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Bath Bombs & Beyond: A Fanny Doyle Cozy Ghost Mystery
Do you believe in ghosts? I wish I didn’t. After I retired, Sandy and I opened Bathhouse Row Soapery. Boy, that was a dumb idea. Opening day, I fell backward off a stepladder, cracked my noggin on the sidewalk and woke with the ability to communicate with Fanny Doyle, Al Capone’s shirt maker. Cracking my noggin was nothing compared to seeing a ghost. Things go from bad to worse fast. Etta, our first employee, finds a dead cabaret singer poisoned by our bath bombs. I’m suspect #1 because I mixed that experimental batch of bombs. Our new sheriff, Dick, shuts down the Row, calls in crime scene investigators and hauls away our bath bomb ingredients. Now I have a murderer on my hands and a ghost with big-time issues. If I don’t solve the murder, and get rid of Fanny, our little soap shop will become the laughingstock of Central Avenue. Can I salvage our sudsy little soapery before it’s too late? Filled with whacky Southern characters, friendly ghostly fun, sweet friendships, and sparring rivals Bath Bombs & Beyond will make you wish you had a ghost girlfriend, too.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2019
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182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 13, 2020
Patti and Sandy are the proud owners of a new bath and lotion shop. Unknown to them both is that the former owner, Fanny Doyle, shot and killed on the property in the 1920's is still there. When Patti falls off the ladder opening day, she finds she can now see and talk to Fanny.
I found the characters likable in this first in the series and the mystery well done but the grammatical and typo errors in this book made me give it a lower rating that I would have. There weren't a lot but enough to taint my enjoyment of the book. Hopefully, the next book will be better as there is a lot to enjoy in these characters.
I found the characters likable in this first in the series and the mystery well done but the grammatical and typo errors in this book made me give it a lower rating that I would have. There weren't a lot but enough to taint my enjoyment of the book. Hopefully, the next book will be better as there is a lot to enjoy in these characters.
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January 14, 2020I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Can Pattianna successfully ignore Fanny?
Bath Bombs and Beyond by Violet Patton is an exciting book with a slight twist to the typical cozy mystery vibe.
Our heroine is Pattianna Frugo; she is also our only main character as this book is written the first person narrative. Pattianna is a retired secretary from the police force. She and her best friend are opening up a shop that sells lotion, bath bombs, salt scrubs, and everything a girl needs for a night of pampering.
We have our love interest as well another retiree from the police force this one is a detective.
For the sidekick, she is a hoot. Fanny is such a fun character and one that I enjoyed.
What I like:
I love that this book is in the first person as it made the book that much better especially when it comes to the sidekick. Fanny is such a great character especially the way she is introduced.
The mystery was pretty interesting and kept me going as that is a pretty ingenious way to kill someone.
Teddy and Patti flirt a lot. It was cute and something that they end up doing over some silly things.
Fanny hands down she is so amazing. I do feel bad for her though and what she deals with everytime Patti doesn’t want to listen to her.
What I dislike:
I didn’t like the reason behind the crime. It felt unnecessary, and I get it at the same time. The last thing I didn’t like is that the book has a few editing errors that took me out of the story.
Four Stars
Bath Bombs and Beyond by Violet Patton is a good book that just needed maybe one more edit. However, the story and the mystery were great. I am giving this novel a four-star review, and I loved it. A Bathhouse Row Cozy Mystery Series is a great new series. I will be reading the next book Found Dead in the Red Head when it is released in February.
Anyways until next time enjoy this review brought to you by,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Bath Bombs and Beyond by Violet Patton is an exciting book with a slight twist to the typical cozy mystery vibe.
Our heroine is Pattianna Frugo; she is also our only main character as this book is written the first person narrative. Pattianna is a retired secretary from the police force. She and her best friend are opening up a shop that sells lotion, bath bombs, salt scrubs, and everything a girl needs for a night of pampering.
We have our love interest as well another retiree from the police force this one is a detective.
For the sidekick, she is a hoot. Fanny is such a fun character and one that I enjoyed.
What I like:
I love that this book is in the first person as it made the book that much better especially when it comes to the sidekick. Fanny is such a great character especially the way she is introduced.
The mystery was pretty interesting and kept me going as that is a pretty ingenious way to kill someone.
Teddy and Patti flirt a lot. It was cute and something that they end up doing over some silly things.
Fanny hands down she is so amazing. I do feel bad for her though and what she deals with everytime Patti doesn’t want to listen to her.
What I dislike:
I didn’t like the reason behind the crime. It felt unnecessary, and I get it at the same time. The last thing I didn’t like is that the book has a few editing errors that took me out of the story.
Four Stars Bath Bombs and Beyond by Violet Patton is a good book that just needed maybe one more edit. However, the story and the mystery were great. I am giving this novel a four-star review, and I loved it. A Bathhouse Row Cozy Mystery Series is a great new series. I will be reading the next book Found Dead in the Red Head when it is released in February.
Anyways until next time enjoy this review brought to you by,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
September 19, 2020
Interesting start
Patti and Sandy are starting a new chapter in life opening a soap shop selling soaps potions and bathbombs. Pin the show first day Patti falls and knocks herself out and wakes up seeing ghosts. In particular the ghost of the seamstress Danny who had the shop in the 20's before she was shot and killed there.
After a customer dies and the new Sheriff pretty much blames Patti's homemade bathbombs, along with Fanny , Patti gets the clues to clear her name.
The book is interesting though admittedly i did find some of Fanny's Irish gangster speak quite difficult to decipher, the characters are flawed but interesting and the storyline intriguing. I think the who was clear just not the why! I will read the next one to read more of Patti Danny and Sandy. Will Etta come back to work? And will Patti admit her feelings for retired detective Teddy?
A good quick read
Patti and Sandy are starting a new chapter in life opening a soap shop selling soaps potions and bathbombs. Pin the show first day Patti falls and knocks herself out and wakes up seeing ghosts. In particular the ghost of the seamstress Danny who had the shop in the 20's before she was shot and killed there.
After a customer dies and the new Sheriff pretty much blames Patti's homemade bathbombs, along with Fanny , Patti gets the clues to clear her name.
The book is interesting though admittedly i did find some of Fanny's Irish gangster speak quite difficult to decipher, the characters are flawed but interesting and the storyline intriguing. I think the who was clear just not the why! I will read the next one to read more of Patti Danny and Sandy. Will Etta come back to work? And will Patti admit her feelings for retired detective Teddy?
A good quick read
July 18, 2021
Bath Bombs and Beyond: Do you Believe in Ghosts? (A Fanny Doyle Cozy Ghost Mystery Book 1) (26 chapters) — Violet Patton July 13, 2021
I read this as apart of a set called A Fanny Doyle Cozy Ghost Mystery Box Set Books 1-3.
This first book in this delightful series, if you like a 1920’s ghost and cozy mysteries, is pretty decent. I really liked Fanny, Patti, Teddy and the other characters in this story.
The story started immediately when Pattianna fell and bumped her head and saw a ghost. After its and starts, the ghost tells her a little bit about herself and also helps her solve a mystery.
Patti feels bad because she thinks she could’ve stopped the killing, but everything works out in the end.
The protagonist is an older woman with grown kids, and although I’m not very groovy with those cozy plots, the ghost really added a spark that was needed.
I am hoping that the mysteries get a little better after this.
Two stars.
I read this as apart of a set called A Fanny Doyle Cozy Ghost Mystery Box Set Books 1-3.
This first book in this delightful series, if you like a 1920’s ghost and cozy mysteries, is pretty decent. I really liked Fanny, Patti, Teddy and the other characters in this story.
The story started immediately when Pattianna fell and bumped her head and saw a ghost. After its and starts, the ghost tells her a little bit about herself and also helps her solve a mystery.
Patti feels bad because she thinks she could’ve stopped the killing, but everything works out in the end.
