quirkiness that I love in this genre. We have a close family with a cute baby, a adorable puppy and their granny overseeing it all with her wisdom. There was plenty going on to keep readers guessing as to how everything would turn out in the end and I’ll look forward to returning to this series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 2, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
OMG, hold on to your funny bones! Dana Dratch has penned another fantastic mystery filled with humor that you will be unable to put down.
First, Ian’s father goes missing in the middle of a party. Then, unusual discovery is made in Alex’s kitchen, followed by an unusual discovery in the inn’s basement freezer, which quickly goes missing. Then while Alex is trying to find a clue about where the innkeeper’s father may have gone she makes yet another unusual discovery and it doesn’t stop there. She arrives home to find that her brother has brought Baba back to help with the kitchen discovery and it isn’t long before there another visitor camped out in her living room. As if her house is already bursting at the seams her mother arrives starting a rant as soon as she walks in the door.
Needing to get out of the house she calls her friend Trip and they along with her dog Lucy embark on a journey to get a whole list of answers. She hopes to find them all before finding any more bodies or someone finding hers.
These characters are fun and created with depth. Again Baba stole my heart. The woman still can’t cook but she whips Alex’s house and everyone in it into shape within minutes. The rest of the characters I came to love in the first book, Confessions of a Red Herring, all return making me love them even more. Alex is a strong protagonist with a huge heart. Nick, Alex’s brother is getting his new business off the ground and a big help to Alex. Ian is hiding something so Alex starts to waiver in her trust of him, especially with all the dead bodies. Trip is the perfect best friend for Alex especially because she truly has her hands full this time.
Ms. Dratch gives readers a perplexing mystery to try to solve. Twists on top of twists had me spinning. I figured out only one very minuscule part before everything was revealed. The pace is quick and the suspense and humor are blended together in a very entertaining way.
Great characters, laugh out loud moments, and a complex mystery make for a wonderful read. Another Perfect Escape from Dana Dratch.
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, don’t miss any of the fun. Read that one first.
OMG, hold on to your funny bones! Dana Dratch has penned another fantastic mystery filled with humor that you will be unable to put down.
First, Ian’s father goes missing in the middle of a party. Then, unusual discovery is made in Alex’s kitchen, followed by an unusual discovery in the inn’s basement freezer, which quickly goes missing. Then while Alex is trying to find a clue about where the innkeeper’s father may have gone she makes yet another unusual discovery and it doesn’t stop there. She arrives home to find that her brother has brought Baba back to help with the kitchen discovery and it isn’t long before there another visitor camped out in her living room. As if her house is already bursting at the seams her mother arrives starting a rant as soon as she walks in the door.
Needing to get out of the house she calls her friend Trip and they along with her dog Lucy embark on a journey to get a whole list of answers. She hopes to find them all before finding any more bodies or someone finding hers.
These characters are fun and created with depth. Again Baba stole my heart. The woman still can’t cook but she whips Alex’s house and everyone in it into shape within minutes. The rest of the characters I came to love in the first book, Confessions of a Red Herring, all return making me love them even more. Alex is a strong protagonist with a huge heart. Nick, Alex’s brother is getting his new business off the ground and a big help to Alex. Ian is hiding something so Alex starts to waiver in her trust of him, especially with all the dead bodies. Trip is the perfect best friend for Alex especially because she truly has her hands full this time.
Ms. Dratch gives readers a perplexing mystery to try to solve. Twists on top of twists had me spinning. I figured out only one very minuscule part before everything was revealed. The pace is quick and the suspense and humor are blended together in a very entertaining way.
Great characters, laugh out loud moments, and a complex mystery make for a wonderful read. Another Perfect Escape from Dana Dratch.
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, don’t miss any of the fun. Read that one first.
May 16, 2019
This is the second book in the A Red Herring Mystery series. Her first book out last year, “Confessions of a Red Herring,” was one of my favorite books of 2018. This book wasn’t quite as thrilling as that one was, but still pretty good.
Alex Vlodnachek is a freelance journalist. Currently, she is working for the competition of her old newspaper writing the Ask Maggie column. But in this book, that isn’t the only thing on her plate. Her brother, Nick is trying to start a new baking business out of her kitchen. Her handsome British neighbor across the way is hiding the fact that his father has mysteriously disappeared. And Alex has stumbled upon not one but TWO dead bodies in the freezer in the B&B’s basement that like Ian’s father keep disappearing.
This book is chock full with so much going on. I almost thought it was a bit too much for one book. In fact, I only realized near the end that what I thought was one couple staying at Ian’s B&B was in fact two different couples. I had fused them together in my mind. I guess to keep the complexity at bay.
I am not sure why Ian didn’t start looking into the why of his father’s disappearance. It was almost assumed that Alex would do that for him. I knew something was fishy with Ian even back in book one when he was high on my suspect list. Plus he and Alex’s mother get along swimmingly. How is that possible? Definitely a distinctly fishy smell at the mysterious B&B.
This was surely a four star book for me. Not as thrilling as book one but a keeper none the less. I am interested in seeing where the relationship between Alex and Ian goes from here considering the ramifications of the last scene of the book. Intense meltdown imminent, I suspect.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
Alex Vlodnachek is a freelance journalist. Currently, she is working for the competition of her old newspaper writing the Ask Maggie column. But in this book, that isn’t the only thing on her plate. Her brother, Nick is trying to start a new baking business out of her kitchen. Her handsome British neighbor across the way is hiding the fact that his father has mysteriously disappeared. And Alex has stumbled upon not one but TWO dead bodies in the freezer in the B&B’s basement that like Ian’s father keep disappearing.
This book is chock full with so much going on. I almost thought it was a bit too much for one book. In fact, I only realized near the end that what I thought was one couple staying at Ian’s B&B was in fact two different couples. I had fused them together in my mind. I guess to keep the complexity at bay.
