What do you think?
Rate this book
Lark Davis Mysteries #1
Leg Up
A severed leg with no body? Check. A disturbing lack of coffee? Check. A murderer bent on revenge and a hot cop using her as bait? Double check. Larklyn Davis moved to the small picturesque town of Barrow Bay, California, needing a new start on life. She found the perfect cottage house, almost the perfect distance from her ex-husband, and built the perfect stable for her dressage business. But when a severed leg suddenly appears on her front porch, her life takes a turn for the absurd. As more clues pile up, the killer refuses to leave Lark alone, forcing her to take things into her own hands. One the hottest detective she has ever seen is convinced she is involved. Detective Brecken Wilson looks like he should be in the movies, not glued to Lark’s side, waiting for the other leg to drop. Literally. Lark finds out quickly that there’s not enough coffee in the world to deal with this crime plus a hot detective stirring up emotions she hasn’t wanted to feel in years. Add in a persistently annoying murderer and a meddling town with a penchant for matchmaking, and this independent single mom is in for the ride of her life. “Leg Up is literally a ton of fun to read! I loved every bit of it! 5 stars!” - Nadaness in Motion “Snarky sarcasm rules the day and we also get a fun peek into a crime writer's mind. I would very much enjoy spending time around a table at an author's convention with Annabelle Hunter.” - Laura’s Interests “Leg Up is one of the best cozy stories that I have ever read.” - The Book Decoder “What a wonderful light read and a great addition to the Cozy stable!” - A Wytch’s Book Review
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2019
538 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 1, 2019
Twice to the rescue
A great read. A wonderful plot of a single mom trying to make a life for herself and her daughter after a divorce. Finding body parts outside her front door was not on her list of things to do and neither was finding the visiting detective so appealing. She has sworn off men after finding her husband cheating on her. The story to find who the body parts belong to (more turn up) and who is responsible is at times funny with snark thrown in. The things she finds out about her idyllic community is also an eye opener. Watch the sparks. Drugs, unrequited love and grudges are all mixed into a read that is full of characters that leave an impression. Making you feel a part of their community whilst racing to find out who, how and why. Will she get another chance at love or is someone out to get her?
A great read. A wonderful plot of a single mom trying to make a life for herself and her daughter after a divorce. Finding body parts outside her front door was not on her list of things to do and neither was finding the visiting detective so appealing. She has sworn off men after finding her husband cheating on her. The story to find who the body parts belong to (more turn up) and who is responsible is at times funny with snark thrown in. The things she finds out about her idyllic community is also an eye opener. Watch the sparks. Drugs, unrequited love and grudges are all mixed into a read that is full of characters that leave an impression. Making you feel a part of their community whilst racing to find out who, how and why. Will she get another chance at love or is someone out to get her?
July 9, 2019
What a wonderful light read and a great addition to the Cozy stable!
Lark expects a day of horse riding, training, mucking out and so forth with her dressage business what she doesn't expect is a severed leg on her front door step! Now everything goes into a tail spin for the day (including having to stay over at her best friends house that night as her whole house is a crime scene!), luckily her daughter is staying with her father this week so she doesn't have to cope with that problem! A secondary problem is the visiting Detective (aka Captain America!) who is more than swoon worthy (which brings out Lark's panicked sarcasm mode!). Things seem to be settling down when another body part arrives on her doorstep, now Detective Brecken Wilson is sticking close to Lark, and most of the people around her are determined that the two of them should get together (which leads to a couple of belly laugh moments!)
I am looking forward to the next in the series!
Lark expects a day of horse riding, training, mucking out and so forth with her dressage business what she doesn't expect is a severed leg on her front door step! Now everything goes into a tail spin for the day (including having to stay over at her best friends house that night as her whole house is a crime scene!), luckily her daughter is staying with her father this week so she doesn't have to cope with that problem! A secondary problem is the visiting Detective (aka Captain America!) who is more than swoon worthy (which brings out Lark's panicked sarcasm mode!). Things seem to be settling down when another body part arrives on her doorstep, now Detective Brecken Wilson is sticking close to Lark, and most of the people around her are determined that the two of them should get together (which leads to a couple of belly laugh moments!)
I am looking forward to the next in the series!
March 25, 2021
Literally laughed out loud at so many parts. Great book. Great characters. Good wit and snark and a main character who obviously loves coffee as much as me.
June 9, 2021
Cute cozy murder mystery
Quick and fun read. Lots of low key sarcasm from Lark, the FMC, she was funny. She is a divorcee with a 7yr old daughter. The daughter isn't in this book, except a couple phone calls. During this adventure, due was at the dad's house. Captain America is the Sheriff's deputy that came into town to investigate the murder. Couldn't remember his real name, it different, but I liked it. There is a hint of potential future romance there. Everyone in town tries to set them up. End of bed ok he is headed back to San Fran. I liked the characters, especially John. Summary covers storyline. Told from FMC POV only. Chemistry, but no romance in this book. No cliffhanger.
Quick and fun read. Lots of low key sarcasm from Lark, the FMC, she was funny. She is a divorcee with a 7yr old daughter. The daughter isn't in this book, except a couple phone calls. During this adventure, due was at the dad's house. Captain America is the Sheriff's deputy that came into town to investigate the murder. Couldn't remember his real name, it different, but I liked it. There is a hint of potential future romance there. Everyone in town tries to set them up. End of bed ok he is headed back to San Fran. I liked the characters, especially John. Summary covers storyline. Told from FMC POV only. Chemistry, but no romance in this book. No cliffhanger.
June 26, 2021
Quick witty and sharp
Really easy read, great characters, good story. Witty writing, reminds me of Janet evanovich stephanie plum series - funny :) enjoyed it
Really easy read, great characters, good story. Witty writing, reminds me of Janet evanovich stephanie plum series - funny :) enjoyed it
January 10, 2021
Super fun read
Loved this book so much fun
Lark was a hoot. Great characters and story line. I'm going to purchase the next book in the series immediately so I can continue to enjoy these delightful cast of characters.
Loved this book so much fun
Lark was a hoot. Great characters and story line. I'm going to purchase the next book in the series immediately so I can continue to enjoy these delightful cast of characters.
August 3, 2019
Why are they leaving body parts on Lark’s front porch?
Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter is a refreshing mystery with a smart-mouthed sleuth who wants these body parts to stop being left on her porch.
Lark Davis
Our reluctant at first sleuth is Larklyn Davis or Lark to her friends. She is a single mom, and horse trainer who owns a horse barn in Barrow Bay, California. Barrow Bay is on the coast north of San Francisco. Lark and her daughter Hailey moved here after Lark’s divorce and her parents’ death. It was to be closer to Lark’s family, who live in town.
I love Lark’s inner voice, but, her sarcasm is hilarious. She forgets her filter at times. Lark is a hard worker, and she puts in tons of hours riding and training horses, her own and borders. The only time that Lark goes a little crazy is when her daughter is at her father’s house. She has a lot going on, but she manages to handle it all.
Possible Love Interest
You know we have to have a love interest, even single mom’s need romance in their lives. Although, Lark fights this as she is still getting over her ex-husband’s betrayal. Anyway, enter San Francisco Sheriff Deputy, Brecken Wilson. A dead ringer for Chris Evan’s as Captain America, well minus the nose. Brecken has a button nose.
Brecken has to learn how small towns work. The gossip system and Police Chief’s goddaughter’s blog keep everything out in the open for the most part. Brecken has most of the ladies, young and old, wrapped around his finger. It will be fun to see if this turns into a relationship.
Mystery
The mystery involves body parts on Lark’s doorstep, drug dealers and jealousy. Things that happen in a small town; you never know who is going to get mad at you and leave body parts on your front porch. Craziness!
What I liked
• Lark’s conversation with the 9-1-1 operator when reporting the leg left on her doorstep.
• The fact that Lark texted her assistant to cancel her training session that day before calling 9-1-1.
• Lark has a Pho dealer. You have to read it.
• Jen, Lark’s best friend’s guest room artwork keeps guests from staying too long.
• Lark’s sense of humor.
• The small-town vibe and gossip grapevine are updated to a gossip blog.
• The sewing circle that doesn’t get much sewing done.
• The family dinner at Gran’s house and the strict 6:00 time with the Captain in tow.
There were so many things that I loved about this book. It’s hard to narrow it down, Northern California coast where I grew up, horses, mystery, sarcasm at its best, and Captain America and a Gran who is right up in your business. I mean seriously, what more could you want? Ok, the only thing I would change is I would use a Superman look-a-like since I am a bigger fan of DC than Marvel, but that is just nick-picking.
5 Stars for Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter
My rating for Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter is five stars. This book was magnificent. I laughed out loud so many times. Lark is an excellent sleuth, her family is nuts in a good way, and Barrow Bay is a place I could easily hang out. I can’t wait to read more of this series. The second book Stir Up which is available now and Load Up should be out in September.
I recommend this book to all cozy readers. Honestly, you have got to read it.
Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter. Don't forget to enter the giveaway of this great book. This book is also available on KindleUnlimited.
This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book on your site.
Until the next time,
Jen
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.
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter is a refreshing mystery with a smart-mouthed sleuth who wants these body parts to stop being left on her porch.
Lark Davis
Our reluctant at first sleuth is Larklyn Davis or Lark to her friends. She is a single mom, and horse trainer who owns a horse barn in Barrow Bay, California. Barrow Bay is on the coast north of San Francisco. Lark and her daughter Hailey moved here after Lark’s divorce and her parents’ death. It was to be closer to Lark’s family, who live in town.
I love Lark’s inner voice, but, her sarcasm is hilarious. She forgets her filter at times. Lark is a hard worker, and she puts in tons of hours riding and training horses, her own and borders. The only time that Lark goes a little crazy is when her daughter is at her father’s house. She has a lot going on, but she manages to handle it all.
Possible Love Interest
You know we have to have a love interest, even single mom’s need romance in their lives. Although, Lark fights this as she is still getting over her ex-husband’s betrayal. Anyway, enter San Francisco Sheriff Deputy, Brecken Wilson. A dead ringer for Chris Evan’s as Captain America, well minus the nose. Brecken has a button nose.
Brecken has to learn how small towns work. The gossip system and Police Chief’s goddaughter’s blog keep everything out in the open for the most part. Brecken has most of the ladies, young and old, wrapped around his finger. It will be fun to see if this turns into a relationship.
Mystery
The mystery involves body parts on Lark’s doorstep, drug dealers and jealousy. Things that happen in a small town; you never know who is going to get mad at you and leave body parts on your front porch. Craziness!
What I liked
• Lark’s conversation with the 9-1-1 operator when reporting the leg left on her doorstep.
• The fact that Lark texted her assistant to cancel her training session that day before calling 9-1-1.
• Lark has a Pho dealer. You have to read it.
• Jen, Lark’s best friend’s guest room artwork keeps guests from staying too long.
• Lark’s sense of humor.
• The small-town vibe and gossip grapevine are updated to a gossip blog.
• The sewing circle that doesn’t get much sewing done.
• The family dinner at Gran’s house and the strict 6:00 time with the Captain in tow.
There were so many things that I loved about this book. It’s hard to narrow it down, Northern California coast where I grew up, horses, mystery, sarcasm at its best, and Captain America and a Gran who is right up in your business. I mean seriously, what more could you want? Ok, the only thing I would change is I would use a Superman look-a-like since I am a bigger fan of DC than Marvel, but that is just nick-picking.
5 Stars for Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter
My rating for Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter is five stars. This book was magnificent. I laughed out loud so many times. Lark is an excellent sleuth, her family is nuts in a good way, and Barrow Bay is a place I could easily hang out. I can’t wait to read more of this series. The second book Stir Up which is available now and Load Up should be out in September.
I recommend this book to all cozy readers. Honestly, you have got to read it.
Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Leg Up by Annabelle Hunter. Don't forget to enter the giveaway of this great book. This book is also available on KindleUnlimited.
This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book on your site.
Until the next time,
Jen
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.
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
June 1, 2019
This was a fun quirky cozy mystery. Lark is a sarcastic single-mom just trying to get her horse riding business as great as it was when she was married to her ex. While she was minding her own business someone else is not and body parts keep ending up on her doorstep. As much as she tries to cling onto the normalcy of her life, strange things keep getting thrown her way. She stays optimistic with sarcasm and a hot detective to keep her distracted.
I loved the characters Hunter crafted in this cozy mystery. The characters were funny and easily likable. I also liked reading about horses because I don't find many books with horses in them. There were several twists and turns I didn't see coming and they worked so well in this book.
I loved the characters Hunter crafted in this cozy mystery. The characters were funny and easily likable. I also liked reading about horses because I don't find many books with horses in them. There were several twists and turns I didn't see coming and they worked so well in this book.
March 16, 2020
Fun new cozy mystery series!
This is a great new cozy mystery series with humor and likable interesting characters. Page 1 starts with a severed leg being dropped on Lark's porch. She doesn't get concerned until about Chapter 8, although it is only a day or two. Kind of odd but it isn't a distraction. Lark is a horse trainer who is divorced with a 7 year old daughter (who is at her Dad's in this book). There is a new detective,Brecken, in town helping out. The banter between Lark and Brecken is hilarious and with Lark and her best friend Jen too. The culprit wasn't too surprising but I wasn't sure so it kept me guessing. Very enjoyable! Can't wait to read the next book!
This is a great new cozy mystery series with humor and likable interesting characters. Page 1 starts with a severed leg being dropped on Lark's porch. She doesn't get concerned until about Chapter 8, although it is only a day or two. Kind of odd but it isn't a distraction. Lark is a horse trainer who is divorced with a 7 year old daughter (who is at her Dad's in this book). There is a new detective,Brecken, in town helping out. The banter between Lark and Brecken is hilarious and with Lark and her best friend Jen too. The culprit wasn't too surprising but I wasn't sure so it kept me guessing. Very enjoyable! Can't wait to read the next book!
October 2, 2021
I’m glad Lark wasn’t a piece that was left on Annie’s porch after all this! Seems like Gran’s sewing club is exactly what was needed to get all the pieces put together to solve this crime. Maybe next time, law enforcement should just start with them and get everything wrapped up much faster!
This read is suitable for a younger audience due to there being no graphic scenes and no cussing. Anyone can appreciate that. Also, there is sarcasm, albeit minor enough for younger people to handle.
I liked the amount of crushing Lark and the Detective had going on and I really hope he does wind up moving closer in order for a relationship to grow. Too cute. I’ll read the second book in this series now called “Stir Up (Lark Davis Mystery Series Book 2)”
This read is suitable for a younger audience due to there being no graphic scenes and no cussing. Anyone can appreciate that. Also, there is sarcasm, albeit minor enough for younger people to handle.
I liked the amount of crushing Lark and the Detective had going on and I really hope he does wind up moving closer in order for a relationship to grow. Too cute. I’ll read the second book in this series now called “Stir Up (Lark Davis Mystery Series Book 2)”
April 27, 2020
This was a feel good book during isolation. The story was ok but the constant useless of “fudge buckets” and “crackers and cheese” in place of swearing just made me feel that I’d started reading a pre teen mystery. Not that the story would have been improved with swearing but it seemed that the main character was so very mindful of her behaviour in front of her daughter who didn’t even enter the story unless she was on the other end of the phone. I get that it was set in a small town but it seemed like we were introduced to every single member of town, I lost track of who was who. Just too many characters to keep up with
August 13, 2021
5 stars for this book and it fully deserves it! It takes snarky and sarcasm to a new level which will have you laughing long and hard. Lark has found her spot: nice house, own business and far away from her cheating ex. However someone is leaving body parts on her front porch and will not stop. Enter a hot detective who is about to break Lark's new rules: no dating and no men. On top of this is Gran( a force to be reckoned with) and the Sewing Circle I wish there was so I could join!! Thank you for this funny and very enjoyable book.
April 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this mystery. Because I was around horses all my life.
I trained and showed them. This was a great mystery set in in a small town.
The characters were very real. There was a lot of twists and turns. Especially
With the banter between Larklyn and the deceive and her granny.
The horses temperament and character really describe real horses that are
Warm bloods and highly competitive in the show ring. Especially when they
Know they are great. Read these books now, you’ll be laughing till you cry
With all the characters.
Debra H.
I trained and showed them. This was a great mystery set in in a small town.
The characters were very real. There was a lot of twists and turns. Especially
With the banter between Larklyn and the deceive and her granny.
The horses temperament and character really describe real horses that are
Warm bloods and highly competitive in the show ring. Especially when they
Know they are great. Read these books now, you’ll be laughing till you cry
With all the characters.
Debra H.
February 8, 2020
Well, that was disappointing. Didn’t realize the story would suddenly end like that on a cliffhanger. The storyline was okay. The description certainly had me interested in reading and it definitely was funny. But lots of innuendo and swearing, which I usually avoid in my choice of reading material. So, overall, meh.
July 21, 2021
Leg Up
I gave 5 stars this book is hilarious I haven't laughed this hard over a book since J. E. I love the characters and Horse's 🐎. I can't wait to read the next book. I can't give this Author enough credit for this funny mystery. Please grab a cup of coffee or tea and read this crazy book.
I gave 5 stars this book is hilarious I haven't laughed this hard over a book since J. E. I love the characters and Horse's 🐎. I can't wait to read the next book. I can't give this Author enough credit for this funny mystery. Please grab a cup of coffee or tea and read this crazy book.
October 16, 2021
Not very horse oriented
Horses and horse life are more of an accessory in the novel than the central force they should be with a character who is a professional trainer. And way too heavy on the romance, with shallow characters and thin descriptions of settings. I was looking for something to tide me over between the Cat Enright books by Lisa Wysocky but this failed miserably.
Horses and horse life are more of an accessory in the novel than the central force they should be with a character who is a professional trainer. And way too heavy on the romance, with shallow characters and thin descriptions of settings. I was looking for something to tide me over between the Cat Enright books by Lisa Wysocky but this failed miserably.
June 30, 2019
Lark Davis runs a horse training business. She moved out to a small town after her parent’s death, and her divorce. She shares custody of her seven year old daughter with her ex and it happens to be his week to have her. It’s a great thing too because when she goes to leave house there is a severed leg on her porch. She is determined to solve this before her daughter returns.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery that had me laughing out loud. The characters are simply amazing and the narrative adds depth to them. The small town atmosphere and gossiping blogger is beyond funny. The interplay between Lark and the police detective is brilliant. This book is witty, creative and humorous all while a murder is being solved. I can not wait until I can read the next one. This very well may turn out to be my next favourite cozy mystery series.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery that had me laughing out loud. The characters are simply amazing and the narrative adds depth to them. The small town atmosphere and gossiping blogger is beyond funny. The interplay between Lark and the police detective is brilliant. This book is witty, creative and humorous all while a murder is being solved. I can not wait until I can read the next one. This very well may turn out to be my next favourite cozy mystery series.
August 22, 2019
Lark has more trouble on her hands than a dead body. I love her attitude and spunk. Leg Up is a fun, engaging, fast paced read! The characters in Barrow Bay made me laugh out loud (Lindsey the blogger is a special treat!) and I’m looking forward to reading more of Lark’s adventures.
November 29, 2020
A fun story!
This is my first Annabelle Hunter novel to read. Her writing is witty which I enjoy, her characters are interesting and fun and well developed. I enjoyed Lark and Brecken. They are a cute, very likeable couple I enjoyed getting to know. I recommend this book.
This is my first Annabelle Hunter novel to read. Her writing is witty which I enjoy, her characters are interesting and fun and well developed. I enjoyed Lark and Brecken. They are a cute, very likeable couple I enjoyed getting to know. I recommend this book.
September 6, 2021
This could be a good series.
I gave this book 3 stars because of the babyish words Lark used instead of swearing (which is ok but really snickerdoodles?). The ladies in the town were funny: I would read more of these books just for them.
I gave this book 3 stars because of the babyish words Lark used instead of swearing (which is ok but really snickerdoodles?). The ladies in the town were funny: I would read more of these books just for them.
February 21, 2022
Leg Up
A little over the top but very amusing. I do like strong women. Although I prefer older. Probably because I'm older and don't care to remember my young and dumb years! Clean, and well edited. Always a plus. So much poorly edited garbage out there these days.
A little over the top but very amusing. I do like strong women. Although I prefer older. Probably because I'm older and don't care to remember my young and dumb years! Clean, and well edited. Always a plus. So much poorly edited garbage out there these days.
June 1, 2019
Grabs your attention right away. Nice to see the horse world described accurately. Story line has some nice twists and turns. I will purchase her next one for part of my summertime reading
September 26, 2019
Great read
Fun read kept you hooked enjoyed the the snarky ness and the fun report with the main characters can’t wait for next book
Fun read kept you hooked enjoyed the the snarky ness and the fun report with the main characters can’t wait for next book
November 11, 2019
Great mystery
If you like twisted tales of body parts and forbidden love, this is a hilarious way to get them. I love these characters- they could be my relatives!
If you like twisted tales of body parts and forbidden love, this is a hilarious way to get them. I love these characters- they could be my relatives!
February 19, 2020
Great story, mystery and funny onward to the next
February 28, 2020
Good fun read
Quixotic small town, feisty woman lead, brave best friend and so on - leavened with wit, sparkly writing - and yes! Body parts - lots of fun
Quixotic small town, feisty woman lead, brave best friend and so on - leavened with wit, sparkly writing - and yes! Body parts - lots of fun
September 12, 2020
Good mystery
There is so much good about this book it would take a dissertation to fully review it. Humor, romance and mystery, what's not to like.
There is so much good about this book it would take a dissertation to fully review it. Humor, romance and mystery, what's not to like.
October 10, 2020
Great read
This was a great story with a possible romance developing slowly, while the mystery ran at a quick pace, ending with a surprise!
This was a great story with a possible romance developing slowly, while the mystery ran at a quick pace, ending with a surprise!
January 2, 2021
Definitely different and I liked it, will be reading the Lark Davis Mysteries!!
February 12, 2022
Totally laughed out loud!
Can’t get enough of that Lark Davis. Fabulous read- snarky, witty and so so funny! You wont be able to put it down. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Can’t get enough of that Lark Davis. Fabulous read- snarky, witty and so so funny! You wont be able to put it down. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews