Get ready for a thrilling and suspenseful ride with A Devilish Choice, a must-read cozy mystery set in Devil Springs, Kentucky. Lawyer and court clerk Greer Galloway finds herself in a difficult position when she becomes the deciding vote on a major courthouse renovation. However, the project developer happens to be the father of Greer's rival for a seat on the bench. Greer knows that Devil Springs needs a new courthouse, but her vote could potentially ruin her own campaign.
As if that wasn't enough, Greer's personal life is in turmoil. Her long-term beau Brock is acting strangely, and Greer can't shake the feeling that he's about to propose. But does she want him to?
Things take a dangerous turn when Judge Winslow, Greer's mentor, escapes an attack while on a temporary assignment to the supreme court for a murder case. The attack bears a striking resemblance to how the victim in the same case met her demise. Greer is convinced the attacks are connected, even after the subsequent death of someone with a connection to the murderer and victim.
With twists and turns at every corner, A Devilish Choice is a page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Join Greer as she navigates the dangerous world of politics and murder in a small Kentucky town. Will she be able to solve the case and save her own campaign? Don't miss out on this gripping novel that is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
A Devilish Choice is the fifth book in the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries Series.
Jennifer Bramseth is the author of the Bourbon Springs Series and Bourbonland Series of contemporary romances, and the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries. She is a Kentucky native and lifelong resident who lives next to a horse farm and within minutes of several bourbon distilleries.
There's a strength to a Bramseth character that is not always obvious, but inevitably shines through. Readers get to grow with Greer as she realizes her importance to the town and the benefit of staying true to herself. A Devilish Choice is 45% mystery, 25% heart and 30% self discovery. It's easy to get caught up in the twists and turns, but we tend to brush by the emotional journey to the truth. Bramseth takes that thought to heart and keeps the head in the game while taking control of the heart.
I feel like Greer finally got some personality. Book one of this series barely had her as a character. In books 2-4 she felt like a one dimensional workaholic with limited relationships of any kind that would give us a sense of who Greer Galloway is besides a reluctant county court clerk.
Not only do we finally get any sense that her boyfriend actually means something to her, but she softens toward a long time rival. The latter being the much more interesting plot line.
So far, these mysteries have had a fairly obvious formula that has allowed me to guess the perpetrator. I don’t ever mind that in a cozy mystery, being satisfied if I find myself questioning that initial guess. This time, I remembered having that same inkling at the beginning, but had decided long before the final chapters that I just must be wrong as I looked to pin the crime on someone else. So I found myself genuinely surprised at the reveal.
This was a clear improvement in Ms. Bramseth’s foray into the cozy mystery genre. I admit I missed her little addendum at the end highlighting tie ins to her other books. There were several this time!
A Devilish Choice by Jennifer Bramseth Devil Springs Cozy Mystery #5
Greer Galloway is still Clerk at the Court House in Devil Springs, happily dating boyfriend Brock and hoping to be engaged in the near future. She is happy to be where she is though wouldn’t mind one day being the judge in the courthouse she now is clerk in. The story would not exist without a murder so...murder there is. There are some overlaps that are not apparent at first but that is remedied before the end of the book. I truly enjoy returning to this series because it is a thinking reader’s cozy mystery with a bit to learn (by me) with each book that comes along.
What I liked: * The “real-ness” of the book * Greer’s unflinching ability to face...whatever happens * The people that Greer works with * Brock’s tenacity...whatever happens * The vying for judge-ships and what it entails * A look at “bad” lawyers and how they sometimes get their comeuppances * The way the story is told and how it all works out in the end
What I did not like: * What I was meant not to like – the baddies were truly bad though they may not have thought they were * Taking a look at what some people do in the name of revenge, love, thwarted love, whatever...some people definitely don’t think like I do
Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I like to read more in this series/by this author? Without a doubt!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Well, Ms. Bramseth has done it again. Devilish Choice is another GREAT book!! If you are a fan of this author’s books, you will not be disappointed in this book....or series. The Devilish Springs is a bit of a departure from the Boubonland or Bourbon Springs series, but nonetheless entertaining. The one thing I love and have repeatedly said about Ms. Bramseth’s books, is that they are stories about legal events and happenings, but at the same time makes it so the lay person can understand all the legalese.
This is the continuing story of Greer Galloway as Bain County Circuit Court Clerk, however, there are so many things going on at once, personally and professionally. Her friend and mentor is attacked. Everyone thinks it is a hunting accident, but is it? There was a deadly accident that lead to her boyfriend being hospitalized. Everyone said the accident was the result of ice on the road...again, was it? This book is chocked full of multiple layered stories that are all tightly woven together. It is an extremely well written!!! If you like legal stories, then you will love this book!!!
I have received an advance copy of A Devilish Choice for an honest review, and honestly loved this book!!!
This book was my favorite of the whole series. I mean, they were all good! But this one really got me caught up in the story!
Greer finds herself again in an uncomfortable situation, being the deciding vote on a major courthouse renovation project, involving her rival Delaney’s father. Greer and Delaney both want the Circuit Judge position and the renovation contract could help Delaney in her bid for the judgeship.
We also get to see Greer and Brock’s relationship and how it is progressing. Will he? Won’t he? (You need to read the book to find out, I’m not telling!)
As for the bad guy in this story - - I can usually get an idea of who it might be when I read cozy mysteries, but this one? Took me TOTALLY by surprise. I did NOT see this one, not at all! It kept me guessing right up to the end.
I am sorry that this is the last book in this series. It has been very enjoyable getting to know all the colorful characters of Devil Springs!
I was given an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
Fabulous. I love how life in Devil Springs is never boring. The sense of community and family is strong which makes each story that much richer as these tales unfold. Greer never seems to get a break, ending up either in the middle or unraveling the drama. With hopes of being appointed a judge, Greer finds that Delaney is once again her competition for this desired position. Life in the courthouse continues to keep everyone on their toes. I love that Greer and Brock’s relationship is moving forward, of course, not without several bumps along the way. Now, the best part of the story is the mystery so I won’t comment on that since everyone should experience all the amazing nuances as this journey unfolds. Just know, if you are a fan of the Devil Springs family, you won’t be disappointed. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
This series just keep getting better liked fine whisky. Brock and Greer are moving their relationship along. This is not without some snags in the way. The town of Devil Springs continues to see its share of murder and near misses all centered around those who work in law enforcement or legal circles. The author continues to surprise her readers with the caliber of villains and their reasons for doing others harm. As always there is also joyous news of happy beginnings. It is always a pleasure to dive into the lives of these characters as we celebrate their successes and mourn their losses.
I don’t think there could be more intrigue, suspense or drama packed into a story. Greer definitely works with and around some interesting and complicated people who are always active and sometimes not in a good way. Overall the story was a great continuation of the Devil Springs series. I can’t leave out that this story has a surprising and wonderful ending. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
I love this series! This was a longer one, but I enjoyed it so much. Greer is such a great character and I really enjoyed the deep-dive of her life. I've never read a series that focused on the same one character before. It's hard for me to really say since I've read all the books, but I really think you'd have no problem reading this as a standalone. And I'll just say this - I loved the ending!
Murder, chaos, and a stalker are just some of the events that take place in a Devilish Choice. As always, trouble seems to follow Greer no matter how hard she tries to avoid it and in this book there's plenty. I really enjoyed catching up with Greer and trying to figure out the latest mystery in Devil Springs, but most of all I thought the ending was perfect!