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Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery #2
Dead, White, and Blue
It’s bad enough when the owner of the new bistro in town drops dead at the Independence Day celebration, but when Noley, Lilly’s best friend, is charged with the murder, things start to heat up. And speaking of heat, there’s a firebug on the loose in Juniper Junction. Houses in town are going up in smoke and when the fires hit a little too close to home, Lilly is pulled into the investigation to uncover the identity of the arsonist. Can Lilly clear Noley’s name and figure out who’s starting the fires before she becomes a victim herself? Where there’s smoke, there’s fire in this cozy holiday mystery perfect for fans of Gayle Leeson and Karen MacInerney. Find out if Lilly gets burned as she deals with murder, mayhem, her mother’s dementia, and a coming-of-age issue under her own roof. Recipes included!
- GenresCozy Mystery
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2019
47 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Amy M. Reade
20 books249 followersAmy M. Reade is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling mystery author who practiced law until she realized it was way more fun writing fiction.
She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
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Thanks for visiting!
She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-m...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amreadeauthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/readeandwrite
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amreade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymreade
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 3, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Juniper Junction goes all out for the 4th of July Holiday complete with a celebration and a reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The shopkeepers decorate their stores in banners of Red, White, and Blue, and dress in costumes of the period. This year Lily’s best friend Noley has been awarded the contract to provide all the food for the event but the owners of a new bistro in town want to provide food too. An agreement is made that the bistro will provide an ice cream sundae bar adjacent to Noley’s food tent. Noley has run herself ragged making sure everything is just perfect and the day is going well until one of the owners of the bistro drops dead and Noley is charged with the murder.
As if the murder isn’t enough to keep the police busy, someone is burning down vacant houses. The first house was near a graduation party Lily’s son is attending. Lily witnesses the final house fire herself and may be able to identify the firebug. On top of that Lily is dealing with her mother’s dementia and some tough decisions are going to be made soon. First, though she needs to clear Noley’s name and get her out of jail without becoming another one of the killer’s victims.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Worst Noel, and added this book to my calendar for this week to coincide with the holiday.
Lily and her family are very true to life and deal with issues many of us face. She raised her children on her own and their father has just recently reentered the picture. Her mother is living on her own but her health is truly failing. I love the way her grandchildren step in to help and how close they are, having sleepovers and family meals. They are just as concerned about her as their mom and their uncle.
The one thing that felt a little off is Lily’s business. She does leave her employee in charge a lot as she handles chamber business or chasing down clues, but she also spends an extraordinary time in her office doing paperwork. Her employee is very capable but usually, a small business has the owner covering most of the hours. She must truly have an incredible business to meet all her expenses for both her business and her family and still be able to employ someone more than full-time. Unless I totally missed it she didn’t design any jewelry pieces during this story either.
Now the mystery in this story really had me guessing. Anyone at that event could have been the killer as it was super easy to set up the crime and disappear into the crowd. The same with the firebug. Anyone in town could be starting the fires, even some newly graduated high school students. Lily is pulled in several directions as she tries to sort through the suspects and clues while handling teenagers and her mom and still trying to have a little romance in her life. The author tangles all the events and happenings together superbly giving the book an excellent flow. I was truly surprised by the big reveal and a little sad at the same time.
Dead, White, and Blue was a fun holiday read that helped get me into the spirit for the celebration this weekend. After missing the family get-together last year due to COVID this is our first chance to get our extended clan together. Hopefully, murder won’t play a part in our event and the only firetrucks we will see are in the parade.
Juniper Junction goes all out for the 4th of July Holiday complete with a celebration and a reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The shopkeepers decorate their stores in banners of Red, White, and Blue, and dress in costumes of the period. This year Lily’s best friend Noley has been awarded the contract to provide all the food for the event but the owners of a new bistro in town want to provide food too. An agreement is made that the bistro will provide an ice cream sundae bar adjacent to Noley’s food tent. Noley has run herself ragged making sure everything is just perfect and the day is going well until one of the owners of the bistro drops dead and Noley is charged with the murder.
As if the murder isn’t enough to keep the police busy, someone is burning down vacant houses. The first house was near a graduation party Lily’s son is attending. Lily witnesses the final house fire herself and may be able to identify the firebug. On top of that Lily is dealing with her mother’s dementia and some tough decisions are going to be made soon. First, though she needs to clear Noley’s name and get her out of jail without becoming another one of the killer’s victims.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Worst Noel, and added this book to my calendar for this week to coincide with the holiday.
Lily and her family are very true to life and deal with issues many of us face. She raised her children on her own and their father has just recently reentered the picture. Her mother is living on her own but her health is truly failing. I love the way her grandchildren step in to help and how close they are, having sleepovers and family meals. They are just as concerned about her as their mom and their uncle.
The one thing that felt a little off is Lily’s business. She does leave her employee in charge a lot as she handles chamber business or chasing down clues, but she also spends an extraordinary time in her office doing paperwork. Her employee is very capable but usually, a small business has the owner covering most of the hours. She must truly have an incredible business to meet all her expenses for both her business and her family and still be able to employ someone more than full-time. Unless I totally missed it she didn’t design any jewelry pieces during this story either.
Now the mystery in this story really had me guessing. Anyone at that event could have been the killer as it was super easy to set up the crime and disappear into the crowd. The same with the firebug. Anyone in town could be starting the fires, even some newly graduated high school students. Lily is pulled in several directions as she tries to sort through the suspects and clues while handling teenagers and her mom and still trying to have a little romance in her life. The author tangles all the events and happenings together superbly giving the book an excellent flow. I was truly surprised by the big reveal and a little sad at the same time.
Dead, White, and Blue was a fun holiday read that helped get me into the spirit for the celebration this weekend. After missing the family get-together last year due to COVID this is our first chance to get our extended clan together. Hopefully, murder won’t play a part in our event and the only firetrucks we will see are in the parade.
May 20, 2021
Dead, White and Blue
Juniper Junction Holiday, Book #2
Amy M Reade
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Summer is getting hotter in Juniper Junction, Colorado.
There’s a firebug on the loose, the townspeople are nervous, and Lilly Carlsen, single mom to two teenagers, has even more to worry about. She’s in charge of the Independence Day celebration, her mother’s mental health is declining, and her son is getting ready to leave for college.
But things are about to get even hotter: when a bistro owner dies at the celebration and Lilly’s best friend is charged with murder, events start hitting close to home. It’s up to Lilly to help clear her friend’s name while at the same time dealing her mom’s worsening forgetfulness as well as a coming-of-age issue under her own roof. (Goodreads)
Review:
Lilly still has some problems in her life: the kids are getting older and they do not need her so much, her mom’s dementia is getting worse and her ex is still living in Juniper Junction. But there are some positive things in her life too: her relationship with Hassan is moving along nicely and Noley and her brother are getting along great. She is in charge of town’s reenactment festivities and the Fourth Of July celebration. When someone is killed during the bash, and Noley is a person of interest, Lilly will have to figure out the real killer. And also try to figure who is setting abandoned homes on fire around town before someone gets hurt.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. The time that Lilly spends with her family seems so real and down-to-earth. I can feel her pain knowing that her mom is only going to get worse in her dementia and things will have to change. And I can relate to her feelings about her kids leaving and going to school, those are feelings many of us have had. I feel for Lilly and that keeps me engaged even more.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The mystery was well plotted and had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the reveal at the end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. There is just something about this series that clicks with me and I am enjoying it so much.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Juniper Junction Holiday, Book #2
Amy M Reade
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Summer is getting hotter in Juniper Junction, Colorado.
There’s a firebug on the loose, the townspeople are nervous, and Lilly Carlsen, single mom to two teenagers, has even more to worry about. She’s in charge of the Independence Day celebration, her mother’s mental health is declining, and her son is getting ready to leave for college.
But things are about to get even hotter: when a bistro owner dies at the celebration and Lilly’s best friend is charged with murder, events start hitting close to home. It’s up to Lilly to help clear her friend’s name while at the same time dealing her mom’s worsening forgetfulness as well as a coming-of-age issue under her own roof. (Goodreads)
Review:
Lilly still has some problems in her life: the kids are getting older and they do not need her so much, her mom’s dementia is getting worse and her ex is still living in Juniper Junction. But there are some positive things in her life too: her relationship with Hassan is moving along nicely and Noley and her brother are getting along great. She is in charge of town’s reenactment festivities and the Fourth Of July celebration. When someone is killed during the bash, and Noley is a person of interest, Lilly will have to figure out the real killer. And also try to figure who is setting abandoned homes on fire around town before someone gets hurt.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. The time that Lilly spends with her family seems so real and down-to-earth. I can feel her pain knowing that her mom is only going to get worse in her dementia and things will have to change. And I can relate to her feelings about her kids leaving and going to school, those are feelings many of us have had. I feel for Lilly and that keeps me engaged even more.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The mystery was well plotted and had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the reveal at the end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. There is just something about this series that clicks with me and I am enjoying it so much.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
July 28, 2019
Dead, White and Blue by Amy M. Reade is another winner.
This Independence Day story comes with heat, an arsonist and a murder.
Lilly Carlsen has her hands full because she has a business, she’s in charge of the celebration and her mother appears to be having mental health issues. Her son has just graduated and he’s going to be heading for college. Oh, and her boyfriend is in town, along with his father.
Everything is weighing on Lilly, especially after her closest friend is charged with murder after a local bistro owner is murdered at the Independence Day celebration.
Could Lilly’s son or one of his friends be starting fires in vacant houses? Is her best friend a murderer? And what about her mother’s problems?
I have to say that Ms. Reade has handled all of the issues expertly. I especially like the way her character is handling the issues with her mother while trying to clear her friend’s name. Her son and daughter are at an age where things can be a bit dicey, and she’s on top of that, too.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys a good mystery. I’ve also recommended the book to a friend who’s going through a similar situation with her mother. Very entertaining, and the story gives the reader a lot to think about.
This Independence Day story comes with heat, an arsonist and a murder.
Lilly Carlsen has her hands full because she has a business, she’s in charge of the celebration and her mother appears to be having mental health issues. Her son has just graduated and he’s going to be heading for college. Oh, and her boyfriend is in town, along with his father.
Everything is weighing on Lilly, especially after her closest friend is charged with murder after a local bistro owner is murdered at the Independence Day celebration.
Could Lilly’s son or one of his friends be starting fires in vacant houses? Is her best friend a murderer? And what about her mother’s problems?
I have to say that Ms. Reade has handled all of the issues expertly. I especially like the way her character is handling the issues with her mother while trying to clear her friend’s name. Her son and daughter are at an age where things can be a bit dicey, and she’s on top of that, too.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys a good mystery. I’ve also recommended the book to a friend who’s going through a similar situation with her mother. Very entertaining, and the story gives the reader a lot to think about.
July 1, 2019
"Dead, White, and Blue," the second in the Juniper Junction Holiday mystery series, by Amy M. Reade has everything I look for in a mystery novel and more. Of course, an intriguing plot and a unique and realistic setting are important elements in a novel and the author did a great job with both.
But characters I can relate to and come to care about are the most crucial ingredients to me and this series has them. So, although I was eager to see the killer caught and brought to justice, I was just as eager to find out how everything else in Lilly's complicated life would turn out. And I wasn't disappointed.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
But characters I can relate to and come to care about are the most crucial ingredients to me and this series has them. So, although I was eager to see the killer caught and brought to justice, I was just as eager to find out how everything else in Lilly's complicated life would turn out. And I wasn't disappointed.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
June 27, 2019
Lilly Carlsen's life is getting complicated and the unpleasant developments just aren't slowing down. Dead, White, and Blue delivers a tale with many ingredients: a single mother balancing family life with teenagers, dating, an aging parent, grousing neighbors, work schedules, friends, with a bit of murder and arson thrown in for spice. Mounting fear from the fires being set and a murder with no viable leads raises the tension level in the village and kept me guessing about who the culprit(s) could be. The characters are down-to-earth and familiar in a way that is comfortable to the reader right away. Following Lilly as she conducts her own inquiries to clear up the mystery was fun to the end! And speaking of the end, there are several recipes included there for some of the foods featured in the story. Must have the Blueberry Studmuffins!
January 8, 2020
In this second book in the Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery Series, Ms. Reade has continued with the characters that we grew to love in the first book with a few new ones sprinkled in. Not to fret, the slightly annoying ones are back again. Though the nosy neighbor seems to be mellowing a bit in this book.
This time around the good folks of Juniper Junction are getting ready for the Fourth of July and reenacting the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Lilly is also attending the graduation of Tighe and is feeling quite emotional at the thought of her baby boy moving away from home to attend college. Once again murder comes calling in the small town and Lilly is once again in the midst of it. This time not as a suspect but rather as the best friend of the main suspect. As if the murder of the newest member of the Chamber of Commerce isn't enough, there is an arsonist on the loose and several old homes in town have been going up in flames.
Lilly also intervenes when one of Tighe's good friends has been making some bad choices with almost very severe consequences.
Bill and Lilly also have to make some serious decisions to make about their mother who has been deteriorating. She does provide some great smile moments as she did in the first book.
I read this book in one sitting and did not want it to end. Bring on Book Three!! Definitely need to be able to give more than 5 stars.
This time around the good folks of Juniper Junction are getting ready for the Fourth of July and reenacting the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Lilly is also attending the graduation of Tighe and is feeling quite emotional at the thought of her baby boy moving away from home to attend college. Once again murder comes calling in the small town and Lilly is once again in the midst of it. This time not as a suspect but rather as the best friend of the main suspect. As if the murder of the newest member of the Chamber of Commerce isn't enough, there is an arsonist on the loose and several old homes in town have been going up in flames.
Lilly also intervenes when one of Tighe's good friends has been making some bad choices with almost very severe consequences.
Bill and Lilly also have to make some serious decisions to make about their mother who has been deteriorating. She does provide some great smile moments as she did in the first book.
I read this book in one sitting and did not want it to end. Bring on Book Three!! Definitely need to be able to give more than 5 stars.
July 25, 2020
Lilly is retiring as President from her local Chamber of Commerce. Her last official act is to oversee the 4th of July celebration. During the celebration, while Lilly is giving her speech, local merchant, Cerise Deveau, keels over...and rumor has speculates it's from something she ate.
Noley Appleton, the caterer and Lilly's best friend, is on the hot seat since she made all the food and served Cerise a salad right before she died. Can Lilly figure out who really wanted Cerise dead in time to save her friend?
Meanwhile the town is being riddled with fires of unoccupied homes. Who is behind these fires and why are they targeting homes with no one living in them?
I really wanted to love this one since I adore cozies so much. I enjoyed the mystery itself but I had trouble connecting with Lilly, and honestly her character is what ruined this book for me. She had such a negative attitude about people and situations and rolled her eyes so often I could barely finish this.
Don't get me wrong, I understand how people can be annoying and how some situations can make people irritated but the amount of times she bad mouthed people in her head while smiling to their faces annoyed me. I may give another book in this series a try but if Lilly's attitude is the same then this series is dead in the water for me.
Noley Appleton, the caterer and Lilly's best friend, is on the hot seat since she made all the food and served Cerise a salad right before she died. Can Lilly figure out who really wanted Cerise dead in time to save her friend?
Meanwhile the town is being riddled with fires of unoccupied homes. Who is behind these fires and why are they targeting homes with no one living in them?
I really wanted to love this one since I adore cozies so much. I enjoyed the mystery itself but I had trouble connecting with Lilly, and honestly her character is what ruined this book for me. She had such a negative attitude about people and situations and rolled her eyes so often I could barely finish this.
Don't get me wrong, I understand how people can be annoying and how some situations can make people irritated but the amount of times she bad mouthed people in her head while smiling to their faces annoyed me. I may give another book in this series a try but if Lilly's attitude is the same then this series is dead in the water for me.
June 13, 2020
Dead, White, and Blue is the perfect cozy mystery and you get two mysteries in one - a murder mystery and an arson mystery.
Jewelry-store owner, Lilly has her hands full this summer, with her son getting into a little trouble and comes under suspicious of arson, her boyfriend’s father is in town searching for a house, her ex shows up, her mom is losing her memory, and her best friend is accused of murder.
But Lilly keeps it together and deals with each issue in its own time. She is the perfect friend when she goes on the hunt for the real killer, while handling everything else in her life. I think I would have lost it long ago, but not our heroine! She is one tough cookie!
I loved how the author depicted Lilly in a real light with real problems, but very strong in how she deals with them. Lilly loves those in her life and it shows in her actions. She takes care of everyone around her and I really connected to her. And it was spot on with her mom’s memory issues, as someone in my own life was dealing with the exact same issue while I was reading this story.
This was the first book I’ve read from this author and I will definitely be back for more! I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with real-life issues and relatable characters.
Jewelry-store owner, Lilly has her hands full this summer, with her son getting into a little trouble and comes under suspicious of arson, her boyfriend’s father is in town searching for a house, her ex shows up, her mom is losing her memory, and her best friend is accused of murder.
But Lilly keeps it together and deals with each issue in its own time. She is the perfect friend when she goes on the hunt for the real killer, while handling everything else in her life. I think I would have lost it long ago, but not our heroine! She is one tough cookie!
I loved how the author depicted Lilly in a real light with real problems, but very strong in how she deals with them. Lilly loves those in her life and it shows in her actions. She takes care of everyone around her and I really connected to her. And it was spot on with her mom’s memory issues, as someone in my own life was dealing with the exact same issue while I was reading this story.
