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Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #1
Dead Editor File
Preston Endicott, Jr. was hated by most of the staff at his book publishing house. At least until he turned up dead in his locked office in this debut of the Taylor Browning Cozy Mystery series. Taylor, the new mystery editor at the Santa Fe book publisher, sees plenty of possible perps right in the office suite. But the employees are hardly the only people to count as suspects. Dominique Boucher, their bestselling author, just submitted her latest manuscript. It’s a locked-room mystery with a similar story line to the real life puzzle. His ex-wife wasn’t a fan either. And there is the matter of a large inheritance: a successful company and many financial assets. Who stands to gain the most? Detective Victor Sanchez is assigned to uncover the killer. His crime-solving style manages to irritate just about everyone on his lengthy person of interest list. But he secretly hopes the editor, Taylor Browning, is not the murdering type. Those green eyes of hers can sparkle or spark.About the only non-suspect is Taylor’s Abyssinian cat, Oscar, who manages to get in enough trouble on the domestic front. Feline royalty expects to dine on schedule and penalties can be quite severe when expectations are not met.Taylor’s new hobby appears to be amateur sleuthing until she discovers her own life is in danger. One thing is certain. She can’t edit her way out of this one!
212 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2019
22 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Collins
12 books74 followersG G Collins loves the southwestern US where many of her stories are located. She can be found hiking through ruins of the ancient ones and enjoying New Mexican cuisine. When not traipsing about, she makes up stories with great friendships, quirky characters and, oh yeah, dead bodies. In real life she shares her time with a man, several neurotic—and psychic—cats and the ongoing struggle to grow a garden.
Inspired by the American southwest, its many cultures and Native American traditions, GG Collins writes two mystery series set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Whether you enjoy chilling paranormal mysteries/thrillers or cozy cat-inhabited puzzles, Collins delivers. The Rachel Blackstone Paranormals are infused with shamans, power animals and spirits while being grounded in contemporary issues and events. Rachel often finds she becomes part of the stories she reports while trying to avoid becoming the headline. The Taylor Browning Cozies are more time-honored. Taylor, a mystery editor at a book publisher, does a little sleuthing on the side. She finds she can’t edit her way out of real murder.
Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mysteries: https://bit.ly/3ay9BsQ
Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries: https://bit.ly/2PjR0tm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GGCollins1
This author does not offer free review copies. Please contact publisher for vetting. Thanks.
Inspired by the American southwest, its many cultures and Native American traditions, GG Collins writes two mystery series set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Whether you enjoy chilling paranormal mysteries/thrillers or cozy cat-inhabited puzzles, Collins delivers. The Rachel Blackstone Paranormals are infused with shamans, power animals and spirits while being grounded in contemporary issues and events. Rachel often finds she becomes part of the stories she reports while trying to avoid becoming the headline. The Taylor Browning Cozies are more time-honored. Taylor, a mystery editor at a book publisher, does a little sleuthing on the side. She finds she can’t edit her way out of real murder.
Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mysteries: https://bit.ly/3ay9BsQ
Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries: https://bit.ly/2PjR0tm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GGCollins1
This author does not offer free review copies. Please contact publisher for vetting. Thanks.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 28, 2019
This was a fast-paced exciting mystery that I had borrowed from Kindle Unlimited and decided that it was finally time to read it. I'm not sure why I didn't read it sooner, it was really good! I'm definitely going to be reading the next book. The characters were a quirky blend of co-workers and I found myself caring what happens to them in the next book.
The owner of a publishing company died in a locked room type mystery, except it was his office. After ruling it as a murder, it wasn't long before there was yet another murder, and even Taylor had her life threatened. I kind of knew who the killer was, but I sure didn't see the twist, then another twist coming. It was a quick read with a great showdown! I liked how the third person writing examined the thoughts of each person as it was happening, something I've not found a whole lot when I read third person mysteries. I liked the epilogue as well.
The owner of a publishing company died in a locked room type mystery, except it was his office. After ruling it as a murder, it wasn't long before there was yet another murder, and even Taylor had her life threatened. I kind of knew who the killer was, but I sure didn't see the twist, then another twist coming. It was a quick read with a great showdown! I liked how the third person writing examined the thoughts of each person as it was happening, something I've not found a whole lot when I read third person mysteries. I liked the epilogue as well.
