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Tallie Graver Mystery #5
Varnished without a Trace
Her number is up . . .
This Christmas, Tallie Graver would like to take a break from running her cleaning business to be with her boyfriend, Max, and enjoy their first holiday together— alone . Instead, she’s stuck keeping her mother and grandmother from duking it out during the town’s annual Christmas Eve bingo game. As for festive spirit, she’ll have to settle for her mean-spirited Aunt Ronda, whose mouth could use some soap.
The night only gets worse after Tallie discovers Ronda’s body. It seems someone cleaned her clock with a can of varnish. While all the evidence points to Ronda’s husband, Tallie doesn’t believe her beloved Uncle Hoagie could do such a dirty deed. Of course, his sudden disappearance doesn’t help his case. If Tallie hopes to clear his name, she’ll need to dig up some dirt to locate the real killer. Otherwise, someone else could get rubbed out . . .
Praise for Cremains of the Day
“Simon kicks off a new series that combines a bit of humor and romance with a heroine who knows no boundaries while searching for the truth that will keep her out of jail.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“An amusing new series with an engaging, spirited sleuth.”
— Library Journal
“You’ll be cheering as the clues pile up in this creative cozy mystery.”
—New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon
This Christmas, Tallie Graver would like to take a break from running her cleaning business to be with her boyfriend, Max, and enjoy their first holiday together— alone . Instead, she’s stuck keeping her mother and grandmother from duking it out during the town’s annual Christmas Eve bingo game. As for festive spirit, she’ll have to settle for her mean-spirited Aunt Ronda, whose mouth could use some soap.
The night only gets worse after Tallie discovers Ronda’s body. It seems someone cleaned her clock with a can of varnish. While all the evidence points to Ronda’s husband, Tallie doesn’t believe her beloved Uncle Hoagie could do such a dirty deed. Of course, his sudden disappearance doesn’t help his case. If Tallie hopes to clear his name, she’ll need to dig up some dirt to locate the real killer. Otherwise, someone else could get rubbed out . . .
Praise for Cremains of the Day
“Simon kicks off a new series that combines a bit of humor and romance with a heroine who knows no boundaries while searching for the truth that will keep her out of jail.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“An amusing new series with an engaging, spirited sleuth.”
— Library Journal
“You’ll be cheering as the clues pile up in this creative cozy mystery.”
—New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 29, 2020
14 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 10, 2021
Varnished Without a Trace by Misty Simon is the fifth book in the cozy A Tallie Graver Mystery series. Each book in the series features it’s own mystery to be solved so they can be read and understood as a standalone if choosing to do so or in any order. Of course though there are details to the story and characters that carry over book to book so it’s always best to enjoy the series from the beginning.
The A Tallie Graver Mystery series introduced readers to Tallulah Graver who had never wanted to go into the family business of running the Graver Funeral Home. Instead Tallie chose to marry a wealthy man and was living rather well until her marriage fell apart. Tallie picked herself up after the divorce and moved into the apartment above the funeral home and found in order to avoid working full time in the family business and still pay her bills she started a business cleaning the homes of the same wealthy people that she once called friends.
Tallie’s plans of spending the holiday with her boyfriend and taking a break from her business don’t exactly go as planned when she gets roped into Christmas Eve bingo. Just when Tallie thought things couldn’t get any worse than overseeing the bingo madness with her crazy family the night takes a horrible turn when Tallie’s Aunt Ronda is found murdered. When the police begin to suspect Tallie’s Uncle of murder Tallie knows she’s got to find out what happened quick.
I have followed the A Tallie Graver Mystery series from the beginning and always enjoy coming back with each new book. This is another series that has that quirky, humorous vibe to it that I enjoy along with likable characters. Of course the mysteries are always fun to follow too with plenty of suspects along the way and this was yet another great addition to the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The A Tallie Graver Mystery series introduced readers to Tallulah Graver who had never wanted to go into the family business of running the Graver Funeral Home. Instead Tallie chose to marry a wealthy man and was living rather well until her marriage fell apart. Tallie picked herself up after the divorce and moved into the apartment above the funeral home and found in order to avoid working full time in the family business and still pay her bills she started a business cleaning the homes of the same wealthy people that she once called friends.
Tallie’s plans of spending the holiday with her boyfriend and taking a break from her business don’t exactly go as planned when she gets roped into Christmas Eve bingo. Just when Tallie thought things couldn’t get any worse than overseeing the bingo madness with her crazy family the night takes a horrible turn when Tallie’s Aunt Ronda is found murdered. When the police begin to suspect Tallie’s Uncle of murder Tallie knows she’s got to find out what happened quick.
I have followed the A Tallie Graver Mystery series from the beginning and always enjoy coming back with each new book. This is another series that has that quirky, humorous vibe to it that I enjoy along with likable characters. Of course the mysteries are always fun to follow too with plenty of suspects along the way and this was yet another great addition to the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 21, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Christmas, Bingo, and Bodies! Yes, it is another fun book from Misty Simon!
Tallie and Max are turning her little apartment above the funeral home into their own little penthouse just in time for the holidays. Max is trying to get his accountant practice up and running but he could be making a career change. Tallie is trying to take a little break from her cleaning business to run interference between her mother and grandmother who has come to town for the holidays. Her plans go a little awry when she is separated from her elders at the annual Christmas Eve bingo event at the fire station. She ends up sitting next to her Aunt Ronda, a bingo regular who is upset by all the holiday interlopers winning the prizes.
When Tallie wins the final game Ronda leaves in a huff. Tallie notices Ronda has left her bag behind tries to catch up with her outside. She does find her but Ronda won’t be playing bingo ever again as she is very dead with a can of varnish by her side. Boy, that happened quick.
Seeing that her Uncle Hoagie owns the local hardware store where the varnish came from the police want to talk to him immediately. One problem, Uncle Hoagie is nowhere to be found. Add to that, someone is setting fires around town. No one has been hurt yet but it appears the firebug is escalating.
Tallie isn’t sure if it’s the holiday spirit or if Police Chief Burton facing the inevitable but he asks for Tallie’s help in solving the murder case. Equally surprising, her Uncle Sherman, the fire chief, asks for Tallie’s assistance in solving the firebug case too. If Tallie wants to ring in a bright and shining new year she needs to wrap up both mysteries as soon as possible.
Wow, Ms. Simon packs a lot into these pages along with a generous supply of giggles.
