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Whodunit Antiques #3
An Automated Murder
It’s Christmastime in Wallace Point—but that doesn’t mean the town’s getting a vacation from murder!
Mr. Yamamoto’s Toy Shop is famous for its handcrafted wooden automata. Shingo Yamamoto is a modern day genius, crafting whimsical clockwork toys capable of a wide range of movements. But on the day of his toy shop’s grand reopening, things go from wondrous to murderous when one of Shingo’s automata kills a man in a locked room.
Abigail and Grandma just so happen to be at the scene of the crime. They doubt that Shingo would commit such a heinous murder, not when he has a successful small business and a loving family to lose. But who else could have possibly crafted the murderous automaton, and why?
Abigail, Grandma, and their trusty dogs will have to pull out all the stops to figure this murder out, and they must solve it in time for Christmas!
The Whodunit Antiques series is fun, quirky, and, most importantly, cozy! So settle into your favorite chair, preferably with a freshly-baked cookie in hand, and get ready to escape into a town whose residents are always up to mischief, and where mysteries run amok.
Mr. Yamamoto’s Toy Shop is famous for its handcrafted wooden automata. Shingo Yamamoto is a modern day genius, crafting whimsical clockwork toys capable of a wide range of movements. But on the day of his toy shop’s grand reopening, things go from wondrous to murderous when one of Shingo’s automata kills a man in a locked room.
Abigail and Grandma just so happen to be at the scene of the crime. They doubt that Shingo would commit such a heinous murder, not when he has a successful small business and a loving family to lose. But who else could have possibly crafted the murderous automaton, and why?
Abigail, Grandma, and their trusty dogs will have to pull out all the stops to figure this murder out, and they must solve it in time for Christmas!
The Whodunit Antiques series is fun, quirky, and, most importantly, cozy! So settle into your favorite chair, preferably with a freshly-baked cookie in hand, and get ready to escape into a town whose residents are always up to mischief, and where mysteries run amok.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2019
304 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 7, 2019
This was another fun visit to Wallace Point--at Christmastime it was even more special. I could just picture the town with all its lights and their huge Christmas tree. The murder in this book took place at the local toy maker's shop as a kind of locked room mystery. Sheriff Willy had no choice but to arrest Shingo the toy maker due to lack of any other evidence along with something the dying man had said. Granny and Abigail weren't going to stand idly by and watch Shingo's sweet little family spend Christmas without him. James, Willy's PI son had some good news about being licensed in Wallace Point now. His first job was for the Granny Gang--I always get such a kick out of reading about them. Those ladies took the sale of their handmade sock monkeys very seriously, and when someone unknown was encroaching on their turf, they hired James to find the perp. You won't believe who it was! I hadn't quite guessed the killer for the main case, but it had run through my mind only a bit differently. It was a good twist! As always, I'll look forward to borrowing the next book in Kindle Unlimited like I did this one.
June 15, 2019
Mu favorite cozy mystery series so far! I love the characters and the background story, and the dogs are such a nice addition
June 10, 2019
Abigail and Grandma are getting the shop ready for the holidays. It is Christmastime in Wallace Point and the tourists are out busy shopping. What a perfect time of year for Shingo Yamamoto to have a grand reopening of his toy shop featuring his handcrafted wooden automata. But things go wrong at the open house and someone is found dead. All fingers point to Shingo, who is doing nothing to on his own behalf to keep himself out of jail. Abigail and Grandma don’t understand why he would come to his own defense. Did he really kill an old college acquaintance? Did someone he know do the deed and he is covering for them? There is a true mystery to be solved and the ladies aren’t going to stop until they find the real murderer.
The series has been labeled as a cozy mystery which is fun and quirky. They forgot to include that it is filled with humor, mischief, madcap adventure, and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing as to whodunit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The series has been labeled as a cozy mystery which is fun and quirky. They forgot to include that it is filled with humor, mischief, madcap adventure, and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing as to whodunit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2019
Granny and Abigail are at it again when a special Christmas unveiling at the Wallace Point toy store turns into a crime scene. A toy cannon automaton apparently kills a man in a locked room. In his dying breath, the man states that the shop owner did it. But Granny and Abigail can't believe that this family man and business owner would be capable of doing such a thing. Who is responsible for the dastardly deed?