December 4, 2018
Fact is stranger then fiction
A good plot but it became obvious who the culprit was too early. Good characters but need just a bit more life to make them real. Altogether a good read but just missed that something to make it great.
She had started a new life after the death of her husband. Now working for a publishing house where everyone seemed to hate the owner. He was rude, abrasive, arrogant and a womaniser to boot. However when his body is found in a locked room everyone is shocked. Was it natural? When the results come back that it was poison, the hunt starts for the culprit. Where are the envelopes he got ready for posting? Who had the most motive? As they delve deeper a famous author of the house is found dead. Why? Did it have something to do with her last manuscript? Can they find the killer before more victims come to light?
A good plot but it became obvious who the culprit was too early. Good characters but need just a bit more life to make them real. Altogether a good read but just missed that something to make it great.
She had started a new life after the death of her husband. Now working for a publishing house where everyone seemed to hate the owner. He was rude, abrasive, arrogant and a womaniser to boot. However when his body is found in a locked room everyone is shocked. Was it natural? When the results come back that it was poison, the hunt starts for the culprit. Where are the envelopes he got ready for posting? Who had the most motive? As they delve deeper a famous author of the house is found dead. Why? Did it have something to do with her last manuscript? Can they find the killer before more victims come to light?
July 19, 2024
Keep you guessing
Taylor worked on mystery books at Endicott Publishing, so it was no surprise that she toyed wirh the idea of solving her boss' murder. Mr. Endicott died alone in his locked office, so when Dominque, one of Endicott Publishers' popular mysteries, submitted her first closed room murder, Taylor immediately suspected her of the worst. How would she be able to discover the truth? The answer will surprise everyone.
Taylor worked on mystery books at Endicott Publishing, so it was no surprise that she toyed wirh the idea of solving her boss' murder. Mr. Endicott died alone in his locked office, so when Dominque, one of Endicott Publishers' popular mysteries, submitted her first closed room murder, Taylor immediately suspected her of the worst. How would she be able to discover the truth? The answer will surprise everyone.
April 30, 2022
Taylor Browning moved to Santa Fe after the death of her husband. She lives with her Abyssinian cat, Oscar, and works as a mystery editor at a small publishing house. But when the owner -- Preston Endicott, Jr. -- is mysteriously killed in his locked office, everyone who works there is a suspect, along with his ex-wife, Jessica, who made no bones about the fact that she hated the man. Could one of Taylor's co-workers be a killer? Perhaps -- and Taylor is determined to find out who had the best motive. Now if she can just stay alive long enough to figure it out...
This is the first book in the series, and as such, I enjoyed it very much. I found the chapters devoted to everyone's thoughts an interesting item, and something I encounter rarely in the books I read. I also enjoyed the little tidbits about Santa Fe and the surrounding areas and attractions as something nicely added. It gives you a feel for the area, which is always welcome in books.
Taylor herself is a good protagonist. Whatever she learns she shares with Detective Sanchez -- eventually, and in her own way. Do not get me wrong; she doesn't withhold information for her own use, as some protagonists do; she just forget to inform him until something triggers in her brain. How it triggers is also a bit of a twist, and a good one at that.
I do like Oscar, but I have a soft spot for cats anyway, and also for characters who like cats, so that puts Sanchez and Jim on my list. While Jim is abrasive, it's because he's been embittered, and as the saying goes, people can change given the right time. He might. Time will tell.
As to the mystery, it was done very well, and gave us clues throughout to determine our own suspect. I am glad to say that I was right, but then again, as I have said many times over, I read a lot of mysteries, so there's that.
When the ending comes, it was done in such a way as to be rather refreshing, since I have never read it this way before. I found it unusual yet satisfying, and am glad that I picked this book up. I will definitely read the next in this series. Recommended.
This is the first book in the series, and as such, I enjoyed it very much. I found the chapters devoted to everyone's thoughts an interesting item, and something I encounter rarely in the books I read. I also enjoyed the little tidbits about Santa Fe and the surrounding areas and attractions as something nicely added. It gives you a feel for the area, which is always welcome in books.
Taylor herself is a good protagonist. Whatever she learns she shares with Detective Sanchez -- eventually, and in her own way. Do not get me wrong; she doesn't withhold information for her own use, as some protagonists do; she just forget to inform him until something triggers in her brain. How it triggers is also a bit of a twist, and a good one at that.
I do like Oscar, but I have a soft spot for cats anyway, and also for characters who like cats, so that puts Sanchez and Jim on my list. While Jim is abrasive, it's because he's been embittered, and as the saying goes, people can change given the right time. He might. Time will tell.
As to the mystery, it was done very well, and gave us clues throughout to determine our own suspect. I am glad to say that I was right, but then again, as I have said many times over, I read a lot of mysteries, so there's that.
When the ending comes, it was done in such a way as to be rather refreshing, since I have never read it this way before. I found it unusual yet satisfying, and am glad that I picked this book up. I will definitely read the next in this series. Recommended.
November 4, 2019
This story is about office conflicts and mysteries at Endicott Publishing. Preston Endicott Sr was loved and looked up to. He stepped down at Endicott Publishing due to failing health and handed the family business to his son Preston Endicott Jr a divorced, arrogant boss with anger issues and staff that didn’t like him.
The author pulls you into the story with her descriptions of rooms, buildings, places and things. This is a fast paced mystery. A locked room murder.
I think more time could have been spent getting to know the characters at a deeper level. All and all a great book.
The author pulls you into the story with her descriptions of rooms, buildings, places and things. This is a fast paced mystery. A locked room murder.
I think more time could have been spent getting to know the characters at a deeper level. All and all a great book.
August 10, 2022
This cozy mystery focuses on a publishing house and the employees there. When the company’s owner is found dead in his office, there are plenty of people who might have wanted him gone. But who? And how?
Elements I liked:
I liked how the story jumped right in with the mystery, rather than giving a chapters-long lead-in like some cozy mysteries do. It was an engaging read with plenty of possible culprits and a classic locked-room mystery. With so many people having what seemed strong reasons to see the victim gone, the story kept me reading to see who the real culprit was. And while I ultimately did figure out who it was, and even a little bit of the why, it wasn’t until close to the reveal, so it made for a satisfying read. The descriptions of the Santa Fe setting were detailed and interesting.
Elements I struggled with:
Especially near the beginning, numerous, abrupt jumps between characters’ points-of-view made it hard to connect with the characters and left me feeling that I wasn’t really getting to know them. Unfortunately, many of the descriptions of the setting read more like a tourist guidebook than places in which the characters lived and interacted. The book would benefit from an additional edit to fix the several instances of what looked to be missing words.
Overall:
This entertaining cozy whodunit contains many of the common elements of cozy mysteries and was a fast, easy read. The story should appeal to fans of cozies who are looking for a familiar-feeling and enjoyable read.
Elements I liked:
I liked how the story jumped right in with the mystery, rather than giving a chapters-long lead-in like some cozy mysteries do. It was an engaging read with plenty of possible culprits and a classic locked-room mystery. With so many people having what seemed strong reasons to see the victim gone, the story kept me reading to see who the real culprit was. And while I ultimately did figure out who it was, and even a little bit of the why, it wasn’t until close to the reveal, so it made for a satisfying read. The descriptions of the Santa Fe setting were detailed and interesting.
Elements I struggled with:
Especially near the beginning, numerous, abrupt jumps between characters’ points-of-view made it hard to connect with the characters and left me feeling that I wasn’t really getting to know them. Unfortunately, many of the descriptions of the setting read more like a tourist guidebook than places in which the characters lived and interacted. The book would benefit from an additional edit to fix the several instances of what looked to be missing words.
Overall:
This entertaining cozy whodunit contains many of the common elements of cozy mysteries and was a fast, easy read. The story should appeal to fans of cozies who are looking for a familiar-feeling and enjoyable read.