I am so happy Max has moved in with Tallie. They compliment each other nicely and he has a way of handling her family in a way she never could. Tallie is getting stronger but hasn’t left behind all her insecurities.
We are introduced to two new characters in this story. Tallie’s grandmother and Burton’s father. Both strong characters and meeting them shines a light on the other characters they have touched over a lifetime. The author continues to allow her characters to grow in a realistic way.
The story has a nice twist in that not one but two people ask Tallie for her help realizing she has a talent for solving mysteries. She proves it when her observations turn the story in a different direction. Due to the murder, we meet Ronda and Hoagie’s children and again it prompts Tallie to ask key questions. Ms. Simon’s writing style takes her readers right into the ebbs and flows are Tallie’s life, like we are looking right over her shoulder as she follows the clues wherever they lead. This new partnership between Tallie and Burton gives a different dimension. I wonder if it will last.
I have enjoyed every book in this series but I feel Varnished without a Trace is the best one yet. I just can’t get enough of these characters. I strived this year to get caught up on this series and I am a little sad that I now have to wait for the next installment. Until next year, Tallie! I am not tapping my foot or anything. Okay, I am, but I know writing and publishing great stories take time. 🙂
Christmas, Bingo, and Bodies! Yes, it is another fun book from Misty Simon!
Tallie and Max are turning her little apartment above the funeral home into their own little penthouse just in time for the holidays. Max is trying to get his accountant practice up and running but he could be making a career change. Tallie is trying to take a little break from her cleaning business to run interference between her mother and grandmother who has come to town for the holidays. Her plans go a little awry when she is separated from her elders at the annual Christmas Eve bingo event at the fire station. She ends up sitting next to her Aunt Ronda, a bingo regular who is upset by all the holiday interlopers winning the prizes.
When Tallie wins the final game Ronda leaves in a huff. Tallie notices Ronda has left her bag behind tries to catch up with her outside. She does find her but Ronda won’t be playing bingo ever again as she is very dead with a can of varnish by her side. Boy, that happened quick.
Seeing that her Uncle Hoagie owns the local hardware store where the varnish came from the police want to talk to him immediately. One problem, Uncle Hoagie is nowhere to be found. Add to that, someone is setting fires around town. No one has been hurt yet but it appears the firebug is escalating.
Tallie isn’t sure if it’s the holiday spirit or if Police Chief Burton facing the inevitable but he asks for Tallie’s help in solving the murder case. Equally surprising, her Uncle Sherman, the fire chief, asks for Tallie’s assistance in solving the firebug case too. If Tallie wants to ring in a bright and shining new year she needs to wrap up both mysteries as soon as possible.
Wow, Ms. Simon packs a lot into these pages along with a generous supply of giggles.
I am so happy Max has moved in with Tallie. They compliment each other nicely and he has a way of handling her family in a way she never could. Tallie is getting stronger but hasn’t left behind all her insecurities.
We are introduced to two new characters in this story. Tallie’s grandmother and Burton’s father. Both strong characters and meeting them shines a light on the other characters they have touched over a lifetime. The author continues to allow her characters to grow in a realistic way.
The story has a nice twist in that not one but two people ask Tallie for her help realizing she has a talent for solving mysteries. She proves it when her observations turn the story in a different direction. Due to the murder, we meet Ronda and Hoagie’s children and again it prompts Tallie to ask key questions. Ms. Simon’s writing style takes her readers right into the ebbs and flows are Tallie’s life, like we are looking right over her shoulder as she follows the clues wherever they lead. This new partnership between Tallie and Burton gives a different dimension. I wonder if it will last.
I have enjoyed every book in this series but I feel Varnished without a Trace is the best one yet. I just can’t get enough of these characters. I strived this year to get caught up on this series and I am a little sad that I now have to wait for the next installment. Until next year, Tallie! I am not tapping my foot or anything. Okay, I am, but I know writing and publishing great stories take time. 🙂
October 2, 2020
It turned out when the Police Chief Burton commented that there was too much going on in town for how small and quaint they're supposed to be it was an understatement. He was even desperate enough to ask for help from Tallie Graver, who owns a cleaning business and helps out in her families funeral home,. This was a surprise to Tallie because he had never been happy about her interference in the past but as the mysteries add up Tallie finds more questions than answers. and soon discovers people aren't always what they seem to be.
The plot in this story really pulled me in with so much going on and a lot of things to try and figure out. I also liked that Tallie's boyfriend, Max, not only was okay with her sleuthing he would help when asked. This is the fifth book in A Tallie Graver Mystery series. . Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
The plot in this story really pulled me in with so much going on and a lot of things to try and figure out. I also liked that Tallie's boyfriend, Max, not only was okay with her sleuthing he would help when asked. This is the fifth book in A Tallie Graver Mystery series. . Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 29, 2020
Varnished Without a Trace is an odd story. The main character is the daughter of a funeral-home director, but she doesn’t want to work in the family business. She prefers cleaning people’s homes over taking care of the dead. Tallie comes off as a bit immature. She is almost thirty but allows her mother, father, and grandmother to tell her how to act, live her life, even what food to eat. Understandably, she wants to keep the peace, especially during the Christmas holiday. Still, a thirty-year-old woman should be able to be herself, eat the food she likes, and not worry about her family getting upset if she refuses cranberry sauce with dinner. For me, this made it challenging to like Tallie too much.
The investigation into the murder of Tallie’s cousin is slightly confusing. The local detective wants her help, as does the fire chief, but neither seems to do their job without Tallie by their side. Even though it’s the Christmas holiday, and the murder of a family member has taken place, yet no one is overly upset or grieving. The victim’s husband is missing and could be the killer, and it doesn’t look like anyone cares except Tallie. It’s just odd that so many crazy things happen, and no one bats an eye.
My biggest complaint about this book is that it was extremely predictable, from the suspects to the motives; even the twists were easily anticipated. Unfortunately, this Christmas holiday story was so easy to predict that I knew what would happen pages before it did. The premise of a funeral director/house cleaner for a cozy is great but wasn’t as good as it could have been. I love odd stories with characters that enhance a series, and this was the only book in the series that I read, so I may not be seeing the entire picture, but I didn’t have any empathy for any of the characters. All of this said, there were some fun and humorous parts in Varnished Without a Trace. It had a fair amount of interest and was a quick read.
The investigation into the murder of Tallie’s cousin is slightly confusing. The local detective wants her help, as does the fire chief, but neither seems to do their job without Tallie by their side. Even though it’s the Christmas holiday, and the murder of a family member has taken place, yet no one is overly upset or grieving. The victim’s husband is missing and could be the killer, and it doesn’t look like anyone cares except Tallie. It’s just odd that so many crazy things happen, and no one bats an eye.
My biggest complaint about this book is that it was extremely predictable, from the suspects to the motives; even the twists were easily anticipated. Unfortunately, this Christmas holiday story was so easy to predict that I knew what would happen pages before it did. The premise of a funeral director/house cleaner for a cozy is great but wasn’t as good as it could have been. I love odd stories with characters that enhance a series, and this was the only book in the series that I read, so I may not be seeing the entire picture, but I didn’t have any empathy for any of the characters. All of this said, there were some fun and humorous parts in Varnished Without a Trace. It had a fair amount of interest and was a quick read.
July 12, 2020
This is the 5th book in the Tallie Graver Mystery series, and while I have enjoyed them all, I think this book is my favorite so far in this series. Ms. Simon has crafted one of the best opening paragraphs in a cozy mystery that I have read in a long time. I was literally laughing from the first sentence and hooked for the rest of the book. Tallie has come a long way since we first met her. She is in a better place with her family, the town, her career and her boyfriend Max. Things are changing for them and I love how Tallie is adapting and rolling with the punches, so to speak. This time around, we get to meet Tallie's grandmother and Burton's father, both of whom are great characters.
I really loved the mystery in this book. It kept me on my toes trying to unravel the clues and piece together just what happened and the identity of the culprit. I also like that Tallie and Burton are in a much better place. I'm wondering when he is going to convince her to join the force. The author is not overly generous on suspects, especially as we get further along in the story making it important for me to stay focused. I was able to unravel a bit of the mystery but the reveal was well done and I finished this book feeling very satisfied.
I will definitely be back to see where this author takes this series and the characters. It is always fun and when I finish the book I've spent several hours being entertained.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts expressed are my own.
I really loved the mystery in this book. It kept me on my toes trying to unravel the clues and piece together just what happened and the identity of the culprit. I also like that Tallie and Burton are in a much better place. I'm wondering when he is going to convince her to join the force. The author is not overly generous on suspects, especially as we get further along in the story making it important for me to stay focused. I was able to unravel a bit of the mystery but the reveal was well done and I finished this book feeling very satisfied.
I will definitely be back to see where this author takes this series and the characters. It is always fun and when I finish the book I've spent several hours being entertained.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts expressed are my own.
October 1, 2020
Varnished Without a Trace by Misty Simon is the 5th book in A Tallie Graver Mystery series, and another great addition. Tallulah, Tallie, Graver's family owns the Graver Funeral Home. Tallie does not want to work there, so she started a cleaning business. This book had me laughing from the beginning, It's Christmas time, and Tallie's relatives and friends were so funny. After the Bingo game, Tallie finds her aunt dead, from a can of varnish thrown at her head, and her uncle missing. Determined to get to the bottom of how and why she was killer, Tallie starts sleuthing. I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing funny, and a quick read. If you love fun cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, I strongly recommend this book and the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 8, 2020
This is the kind of story that a reader doesn’t want to end, it is just that wonderful. Two mysteries going, maybe they are connected, maybe not, side plots that keep the reader engaged but not overwhelmed, and quirky characters that make you feel what they feel. A perfectly written installment .
November 16, 2020
You would think that by reading the first four books in the Tallie Graver Mystery series by Misty Simon, readers would be prepared for what unfolds in the fifth book, Varnished Without a Trace. Boy are we wrong !!!
Simon throws ALL the punches she can in this book and main character Tallie is right there to catch them all !!
In Varnished Without a Trace readers will think that they are going to have a mellow story seeing as it starts with Tallie, Max, Tallie's mother and grandmother attending bingo at the firehouse on Christmas Eve. I mean it's Christmas time, a time where everyone is in good spirits and visiting with family and eating lots of yummy food. However for Tallie her uncle Sherman who is the Fire Chief is dealing with a firebug and wants him or her caught before the fires esculate and someone gets hurt or dies so he asks Tallie to look over the files to see if fresh eyes will catch something. Also as everyone is leaving the firehouse after bingo, her aunt Ronda is found dead after being hit in the head with a can of varnish. Aunt Ronda is married to Uncle Hoagie and they own the hardware store in town which is where Tallie and Max have been spending a lot of time there as they are renovation their apartment above the family funeral home.
All Tallie wants to do is spend this first Christmas season with Max and her family and relax and enjoy it. But when Uncle Sherman and Police Chief Burton ask her for help and she sees how tired they both look, her heart goes out to them.
Vanished Without a Trace has so much going on with the firebug and a murder......and Tallie finds out that certain family members aren't who they say they are and that sends her down a dark path. But when the firebug takes things to the next level and her favorite employee, Letty, is trapped in the burning house, Tallie sees red and I'm not talking about fire engine red !!
Everyone knows that Tallie will go out on a limb to save her town and everyone in it. She still feels like she has to prove herself from when she turned her back on everyone when she was married to Waldo and she was a snob. Sadly she can't see that everyone has forgiven her and have grown to depend on her to help solve any crime that threatens their town.
Readers will be totally on the edge of their seat reading this latest installment in this series. There is a lot to handle but with Tallie on it, we know that everything will be okay in the end....we just have to get through the nail biting and breath holding stage and let Tallie take us to the finish line .... in her own time and way.
Simon throws ALL the punches she can in this book and main character Tallie is right there to catch them all !!
In Varnished Without a Trace readers will think that they are going to have a mellow story seeing as it starts with Tallie, Max, Tallie's mother and grandmother attending bingo at the firehouse on Christmas Eve. I mean it's Christmas time, a time where everyone is in good spirits and visiting with family and eating lots of yummy food. However for Tallie her uncle Sherman who is the Fire Chief is dealing with a firebug and wants him or her caught before the fires esculate and someone gets hurt or dies so he asks Tallie to look over the files to see if fresh eyes will catch something. Also as everyone is leaving the firehouse after bingo, her aunt Ronda is found dead after being hit in the head with a can of varnish. Aunt Ronda is married to Uncle Hoagie and they own the hardware store in town which is where Tallie and Max have been spending a lot of time there as they are renovation their apartment above the family funeral home.
All Tallie wants to do is spend this first Christmas season with Max and her family and relax and enjoy it. But when Uncle Sherman and Police Chief Burton ask her for help and she sees how tired they both look, her heart goes out to them.
Vanished Without a Trace has so much going on with the firebug and a murder......and Tallie finds out that certain family members aren't who they say they are and that sends her down a dark path. But when the firebug takes things to the next level and her favorite employee, Letty, is trapped in the burning house, Tallie sees red and I'm not talking about fire engine red !!
Everyone knows that Tallie will go out on a limb to save her town and everyone in it. She still feels like she has to prove herself from when she turned her back on everyone when she was married to Waldo and she was a snob. Sadly she can't see that everyone has forgiven her and have grown to depend on her to help solve any crime that threatens their town.
Readers will be totally on the edge of their seat reading this latest installment in this series. There is a lot to handle but with Tallie on it, we know that everything will be okay in the end....we just have to get through the nail biting and breath holding stage and let Tallie take us to the finish line .... in her own time and way.
September 29, 2020
When Tallie's beloved Uncle Hoagie goes missing and her mean-spirited Aunt Ronda is murdered, on Christmas Eve, Tallie finds herself solving a murder, looking for a missing Uncle, chasing an arsonist, renovating her & Max's apartment and trying to keep the holiday spirit!
Besides the "keep you guessing" mystery, what I loved about the book is how Tallie has changed since she stopped being a high society wife and came home to her wonderfully quirky family. She has accepted her ability to sleuth and is always a step ahead of Burton, the lovable but cranky, police chief. Tallie has persevered and kept going when times were tough. I enjoyed the banter between Tallie and her family, boyfriend Max and her best friend Gina. To me, the best books have a flow that makes you feel as if you're there sleuthing right along with the main character and author Misty Simon has that ability. The supporting characters are as well-developed as Tallie and bring humor to the book. The solutions to the mysteries fell into place like a puzzle!
So many surprises in this book! It's the perfect gift for Tallie Graver fans!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
Besides the "keep you guessing" mystery, what I loved about the book is how Tallie has changed since she stopped being a high society wife and came home to her wonderfully quirky family. She has accepted her ability to sleuth and is always a step ahead of Burton, the lovable but cranky, police chief. Tallie has persevered and kept going when times were tough. I enjoyed the banter between Tallie and her family, boyfriend Max and her best friend Gina. To me, the best books have a flow that makes you feel as if you're there sleuthing right along with the main character and author Misty Simon has that ability. The supporting characters are as well-developed as Tallie and bring humor to the book. The solutions to the mysteries fell into place like a puzzle!
So many surprises in this book! It's the perfect gift for Tallie Graver fans!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 29, 2020
Tallie Graver runs a cleaning business with a great crew in Pennsylvania, a town where she's content, and she also has her boyfriend, Max Bennett. She lives in the flat above her family's funeral parlour and works there part-time, though her family would like her to have a lot more input into the funeral business. Tallie is hoping to spend some time alone with Max over the Christmas holidays, but the Gravers have other ideas and instead, she's at an annual Christmas Eve bingo game with her mum and granny and her mean Aunt Ronda. Luck is on Tallie's side and she wins a prize, much to the disgust of Aunt Ronda. Her aunt marches off and leaves her purse behind, but when Tallie follows her to return it, she finds a dead body... it's her aunt.
Varnished Without a Trace is the 5th instalment in the Tallie Graver Mystery books and it's my 1st in this series. Although it was book five, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events, but I would have preferred to have started from the first novel for continuity reasons.
Protagonist Tallie brought her sparkling personality and her astuteness to the proceedings and I also enjoyed the contributions from her wonderfully quirky family who were highly entertaining, as well as the grouchy Police Chief, Burton. Events moved along at a comfortable pace and the mystery itself was fantastic as there was never a dull moment. There were a number of suspects to choose from, and the conclusion was a surprise to me. I had a blast reading this highly amusing and fun, festive cozy and I'm already looking forwarding to catching up with Tallie in book #6, as well as grabbing copies of the first four books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Varnished Without a Trace is the 5th instalment in the Tallie Graver Mystery books and it's my 1st in this series. Although it was book five, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events, but I would have preferred to have started from the first novel for continuity reasons.
Protagonist Tallie brought her sparkling personality and her astuteness to the proceedings and I also enjoyed the contributions from her wonderfully quirky family who were highly entertaining, as well as the grouchy Police Chief, Burton. Events moved along at a comfortable pace and the mystery itself was fantastic as there was never a dull moment. There were a number of suspects to choose from, and the conclusion was a surprise to me. I had a blast reading this highly amusing and fun, festive cozy and I'm already looking forwarding to catching up with Tallie in book #6, as well as grabbing copies of the first four books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 28, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Tallie Graver mystery series by Misty Simon.
Tallie has a cleaning business she loves but her family wants her to take her place in their funeral home business. While visiting with her aunt, mother and grandmother during a bingo game, Tallie comes across the dead body of her Aunt Ronda. Her Uncle Hoagie is suspect number one, then a body turns up they think is him but surprisingly, it is really a very close lookalike. Then they discover Hoagie might not even be related to them at all. What the heck is going on?
I surprisingly enjoyed the back and forth between Tallie’s real job and her family obligation to the funeral home. Plus, all the red herrings and twists and turns kept my attention all the way through. Great characterization. Loving Tallie’s family. They are so dominant here.
I will definitely want to check out the other books in this series just to see what happened in the past. Loving it so far.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the fifth book in the Tallie Graver mystery series by Misty Simon.
Tallie has a cleaning business she loves but her family wants her to take her place in their funeral home business. While visiting with her aunt, mother and grandmother during a bingo game, Tallie comes across the dead body of her Aunt Ronda. Her Uncle Hoagie is suspect number one, then a body turns up they think is him but surprisingly, it is really a very close lookalike. Then they discover Hoagie might not even be related to them at all. What the heck is going on?
I surprisingly enjoyed the back and forth between Tallie’s real job and her family obligation to the funeral home. Plus, all the red herrings and twists and turns kept my attention all the way through. Great characterization. Loving Tallie’s family. They are so dominant here.
I will definitely want to check out the other books in this series just to see what happened in the past. Loving it so far.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
July 7, 2022
An absolutely rip roaring good time to be had by all! This is my first book by Misty Simons. Wow is all I can say. I had an absolute blast reading this book.
So many mysteries all wrapped up in big shiny bow. Amazingly well written. I loved the characters. Especially Max and Tallie. They're absolutely perfect for each other.
I love the small home town feel and how everyone knows everyone else and even with all if that there are still plenty of secrets and lies to sort through.
The funeral home aspect is unique and very interesting. Bot at all creepy like I thought it might be. I love how her family bickers back and forth. It warms my heart how they fight yet love each other so very much.
The mysteries were exciting and not all easy to figure out. I absolutely loved it and had a great time.
The characters are wonderfully fleshed out and I have absolutely no problem imagining the world in which they exist.
What a fun book! This is a series that I can see myself getting absolutely addicted to.
Yes, I absolutely love and recommend this book!
So many mysteries all wrapped up in big shiny bow. Amazingly well written. I loved the characters. Especially Max and Tallie. They're absolutely perfect for each other.
I love the small home town feel and how everyone knows everyone else and even with all if that there are still plenty of secrets and lies to sort through.
The funeral home aspect is unique and very interesting. Bot at all creepy like I thought it might be. I love how her family bickers back and forth. It warms my heart how they fight yet love each other so very much.
The mysteries were exciting and not all easy to figure out. I absolutely loved it and had a great time.
The characters are wonderfully fleshed out and I have absolutely no problem imagining the world in which they exist.
What a fun book! This is a series that I can see myself getting absolutely addicted to.
Yes, I absolutely love and recommend this book!
September 27, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
As many other reviews have stated, this is book number 5 in an established cozy mystery series. I have not yet read the books that preceded this one and I definitely feel that I would benefit from going back and catching up on all the story that has gone before. I wasn’t so lost ever that the current story line didn’t make sense but I do get the impression there’s been a lot of story that has gone before and it would be good to look after the main characters’s relationships from the beginning.
It is set at Christmas time, but I felt it was very light on Christmas content and could easily be read at any time of the year.
I enjoyed this book and was kept guessing until the end with many plot twists and turns. Definitely recommend and I will be carrying on with the series.
As many other reviews have stated, this is book number 5 in an established cozy mystery series. I have not yet read the books that preceded this one and I definitely feel that I would benefit from going back and catching up on all the story that has gone before. I wasn’t so lost ever that the current story line didn’t make sense but I do get the impression there’s been a lot of story that has gone before and it would be good to look after the main characters’s relationships from the beginning.
It is set at Christmas time, but I felt it was very light on Christmas content and could easily be read at any time of the year.
I enjoyed this book and was kept guessing until the end with many plot twists and turns. Definitely recommend and I will be carrying on with the series.
September 27, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
As many other reviews have stated, this is book number 5 in an established cozy mystery series. I have not yet read the books that preceded this one and I definitely feel that I would benefit from going back and catching up on all the story that has gone before. I wasn’t so lost ever that the current story line didn’t make sense but I do get the impression there’s been a lot of story that has gone before and it would be good to look after the main characters’s relationships from the beginning.
It is set at Christmas time, but I felt it was very light on Christmas content and could easily be read at any time of the year.
I enjoyed this book and was kept guessing until the end with many plot twists and turns. Definitely recommend and I will be carrying on with the series
As many other reviews have stated, this is book number 5 in an established cozy mystery series. I have not yet read the books that preceded this one and I definitely feel that I would benefit from going back and catching up on all the story that has gone before. I wasn’t so lost ever that the current story line didn’t make sense but I do get the impression there’s been a lot of story that has gone before and it would be good to look after the main characters’s relationships from the beginning.
It is set at Christmas time, but I felt it was very light on Christmas content and could easily be read at any time of the year.
I enjoyed this book and was kept guessing until the end with many plot twists and turns. Definitely recommend and I will be carrying on with the series
May 29, 2020
Tallie Graver has become one of my favorite characters. Growing up in a funeral home is one thing, but Tallie would rather scrub toilets then work in the family business in her adult life.
Even though it’s an issue with her family, Tallie stays determined to have a separate career, although she will admit to enjoy driving the hearse.
Tallie also has a knack for solving mysteries, murder investigations to be exact, much to the chagrin of the police chief.
In this particular book, Tallie is encouraged to help the authorities and once you start this book, you won’t want to put it down.
The author creates a realistic story, filled with colorful, quirky characters who are guaranteed to brighten your day.
Even though it’s an issue with her family, Tallie stays determined to have a separate career, although she will admit to enjoy driving the hearse.
Tallie also has a knack for solving mysteries, murder investigations to be exact, much to the chagrin of the police chief.
In this particular book, Tallie is encouraged to help the authorities and once you start this book, you won’t want to put it down.
The author creates a realistic story, filled with colorful, quirky characters who are guaranteed to brighten your day.
May 30, 2020
Let's see, there's extreme bingo, a murdered curmudgeon whose husband goes missing, a look-alike embalmed body found outside his business, a looney family who wants daughter to stop mucking about as an amateur sleuth and get into the family (funeral home) business against her will. Oh, and an arsonist. Sounds like fun, and it really is. Kept me up reading to find out what's next! Great characters!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Press via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Press via NetGalley.
September 8, 2024
It could be that I finished the series too closely together... I'm not really sure... but I didn't really care for this one as much.
There was a lot of depth, which I did like, but as I often find, the ending was incredibly rushed and left me not quite content.
Not terrible, just not a favorite.
There was a lot of depth, which I did like, but as I often find, the ending was incredibly rushed and left me not quite content.
Not terrible, just not a favorite.
June 2, 2020
IN this latest mystery in the series, Tallie Graver finds a body after playing bingo. This leads her to start investigating who could done it as well as the disappearance of the owner of the hardware store. There is a lot of talk throughout the book about being related to them (the body and the husband) and a lot of confusion about it. Yes, Tallie is related, but no she isn't, but maybe she is. Even though it is a plot point, it becomes very tedious. There are a lot of inconsistencies in the book where one thing is stated and later on, contradicted. There a number of slang and phrases that are used incorrectly and it puts the reader off balance trying to figure out what was meant. This book just struck as slightly off and I could not really get into it.
December 23, 2021
Varnished without a Trace by Misty Simon
Book #1: A Tallie Graver Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Kensington
Rating: 4½/5 stars
Tallie Graver spent a lot of years away from her family while she was married to her now ex-husband and until this Christmas, she has regretted that choice greatly. This Christmas, however, Tallie’s battle axe of a grandmother is visiting and Tallie is meant to be running interference for her mother. On tonight’s agenda, Bingo at the local civic center and Tallie isn’t at all prepared for the fireworks that event normally brings.
Although, Bingo doesn’t normally bring a dead woman out the back door. Even for Tallie, a dead woman at Bingo is a first. As if the situation weren’t bad enough, the dead woman is the meanest old broad in town and there aren’t many mourning her passing. For Tallie, it isn’t so much the death of the old broad that has her upset, it’s the fact her uncle has been accused of the murder and he seems to have pulled a runner.
Though Tallie has somewhat vowed to keep her nose out of police business and spend as much time as possible with her delightful beau, she simply can’t ignore a couple things 1) the police chief is actually being nice and asking for her help, and 2) there are far too many unanswered questions for Tallie to let go.
As Tallie begins to dig around into the murder, she discovers one glaring problem, no one seems to know how her “uncle” is actually related to the family. With all her usual avenues of investigation exhausted, Tallie has no choice but to ask the battle axe herself. With a bit of bribery and a lot of cheek, Tallie finally gets the old broad to spill the beans and wowsa is it a monster of a tale. Armed with her new and stunning information, Tallie sets about righting a lifetime worth of wrongs for a load of people. As always, Tallie gets more than a bit in over her head and by the end of it all, her folks are once again telling her, “I told you so!”
The Bottom Line: I really like this installment of the Tallie Graver Mystery Series. In fact, I read this one in no time flat and regret nothing. As you well know, I am a huge fan of backstory and history and this book had quite a bit of each. As Tallie uncovers clues, she also uncovers more about her family, their history, and how her family is more entrenched in the town she calls home than she could have ever imagined. Tallie even discovers, that when push comes to shove, her family may actually understand her a bit more than she has previously gave them credit for. I think this last bit is the bit I liked the best about this book; there is a great deal of personal evolution in Tallie’s story/life and that gives me great hope for the future of this series.
Book #1: A Tallie Graver Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Kensington
Rating: 4½/5 stars
Tallie Graver spent a lot of years away from her family while she was married to her now ex-husband and until this Christmas, she has regretted that choice greatly. This Christmas, however, Tallie’s battle axe of a grandmother is visiting and Tallie is meant to be running interference for her mother. On tonight’s agenda, Bingo at the local civic center and Tallie isn’t at all prepared for the fireworks that event normally brings.
Although, Bingo doesn’t normally bring a dead woman out the back door. Even for Tallie, a dead woman at Bingo is a first. As if the situation weren’t bad enough, the dead woman is the meanest old broad in town and there aren’t many mourning her passing. For Tallie, it isn’t so much the death of the old broad that has her upset, it’s the fact her uncle has been accused of the murder and he seems to have pulled a runner.
Though Tallie has somewhat vowed to keep her nose out of police business and spend as much time as possible with her delightful beau, she simply can’t ignore a couple things 1) the police chief is actually being nice and asking for her help, and 2) there are far too many unanswered questions for Tallie to let go.
As Tallie begins to dig around into the murder, she discovers one glaring problem, no one seems to know how her “uncle” is actually related to the family. With all her usual avenues of investigation exhausted, Tallie has no choice but to ask the battle axe herself. With a bit of bribery and a lot of cheek, Tallie finally gets the old broad to spill the beans and wowsa is it a monster of a tale. Armed with her new and stunning information, Tallie sets about righting a lifetime worth of wrongs for a load of people. As always, Tallie gets more than a bit in over her head and by the end of it all, her folks are once again telling her, “I told you so!”
The Bottom Line: I really like this installment of the Tallie Graver Mystery Series. In fact, I read this one in no time flat and regret nothing. As you well know, I am a huge fan of backstory and history and this book had quite a bit of each. As Tallie uncovers clues, she also uncovers more about her family, their history, and how her family is more entrenched in the town she calls home than she could have ever imagined. Tallie even discovers, that when push comes to shove, her family may actually understand her a bit more than she has previously gave them credit for. I think this last bit is the bit I liked the best about this book; there is a great deal of personal evolution in Tallie’s story/life and that gives me great hope for the future of this series.
June 5, 2020
In this next book in the Tallie Graver series, our intrepid heroine is in the midst of the holidays. She not only has to deal with her grumpy grandmother, but apartment renovations (with the marvelous Max), another murder, and an arsonist. Her mother and grandmother drag her to Christmas Eve bingo—not her first choice of how to spend the evening—and when she wins (much to the anger of the regular players), instead of gathering her prize, she finds a body. But the real surprise is when Police Chief Burton actually asks for her input. And then her uncle Sherman asks her to help find the firebug who’s burning up buildings around town. With the help of Max and her friends, Tallie once again discovers the secrets being hidden. But before we get to the satisfying ending, there are a lot of twists and turns that leave you guessing. One thing about the series is that each one is a stand-alone story. Yes, reading them in order gives you background on the family that would help you get deeper into the story, but you don’t need to have in order to enjoy the stories.
What I liked: I love the family dynamics in the Tallie stories. The books aren’t just about the murder, but about Tallie and her life and relationships. And it all keeps you turning the pages.
What I didn’t like: Nothing. I love the Tallie Graver series!
Recommendation: If you’ve read the other ones in this series, you need to read this one. But if you haven’t, you can still read this one and know what’s going on. I suggest you read them all for a fun, light-hearted mystery with interesting characters and endings that satisfy.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything.
What I liked: I love the family dynamics in the Tallie stories. The books aren’t just about the murder, but about Tallie and her life and relationships. And it all keeps you turning the pages.
What I didn’t like: Nothing. I love the Tallie Graver series!
Recommendation: If you’ve read the other ones in this series, you need to read this one. But if you haven’t, you can still read this one and know what’s going on. I suggest you read them all for a fun, light-hearted mystery with interesting characters and endings that satisfy.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything.
August 25, 2020
This is the 5th in the Tallie Graver mystery series. Tallie is a good place as her boyfriend Max has moved to town and they are renovating the apartment above the funeral home to be larger and easily fit them and both their pets. It is Christmas Eve, Tallie, her Mother and Grandmother who is in town for the holidays go to the towns bingo. Tallie gets bumped to another table and has to sit with her Aunt Ronda who is always a little nasty and bingo night is no exception. After bingo, Tallie notices that Ronda left her purse so she goes after her and unfortunately finds her dead behind the building. Next her Uncle Hoagie goes missing. They decide to enjoy their Christmas, the next day Max (who has an office in Hoagie’s Hardware store for his tax business) and Tallie go to get some items at the hardware and to look for Hoagie. A fire breaks out next door and Nathan Hoagie’s long term is all shook up and they find Hoagie’s body against the store. Tallie goes to check it out and says that it is not Hoagie but essentially his look alike. What is going on? Burton the police chief and Uncle Sherman the Fire Chief are both looking for Tallie’s help as there is a murderer out there as well as a firebug. Tallie wants to help both of them and is frustrated that she is not finding the answers quick enough. Of course, Tallie does put it all together in the end with some help from her Grandmother and Burton’s father. I like Tallie and the way her relationship is evolving with her family and how she is growing as a person. Good solid mystery and I highly recommend. Looking forward to the next installment.
April 27, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: Tallie, in her previous outings, seemed to be batting heads with many of the men in her life, Her father wants her to step up and take a more active role in his funeral business. The chief of police, whom she has helped many times, bridles each time she hands him the solution to a murder. Only her uncle, the fire chief and her boyfriend, seem to give her credit for her intelligence and observational skills. That is until this book. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, as did Tallie, as her two nemesis seemed to see her finally for her talents and openly support her. Wow! Talk about a turnaround.
They are going to need her and she is going to need them and they four men and Tallie make an awesome team when they are all working together. When Tallie’s aunt, a thoroughly unpleasant woman, is beaned by a can of varnish after a bingo game and killed, her uncle disappears. He seems like the kindest most gentle man and Tallie cannot believe he would murder his wife no matter how provoked. Then another body turns up and the merry-go-round goes into overdrive. To say people are not what they seem would be an understatement of epic proportion.
It is going to take the five of them to unravel the lies and secrets of the past forty years to learn what happened both in the murder and a spate of arsons that have been breaking out in the town. Great characters abound with complex family dynamics. As usual, Tallie makes a great heroine and the story moves along at a fast and entertaining pace.
Five purrs and two paws up.
They are going to need her and she is going to need them and they four men and Tallie make an awesome team when they are all working together. When Tallie’s aunt, a thoroughly unpleasant woman, is beaned by a can of varnish after a bingo game and killed, her uncle disappears. He seems like the kindest most gentle man and Tallie cannot believe he would murder his wife no matter how provoked. Then another body turns up and the merry-go-round goes into overdrive. To say people are not what they seem would be an understatement of epic proportion.
It is going to take the five of them to unravel the lies and secrets of the past forty years to learn what happened both in the murder and a spate of arsons that have been breaking out in the town. Great characters abound with complex family dynamics. As usual, Tallie makes a great heroine and the story moves along at a fast and entertaining pace.
Five purrs and two paws up.
October 6, 2020
This story puts a new spin on the word "family." It's Christmas time and the Bingo game is hot or at least fast paced and slight scary when you play with Tallie's family. This time the game turns deadly when cleaning queen Tallie finds her Aunt Roda dead right outside of the Bingo hall. To make this mystery even stranger, her Uncle Hoagy, Roda's husband goes missing and a look alike is found at his hardware store, dead. With the exception of Tallie's boyfriend, Max it seems that everyone is relatd to everyone else in . That is until Tallie starts asking just how are they related to Hoagie and his family. In addition to that mystery, Uncle Sherman head of the fire department wants no needs Tallie to try and figure out who the fire bug might be that is creating havoc around town. Mysterious fires that do just enough damage but not complete destruction. Lots of secrets and Tallie just cannot leave well enough alone and it seems that she has garned some respect from Police Chief Burton who wants her thinking skills but not her getting into trouble as a result of what she thinks" skills to help him discover the murderer, locate Hoagie, and relocate the look alike corpse. Good think Tallie is a well developed character who can multitask with just enough snark to added in to get the job done, and done right. She might not want to be in the family mortuary business but she sure does know how to clean up a murder mystery.
May 28, 2020
Tallie Graver isn't full of festive spirit when she has to accompany her mom and grandmother to play bingo on Christmas Eve and to top it all she has to sit next to Aunt Ronda who moans, gripes and curses her way through the entire evening. Finally everything draws to a close but that's when the whole experience reaches its lowest point as Tallie finds her aunt's dead body by the exit. When her uncle disappears without trace at the same time he seems to be the prime suspect. Add to that a fire bug targeting local businesses, and everyone has their hands full and there's still the family Christmas meal to get through!
This is such a fun read, even if it's still a while until Christmas! Tallulah (Tallie) Graver is a likeable and engaging main character who runs a cleaning company but still manages to drive the family hearse, they are all undertakers apart from her, and help the local sheriff. This is the first book I have read by this author but the fifth in the Tallie Graver series. I didn't feel I needed to read the others first but if they are as good as this I will definitely be visiting with Tallie again soon.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good festive murder mystery or an easy to read cosy crime series.
This is such a fun read, even if it's still a while until Christmas! Tallulah (Tallie) Graver is a likeable and engaging main character who runs a cleaning company but still manages to drive the family hearse, they are all undertakers apart from her, and help the local sheriff. This is the first book I have read by this author but the fifth in the Tallie Graver series. I didn't feel I needed to read the others first but if they are as good as this I will definitely be visiting with Tallie again soon.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good festive murder mystery or an easy to read cosy crime series.
June 1, 2020
Tallie Graver just wanted to survive her grandmother's holiday visit with her mind intact. She survived a divorce and was adamant about NOT becoming a mortician, much to her family's dismay.
Her main bright spot was that her boyfriend Max now lived with her, even if it was over the funeral parlor.
Being dragged to bingo with her mother and grandmother was not her first choice of a way to spend an evening, less so when her Aunt Rhona turns up dead and she finds the body. Not being able to find Rhona's husband Uncle Hoagie just tipped the evening farther into the dumpster.
She was stunned when Police Chief Burton asks for her input, as he'd been trying to stop her from 'helping' him until now. Uncle Sherman's request for help in finding a firebug also came as a surprise.
With Max and her friends they investigate any lead they find and pass on the information, especially when they find out things that went against what they thought they knew.
When old secrets come out, things start to make more sense. The killer is arrested as is the firebug.
This is a fun cozy, with some offbeat humor, but suitable for all ages.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to oeruse and offer my opinion freely.
Her main bright spot was that her boyfriend Max now lived with her, even if it was over the funeral parlor.
Being dragged to bingo with her mother and grandmother was not her first choice of a way to spend an evening, less so when her Aunt Rhona turns up dead and she finds the body. Not being able to find Rhona's husband Uncle Hoagie just tipped the evening farther into the dumpster.
She was stunned when Police Chief Burton asks for her input, as he'd been trying to stop her from 'helping' him until now. Uncle Sherman's request for help in finding a firebug also came as a surprise.
With Max and her friends they investigate any lead they find and pass on the information, especially when they find out things that went against what they thought they knew.
When old secrets come out, things start to make more sense. The killer is arrested as is the firebug.
This is a fun cozy, with some offbeat humor, but suitable for all ages.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to oeruse and offer my opinion freely.
October 8, 2020
This is such a fun read. Its the perfect read for these pandemic times to take your mind off of the news and make you laugh out loud I loved this next in series as a fun Christmas time theme mystery. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinions are my own. This is a funny series you will always enjoy returning to with each new release..
Varnished Without a Trace by Misty Simon is the 5th book in A Tallie Graver Mystery series.
Tallie, Graver's family owns the Graver Funeral Home. Tallie does not want to work there but is stuck working for them part time. She started her own cleaning business to get out from under her overbearing family and away from the family business as soon as she can. She lives above the funeral home with her boyfriend and is busy renovating her apartment. Her family is very fun and always present in her business. The author portrays this family perfectly as a close knit family that are funny and caring for each other.
When Tallie finds her aunt dead she is determined to return to her talent of sleuthing to determine the true facts of her Aunt's death. The sleuth kept me guessing to conclusion and the author kept me laughing throughout this fun read. I look forward to the next in series.
Varnished Without a Trace by Misty Simon is the 5th book in A Tallie Graver Mystery series.
Tallie, Graver's family owns the Graver Funeral Home. Tallie does not want to work there but is stuck working for them part time. She started her own cleaning business to get out from under her overbearing family and away from the family business as soon as she can. She lives above the funeral home with her boyfriend and is busy renovating her apartment. Her family is very fun and always present in her business. The author portrays this family perfectly as a close knit family that are funny and caring for each other.
When Tallie finds her aunt dead she is determined to return to her talent of sleuthing to determine the true facts of her Aunt's death. The sleuth kept me guessing to conclusion and the author kept me laughing throughout this fun read. I look forward to the next in series.
August 3, 2020
Very well done. I love Tallie and look forward to the next. Misty really can tell a good story that brings a lot of memories of bingo games and family dinners. Fun, Fun Fun!
This Christmas, Tallie Graver would like to take a break from running her cleaning business to be with her boyfriend, Max, and enjoy their first holiday together--alone. Instead, she's stuck keeping her mother and grandmother from duking it out during the town's annual Christmas Eve bingo game. As for festive spirit, she'll have to settle for her mean-spirited Aunt Ronda, whose mouth could use some soap.
The night only gets worse after Tallie discovers Ronda's body. It seems someone cleaned her clock with a can of varnish. While all the evidence points to Ronda's husband, Tallie doesn't
believe her beloved Uncle Hoagie could do such a dirty deed. Of course, his sudden
disappearance doesn't help his case. If Tallie hopes to clear his name, she'll need to dig up some dirt to locate the real killer. Otherwise, someone else could get rubbed out . .
This Christmas, Tallie Graver would like to take a break from running her cleaning business to be with her boyfriend, Max, and enjoy their first holiday together--alone. Instead, she's stuck keeping her mother and grandmother from duking it out during the town's annual Christmas Eve bingo game. As for festive spirit, she'll have to settle for her mean-spirited Aunt Ronda, whose mouth could use some soap.
The night only gets worse after Tallie discovers Ronda's body. It seems someone cleaned her clock with a can of varnish. While all the evidence points to Ronda's husband, Tallie doesn't
believe her beloved Uncle Hoagie could do such a dirty deed. Of course, his sudden
disappearance doesn't help his case. If Tallie hopes to clear his name, she'll need to dig up some dirt to locate the real killer. Otherwise, someone else could get rubbed out . .
June 26, 2020
#Varnished without a Trace. Tallie Graver is looking forward to enjoying her first holiday season together with her boyfriend, Max, in their new home. Before they can begin the festivities she is roped into attending the town’s annual Christmas Eve bingo game. Her Mother is hoping her presence will act as a buffer between Tallie's Grandmother and her. When her mean-spirited Aunt Ronda, is murdered at the end of the evening and her beloved Uncle Hoagie goes missing the seasons frivolity will be put on hold.
Tallie must not only unravel the clues to solve the murder but the multiple twisted branches of her family tree to determine just how they are all related. All while navigating the desire of her parents to join the family undertaking business. This is a delightful romp thru the land mind that we call family.
Tallie must not only unravel the clues to solve the murder but the multiple twisted branches of her family tree to determine just how they are all related. All while navigating the desire of her parents to join the family undertaking business. This is a delightful romp thru the land mind that we call family.
July 29, 2020
Holiday bingo games might sometime lead to bloodshed, but as Tallie Graver soon finds out, it might lead to murder. Coaxed into joining her feuding mother and grandmother at a Christmas Eve bingo event, Tallie can hardly wait to step outside at the end of the session. Unfortunately when she does, she trips over the body of Ronda Hogart. When Ronda's husband is discovered missing, Tallie is reluctant to believe the likeable Uncle Hoagie is the killer. As she digs deeper, she discovers so uncomfortable information that might disrupt everything she believes is true. The push and pull between Tallie and her funeral director father is fascinating as is her relationship with Police Chief Burton and his desire to keep her out of the crime investigation. A thoroughly enjoyable series with a determined lead character.
September 17, 2020
This was just what I needed to keep me entertained. Spending some time with Tallie was a treat. It's Christmas and there is a lot going on in Tallie's life. The usual day to day stuff plus family friction at the bingo game. Her Mother and her horrid Aunt Ronda are itching for a fight. Tallie thinks the fire is out between them for now, until she finds it will be permanent - somebody has bumped her off and then her husband goes missing. If he didn't do the evil deed, who did?
From the first page to the last, the humor and the puzzle sucked me in and never let up. I think this might just be my favorite of the whole series. If you are new to this series, line them all up and settle down for a binge. You won't regret a minute of it.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
From the first page to the last, the humor and the puzzle sucked me in and never let up. I think this might just be my favorite of the whole series. If you are new to this series, line them all up and settle down for a binge. You won't regret a minute of it.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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