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Cleo Mack #3
Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival
It’s late March in Fairhope, Alabama, and artists from around the country are flocking to the bayside town’s Arts & Crafts Festival. The annual tradition has something for everyone, only this year, the main attraction is murder . . .
Cleo Mack’s life has been a whirlwind since she inadvertely became the executive director of Harbor Village, a retirement community bustling with energetic seniors. Juggling apartment sales, quirky residents, and a fast-moving romance is tricky business. But on-the-job stress develops a new meaning when Twinkle Thaw, a portrait artist known to ruffle a few feathers, arrives unannounced for the weekend’s festival and drops dead hours later—mysteriously poisoned . . .
Twinkle’s bizarre death doesn’t seem like an accident. Not with a sketchy newcomer slinking around town and a gallery of suspects who may have wanted her out of the picture for good. As Cleo brushes with the truth, she soon finds that solving the crime could mean connecting the dots between a decades-old art heist and an unpredictable killer who refuses to color inside the lines . . .
Cleo Mack’s life has been a whirlwind since she inadvertely became the executive director of Harbor Village, a retirement community bustling with energetic seniors. Juggling apartment sales, quirky residents, and a fast-moving romance is tricky business. But on-the-job stress develops a new meaning when Twinkle Thaw, a portrait artist known to ruffle a few feathers, arrives unannounced for the weekend’s festival and drops dead hours later—mysteriously poisoned . . .
Twinkle’s bizarre death doesn’t seem like an accident. Not with a sketchy newcomer slinking around town and a gallery of suspects who may have wanted her out of the picture for good. As Cleo brushes with the truth, she soon finds that solving the crime could mean connecting the dots between a decades-old art heist and an unpredictable killer who refuses to color inside the lines . . .
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Published February 25, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 4, 2020
Murder at the Arts and Craft Festival is the third story in the Cleo Mack Mystery series. This entertaining cozy mystery series has quickly become a favorite of mine. Cleo is just under a year into her new life at and position as director of Harbor Village; she has great friends, a serious romantic relationship, and is comfortable in her job. The story opens with the preparations for the upcoming arts festival that hosts over 300,000 people. We are introduced to new characters who run in artistic circles, as well as catch up with the exciting supporting cast. The sister of one of the residents dies after attending a party at Harbor Village and the police suspect poisoning. Cleo needs to ensure the food her kitchen prepared isn’t the cause, and there is a Washington Post reporter snooping around the complex, keeping Cleo on her toes. The author continues to do a wonderful job sharing Cleo’s experiences, allowing the reader to learn while enjoying the information.
The mystery was a bit different than previous cases. First, Cleo and the gang are more actively involved with trying to find out who may have poisoned Twinkle rather than allow the circumstances to present themselves over time. I loved listening to the group piece the parts together, but it was obvious to me that Cleo was fixated on the wrong person. I felt like there wasn’t a strong enough case for anyone but who the actual killer was, so it was a bit irksome how easily this person was removed from the suspect list. It also had a twist at the end that I cannot share without spoilers; however, it did end very differently than I anticipated, which was a nice surprise.
I really enjoyed how the author allows us to see the world as Cleo sees it – providing so much description and attention to the world around Cleo. She’s smart, but she shares her thoughts rather than holds on to information or theories, and she relies on others to help her. It’s refreshing and enjoyable. The romantic troubles Cleo experiences adds emotional depth to the story. I admire the charcter as a person and love eavesdropping on her day. I like that her troubles aren’t overdramatic or unrealistic. She deals with life in a manner much like I would. She’s both thoughtful and emotional.
Narration: The stories are shared via the first person POV of Cleo. Karen White continues to bring life to Cleo. Her voice for the narrator/Cleo is strong and confident, just like Cleo is written. Ms. White alters her voice for dialogue, adjusting for age, gender, and regional dialect. Her female charters are slightly stronger than her male characters, with each being distinguishable from the other. I can clearly tell who is talking based solely on their voice. Overall, she performs the story wonderfully, keeping me engaged and interested.
Murder at the Arts and Craft Festival is another great mystery and story. I feel like an honorary member of Harbor Village. I love the little details of Cleo’s life. It’s her life outside the mystery that I’m most enjoying – how she’s turning around Harbor Village and making friends.
My Ratings:
Story: A-
Narration: A
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
The mystery was a bit different than previous cases. First, Cleo and the gang are more actively involved with trying to find out who may have poisoned Twinkle rather than allow the circumstances to present themselves over time. I loved listening to the group piece the parts together, but it was obvious to me that Cleo was fixated on the wrong person. I felt like there wasn’t a strong enough case for anyone but who the actual killer was, so it was a bit irksome how easily this person was removed from the suspect list. It also had a twist at the end that I cannot share without spoilers; however, it did end very differently than I anticipated, which was a nice surprise.
I really enjoyed how the author allows us to see the world as Cleo sees it – providing so much description and attention to the world around Cleo. She’s smart, but she shares her thoughts rather than holds on to information or theories, and she relies on others to help her. It’s refreshing and enjoyable. The romantic troubles Cleo experiences adds emotional depth to the story. I admire the charcter as a person and love eavesdropping on her day. I like that her troubles aren’t overdramatic or unrealistic. She deals with life in a manner much like I would. She’s both thoughtful and emotional.
Narration: The stories are shared via the first person POV of Cleo. Karen White continues to bring life to Cleo. Her voice for the narrator/Cleo is strong and confident, just like Cleo is written. Ms. White alters her voice for dialogue, adjusting for age, gender, and regional dialect. Her female charters are slightly stronger than her male characters, with each being distinguishable from the other. I can clearly tell who is talking based solely on their voice. Overall, she performs the story wonderfully, keeping me engaged and interested.
Murder at the Arts and Craft Festival is another great mystery and story. I feel like an honorary member of Harbor Village. I love the little details of Cleo’s life. It’s her life outside the mystery that I’m most enjoying – how she’s turning around Harbor Village and making friends.
My Ratings:
Story: A-
Narration: A
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
December 5, 2019
Series: A Cleo Mack Mystery - Book 3
Author: G.P. Gardner
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Hobby
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Page Count: 225
From Lyrical Press comes the third book in the “A Cleo Mack Mystery” cozy mystery series by G.P. Gardner. A fun and profoundly intriguing story that will leave readers stunned.
In this new cozy mystery, Cleo has issues, not only does she have a retirement community that is still recovering from a murder a few months previously, some very rambunctious residents. But now there is the arts and crafts fair which leads to the death of an artist. She isn’t sure what to do
or how to help, but she knows that she has to find the culprit before things get out of hand.
The characters in this cozy mystery series are always a delight. They make readers want to retire and live in Fairhope so that they can watch the mischief these characters get into. The plot keeps you on your toes, and if readers don’t pay attention, they will miss vital clues as to the killer's identity. Even though I knew who it was before the end of the book, this story kept me second-guessing myself. Murder at The Arts and Crafts Festival is a fast-paced action attention-grabbing story with enough red herrings and twists so that readers will be happy until the very end.
I am happy to see this cozy mystery series expanding, and I hope it continues for many more books to come. I enthusiastically recommend this series to readers who enjoy all types of mysteries and cozies.
Author: G.P. Gardner
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Hobby
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Page Count: 225
From Lyrical Press comes the third book in the “A Cleo Mack Mystery” cozy mystery series by G.P. Gardner. A fun and profoundly intriguing story that will leave readers stunned.
In this new cozy mystery, Cleo has issues, not only does she have a retirement community that is still recovering from a murder a few months previously, some very rambunctious residents. But now there is the arts and crafts fair which leads to the death of an artist. She isn’t sure what to do
or how to help, but she knows that she has to find the culprit before things get out of hand.
The characters in this cozy mystery series are always a delight. They make readers want to retire and live in Fairhope so that they can watch the mischief these characters get into. The plot keeps you on your toes, and if readers don’t pay attention, they will miss vital clues as to the killer's identity. Even though I knew who it was before the end of the book, this story kept me second-guessing myself. Murder at The Arts and Crafts Festival is a fast-paced action attention-grabbing story with enough red herrings and twists so that readers will be happy until the very end.
I am happy to see this cozy mystery series expanding, and I hope it continues for many more books to come. I enthusiastically recommend this series to readers who enjoy all types of mysteries and cozies.
January 14, 2020
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival
Cleo Mack #3
By G.P. Gardner
ISBN 9781516109043
gpgardner.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
It’s late March in Fairhope, Alabama, and artists from around the country are flocking to the bayside town’s Arts & Crafts Festival. The annual tradition has something for everyone, only this year, the main attraction is murder . . .
Cleo Mack’s life has been a whirlwind since she inadvertently became the executive director of Harbor Village, a retirement community bustling with energetic seniors. Juggling apartment sales, quirky residents, and a fast-moving romance is tricky business. But on-the-job stress develops a new meaning when Twinkle Thaw, a portrait artist known to ruffle a few feathers, arrives unannounced for the weekend’s festival and drops dead hours later—mysteriously poisoned . . .
Twinkle’s bizarre death doesn’t seem like an accident. Not with a sketchy newcomer slinking around town and a gallery of suspects who may have wanted her out of the picture for good. As Cleo brushes with the truth, she soon finds that solving the crime could mean connecting the dots between a decades-old art heist and an unpredictable killer who refuses to color inside the lines . . . (from Goodreads)
Review:
This is the first novel I’ve read from this series, and it won’t be the last! It is a complex, challenging mystery with an eclectic group of energetic seniors and staff who I like and enjoy. The setting is fresh and fun, an active adult retirement community, located in Alabama, from where I’ve not read many novels.
Cleo first came to Fairhope to consider what she would do after retiring as a department chair in a social work program in Georgia. Her ex-husband Travis offered her the position as Executive Director at Harbor Village among this delightful witty and artistic group of active seniors. Her first, and best, friend at Harbor Village is Nita, who is now celebrating her 51st anniversary with her husband Jim. They introduced her to Riley, who she has been dating for several months and now wants her to move into the house he just purchased for them to live in. Nita and Jim, Riley and Cleo, and Katherine, mother of Harbor Village’s business manager, are going to celebrate the anniversary.
Cleo’s neighbor Georgina, an artist and retired art teacher, is having a small dinner party for her former students who arrived in town for the weekend’s Arts & Crafts Festival. Georgina’s sister Twinkle arrives in town a couple days earlier than planned and decides to join the dinner party. Katherine’s husband Solly is one of Georgina’s former students, so he will attend. Katherine chose to go to the anniversary dinner instead, since Twinkle had tried to break up their marriage a few years earlier.
Cleo and Riley seem to rarely have enough time together to talk about what’s going on in their lives other than the house he bought for them that he is now being remodeled at great expense because she hated it at first site. This weekend is the “big reveal” when the renowned decorator will be finished and Cleo can see it for the first time. Both Cleo and Riley have secrets right now – things they didn’t intend to keep from the other, but they simply haven’t had a chance to talk. Riley has been offered a consulting job that might take him away for several months, and Cleo has heard there might be interest in her to become dean of a social work school at a larger university.
When Cleo arrives home from the anniversary dinner, Georgina’s party with former students is already over. Her sister Twinkle suddenly became very ill, and the party broke up. Later that night, Cleo is up when her cat awakens her, and sees Georgina in the courtyard where the party had been set up. Georgina said she is taking Twinkle to the emergency room as she is getting worse. The next morning, a note was on her door that Twinkle died at the hospital.
Lieutenant Mary Montgomery makes several visits to Cleo and those who attended Georgina’s party as they believe Twinkle may have been poisoned. However, with many thousands of visitors in town for the weekend for the Festival, the police department has its hands full. Cleo’s hands are full as well, juggling her workload, extra tasks related to the Festival, and a mysterious, well-dressed woman who is seen on the property but seems to dash away when she sees Cleo. In the meantime, a murderer is on the loose and Cleo feels responsible for those who live at Harbor Village.
I enjoyed meeting everyone, and feel I got to know them well in this novel! While I have not read the first two in the series, the author has done well with current and historical information about the primary characters. I like Cleo, even though her personality is much different than mine, and it is clear her job is not at all easy. I also enjoy Nita and Jim; they are both fun to be around. Katherine is likable, and Jacques, the architect, brings excellent, fascinating information.
There are excellent plot twists that make guessing the bad guy difficult. The means of murder is unique, not a method most people would figure out. I admire how the author uses each of the friends to try to find who the killer at Harbor Village might be. I’m not sure how I feel about the end, however, or if the suspect is really the bad guy. I usually like resolutions tied up neatly, and several things seems to be left open. I do, however, appreciate how well-written the novel is written and recommend it for that reason, and I would certainly read another based on the complexity of the mystery and resolution.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival
Cleo Mack #3
By G.P. Gardner
ISBN 9781516109043
gpgardner.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
It’s late March in Fairhope, Alabama, and artists from around the country are flocking to the bayside town’s Arts & Crafts Festival. The annual tradition has something for everyone, only this year, the main attraction is murder . . .
Cleo Mack’s life has been a whirlwind since she inadvertently became the executive director of Harbor Village, a retirement community bustling with energetic seniors. Juggling apartment sales, quirky residents, and a fast-moving romance is tricky business. But on-the-job stress develops a new meaning when Twinkle Thaw, a portrait artist known to ruffle a few feathers, arrives unannounced for the weekend’s festival and drops dead hours later—mysteriously poisoned . . .
Twinkle’s bizarre death doesn’t seem like an accident. Not with a sketchy newcomer slinking around town and a gallery of suspects who may have wanted her out of the picture for good. As Cleo brushes with the truth, she soon finds that solving the crime could mean connecting the dots between a decades-old art heist and an unpredictable killer who refuses to color inside the lines . . . (from Goodreads)
Review:
This is the first novel I’ve read from this series, and it won’t be the last! It is a complex, challenging mystery with an eclectic group of energetic seniors and staff who I like and enjoy. The setting is fresh and fun, an active adult retirement community, located in Alabama, from where I’ve not read many novels.
Cleo first came to Fairhope to consider what she would do after retiring as a department chair in a social work program in Georgia. Her ex-husband Travis offered her the position as Executive Director at Harbor Village among this delightful witty and artistic group of active seniors. Her first, and best, friend at Harbor Village is Nita, who is now celebrating her 51st anniversary with her husband Jim. They introduced her to Riley, who she has been dating for several months and now wants her to move into the house he just purchased for them to live in. Nita and Jim, Riley and Cleo, and Katherine, mother of Harbor Village’s business manager, are going to celebrate the anniversary.
Cleo’s neighbor Georgina, an artist and retired art teacher, is having a small dinner party for her former students who arrived in town for the weekend’s Arts & Crafts Festival. Georgina’s sister Twinkle arrives in town a couple days earlier than planned and decides to join the dinner party. Katherine’s husband Solly is one of Georgina’s former students, so he will attend. Katherine chose to go to the anniversary dinner instead, since Twinkle had tried to break up their marriage a few years earlier.
Cleo and Riley seem to rarely have enough time together to talk about what’s going on in their lives other than the house he bought for them that he is now being remodeled at great expense because she hated it at first site. This weekend is the “big reveal” when the renowned decorator will be finished and Cleo can see it for the first time. Both Cleo and Riley have secrets right now – things they didn’t intend to keep from the other, but they simply haven’t had a chance to talk. Riley has been offered a consulting job that might take him away for several months, and Cleo has heard there might be interest in her to become dean of a social work school at a larger university.
When Cleo arrives home from the anniversary dinner, Georgina’s party with former students is already over. Her sister Twinkle suddenly became very ill, and the party broke up. Later that night, Cleo is up when her cat awakens her, and sees Georgina in the courtyard where the party had been set up. Georgina said she is taking Twinkle to the emergency room as she is getting worse. The next morning, a note was on her door that Twinkle died at the hospital.
Lieutenant Mary Montgomery makes several visits to Cleo and those who attended Georgina’s party as they believe Twinkle may have been poisoned. However, with many thousands of visitors in town for the weekend for the Festival, the police department has its hands full. Cleo’s hands are full as well, juggling her workload, extra tasks related to the Festival, and a mysterious, well-dressed woman who is seen on the property but seems to dash away when she sees Cleo. In the meantime, a murderer is on the loose and Cleo feels responsible for those who live at Harbor Village.
I enjoyed meeting everyone, and feel I got to know them well in this novel! While I have not read the first two in the series, the author has done well with current and historical information about the primary characters. I like Cleo, even though her personality is much different than mine, and it is clear her job is not at all easy. I also enjoy Nita and Jim; they are both fun to be around. Katherine is likable, and Jacques, the architect, brings excellent, fascinating information.
There are excellent plot twists that make guessing the bad guy difficult. The means of murder is unique, not a method most people would figure out. I admire how the author uses each of the friends to try to find who the killer at Harbor Village might be. I’m not sure how I feel about the end, however, or if the suspect is really the bad guy. I usually like resolutions tied up neatly, and several things seems to be left open. I do, however, appreciate how well-written the novel is written and recommend it for that reason, and I would certainly read another based on the complexity of the mystery and resolution.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 13, 2019
I enjoyed this mystery in many ways! It is very well and thoughtfully written, centered around a retirement community in Alabama. There is a unique collection of residents, most of whom are quite active and have a few quirks. They are excited about the upcoming weekend's Arts & Crafts Festival, as many are artists. Cleo Mack is the executive director of Harbor Village, and has been there several months after retiring from academia. She has a sweet cat who used to live in her apartment with the former resident, and is dating Riley, who she met when playing dominoes at the home of her first friend in Fairhope, Nita.
The night before the Festival begins, Georgina, one of Cleo's neighbors and a retired art instructor, is having a dinner with her former students who will be in town for the weekend. Her sister surprises her by coming to town a couple days early. Twinkle Thaw, a well-known artist and Georgina's younger sister, decides to attend her party. Twinkle owes Cleo's friend Nita and her husband Jim a portrait from their 50th anniversary photos a year ago, so perhaps that can begin to get remedied this weekend.
Maybe not. Georgina's dinner is interrupted when Twinkle gets very sick, very suddenly. In the middle of the night, Georgina takes her to the ER, where she died within a short time. The police think she has been poisoned, and spend hour after hour the next day at Harbor Village to find a source of the poison. Cleo really doesn't want to get involved in another murder. She has her hands full with her job, her daughter and her family coming into town, and the house Riley purchased in hopes that she will live with him. It was hate at first sight, so Riley hired a highly-recommended interior decorator who will allow her to see it for the first time Saturday evening. Out of nowhere, she learns of a university interested in hiring her, then hears that Riley has an offer for a long-term consulting position.
One of the people the police questions repeatedly does the maintenance at Harbor Village. Cleo has seen an unknown woman around the property for a couple days, but can't catch up to her to find out what she is there for. And there are many thousand visitors in town for the weekend festival. And of course, the killer. Cleo feels responsible for the safety of those who live there, and wants to find who the killer is before he, or she, strikes again.
I like many of the characters in the novel, including Cleo and Nita. They are well-defined; one doesn't have to read the first two books in the series to catch up with staff and neighbors. I enjoy reading novels set in or around active senior living. The mystery is certainly a challenge. While I thought I finally had a good idea whodunit, it was never entirely confirmed or denied. There are loose ends at the end of the story and I personally don't like them, but many people don't mind. For that reason I have ambivalent feelings about the end. As it is very well-written, I highly recommend this to people who like well-written cozy mysteries and don't mind open endings.
The night before the Festival begins, Georgina, one of Cleo's neighbors and a retired art instructor, is having a dinner with her former students who will be in town for the weekend. Her sister surprises her by coming to town a couple days early. Twinkle Thaw, a well-known artist and Georgina's younger sister, decides to attend her party. Twinkle owes Cleo's friend Nita and her husband Jim a portrait from their 50th anniversary photos a year ago, so perhaps that can begin to get remedied this weekend.
Maybe not. Georgina's dinner is interrupted when Twinkle gets very sick, very suddenly. In the middle of the night, Georgina takes her to the ER, where she died within a short time. The police think she has been poisoned, and spend hour after hour the next day at Harbor Village to find a source of the poison. Cleo really doesn't want to get involved in another murder. She has her hands full with her job, her daughter and her family coming into town, and the house Riley purchased in hopes that she will live with him. It was hate at first sight, so Riley hired a highly-recommended interior decorator who will allow her to see it for the first time Saturday evening. Out of nowhere, she learns of a university interested in hiring her, then hears that Riley has an offer for a long-term consulting position.
One of the people the police questions repeatedly does the maintenance at Harbor Village. Cleo has seen an unknown woman around the property for a couple days, but can't catch up to her to find out what she is there for. And there are many thousand visitors in town for the weekend festival. And of course, the killer. Cleo feels responsible for the safety of those who live there, and wants to find who the killer is before he, or she, strikes again.
I like many of the characters in the novel, including Cleo and Nita. They are well-defined; one doesn't have to read the first two books in the series to catch up with staff and neighbors. I enjoy reading novels set in or around active senior living. The mystery is certainly a challenge. While I thought I finally had a good idea whodunit, it was never entirely confirmed or denied. There are loose ends at the end of the story and I personally don't like them, but many people don't mind. For that reason I have ambivalent feelings about the end. As it is very well-written, I highly recommend this to people who like well-written cozy mysteries and don't mind open endings.
December 3, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I stepped into the Cleo Mack Mystery world at the third title, and usually, this would have me in a panic but I was not the least bit lost on the background of this series and fell into the story so very easily. I always appreciate when there is just enough in either the narrative or the dialogue to bring me up to speed on what I really need to know about previous stories. MURDER AT THE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL is a charming, fast-paced, grab me by the hand and never let go until the end type of story with enough twists, turns and red herrings to satisfy any Cozy Mystery reader. I will definitely be going back for the earlier titles to catch all the nuances of this series from the start.
I liked Cleo, adored her sorta boyfriend Riley (hope to see that develop over time), and loved the quirky residents of both the apartment complex and this town in general. I love puzzles, but I don’t have to figure out whodunit before the reveal – the fun part of Cozy Mysteries for me is the adventure in getting there. But this one I definitely didn’t see coming, and I love when authors surprise me like this. If you love Cozy Mysteries, a really good story, and characters who come to life on the page then you’ll want to pick up MURDER AT THE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL soon. I completely enjoyed myself in this world and would not hesitate to recommend this one – now to go pick up the previous titles.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I stepped into the Cleo Mack Mystery world at the third title, and usually, this would have me in a panic but I was not the least bit lost on the background of this series and fell into the story so very easily. I always appreciate when there is just enough in either the narrative or the dialogue to bring me up to speed on what I really need to know about previous stories. MURDER AT THE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL is a charming, fast-paced, grab me by the hand and never let go until the end type of story with enough twists, turns and red herrings to satisfy any Cozy Mystery reader. I will definitely be going back for the earlier titles to catch all the nuances of this series from the start.
I liked Cleo, adored her sorta boyfriend Riley (hope to see that develop over time), and loved the quirky residents of both the apartment complex and this town in general. I love puzzles, but I don’t have to figure out whodunit before the reveal – the fun part of Cozy Mysteries for me is the adventure in getting there. But this one I definitely didn’t see coming, and I love when authors surprise me like this. If you love Cozy Mysteries, a really good story, and characters who come to life on the page then you’ll want to pick up MURDER AT THE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL soon. I completely enjoyed myself in this world and would not hesitate to recommend this one – now to go pick up the previous titles.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
December 5, 2019
This is the 3rd in the "Cleo Mack" Mystery series by author G.P Gardner. I have not read the previous in series yet I had easily understood the charcters and background set so well by the author. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. I look forward to reading the first in series after loving this 3rd in series . I was unable to put this book down !
Our protagonist is Cleo Mack. She is the executive director of Harbor Village, a retirement community of very active outgoing fun seniors. I love the descriptions of the seniors and the humor the author infused into the story with the charcters. It is a delight to read about seniors and I thank the author for making her seniors active, intelligent and part of the narrative.
Cleo has her hands full with her normal duties at the senior village . When a festival is taking place and a artist drops dead (love the name- Twinkle Thaw) of poisoning Cleo cannot help but get involved in the mystery. I love the fast pace, the wonderful twist and turns and surprising conclusion of the sleuth. The author did a wonderful well crafted story around fun charcters with humor, surprise and a fun sleuth. Very well done to the author.
Our protagonist is Cleo Mack. She is the executive director of Harbor Village, a retirement community of very active outgoing fun seniors. I love the descriptions of the seniors and the humor the author infused into the story with the charcters. It is a delight to read about seniors and I thank the author for making her seniors active, intelligent and part of the narrative.
Cleo has her hands full with her normal duties at the senior village . When a festival is taking place and a artist drops dead (love the name- Twinkle Thaw) of poisoning Cleo cannot help but get involved in the mystery. I love the fast pace, the wonderful twist and turns and surprising conclusion of the sleuth. The author did a wonderful well crafted story around fun charcters with humor, surprise and a fun sleuth. Very well done to the author.
December 3, 2019
I didn't really enjoy this cozy. I'm not sure why but I just didn't click with it. The characters seemed off with their interactions. Cleo and Riley are talking about moving in together but can't find time to talk to each other. When they do, they seem to pussyfoot around rather than actually talking about things. The mystery drug on without a clear resolution in my opinion. Not sure I'll be reading any more of this author.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 4, 2020
The lighthouse structural foundation work unearths a mysterious box that might just lead to some buried treasure but it defiantly leads to the death of a historical society member. The "map" includes a roughly drawn map of the surrounding area including the Bodie Island Lighthouse (before it was a library), a mysteriously coded message, and a woman's journal logging the weather on a day by day basis. As luck would have it the book for the month for the Book Club is Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth. Everyone becomes treasure crazed and not only is there more than one break in at the library but also the death of the newest member to the historical society, Jeremy Hughes, who liked to be a big man about town and such. History abounds on the Outer Banks, with stories of loss, gain, family, trysts, and women scorned and that is just Jeremy Hughes' personal history. Is Lucy safe staying in the Lighthouse Library's private quarters or should she be more concerned like her mayoral boyfriend or the Chief of Police. The town has treasure fever and at least one hot head who it seems will stop at nothing to solve the map. Another great Bodie Lighthouse Library book. I really enjoy reading about the Outer Banks and the idea of a Lighthouse Library is amazing. One doesn't need to have read the previous books to know that Lucy and Louise Jane are not the best of friends or that Lucy has a tendency to get involved in the mysteries a bit more than Chief Sam Watson would prefer, although this time she swears she is steering clear and the Chief actually asks for her help. The characters are engaging and who wouldn't want to work with Bertie, Charlene, and Richard? Looking forward to the next installment but would really like to get Josie's pecan squares and lime shortbread cookies.
January 26, 2026
I am so very sorry there are only three books in this series. This is really a series rating for me, rather than this individual book. When so many cozies feature young (or rather, immature because some are chronologically old enough to know better) heroines, it was so refreshing to find this series with sensible, calm, yet empahetic Cleo Mack. Honestly, she reminds me of another favorite heroine, Mrs. Mallory from Hazel Holt and that is high praise indeed. I realize she may not be for everyone-- she doesn't go around accusing people of murder or putting herself in dangerous situations-- but she's definitely my cup of tea.
The solution to this one did need a bit of explaining on motive which I won't go into, but what really impressed me was that a couple of the characters were at personal and career crossroads. For 90% of the cozies I read, the way forward would be obvious. Of course the heroine isn't going to leave her small town and give up her job! Of course the romance is going to end in marriage! Etc. But in this one, I honestly don't know what the characters are going to choose and--most importantly-- I find I would be comforatable with whatever they choose. THAT is a rare thing.