This was the first book I’ve read from this author and I will definitely be back for more! I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with real-life issues and relatable characters.
July 6, 2023
What better way to spend my 4th of July week-end than devouring author Amy M. Reade's "Dead, White, and Blue", the second installment of the Juniper Junction Holiday Mysteries? I began reading this series at book number seven, so this time I decided to go more towards the beginning. As before, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to jump right into the story and feel at home with main character Lilly Carlsen's friends and family. In this installment, an arsonist is at work in Juniper Junction, mysteriously coinciding with some odd behavior from Lilly's teen son. In addition, a murder takes place in the middle of the town's 4th of July celebration...with Lilly's best friend as the main suspect. Throw in an aging parent, teenagers, an ex-husband, and a distracted significant other, and things really begin to heat up with the weather. This was another enjoyable story from this author, with well-planned plot development and very relatable characters, all making for a fun read. Highly recommended for all fans of cozy mystery!
July 22, 2019
I enjoyed the first book in the Juniper Junction series so looked forward to reading Dead, White and Blue. It was lovely to return to Lilly, a mom of two teenagers and a jewelry store owner. Lilly's family, including her children Tighe and Laurel, as well as Lilly's ex-husband, her new love, her mother, her brother, and her best friend, all are written so "real-to-life" that you can imagine them as next-door neighbors. I suppose that's what makes the book a "cozy," as well as the slow-moving mystery that evolves and then revolves around these cast of characters. Author Reade doesn't just delve into the mystery of a murder and unexplained fires; she delves into parenting, teen drinking, and dementia with a deft hand that makes this COZY an illuminating and enlightening read. And with a fun twist at the end.
February 4, 2020
This is a follow up to Book 1, "The Worst Noel" I like these books, not because the mystery plot is intricate and unsolvable, but because I love the characters. Lilly Carlsen, jewelry shop owner, mother of two teenagers, and daughter to Bev, is a very complex character all on her own. When her best friend and brother, Bill's, girlfriend, becomes suspect number one in a murder, Lilly does all she can to help her out. All this while she's juggling secrets from her teenage son, and her mother's worsening dementia. Her boyfriend, Hassan, is busy with his father's visit from Minnesota. Lilly is in charge of the town's 4th of July celebration which her friend, Noley, is catering When a murder occurs right in the middle of Noley's food tent, all is chaos. I love the interaction of the characters. The murder solution was a bit quick and easy, but still believable. Not a bad read.
August 22, 2019
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Dead, White, and Blue was jam-packed with relatable scenarios and characters. I’ve touched on a few of them below.
1.) Secretive children: The older your children become the less you are aware of what they are doing. They say they are going one place but actually end up in another. And underage drinking….. it happens everyday and children should be punished for it. I respect how Lilly handled the situation. You just can’t let things like that slide.
2.) Dementia: According to alz.org, it affects your memory, communication and language, ability to pay attention and focus, reasoning and judgment, and visual perception. Amy addressed all the symptoms. Plus, she gave realistic reactions and thoughts regarding Dementia. In fact, Tighe delivered the most powerful response when him and his mom, Lilly, were discussing Bev (Dementia sufferer). Below is a condensed version of that conversation.
Lilly regarding Bev, her mother: “She’s strong and healthy, with the exception of her mind.”
Tighe: “That’s the worst part, don’t you think? Her body will keep living while her mind dies.”
I can’t fathom anyone not be affected by his words…….
3.) Wrongfully accused of a crime: The news is littered with cases of people arrested for crimes they didn’t commit. The accused swears they are innocent. Friends and family stand firm the accused couldn’t have done it. But, the police arrest them anyways. Sometimes the accused is guilty BUT everyday we discover innocent people are behind bars and guilty of nothing. In Dead, White, and Blue, Noley is accused of using cyanide to murder Cerise and Lilly vows to clear Noley’s name. Again, I can’t personally relate to this predicament but I know others can. Cases like these are always in the news, and most times the innocent don’t walk away free.
Now onto my thoughts regarding the two investigations: the arsonist and the real murderer.
Murder mystery: I figured out who the murderer was but I was only partly right on the why.
Firebug mystery: The arsonist’s identity escaped me. I knew certain people were too obvious of a choice and was pleased to see I was right about their innocence. As for who actually started the fires and why, I will say the perp’s reasoning for setting the fires was totally plausible. Actually, I’m pretty sure if I do an Internet search I’d find a news report on such a similar situation.
If reading a good mystery wasn’t enough for you, Amy included THREE recipes in the back of the book. I can’t wait to try Noley’s Blueberry Studmuffins. Simple ingredients. Simple directions. Sounds perfect and I bet they will taste heavenly too!
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
Dead, White, and Blue was jam-packed with relatable scenarios and characters. I’ve touched on a few of them below.
1.) Secretive children: The older your children become the less you are aware of what they are doing. They say they are going one place but actually end up in another. And underage drinking….. it happens everyday and children should be punished for it. I respect how Lilly handled the situation. You just can’t let things like that slide.
2.) Dementia: According to alz.org, it affects your memory, communication and language, ability to pay attention and focus, reasoning and judgment, and visual perception. Amy addressed all the symptoms. Plus, she gave realistic reactions and thoughts regarding Dementia. In fact, Tighe delivered the most powerful response when him and his mom, Lilly, were discussing Bev (Dementia sufferer). Below is a condensed version of that conversation.
Lilly regarding Bev, her mother: “She’s strong and healthy, with the exception of her mind.”
Tighe: “That’s the worst part, don’t you think? Her body will keep living while her mind dies.”
I can’t fathom anyone not be affected by his words…….
3.) Wrongfully accused of a crime: The news is littered with cases of people arrested for crimes they didn’t commit. The accused swears they are innocent. Friends and family stand firm the accused couldn’t have done it. But, the police arrest them anyways. Sometimes the accused is guilty BUT everyday we discover innocent people are behind bars and guilty of nothing. In Dead, White, and Blue, Noley is accused of using cyanide to murder Cerise and Lilly vows to clear Noley’s name. Again, I can’t personally relate to this predicament but I know others can. Cases like these are always in the news, and most times the innocent don’t walk away free.
Now onto my thoughts regarding the two investigations: the arsonist and the real murderer.
Murder mystery: I figured out who the murderer was but I was only partly right on the why.
Firebug mystery: The arsonist’s identity escaped me. I knew certain people were too obvious of a choice and was pleased to see I was right about their innocence. As for who actually started the fires and why, I will say the perp’s reasoning for setting the fires was totally plausible. Actually, I’m pretty sure if I do an Internet search I’d find a news report on such a similar situation.
If reading a good mystery wasn’t enough for you, Amy included THREE recipes in the back of the book. I can’t wait to try Noley’s Blueberry Studmuffins. Simple ingredients. Simple directions. Sounds perfect and I bet they will taste heavenly too!
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
July 5, 2023
"Dead, White, and Blue" by Amy M. Reade is the 2nd book in the "Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery" series. It is a much more involved mystery with multiple layers that I wasn't expecting from the cheerful cover. It is still very cozy of a mystery, which makes it right in my wheelhouse. It is fairly standalone, though the characters do reference things that must have happened in the first book. The 4th of July theme is strong and there's a high school graduation theme to it too. If you like a good holiday cozy, this book is that.
November 29, 2025
This is the second book in the “Juniper Junction” series that I read. Again, nice plot, very well written and great main characters. This time, the story is about a poisoned bistro owner and Lilly’s best friend is the murder suspect. Plus there is an arsonist active in Juniper Junction, I already look forward “meeting” Lilly and her children Tighe, and Laurel as well as Hassan and the other main characters again.
June 20, 2023
Such a good book!
This story revolves around a typical family. Teenagers, exhusband, new boyfriend and husbands new girlfriend, dogs, murder and arson! What more could you ask of a story? I throughly enjoyed the down to earth plot that really kept me guessing! I recommend this book!!
This story revolves around a typical family. Teenagers, exhusband, new boyfriend and husbands new girlfriend, dogs, murder and arson! What more could you ask of a story? I throughly enjoyed the down to earth plot that really kept me guessing! I recommend this book!!
December 9, 2024
In this murder mystery novel, Lilly’s friend Noley is arrested for the murder of a rival restaurant owner. Lilly sets out to investigate. Several houses in the village have caught on fire, Lilly’s mother is losing her mind, and Lilly’s ex is back in town. Recommended.
May 5, 2025
Great cozy read
Interesting characters that feel could easily be part of your family. The mystery was solid. Took me close to the end of the story to suspect who committed the crimes. Will definitely continue the series and look forward to the character development.
Interesting characters that feel could easily be part of your family. The mystery was solid. Took me close to the end of the story to suspect who committed the crimes. Will definitely continue the series and look forward to the character development.
January 10, 2025
Paperback
December 3, 2025
I love this little series. On to the next one!
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