August 14, 2022
Fun little thriller
Details: Dead Editor File By G.G. Collins published October 2017
Plot: A hated boss somehow manages to turn up dead. All evidence points to foul play, yet how could that be possible since he was found inside his locked office? In a twist of events, his death just so happens to mimic a book one of their authors submitted for publication.
Thoughts: Going into this book, I wasn’t sure if it would hold much interest for me; this couldn’t have been further from the truth. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the book, but I also couldn’t put it down. As a writer, I loved the publishing house aspect as the setting for the book
Praise: Interesting characters from the boss who everyone loves to hate, to the bitter ex-wife, to the newby editor who also functions as our protagonist. They all flow together to create an interesting little world. But my favorite character, hands down, has to be the cantankerous cat, Oscar.
Cons: None that stuck out.
Recommend: This quirky little whodunit with some thrills sprinkled throughout would interest any mystery fan. In my opinion, there is no spice or any triggers the reader would need to be aware of. I recommend this book and plan to continue with the next book soon.
Stars: 5
Details: Dead Editor File By G.G. Collins published October 2017
Plot: A hated boss somehow manages to turn up dead. All evidence points to foul play, yet how could that be possible since he was found inside his locked office? In a twist of events, his death just so happens to mimic a book one of their authors submitted for publication.
Thoughts: Going into this book, I wasn’t sure if it would hold much interest for me; this couldn’t have been further from the truth. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the book, but I also couldn’t put it down. As a writer, I loved the publishing house aspect as the setting for the book
Praise: Interesting characters from the boss who everyone loves to hate, to the bitter ex-wife, to the newby editor who also functions as our protagonist. They all flow together to create an interesting little world. But my favorite character, hands down, has to be the cantankerous cat, Oscar.
Cons: None that stuck out.
Recommend: This quirky little whodunit with some thrills sprinkled throughout would interest any mystery fan. In my opinion, there is no spice or any triggers the reader would need to be aware of. I recommend this book and plan to continue with the next book soon.
Stars: 5
July 10, 2024
Actually, I wish I could give this book 3 3/4 stars. Definitely, it rates more than a three, but perhaps less than four. As I began reading, I found myself really enjoying the well-written story, despite the fact that I wondered if it had been written by an employee of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce--the author really seemed to be pushing the "wonders" of that city! The background of each character was provided in meticulous detail, so that the reader could really comprehend their motivations and current behavior. The mystery was well-plotted. But as I approached the end of the book, I really began to feel that the main character, Taylor...well, I've seen wallpaper that was brighter. It seemed she continually did utterly foolish things that were bound to draw the attention of the murderer directly to her. She reminded me of the heroine of an old Gothic novel. So, although I basically enjoyed the story, I don't think I'll read any more of the series.
July 7, 2022
Locked-door murder of volatile publisher
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series, and I recommend it. Taylor Browning is a widow, editor at Endicott Publishing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and owner of a demanding cat named Oscar. When the volatile publisher is murdered, almost everyone has a motive for killing him. A Nancy Drew fan, Taylor begins unraveling the mystery with an assist from new love interest (?) and detective, Victor Sanchez, who has some competition from her fellow employee and Art Director, Jim Wells.
Fun tale with great scenes in and around Santa Fe.
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series, and I recommend it. Taylor Browning is a widow, editor at Endicott Publishing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and owner of a demanding cat named Oscar. When the volatile publisher is murdered, almost everyone has a motive for killing him. A Nancy Drew fan, Taylor begins unraveling the mystery with an assist from new love interest (?) and detective, Victor Sanchez, who has some competition from her fellow employee and Art Director, Jim Wells.
Fun tale with great scenes in and around Santa Fe.
August 26, 2024
Taylor is the new mystery editor at a publishing house in Santa Fe. When the owner turns up dead in his locked office, almost everyone is a suspect, including one of their top authors who has just written a similar mystery. As Taylor stumbles across more and more clues, she finds herself in danger. I learned a little about publishing and Santa Fe. Ironically, for a story about an editor, there are missing words and errors in the book and some things are not explained. Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this story.
August 16, 2022
Great ‘Whodunit!’
Taylor Browning is trying to help solve a couple of murders that occurred in connection to where she works. Can she figure out who killed both people before it’s too late? You’ll have to check it out and see.
This was a great mystery and I look forward to more. I love that there was a little bit of a chance at a love connection.
Taylor Browning is trying to help solve a couple of murders that occurred in connection to where she works. Can she figure out who killed both people before it’s too late? You’ll have to check it out and see.
This was a great mystery and I look forward to more. I love that there was a little bit of a chance at a love connection.
July 15, 2024
Locked Room Mystery
The much hated head of a small publishing company is found dead in his locked office. Taylor, one of the editors, can't help but be intrigued by the mystery and keeps finding clues. Then Dominique, a very popular writer, is found dead and the danger increases. There are several suspects, with the murderer revealed after some plot twists. Good book.
The much hated head of a small publishing company is found dead in his locked office. Taylor, one of the editors, can't help but be intrigued by the mystery and keeps finding clues. Then Dominique, a very popular writer, is found dead and the danger increases. There are several suspects, with the murderer revealed after some plot twists. Good book.
May 23, 2025
Gripping tale of murder and mayhem
Very entertaining and engrossing tale with plot twists you will never see coming. I love the scenic backdrop of Santa Fe New Mexico and the artistic descriptions of the characters and their surroundings. Thanks GG Collins for the enthralling entertainment!
Very entertaining and engrossing tale with plot twists you will never see coming. I love the scenic backdrop of Santa Fe New Mexico and the artistic descriptions of the characters and their surroundings. Thanks GG Collins for the enthralling entertainment!
April 1, 2023
A great series opener
A well written mystery with a clever plot and characters I'm anxious to learn more about. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series.
A well written mystery with a clever plot and characters I'm anxious to learn more about. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series.
January 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much, the setting, the plot, and the characters. I am looking forward to reading book 2 of the series.
March 21, 2018
Santa Fe, NM. Endicott Publishing. Alise Wyatt (administrative asst.) on her 1st. day Preston Endicott, Jr. (son, CEO/publisher) was yelling at her.
She headed down the stairs & out the front door.
Virginia Compton (Sr. editor, Taylor’s supervisor) was letting the staff know Preston has not been seen since yesterday.
He had also missed his Moose Lodge meeting.
Luther Jacobs (owner, building super) finally arrived to open Preston Jr’s locked office door.
Jim Wells (production mgr.), Candice “Candy” Kane (20+, receptionist), Taylor Browning (widow, advertising executive, mystery editor), Donald Lovitt (accountant), & Jacobs were told to stay away from the office.
The evening TV News confirmed Preston Jr. had been murdered.
He had been poisoned.
Detective Victor Sanchez (Santa Fe PD) came to interview the employees.
Dominique Boucher (f, bestselling author/writer, Taos, NM) was also included.
Preston Endicott Sr. (father, retired) arrived & called a meeting to order.
Clayton Reynolds (Reynolds & Reynolds attorney) introduced himself.
A bombshell was felt. Jessica Endicott (Jr’s ex-wife) is the new CEO/owner/publisher of Endicott Publishing.
Clayton was relieved of his services.
Employee firing/hiring list would be announced tomorrow.
Jr’s funeral service/burial was held.
Piñon Publishing was the company’s new name.
All the employees for now will be retained.
An editor-in-chief will be hired.
What did Taylor reveal to Detective Sanchez.
Jason Lee (attorney) read Jr’s will to Virginia, Donald, Jessica, & Detective Sanchez.
Jessica fired Virginia 1 week to be gone.
Dominique was scheduled for book signings in/at the Kokopelli Bookseller (Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM.).
Jo store mgr. told Taylor she was a no show.
Taylor found her on the kitchen floor.
The Alone to Die manuscript was gone but 2 pages of it were found next to the deceased.
Dominique was cremated.
Ruth Standish, Virginia, & Donald rode together. Taylor, Jim, Jessica & Candi were in the next car.
The very short procession was headed to Tesuque (village) where the ashes would be scattered.
Will the killer(s) be caught & brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written cozy murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Chamisa Canyon Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
She headed down the stairs & out the front door.
Virginia Compton (Sr. editor, Taylor’s supervisor) was letting the staff know Preston has not been seen since yesterday.
He had also missed his Moose Lodge meeting.
Luther Jacobs (owner, building super) finally arrived to open Preston Jr’s locked office door.
Jim Wells (production mgr.), Candice “Candy” Kane (20+, receptionist), Taylor Browning (widow, advertising executive, mystery editor), Donald Lovitt (accountant), & Jacobs were told to stay away from the office.
The evening TV News confirmed Preston Jr. had been murdered.
He had been poisoned.
Detective Victor Sanchez (Santa Fe PD) came to interview the employees.
Dominique Boucher (f, bestselling author/writer, Taos, NM) was also included.
Preston Endicott Sr. (father, retired) arrived & called a meeting to order.
Clayton Reynolds (Reynolds & Reynolds attorney) introduced himself.
A bombshell was felt. Jessica Endicott (Jr’s ex-wife) is the new CEO/owner/publisher of Endicott Publishing.
Clayton was relieved of his services.
Employee firing/hiring list would be announced tomorrow.
Jr’s funeral service/burial was held.
Piñon Publishing was the company’s new name.
All the employees for now will be retained.
An editor-in-chief will be hired.
What did Taylor reveal to Detective Sanchez.
Jason Lee (attorney) read Jr’s will to Virginia, Donald, Jessica, & Detective Sanchez.
Jessica fired Virginia 1 week to be gone.
Dominique was scheduled for book signings in/at the Kokopelli Bookseller (Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM.).
Jo store mgr. told Taylor she was a no show.
Taylor found her on the kitchen floor.
The Alone to Die manuscript was gone but 2 pages of it were found next to the deceased.
Dominique was cremated.
Ruth Standish, Virginia, & Donald rode together. Taylor, Jim, Jessica & Candi were in the next car.
The very short procession was headed to Tesuque (village) where the ashes would be scattered.
Will the killer(s) be caught & brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written cozy murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Chamisa Canyon Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 24, 2023
I was browsing for a light cozy to read and I couldn't pass by the Abyssinian cat on the cover and the title that sounded intriguing. My attention was then drawn to the descriptive line ...
Oscar lives with Taylor Browning who has been working as an editor of mysteries at Endicott Publishing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and for about a year and off hours she has been renovating her fixer-upper. Preston Endicott, Jr. is not anyone's favorite boss but luckily Taylor reports to Virginia Compton, senior editor so Taylor doesn't have daily contact with Preston. He's best known for shouting at his secretary and that desk is filled on a revolving door basis. But everything changes one morning when Preston's office door is locked, a voicemail on the secretary's phone indicated Preston was a no-show at an evening meeting, and a check with his housekeeper shared that his bed had not been slept in.
At a small publishing company, the list of suspects seems as though it will be focused on the employee list until Taylor begins reading the latest manuscript submitted by flamboyant and high maintenance author Dominique Boucher. The locked-room plot is eerily familiar. As Taylor is concerned for her job since she loves her little house and wants to keep that roof over her and Oscar's head she's very attentive to the actions of her coworkers and then she sees Dominique one evening in an unusual venue for the author. As Taylor investigates it seems as though everyone is rightly on the suspect list.
After stress filled days at the office Oscar knows the purr-fect ways to give Taylor the calm evening company she needs and has his own clever reminders when her attention is diverted. It was no surprise to learn from About the Author that
For fans of Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie locked-room mysteries this is a contemporary gem! I'm looking forward to spending more time with Taylor and Oscar.
"Feline royalty expects to dine on schedule and penalties can be quite severe when expectations are not met."I was definitely ready to meet the royal Abyssinian as I knew there would be smiles ahead. Oscar did not disappoint.
Oscar lives with Taylor Browning who has been working as an editor of mysteries at Endicott Publishing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and for about a year and off hours she has been renovating her fixer-upper. Preston Endicott, Jr. is not anyone's favorite boss but luckily Taylor reports to Virginia Compton, senior editor so Taylor doesn't have daily contact with Preston. He's best known for shouting at his secretary and that desk is filled on a revolving door basis. But everything changes one morning when Preston's office door is locked, a voicemail on the secretary's phone indicated Preston was a no-show at an evening meeting, and a check with his housekeeper shared that his bed had not been slept in.
At a small publishing company, the list of suspects seems as though it will be focused on the employee list until Taylor begins reading the latest manuscript submitted by flamboyant and high maintenance author Dominique Boucher. The locked-room plot is eerily familiar. As Taylor is concerned for her job since she loves her little house and wants to keep that roof over her and Oscar's head she's very attentive to the actions of her coworkers and then she sees Dominique one evening in an unusual venue for the author. As Taylor investigates it seems as though everyone is rightly on the suspect list.
After stress filled days at the office Oscar knows the purr-fect ways to give Taylor the calm evening company she needs and has his own clever reminders when her attention is diverted. It was no surprise to learn from About the Author that
"Collins has been cat mom to a dozen kitties, all with their own eccentricities. Oscar is the reincarnation of her late Abyssinian cat."as she describes the behavior with the insight and humor of a cat owner.
For fans of Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie locked-room mysteries this is a contemporary gem! I'm looking forward to spending more time with Taylor and Oscar.
November 11, 2017
Publishing and murder seem to go together. A locked room death of Endicott, the publisher, a group of unhappy employees, an ex-wife, all of whom hated the victim, and you have the plot for this cozy mystery. Will the police find the killer or will, Taylor Browning, the mystery editor, step in to solve the crime?
I enjoyed the interaction between staff members, many little moments that define the interaction in the workplace.
Jim, with a huge chip on his shoulder is inappropriate at times, as Taylor tells him. He doesn’t hide his dislike of Endicott who demoted him when he took over, from his father, as publisher.
Virginia as an editor, accomplishes a workload with skill, gets done more than most, has people skills, and knowledge of the publishing world and she is mentoring Taylor in her new position with the firm.
Taylor, she is nosy, private about her life and notices more than expected. She feels an obligation to Virginia who hired her. She and Jim do the occasional beer or social event, are they friends? She also has a wide streak of honesty and public or civic consciousness; will she help Detective Sanchez?
The growing friendship between Taylor and Detective Sanchez delivers the romance, and the descriptions of Santa Fe, New Mexico are the bonus.
I enjoyed the interaction between staff members, many little moments that define the interaction in the workplace.
Jim, with a huge chip on his shoulder is inappropriate at times, as Taylor tells him. He doesn’t hide his dislike of Endicott who demoted him when he took over, from his father, as publisher.
Virginia as an editor, accomplishes a workload with skill, gets done more than most, has people skills, and knowledge of the publishing world and she is mentoring Taylor in her new position with the firm.
Taylor, she is nosy, private about her life and notices more than expected. She feels an obligation to Virginia who hired her. She and Jim do the occasional beer or social event, are they friends? She also has a wide streak of honesty and public or civic consciousness; will she help Detective Sanchez?
The growing friendship between Taylor and Detective Sanchez delivers the romance, and the descriptions of Santa Fe, New Mexico are the bonus.
January 4, 2025
Dead Editor file was my first 'cozy mystery' but won't be my last.
Taylor works at a literary agency. Her boss is found dead in a locked room murder.
Her client Damielle has written a locked room thriller and she too turns up dead.
The murderer thinks Taylor knows who they are! Will the handsome detective catch the killer before they strike again?
All the suspense of a mystery without the gratuitous gore.
Taylor works at a literary agency. Her boss is found dead in a locked room murder.
Her client Damielle has written a locked room thriller and she too turns up dead.
The murderer thinks Taylor knows who they are! Will the handsome detective catch the killer before they strike again?
All the suspense of a mystery without the gratuitous gore.
October 26, 2017
Murder best edited
I truly enjoyed this book. The storyline will keep you guessing. The characters are well written and eclectic. Over all great story .. I can't wait for the next one...
I truly enjoyed this book. The storyline will keep you guessing. The characters are well written and eclectic. Over all great story .. I can't wait for the next one...
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