The solution to this one did need a bit of explaining on motive which I won't go into, but what really impressed me was that a couple of the characters were at personal and career crossroads. For 90% of the cozies I read, the way forward would be obvious. Of course the heroine isn't going to leave her small town and give up her job! Of course the romance is going to end in marriage! Etc. But in this one, I honestly don't know what the characters are going to choose and--most importantly-- I find I would be comforatable with whatever they choose. THAT is a rare thing.
October 25, 2019
Cleo Mack and the residents of Harbor Village are excited by the local Arts and Craft Festival. When the sister of one of the residents who has come to town to participate in the festival is murdered with poison, the police and resident crime fighters struggle to find the culprit. Wasn’t the result of greed, karma, or pure hatred? This one is a hard one for everyone to figure out. But when the magical pieces of the puzzle falling to place, it’s hard for everyone to find evidence to support their findings. Just going to show that you can’t win them all.
Another fun entry in the series. It’s great to see Cleo and Riley getting closer as the story progresses. Looking forward to see what the future has in store for these two retirees, who might not quite yet be ready to be retired for good.
Another fun entry in the series. It’s great to see Cleo and Riley getting closer as the story progresses. Looking forward to see what the future has in store for these two retirees, who might not quite yet be ready to be retired for good.
October 28, 2019
Another Cleo Mack mystery that I enjoyed! When an Arts and Crafts Festival comes to Fairthorpe, Alabama and a controversial artist with a connection to the Harbor Village Retirement Community is murdered, Cleo finds herself a target.
The mystery is compelling and I was way off in my guess "whodunit"! Jim and Nita's involvement in the mystery brought a levity to the book - I enjoy those two characters and their 51st anniversary celebration added a nice touch. The setting of an Arts and Crafts Festival was fun and I loved the descriptions of the paintings and the buzz of activity in Fairthorpe. The relationship between Cleo and Riley continues to grow, however I wish she was more sure of what she wants in her career & love life. We'll see!
I'm looking forward to the next book and mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
The mystery is compelling and I was way off in my guess "whodunit"! Jim and Nita's involvement in the mystery brought a levity to the book - I enjoy those two characters and their 51st anniversary celebration added a nice touch. The setting of an Arts and Crafts Festival was fun and I loved the descriptions of the paintings and the buzz of activity in Fairthorpe. The relationship between Cleo and Riley continues to grow, however I wish she was more sure of what she wants in her career & love life. We'll see!
I'm looking forward to the next book and mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
November 27, 2019
Cleo can't seem to get a break. She retired from teaching and took a job at Harbor Village retirement community only to find her ex (and his wife) was involved with the development and then there were the murders. Now though, things seem to have settled down just in time for the Arts and Crafts festival, which is a big deal. Unfortunately, the somewhat loathsome Twinkle Thaw (really?) drops dead at the event. Now, regular cozy readers know there's more here than meets the eye. Cleo's got a group of seniors eager to help with the case. Old issues and secrets figure in this one and Gardner will keep you guessing. Cleo's a good character and it's nice to see her relationship with Riley expand a bit. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier ones- this will be fine as a standalone. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read.
December 3, 2019
What an interesting story with some twists and turns thrown in just for fun. I’ve wondered what it would be like to live in a retirement community. I think it would be fun with all the activities and being with folks around your age. These folks certainly don’t live a boring life. There is a good mix of folks who have a good time with each other. Crafts, games, detecting, you know, various activities to keep them busy. I learned about art and forgeries while I was enjoying hanging with these folks. It’s always good to learn something new. Now I need to wait and see what decisions will be made and what they’ll get into next. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
December 9, 2019
I have found my future retirement community in Fairhope Alaska. While there are a lot of deaths at Harbor Village, that is a boon for a cozy mystery fan such as me. I want to be Cleo Mack. She has such an exciting life even though her job helping retired people may be a bit stressful at times. In this book, there is a Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival.
I love the Harbor Village staff and residents. It feels like returning home for the holidays when reading the latest entry, the third, in the series. If you love cozy mysteries with eccentric characters and ingenious plotting, you should read Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love the Harbor Village staff and residents. It feels like returning home for the holidays when reading the latest entry, the third, in the series. If you love cozy mysteries with eccentric characters and ingenious plotting, you should read Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2019
Cozy Murder in Coastal Alabama
In this episode, there is another murder involving the retirement community. I have read all of the books in this series and this episode fits right in. I am not sure how well any of these books would stand alone. I tend to think that it is vital to read these books in order. This book ends at an odd place. It is almost a non-ending that the reader needs to read the next book to find out how this book ends. I hate that! Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to see how it ends in the next book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
In this episode, there is another murder involving the retirement community. I have read all of the books in this series and this episode fits right in. I am not sure how well any of these books would stand alone. I tend to think that it is vital to read these books in order. This book ends at an odd place. It is almost a non-ending that the reader needs to read the next book to find out how this book ends. I hate that! Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to see how it ends in the next book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
January 1, 2020
I read the first book in this series and wasn’t that impressed. I read the second one and was totally hooked. Now after reading the 3rd one, I’m kind of disappointed. The story was interesting and there were lots of twists and turns but nothing was really resolved at the end. There were too many unanswered questions. One would be okay, maybe two. The questions involve both Riley and Cleo being offered good jobs elsewhere, whether they will move in together, will they even stay together, and also Cleo’s daughter asking her mom to buy a vacation condo and mainly who was the actual murderer and their motive.
I hope the next book answers some of these questions.
I hope the next book answers some of these questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
I really didn't like the end of this one. So. A criminal murders her sister to keep her from telling the world about her decades of crime, and everyone, including the police go "yeah that is acceptable."
I just really found that highly usatisfying.
On top of that I really don't buy the main relationship. It felt way to pushy and way to fast. It also has my least favorite plot device which is two people having problems with each other without talking to each other. They never really discuss the implications of his having a job offer, only her? I think this whole one could have been left in the oven for a bit longer.
I just really found that highly usatisfying.
On top of that I really don't buy the main relationship. It felt way to pushy and way to fast. It also has my least favorite plot device which is two people having problems with each other without talking to each other. They never really discuss the implications of his having a job offer, only her? I think this whole one could have been left in the oven for a bit longer.
November 10, 2019
This is the 3rd installment in the Cleo Mack mystery series. Cleo Mack is the director at the Harbor Village retirement village in Fairhope Alabama. The Arts and Crafts Festival is in town and Cleo and her friends at retirement center are excited. One of the residents sister is in town for the festival and she ends up poisoned so of course the senior crew is on the job to figure out the culprit. Initially, it appears there is no real motive for the murder. Enjoyed this installment in the series.
December 3, 2019
Cleo Mack left academia to become the executive director of Harbor Village, a retirement community in Fairhope, Alabama. The community is filled with energetic seniors with lots of ideas for projects. In Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival by G.P. Gardner, little did Cleo know she would find murder as well. When artist Twinkle Thaw is poisoned, there are plenty of suspects including the people who a attended a dinner party with her. Cleo aims to clear her staff and discover who wanted Twinkle's lights turned out.
December 9, 2019
This is one of my favorite series and it never fails to entertain and deliver an engrossing and entertaining plot.
I was happy to meet again the lovely cast of characters and be back in their world.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing.
Can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I was happy to meet again the lovely cast of characters and be back in their world.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing.
Can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 22, 2023
It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, and the premise and method of murder were just as clever as ever, but it just seemed off. It seemed as if the author was in a rush to finish the story, and we never got a definitive murderer, or definitive motive. It just didn’t seem like it matched the rest of the series.
January 12, 2020
Is it Art.
Cleo Mack, as a self-made detective, has a very interesting case trying to determine who killed who. GPG is an author who writes flowing text that keeps you reading. I highly recommend it for people who enjoy mysteries.
Cleo Mack, as a self-made detective, has a very interesting case trying to determine who killed who. GPG is an author who writes flowing text that keeps you reading. I highly recommend it for people who enjoy mysteries.
October 2, 2020
I could have said it any better than Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) did. Check out her review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 14, 2020
I feel like the end just left me hanging. It seemed unfinished.
May 16, 2021
good mother's day mystery
June 8, 2021
Very entertaining.
A good addition to the Cleo Mack stories. I look forward to the her further adventures and about her and Riley.
A good addition to the Cleo Mack stories. I look forward to the her further adventures and about her and Riley.
April 28, 2022
I really liked it until the final chapters. 😑 I had so many questions and no answers! 😤 I really hope there is a next book and it will be out soon I need answers! 😊
April 12, 2023
Art heist, fakes & poison have Cleo sleuthing again, but her relationship with Riley and his newly remodeled house have her heart aflutter. This is a nice series.
December 6, 2019
Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival by G. P. Gardner is the 3rd book in the Cleo Mack mystery series, and another enjoyable adventure. Cleo lives in Fairhope, Alabama, working as the director of Harbor Village retirement homes, where she also lives. The town is getting ready for the tourist to arrive at the Arts & Crafts Festival, unfortunately there is also a murder of an artist. Cleo and her friends start sleuthing to find out what they can. In her personal life, her boyfriend, Riley, has asked her to move in with him, but she's not sure. I love this series, have from the very first book. The books are well written, and I feel I really know these characters. I am looking forward to where the next book will take them. Ms. Gardner please keep them coming. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
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