I am not sure why Ian didn’t start looking into the why of his father’s disappearance. It was almost assumed that Alex would do that for him. I knew something was fishy with Ian even back in book one when he was high on my suspect list. Plus he and Alex’s mother get along swimmingly. How is that possible? Definitely a distinctly fishy smell at the mysterious B&B.
This was surely a four star book for me. Not as thrilling as book one but a keeper none the less. I am interested in seeing where the relationship between Alex and Ian goes from here considering the ramifications of the last scene of the book. Intense meltdown imminent, I suspect.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
June 13, 2019
Oh my goodness, I think this one was even better than the first one. There were several mysteries going on all at once, some disappearing bodies and a possible art theft. Not to mention that a baby had mysteriously appeared in Alex's house. Her brother took to the baby immediately which had her wondering if it was his. Then a guy she was working with at the newspaper claimed that his niece was out to kill him and like before, Alex ended up with a houseful of guests, including the one-of-a-kind Baba, her Russian grandmother, who was more than welcome this time, since the baby loved her and now he would actually stop crying.
This was a pretty exciting mystery and not everyone was who they seemed to be. Alex even got that impression about her own father who had gone on a business trip ten years ago and died of a heart attack. Now her charming British neighbor who owned the B&B across the street was giving her cause not to quite trust him. Her brother Nick's bakery business was booming though. These are definitely some unforgettable characters, and I'm so glad I found this series. The main mysteries were cleared up, but we were left with a couple of things to think about. Then after reading the preview included for the next book "Red Hot", that's making me seriously anxious for when it comes out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
This was a pretty exciting mystery and not everyone was who they seemed to be. Alex even got that impression about her own father who had gone on a business trip ten years ago and died of a heart attack. Now her charming British neighbor who owned the B&B across the street was giving her cause not to quite trust him. Her brother Nick's bakery business was booming though. These are definitely some unforgettable characters, and I'm so glad I found this series. The main mysteries were cleared up, but we were left with a couple of things to think about. Then after reading the preview included for the next book "Red Hot", that's making me seriously anxious for when it comes out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
April 1, 2019
I didn't want this book to end! It was a test of wills - to find out "whodunit" and finish the book quickly or put it away for a day and read it leisurely. Well, I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day!
I loved the characters - Alex, Nick, Baba, Trip, Ian and all of the charming and eccentric folks that resided (most temporarily) with Alex. They brought humor, fun and led to a "domino style" solving of the mysteries Alex, a freelance journalist was trying to solve. Alex is a strong protagonist with a heart of gold and an ability to solve the most complicated mysteries. Seeing Red finds Alex, Nick and Baba acting as "babysitters" for an abandoned baby while Alex is trying to find disappearing guests from the B&B across the street, ghost write a column for "Aunt Margie", save a colleague from an insurance scam, and get paid for her ghost-writing!
The mysteries kept me guessing until the end when everything fell into place. I enjoy mysteries with humor and witty dialogue and this was perfect! Not too much humor or romance, but enough to keep you grinning with an occasional sigh! There's a third book in the series and it will be read just as quickly as this one! I can't wait!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
I loved the characters - Alex, Nick, Baba, Trip, Ian and all of the charming and eccentric folks that resided (most temporarily) with Alex. They brought humor, fun and led to a "domino style" solving of the mysteries Alex, a freelance journalist was trying to solve. Alex is a strong protagonist with a heart of gold and an ability to solve the most complicated mysteries. Seeing Red finds Alex, Nick and Baba acting as "babysitters" for an abandoned baby while Alex is trying to find disappearing guests from the B&B across the street, ghost write a column for "Aunt Margie", save a colleague from an insurance scam, and get paid for her ghost-writing!
The mysteries kept me guessing until the end when everything fell into place. I enjoy mysteries with humor and witty dialogue and this was perfect! Not too much humor or romance, but enough to keep you grinning with an occasional sigh! There's a third book in the series and it will be read just as quickly as this one! I can't wait!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
June 14, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Why are there dead bodies in the freezer?
Seeing Red by Dana Dratch is fast-paced, multiple mysteries, with quirky characters, lots of food and a lovable dog named Lucy. There didn’t seem to be an end to the mysteries, as soon as Alex figured one out there was another one.
Alex Vlodnachek
Alex is a feisty, red-headed, freelance reporter, and our sleuth. Alex collects strays; it seems as her brother is living with her, and he brought with him a puppy. Then someone leaves a baby on Alex’s kitchen table, and she has a colleague show up at her house in need of a room. Oh, she also has her grandmother staying there to take care of the baby.
The thing about Alex is she is a fighter and stubborn. She is also very curious. She may be having so financial problems now, but I am sure she will figure it all out, especially since she is applying Aunt Margie’s advice to her own life. That is another thing she is working on, but I will leave you to find out the details.
Mysteries
Our sleuth and her friends continue to find mysteries at the Bed & Breakfast across the street. There is:
The disappearance of Cecil Harkins
A ghost baby
Someone sabotaging the Inn
A health inspector up to no good
A missing insurance man
A guest who wears a scarf and large dark glasses over her face at all times
An impressive art collection with multiples of the same painting
However, the cases don’t stop there.
Alex also has the mysterious niece of Marty’s who took his laptop, wallet and such, and who refuses to return them.
Then we have the adorable baby that was left on their kitchen table.
Also, who sent the health inspector to shut down her brother’s new bakery business?
4 Stars for Seeing Red by Dana Dratch
My rating for Seeing Red by Dana Dratch is four stars. This book was amazing. I loved the pace and look forward to reading the book, Red Hot.
I recommend this book to all the cozy mystery readers out there.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (5) ARC Print Copy - Seeing Red (A Red Herring Mystery) by Dana Dratch (U.S. Only)
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Seeing Red by Dana Dratch is fast-paced, multiple mysteries, with quirky characters, lots of food and a lovable dog named Lucy. There didn’t seem to be an end to the mysteries, as soon as Alex figured one out there was another one.
Alex Vlodnachek
Alex is a feisty, red-headed, freelance reporter, and our sleuth. Alex collects strays; it seems as her brother is living with her, and he brought with him a puppy. Then someone leaves a baby on Alex’s kitchen table, and she has a colleague show up at her house in need of a room. Oh, she also has her grandmother staying there to take care of the baby.
The thing about Alex is she is a fighter and stubborn. She is also very curious. She may be having so financial problems now, but I am sure she will figure it all out, especially since she is applying Aunt Margie’s advice to her own life. That is another thing she is working on, but I will leave you to find out the details.
Mysteries
Our sleuth and her friends continue to find mysteries at the Bed & Breakfast across the street. There is:
The disappearance of Cecil Harkins
A ghost baby
Someone sabotaging the Inn
A health inspector up to no good
A missing insurance man
A guest who wears a scarf and large dark glasses over her face at all times
An impressive art collection with multiples of the same painting
However, the cases don’t stop there.
Alex also has the mysterious niece of Marty’s who took his laptop, wallet and such, and who refuses to return them.
Then we have the adorable baby that was left on their kitchen table.
Also, who sent the health inspector to shut down her brother’s new bakery business?
4 Stars for Seeing Red by Dana Dratch My rating for Seeing Red by Dana Dratch is four stars. This book was amazing. I loved the pace and look forward to reading the book, Red Hot.
I recommend this book to all the cozy mystery readers out there.
Other Books in the Series
May 27 –
StoreyBook Reviews
– REVIEW
May 27 –
Babs Book Bistro
– GUEST POST
May 28 –
Book Club Librarian
– REVIEW
May 28 –
Ascroft, eh?
– AUTHOR INTERVIEW
May 29 –
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
– REVIEW, GUEST POST
May 29 –
Socrates Book Reviews
– SPOTLIGHT
May 30 –
I’m All About Books
– SPOTLIGHT
May 30 –
A Blue Million Books
– AUTHOR INTERVIEW
May 31 –
My Reading Journeys
– CHARACTER GUEST POST
May 31 –
Celticlady’s Reviews
– SPOTLIGHT
June 1 –
LibriAmoriMiei
– REVIEW
June 1 –
MJB Reviewers
– SPOTLIGHT
June 2 –
Laura’s Interests
– REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 2 –
Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews
– SPOTLIGHT
June 3 –
Readeropolis
– CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 3 –
Cozy Up With Kathy
– GUEST POST
June 4 –
Baroness’ Book Trove
– REVIEW
June 4 –
The Pulp and Mystery Shelf
– AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 5 –
Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog
– CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 5 –
Island Confidential
– SPOTLIGHT
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
April 12, 2019
First thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my ARC.
I loved this book. It's a cozy mystery - and the second in a series (I haven't read the first one yet, but plan to as I now have a new favorite author for light fun reading).
So, what do you get when you cross a free lance journalist with a penchant for finding dead bodies, a sexy British inn keeper and a mystery baby - a whole lot of fun and a wonderful whodunnit. Alex is a freelance journalist who happens to live across from a her sexy new neighbor and B&B innkeeper, Ian. When Ian hosts a cocktail party, Alex finds a dead body in the basement - unfortunately it won't be her first, and add to that Ian's father has gone missing and a baby is left in her living room. Alex, along with her brother Nick, her friend Trip and a bunch of eccentric characters go about solving the mystery of the dead bodies and Ian's missing father, while they call for Baba (russian for grandmother) to come help with the baby.
It was a very refreshing read, and an easy book to get through. I can see this series def becoming a Hallmark movies and mystery series so hopefully Hallmark is reading.
Pick up your copy when it comes out because you will enjoy it.
I loved this book. It's a cozy mystery - and the second in a series (I haven't read the first one yet, but plan to as I now have a new favorite author for light fun reading).
So, what do you get when you cross a free lance journalist with a penchant for finding dead bodies, a sexy British inn keeper and a mystery baby - a whole lot of fun and a wonderful whodunnit. Alex is a freelance journalist who happens to live across from a her sexy new neighbor and B&B innkeeper, Ian. When Ian hosts a cocktail party, Alex finds a dead body in the basement - unfortunately it won't be her first, and add to that Ian's father has gone missing and a baby is left in her living room. Alex, along with her brother Nick, her friend Trip and a bunch of eccentric characters go about solving the mystery of the dead bodies and Ian's missing father, while they call for Baba (russian for grandmother) to come help with the baby.
It was a very refreshing read, and an easy book to get through. I can see this series def becoming a Hallmark movies and mystery series so hopefully Hallmark is reading.
Pick up your copy when it comes out because you will enjoy it.
October 31, 2019
A fun quirky cozy mystery with a touch of the screwball comedy style of the older movies.
The new Innkeeper next door seems to have all kinds of people around that just don't seem to belong.
Spies, killers, art thieves, forgers just what is going on?
Alex Vlodnachek, intrepid reporter is determined to find out.
Starting with the fancy cocktail party that Ian, the dashing innkeeper next door is holding for the guests and community.
Then Ian's father disappears, bodies start showing up.
There are people moving in at Alex's house and she finds a baby on the countertop and others sleeping in the living room. How did everything get so out of control?
What in the heck is going on?
Fast paced mystery with several story lines just so you don't get bored!
The new Innkeeper next door seems to have all kinds of people around that just don't seem to belong.