I have read the other cozy mysteries in this series, and I enjoy the small-town world that the author has created. I adore the relationship between Granny and Abigail. The fictional town has all be quirky characters and zany happenings that you love and expect to find in a cozy mystery. There are even delightful dogs, Thor and Missy, though we didn't see as much of them in this book as we have in previous books. I love the subtle and not-so-subtle humor that the author is able to inject into these books. In this one, I love how a yacht was named the Knotty Buoy. Perfect! I enjoyed seeing Wallace Point at Christmastime. It's not just murder and secrets in this book but also Christmas lights and cookies! The answer to the “whodunit” question at the heart of every mystery is an actual surprise! As I am rarely surprised by any book, let alone a mystery, this made the book even more delightful. If you enjoy well-imagined, humorous cozy mysteries, you may well enjoy this book and the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I have read the other cozy mysteries in this series, and I enjoy the small-town world that the author has created. I adore the relationship between Granny and Abigail. The fictional town has all be quirky characters and zany happenings that you love and expect to find in a cozy mystery. There are even delightful dogs, Thor and Missy, though we didn't see as much of them in this book as we have in previous books. I love the subtle and not-so-subtle humor that the author is able to inject into these books. In this one, I love how a yacht was named the Knotty Buoy. Perfect! I enjoyed seeing Wallace Point at Christmastime. It's not just murder and secrets in this book but also Christmas lights and cookies! The answer to the “whodunit” question at the heart of every mystery is an actual surprise! As I am rarely surprised by any book, let alone a mystery, this made the book even more delightful. If you enjoy well-imagined, humorous cozy mysteries, you may well enjoy this book and the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
June 7, 2019
The sock monkey and the cannon
Terrific. Charming as always although I must admit that I'm sorry that Thor and Missy didn't have a bigger role. Nice tight plot that had me going round in circles and at the end the surprise culprit really did take me by surprise (considering how many mysteries I've read that is indeed one for the record). Great characters that set the scene and added depth and dimension to the read.
Christmas is coming up fast and everyone is going to the reopening of the toy maker's store. He prides himself on making wooden automated toys with only springs that are metal in the design. However when a man is killed in a locked workshop by a toy cannon, the inventor is the number one suspect. His young daughter (already following in her father's footsteps) and his wife are devastated. Now Abigail and Granny are determined to find out the truth. The Sheriff and his PI son are no help in this case. Throw in an obsessive collector, a secretive woman, details about the dead man and not forgetting the secret sock monkey maker that has flooded the local market. To the dismay of the Granny Gang. Can they find answers to both puzzles in the few days that remain and reunite the family for Christmas?
Terrific. Charming as always although I must admit that I'm sorry that Thor and Missy didn't have a bigger role. Nice tight plot that had me going round in circles and at the end the surprise culprit really did take me by surprise (considering how many mysteries I've read that is indeed one for the record). Great characters that set the scene and added depth and dimension to the read.
Christmas is coming up fast and everyone is going to the reopening of the toy maker's store. He prides himself on making wooden automated toys with only springs that are metal in the design. However when a man is killed in a locked workshop by a toy cannon, the inventor is the number one suspect. His young daughter (already following in her father's footsteps) and his wife are devastated. Now Abigail and Granny are determined to find out the truth. The Sheriff and his PI son are no help in this case. Throw in an obsessive collector, a secretive woman, details about the dead man and not forgetting the secret sock monkey maker that has flooded the local market. To the dismay of the Granny Gang. Can they find answers to both puzzles in the few days that remain and reunite the family for Christmas?
June 7, 2019
Granny Lane and her granddaughter Abigail discover the joys of the Christmas festivities in their town together.
Shingo Yamamoto has spent most of his life designing very clever toys - automata. His daughter Hanako is set to follow in his footsteps, and is perhaps an ever better designer than her father - a real prodigy. The Christmastide reveal of his designs is apparently one of the many features of the season in their quaint and quirky town - right up their with the papier mache cow on the roof of the church, and the tree lighting.
Not all goes to plan in this zany town, sometimes with dark and dangerous consequences.
Abigail and Granny Lane might work their way to the truth of things together - and if we are lucky, reconciliation with their friends, Sheriff Will and his son James.
It takes a village to solve a mysterious crime - or to rescue a Christmas dinner !
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. I also received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout.
I have bought or borrowed several books in this series from Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
Shingo Yamamoto has spent most of his life designing very clever toys - automata. His daughter Hanako is set to follow in his footsteps, and is perhaps an ever better designer than her father - a real prodigy. The Christmastide reveal of his designs is apparently one of the many features of the season in their quaint and quirky town - right up their with the papier mache cow on the roof of the church, and the tree lighting.
Not all goes to plan in this zany town, sometimes with dark and dangerous consequences.
Abigail and Granny Lane might work their way to the truth of things together - and if we are lucky, reconciliation with their friends, Sheriff Will and his son James.
It takes a village to solve a mysterious crime - or to rescue a Christmas dinner !
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. I also received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout.
I have bought or borrowed several books in this series from Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
June 8, 2019
It's chilly in Wallace Point – and the cold weather is almost a character here, it is so ever present – but tourists are everywhere. It seems the town is a prime pre-Christmas hunting ground. Not the best time for the local toy automata maker to be arrested for murder – a murder executed by a miniature cannoneer. Sympathy for his sweet family persuades Granny and Abigail to investigate, using home-baked cookies as a key to open all doors and Thor the gentle Great Dane to intimidate outsiders. I don't think it's giving much away to say that the case ends satisfactorily and with lashings of Christmas cheer. It's all warm and friendly with some sadness but no horrors, the ideal small town mystery.
June 14, 2019
Abigail and Grandma are preparing for the Christmas season and part of it is the annual reveal of the new automata made by Mr .Yamamoto, whose skills are famous in collector circles.
During the reveal a person is shot and with his dying breath names Mr. Yamamoto as his killer.
As Grandma had known Mr. Yamamoto since he was a child she takes it upon her to clear his name.
A funny cozy mystery, enjoyable with a believable plot and lovable characters..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
During the reveal a person is shot and with his dying breath names Mr. Yamamoto as his killer.
As Grandma had known Mr. Yamamoto since he was a child she takes it upon her to clear his name.
A funny cozy mystery, enjoyable with a believable plot and lovable characters..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2019
Abigail and Grandma are on the scene of a murder but are convinced the police have the wrong guy and need to sort it out before Christmas. And help the Granny Gang with a sock monkey mystery, too. It's a lot but the two are up for it. This is an interesting story with a surprising ending, a little humor and, as always, something new to learn about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2019
Love this series
This book is another delightful escape from reality into a welcoming little town full of friends who become family. Complete with neighbors who spend hours speaking to their plants, homemade cookies from the store, and mysteries begging to be solved by a grandmother/granddaughter duo reading this series feels like spending a week away in a quaint little town without any intrusion from the real world!
This book is another delightful escape from reality into a welcoming little town full of friends who become family. Complete with neighbors who spend hours speaking to their plants, homemade cookies from the store, and mysteries begging to be solved by a grandmother/granddaughter duo reading this series feels like spending a week away in a quaint little town without any intrusion from the real world!
June 17, 2019
At a grand opening for a toy maker, who makes automata toys, a person is killed in a locked room by an cannon. Grandma and Abigail are now on the case whether the sheriff wants them to be or not.
This is a fun and heartwarming story. I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fun and heartwarming story. I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2019
The Deadly Toy Cannon
The town’s toy maker holds a grand reopening just before Christmas. While everyone is having a looking around, a shot rings out and a dying man is found inside the locked workshop of the store’s owner. Now there’s a new mystery to solve. Abigail and Granny Lane are on the case. Recommend Series.
The town’s toy maker holds a grand reopening just before Christmas. While everyone is having a looking around, a shot rings out and a dying man is found inside the locked workshop of the store’s owner. Now there’s a new mystery to solve. Abigail and Granny Lane are on the case. Recommend Series.
June 21, 2019
Abigail and Granny are a great sleuthing duo. I can’t wait for Abigail and James to make a love connection, but I’m not too sure about Granny and Willy. Although Kirby is the strong, silent type, he is one of my favorite characters. Can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2020
Cute
This grandmother/granddaughter sleuthing duo really works! Delightful characters, a charming small town, a light cozy mystery, and Christmas- what's not to love?! The murder (?) mystery wasn't exactly gripping; however, the case of the surplus sock monkeys is cute, and the Granny Gang is cutthroat! This is a fine read for lovers of clean, lighthearted cozies.
This grandmother/granddaughter sleuthing duo really works! Delightful characters, a charming small town, a light cozy mystery, and Christmas- what's not to love?! The murder (?) mystery wasn't exactly gripping; however, the case of the surplus sock monkeys is cute, and the Granny Gang is cutthroat! This is a fine read for lovers of clean, lighthearted cozies.
December 8, 2020
Lovely!
It's Christmas time in the small town of Wallace Point and Abigail and Grandma have gotten the antiques shop all ready for the tourists. Shingos' toy shop was having a Grand Reopening to introduce newer items and some older ones when a murder mystery pops up. Needless to say, our two heroines jump in to save the day. What could go wrong?
It's Christmas time in the small town of Wallace Point and Abigail and Grandma have gotten the antiques shop all ready for the tourists. Shingos' toy shop was having a Grand Reopening to introduce newer items and some older ones when a murder mystery pops up. Needless to say, our two heroines jump in to save the day. What could go wrong?
July 13, 2019
Another great cozy!
Another great edition in this series! I love the characters and town of Wallace Point. The plot was great and has just enough twists to keep me guessing up to the end. I can't wait for the next one!
Another great edition in this series! I love the characters and town of Wallace Point. The plot was great and has just enough twists to keep me guessing up to the end. I can't wait for the next one!
June 20, 2020
I love this series, a grandma and her granddaughter, what could make a better team!!
This is set at Christmas time an added bonus.
This is my third book in this series and none have failed to disappoint.
Great read!
This is set at Christmas time an added bonus.
This is my third book in this series and none have failed to disappoint.
Great read!
June 25, 2020
Amazing ❤️
I just love this series. It makes you laugh and cry. I can’t put it down till I have read the whole book. It is a must read Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
I just love this series. It makes you laugh and cry. I can’t put it down till I have read the whole book. It is a must read Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
August 13, 2021
Enjoyable Book
I think Ms. West's books are improving. Her character development and plots are developing nicely. This is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to her next one in this series.
I think Ms. West's books are improving. Her character development and plots are developing nicely. This is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to her next one in this series.
June 7, 2019
A man is shot to death in a locked room!
A difficult case for the amateur sleuths but everything is possible at Christmas time
A good story line
A difficult case for the amateur sleuths but everything is possible at Christmas time
A good story line
June 10, 2019
Nice,interesting cozy mystery!
I liked this book very much! It kept my attention and I was able to follow fairly easily. I also like that she's not a good cook. 😊
I liked this book very much! It kept my attention and I was able to follow fairly easily. I also like that she's not a good cook. 😊
June 20, 2019
Great read
Great series. Hope there's more. Granny is a kick. I'm looking for my catnip. I'm afraid I have more than one.
Great series. Hope there's more. Granny is a kick. I'm looking for my catnip. I'm afraid I have more than one.
June 23, 2019
West, She!ly
Such wonderful characters , fun mysteries , great way to spend a few hours. Am awaiting the next who fun it antiques book.
Such wonderful characters , fun mysteries , great way to spend a few hours. Am awaiting the next who fun it antiques book.
July 21, 2019
Hope for more
I have loved reading this series but certainly hope for more! Would like to follow the attraction of James and Abigail.
I have loved reading this series but certainly hope for more! Would like to follow the attraction of James and Abigail.
July 27, 2019
Is there a #4?? I love Granny Lake and Abigail! These are good light reading but they are so warm, funny, and they even have twists to the plot!! I want MORE!!!!
August 8, 2019
Fun easy read. Enjoy the characters.
August 8, 2019
Good reading.
Third in the series - I'm anxiously awaiting the next. Worth your time to read this series, but then you have to wait until the next is written.
Third in the series - I'm anxiously awaiting the next. Worth your time to read this series, but then you have to wait until the next is written.
September 13, 2019
Fun, lighthearted cozy mystery series
Fun, lighthearted cozy mystery series. I might be under the age limit but I’m ready to join the granny gang!
Fun, lighthearted cozy mystery series. I might be under the age limit but I’m ready to join the granny gang!
September 14, 2019
Love this series
I feel in love with all the main characters in the first book. This one was just as good. Can't wait for the next one.
I feel in love with all the main characters in the first book. This one was just as good. Can't wait for the next one.
September 25, 2019
Love this series
Great books. Fun series for a quick read. I need to check out more of her work. Thank you so much
Great books. Fun series for a quick read. I need to check out more of her work. Thank you so much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews