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Murder in the Family
Greed Poisons Even The Sweetest Well
Storm chaser Molly McClelland must return to her small Alabama hometown when she unexpectedly inherits her hoarder aunt's house . . . and all of its contents. Despite her suspicions that her aunt was murdered, Molly wants nothing more than to sell everything and get back to the life she loves. Especially once her homecoming reignites the decades-old family conflict that drove her away in the first place. But when Molly uncovers caches of cash, journals revealing secrets-and a body-amongst the stockpiles, she finds herself locked in a cat-and-mouse dance with a deadly endgame.
Molly teams with local sheriff, Greg Olson, to find the truth. But will her determination and his skills be enough, or will the killer-or killers-put an end to their efforts once and for all?
Storm chaser Molly McClelland must return to her small Alabama hometown when she unexpectedly inherits her hoarder aunt's house . . . and all of its contents. Despite her suspicions that her aunt was murdered, Molly wants nothing more than to sell everything and get back to the life she loves. Especially once her homecoming reignites the decades-old family conflict that drove her away in the first place. But when Molly uncovers caches of cash, journals revealing secrets-and a body-amongst the stockpiles, she finds herself locked in a cat-and-mouse dance with a deadly endgame.
Molly teams with local sheriff, Greg Olson, to find the truth. But will her determination and his skills be enough, or will the killer-or killers-put an end to their efforts once and for all?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2019
137 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Ramona Richards
27 books113 followersI started making stuff up at 3, writing it down at 7, and selling it at 17. I've written 12 books. The latest two are Tracking Changes: One Editor's Advice to Inspirational Fiction Authors, a collection of essays for novelists, and Burying Daisy Doe, a suspense novel set in a small Southern town. In fact, most of my suspense novels are set in small Southern towns. Murder in the Family is the latest already in print. I have six Love Inspired Suspense novels still available in ebook.
My Mother's Quilts, a devotional based on the quilts I inherited from my mother, is the most recent devotional.
I'm also an editor, with more than 500 publications to my credit, and I'm now the associate publisher for Iron Stream Media. My specialty is fiction, although I've also worked on CD-ROMs, magazines, non-fiction, children’s books, Bibles, and study guides. Lot of publishers have helped my bottom line, such as Thomas Nelson, Barbour, Howard, Harlequin, Ideals, etc.
And, as I say on Twitter (@RamonaRichards): Music nut. Film buff. Usually a fun person to eat a burger with.
My Mother's Quilts, a devotional based on the quilts I inherited from my mother, is the most recent devotional.
I'm also an editor, with more than 500 publications to my credit, and I'm now the associate publisher for Iron Stream Media. My specialty is fiction, although I've also worked on CD-ROMs, magazines, non-fiction, children’s books, Bibles, and study guides. Lot of publishers have helped my bottom line, such as Thomas Nelson, Barbour, Howard, Harlequin, Ideals, etc.
And, as I say on Twitter (@RamonaRichards): Music nut. Film buff. Usually a fun person to eat a burger with.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 20, 2019
This book is at once particular, in that it is a murder mystery, and at the same time universal in touching on themes of family, healing, and the power of greed to destroy lives. The characters are believable and likable, and the situations described are all too common in our world today. I encourage you to read this book both for enjoyment and as a way to consider how love, healing, and forgiveness have the power to transform our lives.
October 25, 2019
Thank you in advance to JustRead Publicity Tours, Firefly Southern Fiction, and author Ramona Richards for providing a review copy. A positive review was not required, all words and thoughts are my own.
“A Murder in the Family” is what I would describe as a “cozy mystery” – “subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community”. This novel fits right into that, though I found it “slightly” on the serious side.
Molly McClelland is a storm chaser who had left her hometown of Carterton, Alabama after her 18th birthday, nearly 20 years earlier. Despite cutting off most of the ties with her family, she still remains in touch with her Aunt Liz. Molly has no idea where her brother went off to.
Elizabeth Morrow dies in a freak hoarding accident when stuff falls on her and “buries” her. In her will, she leaves the estate to Molly who wants nothing to do with the “stuff”. She feels that the greed in the family was what broke her mother’s heart and cost the family their home.
Given how Liz died, Molly is almost certain that her cousin Kitty and Kitty’s daughter Lyric might’ve had something to do with the accident that claimed Liz’ life. Lyric was supposedly Liz’ caregiver but did nothing to actually help the woman.
Molly just wants to be out from underneath it and back to the “job” she loves. A job which injured another storm chaser of the group – Sarah.
While Molly waits for news of Sarah’s recovery, she has to deal with her aunt’s estate. And, after reading a heartfelt letter from her aunt, Molly is (albeit reluctantly) ready to deal with the mess her aunt left behind.
Molly’s family has other ideas – namely to grab what they can and run, even if it means breaking the law. And, with the discovery of a body in the house where her aunt died, it may mean they did just that.
A shooting, a fire, an accident, a dead body – there are more secrets surrounding Liz Morrow’s estate than the entire town. And, in between all of the goings-on, Molly has to sort through the trash to find the treasure; after all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But, Molly has to discover the treasure.
Richards uses a unique plot device – hoarding – to begin the story and to keep the story going. Her detail of the hoarding issue is vivid and candid; thus bringing to mind episodes of A & E’s “Hoarders” series.
Richards writes Molly with a realistic revulsion to the scene – a filthy house, piles of “stuff”, and “pest” infestations. Molly is overwhelmed by not only the sight, but the stench, as well as how to handle it.
It is definitely not a common theme to use in a book, particularly a mystery type book. Though it is easy to see how the hoarding issue could hide the underlying crimes that were contained in the book.
Richards’ use of hoarding as a plot device also causes the reader to look at the “stuff” they keep and re-evaluate what we “store” and want to pass on to our children and grand-children. It also provides a unique perspective on greed and people who think nothing of their behavior or how many people are affected by it.
In addition I enjoyed reading two of my favorite revenge lines in this novel. One was “revenge is best served cold”. I first heard that in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (“revenge is a dish best served cold”), and in other TV shows as well – even J.A.G.
Another “revenge” quote from the novel mentioned digging two graves before setting out on revenge, which I’d heard in “For Your Eyes Only” (“the Chinese have a saying; Before setting out for revenge, you first dig two graves.”). It was interesting to see two phrases from two separate movie genres mentioned.
This was a quick and easy read. Suitable for someone who wants to dabble with the mystery but wants something clean and easy to read.
“A Murder in the Family” is what I would describe as a “cozy mystery” – “subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community”. This novel fits right into that, though I found it “slightly” on the serious side.
Molly McClelland is a storm chaser who had left her hometown of Carterton, Alabama after her 18th birthday, nearly 20 years earlier. Despite cutting off most of the ties with her family, she still remains in touch with her Aunt Liz. Molly has no idea where her brother went off to.
Elizabeth Morrow dies in a freak hoarding accident when stuff falls on her and “buries” her. In her will, she leaves the estate to Molly who wants nothing to do with the “stuff”. She feels that the greed in the family was what broke her mother’s heart and cost the family their home.
Given how Liz died, Molly is almost certain that her cousin Kitty and Kitty’s daughter Lyric might’ve had something to do with the accident that claimed Liz’ life. Lyric was supposedly Liz’ caregiver but did nothing to actually help the woman.
Molly just wants to be out from underneath it and back to the “job” she loves. A job which injured another storm chaser of the group – Sarah.
While Molly waits for news of Sarah’s recovery, she has to deal with her aunt’s estate. And, after reading a heartfelt letter from her aunt, Molly is (albeit reluctantly) ready to deal with the mess her aunt left behind.
Molly’s family has other ideas – namely to grab what they can and run, even if it means breaking the law. And, with the discovery of a body in the house where her aunt died, it may mean they did just that.
A shooting, a fire, an accident, a dead body – there are more secrets surrounding Liz Morrow’s estate than the entire town. And, in between all of the goings-on, Molly has to sort through the trash to find the treasure; after all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But, Molly has to discover the treasure.
Richards uses a unique plot device – hoarding – to begin the story and to keep the story going. Her detail of the hoarding issue is vivid and candid; thus bringing to mind episodes of A & E’s “Hoarders” series.
Richards writes Molly with a realistic revulsion to the scene – a filthy house, piles of “stuff”, and “pest” infestations. Molly is overwhelmed by not only the sight, but the stench, as well as how to handle it.
It is definitely not a common theme to use in a book, particularly a mystery type book. Though it is easy to see how the hoarding issue could hide the underlying crimes that were contained in the book.
Richards’ use of hoarding as a plot device also causes the reader to look at the “stuff” they keep and re-evaluate what we “store” and want to pass on to our children and grand-children. It also provides a unique perspective on greed and people who think nothing of their behavior or how many people are affected by it.
In addition I enjoyed reading two of my favorite revenge lines in this novel. One was “revenge is best served cold”. I first heard that in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (“revenge is a dish best served cold”), and in other TV shows as well – even J.A.G.
Another “revenge” quote from the novel mentioned digging two graves before setting out on revenge, which I’d heard in “For Your Eyes Only” (“the Chinese have a saying; Before setting out for revenge, you first dig two graves.”). It was interesting to see two phrases from two separate movie genres mentioned.
This was a quick and easy read. Suitable for someone who wants to dabble with the mystery but wants something clean and easy to read.
September 2, 2019
I want to give you a glimpse into a great mystery novel I finished reading in two days. Murder in the Family, by Ramona Richards. I had the opportunity to meet Ramona at a writer’s conference in California several years ago. At that time, she was an acquisitions editor in addition to following her passion to write mysteries. When I saw this recent novel, I couldn’t wait to read it. I wasn’t disappointed!
The main character, Molly, received news that she’d inherited her Aunt Liz’s estate. Molly left Alabama twenty years ago and vowed never to return. Although she and Aunt Liz kept in touch, Molly refused all efforts by her aunt to get her to come back. Until now.
When she arrives, Molly is drawn into a family drama so fierce, she must hire round-the-clock guards to keep her avaricious relatives from removing things from her aunt’s house.
Throw in the fact that Aunt Liz was a hoarder, and her death may not have been an accident, and you have a plot that races along until the end.
Ms. Richards includes a spiritual element in the story without being preachy. If you like a good mystery without the violence, language, and sex in most modern novels, then I recommend this book as a great read.
August 1, 2021
Almost too true!
Having dealt with three deaths and two estates in three years, I began this book with some trepidation. Murder in the Family is an entertaining whodunnit with a list of crazy characters to make any executor cringe. The house of a hoarder is anyone’s nightmare, and a great setting for the multiple crimes that prove to have taken place. I identified with Mollie’s urge to run away and the smells. I highly recommend this book! Well done, Ms. Richards!
Having dealt with three deaths and two estates in three years, I began this book with some trepidation. Murder in the Family is an entertaining whodunnit with a list of crazy characters to make any executor cringe. The house of a hoarder is anyone’s nightmare, and a great setting for the multiple crimes that prove to have taken place. I identified with Mollie’s urge to run away and the smells. I highly recommend this book! Well done, Ms. Richards!
December 28, 2019
Family is truly always Family
This is truly an excellent book! It told the story of a family tnru several decades. Their Individual weaknesses and strengths were explored and woven thru a beautifully told story. Molly ' s forgiveness and acceptance of her uncle reminds us of God's love and acceptance for us. I did not want this story to end. I love this author's style of writing, her understanding of the way the human mind works and her ability to explain it all on paper. A beautiful, beautiful book written by a person with a beautiful mind and the expertise to put pen to paper and share a wonderullsfory
Of us`
.A
A
.,.
This is truly an excellent book! It told the story of a family tnru several decades. Their Individual weaknesses and strengths were explored and woven thru a beautifully told story. Molly ' s forgiveness and acceptance of her uncle reminds us of God's love and acceptance for us. I did not want this story to end. I love this author's style of writing, her understanding of the way the human mind works and her ability to explain it all on paper. A beautiful, beautiful book written by a person with a beautiful mind and the expertise to put pen to paper and share a wonderullsfory
Of us`
.A
A
.,.
December 22, 2019
Started out a little slow for me, but by the time I got halfway through I was fully invested in the mystery and the problems of the main character, who has WAY more patience than I would. I've never understood people as nasty as the ones she has to deal with.
December 18, 2019
EXCELLENT book...probably one of the best i have read this year.
Definitely couldn't put it down at night trying to figure out who was trying to kill poor Molly over an estate.
Had a little bit of everything..mystery, danger and some romance.
Just a great book that i highly recommend reading.
Definitely couldn't put it down at night trying to figure out who was trying to kill poor Molly over an estate.
Had a little bit of everything..mystery, danger and some romance.
Just a great book that i highly recommend reading.
November 5, 2019
Ramona Richards weaves a tale of a family torn apart by generations and years of greed.
The last thing Molly McClelland wants to do is return to Alabama and take care of her aunt’s estate. But she’s the only one her aunt trusted to distribute it fairly and according to her wishes.
The hoarding aspect of Murder in the Family is both unique and interesting to the book. Richards’ vivid descriptions of Aunt Liz’s home gave me the creepy crawlies at times (and made me ready to deep clean my own home). While Liz’s uncles, cousins, and other family show their callousness and selfishness, the flip side of generosity is displayed through the neighbors and many residents of the town. There are more people supporting Molly than fighting her every step of the way.
Molly is a tough cookie—one with a temper that aids her in standing her ground when it comes to her pushy family. She’s relatable in her reluctance to accept this task yet she’s also a take command person.
While I would have liked the romance thread to be a little more developed, this book serves as a cautionary tale of the quest for more stuff. Yet, along the way, readers will root for Molly to acknowledge the support surrounding her and for her to find her way home.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The last thing Molly McClelland wants to do is return to Alabama and take care of her aunt’s estate. But she’s the only one her aunt trusted to distribute it fairly and according to her wishes.
The hoarding aspect of Murder in the Family is both unique and interesting to the book. Richards’ vivid descriptions of Aunt Liz’s home gave me the creepy crawlies at times (and made me ready to deep clean my own home). While Liz’s uncles, cousins, and other family show their callousness and selfishness, the flip side of generosity is displayed through the neighbors and many residents of the town. There are more people supporting Molly than fighting her every step of the way.
Molly is a tough cookie—one with a temper that aids her in standing her ground when it comes to her pushy family. She’s relatable in her reluctance to accept this task yet she’s also a take command person.
While I would have liked the romance thread to be a little more developed, this book serves as a cautionary tale of the quest for more stuff. Yet, along the way, readers will root for Molly to acknowledge the support surrounding her and for her to find her way home.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 7, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It was the first book by Richards that I read, but it isn't the last. I immediately bought several others of hers to read. What a great mystery! There were quirky characters, and twists and turns I never saw coming. I've become a real fan of cozy mysteries, and especially of Ramona Richards' books. Do yourself a favor and get this book!
August 28, 2019
A great read. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Lots of twists and turns.
January 7, 2020
Looked It!
Never wanted to put it down and that's unusual for this night time reader. This one I actually read in the day time. I adore books set in the American Southern states and this one checks all the boxes; peculiar family dynamics, money, murder, a big old house, determined heroine (a storm chaser no less!) and of course, a handsome Sheriff with a sad history. The plus being that it is well told and engaging.
Never wanted to put it down and that's unusual for this night time reader. This one I actually read in the day time. I adore books set in the American Southern states and this one checks all the boxes; peculiar family dynamics, money, murder, a big old house, determined heroine (a storm chaser no less!) and of course, a handsome Sheriff with a sad history. The plus being that it is well told and engaging.
January 18, 2021
A fast paced mystery that kept me reading and wanting to find out "who" and "why". Great read.
July 29, 2025
A who dun it kind of book.
Another young girl who has inherited a family members house of hoarding. Slowly unpealing the layers of the house contents while fighting off resistance of family, she uncovers more mystery and coverups.
Another young girl who has inherited a family members house of hoarding. Slowly unpealing the layers of the house contents while fighting off resistance of family, she uncovers more mystery and coverups.
September 30, 2019
Review Title: Greedy Meets Generous in a Hoarder's House (Review of Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
Ramona Richards covers a lot of ground, literally and figuratively, in Murder in the Family. The main setting will grab the interest of readers right from the beginning. Within a close knit small town community lived a beloved retired lady who became a hoarder by default in her later years. Relatives and others found her to be soft-hearted in wanting to help people keep family heirlooms safe. Her house became the dumping ground for many a treasure. Then she died leaving a mess for her neice, Molly, the main character, to sort out. The scenario is ripe for the worst and best in characters to be revealed.
Molly, a career storm chaser, decides to return to the small town which she had hoped to never revisit. Her Aunt Liz's final request tugged at her heart as the only reason she could possibly go back. Her Aunt Liz chose her as The One who would fairly help those in the community in need and hopefully stand up to the greedy bullies who would stop at nothing to get more than their share.
Add to this intriguing beginning a dead body that turns up in the attic, a romantic attraction between Molly and the town sheriff, and a decision Molly must make about her career, and the reader will be caught up in an irresistable page turner. A grand story not to be missed!
This book will have special appeal to those interested in the issue of hoarding. The story provides understanding of how some hoarding evolves and what is necessary to clear it out. The reader will clearly view the difference between characters who are content with little compared to those driven by insatiable greed and its consequences. Themes of integrity, loving community, the value of people over the value of things, and forgiveness will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. The book has both strong women and men characters so it could easily appeal to men as well as women. With that in mind, it would make a great movie.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy from the publisher for reading and review. I am under no obligation to give a favorable review. I have given my honest opinion after reading the book to the end. I highly recommend this book for YA and older readers.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
Ramona Richards covers a lot of ground, literally and figuratively, in Murder in the Family. The main setting will grab the interest of readers right from the beginning. Within a close knit small town community lived a beloved retired lady who became a hoarder by default in her later years. Relatives and others found her to be soft-hearted in wanting to help people keep family heirlooms safe. Her house became the dumping ground for many a treasure. Then she died leaving a mess for her neice, Molly, the main character, to sort out. The scenario is ripe for the worst and best in characters to be revealed.
Molly, a career storm chaser, decides to return to the small town which she had hoped to never revisit. Her Aunt Liz's final request tugged at her heart as the only reason she could possibly go back. Her Aunt Liz chose her as The One who would fairly help those in the community in need and hopefully stand up to the greedy bullies who would stop at nothing to get more than their share.
Add to this intriguing beginning a dead body that turns up in the attic, a romantic attraction between Molly and the town sheriff, and a decision Molly must make about her career, and the reader will be caught up in an irresistable page turner. A grand story not to be missed!
This book will have special appeal to those interested in the issue of hoarding. The story provides understanding of how some hoarding evolves and what is necessary to clear it out. The reader will clearly view the difference between characters who are content with little compared to those driven by insatiable greed and its consequences. Themes of integrity, loving community, the value of people over the value of things, and forgiveness will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. The book has both strong women and men characters so it could easily appeal to men as well as women. With that in mind, it would make a great movie.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy from the publisher for reading and review. I am under no obligation to give a favorable review. I have given my honest opinion after reading the book to the end. I highly recommend this book for YA and older readers.
November 11, 2019
I was a young adolescent when my paternal great-grandfather passed away. Before the land had settled over his grave there was a battle for his estate, the effects still felt in my family to this day. It nearly ripped my family apart and I distinctly remember my mother telling me that peoples true colors come out when there is a death in the family. So true.
Molly McClelland also finds this fact out at an early age, after the passing of her grandfather, with family greed so abhorrent that it made my skin crawl. I will never understand how some people can put stuff over a human being.
Twenty years pass and Molly hasn't returned home since greed ripped her family apart, but is now forced to when her Aunt Liz dies in an unfortunate accident, an accident Molly feels deep down isn't an accident at all, but instead murder. As executor of the estate, Molly must face her greed-ridden family as she deals with her hoarding aunts home that is full of more than what she bargained for.
Though the pace is slower than I would normally like in a mystery/suspense, but I did enjoy the story as a whole. The characters and town of Carterton have that charming, homespun feel, and I loved all the community and support that Molly receives. The ending, though resolved, felt anti-climactic to me, and the entire story was insanely predictable. Murder in the Family is seeping in drama but I would've loved a little more action with some twists and turns thrown in.
All in all, it was a decent read that I believe everyone can relate to. Who doesn't have at least one hoarding or greedy family member amongst them, am I right?
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
Molly McClelland also finds this fact out at an early age, after the passing of her grandfather, with family greed so abhorrent that it made my skin crawl. I will never understand how some people can put stuff over a human being.
Twenty years pass and Molly hasn't returned home since greed ripped her family apart, but is now forced to when her Aunt Liz dies in an unfortunate accident, an accident Molly feels deep down isn't an accident at all, but instead murder. As executor of the estate, Molly must face her greed-ridden family as she deals with her hoarding aunts home that is full of more than what she bargained for.
Though the pace is slower than I would normally like in a mystery/suspense, but I did enjoy the story as a whole. The characters and town of Carterton have that charming, homespun feel, and I loved all the community and support that Molly receives. The ending, though resolved, felt anti-climactic to me, and the entire story was insanely predictable. Murder in the Family is seeping in drama but I would've loved a little more action with some twists and turns thrown in.
All in all, it was a decent read that I believe everyone can relate to. Who doesn't have at least one hoarding or greedy family member amongst them, am I right?
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
November 13, 2019
My Thoughts on Murder in the Family:
Mystery novels are definitely my thing. I love them! It’s so much fun to get lost in a great mystery novel and try to solve the mystery before the author gives us the answer.
This book was so fast-paced and it took some thinking to remember who was who and why they were important. It was also a bit interesting to try to remember why certain people were so intense on wanting what they weren’t supposed to have.
As a member of a family who’s had a death recently where there was one person who seemed to make away with most everything I can relate to pieces of this book. It is so sad when family history just goes missing. This definitely reminds me that I need to make sure everyone knows and understands where any historical pieces I have go.
It also makes me want to become even more of a minimalist!
But the mystery! I loved it. And I really loved the two main characters as well as wished that I could have met our hoarder aunt. I have to say that Molly is definitely a little fireball and I love her! Her determination and zeal are amazing. Greg, the sheriff, offsets her perfectly and their race against time is wonderfully written.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Mystery novels are definitely my thing. I love them! It’s so much fun to get lost in a great mystery novel and try to solve the mystery before the author gives us the answer.
This book was so fast-paced and it took some thinking to remember who was who and why they were important. It was also a bit interesting to try to remember why certain people were so intense on wanting what they weren’t supposed to have.
As a member of a family who’s had a death recently where there was one person who seemed to make away with most everything I can relate to pieces of this book. It is so sad when family history just goes missing. This definitely reminds me that I need to make sure everyone knows and understands where any historical pieces I have go.
It also makes me want to become even more of a minimalist!
But the mystery! I loved it. And I really loved the two main characters as well as wished that I could have met our hoarder aunt. I have to say that Molly is definitely a little fireball and I love her! Her determination and zeal are amazing. Greg, the sheriff, offsets her perfectly and their race against time is wonderfully written.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Currently reading
November 17, 2019This was such a great mystery novel. It pulled you in at the first sentence. Right away you know what the mystery is and how invested the main character is in finding answers. I really loved how the story built on itself giving small pieces of information just enough to keep you turning pages. The way the author weaved in the main character's past life with the current situation gave you information without being too over the top. The way the main character of Molly used her knowledge of storms to analyze her aunt's death kept the reader invested in the story. The relationships between the characters were wonderful, they really felt like real people you could meet on the street. This was an intriguing mystery novel that felt like could really happen. Can't wait to read other books by this author.
September 17, 2019
Storm chaser Molly McClelland’s world is interrupted from an attorney’s phone call. She’s inherited her hoarder aunt’s place and all of her belongings. Curious as to why her aunt would leave it to her, she returns to the one place she never wanted to see again—her hometown and all her greedy family.
Upon arrival, she immediately begins to suspect all is not what it seems in the small town in Alabama. Was her aunt’s death an accident or something more sinister? On her quest to rid the house of its contents, she discovers more than she bargains for. Can she and the town’s sheriff, Greg Olsen, get to the truth before her greedy family drives her out of the town—or before something worse happens?
Murder in the Family is the first novel I’ve read by this author and I gotta say…I loved it! It was a fun read of a quirky family. The author does an amazing job of describing the house and its stinky contents. I could picture it clearly and even crinkled my nose up at some of the descriptions at times!
The characters were well crafted. Some you love, some you love to hate. I could picture them, quirks and all! The plot was well thought out and kept me turning the pages.
The imagery in this well-crafted novel literally had me breathless at some points. The author knows how to put her reader right into the pages. Well done.
I give Murder in the Family four stars. This cozy mystery will keep you guessing!
**I received an e-copy of this book by the author for my honest opinion.
Upon arrival, she immediately begins to suspect all is not what it seems in the small town in Alabama. Was her aunt’s death an accident or something more sinister? On her quest to rid the house of its contents, she discovers more than she bargains for. Can she and the town’s sheriff, Greg Olsen, get to the truth before her greedy family drives her out of the town—or before something worse happens?
Murder in the Family is the first novel I’ve read by this author and I gotta say…I loved it! It was a fun read of a quirky family. The author does an amazing job of describing the house and its stinky contents. I could picture it clearly and even crinkled my nose up at some of the descriptions at times!
The characters were well crafted. Some you love, some you love to hate. I could picture them, quirks and all! The plot was well thought out and kept me turning the pages.
The imagery in this well-crafted novel literally had me breathless at some points. The author knows how to put her reader right into the pages. Well done.
I give Murder in the Family four stars. This cozy mystery will keep you guessing!
**I received an e-copy of this book by the author for my honest opinion.
November 8, 2019
Murder In The Family
By Ramona Richards
I absolutely loved this Southern mystery with some thrillers thrown in. I was flying through each page and felt like I had developed a personal relationship with the main character, Molly McClelland.
When Molly must return to her family that had been torn apart decades ago due to familial rifts, she isn’t all that thrilled. Not only is their bad blood and bad memories but she was also appointed the Executor of her Aunt’s Estate and is dreading the process of dispersing the contents, since she was a hoarder.
Not everything is always what it seems. The small town people greet her and treat her as family and offer their help. She develops a close relationship with her Aunt’s Lawyer but an even closer one with the local sheriff, Greg Olsen.
Suspicions build that maybe her Aunt was actually murdered and now that somebody is now out to get Molly. What is this inheritance worth? Is there more than what meets the eye? And somehow, her old family conflict reignites hotter than ever and maybe her own kin are the ones that want to see her dead.
There are a bunch of possibilities and there is another backstory that has you feeling for the characters. I really love how the book was written and how it brings out the readers internal emotions.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
By Ramona Richards
I absolutely loved this Southern mystery with some thrillers thrown in. I was flying through each page and felt like I had developed a personal relationship with the main character, Molly McClelland.
When Molly must return to her family that had been torn apart decades ago due to familial rifts, she isn’t all that thrilled. Not only is their bad blood and bad memories but she was also appointed the Executor of her Aunt’s Estate and is dreading the process of dispersing the contents, since she was a hoarder.
Not everything is always what it seems. The small town people greet her and treat her as family and offer their help. She develops a close relationship with her Aunt’s Lawyer but an even closer one with the local sheriff, Greg Olsen.
Suspicions build that maybe her Aunt was actually murdered and now that somebody is now out to get Molly. What is this inheritance worth? Is there more than what meets the eye? And somehow, her old family conflict reignites hotter than ever and maybe her own kin are the ones that want to see her dead.
There are a bunch of possibilities and there is another backstory that has you feeling for the characters. I really love how the book was written and how it brings out the readers internal emotions.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 6, 2019
If ever there was a book that fit the adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” it aptly applies to Murder in the Family. The author is new-to-me, so I have no idea what to expect when I opted to read this book, but I am so glad I did.
Murder in the Family asked all the perfect “What if” questions. Imagine a girl storm-chaser who lives out of her jeep, owning only the bare minimum, is suddenly given the responsibility to distribute the belongings of an absolute hoarder.
Molly hates stuff (junk, material possessions) and feels that the quest for belongings destroyed her family. She’s spent her adult life running from the small town where she was raised and everyone in it. Now, at the most inopportune time she is called home to deal with her deceased aunt’s estate.
This book combines the feel of a cozy mystery with a romantic suspense. Murder in the Family has lots of quirky characters with names like Bird and Lyric. At moments the story became overly descriptive which slowed down the general plot, but it helps you to feel the overwhelming pressure that Molly herself faced.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of cozy mysteries and romantic suspense. Also, for those who enjoy watching “Hoarders” and other such reality shows.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Murder in the Family asked all the perfect “What if” questions. Imagine a girl storm-chaser who lives out of her jeep, owning only the bare minimum, is suddenly given the responsibility to distribute the belongings of an absolute hoarder.
Molly hates stuff (junk, material possessions) and feels that the quest for belongings destroyed her family. She’s spent her adult life running from the small town where she was raised and everyone in it. Now, at the most inopportune time she is called home to deal with her deceased aunt’s estate.
This book combines the feel of a cozy mystery with a romantic suspense. Murder in the Family has lots of quirky characters with names like Bird and Lyric. At moments the story became overly descriptive which slowed down the general plot, but it helps you to feel the overwhelming pressure that Molly herself faced.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of cozy mysteries and romantic suspense. Also, for those who enjoy watching “Hoarders” and other such reality shows.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2019
Storm Chaser Molly McClelland left her small Alabama town 20 years ago due to a dysfunctional family with lots of unsavory issues. If you want a roller coaster ride with lots of twists and turns and red-herrings, this is the book to read! When Molly finds she inherited her Aunt Liz's estate, she is forced to come back to town to dispose of the estate, she is once again met with some serious family issues. Will she be able to accede to her aunt's wishes that Russell her aunt's lawyer presented her with? Could it cost her her life? Why did her Aunt choose her as executor of her estate and not her brother? Where is her brother? Is he still alive since she hasn't heard anything from him since he left town at the same time she did? Will she be able to find out the answers to questions she has been plagued with? And what about the Sheriff who seems to be overly protective of Molly? What about her storm chasing business and her two partners.? How long with the family obligation take and can she leave her business that long? So many questions, you just have to take the roller-coaster ride to find the answers! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more books from this author. I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
November 10, 2019
Every family has some deep dark secrets, but Molly McClelland’s family takes the cake! Long-time family feuds (of which Molly knew little about), murders, and some ancestral miscreants make this a fun, interesting, intriguing read! After her aunt Liz’s death, Molly is brought back to her hometown as she finds herself the heir to Liz’s estate. Much to her dismay she discovers her aunt’s hoarding has rendered the job of executrix very troubling and trying, as well as extremely unsafe. And the more she digs, the more she discovers about her bizarre family secrets.
I found this novel captivating as with each new discovery the who-dunit changes!!
I received a copy of this from the publisher through JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I found this novel captivating as with each new discovery the who-dunit changes!!
I received a copy of this from the publisher through JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2019
Oh my goodness, this book was hard to put down! As soon as Molly set foot in her childhood small town full of secrets with a hoarder's home as an inheritance, I was hooked. Twenty years before, her family was ripped apart by greed, so she took off and never looked back. When she inherits her aunt's home, all the old wounds are re-opened.
I like that this book has so many different layers, both to the characters and the story that unfolds. How does one become a hoarder? What happens when a crime is committed in a house packed full to the gills? I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say that this is a wonderful, suspenseful read to pick up! I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
I like that this book has so many different layers, both to the characters and the story that unfolds. How does one become a hoarder? What happens when a crime is committed in a house packed full to the gills? I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say that this is a wonderful, suspenseful read to pick up! I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
September 18, 2019
This is a compelling story about a hoarder's will, a troubled family and a decent Alabama community. From the beginning storm-chaser Molly suspects her greedy relatives murdered Aunt Liz for her stuff, but there's more to it than that. A lot more. I was impressed with the competent way Molly handled sorting out the overcrowded Victorian house and her fiercely assertive response to unreasonable demands. Small wonder the community took her to their hearts. I thoroughly recommend this clean, enthralling novel. It deserves a better cover.
Read
September 10, 2019Oh wow! If you are looking for a great mystery with lots of twists and turns, great characters that are like folks you might know (only maybe wayyyy more interesting) and issues that are real like, greed then this is a great read for you. I thought I would just start reading it and make time for a chapter or so a day...well silly me, this writer got me hooked from the beginning and I read it in two days with what little spare time I had. Enjoy!!
September 9, 2019
Twisty turny edge of your seat great book. Mystery and disfunctional family all rolled into one story. Very well written and I highly recommend this book. I received an advance reader copy from Light House Publishing of the Carolinas. Opinions are my own.
September 13, 2019
Skeletons start falling out when there is a murder in the family!
But no matter what those consist of, it can actually lead to a place to call home.
A well written story that held my attention.
But no matter what those consist of, it can actually lead to a place to call home.
A well written story that held my attention.
May 21, 2024
Funny story. After chatting with a good friend, I wanted to read a book titled MURDER IN THE FAMILY. I sent it to my Kindle and started to read. I kept looking unsuccessfully for the main character referenced in the series title. I checked the title of what I was reading, and it was called MURDER IN THE FAMILY — but by a different author. So I put Ms. Richardson's book aside (knowing I definitely had to finish it) and picked up the book I thought I had more or less promised my friend I would read. If you search any of the book sites — Goodreads, BookBub, The StoryGraph, etc. — you will find many books with the title in question. One thing the two books do have in common aside from their title is that there is no longer a Kindle Edition for either of them.
Ramona Richards' MURDER IN THE FAMILY is more saga than mystery. Set in a small town in Alabama, where everybody knows everybody else's business, it recollects a family feud among members of the same family. Molly McClelland left her home town of Carterton some twenty years ago for reasons that are not initially clear. And she swore never to go back. Molly, a freelance storm chaser and photographer, loves her nomadic life where possessions are meaningless. She carries her essentials in her old, but still serviceable, Ford Explorer. If anyone wants to contact her, it has to be by email or text. She has no permanent address.
Then her Aunt Liz dies under strange circumstances. Liz is the only family member with whom Molly has kept in touch. Much to Molly's chagrin, Aunt Liz designated her as her executrix. At the behest of Liz's attorney, Russell Williams, Molly finds herself heading back to a place that holds few, if any, good memories. She remembers the greed, and she remembers the violence. But she also remembers Aunt Liz and her kindness. She remembers the old Victorian painted lady where Liz died.
MURDER IN THE FAMILY is both a page-turner and a story to ponder as Molly meets Aunt Liz's neighbors who treat her with sympathy and affection simply because she is Liz Morrow's niece. As the saga unfolds, anyone who has grown up in a dysfunctional family will grasp what is happening and still want to know more. From the unaccountable death of Elizabeth Morrow to the body found amidst a hoarders detritus, it is necessary to read to the very end of the Epilogue to fully understand all that led to the solution of multiple crimes.
Since 'trigger warnings' are now a thing, this book may not be for everyone. I found MURDER IN THE FAMILY compelling and would read more by Ramona Richards.
Ramona Richards' MURDER IN THE FAMILY is more saga than mystery. Set in a small town in Alabama, where everybody knows everybody else's business, it recollects a family feud among members of the same family. Molly McClelland left her home town of Carterton some twenty years ago for reasons that are not initially clear. And she swore never to go back. Molly, a freelance storm chaser and photographer, loves her nomadic life where possessions are meaningless. She carries her essentials in her old, but still serviceable, Ford Explorer. If anyone wants to contact her, it has to be by email or text. She has no permanent address.
Then her Aunt Liz dies under strange circumstances. Liz is the only family member with whom Molly has kept in touch. Much to Molly's chagrin, Aunt Liz designated her as her executrix. At the behest of Liz's attorney, Russell Williams, Molly finds herself heading back to a place that holds few, if any, good memories. She remembers the greed, and she remembers the violence. But she also remembers Aunt Liz and her kindness. She remembers the old Victorian painted lady where Liz died.
MURDER IN THE FAMILY is both a page-turner and a story to ponder as Molly meets Aunt Liz's neighbors who treat her with sympathy and affection simply because she is Liz Morrow's niece. As the saga unfolds, anyone who has grown up in a dysfunctional family will grasp what is happening and still want to know more. From the unaccountable death of Elizabeth Morrow to the body found amidst a hoarders detritus, it is necessary to read to the very end of the Epilogue to fully understand all that led to the solution of multiple crimes.
Since 'trigger warnings' are now a thing, this book may not be for everyone. I found MURDER IN THE FAMILY compelling and would read more by Ramona Richards.
January 8, 2021
Sleepless Nights
Once I’d read chapter 1 of Ramona Richard’s award winning book, Murder in the Family, I could not escape its’ pull for “just one more chapter.” As a nighttime reader this became a dangerous habit. Richard’s characters are beautifully revealed, layer by layer as the story’s twists and turns build to a complex and satisfying conclusion. I fell in love with the community of people in this small Alabama town, and hope we will see them again in the future. Mystery/suspense lovers and those who enjoy light romance must read this engaging (and sleep depriving) book!
Once I’d read chapter 1 of Ramona Richard’s award winning book, Murder in the Family, I could not escape its’ pull for “just one more chapter.” As a nighttime reader this became a dangerous habit. Richard’s characters are beautifully revealed, layer by layer as the story’s twists and turns build to a complex and satisfying conclusion. I fell in love with the community of people in this small Alabama town, and hope we will see them again in the future. Mystery/suspense lovers and those who enjoy light romance must read this engaging (and sleep depriving) book!
August 16, 2021
Here’s a great read for those who love a good mystery. The author hardly lets you catch your breath as storm chaser Molly McLendon bounces from one calamity to another. The suspense is relentless, and the characters are so well-drawn, you feel like you’ve met them. Every Southern family has its share of renegades and eccentrics. You may recognize some of yours here.
When Molly inherits her aunt’s house, she is not pleased to be forced to return to the town she left twenty years ago. As she works on cleaning out the accumulated stuff, she has to deal with irate relatives but starts to make new friends that urge her to stay.
When Molly inherits her aunt’s house, she is not pleased to be forced to return to the town she left twenty years ago. As she works on cleaning out the accumulated stuff, she has to deal with irate relatives but starts to make new friends that urge her to stay.
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