The protagonist is an older woman with grown kids, and although I’m not very groovy with those cozy plots, the ghost really added a spark that was needed.
I am hoping that the mysteries get a little better after this.
Two stars.
January 30, 2020
Bath Bombs & Beyond
This is a cozy little mystery that will have you somewhere between laughing, crying and telling in joy! Two "middle aged" women open a shop selling lotions and potions, homemade. One falls and received a gooseegg on her head which gives her the wonderful gift is seeing ghosts! Good thing she lives in a southern thorn reknown for being haunted. They once worked for the local sheriff's office but we're retired when the new sheriff arrived. Now not only does she see hosts but she had to convince locals and the cops that her shop (and her and her friend) are innocent of murder!!
Fantastic story and read!!!
This is a cozy little mystery that will have you somewhere between laughing, crying and telling in joy! Two "middle aged" women open a shop selling lotions and potions, homemade. One falls and received a gooseegg on her head which gives her the wonderful gift is seeing ghosts! Good thing she lives in a southern thorn reknown for being haunted. They once worked for the local sheriff's office but we're retired when the new sheriff arrived. Now not only does she see hosts but she had to convince locals and the cops that her shop (and her and her friend) are innocent of murder!!
Fantastic story and read!!!
April 7, 2022
Death by bath bomb
I am not quite sure what to make of this book. There were many instances where the uncalled for and unfounded assumptions that were made by Pattiana were very annoying, so much so that it I was reading the paperback version, I would have tossed it. I am not sure why Fanny's ghost was introduced in this book, except she was a distraction. Most times, I did not have a clue as to what she was saying, I needed a translator. The reason given for the murder made no sense, neither did the sudden appearance of John Lake. Too many little bits and pieces tacked together, this spoiled the story.
I am not quite sure what to make of this book. There were many instances where the uncalled for and unfounded assumptions that were made by Pattiana were very annoying, so much so that it I was reading the paperback version, I would have tossed it. I am not sure why Fanny's ghost was introduced in this book, except she was a distraction. Most times, I did not have a clue as to what she was saying, I needed a translator. The reason given for the murder made no sense, neither did the sudden appearance of John Lake. Too many little bits and pieces tacked together, this spoiled the story.
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January 25, 2020Bath Bombs &Beyond
This is a story of Hot Springs,Arkansas and the famous Bathhouse Row. Two women open a fancy soap and bath bomb store in Bathhouse Row. A new singer comes into the soap store and buys some soaps and bath bombs then is ruffed up by a companion in front of the shop. Next day the singer is found dead in her bathtub. One of the shop owners has a fall with a head injury and starts seeing and talking to a ghost. There is plenty of action in this story. I gave it 5 stars and recommend it to everyone.
This is a story of Hot Springs,Arkansas and the famous Bathhouse Row. Two women open a fancy soap and bath bomb store in Bathhouse Row. A new singer comes into the soap store and buys some soaps and bath bombs then is ruffed up by a companion in front of the shop. Next day the singer is found dead in her bathtub. One of the shop owners has a fall with a head injury and starts seeing and talking to a ghost. There is plenty of action in this story. I gave it 5 stars and recommend it to everyone.
July 8, 2021
3.5 stars
This concept was intriguing and had the ability to draw the audience in. Alas, the main characters were not terribly sympathetic and didn't come across as hero material. Also, there were editing errors that jarred. However, the premise! It's got me hooked and I'll probably delve into the series to see where this all goes. (Also, the method of murder in the story is diabolically genius.)
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
(Copied from another edition located on Goodreads)
This concept was intriguing and had the ability to draw the audience in. Alas, the main characters were not terribly sympathetic and didn't come across as hero material. Also, there were editing errors that jarred. However, the premise! It's got me hooked and I'll probably delve into the series to see where this all goes. (Also, the method of murder in the story is diabolically genius.)
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
(Copied from another edition located on Goodreads)
September 20, 2020
An Enjoyable New Cozy
Patti and Sandy have a new bath products business. While getting ready to open their new store, Patti has a bad fall and meets Fanny, a friendly but slightly confused ghost. Confused because the last time she was alive Al Capone was a customer of hero I'm
I've seen o.o seamstress business. As Patti is the only one who can see or hear Fanny, she assumes Fanny is a hallucination from her head injury.
While trying to ignore persistent Fanny who needs help solving her own murder, Patti tries to figure out how a beautiful young woman dies after using one of her custom made bath bombs.
I enjoyed this book so much I've already ordered the next in the series -- Found Dead in the Redhead.
Patti and Sandy have a new bath products business. While getting ready to open their new store, Patti has a bad fall and meets Fanny, a friendly but slightly confused ghost. Confused because the last time she was alive Al Capone was a customer of hero I'm
I've seen o.o seamstress business. As Patti is the only one who can see or hear Fanny, she assumes Fanny is a hallucination from her head injury.
While trying to ignore persistent Fanny who needs help solving her own murder, Patti tries to figure out how a beautiful young woman dies after using one of her custom made bath bombs.
I enjoyed this book so much I've already ordered the next in the series -- Found Dead in the Redhead.
September 30, 2020
I didn't like this book much. I liked the premise of the main character hitting her head and then seeing a ghost (although that's the same thing that happened in another author's books) but I didn't like that she called women "dames" in this modern day just as an example. I received this book free so I thought I would read it. I also have gotten for free 3 other books in the series but I don't think I'm going to waste my time reading them. I'm glad I didn't buy them.
March 16, 2021
Soap Bomb Murder
Patti is prepping her new business for its grand opening when she falls off a ladder and hits her head on the sidewalk. After a brief moment of unconsciousness she recovers with a splitting headache and a ghost yelling at her. The ghost keeps telling her to get out of her shop. During the soft opening, Patti watches a customer being man handled by a man who throws her into a car and drives away. Later the customer is found dead. Could the soap Patti sold her have killed her. Read along and find out.
Patti is prepping her new business for its grand opening when she falls off a ladder and hits her head on the sidewalk. After a brief moment of unconsciousness she recovers with a splitting headache and a ghost yelling at her. The ghost keeps telling her to get out of her shop. During the soft opening, Patti watches a customer being man handled by a man who throws her into a car and drives away. Later the customer is found dead. Could the soap Patti sold her have killed her. Read along and find out.
April 22, 2021
Delightful Cozy Mystery
Very well done, so entertaining. Falling off a ladder and cooking her head, our girl can now see and hear the ghost of a 1920s lady . There are shady gangster characters who cause no end of trouble, gossips, and great friends. And one annoyingly man that on one calls Sheriff, even though he is one. His name is Dick. Nuff said. You will enjoy this story, which will be read in one sitting, because it is so difficult to put down!
Very well done, so entertaining. Falling off a ladder and cooking her head, our girl can now see and hear the ghost of a 1920s lady . There are shady gangster characters who cause no end of trouble, gossips, and great friends. And one annoyingly man that on one calls Sheriff, even though he is one. His name is Dick. Nuff said. You will enjoy this story, which will be read in one sitting, because it is so difficult to put down!
June 10, 2021
This was a fun read. A fast read. Not every mystery has a ghost to help solve it. And while having her own death investigated. After falling and hitting her head, Pattianne can see and hear the ghost, Fanny Doyle. At first Fanny wants Pattianne and Sandy out of her seamstress shop. But, she an Patti become friends. A murder is committed by using one of Patti's bath bombs and Fanny gets involved to help prove her friend innocent.
January 17, 2021
This is a very enjoyable book. Our heroine, Pattie, falls & hits her head & then she sees a ghost! She keeps talking to the ghost which makes people think she’s crazy! There’s a very nasty murder & nearly another one. The ghost used to be a seamstress in the shop that now sells all these fancy bath bombs, soaps & lotions. But, all gets sorted out in the end.
March 24, 2021
Lots of laughs
This is great reading the ghost especially with her old fashioned speech. A mixture of cosy mystery and tall tales with a ghost companion really gets the read a fun into reading for those that don’t always like either supernatural or cosy mystery books being a mix of the two hilarious.
This is great reading the ghost especially with her old fashioned speech. A mixture of cosy mystery and tall tales with a ghost companion really gets the read a fun into reading for those that don’t always like either supernatural or cosy mystery books being a mix of the two hilarious.
March 26, 2021
Kinda sounded Kirby at first but turns out to be a fine read
At first I thought it would be a quirky read, a cozy mystery to enjoy reading for an afternoon. Then I got invested in Danny, her new ghost friend and was hooked. Definitely going to read more of this series if they're all this good.
At first I thought it would be a quirky read, a cozy mystery to enjoy reading for an afternoon. Then I got invested in Danny, her new ghost friend and was hooked. Definitely going to read more of this series if they're all this good.
February 28, 2021
Well the story was good. Lady falls off step ladder and can a ghost. The ghost had a seamstress shop in the same location back in the 1920’s. A murder happens, the killer is eventually captured with help from the ghost and the story ends. No resolution for our ghost seamstress.
April 14, 2021
Wicked Indeed!
It was different from what I expected, it was enjoyable and I was hoping for more on Fanny but maybe that is another sequel. The murder mystery was good but too much mush on Etta
It was different from what I expected, it was enjoyable and I was hoping for more on Fanny but maybe that is another sequel. The murder mystery was good but too much mush on Etta
April 17, 2021
I throughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t read fast enough to figure out who was the murderer. The characters were believable and likable. If you like mysteries with a ghost then I recommend this book for you. Cannot wait to read more from this author.
June 24, 2021
Very entertaining!
If you can show reading about ghosts crime, you will love this book It had surprises Because just what you figured out who you thought was the bad person You find out it isn't Well worth your time.
If you can show reading about ghosts crime, you will love this book It had surprises Because just what you figured out who you thought was the bad person You find out it isn't Well worth your time.
August 18, 2021
The Ghost
This book was so amazing I could not wait to turn the pages. It is a love story, a mystery, a comedy all in one. You will wonder, you will laugh, cry and try to solve. The best book I have read in a while. It is a must read. Look for Danny.
This book was so amazing I could not wait to turn the pages. It is a love story, a mystery, a comedy all in one. You will wonder, you will laugh, cry and try to solve. The best book I have read in a while. It is a must read. Look for Danny.
March 1, 2022
Received this from an author's Bookfunnel promotion. I like the story, and the characters, as well. The only thing I didn't like were all the printing typos. It's cute, though, and I recommend reading it.
January 12, 2020
Wonderful
I could not wait to read this book to find out what happens. I can't wait to read the rest.
I could not wait to read this book to find out what happens. I can't wait to read the rest.
January 15, 2020
Good story.
When you see a ghost, can talk to her but nobody else hears or sees her it can lead to some unusual situations. I will read more of this author's work.
When you see a ghost, can talk to her but nobody else hears or sees her it can lead to some unusual situations. I will read more of this author's work.
March 29, 2020
Nice
This is a little quirky. The Irish ghost can be a little hard to follow. But all in all this is a good book.
This is a little quirky. The Irish ghost can be a little hard to follow. But all in all this is a good book.
May 3, 2020
The book was rather fun ,I have read books of a Similar in nature before
July 25, 2020
Very interesting story. It caught my attention and I read from beginning to end, enjoying every minute. I will be reading more of Violet's books.
January 15, 2021
Needs a good edit. Decent try but too unpolished. Needs a lot of work. Did not finish.
February 5, 2021
Attention fanny wins day
A ghost who helped catch the bad guy and solved the murder is an asset to the outcome of murdered
A ghost who helped catch the bad guy and solved the murder is an asset to the outcome of murdered
March 27, 2021
I loved the characters including a ghost from 1929.It was fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews