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The Wedding Bell Mysteries #1
Slay Bells Ring
It’s one thing to write a mystery, but when your daughter is the suspect — you solve it.
Wedding planner Jenna Bell doesn’t panic when the groom is a no-show to the ceremony – even though he is her former high school sweetheart and this wedding is the small town’s event of the year. However, when he turns up dead and she is falsely accused… well, yeah, now it’s the time to panic.
Jenna’s mother, Maddie, puts her cozy mystery writing skills to use to try to clear her daughter’s name, stepping on by-the-book Chief of Police Jackson Bradley’s toes in the process. No matter how enticing he finds her, he doesn’t want this writer-turned-amateur-sleuth interfering with his murder investigation.
With nearly all of Hemlock, North Carolina, picking sides and the town’s own Gossip Brigade churning out the rumors, Maddie discovers the mystery isn’t very cozy when it hits this close to home.
Wedding planner Jenna Bell doesn’t panic when the groom is a no-show to the ceremony – even though he is her former high school sweetheart and this wedding is the small town’s event of the year. However, when he turns up dead and she is falsely accused… well, yeah, now it’s the time to panic.
Jenna’s mother, Maddie, puts her cozy mystery writing skills to use to try to clear her daughter’s name, stepping on by-the-book Chief of Police Jackson Bradley’s toes in the process. No matter how enticing he finds her, he doesn’t want this writer-turned-amateur-sleuth interfering with his murder investigation.
With nearly all of Hemlock, North Carolina, picking sides and the town’s own Gossip Brigade churning out the rumors, Maddie discovers the mystery isn’t very cozy when it hits this close to home.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2019
461 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Robards Thompson
220 books131 followersAward-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author Nancy Robards Thompson has worked as a newspaper reporter, television show stand-in, production and casting assistant for movies, and in fashion and public relations. She started writing fiction seriously in 1997. Five years and four completed manuscripts later, she won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award for unpublished writers and sold her first book the following year. Since then, Nancy has sold more than 50 books and found her calling doing what she loves most – writing mysteries, romance, and women’s fiction full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 15, 2019
Slay Bells Ring is the first book in Nancy Robarts Thompson’s new cozy mystery series. The novel features Maddie Bell and her daughter Jenna. The close relationship between Maddie and Jenna drew me into this fast- paced mystery which is set in Hemlock, North Carolina.
Jenna Bell has returned home to start an event planning business. She shares an office with her Mom who runs a bridal shop. Loved that Maddie wrote cozy mysteries and had a crush on the town’s new police chief. Loved the mother- daughter conversations which showed how much they cared for each other. The author’s dialogue between Maddie and Jenna is spot on; at times their conversations are laugh out loud funny, caring and thoughtful in nature—all of the elements of a real mother daughter relationship.
Slay Bells Rings has all of the elements of a novel that I adore. It is set in a small town, filled with fun characters (think Gossip brigade!), entertaining dialogue, friendship, love. Slay Bells Ring has a bridezilla, a reluctant groom, two corgis, a missing Rolex and a murder!I have been a fan of Nancy Robarts Thompson books for several years. I love the characters and the small town settings in her novels. Am so glad she decided to write a cozy mystery and can’t wait to see if Maddie and Chief Bradley go out on a date, if Jenna and Ian have a friends to lovers relationship, and to learn more about Val or Alicia.
To keep my review spoiler free, I am not going to reveal who was murdered or whodunit. I loved how they story played out. Each detail, each fact added to the big reveal. Nancy Robards Thompson does a fabulous job balancing the intrigue and keeps the reader in suspense. I will admit that I did not figure out the identity the killer.
If you are looking for a fun, enjoyable read filled with fabulous characters-pick up Slay Bells Ring!
Jenna Bell has returned home to start an event planning business. She shares an office with her Mom who runs a bridal shop. Loved that Maddie wrote cozy mysteries and had a crush on the town’s new police chief. Loved the mother- daughter conversations which showed how much they cared for each other. The author’s dialogue between Maddie and Jenna is spot on; at times their conversations are laugh out loud funny, caring and thoughtful in nature—all of the elements of a real mother daughter relationship.
Slay Bells Rings has all of the elements of a novel that I adore. It is set in a small town, filled with fun characters (think Gossip brigade!), entertaining dialogue, friendship, love. Slay Bells Ring has a bridezilla, a reluctant groom, two corgis, a missing Rolex and a murder!I have been a fan of Nancy Robarts Thompson books for several years. I love the characters and the small town settings in her novels. Am so glad she decided to write a cozy mystery and can’t wait to see if Maddie and Chief Bradley go out on a date, if Jenna and Ian have a friends to lovers relationship, and to learn more about Val or Alicia.
To keep my review spoiler free, I am not going to reveal who was murdered or whodunit. I loved how they story played out. Each detail, each fact added to the big reveal. Nancy Robards Thompson does a fabulous job balancing the intrigue and keeps the reader in suspense. I will admit that I did not figure out the identity the killer.
If you are looking for a fun, enjoyable read filled with fabulous characters-pick up Slay Bells Ring!
July 2, 2025
Book 1 the book has chapters with different people views like mom and daughter. mom is a cozy mystery writer slash slueth with her daughter Jenna. Jenna is a wedding planner. she is planning the wedding of one of her ex. troubles start to brew. bride to be make it obvious she does not like Jenna. but who actually did the deed in killing the 1st wedding that jennaa was to plan of her ex boyfriend. there are a lot of suspicious people. you guess who you think it is. you wont think who
October 7, 2019
This is a cosy murder mystery and a great read. Jenna Bell is a wedding planner, though she can't wait for her current plans are for the wedding of her ex-high school sweetheart to be over and done with as there's something definitely feeling 'off' about it all. When he doesn't turn up to his wedding, Jenna sends her mother, Maddie, and his father to try to track him down. That's when he's found - murdered. So starts the investigation to discover just who killed him - with Jenna a prime suspect and Maddie determined to uncover the truth and to clear her daughter's name.
This is a fun read, with great characters and relationships. Maddie Bell is the owner of the wedding shop and is also a budding author of mysteries. She is often found chatting with Chief of Police, Jackson Bradley, getting tips for her writing. However, as this murder investigation continues Maddie's detective work isn't appreciated by Jackson and there are plenty of rumours and innuendoes to muddy the waters. For the accused, this is no cosy mystery but she's still determined to help her Mum identify the murderer.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as there are plenty of laugh out loud moments as well as the intrigue included in this cosy murder mystery, I'll definitely be looking out for future books in this series and by this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
This is a fun read, with great characters and relationships. Maddie Bell is the owner of the wedding shop and is also a budding author of mysteries. She is often found chatting with Chief of Police, Jackson Bradley, getting tips for her writing. However, as this murder investigation continues Maddie's detective work isn't appreciated by Jackson and there are plenty of rumours and innuendoes to muddy the waters. For the accused, this is no cosy mystery but she's still determined to help her Mum identify the murderer.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as there are plenty of laugh out loud moments as well as the intrigue included in this cosy murder mystery, I'll definitely be looking out for future books in this series and by this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
September 30, 2019
- Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review -
3.5 stars
A cozy mystery featuring mother and daughter as amateur investigators, “Slay Bells Ring”, by Nancy Robards Thompson (Tule Publishing), is an entertaining read which captivated me mainly because of the these two wonderful, down to earth women, their close relationship and the beautiful, deep unspoken understanding of each other.
The author did a great job portraying how a mother/daughter relation can be so tight and special in so many different ways and levels. I loved the closeness, complicity even, between Jenna and Maddie, their friendship and unconditional loving.
I also liked the mystery plot, about a murder in a close-knit community, with a victim who isn’t a nice person but who grew on me so that by the end I was feeling sorry for him.
The timid romance between Maddie and Jackson – a great character! - was another interesting plotline, I wish it will be developed in future stories. I really liked Ian, too, the former dork kid, now a handsome, dimpled lawyer, and probable Jenna’s love interest.
The book had a slow start, but as the story went on I really enjoyed it and found the characters realistic and relatable.
3.5 stars
A cozy mystery featuring mother and daughter as amateur investigators, “Slay Bells Ring”, by Nancy Robards Thompson (Tule Publishing), is an entertaining read which captivated me mainly because of the these two wonderful, down to earth women, their close relationship and the beautiful, deep unspoken understanding of each other.
The author did a great job portraying how a mother/daughter relation can be so tight and special in so many different ways and levels. I loved the closeness, complicity even, between Jenna and Maddie, their friendship and unconditional loving.
I also liked the mystery plot, about a murder in a close-knit community, with a victim who isn’t a nice person but who grew on me so that by the end I was feeling sorry for him.
The timid romance between Maddie and Jackson – a great character! - was another interesting plotline, I wish it will be developed in future stories. I really liked Ian, too, the former dork kid, now a handsome, dimpled lawyer, and probable Jenna’s love interest.
The book had a slow start, but as the story went on I really enjoyed it and found the characters realistic and relatable.
October 7, 2019
I love a really good cozy mystery and do not read them often enough. This will change because of author Nancy Robards Thompson's book Slay Bells Ring. I will read this series and any of her other books as well. I enjoyed the mother/daughter combo. How they love each other, yet true to life got on each other's nerves from time to time. BUT if push comes to shove, no one messes with mama bear's daughter. The claws will come out! I have to say I did not figure out who done it exactly myself so I will leave most things out in my review. This book is a wonderful cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading and look forward to more from this series, hopefully quickly.
October 8, 2019
I, Jenna, am the wedding planner for the wedding of Grace Marie and Riley. Riley just happens to be an ex boyfriend of mine and his mother is throwing this wedding and wants me to see what I missed by not marrying her son.
Grace Marie is not from around here so the Gossip Brigade has started rumors that this wedding should be between Riley and myself since I am a home town girl. This wedding is supposed to be the one that makes my company a big success but if things continue the way they have been going that may not happen.
This is a really good book that I think you will thoroughly enjoy, all the twists and turns keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Grace Marie is not from around here so the Gossip Brigade has started rumors that this wedding should be between Riley and myself since I am a home town girl. This wedding is supposed to be the one that makes my company a big success but if things continue the way they have been going that may not happen.
This is a really good book that I think you will thoroughly enjoy, all the twists and turns keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing until the very end.
October 9, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I love a good Cozy Mystery, and I’m so glad to begin The Wedding Bell Mysteries series with SLAY BELLS RING by Nancy Robards Thompson (who I’ve enjoyed for years). And, come on, Hemlock is such a perfect name (location) for murder(s) to abound and give us some entertaining stories to enjoy as this series continues.
What you’ll need to know about this story is given in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there is the close mother-daughter bond that Maggie and Jenna share that really tips this story over into the “I’ll read this again” category for me. Sure, sometimes you love everything about your mom/daughter, sometimes they drive you nuts, but you’ll always have their back no matter what.
When Jenna’s former boyfriend is a no-show at his upscaled wedding and is discovered murdered Jenna becomes not only the prime suspect but the talk of the town as well. Maggie is a writer, she knows how to plot out a Cozy Mystery but this hits close to home and she’s not going to trust anyone else to clear her daughter’s name and find the real killer. Not even the handsome, annoying Chief of Police. Jackson is getting her help whether he wants it or not – no one is railroading her daughter for a crime she didn’t commit. Not even if she’s tempted to move their at-odds relationship to something more personal.
Because this is a Cozy Mystery I’m not going into any more details, I don’t do spoilers, and I’m especially careful about Mystery stories. Through some twists, a few red herrings tossed in we follow Maggie, Jackson, and Jenna as they ferret out clues to the true killer’s identity. I didn’t try to solve it, I simply went along for the entertaining ride, learning about new characters who will probably be part of the ongoing series, and enjoying every step of this journey.
I had a blast with SLAY BELLS RING. And if you love a really good Cozy Mystery, like to get in on the beginning of a series, or simply enjoy a good story with a close family relationship, then you’ll want to pick up this story and discover “whodunit” yourself. You’ll be entertained, amused, and hooked just like I am. I’m ready for the next story – soon? Please?
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. 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 love a good Cozy Mystery, and I’m so glad to begin The Wedding Bell Mysteries series with SLAY BELLS RING by Nancy Robards Thompson (who I’ve enjoyed for years). And, come on, Hemlock is such a perfect name (location) for murder(s) to abound and give us some entertaining stories to enjoy as this series continues.
What you’ll need to know about this story is given in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there is the close mother-daughter bond that Maggie and Jenna share that really tips this story over into the “I’ll read this again” category for me. Sure, sometimes you love everything about your mom/daughter, sometimes they drive you nuts, but you’ll always have their back no matter what.
When Jenna’s former boyfriend is a no-show at his upscaled wedding and is discovered murdered Jenna becomes not only the prime suspect but the talk of the town as well. Maggie is a writer, she knows how to plot out a Cozy Mystery but this hits close to home and she’s not going to trust anyone else to clear her daughter’s name and find the real killer. Not even the handsome, annoying Chief of Police. Jackson is getting her help whether he wants it or not – no one is railroading her daughter for a crime she didn’t commit. Not even if she’s tempted to move their at-odds relationship to something more personal.
Because this is a Cozy Mystery I’m not going into any more details, I don’t do spoilers, and I’m especially careful about Mystery stories. Through some twists, a few red herrings tossed in we follow Maggie, Jackson, and Jenna as they ferret out clues to the true killer’s identity. I didn’t try to solve it, I simply went along for the entertaining ride, learning about new characters who will probably be part of the ongoing series, and enjoying every step of this journey.
I had a blast with SLAY BELLS RING. And if you love a really good Cozy Mystery, like to get in on the beginning of a series, or simply enjoy a good story with a close family relationship, then you’ll want to pick up this story and discover “whodunit” yourself. You’ll be entertained, amused, and hooked just like I am. I’m ready for the next story – soon? Please?
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. 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.*
October 7, 2019
Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson
It’s one thing to write a mystery, but when your daughter is the suspect you solve it.
Wedding planner Jenna Bell doesn’t panic when the groom is a no show to the ceremony even though he is her former high school sweetheart and this wedding is the small town’s event of the year. However, when he turns up dead and she is falsely accused… well, yeah, now it’s the time to panic.
Jenna’s mother, Maddie, puts her cozy mystery writing skills to use to try to clear her daughter’s name, stepping on by-the-book Chief of Police Jackson Bradley’s toes in the process. No matter how enticing he finds her, he doesn’t want this writer-turned-amateur-sleuth interfering with his murder investigation.
With nearly all of Hemlock, North Carolina, picking sides and the town’s own Gossip Brigade churning out the rumors, Maddie discovers the mystery isn’t very cozy when it hits this close to home.
This is Jenna Bell's story.
This is Jenna’s mother Maddie's story.
I’m an event planner. I operate my newly minted company, Champagne Wedding and Event Designs, out of an office in my mom, Madeline Bell’s, shop.
“Perfect!” I say as I rub my hands together in a futile attempt to warm up. My wool coat is no match for the arctic blast that blew in this morning. If the Hemlock Today reporter gets it right, this is the start of a downward winter weather spiral. It’s time to break out the parka.
“Oh! How pretty,” Mom says as she joins me on the sidewalk in front of the shop.
“I know. Sorry I’m late. I lost track of time.”
“Too busy flirting with the chief?” I bat my eyes at her.
Mom’s cheeks color. “Jenna, we don’t flirt. He’s just a friend and a good source for the police procedural elements of my books.”
Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Nancy's Books with Tule:
Beauty and the Cowboy
Big Marietta Fair
Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
The Billionaire’s Bride
Amalfi Night Billionaires
A Texas Christmas Homecoming
Whiskey River Christmas
Slay Bells Ring
The Wedding Bell Mysteries
It’s one thing to write a mystery, but when your daughter is the suspect you solve it.
Wedding planner Jenna Bell doesn’t panic when the groom is a no show to the ceremony even though he is her former high school sweetheart and this wedding is the small town’s event of the year. However, when he turns up dead and she is falsely accused… well, yeah, now it’s the time to panic.
Jenna’s mother, Maddie, puts her cozy mystery writing skills to use to try to clear her daughter’s name, stepping on by-the-book Chief of Police Jackson Bradley’s toes in the process. No matter how enticing he finds her, he doesn’t want this writer-turned-amateur-sleuth interfering with his murder investigation.
With nearly all of Hemlock, North Carolina, picking sides and the town’s own Gossip Brigade churning out the rumors, Maddie discovers the mystery isn’t very cozy when it hits this close to home.
This is Jenna Bell's story.
This is Jenna’s mother Maddie's story.
I’m an event planner. I operate my newly minted company, Champagne Wedding and Event Designs, out of an office in my mom, Madeline Bell’s, shop.
“Perfect!” I say as I rub my hands together in a futile attempt to warm up. My wool coat is no match for the arctic blast that blew in this morning. If the Hemlock Today reporter gets it right, this is the start of a downward winter weather spiral. It’s time to break out the parka.
“Oh! How pretty,” Mom says as she joins me on the sidewalk in front of the shop.
“I know. Sorry I’m late. I lost track of time.”
“Too busy flirting with the chief?” I bat my eyes at her.
Mom’s cheeks color. “Jenna, we don’t flirt. He’s just a friend and a good source for the police procedural elements of my books.”
Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Nancy's Books with Tule:
Beauty and the Cowboy
Big Marietta Fair
Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
The Billionaire’s Bride
Amalfi Night Billionaires
A Texas Christmas Homecoming
Whiskey River Christmas
Slay Bells Ring
The Wedding Bell Mysteries
March 2, 2024
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. I found this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable to read. The writer’s style was refreshing in alternating chapters between the mother Maddie and the daughter Jenna’s telling of the events. I enjoyed that there were some light and humorous moments throughout the book. Then there was the telling of the events as they were unfolding as well as the interviews with the various characters.
The plot was quite original in my opinion. Jenna is an events planner and her ex boyfriend Riley is getting married and she was hired to handle the wedding. Jenna’s mom owns a bridal shop and is writing a mystery book but is always around to work with her and discuss theories. We realize there is a problem with the bride and groom to be when they show up for final planning and the bride has a meltdown. Then after the rehearsal dinner the groom to be goes out drinking with his brother and the best man and ends up at Jenna’s house drunk as a skunk. He talks about still loving Jenna, etc. She ends up driving him home and leaving him passed out in his apartment. The next day he doesn’t show up at the wedding and his dad, brother and best man go to look for him and he’s been murdered.
The author describes all the character interactions as they learn of his death and have to face up to what really happened to him. The author discussed Jenna and her mom and the other characters guess at what happened. In addition Jenna is thought to be the prime suspect as she was the last to see him alive. It is fun to read how they try to figure out whodunnit and the background story. I will look for the next book as this was so enjoyable to read.
I recently reread the book in 2024 after being generously gifted the series in a prize package from the author. It is as I mentioned the first time, a delightful mystery with great characters and lots of twists and surprises. Kudos to Nancy!
The plot was quite original in my opinion. Jenna is an events planner and her ex boyfriend Riley is getting married and she was hired to handle the wedding. Jenna’s mom owns a bridal shop and is writing a mystery book but is always around to work with her and discuss theories. We realize there is a problem with the bride and groom to be when they show up for final planning and the bride has a meltdown. Then after the rehearsal dinner the groom to be goes out drinking with his brother and the best man and ends up at Jenna’s house drunk as a skunk. He talks about still loving Jenna, etc. She ends up driving him home and leaving him passed out in his apartment. The next day he doesn’t show up at the wedding and his dad, brother and best man go to look for him and he’s been murdered.
The author describes all the character interactions as they learn of his death and have to face up to what really happened to him. The author discussed Jenna and her mom and the other characters guess at what happened. In addition Jenna is thought to be the prime suspect as she was the last to see him alive. It is fun to read how they try to figure out whodunnit and the background story. I will look for the next book as this was so enjoyable to read.
I recently reread the book in 2024 after being generously gifted the series in a prize package from the author. It is as I mentioned the first time, a delightful mystery with great characters and lots of twists and surprises. Kudos to Nancy!
October 9, 2019
Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson is a fun Southern cozy mystery. Take a few years off of Jessica Fletcher, move her South, give her a daughter who is also her best friend, then you would have an idea of this cozy mystery. The holidays do not affect this story as much as the murder. Still it is an excellent introduction to what I hope will bring many more books.
Told in dual POV of mother and daughter, this story brings out the best of both generations. The event planner and the bridal shop owner make a great pair of small-town sleuths as they try to solve the murder case when the daughter, Jenna Bell is accused of committing. Her mother Maddie is writing a mystery so of course, she tries her hand as actually solving the case. Along with friends these two dive right into the case.
An interesting story that shows some of the bad sides of life in a small town such as gossiping and superior attitude that some of the community can have. It also shows a wonderful relationship between the mother and daughter that is rare. While there is a hint of romance, it is mother and daughter that make this book so entertaining.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Told in dual POV of mother and daughter, this story brings out the best of both generations. The event planner and the bridal shop owner make a great pair of small-town sleuths as they try to solve the murder case when the daughter, Jenna Bell is accused of committing. Her mother Maddie is writing a mystery so of course, she tries her hand as actually solving the case. Along with friends these two dive right into the case.
An interesting story that shows some of the bad sides of life in a small town such as gossiping and superior attitude that some of the community can have. It also shows a wonderful relationship between the mother and daughter that is rare. While there is a hint of romance, it is mother and daughter that make this book so entertaining.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2019
This story has been a light and thoroughly entertaining cosy mystery. Set in Event planner Jenna Bell and her bridal shop owner mother Maddie make a perfect pair of amateur sleuths, perfectly complementing each other as they investigate the murder of Riley Buxston, the man everyone seems to think should have been marrying Jenna on the day he was killed. Set in small town Hemlock, where the gossip mill is rife, this story has all the feels that you’d expect from a close community.
The light and flirty relationship between Maddie and Hemlock’s police chief Jackson Bradley, who is forever trying to get Jenna and Maddie to stand back and let the experts do the investigating, adds interest to this story.
This story is fast paced and moves effortlessly from Jenna’s point of view to Maddie’s as they piece together the clues that help them uncover the culprit. Along the way we get to enjoy snippets of life in their small town. I loved the way Maddie and Jenna stepped up to support each other when they saw a need. With a support cast of appealing characters, this story had me smiling. I’ll happily read more cosies from this author!
The light and flirty relationship between Maddie and Hemlock’s police chief Jackson Bradley, who is forever trying to get Jenna and Maddie to stand back and let the experts do the investigating, adds interest to this story.
This story is fast paced and moves effortlessly from Jenna’s point of view to Maddie’s as they piece together the clues that help them uncover the culprit. Along the way we get to enjoy snippets of life in their small town. I loved the way Maddie and Jenna stepped up to support each other when they saw a need. With a support cast of appealing characters, this story had me smiling. I’ll happily read more cosies from this author!
October 8, 2019
Slay Bells Ring is a surprisingly entertaining and engaging cozy murder mystery with a mother daughter as amateur detectives out to solve a small town murder. When Jenna's ex boyfriend, who also happens to be the groom at the wedding event she's planning, ends up dead on his wedding day, all eyes are on her! Their small town starts taking sides and pretty soon, Jenna and her mom Maddie are trying to find the murderer. There is a lot of interesting side characters and a lot of plot twists that keeps you turning the page and you can't help but cheer on this mother-daughter duo to solve the mystery. I do love Maddie and Jenna's relationship and like all small town series, you can't help but be curious about the other characters that reside in the town of Hemlock. The case is harder to solve and the clues are all there waiting to be discovered and its up to Maddie and Jenna to save the day.
October 8, 2019
This is a wonderful small town comfortable mystery There is no blood and gore and is perfect for the person like sweet mysteries.
Jenna is the wedding planner for the wedding of the season in her small town and she isn't that worried when the groom is late arriving That is until she finds his body and she is the number one suspect. Soon her mother Maddie steps up to the plate determined to prove her daughters innocence even if that means stepping on the toes of the local sheriff Jackson Bradley. He may be sweet on Maddie but that doesn't mean he won't charge her daughter if she is guilty With the whole town getting involved and the rumour mill running hot will they solve who murdered the groom.
Jenna is the wedding planner for the wedding of the season in her small town and she isn't that worried when the groom is late arriving That is until she finds his body and she is the number one suspect. Soon her mother Maddie steps up to the plate determined to prove her daughters innocence even if that means stepping on the toes of the local sheriff Jackson Bradley. He may be sweet on Maddie but that doesn't mean he won't charge her daughter if she is guilty With the whole town getting involved and the rumour mill running hot will they solve who murdered the groom.
October 10, 2019
This is book 1 in a new cozy series, Wedding Bell mysteries. It's a good introduction to Jenna, her mother, Maddie and the town of Hemlock, North Carolina. A town where gossip rules and memories never die. Jenna is a wedding planner working out of her mother's bridal shop. Her first client in town is an old boyfriend who ends up dead the day before the wedding. Of course Jenna is the main suspect. Mother Maddie works hard investigating, she's an "expert" because she writes mysteries. I enjoyed the story and look forward to book 2. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 30, 2019
Addictive and entertaining.
Sometimes a review is hard for me to write without giving away too much of the story. This is one of those books. But I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This book really kept me guessing. I enjoyed Jenna and Maddie’s mother/daughter dynamics and seeing how they worked together to solve the murder of a man who was Jenna’s high school boyfriend. The author did a great job with the plot and keeping the characters interesting while holding my attention throughout the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a cozy mystery.
Sometimes a review is hard for me to write without giving away too much of the story. This is one of those books. But I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This book really kept me guessing. I enjoyed Jenna and Maddie’s mother/daughter dynamics and seeing how they worked together to solve the murder of a man who was Jenna’s high school boyfriend. The author did a great job with the plot and keeping the characters interesting while holding my attention throughout the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a cozy mystery.
October 9, 2019
Slay Bells Ring is my new favorite NRT book. I've enjoyed quite a few of Nancy Robards Thompson's romances but her latest is my new favorite. I loved this cozy mystery.
A wedding planner that is working her small town's event of year, the missing groom turning up dead just happens to be her ex has Jenna the prime suspect. Add in a mystery writing mom that is going to clear her daughter and Slay Bells Ring is a fun whodunit that might keep you guessing.
I'm hoping this is only the first of many more cozy NRT mysteries.
A wedding planner that is working her small town's event of year, the missing groom turning up dead just happens to be her ex has Jenna the prime suspect. Add in a mystery writing mom that is going to clear her daughter and Slay Bells Ring is a fun whodunit that might keep you guessing.
I'm hoping this is only the first of many more cozy NRT mysteries.
October 12, 2019
Loved this cozy mystery!! Jenna is the wedding planner for the wedding of her former high school sweetheart but when he fails to show up the wedding, the investigating begins. Jenna joins forces her mother, an amateur investigator. Even better yet, her mom needs to clear Jenna's name from the list of suspects.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and could not put it down. It kept me guessing until the end. A great start to a new series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and could not put it down. It kept me guessing until the end. A great start to a new series.
October 6, 2019
I voluntarily read a advanced reader’s copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A great start to a new cozy mystery series Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson. This story the first book in The Wedding Bell Mystery series grabbed me from the first chapter. A cozy mystery with good characters and dialogue that kept me reading.
Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
A great start to a new cozy mystery series Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson. This story the first book in The Wedding Bell Mystery series grabbed me from the first chapter. A cozy mystery with good characters and dialogue that kept me reading.
Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 1, 2020
I love Nancy Robards Thompson's romances and now I have a new series of cozy mysteries to read! I loved Slay Bells Ring. I really had no idea who dunnit until the very end. Deftly plotted with wonderful characters who I'm sure will be great fun to follow. I also enjoyed the touches of romance she threw in. Slay Bells Ring is a fun story that cozy mystery lovers will love.
October 7, 2019
Great start to a new cozy mystery series,I look forward to reading more in this series.I love Hemlock and it's townsfolk where everyone knows your name .I can't wait for book 2 . This book grabbed my attention from page 1 with the mother/daughter dynamics working together to solve the mystery.
October 11, 2019
Excellent book, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 3, 2024
📚❎👰NOVEL THOUGHTS👰❎📚
A truly cozy mystery and a quick enjoyable read. A great brain cleaner after heavy reads!
This is a mother and daughter amateur detective duo who by day are in the bridal and event planning business but by night, and well also during the day while asking questions and following the leads, seek to find the murderer of groom-to-be Riley, son of the wealthy Buxston family, in his home the night before his wedding.
Jenna runs her event planning business out of her mother Maddie's bridal shop and when Maddie isn't selling bridal couture, she is working on her books featuring her detective, Aubrey Christiansen. But this mystery hits home as the last person to see the groom alive was Jenna when he shows up at her door near midnight on the eve of his wedding, drunk and talking nonsense. She and Riley are last seen on camera together in the lobby of his building, but she leaves minutes after leaving him passed out on his sofa. But, the next day when she is getting the the high-end wedding organized, his entitled and whiney bride-to-be Grace Marie, is yelling at her maid-of-honor and anyone else in earshot when the groom hasn't shown up and doesn't answer his phone, screaming if he isn't dead, I'll kill him! A group of family and friends head over there only to find Riley dead with his head beaten in with a Waterford crystal decanter! Now the hunt is on for the killer and Jenna is on the list of suspects!
I enjoyed this first in the series by author Thompson and plan to look for her other books. They are easy to read, it's not too heavy and the characters have enough depth to not be over the top but also keep the reader's interest. The setting of Hemlock NC is a small town with the usual assortment of crazy and annoyingly yet fun characters. The chief of police flirts with Maddie but will they or won't they and Jenna might or might not be smitten with Ian, the lawyer and son of Maddie's best friend. I'm guessing we will see more of this in future offerings.
A truly cozy mystery and a quick enjoyable read. A great brain cleaner after heavy reads!
This is a mother and daughter amateur detective duo who by day are in the bridal and event planning business but by night, and well also during the day while asking questions and following the leads, seek to find the murderer of groom-to-be Riley, son of the wealthy Buxston family, in his home the night before his wedding.
Jenna runs her event planning business out of her mother Maddie's bridal shop and when Maddie isn't selling bridal couture, she is working on her books featuring her detective, Aubrey Christiansen. But this mystery hits home as the last person to see the groom alive was Jenna when he shows up at her door near midnight on the eve of his wedding, drunk and talking nonsense. She and Riley are last seen on camera together in the lobby of his building, but she leaves minutes after leaving him passed out on his sofa. But, the next day when she is getting the the high-end wedding organized, his entitled and whiney bride-to-be Grace Marie, is yelling at her maid-of-honor and anyone else in earshot when the groom hasn't shown up and doesn't answer his phone, screaming if he isn't dead, I'll kill him! A group of family and friends head over there only to find Riley dead with his head beaten in with a Waterford crystal decanter! Now the hunt is on for the killer and Jenna is on the list of suspects!
I enjoyed this first in the series by author Thompson and plan to look for her other books. They are easy to read, it's not too heavy and the characters have enough depth to not be over the top but also keep the reader's interest. The setting of Hemlock NC is a small town with the usual assortment of crazy and annoyingly yet fun characters. The chief of police flirts with Maddie but will they or won't they and Jenna might or might not be smitten with Ian, the lawyer and son of Maddie's best friend. I'm guessing we will see more of this in future offerings.
October 16, 2024
Good but not quite AS good as I had hoped
The blurb promises a mix of Gilmore Girls and Murder She Wrote. Gilmore Girls is my all-time favorite show and mix that with a murder mystery? Wow, my expectations were high!!!
The book is written in that dreaded hard-to-pull-off first person present tense. The author does slip back into past tense when describing things or actions, and the trick is to stick to present tense or it gets confusing and jumbled up. (Example “When I got home, I noticed Mom’s car was gone and then I remembered…”) And things that happened in the past, they were described in a way that didn’t feel natural.
But other than that, the start is good!
Still, it was not everything I expected and some inexperience shines through.
And that second POV of Jenna’s mother was mostly redundant. And therefore annoying. The first chapter of Mom Maddie was only about Jenna… well then don’t do a POV change and confuse me with it. Dual POV only works when both POVs are noticeably different and complement each other. That second POV must really add something, add a different point of view. And it didn’t, it just made it all overcomplicated. Only later in the book was Maddie’s POV an actual useful addition. The problem was, because it’s first person and both POVs were so similar, I kept thinking, who was this chapter from again? I kept being confused, is this Jenna speaking or Maddie? So it felt a bit forced, like the author had it in her mind to do a mother and daughter duo but didn’t quite know how.
Leaving all that aside, it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t! The story itself is good, the mystery really good. And the end was great! The dual POV now actually made sense! So I’m giving a tentative 4 stars, because overall, I did enjoy it!
The blurb promises a mix of Gilmore Girls and Murder She Wrote. Gilmore Girls is my all-time favorite show and mix that with a murder mystery? Wow, my expectations were high!!!
The book is written in that dreaded hard-to-pull-off first person present tense. The author does slip back into past tense when describing things or actions, and the trick is to stick to present tense or it gets confusing and jumbled up. (Example “When I got home, I noticed Mom’s car was gone and then I remembered…”) And things that happened in the past, they were described in a way that didn’t feel natural.
But other than that, the start is good!
Still, it was not everything I expected and some inexperience shines through.
And that second POV of Jenna’s mother was mostly redundant. And therefore annoying. The first chapter of Mom Maddie was only about Jenna… well then don’t do a POV change and confuse me with it. Dual POV only works when both POVs are noticeably different and complement each other. That second POV must really add something, add a different point of view. And it didn’t, it just made it all overcomplicated. Only later in the book was Maddie’s POV an actual useful addition. The problem was, because it’s first person and both POVs were so similar, I kept thinking, who was this chapter from again? I kept being confused, is this Jenna speaking or Maddie? So it felt a bit forced, like the author had it in her mind to do a mother and daughter duo but didn’t quite know how.
Leaving all that aside, it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t! The story itself is good, the mystery really good. And the end was great! The dual POV now actually made sense! So I’m giving a tentative 4 stars, because overall, I did enjoy it!
August 23, 2024
Weddings are Murder
I enjoyed this cozy. The characters are realistic and believable, as are their conflicts and issues. Jenna has moved back home and lives in a downstairs apartment with her mother upstairs. Her mom runs a bridal gown business and Jenna runs a wedding planner business. Since the two complement each other, they work out of the same office. They’re working on the biggest society wedding the town has ever seen.
And then trouble rears its ugly head when the drunk groom shows up at Jenna’s claiming he’s still in love with her (they dated at one time). She takes him home but when he fails to show up for the wedding, she sends her mother and his father to get him - and they find him dead.
There are a lot of suspects and it turns out that the golden boy wasn’t so golden. And Jenna’s mom and the chief of police are in tight with each other since she depends on him for his expertise when she’s writing her book. There’s a lot going on in this book, but it’s a good start to what I know is going to be a decent series. I can foresee interesting things happening for Jenna and her mom Maddie. Note: This story is written in first person from both Maddie and Jenna’s point of view, but the author delineates who is the lead with headings so you know.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: All opinions in this review are mine and mine alone. I was not coerced or asked to write a review, nor was I influenced by anyone or anything.
I enjoyed this cozy. The characters are realistic and believable, as are their conflicts and issues. Jenna has moved back home and lives in a downstairs apartment with her mother upstairs. Her mom runs a bridal gown business and Jenna runs a wedding planner business. Since the two complement each other, they work out of the same office. They’re working on the biggest society wedding the town has ever seen.
And then trouble rears its ugly head when the drunk groom shows up at Jenna’s claiming he’s still in love with her (they dated at one time). She takes him home but when he fails to show up for the wedding, she sends her mother and his father to get him - and they find him dead.
There are a lot of suspects and it turns out that the golden boy wasn’t so golden. And Jenna’s mom and the chief of police are in tight with each other since she depends on him for his expertise when she’s writing her book. There’s a lot going on in this book, but it’s a good start to what I know is going to be a decent series. I can foresee interesting things happening for Jenna and her mom Maddie. Note: This story is written in first person from both Maddie and Jenna’s point of view, but the author delineates who is the lead with headings so you know.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: All opinions in this review are mine and mine alone. I was not coerced or asked to write a review, nor was I influenced by anyone or anything.
October 10, 2025
SLAY BELLS RING
The Wedding Bell Mystery Novel
NANCY RUBARDS THOMPSON
Review by Author Roy Murry
Jenna is a wedding planner, and her mother, Maddie, is a mystery writer. They turn into amateur sleuths. Peculiarly, Jenna is planning the wedding of her ex-lover and an out-of-towner.
Circumstances put Jenna in the position of being the last person to see he ex-lover before he is hit on the head to his death. From that moment on, the reader knows Jenna could not have done the deed; however, the chief insinuates she did it.
Maddie, who has a thing for the chief, is upset that he thinks Jenna could kill, and goes on an investigation that skirts the law. The reader of this so-so cozy mystery, after a few interviews, should have solved this crime.
Ms. Thompson’s characters are plausible and usable for the next book in this series. Not one of the best Cozy Mysteries I've enjoyed, but passable for a quick read.
The Wedding Bell Mystery Novel
NANCY RUBARDS THOMPSON
Review by Author Roy Murry
Jenna is a wedding planner, and her mother, Maddie, is a mystery writer. They turn into amateur sleuths. Peculiarly, Jenna is planning the wedding of her ex-lover and an out-of-towner.
Circumstances put Jenna in the position of being the last person to see he ex-lover before he is hit on the head to his death. From that moment on, the reader knows Jenna could not have done the deed; however, the chief insinuates she did it.
Maddie, who has a thing for the chief, is upset that he thinks Jenna could kill, and goes on an investigation that skirts the law. The reader of this so-so cozy mystery, after a few interviews, should have solved this crime.
Ms. Thompson’s characters are plausible and usable for the next book in this series. Not one of the best Cozy Mysteries I've enjoyed, but passable for a quick read.
July 29, 2024
Christmas in July! I loved reading this cozy mystery set during Christmas. The mother-daughter relationship reveals a strong bond rooted in a past tragedy that has shaped the independent mother, Maddie, into a strong businesswoman and mom. Still, it also holds her back from moving on.
I've never read a novel that has two different first-person viewpoints. It's an interesting concept, but it worked okay even though I had to check on occasion whose viewpoint I was in.
The story's pacing was excellent, and I found the romantic interests of both the mother and daughter intriguing. Additionally, there were numerous suspects, and the characters were diverse and unique. Grace Marie was a bit too peculiar for my taste, but overall, it was a wonderful Christmas story to read in July.
If you like cozy mysteries, I recommend this one.
I've never read a novel that has two different first-person viewpoints. It's an interesting concept, but it worked okay even though I had to check on occasion whose viewpoint I was in.
The story's pacing was excellent, and I found the romantic interests of both the mother and daughter intriguing. Additionally, there were numerous suspects, and the characters were diverse and unique. Grace Marie was a bit too peculiar for my taste, but overall, it was a wonderful Christmas story to read in July.
If you like cozy mysteries, I recommend this one.
October 14, 2021
4 1/2 STARS!
This small town cozy mystery is sure to delight! SLAY BELLS RING is the first book in The Wedding Bell Mysteries series by Nancy Robard Thompson and it definitely kept me guessing right up until the end. An intriguing plot was quick to catch my attention and the delightful cast of family, friends and townsfolk had a witty charm that carried the storyline well. I'm looking forward to more in the series.
Maddie and Jenna Bell make an adorable mother/daughter team in wedding planning and mystery solving in this delightful small town gem. The wedding of the year is all they've been working on but when the groom and Jenna's ex-boyfriend winds up dead, this dynamic duo will be stepping on Maddie's suitor and chief of police Jackson's toes to follow the clues.
This small town cozy mystery is sure to delight! SLAY BELLS RING is the first book in The Wedding Bell Mysteries series by Nancy Robard Thompson and it definitely kept me guessing right up until the end. An intriguing plot was quick to catch my attention and the delightful cast of family, friends and townsfolk had a witty charm that carried the storyline well. I'm looking forward to more in the series.
Maddie and Jenna Bell make an adorable mother/daughter team in wedding planning and mystery solving in this delightful small town gem. The wedding of the year is all they've been working on but when the groom and Jenna's ex-boyfriend winds up dead, this dynamic duo will be stepping on Maddie's suitor and chief of police Jackson's toes to follow the clues.
February 5, 2025
This is a nice small town cozy mystery set in Hemlock, North Carolina and first in a series. No blood or gore, and it is a sweet story. Jenna is the wedding planner and has been busy planning the wedding of an old boyfriend. When he ends up dead before the wedding, Jenna is the prime suspect at first. Her mother writes mysteries so decides she is the right person to investigate. I like the relationship between Jenna and her mother. The bride is a total bridezilla which makes it hard to like or sympathize with her. Great plot and well-written characters. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.
February 6, 2025
This was the perfect cozy mystery to read on a snowy day with a cup of tea. Jenna, in a moment of what must be insanity, agreed to be the wedding planner for an ex boyfriend. The boyfriend is from an influential family that could help her business if all goes well. All does not go well. It is a complete disaster when the groom doesn't show up to the wedding. He has a good excuse for not turning up since he was murdered. Maddie and Jenna investigate to clear Jenna's name. They discover more than they bargained for as secrets reveal themselves. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
July 28, 2024
Wedding bells can spell murder!
Jenna Bell is a wedding and event planner, and she’s about to plan the wedding of the century. Rylie, an old flame, is from a wealthy family in town and is about to marry an obnoxious gal from Atlanta. When he shows up on Jenna’s doorstep the night before the wedding with second thoughts, she drives him back to his condo and leaves him on the sofa. But when he is discovered dead the next morning, she is the prime murder suspect! She and her mom, Maddie, need to figure who could’ve done it and prove Jenna innocent!
Jenna Bell is a wedding and event planner, and she’s about to plan the wedding of the century. Rylie, an old flame, is from a wealthy family in town and is about to marry an obnoxious gal from Atlanta. When he shows up on Jenna’s doorstep the night before the wedding with second thoughts, she drives him back to his condo and leaves him on the sofa. But when he is discovered dead the next morning, she is the prime murder suspect! She and her mom, Maddie, need to figure who could’ve done it and prove Jenna innocent!
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