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March Street Cozy Mysteries #1
March Street Murder
Welcome to the March Street Cafe. My name’s Kelly, and I’ll be your server today.
I think I’ve said those words a hundred times. But I’m more than just a server.
I’m a painter. In fact, a few of my paintings hang on the wall in the March Street Cafe.
I’m a dog-lover. I walk Buddy the bulldog every morning and every night, even though he never obeys my commands.
I’m a granddaughter. I live with my Grandma Iris, taking care of her and Buddy after she had a fall.
And now, I’m a woman trying to solve a murder.
March Street Murder is a new short cozy mystery by Estelle Richards, author of the Lisa Chance Cozy Mysteries. It has no sex, no gore, and no swearing. It’s a short read, perfect for giving yourself a little treat in between tasks in your busy day.
I think I’ve said those words a hundred times. But I’m more than just a server.
I’m a painter. In fact, a few of my paintings hang on the wall in the March Street Cafe.
I’m a dog-lover. I walk Buddy the bulldog every morning and every night, even though he never obeys my commands.
I’m a granddaughter. I live with my Grandma Iris, taking care of her and Buddy after she had a fall.
And now, I’m a woman trying to solve a murder.
March Street Murder is a new short cozy mystery by Estelle Richards, author of the Lisa Chance Cozy Mysteries. It has no sex, no gore, and no swearing. It’s a short read, perfect for giving yourself a little treat in between tasks in your busy day.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
About the author
Estelle Richards
21 books34 followersEstelle Richards writes cozy mystery, including the Lisa Chance Cozy Mysteries and the March Street Cozy Mysteries.
Find out more at https://www.estellerichards.com/
Find out more at https://www.estellerichards.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 2, 2021
Cute novella. Kelly, a young artist /waitress has returned to Marchville to care for her grandmother after she fell. As her grandmother recuperates, they share early morning dog walks. After one of her shifts at the cafe, she stumbles over dead dead body. Wanting to solve the murder, she devises a plan to ferret out the perpetrator. Story was almost too short for me, I enjoyed the characters and would have liked to see them even more developed.
March 21, 2021
Kelly is a waitress who has returned to her hometown to take care of her grandmother (and her Grandmother's dog - hi, Buddy!) Though Grandma Iris is now healed, Kelly is helping her to complete recovery. In her spare time, Kelly's an artist and now also a dead-body finder.
This is a really short story and I wasn't expecting anything meaty to happen considering it's a novella to set up a series. That being said, there was a fair bit of meat. The two leading characters are fully fleshed out and their relationship is well defined. The first clue falls into their laps, but they do investigate despite being discouraged to do so. All in all, it sparked my curiosity for the next book in the series.
This is a really short story and I wasn't expecting anything meaty to happen considering it's a novella to set up a series. That being said, there was a fair bit of meat. The two leading characters are fully fleshed out and their relationship is well defined. The first clue falls into their laps, but they do investigate despite being discouraged to do so. All in all, it sparked my curiosity for the next book in the series.
December 31, 2019
Fabulous. Couldn’t stop reading. A painter and a dog lover, an amazing combination. What else can one do. Intriguing as always.
June 21, 2020
Fun cozy mystery!
Great characters! A storyline that kept me engaged from beginning to end! Unexpected twists! Looking forward to reading the entire series as it's published!!
Great characters! A storyline that kept me engaged from beginning to end! Unexpected twists! Looking forward to reading the entire series as it's published!!
March 2, 2022
Who killed Kerwin Phillips and why??? Did you know that you can do a lot of different things with paint other than paint??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
February 20, 2021
Good story and easy read
This was a quick and easy read. Light mystery book with few characters which was perfect for the storyline. Everything centered around a couple of streets in a small town. The characters were likable and their background story was simple. I am looking forward to reading another story book 2 from this series.
This was a quick and easy read. Light mystery book with few characters which was perfect for the storyline. Everything centered around a couple of streets in a small town. The characters were likable and their background story was simple. I am looking forward to reading another story book 2 from this series.
February 5, 2023
Artist and cafe waitress, Kelly, stumbles over a dead body in the alley behind the cafe. Her grandma Iris wants to investigate AND hook Kelly up with the detective, Kelly's ex-husband. Who killed the kind gallery owner next door? Who will figure it out first?
This book is a paint-by-numbers cozy. You have waitress /artist protagonist amateur sleuth, crazy old lady, cute dog, dead body in the alley ... ticks all the boxes. I love cozy mysteries but only when they're written well and this was not. The writing style was pedestrian. The mystery isn't bad. I didn't figure out any of the clues and the way Kelly gets at the truth is clever and different.
