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A Dodie O'Dell Mystery #6
Killing Time
BAD BLOOD
With Halloween just around the corner, Dodie O’Dell is making preparations to transform the Windjammer Restaurant on the Jersey Shore into a haunted house, while the Etonville Little Theatre is staging Dracula. But casting the titular Transylvanian is proving challenging. The amateur actors in the company are not shy about chewing the scenery, but who among them can convincingly sink their fangs into a victim's neck? When a mysterious newcomer with a transfixing Eastern European accent lands the part, rumors that he might be an actual vampire start to take flight—not unlike the bat who's recently been spotted in the town park.
But everyone’s blood really runs cold when a cast member is found in a prop coffin with a real stake in his heart. Dodie decides to put her Halloween theme menu on the back burner and stick her neck out to bring the killer into the light of day. She'd better keep her wits about her, though—or Dodie may be the next one to go down for the Count . . .
With Halloween just around the corner, Dodie O’Dell is making preparations to transform the Windjammer Restaurant on the Jersey Shore into a haunted house, while the Etonville Little Theatre is staging Dracula. But casting the titular Transylvanian is proving challenging. The amateur actors in the company are not shy about chewing the scenery, but who among them can convincingly sink their fangs into a victim's neck? When a mysterious newcomer with a transfixing Eastern European accent lands the part, rumors that he might be an actual vampire start to take flight—not unlike the bat who's recently been spotted in the town park.
But everyone’s blood really runs cold when a cast member is found in a prop coffin with a real stake in his heart. Dodie decides to put her Halloween theme menu on the back burner and stick her neck out to bring the killer into the light of day. She'd better keep her wits about her, though—or Dodie may be the next one to go down for the Count . . .
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2020
About the author
Suzanne M. Trauth
9 books305 followersSuzanne Trauth is a novelist, playwright, and nonfiction writer. Her novels include The First to Die, What Remains of Love (a first place winner in Women's Fiction, Firebird Book Awards; a finalist in General Fiction, American Book Festival; and a finalist for the Hemingway Prize) and the Dodie O'Dell mystery series--Show Time, Time Out, Running out of Time, Just in Time, No More Time, and Killing Time.
Her plays include Françoise, Midwives, Rehearsing Desire, La Fonda, Three Sisters Under the Hood, Laws of the Universe, iDream, supported by the National Science Foundation’s STEM initiative on science and technology, and Katrina: the K Word, based on interviews with New Orleans’ survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and produced in over a dozen venues throughout the United States.
Her screenplays have won awards in competition and she has co-authored Sonia Moore and American Acting Training and co-edited Katrina on Stage: Five Plays. Suzanne is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Dramatists Guild, and the League of Professional Theatre Women.
Her plays include Françoise, Midwives, Rehearsing Desire, La Fonda, Three Sisters Under the Hood, Laws of the Universe, iDream, supported by the National Science Foundation’s STEM initiative on science and technology, and Katrina: the K Word, based on interviews with New Orleans’ survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and produced in over a dozen venues throughout the United States.
Her screenplays have won awards in competition and she has co-authored Sonia Moore and American Acting Training and co-edited Katrina on Stage: Five Plays. Suzanne is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Dramatists Guild, and the League of Professional Theatre Women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 22, 2020
Killing Time earns 5/5 Garlic Necklaces...an Engaging Treat!
Don’t be misled by the cover with a witch flying across the full moon; this is not a paranormal hocus-pocus mystery; although there are vampires, but only on stage. However, Suzanne Trauth has provided a very entertaining “time” in Etonville. It’s Halloween, and the town is ready for a host of activities from a kids’ trick-or-treat parade and a costume dance for the adults. The Windjammer restaurant, too, will have everyone in costume as well as once again serving themed favorites to celebrate the local Little Theater’s newest production...Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula. Lola, the theater’s artistic director, is frantic since the final tech rehearsal has been experiencing a slew of mishaps. Haunted? Well, old theaters always have their stories. Even casting the lead character was a mysterious venture. Lola delivered a “Welcome” basket to new resident Carlos and Bella Villarias, and there he was...Etonville’s Dracula! His uncanny resemblance and questions surrounding who he is, where he works, and why he chose to rent the old abandoned place outside of town sent conspiracy theorists and vampire worriers into overdrive. Do you want a garlic necklace? Dodie O’Dell joins her friend Lola to watch the tech rehearsal where she witnesses a confrontation between one of the other actors and Carlos, and at the costume party she sees Carlos uneasy when he catches a glimpse of...the Grim Reaper. All this may serve as pertinent when teenage tricksters discover the costumed Reaper, sprawled out in the cemetery, with a stake in his chest! Death is dead!
It’s June, here, and enjoying a Halloween-themed mystery was a nice “treat.” I’m new to Suzanne’s Dodie O’Dell mysteries, but I comfortably joined in with this sixth book; enough references were made about background and character connections. It seems murders plague openings at Etonville’s Little Theater, but that sure didn’t cause anyone to be complacent when “Death is found dead.” The compelling mystery included links to the victim that go beyond Jersey with complex and surprising connections. The Dracula worries, palm and tarot readings, dynamic among Dodie and her friends, and all the wedding talk for Dodie and Detective Bill were entertaining side stories. I was completely taken by Suzanne’s ability to paint pictures and induce emotions with her descriptive language which lended itself well to the intense nature of the Dracula lore. The characters are wonderfully realistic and quirky (Big kudos to the Bangor sisters and police dispatcher Edna’s reciting and defining police codes all the time). Dodie’s frequent “neck hair” alarm and her attempts to investigate without stepping on her fiancé’s toes makes her fun to follow. I’ve got to read the rest of the series...I’ve got “time to kill.”
Although...it would have been nice to have a few garlic-infused recipes included. I sure do enjoy this little bonuses.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Don’t be misled by the cover with a witch flying across the full moon; this is not a paranormal hocus-pocus mystery; although there are vampires, but only on stage. However, Suzanne Trauth has provided a very entertaining “time” in Etonville. It’s Halloween, and the town is ready for a host of activities from a kids’ trick-or-treat parade and a costume dance for the adults. The Windjammer restaurant, too, will have everyone in costume as well as once again serving themed favorites to celebrate the local Little Theater’s newest production...Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula. Lola, the theater’s artistic director, is frantic since the final tech rehearsal has been experiencing a slew of mishaps. Haunted? Well, old theaters always have their stories. Even casting the lead character was a mysterious venture. Lola delivered a “Welcome” basket to new resident Carlos and Bella Villarias, and there he was...Etonville’s Dracula! His uncanny resemblance and questions surrounding who he is, where he works, and why he chose to rent the old abandoned place outside of town sent conspiracy theorists and vampire worriers into overdrive. Do you want a garlic necklace? Dodie O’Dell joins her friend Lola to watch the tech rehearsal where she witnesses a confrontation between one of the other actors and Carlos, and at the costume party she sees Carlos uneasy when he catches a glimpse of...the Grim Reaper. All this may serve as pertinent when teenage tricksters discover the costumed Reaper, sprawled out in the cemetery, with a stake in his chest! Death is dead!
It’s June, here, and enjoying a Halloween-themed mystery was a nice “treat.” I’m new to Suzanne’s Dodie O’Dell mysteries, but I comfortably joined in with this sixth book; enough references were made about background and character connections. It seems murders plague openings at Etonville’s Little Theater, but that sure didn’t cause anyone to be complacent when “Death is found dead.” The compelling mystery included links to the victim that go beyond Jersey with complex and surprising connections. The Dracula worries, palm and tarot readings, dynamic among Dodie and her friends, and all the wedding talk for Dodie and Detective Bill were entertaining side stories. I was completely taken by Suzanne’s ability to paint pictures and induce emotions with her descriptive language which lended itself well to the intense nature of the Dracula lore. The characters are wonderfully realistic and quirky (Big kudos to the Bangor sisters and police dispatcher Edna’s reciting and defining police codes all the time). Dodie’s frequent “neck hair” alarm and her attempts to investigate without stepping on her fiancé’s toes makes her fun to follow. I’ve got to read the rest of the series...I’ve got “time to kill.”
Although...it would have been nice to have a few garlic-infused recipes included. I sure do enjoy this little bonuses.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
May 24, 2020
KILLING TIME by Suzanne Trauth
The Sixth Dodie O'Dell Mystery
Vampires have descended upon Etonville! OK, one vampire. OK, it's a newcomer playing Dracula in the Etonville Little Theater's latest production. But this suave yet spooky actor has the town atwitter, apprehensive about vampires even if they are getting a bit tired of the Windjammer's garlic infused specials. As if a vampire wasn't enough, the Grim Reaper shows up. Seeing the Grim Reaper at the town's Halloween party is one thing, but when some teens find him dead in the cemetery, it's another. To ease Lola's mind and protect the production, Dodie agrees to do a little snooping into the leading player's background. But will digging into Dracula's past prevent Dodie from having a future?
KILLING TIME is about identity: keeping it, changing it, and losing it. Are you willing to give up the intrinsic parts of who you are? What part must you keep, no matter the cost? There is no doubt that Dodie loves Bill and is happy to be engaged. But, is she delaying the wedding plans out of a fear of losing herself? Her life will obviously change, but how much of a change is she willing to make? And Dodie isn't the only character facing these concerns.
I love the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series and this sixth entry is a great addition. The wacky citizens of Etonville never fail to make me laugh and the trials and tribulations of the Etonville Little Theater bring back happy memories of my time in the theatre.
KILLING TIME looks at identity while providing a complex mystery. Deep characterizations combined with fun and laughs make this a book you won't want to miss.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Sixth Dodie O'Dell Mystery
Vampires have descended upon Etonville! OK, one vampire. OK, it's a newcomer playing Dracula in the Etonville Little Theater's latest production. But this suave yet spooky actor has the town atwitter, apprehensive about vampires even if they are getting a bit tired of the Windjammer's garlic infused specials. As if a vampire wasn't enough, the Grim Reaper shows up. Seeing the Grim Reaper at the town's Halloween party is one thing, but when some teens find him dead in the cemetery, it's another. To ease Lola's mind and protect the production, Dodie agrees to do a little snooping into the leading player's background. But will digging into Dracula's past prevent Dodie from having a future?
KILLING TIME is about identity: keeping it, changing it, and losing it. Are you willing to give up the intrinsic parts of who you are? What part must you keep, no matter the cost? There is no doubt that Dodie loves Bill and is happy to be engaged. But, is she delaying the wedding plans out of a fear of losing herself? Her life will obviously change, but how much of a change is she willing to make? And Dodie isn't the only character facing these concerns.
I love the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series and this sixth entry is a great addition. The wacky citizens of Etonville never fail to make me laugh and the trials and tribulations of the Etonville Little Theater bring back happy memories of my time in the theatre.
KILLING TIME looks at identity while providing a complex mystery. Deep characterizations combined with fun and laughs make this a book you won't want to miss.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
June 5, 2020
Halloween is coming and so is an unexpected death. Was it Murder or death by natural causes? To add to the spookiness the Etonville Little Theater is doing Dracula and the town is freaking out. The lead actor is too realistic. Dodie O'Dell is trying to calm her best friend, Lola, and keep the town gossips from making matters worse. Unfortunately she's not successful. The Grim Reaper is found dead in the Cemetery on Halloween night. Dodie's instincts are tingling. She saw Carlos (aka Dracula) make a silent communication with the victim. I knew that she would be checking Carlos out. Her fiancée, the Sheriff, wants her to behave and be safe. I had to laugh at his request. I knew that she would try but would fail. She loves Bill. He's a wonderful thoughtful man. He's a great At his job but Dodie knows that she can help him find the truth. I enjoyed the small town setting and the colorful residents. Dodie and Bill are a special couple. Their interactions are sweet and loving. The story was filled with unexpected twists and surprises. Suzanne Trauth kept me guessing. Nothing was as it seemed. I enjoyed this fast paced cozy mystery. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
June 27, 2020
Dodie O’Dell is preparing the Windjammer menu to coordinate with the local playhouse’s Halloween production of Dracula. But the actor playing the main lead may fit the part a little too well. The whole town is developing vampire fever, and the mysterious Carlos is fueling their imaginations. But when a man is found dead in the cemetery, dressed as the Grim Reaper, Dodie knows she needs to investigate whether there is a connection between the two strangers. While I am new to this series, it was easy to pick up the quirks and relationships between the main characters. I liked how Dodie and her friend Lola go about searching for facts. The Banger sisters are adorable. And Bill is the ultimate supportive fiancé. But in addition to the murder mystery in this story, I loved the description of the sets and acting scenes in the Dracula play. A fun mystery all around. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
July 25, 2020
Halloween in Etonville and the community theater is putting on Dracula with a newcomer to town who seems to fit the title character just a little too closely. The story explpdes from there and just keeps getting better. Dodie O'Dell manages a restaurant for a day job, but her detection skills are paramount. Actually the Halloween being of the story was ok, while the second two thirds of the book were terrific with great pacing and red herrings. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2020
Killing Time is the 6th book in A Dodie O'Dell Mystery series, and I have read them all. I loved all of the well developed quirky characters in this book. In this adventure, Dodie is busy planning the food for the Dracula theater production, planning all that garlic foods. The actor cast as Dracula is very convincing, could he be the one who killed the stranger in the cemetery with a stake to his heart?? Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. If you love fun cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, you will love this book and series. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 30, 2020
4 Stars
This is the sixth book in the Dodie O’Dell mystery series by Suzanne Trauth.
The premise: During the production of Dracula put on by the town’s local theater company, a stranger ends up dead in the cemetery from what looks like a stake to the heart. Dodie had been transforming her restaurant to echo the needs of the Dracula production but is sidelined when she realizes she needs to figure out what is really going on in her town.
I thought this was a pretty good read. The mystery was compelling and the setting at Halloween/Thanksgiving time was nice. Always a plus to have a holiday book to cozy up with. The Dracula aspect was very gimmicky but it worked for me.
Dodie sure did take a lot of needless chances with her life in this book. When it ends, she is a pretty banged up restaurant owner. I wish there had been more Bill in this book. The main police presence was a woman on the force who works with Bill. I know this is cliche but I like it when the men come in and rescue the damsel in distress. And Dodie needed that strong shoulder to rest upon more than once during the course of the story.
There is a nice twist at the end but the real culprit didn’t shock me. I was kinda expecting it. Needless to say, that didn’t keep me from completely enjoying myself. A wonderful Halloween read that ends up with a thankful vibe at Thanksgiving. Nice.
If you want to read a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the sixth book in the Dodie O’Dell mystery series by Suzanne Trauth.
The premise: During the production of Dracula put on by the town’s local theater company, a stranger ends up dead in the cemetery from what looks like a stake to the heart. Dodie had been transforming her restaurant to echo the needs of the Dracula production but is sidelined when she realizes she needs to figure out what is really going on in her town.
I thought this was a pretty good read. The mystery was compelling and the setting at Halloween/Thanksgiving time was nice. Always a plus to have a holiday book to cozy up with. The Dracula aspect was very gimmicky but it worked for me.
Dodie sure did take a lot of needless chances with her life in this book. When it ends, she is a pretty banged up restaurant owner. I wish there had been more Bill in this book. The main police presence was a woman on the force who works with Bill. I know this is cliche but I like it when the men come in and rescue the damsel in distress. And Dodie needed that strong shoulder to rest upon more than once during the course of the story.
There is a nice twist at the end but the real culprit didn’t shock me. I was kinda expecting it. Needless to say, that didn’t keep me from completely enjoying myself. A wonderful Halloween read that ends up with a thankful vibe at Thanksgiving. Nice.
If you want to read a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
May 20, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Killing Time by Suzanne Trauth is an exciting tale with lots of twists and turns, with secret identities and double agents.
Will Dodie figure out who "Dracula" is before he takes her life?
Dodie
Dodie and Bill are engaged now, and Dodie is questioning herself. Will she have to give up investigating? Will she have to give up managing the Windjammer? What will she do? These are some of the personal questions that she is asking herself. Then the townsfolk come up with these crazy rumors about her and Bill. Through all of it, the only thing that she knows is that she loves Bill.
I love that Dodie has doubts and is realistic. Yet, she is brilliant and has this "Spidey sense" where the hair on the back of her neck stands on end. She has learned to trust her instincts. Dodie isn't afraid to help friends and likes being part of the community. This little town suits her well.
The Mystery
It's Halloween in Etonville, New Jersey, and they are going all out this year. Dodie is on numerous committees to help with the festivities. She is also supporting her friends at the Etonville Little Theatre group. They have decided to do Dracula and found a new actor to play the part. In fact, he plays it so well that most of the town believes that he and his wife are vampires. Then a man dressed as the grim reaper is found dead in the cemetery with a stake in his chest.
Dodie starts investigating the actor, not the dead man. While Bill is focused on the dead man, will their cases connect? Let me just say that there are a lot of red herrings and double motives.
The end of the story is at Thanksgiving, and there is a surprise for Dodie. So, watch out for that.
Five Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Killing Time by Suzanne Trauth, and therefore am giving it five stars. The characters, Eatonville, and the complexity of the mystery are fabulously written. I highly recommend this book to all mystery readers out there.
Excerpt
"It sure looks haunted," Edna murmured to no one in particular, to the cast of Dracula in general. They were grouped around her on the sidewalk that ran past the old Hanratty place that Carlos and Bella had rented. I'd never been inside though once I'd driven by it when I first moved to Etonville on my way out of town. The house stood on half an acre of scruffy lawn with patches of dried dirt, surrounded by a few straggly trees—minus leaves at this time of the year—and no neighbors. The nearest houses were on a side street some distance away. The three-story building looked as if it might collapse at any moment, its outer walls covered with weathered, gray shakes, the steps to the front door supported by concrete building blocks. There was no handrail. Light leaked out of windows on the first floor. Curtains covering small, circular panes on the third story—an attic room?—quivered. Was someone up there watching us? I shivered. A turret rose upward from the right side of the structure, giving the house a smidge of outdated dignity. A drain pipe dangled loosely from the gutter.
"Let's go." Penny corralled actors and nudged everyone forward to the front door. There were six company members, Renfield saying he'd be along later, plus Penny, Lola, Pauli, and me. Strength in numbers.
We crept across the porch cautiously, aware of the creaking beneath us as the flooring shifted with each individual's footsteps. Penny put out a hand to knock on the door. Before she could hit knuckles to wood, it flew open. "Welcome everyone!" Bella stood in the doorway, a silhouette backlit by muted foyer lighting.
Behind her Carlos stood silently, observing the group huddled in his entryway, like deer caught in headlights.
Lola took the lead, moving graciously into the house. "Thank you. So nice of you to invite us to your home."
I'm not sure what the members of the Etonville Little Theatre were expecting. Given the exterior and location of the Hanratty homestead, I anticipated something out of a late-night classic horror film.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (3) Print Copy Killing Time (A Dodie O'Dell Mystery) by Suzanne Trauth (U.S. Only)
2020 Supernatural Creatures Reading Challenge
If you are interested in being part of this challenge, you can find the link at the top of the page.
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Dodie figure out who "Dracula" is before he takes her life?
Dodie
Dodie and Bill are engaged now, and Dodie is questioning herself. Will she have to give up investigating? Will she have to give up managing the Windjammer? What will she do? These are some of the personal questions that she is asking herself. Then the townsfolk come up with these crazy rumors about her and Bill. Through all of it, the only thing that she knows is that she loves Bill.
I love that Dodie has doubts and is realistic. Yet, she is brilliant and has this "Spidey sense" where the hair on the back of her neck stands on end. She has learned to trust her instincts. Dodie isn't afraid to help friends and likes being part of the community. This little town suits her well.
The Mystery
It's Halloween in Etonville, New Jersey, and they are going all out this year. Dodie is on numerous committees to help with the festivities. She is also supporting her friends at the Etonville Little Theatre group. They have decided to do Dracula and found a new actor to play the part. In fact, he plays it so well that most of the town believes that he and his wife are vampires. Then a man dressed as the grim reaper is found dead in the cemetery with a stake in his chest.
Dodie starts investigating the actor, not the dead man. While Bill is focused on the dead man, will their cases connect? Let me just say that there are a lot of red herrings and double motives.
The end of the story is at Thanksgiving, and there is a surprise for Dodie. So, watch out for that.
Five Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Killing Time by Suzanne Trauth, and therefore am giving it five stars. The characters, Eatonville, and the complexity of the mystery are fabulously written. I highly recommend this book to all mystery readers out there.
Excerpt
"It sure looks haunted," Edna murmured to no one in particular, to the cast of Dracula in general. They were grouped around her on the sidewalk that ran past the old Hanratty place that Carlos and Bella had rented. I'd never been inside though once I'd driven by it when I first moved to Etonville on my way out of town. The house stood on half an acre of scruffy lawn with patches of dried dirt, surrounded by a few straggly trees—minus leaves at this time of the year—and no neighbors. The nearest houses were on a side street some distance away. The three-story building looked as if it might collapse at any moment, its outer walls covered with weathered, gray shakes, the steps to the front door supported by concrete building blocks. There was no handrail. Light leaked out of windows on the first floor. Curtains covering small, circular panes on the third story—an attic room?—quivered. Was someone up there watching us? I shivered. A turret rose upward from the right side of the structure, giving the house a smidge of outdated dignity. A drain pipe dangled loosely from the gutter.
"Let's go." Penny corralled actors and nudged everyone forward to the front door. There were six company members, Renfield saying he'd be along later, plus Penny, Lola, Pauli, and me. Strength in numbers.
We crept across the porch cautiously, aware of the creaking beneath us as the flooring shifted with each individual's footsteps. Penny put out a hand to knock on the door. Before she could hit knuckles to wood, it flew open. "Welcome everyone!" Bella stood in the doorway, a silhouette backlit by muted foyer lighting.
Behind her Carlos stood silently, observing the group huddled in his entryway, like deer caught in headlights.
Lola took the lead, moving graciously into the house. "Thank you. So nice of you to invite us to your home."
I'm not sure what the members of the Etonville Little Theatre were expecting. Given the exterior and location of the Hanratty homestead, I anticipated something out of a late-night classic horror film.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (3) Print Copy Killing Time (A Dodie O'Dell Mystery) by Suzanne Trauth (U.S. Only)
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Until the next time,
This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove.
2020 Supernatural Creatures Reading Challenge
If you are interested in being part of this challenge, you can find the link at the top of the page.
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
June 12, 2020
The Grim Reaper is DEAD in a cemetery in
Etonville, New Jersey! A stake is in the middle
of the person’s chest! Several mischievous
teenagers found the body.
A Halloween costume party is taking place
in the Episcopal Church. Earlier there was
bobbing for apples, the candy corn count,
the pumpkin carving, the palm reading and
the kiddie costume parade down Main Street.
The Windjammer Restaurant, run by manager,
Dodie O’Dell is providing spiced apple cider
and homemade donuts for the parade. Dodie
is offering theme food this week to coincide
with the opening of the Eltonville Little Theatre’s
production of Dracula.....Garlic Cuisine.
The question arises....Is the theater haunted?
Costumes pieces are missing, the cues card are
being mixed up, the light board was fooled with
and the stake to be used to kill Dracula has gone
missing!! Was the missing stake used to murder
the a Grim Reaper? Who is this dead person?
Why was he in Etonville at the Halloween party?
The man playing Dracula is new to Etonville. He
is the perfect Dracula for the production but
what is he hiding? He is scary.
Dodie can not resist investigating even though
her fiancé is the police chief of Etonville, New
Jersey.
Dodie should be planning her wedding but lets
herself get involved in solving this murder.
Is she running from her fears that marriage will
change what she does and says or does her
curiosity dictate her investigating??
A fast paced, complex murder mystery which
is extremely well written. The vivid description
used in the story will let you feel Dodie’s pain
when she sprains her ankle, breaks a wrist and
gets an eye infection. The reader will hear the
dogs on the street wailing at night and visit
the old rickety house where Dracula the actor
lives.
The characters are very realistic, well fleshed,
some quirky, others scary but all add flavor to
the story.
Drama, intrigue, mishappenings, blackmail,
threats, suspense with situations that are
precarious make this a good read.
The reader will also learn some theatre lingo
plus police codes such as 10-36, 10-61, 10-30.
Code 2, 187 and more but you need to read
the book for what the codes mean.
The book ends with Thanksgiving feast.
This is book # 6 in the Dodie O’Dell Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
A Highly Recommended Read!!!
I volunteered to read Killing Time. I received
a pre-release copy of this book and I’m
reviewing it voluntarily. My opinion is my own.
Etonville, New Jersey! A stake is in the middle
of the person’s chest! Several mischievous
teenagers found the body.
A Halloween costume party is taking place
in the Episcopal Church. Earlier there was
bobbing for apples, the candy corn count,
the pumpkin carving, the palm reading and
the kiddie costume parade down Main Street.
The Windjammer Restaurant, run by manager,
Dodie O’Dell is providing spiced apple cider
and homemade donuts for the parade. Dodie
is offering theme food this week to coincide
with the opening of the Eltonville Little Theatre’s
production of Dracula.....Garlic Cuisine.
The question arises....Is the theater haunted?
Costumes pieces are missing, the cues card are
being mixed up, the light board was fooled with
and the stake to be used to kill Dracula has gone
missing!! Was the missing stake used to murder
the a Grim Reaper? Who is this dead person?
Why was he in Etonville at the Halloween party?
The man playing Dracula is new to Etonville. He
is the perfect Dracula for the production but
what is he hiding? He is scary.
Dodie can not resist investigating even though
her fiancé is the police chief of Etonville, New
Jersey.
Dodie should be planning her wedding but lets
herself get involved in solving this murder.
Is she running from her fears that marriage will
change what she does and says or does her
curiosity dictate her investigating??
A fast paced, complex murder mystery which
is extremely well written. The vivid description
used in the story will let you feel Dodie’s pain
when she sprains her ankle, breaks a wrist and
gets an eye infection. The reader will hear the
dogs on the street wailing at night and visit
the old rickety house where Dracula the actor
lives.
The characters are very realistic, well fleshed,
some quirky, others scary but all add flavor to
the story.
Drama, intrigue, mishappenings, blackmail,
threats, suspense with situations that are
precarious make this a good read.
The reader will also learn some theatre lingo
plus police codes such as 10-36, 10-61, 10-30.
Code 2, 187 and more but you need to read
the book for what the codes mean.
The book ends with Thanksgiving feast.
This is book # 6 in the Dodie O’Dell Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
A Highly Recommended Read!!!
I volunteered to read Killing Time. I received
a pre-release copy of this book and I’m
reviewing it voluntarily. My opinion is my own.
June 26, 2020
Dodie O’Dell, manager of the Windjammer Restaurant in Etonville, New Jersey, once again finds herself in the role of part-time detective. Halloween festivities are underway, and on the night of a party celebrating Halloween, a dead man in a Grim Reaper costume with a stake in his chest is discovered in the town cemetery. Etonville Little Theatre is performing Dracula, and the stake prop being used in the production is missing. Is someone from the play involved in the man’s demise? While Dodie’s fiancé, Police Chief Bill Thompson, is investigating the victim from the cemetery, Dodie is looking into the mysterious background of the actor who is new in town and playing the part of Dracula. Circumstances surrounding the actor become more complicated the more Dodie finds out about him. Dodie suddenly finds herself in danger. Will she solve the mystery before harm befalls her? Will a problem develop in Dodie and Bill's relationship if their investigations overlap each other?
Killing Time is the sixth installment in the Dodie O’Dell Mystery series, and it is an entertaining read with some quirky characters who add charm and humor to the story. Theatre mishaps and missteps, small-town rumor mill working overtime, misleading information, worry about life choices, life-threatening situations, suspense, deceit, romantic interludes, job tension, and supportive friendships all play an important part in this cozy mystery. I enjoyed the scenes from Dracula that are included in the story. Readers who are unfamiliar with police radio codes will learn the meaning for some of them that are used by an actress in Dracula who is also a police dispatcher. One does not need to read other books in the series as Suzanne Trauth has provided the right amount of backstory to keep readers from feeling as if they need to read the previous books in order to know what is going on with the characters. Trauth is a new author to me, but I found reading this book a pleasurable experience and plan to read the other books in the series.
Killing Time is the sixth installment in the Dodie O’Dell Mystery series, and it is an entertaining read with some quirky characters who add charm and humor to the story. Theatre mishaps and missteps, small-town rumor mill working overtime, misleading information, worry about life choices, life-threatening situations, suspense, deceit, romantic interludes, job tension, and supportive friendships all play an important part in this cozy mystery. I enjoyed the scenes from Dracula that are included in the story. Readers who are unfamiliar with police radio codes will learn the meaning for some of them that are used by an actress in Dracula who is also a police dispatcher. One does not need to read other books in the series as Suzanne Trauth has provided the right amount of backstory to keep readers from feeling as if they need to read the previous books in order to know what is going on with the characters. Trauth is a new author to me, but I found reading this book a pleasurable experience and plan to read the other books in the series.
June 26, 2020
While this is a series, you don't have to have read the books in the series in order. This is a good mystery with a surprise twist at the end. Set at Halloween, this would make a good book to put on your Halloween mysteries list. Dodie has promised Bill, her fiance, to stay out of investigating, but as all good amateur sleuths, she can't help herself. Just one quick drive by the house, the theater, the dark alley...All this while trying to run The Windjammer and plan a menu around the Dracula play at the theater. When Bill does ask for her help, Dodie is all in. And it almost costs her, her life, more than once. There is also some humorous moments with the other regular characters. The mystery is very complex and kept me interested and guessing.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
June 13, 2020
I loved every minute of this fast-paced, fun cozy mystery that had me turning pages as fast as I could, unable to put it down cause I had to know what was going to happen and whodunit!! I feel like I'm friends with Dodie O'Dell and love her dynamic with the cast of quirky and interesting characters in Etonville, New Jersey especially her best friend Lola and her fiance Chief of Police Bill Thompson. This must-read series gets better with each book and "Killing Time" is my favorite so far but I can't wait for another "visit" to the Jersey Shore and see what happens next with all the folks in Etonville. I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 6, 2020
Killing Time is the latest installment of the Dodie O'Dell series. Killing Time is a great stand-alone story. The characters are very well written and are people you already know or would like to get to know. The conversations between the characters read as true to life as any I have read. I think Ms. Trauth needs to develop a cookbook for the foods she describe well enough to make me mouth water. Fast paced, and smooth the story is easy to get pulled into until the last page. I would love to be a diner at The Windjammer. And the set up at the end is a great hook for the next installment.
June 6, 2020
Killing Time is a fast paced, action packed thrill ride. I loved Dodie, Bill and the supporting cast of characters. There were so many twists and turns and I couldn't put this book down. The writing is phenomenal, and the descriptions had me wishing I was there. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait for the next one!
June 13, 2020
Dodie O'Dell is manager of the Windjammer Restaurant in Etonville, New Jersey. Their restaurant is near by the Etonville Little Theatre, and each time the ELT puts on a play, the Windjammer coordinates their menus to fit. Right now they're planning on running Dracula, and Dodie is looking forward to it, visiting the theatre and her friends. She's as surprised as everyone that the man chosen to play the famous count is from out of town and living with his wife in what the locals consider a haunted house. When Dodie meets Carlos Villiarios, she's not sure what to make of him. He's mysterious, tall, dark, and fits the role perfectly.
She's also looking forward to Halloween, when she can wear her specially chosen costume for her fiancé, Bill, who also happens to be police chief in their little town. The costume's a hit, and Dodie can start planning her wedding, but something inside her is keeping her from making the plans with her wedding planner, her best friend Lola.
But the theatre has problems of its own, with accidents and lights failing, and her friend Lola is worried that the show won't go on. But it does; and things seem to settle down. Then there's a costume party at Carlos's home, with his wife Bella reading fortunes to keep the fun going, and during the party Dodie notices a man dressed as the Grim Reaper standing in a corner. He meets eyes with Carlos, and then seems to disappear from sight.
When a body is found in the cemetery later that night, it turns out to be the man in the Grim Reaper costume. Now Dodie has questions about what's going on. She knows that Carlos knew the man even if he denies it; she saw him but it seems no one else did; and why doesn't anyone know anything about Carlos's past? Dodie has a mystery on her hands, and even when Bill tells her to leave it alone, she can't. But will looking into the mystery put her in danger?...
I know it's not even near Halloween, but I do so like Ms. Trauth's books that I wanted to read this latest one, and I wasn't disappointed. I began this book in the dentist's office (I was there for a cleaning, but my husband was getting a crown, so...) and it was so enjoyable that I hated to put it down until I got home. Oh, well...
I love the characters in this town. They're like a family to each other, watching each other's backs and even the Banger sisters are a hoot, hearing a snippet of something and running with it like they're running with the bulls in Pamplona. These are people you'd like to spend time with, given the chance.
Dodie is an intelligent woman who likes the puzzle of a mystery, and even though she's the manager of a restaurant, she'd rather be taking those pieces and putting them together. The problem she has is trying to keep everything she's doing from Bill; but she doesn't hide information that she gleans. She gives every bit of it to him when she discovers it, which shows they're more or less a team, and I like that.
As to the mystery, it was done nicely; and even though I figured out what was going on a lot earlier than Dodie (I read a lot of mysteries) I relished watching her take each little thread she found and weave it slowly together, along with the others, to give her a tapestry of what she was looking for.
And what she discovered wasn't what she expected to find -- nor me. There was an intriguing twist toward the end that even I didn't expect, and I found it fascinating. When everything came together and the murderer was discovered, it was definitely a surprise; and then there was even one more surprise that was given to the reader that leaves us looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
She's also looking forward to Halloween, when she can wear her specially chosen costume for her fiancé, Bill, who also happens to be police chief in their little town. The costume's a hit, and Dodie can start planning her wedding, but something inside her is keeping her from making the plans with her wedding planner, her best friend Lola.
But the theatre has problems of its own, with accidents and lights failing, and her friend Lola is worried that the show won't go on. But it does; and things seem to settle down. Then there's a costume party at Carlos's home, with his wife Bella reading fortunes to keep the fun going, and during the party Dodie notices a man dressed as the Grim Reaper standing in a corner. He meets eyes with Carlos, and then seems to disappear from sight.
When a body is found in the cemetery later that night, it turns out to be the man in the Grim Reaper costume. Now Dodie has questions about what's going on. She knows that Carlos knew the man even if he denies it; she saw him but it seems no one else did; and why doesn't anyone know anything about Carlos's past? Dodie has a mystery on her hands, and even when Bill tells her to leave it alone, she can't. But will looking into the mystery put her in danger?...
I know it's not even near Halloween, but I do so like Ms. Trauth's books that I wanted to read this latest one, and I wasn't disappointed. I began this book in the dentist's office (I was there for a cleaning, but my husband was getting a crown, so...) and it was so enjoyable that I hated to put it down until I got home. Oh, well...
I love the characters in this town. They're like a family to each other, watching each other's backs and even the Banger sisters are a hoot, hearing a snippet of something and running with it like they're running with the bulls in Pamplona. These are people you'd like to spend time with, given the chance.
Dodie is an intelligent woman who likes the puzzle of a mystery, and even though she's the manager of a restaurant, she'd rather be taking those pieces and putting them together. The problem she has is trying to keep everything she's doing from Bill; but she doesn't hide information that she gleans. She gives every bit of it to him when she discovers it, which shows they're more or less a team, and I like that.
As to the mystery, it was done nicely; and even though I figured out what was going on a lot earlier than Dodie (I read a lot of mysteries) I relished watching her take each little thread she found and weave it slowly together, along with the others, to give her a tapestry of what she was looking for.
And what she discovered wasn't what she expected to find -- nor me. There was an intriguing twist toward the end that even I didn't expect, and I found it fascinating. When everything came together and the murderer was discovered, it was definitely a surprise; and then there was even one more surprise that was given to the reader that leaves us looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
June 3, 2020
Couldn’t put it down
This is the first book in the series I read and now can’t wait to start from the beginning. Wonderful characters, twists, turns all woven into a story about friends. My favorite kind of cozy
This is the first book in the series I read and now can’t wait to start from the beginning. Wonderful characters, twists, turns all woven into a story about friends. My favorite kind of cozy
May 18, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
This book was just what I needed during this crazy time we are stuck in. The town is gearing up for Halloween and all it entails. The theater is putting on Dracula to go with the theme with the Windjammer fixing garlic based foods to go with it. As usual the production is cursed with a murder. We gets all kinds of twists, turns, and laughs as she starts investigating only to find herself in danger by the end. Full of quirky characters, mystery, and surprise that all combine until you cannot put it down. A must read for fans of cozies. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5.
This book was just what I needed during this crazy time we are stuck in. The town is gearing up for Halloween and all it entails. The theater is putting on Dracula to go with the theme with the Windjammer fixing garlic based foods to go with it. As usual the production is cursed with a murder. We gets all kinds of twists, turns, and laughs as she starts investigating only to find herself in danger by the end. Full of quirky characters, mystery, and surprise that all combine until you cannot put it down. A must read for fans of cozies. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5.
June 26, 2020
This is the 6th book in the series; I believe this is the 3rd in the series I’ve read, and they all work well as standalones. (I still want to go back and read the ones I’ve missed.) I really enjoy the main characters, the seaside town, and the local theater aspect that is in all of the books; the writing and editing are of good quality. I found the Halloween theme of this book fun, even out of season—it made me look forward to fall. The mystery was intriguing and fun to solve. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. I was provided a copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.
June 9, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Although I have not read the previous stories in the ‘Dodie O’Dell Mystery‘ series, (an oversight that will be corrected soon) I wasn’t the least bit lost in ‘Killing Time‘. Anything that I absolutely needed to know was mentioned in dialogue or narrative, and the rest simply falls into the ‘just read the book and enjoy’ category for me. For this reason, I’d say that you ‘could’ read this title on its own, but I’m sure there are nuances I missed by not having read the earlier books.
It’s Halloween time in the small, quirky town of Etonville. The local theater company is putting on a Dracula performance for the spooky holiday. What no one expected was for a very realist newcomer to play Dracula – or for the Grim Reaper to end up in the local cemetery with what appears to be a stake through his heart. Now there’s a mystery needing to be solved before people really begin to panic at vampires and such overtaking the town.
Dodie is newly engaged to Bill, the local police sheriff and at his request has sorta kinda scaled back on the solving mysteries part of her life. Really, she never intends to get caught up in them it just sort of happens when her own unique ‘spidey sense’ shows itself. And that murder radar is blaring right now as Dodie is, once again, pulled in to investigate another murder.
‘Killing Time‘ is full of twists, turns, red herrings, and surprises – and I had such a good time with all of it. I usually try to not get so far into a series before reading the earlier ones but time got away from me on this one… still, I had no trouble following along and completely enjoying myself in this world. As with any review, especially Mystery of any kind, I’m careful of spoilers – so, perhaps vague but I had fun being caught up in this world and I’m betting you would as well. If you love Cozy Mysteries then this is one you’ll want to add to your list if you haven’t already.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Kensington Books 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.*
Although I have not read the previous stories in the ‘Dodie O’Dell Mystery‘ series, (an oversight that will be corrected soon) I wasn’t the least bit lost in ‘Killing Time‘. Anything that I absolutely needed to know was mentioned in dialogue or narrative, and the rest simply falls into the ‘just read the book and enjoy’ category for me. For this reason, I’d say that you ‘could’ read this title on its own, but I’m sure there are nuances I missed by not having read the earlier books.
It’s Halloween time in the small, quirky town of Etonville. The local theater company is putting on a Dracula performance for the spooky holiday. What no one expected was for a very realist newcomer to play Dracula – or for the Grim Reaper to end up in the local cemetery with what appears to be a stake through his heart. Now there’s a mystery needing to be solved before people really begin to panic at vampires and such overtaking the town.
Dodie is newly engaged to Bill, the local police sheriff and at his request has sorta kinda scaled back on the solving mysteries part of her life. Really, she never intends to get caught up in them it just sort of happens when her own unique ‘spidey sense’ shows itself. And that murder radar is blaring right now as Dodie is, once again, pulled in to investigate another murder.
‘Killing Time‘ is full of twists, turns, red herrings, and surprises – and I had such a good time with all of it. I usually try to not get so far into a series before reading the earlier ones but time got away from me on this one… still, I had no trouble following along and completely enjoying myself in this world. As with any review, especially Mystery of any kind, I’m careful of spoilers – so, perhaps vague but I had fun being caught up in this world and I’m betting you would as well. If you love Cozy Mysteries then this is one you’ll want to add to your list if you haven’t already.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Kensington Books 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.*
May 28, 2020
By day, Dodie is the manager of the Windjammer restaurant in Etonville, New Jersey. By night (or anytime really), she helps her fiancé, Police Chief Bill, solve crimes. It’s the day before Halloween. And it’s almost Killing Time in Etonville Little Theater’s production of Dracula. Will life imitate art?
When a new couple moves into the disheveled Hanratty place, the town begins to think Carlos is a little too close to his lead role of Dracula. He totally looks the part. Plus no one has seen him during the light of day. And his wife, Bella, is a real-life psychic! So when things start to go missing in the theater, Carlos is blamed. The town gets vampire fever. People complain to the police about “vampire” bats in the park. Even the town’s gossipy old ladies take to wearing neck scarves and garlic necklaces.
At the town’s Halloween party, Carlos appears dressed as the Phantom of the Opera. Bella reads palms. And a fully-clad Grim Reaper lurks nearby. When someone is killed in the town graveyard by a stake to the heart, Dodie feels it’s her duty to investigate—because that’s how she rolls—head first into danger.
Dodie is spunky and headstrong. She goes where others, quite rightly fear to tread. Just as you are thinking that doesn’t seem like a good idea, Dodie is already blatantly questioning the main suspect or searching someone’s bedroom in the middle of a party. Her behavior reminds me of the gothic “had-I-but-known” genre.
While I found Dodie’s behavior annoying, others will like her spunk. The mystery had a lot of twists and turns. I adored the small town setting and the supporting characters that lived there. Even while reading this book on a hot spring day, I could feel the brisk Halloween air.
Overall, if you want authentic characters and that creepy Halloween feeling, Killing Time is the book for you. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
When a new couple moves into the disheveled Hanratty place, the town begins to think Carlos is a little too close to his lead role of Dracula. He totally looks the part. Plus no one has seen him during the light of day. And his wife, Bella, is a real-life psychic! So when things start to go missing in the theater, Carlos is blamed. The town gets vampire fever. People complain to the police about “vampire” bats in the park. Even the town’s gossipy old ladies take to wearing neck scarves and garlic necklaces.
At the town’s Halloween party, Carlos appears dressed as the Phantom of the Opera. Bella reads palms. And a fully-clad Grim Reaper lurks nearby. When someone is killed in the town graveyard by a stake to the heart, Dodie feels it’s her duty to investigate—because that’s how she rolls—head first into danger.
Dodie is spunky and headstrong. She goes where others, quite rightly fear to tread. Just as you are thinking that doesn’t seem like a good idea, Dodie is already blatantly questioning the main suspect or searching someone’s bedroom in the middle of a party. Her behavior reminds me of the gothic “had-I-but-known” genre.
While I found Dodie’s behavior annoying, others will like her spunk. The mystery had a lot of twists and turns. I adored the small town setting and the supporting characters that lived there. Even while reading this book on a hot spring day, I could feel the brisk Halloween air.
Overall, if you want authentic characters and that creepy Halloween feeling, Killing Time is the book for you. 4 stars!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2020
Fall is closing in, Halloween is upon the town of Etonville and the Etonville Little Theatre has decided on running with Dracula with a great new actor playing Dracula. Problem is, someone in a Grim Reaper costume is found in the local cemetery with what appears to be a stake through his heart. This definitely carries the whole Halloween production too far.
Dodie O'Dell is manager of the Windjammer Restaurant and engaged to the local police chief, Bill. As she begins her carefully calculated sleuthing, we are introduced to the restaurant regulars, the town's recurring characters, and some description of the area and contiguous little villages.
It's a cozy mystery. They do tend to begin a bit slow for me, but Dodie has a fine way of handling the restaurant while inquiring into details of the victim's death. Meantime, the reader is treated to the eccentricities of some of her closest buddies, Edna the police dispatcher who speaks in code--and Penny who enjoys famous quotes, but always get them wrong.
"What doesn't kill you makes you live longer."
Not character-driven really, as Dodie makes steady progress with her investigation and the well-plotted mystery becomes more complex.
Dodie's quandary regarding Bill isn't really hammered out until the conclusion (but then very satisfactorily), and the climax ramps up the excitement considerably with a real surprise you probably didn't see coming. The sixth in the Dodie O'Dell mystery series, this can function fine as a standalone, and is certainly a series with setting, premise, and characters you'll enjoy. There are some wacky characters contributing to humorous dialogue and situations.
I received this digital download from the publisher through NetGalley and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to read and review. Recommended cozy mystery.
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
Dodie O'Dell is manager of the Windjammer Restaurant and engaged to the local police chief, Bill. As she begins her carefully calculated sleuthing, we are introduced to the restaurant regulars, the town's recurring characters, and some description of the area and contiguous little villages.
It's a cozy mystery. They do tend to begin a bit slow for me, but Dodie has a fine way of handling the restaurant while inquiring into details of the victim's death. Meantime, the reader is treated to the eccentricities of some of her closest buddies, Edna the police dispatcher who speaks in code--and Penny who enjoys famous quotes, but always get them wrong.
"What doesn't kill you makes you live longer."
Not character-driven really, as Dodie makes steady progress with her investigation and the well-plotted mystery becomes more complex.
Dodie's quandary regarding Bill isn't really hammered out until the conclusion (but then very satisfactorily), and the climax ramps up the excitement considerably with a real surprise you probably didn't see coming. The sixth in the Dodie O'Dell mystery series, this can function fine as a standalone, and is certainly a series with setting, premise, and characters you'll enjoy. There are some wacky characters contributing to humorous dialogue and situations.
I received this digital download from the publisher through NetGalley and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to read and review. Recommended cozy mystery.
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
June 23, 2020
Killing Time by Suzanne Trauth is a lovely little cozy mystery featuring Dodie O'Dell and her Windjammer restaurant. The Windjammer is located on the Jersey Shore just south of New York City in a community that is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. It's Halloween and Dodie has herself a pretty sexy Wonder Woman costume. Her fiancé, Bill, Chief of Police of Etonville agrees. Dodie is peripherally involved in the local theatre, run by her best friend, Lola, and they are mounting a production of Dracula, sure to line the theatre's pockets. They had a fabulous, if creepy lead, in Carlos Villarias, a newcomer to town. All seems to be going well, until suddenly it isn't. Of course, some of that is just people and how they talk. Some of it turned out to be real, though. There were even mobsters involved, and not from New York as one might expect, but from Chicago.
Dodie and her friends are terrific characters, like those found in any small town. Bill, her fiancé, is not right out front, but present enough for the reader to really like him and appreciate their relationship. Halloween is always a terrific time to bring out people and their eccentricities, like the elderly sisters who are so full of personality that it's almost, no quite, too much. It's also a great time to hide behind a costume. The mystery is a pretty good one, although dependent on people that are non-residents, although they have been introduced. There is deceit, betrayal, and murder. Everything you need for a terrific mystery. I enjoyed it. It is the second I have read in this series, and worth a second look. I recommend it.
I was invited to read an ARC of Killing Time by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #killingtime
Dodie and her friends are terrific characters, like those found in any small town. Bill, her fiancé, is not right out front, but present enough for the reader to really like him and appreciate their relationship. Halloween is always a terrific time to bring out people and their eccentricities, like the elderly sisters who are so full of personality that it's almost, no quite, too much. It's also a great time to hide behind a costume. The mystery is a pretty good one, although dependent on people that are non-residents, although they have been introduced. There is deceit, betrayal, and murder. Everything you need for a terrific mystery. I enjoyed it. It is the second I have read in this series, and worth a second look. I recommend it.
I was invited to read an ARC of Killing Time by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #killingtime
May 22, 2020
Killing Time is a cozy mystery set at Halloween on the Jersey Shore. Dodie O'Dell manages a restaurant called the Windjammer and works with the Etonville Little Theatre. She's currently working on a production of Dracula, but when a mysterious murder takes place that may involve one of her actors, she starts sleuthing ...
I wanted to read Killing Time because of the community theater setting. I worked in theater years ago and love books with theater settings. I also love cozy mysteries and Halloween, so this sounded like a fun read!
This was my first read in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series. I picked up on the characters and setting very quickly and enjoyed this book as a standalone. That said, I have now added the rest of the books in the series to my "to read" list!
I throughly enjoyed this mystery. It is especially well paced, with Dodie balancing work at the theater, work at her restaurant job, and planning a wedding with her police chief boyfriend, Bill ... all while doing some great sleuthing.
Dodie is a talented amateur detective who manages to get herself in jeopardy several times by taking chances. She's a likable character, smart, hard working, and relentless about solving the case.
The mystery aspect of this book was well done. There were a couple of surprising little twists along the way, and the denouement was exciting.
I recommend Killing Time for fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who enjoys Halloween mysteries or back stage theater settings. It's a fun read!
I wanted to read Killing Time because of the community theater setting. I worked in theater years ago and love books with theater settings. I also love cozy mysteries and Halloween, so this sounded like a fun read!
This was my first read in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series. I picked up on the characters and setting very quickly and enjoyed this book as a standalone. That said, I have now added the rest of the books in the series to my "to read" list!
I throughly enjoyed this mystery. It is especially well paced, with Dodie balancing work at the theater, work at her restaurant job, and planning a wedding with her police chief boyfriend, Bill ... all while doing some great sleuthing.
Dodie is a talented amateur detective who manages to get herself in jeopardy several times by taking chances. She's a likable character, smart, hard working, and relentless about solving the case.
The mystery aspect of this book was well done. There were a couple of surprising little twists along the way, and the denouement was exciting.
I recommend Killing Time for fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who enjoys Halloween mysteries or back stage theater settings. It's a fun read!
July 15, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: Dodie’s fiancé is coming around to her skills in sleuthing but when he leaves town, Dodie doesn’t waste time getting into trouble. Bad enough to have the Etonville troupe put on Dracula around Hallowe’en but could they have hired the real thing to play the titular role. Not only does this guy look the part, he and his wife live in a reportedly haunted house and the town is abuzz with speculation.
Rumours go into hyperdrive when a man in an Angel of Death mask is murdered in the cemetery the same night as the big town bash and Dodie saw the victim and the actor in a heated discussion. When the identify of the victim is learned it does not help that he is a hit man. It looks like he was on a job and there are lots of shady characters roaming around town, some of whom have no compunction about hurting Dodie. She does barge in where angel fear to tread but to be fair, sometimes she is in the wrong place for the right reason.
While the plot was complex with lots of deals and double crosses, I did figure out what was the secret of the actor. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing however. It makes for an entertaining read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Rumours go into hyperdrive when a man in an Angel of Death mask is murdered in the cemetery the same night as the big town bash and Dodie saw the victim and the actor in a heated discussion. When the identify of the victim is learned it does not help that he is a hit man. It looks like he was on a job and there are lots of shady characters roaming around town, some of whom have no compunction about hurting Dodie. She does barge in where angel fear to tread but to be fair, sometimes she is in the wrong place for the right reason.
While the plot was complex with lots of deals and double crosses, I did figure out what was the secret of the actor. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing however. It makes for an entertaining read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
May 25, 2020
I love Halloween, no secret it is my favourite holiday so I could not wait to delve into this story! Killing Time is book 6 in this series and I have not read the previous, and I do think it would be advantageous to have read them as the characters are all well established and I need more backstory on certain relationships. That being said, I did fall into line with the story and loved every minute of it.
Dodie O’Dell owns the Windjammer Restaurant, and it appears they like to theme their menus with events or seasons so with Halloween near and the Etonville Little Theatre hosting a production of 'Dracula' the menu features a lot of garlic! There are a few wacky moments with people being superstition about the lead of Dracula Carlos being an actual vampire, and with the time of year everyone's is on edge. And rightly so as following a costume party a grim reaper is found dead in the cemetery!
Dodie's fiance Bill investigates the murder whilst Dodie decides to do some sleuthing into Carlos, is there a connection between the two? There a few hairy moments for Dodie, and I loved the mystery with its little twists and turns.
Overall this was a great Halloween mystery, and I can't wait to get the time to go back and start this series from the beginning!
4 stars
Dodie O’Dell owns the Windjammer Restaurant, and it appears they like to theme their menus with events or seasons so with Halloween near and the Etonville Little Theatre hosting a production of 'Dracula' the menu features a lot of garlic! There are a few wacky moments with people being superstition about the lead of Dracula Carlos being an actual vampire, and with the time of year everyone's is on edge. And rightly so as following a costume party a grim reaper is found dead in the cemetery!
Dodie's fiance Bill investigates the murder whilst Dodie decides to do some sleuthing into Carlos, is there a connection between the two? There a few hairy moments for Dodie, and I loved the mystery with its little twists and turns.
Overall this was a great Halloween mystery, and I can't wait to get the time to go back and start this series from the beginning!
4 stars
June 2, 2020
The ELT is putting on Dracula as their next production and the lead actor is so authentic that it’s blurring the lines between fact and fiction for some of the cast and crew. When a man dressed as the Grim Reaper at the Etonville Halloween party is found dead in the cemetery with a stake, it pushes things to a point where even Dodie is thinking it’s a little too true to life. This means that the call is on for Etonville’s resident sleuth to take a little closer look.
While Dodie swears off investigating, she does agree to check a few things for her BFF Lola, but she’s NOT investigating, well maybe 98% not investigating. But when Count Dracula himself is missing, the show cannot go on and Dodie finds herself in far deeper than she thought as things don’t look good for the missing actor and his wife. Can Dodie find them before the body count rises or will she be just another stake in the killer’s coffin?
Having a series set on the Jersey shore makes this series a must read for me. The storyline, characters and writing keep me coming back. Can’t wait for the next entry!
While Dodie swears off investigating, she does agree to check a few things for her BFF Lola, but she’s NOT investigating, well maybe 98% not investigating. But when Count Dracula himself is missing, the show cannot go on and Dodie finds herself in far deeper than she thought as things don’t look good for the missing actor and his wife. Can Dodie find them before the body count rises or will she be just another stake in the killer’s coffin?
Having a series set on the Jersey shore makes this series a must read for me. The storyline, characters and writing keep me coming back. Can’t wait for the next entry!
March 30, 2020
Halloween is fast approaching, and restaurant manager, Dodie O'Dell is working hard to transform The Windjammer into a haunted house.
The Etonville Little Theatre is preparing to perform Dracula, and their star fits the role perfectly, too perfectly in Dodie's bff's opinion. Lola tells Dodie that the actor, Carlos Villarias, gives off creepy vibes, and the house he and his wife are living in, is rumored to be haunted. Dodie tries to focus on setting a wedding date and helping out at the theatre, but when a dead body is discovered, Dodie can't help but sink her teeth into her own investigation.
I loved this book! The story is well told, plenty of twists and turns, the fun of Halloween, and a great surprise ending!
I cannot wait until the next book is ready to read!
Be sure to grab your copy on June 2, 2020.
#KillingTime #NetGalley
The Etonville Little Theatre is preparing to perform Dracula, and their star fits the role perfectly, too perfectly in Dodie's bff's opinion. Lola tells Dodie that the actor, Carlos Villarias, gives off creepy vibes, and the house he and his wife are living in, is rumored to be haunted. Dodie tries to focus on setting a wedding date and helping out at the theatre, but when a dead body is discovered, Dodie can't help but sink her teeth into her own investigation.
I loved this book! The story is well told, plenty of twists and turns, the fun of Halloween, and a great surprise ending!
I cannot wait until the next book is ready to read!
Be sure to grab your copy on June 2, 2020.
#KillingTime #NetGalley
July 17, 2020
First off, I have to say that I really appreciated a Halloween-themed cozy that WASN'T paranormal. That's very rare in this genre.
Beyond that, the story itself was great. I loved the idea of the mystery tying in to a local theater production. Since I'm a big fan of the original Dracula, I enjoyed reading about the town's staging of their own production. The mystery made sense, with plenty of red herrings to distract the reader, but in the end, the killer and motive were logical.
I also enjoyed the characters. Dodie is tons of fun, and I adore Aunt Maureen and her funny quips. I hope to see more of her in future stories.
This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I had not read any of the previous installments, and had no trouble picking right up and figuring out the characters and their relationships. Of course, now I'll have to track down books 1-5!
Beyond that, the story itself was great. I loved the idea of the mystery tying in to a local theater production. Since I'm a big fan of the original Dracula, I enjoyed reading about the town's staging of their own production. The mystery made sense, with plenty of red herrings to distract the reader, but in the end, the killer and motive were logical.
I also enjoyed the characters. Dodie is tons of fun, and I adore Aunt Maureen and her funny quips. I hope to see more of her in future stories.
This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I had not read any of the previous installments, and had no trouble picking right up and figuring out the characters and their relationships. Of course, now I'll have to track down books 1-5!
May 26, 2020
Dodie's Windjammer Restaurant matches its menus etc. to whatever the Etonville Little Theater is putting on. This time it's Dracula, and casting it proves a challenge. The people of Etonville, delightful though they may be, go over the top in the try outs and then....a stranger appears with the perfect accent. Unfortunately, this raises lots of questions, especially after someone is found with a stake through the heart! Yikes! Dodie's wavering a bit about her wedding to Bill, the police chief, but not on investigating the latest murder in this small town. Cozy readers know there will be red herrings but that all will work out in the end. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Will be fine as a standalone.
July 8, 2020
This is book 6 in the Dodie O'Dell mystery series and it can be read as a stand alone. I have only read a couple in the series and had no trouble catching up with the residents of Eatonville, New Jersey, a shore town that panders to the tourist. Dodie runs the Windjammer restaurant and is going all out for Halloween. The local theater is putting on a production of Dracula to get the town into the spooky mood. Now a cast member is dead with a stake in the heart and rumors of the mob in town are flying. A good cozy mystery to solve. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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