Spies, killers, art thieves, forgers just what is going on?
Alex Vlodnachek, intrepid reporter is determined to find out.
Starting with the fancy cocktail party that Ian, the dashing innkeeper next door is holding for the guests and community.
Then Ian's father disappears, bodies start showing up.
There are people moving in at Alex's house and she finds a baby on the countertop and others sleeping in the living room. How did everything get so out of control?
What in the heck is going on?
Fast paced mystery with several story lines just so you don't get bored!
May 27, 2019
If you are looking for humor in your cozy then this is the book to check out. Alex Vlodnachek is back solving crimes and writing freelance articles while managing her brother, mother, grandmother, a mystery baby, and Ian - the hunky B&B owner across the street. It is safe to say that Alex has her hands full in this book in multiple ways. Plus she keeps finding dead bodies in Ian's freezer. Pretty sure that isn't where they are supposed to be found.
This book kept me on my toes with the various mysteries/storylines that were going on in the book. Where is Ian's dad, Hawkins? Where did this baby come from and better yet, how did it get into a locked house? Who is the advice columnist that Alex is covering for and why? Will Nick's bakery business take off? Where are all the dead bodies disappearing to and who is killing these people?
I was glad to see Baba again in this book and she surprisingly has a way with the baby. But when you have had several of your own children and grandchildren, she probably learned a few tricks along the way. She still can't cook but that is ok because there is a mystery guest that ends up staying with Alex for a while that can cook. I'm keeping this character under wraps because it would spoil part of the book plus there is a minor mystery tied to this character that also had me scratching my head...but I had my suspicions!
I have to admit when it comes to the dead bodies I was stumped and had no idea why they ended up dead or who killed them. The answer was quite surprising and one I never would have guessed. There are some rough patches for Alex and Ian so I'll be curious to see how that storyline continues in the next books. There are actually a couple of mysteries tied to the murders so don't think you have it figured out because you will probably be incorrect.
This book made me laugh throughout and these are some of my favorite lines:
We give this book 5 paws up and can't wait for the next book, Red Hot.
This book kept me on my toes with the various mysteries/storylines that were going on in the book. Where is Ian's dad, Hawkins? Where did this baby come from and better yet, how did it get into a locked house? Who is the advice columnist that Alex is covering for and why? Will Nick's bakery business take off? Where are all the dead bodies disappearing to and who is killing these people?
I was glad to see Baba again in this book and she surprisingly has a way with the baby. But when you have had several of your own children and grandchildren, she probably learned a few tricks along the way. She still can't cook but that is ok because there is a mystery guest that ends up staying with Alex for a while that can cook. I'm keeping this character under wraps because it would spoil part of the book plus there is a minor mystery tied to this character that also had me scratching my head...but I had my suspicions!
I have to admit when it comes to the dead bodies I was stumped and had no idea why they ended up dead or who killed them. The answer was quite surprising and one I never would have guessed. There are some rough patches for Alex and Ian so I'll be curious to see how that storyline continues in the next books. There are actually a couple of mysteries tied to the murders so don't think you have it figured out because you will probably be incorrect.
This book made me laugh throughout and these are some of my favorite lines:
"So we're gonna have to take the Slutmobile. We can't take the Slutmobile to the baby store. They'll think J.B. is a slut-baby."
"Ian, we have to call the cops!" "And report what? That our freezer is missing a dead body?"
"So you're inviting me for an evening of casing the neighborhood, trespassing, and a little light stalking, followed by dessert and coffee?" "Yup." "What the heck. Count me in."
We give this book 5 paws up and can't wait for the next book, Red Hot.
May 29, 2019
Seeing Red by Dana Dratch is the 2nd book in A Red Herring Mystery series, and another fun addition. Alex Vlodnachek agrees to attend her neighbor's, Ian Sterling, party at his Victorian bed and breakfast. The next day, Ian's father goes missing, and he asks Alex to help. On top of that someone leaves a baby on Alex's kitchen table, in the house she shares with her brother. This book is a perfect blend of mystery and humor. Not only is this book really funny, I often found myself laughing out loud, the mystery kept me guessing. I found this book to be a quick read, I read it in one day, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you like quirky, humorous cozy mysteries, I recommend this book and series.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
January 2, 2020
It was a really pleasant and funny reading, full of humor.
Alex is a freelance journalist, her brother Nick is trying to open a bakery. She participates in the cocktail party of B & B which is located in front of her house, is now managed by the English Ian and his father. There are strange rumors about this inn, which increase as Alex finds two bodies in Ian's freezer. Also his father has mysteriously disappeared and Alex finds a child in her kitchen. While she , investigates, her home is filled with new guests.
The book is full of characters, some really bizarre and eccentric. Alex is a generous woman with a great ability to solve mysteries but doesn't remain indifferent to the charming Ian. And how not to love Baba, called to care for the child.
This is the second book in this series although I haven't read book 1, it in no way disrupted my enjoyment of this book.
It's a really compelling story, the plot is well intertwined and complex, there are so many mysteries to solve and so many unexpected events and plot twists that make it difficult to solve them before the end.
Recommended
Alex is a freelance journalist, her brother Nick is trying to open a bakery. She participates in the cocktail party of B & B which is located in front of her house, is now managed by the English Ian and his father. There are strange rumors about this inn, which increase as Alex finds two bodies in Ian's freezer. Also his father has mysteriously disappeared and Alex finds a child in her kitchen. While she , investigates, her home is filled with new guests.
The book is full of characters, some really bizarre and eccentric. Alex is a generous woman with a great ability to solve mysteries but doesn't remain indifferent to the charming Ian. And how not to love Baba, called to care for the child.
This is the second book in this series although I haven't read book 1, it in no way disrupted my enjoyment of this book.
It's a really compelling story, the plot is well intertwined and complex, there are so many mysteries to solve and so many unexpected events and plot twists that make it difficult to solve them before the end.
Recommended
April 11, 2019
ARC provided by Net Galley.
Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book!
4.5 stars
This book was a total surprise for me! It never failed to entertain me while it’s plot kept me constantly engaged.
The characters were funny and refreshing and completely complimented the story.
I definitely suggest you pick up this series if you’re looking for something light and engaging! Again,thank you net galley!
Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book!
4.5 stars
This book was a total surprise for me! It never failed to entertain me while it’s plot kept me constantly engaged.
The characters were funny and refreshing and completely complimented the story.
I definitely suggest you pick up this series if you’re looking for something light and engaging! Again,thank you net galley!
August 17, 2019
Waited almost a year for this sequel, and found I slipped right back into Alex's crazy life. Not as much Baba, but she's here, which is awesome. Nick is still living with Alex, trying to get his life back in order after the events of the first book. Ian's B&B across the street is up and running, and he's as charming as ever. Mysteries abound. Lucy is still an adorable puppy.
And then we meet Marty. I love Marty! I do hope he's in the next book, too. What a character!
Everything was cute, light, funny...and then I got to the last two pages. And I'm sincerely hoping that the author just wanted to give readers a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book...that it's not a sign of things to come. That's all I'll say, since I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.
And then we meet Marty. I love Marty! I do hope he's in the next book, too. What a character!
Everything was cute, light, funny...and then I got to the last two pages. And I'm sincerely hoping that the author just wanted to give readers a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book...that it's not a sign of things to come. That's all I'll say, since I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.
May 26, 2019
Seeing Red is the 2nd installment in the Red Herring Mystery series. I really enjoyed the first book in the series but it was very hectic and so much going on. This book continues several months after the ending of the first book and Alex Vlodnachek is doing freelance journalist work and her brother Nick is still living with her and working on starting his bakery business. Alex attends a cocktail party across the street at her handsome neighbor Ian Sterling's B&B. While there she meets some very interesting guests and it appears there has been some accidents happening at the B&B recently. The next day Alex wakes up to find a baby in her kitchen. How the heck did a baby end up in her kitchen? Alex and Nick do their best to try and take care of the baby which can prove to be very humorous. Alex also is about to get a solid 6 week job at the Sentinel working as advice columnist who is written by a man..this was an entertaining side story. Ian's Father disappears after the party and he asks Alex to do some investigating. His Father is here on a visa and he is working to get permanent residency but back in England he served time in prison and Ian is afraid that if the authorities are involved it might jeopardize his chance to stay in the US. Alex begins investigating and remembers a freezer in the basement so she double checks it and finds a dead body. She tells Ian and they go back downstairs and no body. What happened. Alex is even more determined to find out what is going on at Ian's B&B as NIck is now working in his kitchen for the bakery. Entertaining read and good fast paced mystery. Love Alex's friends like her ex-editor Trip who always helps her out and her family of Nick and Baba who comes to help Alex with the baby. I highly recommend this mystery and will automatically buy the next in the series especially the comment at the end about Alex's Father. This series just keeps getting better.
May 25, 2019
Alex Vlodnachek is an investigative reporter. At present she is freelancing but fortunately has friends and resources with two major newspapers.
The only "flaw" I found in this story was a bit dated reference to putting one's subscription on hold when going on vacation. It is necessary to the story, but do people still do this?
Alex has a thing for the devilishly handsome Englishman across the road who happens to run a B&B type Inn. At the moment, Alex's own house is feeling more and more like an inn every day.
Her brother has moved in while attempting to start up a bakery business. As the book unravels, any available space to sleep at Alex's house gets taken. One very cute (yet difficult) resident is a young baby, requiring round the clock care. Care neither Alex nor her brother Nick is proficient in supplying. There is a second cute resident in the form of a dog who also has her moments.
With the grand opening of the B&B across the road, and the disappearance of the main employee, who happens to be the owner's father, things begin to get tense. Strange things are happening faster than Alex can blink. As if she doesn't have troubles of her own. A baby discovered on her kitchen table, despite a quality security system, trying to figure out her new assignment as an advice columnist, and family moving in, or trying to, are just the tip of this iceberg. There is much more happening but I don't want to spoil your fun as each complication piles on.
Fast paced and entertaining, with wonderful characters, this book has more mysteries than expected. As one gets solved, another two come into view!
The only "flaw" I found in this story was a bit dated reference to putting one's subscription on hold when going on vacation. It is necessary to the story, but do people still do this?
Alex has a thing for the devilishly handsome Englishman across the road who happens to run a B&B type Inn. At the moment, Alex's own house is feeling more and more like an inn every day.
Her brother has moved in while attempting to start up a bakery business. As the book unravels, any available space to sleep at Alex's house gets taken. One very cute (yet difficult) resident is a young baby, requiring round the clock care. Care neither Alex nor her brother Nick is proficient in supplying. There is a second cute resident in the form of a dog who also has her moments.
With the grand opening of the B&B across the road, and the disappearance of the main employee, who happens to be the owner's father, things begin to get tense. Strange things are happening faster than Alex can blink. As if she doesn't have troubles of her own. A baby discovered on her kitchen table, despite a quality security system, trying to figure out her new assignment as an advice columnist, and family moving in, or trying to, are just the tip of this iceberg. There is much more happening but I don't want to spoil your fun as each complication piles on.
Fast paced and entertaining, with wonderful characters, this book has more mysteries than expected. As one gets solved, another two come into view!
May 28, 2019
This is the second book in the Red Herring Mystery series. I recommend reading the first book first, not only for continuity but also so you can laugh yourself silly.
I often wonder at how, with so many books written, an author can find an unusual take on cozy mysteries and to do so with a crazy sense of humor. I still don’t understand it but Dana Dratch has the method down pat.
In this book our sleuth, Alex Vlodnachek (aka Red because of her red hair), has started to settle down into a routine. Her brother, Nick, has moved in to save money while he jump starts his new bakery business. His dog, Lucy, has settled in, too, though she still raises a lot of havoc.
Alex works hard to keep the mortgage paid and food and other necessities of life up to date. She uses her PR skills to find writing gigs. She also finds time to visit with her new boyfriend, Ian, who owns the B&B across the street.
Alex wakes up one fine morning, to find a mysterious guest has appeared over night. As she lacks the special skills needed to keep this guest right as rain, granny Baba appears on the scene to restore a sense of tranquility to Chez Red.
Across the street mayhem is breaking out with mysterious disappearances, deaths, paintings and more. Alex gets pulled into helping solve the mysteries and, once again, walks a fine line to keep from becoming a victim as well.
I will be waiting impatiently for the next book in this series. I can hardly wait to find out where Red and crew go from here.
I often wonder at how, with so many books written, an author can find an unusual take on cozy mysteries and to do so with a crazy sense of humor. I still don’t understand it but Dana Dratch has the method down pat.
In this book our sleuth, Alex Vlodnachek (aka Red because of her red hair), has started to settle down into a routine. Her brother, Nick, has moved in to save money while he jump starts his new bakery business. His dog, Lucy, has settled in, too, though she still raises a lot of havoc.
Alex works hard to keep the mortgage paid and food and other necessities of life up to date. She uses her PR skills to find writing gigs. She also finds time to visit with her new boyfriend, Ian, who owns the B&B across the street.
Alex wakes up one fine morning, to find a mysterious guest has appeared over night. As she lacks the special skills needed to keep this guest right as rain, granny Baba appears on the scene to restore a sense of tranquility to Chez Red.
Across the street mayhem is breaking out with mysterious disappearances, deaths, paintings and more. Alex gets pulled into helping solve the mysteries and, once again, walks a fine line to keep from becoming a victim as well.
I will be waiting impatiently for the next book in this series. I can hardly wait to find out where Red and crew go from here.
May 28, 2019
Somehow I missed reading the first in this entertaining series. As soon as I finished this one I couldn't wait to get my hands on the first one. I don't think reading them out of order lessened my reading pleasure. There is a lot going on in this outing for Alex, freelance journalist. She has a short term gig as an advice columnist while still writing various exposes. She is also very interested in her hunky Brit neighbor who runs a B&B. Boy, does he have secrets. While at a party at the B&B, he confesses that his father has gone missing.....and that isn't all that goes missing. When she goes down to the B&B's basement she discovers a body in the freezer and then its not in the freezer. If that wasn't enough to unravel, she has to deal with her brother who is trying to start his bakery business using her kitchen, not to mention the unexpected baby she finds in her kitchen. Seriously, who would leave a baby in somebody's kitchen? As she and her brother try to figure out how to deal with baby issues, Alex calls on her Baba (grandmother) to rescue them.
There is much going on in this mystery and I found it to be a fast and very entertaining read. This is the sort of cozy series that I dearly hope will have a long run. I'm eager to read more about Alex, Nick, Ian and Baba.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
There is much going on in this mystery and I found it to be a fast and very entertaining read. This is the sort of cozy series that I dearly hope will have a long run. I'm eager to read more about Alex, Nick, Ian and Baba.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2019
In Seeing Red, the second book in the Red Herring mystery series, Alex has her hands full dealing with the strange events occurring at The Cotswolds Inn, the bed and breakfast run by her neighbor, Ian Sterling. Acts of sabotage threaten the viability of the inn, mysterious visitors appear and disappear, and as if that isn’t concerning enough, a corpse or two are found, and Ian’s father Harkins, the inn’s co-owner, goes missing. Alex is determined to get to the bottom of it all, and also identify and care for the baby she unexpectedly finds in her kitchen.
These unusual developments draw the Voldnachek clan back to Alex’s doorstep to provide assistance—whether she wants it or not. As the story unfolds, readers become fully immersed in the larger-than-life, amusing personalities and quirks of Alex’s mother, brother Nick, and grandmother Baba. Family friends and eccentric neighbors add additional flavor to the antics.
Will Alex unravel the puzzling activities at The Cotswolds Inn, find Ian's dad, juggle her new career and possible love interest, and keep her sanity and family intact? One thing is for sure, readers will have an enjoyable time finding out. Filled with high jinx and hilarity, this series is an entertaining escape into a fictional Virginia suburb.
These unusual developments draw the Voldnachek clan back to Alex’s doorstep to provide assistance—whether she wants it or not. As the story unfolds, readers become fully immersed in the larger-than-life, amusing personalities and quirks of Alex’s mother, brother Nick, and grandmother Baba. Family friends and eccentric neighbors add additional flavor to the antics.
Will Alex unravel the puzzling activities at The Cotswolds Inn, find Ian's dad, juggle her new career and possible love interest, and keep her sanity and family intact? One thing is for sure, readers will have an enjoyable time finding out. Filled with high jinx and hilarity, this series is an entertaining escape into a fictional Virginia suburb.
May 20, 2019
Wowsa there's a lot going on here! Alex is a free lance reporter who also solves mysteries. That in and of itself is not unusual for a cozy but here our heroine also has a large and entertaining family and a neighbor- Ian- with an unknown past. Ian owns the inn where Alex finds the bodies - and his own father is missing. A baby is left in Alex's house and her grandmother (love Baba!), not Child protective services, is there to help. There's good humor in this and just when I thought it was going off the rails, Dratch pulled it back again. I didn't read the first book (my loss) and I don't think that was an issue and that this is fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one (and I want to spend more time with Alex's family!)
July 26, 2019
I enjoyed this book almost as much as I had the first in the series. Dana Dratch writes well, the characters are well-drawn and all quite different, the plot was a little over-done in places - I never quite worked out how/why Alex's brother Nick's ex-girlfriend had become involved. However, it remains a fun read, and again has no overly-contrived, last-minute stand-off and escape-from-murderer-who-has-confessed-all ending.
May 26, 2019
Great entertainment. A murder mystery filled with a variety of characters, including a baby and a dog. The story moves along quickly and with lots of humor. A delightful way to spend a few hours. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. I look forward to reading the next Red Herring Mystery. Eager for more laughs.
July 9, 2019
This was great. Funny.
November 2, 2019
Awesome! Not sure what captured my attention at the library, but I brought home Seeing Red by Dana Dratch and I'm so glad I did. Great mystery, entertaining surprises,and laugh-out-loud dialogue! I now plan to track down the rest of her books!
April 13, 2019
The second book in the Red Herring series is a delightful humorous story and a new author for me. I like it so much I went and downloaded the first book. I am looking forward to the next book. Alex Vlodnachek will encounter a BABY, greed, jealousy, missing bodies, spies, art fraud, and a family secret before she has an answer. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2019
3.5 ⭐️
April 23, 2019
Dana Dratch and the Vlodnachek family have stolen my heart!
Seeing Red is even better than Confessions of a Red Herring and I’m so excited for it to come out! This cozy mystery is a perfect beach, poolside, travel, and vacation read! (Or a perfect read for when you want to pretend you’re on vacation)
If it sounds like I’m gushing, that’s because I am. I love this series. It’s impossible to put down.
Honestly, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with myself until book 3 comes out!
Seeing Red is the second book in this cozy mystery of my dreams. This series reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding with its family hilarity, shenanigans, and heartwarming moments... but instead of being Greek the main character’s family is Russian...and instead of planning her wedding, Alex is solving crime. Basically, it’s a “whodunnit” work of art. With puppies and baked goods!
Dratch has incredible character writing skills! I love all the characters in this series. So much. Their character arcs and all the growth they experience had my heart soaring. The friendships, family interactions, and sibling moments alone had me so entertained. To be honest, Alex's grandmother might be my favorite character ever. The way that all the little mysteries and questions were figured out and solved seamlessly worked into the story. Oh, my goodness, with everything that happened this time around, I’m going to be on the edge of my seat until the nest book releases!
Overall, Seeing Red is a wonderful and interesting read- I give it 5 stars and a giant apple doughnut!
Also, look at that amazing cover! Lucy is absolutely adorable!
Seeing Red is even better than Confessions of a Red Herring and I’m so excited for it to come out! This cozy mystery is a perfect beach, poolside, travel, and vacation read! (Or a perfect read for when you want to pretend you’re on vacation)
If it sounds like I’m gushing, that’s because I am. I love this series. It’s impossible to put down.
Honestly, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with myself until book 3 comes out!
Seeing Red is the second book in this cozy mystery of my dreams. This series reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding with its family hilarity, shenanigans, and heartwarming moments... but instead of being Greek the main character’s family is Russian...and instead of planning her wedding, Alex is solving crime. Basically, it’s a “whodunnit” work of art. With puppies and baked goods!
Dratch has incredible character writing skills! I love all the characters in this series. So much. Their character arcs and all the growth they experience had my heart soaring. The friendships, family interactions, and sibling moments alone had me so entertained. To be honest, Alex's grandmother might be my favorite character ever. The way that all the little mysteries and questions were figured out and solved seamlessly worked into the story. Oh, my goodness, with everything that happened this time around, I’m going to be on the edge of my seat until the nest book releases!
Overall, Seeing Red is a wonderful and interesting read- I give it 5 stars and a giant apple doughnut!
Also, look at that amazing cover! Lucy is absolutely adorable!
December 18, 2020
Alex Vlodnachek is a freelance writer who's just taken a temporary job as an advice columnist for a local newspaper while the columnist is on a six-week vacation. What she doesn't know -- and soon finds out -- is that the columnist is a crochety elderly man named Marty, who's just escaped from the local hospital. When she returns him, they hit it off, and he agrees to let her cover for him.
She also has a house guest in the form of her younger brother Nick, who's a whiz in the kitchen and has been making pastries for local businesses, including the new B&B across the street. It doesn't hurt that the owner of the B&B, a Brit named Ian Sterling, has taken a liking to her, too.
But things don't come easy in Alex's life, ever since she was fired from her last job and accused of murdering her boss (she didn't). So the morning after the party at Ian's, she goes into her kitchen and finds a baby on the table, strapped to his car seat. First believing Nick knows something about it (he doesn't); they try and figure out what to do. Neither has experience with babies, so they're basically flying by the seat of their pants. Eventually they figure that their grandmother, Baba, can be some help in this situation (she is), so they invite her to stay. But it doesn't end there.
First there's the body in Ian's basement. Then Marty shows up at her house unannounced, stating he's the target of a killer. Then there's another body...and the crises just keep building up until Alex thinks she's in some kind of a warped video game and can't escape. Now Alex not only has her hands full, she thinks things can't get any worse...but she's wrong (isn't she?)...
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it much better than the first. The pages have been trimmed down from the first in the series and there's no extraneous information that isn't needed. What's left is a delightful, humorous tale of murder, thievery, and Alex and Nick getting a crash course in baby sitting. It's fun, rollicking, and full of mystery that never takes second place, which is exactly how a mystery should be.
Alex is trying hard not to lose her sanity while she's trying to figure out why there was a dead man in the freezer (and then wasn't) -- and figure out who the baby belongs to without social services figuring that out, and decide what to do with Marty. Alex's soft heart is tempered by her solid brainpower, and she never once gives in to hysteria or anything close to a breakdown (which might bring lesser people to the point).
Although I can't say that I like Alex's mom (too harsh, and doesn't listen to her kids), I do like Baba and the rest of the secondary characters that pepper this book, including Marty, who's actually a hoot and a half.
At any rate, I loved the mystery and how everything presented to us tied in together nicely, and the story was woven in a way that you never lose sight of one subplot in favor of a different one. Each one brings something to the story, and watching each thread slowly weave into each other was definitely worth the journey.
In the end, when the murderer is discovered, it was definitely unexpected, and the ending itself was a surprise. But the book was written well and the characters are definitely growing on me, so I will continue with this series. Recommended.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
She also has a house guest in the form of her younger brother Nick, who's a whiz in the kitchen and has been making pastries for local businesses, including the new B&B across the street. It doesn't hurt that the owner of the B&B, a Brit named Ian Sterling, has taken a liking to her, too.
But things don't come easy in Alex's life, ever since she was fired from her last job and accused of murdering her boss (she didn't). So the morning after the party at Ian's, she goes into her kitchen and finds a baby on the table, strapped to his car seat. First believing Nick knows something about it (he doesn't); they try and figure out what to do. Neither has experience with babies, so they're basically flying by the seat of their pants. Eventually they figure that their grandmother, Baba, can be some help in this situation (she is), so they invite her to stay. But it doesn't end there.
First there's the body in Ian's basement. Then Marty shows up at her house unannounced, stating he's the target of a killer. Then there's another body...and the crises just keep building up until Alex thinks she's in some kind of a warped video game and can't escape. Now Alex not only has her hands full, she thinks things can't get any worse...but she's wrong (isn't she?)...
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it much better than the first. The pages have been trimmed down from the first in the series and there's no extraneous information that isn't needed. What's left is a delightful, humorous tale of murder, thievery, and Alex and Nick getting a crash course in baby sitting. It's fun, rollicking, and full of mystery that never takes second place, which is exactly how a mystery should be.
Alex is trying hard not to lose her sanity while she's trying to figure out why there was a dead man in the freezer (and then wasn't) -- and figure out who the baby belongs to without social services figuring that out, and decide what to do with Marty. Alex's soft heart is tempered by her solid brainpower, and she never once gives in to hysteria or anything close to a breakdown (which might bring lesser people to the point).
Although I can't say that I like Alex's mom (too harsh, and doesn't listen to her kids), I do like Baba and the rest of the secondary characters that pepper this book, including Marty, who's actually a hoot and a half.
At any rate, I loved the mystery and how everything presented to us tied in together nicely, and the story was woven in a way that you never lose sight of one subplot in favor of a different one. Each one brings something to the story, and watching each thread slowly weave into each other was definitely worth the journey.
In the end, when the murderer is discovered, it was definitely unexpected, and the ending itself was a surprise. But the book was written well and the characters are definitely growing on me, so I will continue with this series. Recommended.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
April 29, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy of Seeing Red.
I love reading cozy mysteries and this one was a nice one. The main characters, Alex, is struggling as a freelance journalist when a lot of mysteries start happening in her life.
There’s the baby left anonymously in her kitchen, dead bodies that are found an the disappear in the b&b across the road and an acquintance crashing on her living room sofa who is afraid he’s being poisoned.
Seeing Red was a fun, quick read.
I love reading cozy mysteries and this one was a nice one. The main characters, Alex, is struggling as a freelance journalist when a lot of mysteries start happening in her life.
There’s the baby left anonymously in her kitchen, dead bodies that are found an the disappear in the b&b across the road and an acquintance crashing on her living room sofa who is afraid he’s being poisoned.
Seeing Red was a fun, quick read.
April 16, 2019
Seeing Red by Dana Dratch is the second installment in Red Herring Mystery series and it just keeps getting better.
I simply love this series even though there have only been two books so far.
I like everything about it.
The main character is down to earth, pretty, funny, hardworking, kindhearted and not so lucky in love young woman with the crazy family and friends. Apart from fabulously portrayed and life like main character there is a array of side characters each more vivid and exceptional than the other.
I appreciate how conscientious and diligent she is and what a fantastic role model she is proving out to be. Someone who likes to work, enjoys what she does, is close to her family and friends and always willing to help those in need. I have rarely met such an impressionable lead role in a cozy mystery.
I especially love how all these people come together to create chaos and mayhem.
There is always something going on in their lives.
I particularly like the humor and laugh out loud scenes. This is such a big plus for me.
Mysteries are unusually well plotted and delivered. There is quite often mystery within the mystery which makes it even more special.
I also like how each book ends up with a bang. A piece of the next puzzle that will keep readers eagerly awaiting next book.
Must not be missed.
I simply love this series even though there have only been two books so far.
I like everything about it.
The main character is down to earth, pretty, funny, hardworking, kindhearted and not so lucky in love young woman with the crazy family and friends. Apart from fabulously portrayed and life like main character there is a array of side characters each more vivid and exceptional than the other.
I appreciate how conscientious and diligent she is and what a fantastic role model she is proving out to be. Someone who likes to work, enjoys what she does, is close to her family and friends and always willing to help those in need. I have rarely met such an impressionable lead role in a cozy mystery.
I especially love how all these people come together to create chaos and mayhem.
There is always something going on in their lives.
I particularly like the humor and laugh out loud scenes. This is such a big plus for me.
Mysteries are unusually well plotted and delivered. There is quite often mystery within the mystery which makes it even more special.
I also like how each book ends up with a bang. A piece of the next puzzle that will keep readers eagerly awaiting next book.
Must not be missed.
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