The characters aren't worth mentioning except for Buddy, the bulldog, who uncovers clues. He's cute but not enough of a character to save the book for me. I'll pass on the rest.
This book is a paint-by-numbers cozy. You have waitress /artist protagonist amateur sleuth, crazy old lady, cute dog, dead body in the alley ... ticks all the boxes. I love cozy mysteries but only when they're written well and this was not. The writing style was pedestrian. The mystery isn't bad. I didn't figure out any of the clues and the way Kelly gets at the truth is clever and different.
The characters aren't worth mentioning except for Buddy, the bulldog, who uncovers clues. He's cute but not enough of a character to save the book for me. I'll pass on the rest.
April 21, 2021
I expected this book to be a quick, light read. However, although the book started pretty well, it ended so abruptly as if the author has no clue what else to write and decided to wrap it up. The ending was rushed and barely made sense.
May 15, 2022
Enjoyable enough but I struggled to remember it once I had finished it
Kelly is an artist. A painter. It’s hard to make a living that way, though, so she also works as a waitress at the March Street cafe, where she has talked the owner into letting her display some of her art. A cafe is a great place to pick up gossip as you move from table to table, but things take a turn for the worse when Kelly trips over a dead body while taking out the trash. The dead man turns out to be the owner of a nearby art gallery, and it takes all Kelly’s skills and contacts to get to the bottom of who killed him, and why.
I’ll say at this point that I love cozy mysteries, and have read a lot of them over the years. While I was reading it I enjoyed this one, but somehow it failed to stick in my mind, and when I came to write this review I had to go back to the book to try and remember. There just wasn’t anything which grabbed me.
Kelly is an artist. A painter. It’s hard to make a living that way, though, so she also works as a waitress at the March Street cafe, where she has talked the owner into letting her display some of her art. A cafe is a great place to pick up gossip as you move from table to table, but things take a turn for the worse when Kelly trips over a dead body while taking out the trash. The dead man turns out to be the owner of a nearby art gallery, and it takes all Kelly’s skills and contacts to get to the bottom of who killed him, and why.
I’ll say at this point that I love cozy mysteries, and have read a lot of them over the years. While I was reading it I enjoyed this one, but somehow it failed to stick in my mind, and when I came to write this review I had to go back to the book to try and remember. There just wasn’t anything which grabbed me.
August 22, 2021
A short but fun read and an introduction to a new series! Kelley has come home to take care of Grandma Iris after a fall. She takes a temporary job waiting tables at the March Street Diner, and works with a tight-wad boss and a grouchy chef! An artist, she paints in her spare time and some of he paintings are showcased in the diner. There is an upcoming art festival everyone is excited about. When Kelley trips over a body in the alley taking out the trash in the dark, her Grandma decides that they need to solve the murder. It’s a cute and cozy story as you follow the two would-be detectives! I received a free copy from the author and write this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2022
A quick read, the interesting beginning to a new series about Kelly the waitress and part-time artist, back in her home town now. The art angle led me to pick up this book through an author's promo.
The explanation of her ten-minute marriage and divorce is hard to swallow in this day of so much red tape. Here we'd need to apply for a license, which prevents this kind of silliness. And it's unusual that they've both stayed single in the over twenty years since -- or maybe more details will come out in future stories? Apart from these minor quirks the story moves along well. With a nosy, rather ditsy Grandma Iris and her sleuthing pooch to keep an eye on, Kelly will have her hands full.
The explanation of her ten-minute marriage and divorce is hard to swallow in this day of so much red tape. Here we'd need to apply for a license, which prevents this kind of silliness. And it's unusual that they've both stayed single in the over twenty years since -- or maybe more details will come out in future stories? Apart from these minor quirks the story moves along well. With a nosy, rather ditsy Grandma Iris and her sleuthing pooch to keep an eye on, Kelly will have her hands full.
July 31, 2023
This was just what I wanted from a cozy mystery. There were enough twists and turns and red herrings to keep it interesting without making it confusing. Grandma Iris was my absolute favorite character and I hope we get to see more of her in the series.
The reason this didn't get 5 stars is because there were a couple of places that the important info was left as a surprise to the reader but the "what the heck is going on" confusion wasn't cleared up enough. A few more clues to the reader would have kept that from feeling like I was missing something that I should have picked up on.
I will definitely continue with this series!
The reason this didn't get 5 stars is because there were a couple of places that the important info was left as a surprise to the reader but the "what the heck is going on" confusion wasn't cleared up enough. A few more clues to the reader would have kept that from feeling like I was missing something that I should have picked up on.
I will definitely continue with this series!
July 24, 2020
Loved the main characters in this book, a grandmother full of life and mischevious, her dog who is a great detective and her thoughtful grandaughter. The combination of these three characters make this story an enjoyable light reading although there is a crime to be solved. There might even be love in this mixture as grandma is also a matchmaker ! If you are looking to read a book that will make you smile this is the one!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my sincere review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my sincere review.
December 21, 2019
A short enjoyable cozy
Kelly moved back home, to be with her Grandma Iris. Grandma was fun! A bit insensitive maybe, and a big gossip, but fun! And the dog? He listens to Grandma, but not to Kelly! This was an enjoyable, lighthearted, quick read, good for in-between books. I normally like more character development, but I knew it was a short and would be fast, so I didn’t expect it. I liked it! And the mystery was good!
Kelly moved back home, to be with her Grandma Iris. Grandma was fun! A bit insensitive maybe, and a big gossip, but fun! And the dog? He listens to Grandma, but not to Kelly! This was an enjoyable, lighthearted, quick read, good for in-between books. I normally like more character development, but I knew it was a short and would be fast, so I didn’t expect it. I liked it! And the mystery was good!
April 25, 2020
Fun book
This is the first book I have read by Estelle Richards.
It was a very good book. Kelly has moved back to Marchville to help take care of her grandmother who had fallen. When a body is found in the alley behind a cafe where Kelly has taken a job.Kelly and her grandmother with their dog Buddy set out to find the murderer.
Looking forward to reading more of this authors books.
This is the first book I have read by Estelle Richards.
It was a very good book. Kelly has moved back to Marchville to help take care of her grandmother who had fallen. When a body is found in the alley behind a cafe where Kelly has taken a job.Kelly and her grandmother with their dog Buddy set out to find the murderer.
Looking forward to reading more of this authors books.
October 15, 2020
Kelly, an aspiring artist moves back to Marchville to help her grandmother after a fall and ends up waitressing for the March Street Cafe. Grandma Iris is one of the two main gossipers of Marchville and they are always trying to "one up" the other. Kelly is taking trash out when she stumbles over a body in the alley. The body belongs to the gallery owner next door. Kelly and Grandma Iris work hard to find the murderer before the strike again.
October 30, 2020
Delightful Cozy Mystery
Enjoyable read with memorable characters and an excellent plot. Someone murdered the art gallery owner and someone fell over the dead body in the alleyway. Buddy the bulldog finds an important clue. Grandma Iris will help solve the mystery while trying to matchmake Maxwell the policeman and her granddaughter. Witty and fast paced this story will entertain you!
Enjoyable read with memorable characters and an excellent plot. Someone murdered the art gallery owner and someone fell over the dead body in the alleyway. Buddy the bulldog finds an important clue. Grandma Iris will help solve the mystery while trying to matchmake Maxwell the policeman and her granddaughter. Witty and fast paced this story will entertain you!
November 5, 2020
Kelly is an artist, a painter actually. She is living with her grandmother after her grandmother suffered from a fall. Kelly is also a waitress at the local cafe. The characters are suburb and the way they get along is great. I love how her grandmother isn't going to let a 'little fall' get her down and she is a firecracker! She also has a bulldog, Buddy, who helps Kelly with her detective work. A great story! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. Looking forward to the next one!
February 6, 2021
Young artist goes back home to live with her grandmother and bulldog to help her grandmother.
To make money, she works as a waitress for a boss she doesn't think much of when she stumbles over a body while putting out the garbage.
She solves the mystery and life goes on.
Now granted, I could have solved the mystery as well given that all the suspects she casually interrogates just happen to answer her probing questions and not tell her to sod off.
The book felt like more of a novella than a fleshed-out novel and in fact, the solving of the mystery comes rather abruptly.
This isn't a series of mysteries that I'll be pursuing even if the book is free.
Your mileage may vary.
b>2 stars
To make money, she works as a waitress for a boss she doesn't think much of when she stumbles over a body while putting out the garbage.
She solves the mystery and life goes on.
Now granted, I could have solved the mystery as well given that all the suspects she casually interrogates just happen to answer her probing questions and not tell her to sod off.
The book felt like more of a novella than a fleshed-out novel and in fact, the solving of the mystery comes rather abruptly.
This isn't a series of mysteries that I'll be pursuing even if the book is free.
Your mileage may vary.
b>2 stars
May 21, 2021
Kelly has come home to look after her Grandma Iris after a bad fall. An artist but also a waitress at the March Street Cafe. On night after closing, Kelly trips over the body of Kerwin, the owner of the Gilded Lily art gallery next door. Grandma Iris wants to solve the crime & also have bragging rights to inside info of the crime since the police chief us Kelly's ex-husband, Maxwell.
A short story that doesn't feel rushed; a fun read.
A short story that doesn't feel rushed; a fun read.
June 4, 2022
March Street Cafe
Kelly has come home to take care of her Grandma and her dog. Working in the March Street Cafe, Kelly accidentally trips over a dead body in the alley when she goes out to empty the trash. Grandma and Kelly work on the murder every time they walk the dog. Standing in the alley, Kelly incisions the murder and suddenly knows how II it was done and sets up a trap. Well written short story.
Kelly has come home to take care of her Grandma and her dog. Working in the March Street Cafe, Kelly accidentally trips over a dead body in the alley when she goes out to empty the trash. Grandma and Kelly work on the murder every time they walk the dog. Standing in the alley, Kelly incisions the murder and suddenly knows how II it was done and sets up a trap. Well written short story.
December 12, 2019
Fun start to a new series!
This was a fun, quick read. I love the characters and what we have so far seen of the town. I little possible romance, a dog, a granny and a murder. What's not to like? I was close to figuring out the guilty party, but I got it wrong. Can't wait the read the next installment!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
This was a fun, quick read. I love the characters and what we have so far seen of the town. I little possible romance, a dog, a granny and a murder. What's not to like? I was close to figuring out the guilty party, but I got it wrong. Can't wait the read the next installment!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
December 19, 2019
I’m always amazed when an author packs an full mystery into a small package. Though short, this mystery is absolutely worthwhile and a great start to a new series. The characters are lively and the book is well written. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
April 26, 2020
This is a quick fun read with quirky characters. I enjoyed it. So why three stars? The book was too short and the ending a little too abrupt for my taste. I would like to see it as a full length book, fleshed out more and allowing for more depth to the mystery. Saying that, the author is a good writer and I will be looking for more books from her.
October 9, 2020
Fun new series. The characters, especially Grandma Iris and Kelly are great. They are realistic and fun to read about. Of course, Buddy the bulldog steals the scene more often than not. This is a nice story to take your mind off of your everyday worries. You can sit back and relax while enjoying the book.
December 7, 2020
Back Door Hustle
I enjoyed this little pocket book cozey murder mystery with the outrageous caracters vibrant and ready for an adventure grandmother and granddaughter wanting to keep their small community safe. Aquier "March Street Murder "today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I. 😮🤔🙄😊Kat
I enjoyed this little pocket book cozey murder mystery with the outrageous caracters vibrant and ready for an adventure grandmother and granddaughter wanting to keep their small community safe. Aquier "March Street Murder "today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I. 😮🤔🙄😊Kat
September 15, 2021
This is a fast, easy read. Kelly is an artist working as a waitress. Until she stumbles across a body while taking out the restaurants trash after work. With the help of her Grabdma Iris and a dog, she begins to investigate the knifing. And becomes a detective. With a touch of romance and the small town atmosphere, the book is good, clean fun.
April 8, 2022
This one was okay. A very very quick read. March Street Murder is significantly more simplistic than most of the cozy mysteries I've read in recent years. It's certainly a "don't have to think about anything" read, probably great for a poolside afternoon or a rainy day in front of the fireplace. Nothing that grabbed me, but nothing that turned me off either.
November 9, 2022
A surprise "Who done it "
Kelly finds a deceased man in the alley behind the restaurant where she works. She tells her Grandma Iris who immediately wants the two of them to find the killer. Kelly's high school sweetheart is chief of police who advises her to stay out of it.
Who has an alibi, who doesnt. I didn't figure it out. Will you?
Kelly finds a deceased man in the alley behind the restaurant where she works. She tells her Grandma Iris who immediately wants the two of them to find the killer. Kelly's high school sweetheart is chief of police who advises her to stay out of it.
Who has an alibi, who doesnt. I didn't figure it out. Will you?
April 9, 2024
Cute short story
This is a really cute, clean, well-written cozy mystery. This is the first book that I've read by this author. I wasn't familiar with her before this book. I will definitely pursue the rest of the books in this series and anything else ahe may have written! What a good author!
This is a really cute, clean, well-written cozy mystery. This is the first book that I've read by this author. I wasn't familiar with her before this book. I will definitely pursue the rest of the books in this series and anything else ahe may have written! What a good author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews