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Haunted Lodge Cozy Mysteries #1
Thyme to Kill
Toni Owens is at a crossroads. Divorced, low on funds, and unhappy with where she's at in life, she decides to buy a lodge in the mountains and start over. When she arrives at her new home, she finds the grand lodge is a run-down mess. To make matters worse, she finds the one person she's connected with standing over a dead body on her first full day in town.
Now, Toni needs to find a way to clear her new friend of murder while searching for a job and figuring out what to do with the lodge she'd pinned her dreams on.
Throw in a goofy dog who needs a home, a ghost reluctant to share his space, and a handsome neighbor eager to help her rebuild, and she's got her hands full. Determined to make her fresh start a success, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, but will it be enough?
This is the first book in the Haunted Lodge Cozy Mystery series.
Now, Toni needs to find a way to clear her new friend of murder while searching for a job and figuring out what to do with the lodge she'd pinned her dreams on.
Throw in a goofy dog who needs a home, a ghost reluctant to share his space, and a handsome neighbor eager to help her rebuild, and she's got her hands full. Determined to make her fresh start a success, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, but will it be enough?
This is the first book in the Haunted Lodge Cozy Mystery series.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2019
601 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Tegan Maher
98 books342 followersI was born and raised in the South and even hung my motorcycle helmet in Colorado for a few months. I've always had a touch of wanderlust and have never feared just packing up and going on new adventures, whether in real life or via the pages of a great book.
When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.
I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.
I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.
To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.
When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.
I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.
I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.
To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 5, 2019
Toni has gotten her divorce and has sunk all her funds into an old lodge. It is time for her to start over. She is in over here head and she bumps into Scout who has been taking care of the place as much as he can.
She stays in a cabin that is not half bad behind the lodge and goes to the closest dinner for food. The good is awful but the waitress , Dee is nice. Fiona who owns the dinner and is family to Dee is not very nice.
Imagine everyone not so surprised thoughts on Fiona being dead. Of course Dee was found by Toni over the body holding a rolling pin. Dee couldn’t have done this could see?
With the help of Toni they will find out who really killed Fiona.
Not the most amazing start to a new series but not half bad. The story got better as the chapters came and went. The characters are fun to read about and the plot got better. It does have some surprises and twists to keep the reader engaged. I will be checking into book 2.
She stays in a cabin that is not half bad behind the lodge and goes to the closest dinner for food. The good is awful but the waitress , Dee is nice. Fiona who owns the dinner and is family to Dee is not very nice.
Imagine everyone not so surprised thoughts on Fiona being dead. Of course Dee was found by Toni over the body holding a rolling pin. Dee couldn’t have done this could see?
With the help of Toni they will find out who really killed Fiona.
Not the most amazing start to a new series but not half bad. The story got better as the chapters came and went. The characters are fun to read about and the plot got better. It does have some surprises and twists to keep the reader engaged. I will be checking into book 2.
March 5, 2022
Ms. Maher has written a cute cozy mystery that has humor, a few deft twists, a ghost and characters that are both likable and relatable. I loved the note at the end of the book where Ms. Maher wrote that she was NOT going to include any paranormal elements in this series and then Maisie popped up. LOL! A lovely afternoon read and I'm off to read the next one in the series.
June 5, 2020
This was so good! It was just the quick and light read that I needed after a couple of longer books, but I knew I'd like it after having read another first in series by this author. I'm definitely going to continue reading this series as well!
I loved these characters and bonded with them immediately. To me, that's always a good sign of a great cozy mystery, at least for me. Toni was new in town, and Dee was just the perfect person to be her new bestie and business partner. Scout, the neighbor was such an awesome guy, and it was kind of cute how Dee seemed to like the sheriff. I liked how Toni, Dee and Scout got things done at the lodge that Toni bought. And no worries, it really is haunted, but I absolutely love this ghost! I can't wait to read more!
I loved these characters and bonded with them immediately. To me, that's always a good sign of a great cozy mystery, at least for me. Toni was new in town, and Dee was just the perfect person to be her new bestie and business partner. Scout, the neighbor was such an awesome guy, and it was kind of cute how Dee seemed to like the sheriff. I liked how Toni, Dee and Scout got things done at the lodge that Toni bought. And no worries, it really is haunted, but I absolutely love this ghost! I can't wait to read more!
February 12, 2019
The new life that Toni is starting may not be quite what she was looking for - the lodge she purchased sight unseen is more rundown than pictures showed, she is "big city" moving to a small town where everyone knows your business and, to top it all off, the local café owner with whom she had a heated encounter is now dead.
I found this debut of a new series from Tegan Maher to be well-written and well-paced. It had very likeable characters that you want to get to know, a great small town background, a murder mystery to solve and a Lodge that has a past along with a ghost named Maisie! I think this series has great potential to grow and I am looking forward to book #2!
Note: I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, but my review is totally voluntary. I love this author's books and hope others will discover and enjoy her wonderful stories!
I found this debut of a new series from Tegan Maher to be well-written and well-paced. It had very likeable characters that you want to get to know, a great small town background, a murder mystery to solve and a Lodge that has a past along with a ghost named Maisie! I think this series has great potential to grow and I am looking forward to book #2!
Note: I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, but my review is totally voluntary. I love this author's books and hope others will discover and enjoy her wonderful stories!
August 16, 2022
Light and fun, perfect remedy to my anxiety. Slow but I enjoyed the characters. Seems like a good introduction to her series.
December 27, 2020
Not a bad start to a new series.
The book was slow at times, very slow, and the mystery was a little meh. The reason for the 4-star are the characters. They were likable and well-developed. I liked the world building and want to learn more about the town and those who inhabit it.
I do miss the paranormal aspect. There is a ghost but nothing else and nothing magical about it.
There is no chemistry between the potential love interest and the MC. So, if you like a little romance with your mystery? Then this probably isn't the book for you. I suspect this may change in future books...maybe not. Having read the descriptions for the next several books in this series, it doesn't look like this relationship goes anywhere for a long time.
There is a lot of talking that goes on in this book without much being said. The talking seems to be filler for action. I'm giving that some slack since it is the first book in the series and the ground work needs to be laid.
Overall, not a bad start.
The book was slow at times, very slow, and the mystery was a little meh. The reason for the 4-star are the characters. They were likable and well-developed. I liked the world building and want to learn more about the town and those who inhabit it.
I do miss the paranormal aspect. There is a ghost but nothing else and nothing magical about it.
There is no chemistry between the potential love interest and the MC. So, if you like a little romance with your mystery? Then this probably isn't the book for you. I suspect this may change in future books...maybe not. Having read the descriptions for the next several books in this series, it doesn't look like this relationship goes anywhere for a long time.
There is a lot of talking that goes on in this book without much being said. The talking seems to be filler for action. I'm giving that some slack since it is the first book in the series and the ground work needs to be laid.
Overall, not a bad start.
February 14, 2021
Great Story!
I loved the characters, they fit well in the story. The end was a surprise to me, I liked that I didn't have it figured out until the end, when all was revealed.
I am definitely going on to read more in this series.
I loved the characters, they fit well in the story. The end was a surprise to me, I liked that I didn't have it figured out until the end, when all was revealed.
I am definitely going on to read more in this series.
July 6, 2019
Good mystery
This is the third series I've read by Tegan Maher. I enjoy the light hearted vibe and the humor. It's a good break from mysteries than are too dark sometimes. Toni and Dee meet and become friends during a unusual situation. Scout has a little mystery to him. It's odd how he shows up out of the blue so much. I can't wait to see if there's more to him than we know right now.
This is the third series I've read by Tegan Maher. I enjoy the light hearted vibe and the humor. It's a good break from mysteries than are too dark sometimes. Toni and Dee meet and become friends during a unusual situation. Scout has a little mystery to him. It's odd how he shows up out of the blue so much. I can't wait to see if there's more to him than we know right now.
June 1, 2019
Small town, big danger
Looks like the start of another great series from Tegan Maher. Already I'm waiting for the 2nd story of The Haunted Lodge series. While I could never see myself upping sticks and settling in a small town like Toni, I'm happy to do it by proxy with this series.
Toni is divorced,and wants a new start. Going by pictures of a lodge sent from the real estate agent, Toni sinks most of her money in buying Mercy Lodge just outside of the town of Mercy. Unfortunately, the pics are 10 years old. The lodge is calling apart from the looks of it. There's a caretaker cabin nearby that's at least habitable. But Orlando born Toni doesn't know much about rustic living in a cooler climate. She's puzzled when a knock on the door reveals her neighbour, Scout. He offers to get the fireplace blazing but Toni just want food & a good sleep. Only one card is open so she stops for a burger. Cheery waitress, Dee, takes her order & chats a bit. Dragon lady & cook Fiona chews Dee out for slacking off. China's cooking is just as bad as her temper. After paying the bill, Toni decides to stick up for Dee & chews out Fiona, much to Toni's own surprise. It's really not been her day.
Of course, the next morning means a return trip to the cats for much needed coffee. On entering, Toni sees Dee standing with a rolling pin in hand. Fiona is dead & it looks like Dee is caught red-handed. But is she the murderer? And why would Toni impulsively invite Dee to stay with her when the sheriff declares Dee's apt. above the cafe a crime scene too?
With a rundown lodge to fix up, a new friend suspected of murder and Fiona 's massive dog needing a new home, Toni finds a small town can be as dangerous as a big city. Oh yeah, the lodge is haunted too.
Looks like the start of another great series from Tegan Maher. Already I'm waiting for the 2nd story of The Haunted Lodge series. While I could never see myself upping sticks and settling in a small town like Toni, I'm happy to do it by proxy with this series.
Toni is divorced,and wants a new start. Going by pictures of a lodge sent from the real estate agent, Toni sinks most of her money in buying Mercy Lodge just outside of the town of Mercy. Unfortunately, the pics are 10 years old. The lodge is calling apart from the looks of it. There's a caretaker cabin nearby that's at least habitable. But Orlando born Toni doesn't know much about rustic living in a cooler climate. She's puzzled when a knock on the door reveals her neighbour, Scout. He offers to get the fireplace blazing but Toni just want food & a good sleep. Only one card is open so she stops for a burger. Cheery waitress, Dee, takes her order & chats a bit. Dragon lady & cook Fiona chews Dee out for slacking off. China's cooking is just as bad as her temper. After paying the bill, Toni decides to stick up for Dee & chews out Fiona, much to Toni's own surprise. It's really not been her day.
Of course, the next morning means a return trip to the cats for much needed coffee. On entering, Toni sees Dee standing with a rolling pin in hand. Fiona is dead & it looks like Dee is caught red-handed. But is she the murderer? And why would Toni impulsively invite Dee to stay with her when the sheriff declares Dee's apt. above the cafe a crime scene too?
With a rundown lodge to fix up, a new friend suspected of murder and Fiona 's massive dog needing a new home, Toni finds a small town can be as dangerous as a big city. Oh yeah, the lodge is haunted too.
April 8, 2019
A great start to a new series
Antonia "toni" Owens has moved to a small town hoping for a new start after her divorce. She has sunk everything she owns into the purchase of a new home Maple Lodge which is a grand building with eight bedrooms, a marvelous driveway complete with fountain, beautiful gardens and magnificent kitchen. Imaging her despair upon arriving to find the Lodge in a complete state of disrepair, the drive overgrown and the fountain broken, the realtor as used old pictures of the Lodge in its glory days in the website and living in Orlando, Florida Toni had not made a trip out to view the property relying on the pictures. But there's nothing to be done she's the proud owner of this wreck so she determines to make he best of it. Going to the diner for something to eat Toni meets See who works as a waitress she seems a very friendly sort and Toni feels sorry for her upon meeting the owner Fiona, a really obnoxious person who treats Dee terribly. Next day To his at the diner again early (she really must find her coffeepot) and walks in to see Dee standing over a dead Fiona holding a rolling pin. So starts the Haunted Lodge series and its.a great start. The book is very dialogue driven as all Me Mahers books are so it flows seamlessly making it a very easy read. The plot while simple is engaging and we meet plenty of interesting characters who I'm sure will feature in future books. There's also a hint of romance. Loved it.
Antonia "toni" Owens has moved to a small town hoping for a new start after her divorce. She has sunk everything she owns into the purchase of a new home Maple Lodge which is a grand building with eight bedrooms, a marvelous driveway complete with fountain, beautiful gardens and magnificent kitchen. Imaging her despair upon arriving to find the Lodge in a complete state of disrepair, the drive overgrown and the fountain broken, the realtor as used old pictures of the Lodge in its glory days in the website and living in Orlando, Florida Toni had not made a trip out to view the property relying on the pictures. But there's nothing to be done she's the proud owner of this wreck so she determines to make he best of it. Going to the diner for something to eat Toni meets See who works as a waitress she seems a very friendly sort and Toni feels sorry for her upon meeting the owner Fiona, a really obnoxious person who treats Dee terribly. Next day To his at the diner again early (she really must find her coffeepot) and walks in to see Dee standing over a dead Fiona holding a rolling pin. So starts the Haunted Lodge series and its.a great start. The book is very dialogue driven as all Me Mahers books are so it flows seamlessly making it a very easy read. The plot while simple is engaging and we meet plenty of interesting characters who I'm sure will feature in future books. There's also a hint of romance. Loved it.
November 11, 2021
I've read a slew of books recently where the female investigator is compared to Nancy Drew in a slightly derogatory sense - which is a bit odd when you consider that Nancy never came across a case she couldn't solve (I'm a bit vague on the process as it must be 50 years or so since I read one!)
“Thyme to Kill” is a bog-standard cosy. Recently divorced aspiring author Toni Owens, comes to a small town and the dilapidated property she has just bought. She's no sooner begun to settle in than the owner of the only diner in town, Fiona, is murdered. And, of course, Toni and Fiona had words – Toni about the awfulness of Fiona's cooking, and Fiona about the quality of Toni's writing – the day before.
And there's the most redundant ghost ever inhabiting her new home.
Fiona's neice, Dee, is the prime, and only, suspect for the murder.
So Toni, and her helpful (and ever so handsome neighbour, Scout) set out to solve the crime.
And that is worked out by the murder conveniently solving itself.
Overall this is a lazy piece of work but one that shows a fair bit of promise. There's a lot of potential for what comes next but it needs to be realised – a nice writing style does not really compensate for a lack of depth over a series.
2.5 Stars.
“Thyme to Kill” is a bog-standard cosy. Recently divorced aspiring author Toni Owens, comes to a small town and the dilapidated property she has just bought. She's no sooner begun to settle in than the owner of the only diner in town, Fiona, is murdered. And, of course, Toni and Fiona had words – Toni about the awfulness of Fiona's cooking, and Fiona about the quality of Toni's writing – the day before.
And there's the most redundant ghost ever inhabiting her new home.
Fiona's neice, Dee, is the prime, and only, suspect for the murder.
So Toni, and her helpful (and ever so handsome neighbour, Scout) set out to solve the crime.
And that is worked out by the murder conveniently solving itself.
Overall this is a lazy piece of work but one that shows a fair bit of promise. There's a lot of potential for what comes next but it needs to be realised – a nice writing style does not really compensate for a lack of depth over a series.
2.5 Stars.
February 13, 2019
A new start or a bad mistake.
Okay not the most riveting start to a new series but it does have a lot of potential going forward. The mystery of the murder seemed almost to fade into the background as the story of the two women and the lodge took over. However the characters are strong and well defined.
Perhaps buying the Lodge unseen was a bad mistake. It looked as if it was going to be a money pit and she had already put most of her divorce settlement into it. What had she done! However the small cottage hear by was inhabitable. Maybe things were looking up. The only place to have a meal was a diner with terrible food and an even worse attitude from the owner. But when she went back the next day for coffee it was to find the friendly waitress standing over the body of the owner. How will the two women get on as she has invited her to stay with her? Who is trying to frame the waitress? Is her new neighbour as trustworthy as he seems? Is there any truth in the rumours flying around town? Will the killer get away with it?
Okay not the most riveting start to a new series but it does have a lot of potential going forward. The mystery of the murder seemed almost to fade into the background as the story of the two women and the lodge took over. However the characters are strong and well defined.
Perhaps buying the Lodge unseen was a bad mistake. It looked as if it was going to be a money pit and she had already put most of her divorce settlement into it. What had she done! However the small cottage hear by was inhabitable. Maybe things were looking up. The only place to have a meal was a diner with terrible food and an even worse attitude from the owner. But when she went back the next day for coffee it was to find the friendly waitress standing over the body of the owner. How will the two women get on as she has invited her to stay with her? Who is trying to frame the waitress? Is her new neighbour as trustworthy as he seems? Is there any truth in the rumours flying around town? Will the killer get away with it?
July 21, 2019
Very good book with several laugh-out-loud moments too! Good characters, even the dog, and not a clue to the murderer until almost the end! Looking forward to reading the next one.
Recap from Amazon (to refresh my memory!)
Toni Owens is at a crossroads. Divorced, low on funds, and unhappy with where she's at in life, she decides to buy a lodge in the mountains and start over. When she arrives at her new home, she finds the grand lodge is a run-down mess. To make matters worse, she finds the one person she's connected with, standing over a dead body on her first full day in town.
Now, Toni needs to find a way to clear her new friend of murder while searching for a job and figuring out what to do with the lodge she'd pinned her dreams on.
Throw in a goofy dog who needs a home, a ghost reluctant to share his space, and a handsome neighbor eager to help her rebuild, and she's got her hands full. Determined to make her fresh start a success, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, but will it be enough?
This is the first book in the Haunted Lodge Cozy Mystery series.
Recap from Amazon (to refresh my memory!)
Toni Owens is at a crossroads. Divorced, low on funds, and unhappy with where she's at in life, she decides to buy a lodge in the mountains and start over. When she arrives at her new home, she finds the grand lodge is a run-down mess. To make matters worse, she finds the one person she's connected with, standing over a dead body on her first full day in town.
Now, Toni needs to find a way to clear her new friend of murder while searching for a job and figuring out what to do with the lodge she'd pinned her dreams on.
Throw in a goofy dog who needs a home, a ghost reluctant to share his space, and a handsome neighbor eager to help her rebuild, and she's got her hands full. Determined to make her fresh start a success, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, but will it be enough?
This is the first book in the Haunted Lodge Cozy Mystery series.
May 12, 2021
Good storyline and great characters kept me engrossed in this story from start to finish. I like the idea of a mystery author suddenly finding themselves involved in a murder investigation. I actually expected a bit more suspicion to be shed on her as the outsider in this small town where everyone seems to know everyone else, but I guess that would have been too on the nose.
I did enjoy reading although I think I missed where the title comes in. I don't recall where Thyme is referenced or comes up anywhere. lol If I had one complaint, and honestly there was only one, it was the haunting aspect. It's the Haunted lodge series. Yet we see no ghostly specter, no mysteriously moving furniture, not even strange ghostly moaning or rattling chains. I kept reading wondering if the ghost managed to move on to the great beyond and somehow forgot to inform the author. Then would you llo at that... finally a ghost. I only had to wait for 12 chapters for the ghost to make its appearance. That wasn't a typo. You read that correctly... the ghost does not pop up until chapter 12. It was as if the author forgot all about the lodge being haunted then suddenly thought "crap, I'm almost half of the way through the book, I guess I'll just have her show up now." It was pretty anticlimactic actually.
That being said, though, I did enjoy reading this first in a series and plan to pick up the next book.
I did enjoy reading although I think I missed where the title comes in. I don't recall where Thyme is referenced or comes up anywhere. lol If I had one complaint, and honestly there was only one, it was the haunting aspect. It's the Haunted lodge series. Yet we see no ghostly specter, no mysteriously moving furniture, not even strange ghostly moaning or rattling chains. I kept reading wondering if the ghost managed to move on to the great beyond and somehow forgot to inform the author. Then would you llo at that... finally a ghost. I only had to wait for 12 chapters for the ghost to make its appearance. That wasn't a typo. You read that correctly... the ghost does not pop up until chapter 12. It was as if the author forgot all about the lodge being haunted then suddenly thought "crap, I'm almost half of the way through the book, I guess I'll just have her show up now." It was pretty anticlimactic actually.
That being said, though, I did enjoy reading this first in a series and plan to pick up the next book.
March 5, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
I downloaded this Kindle freebie a few years ago, then ignored it until now. I’m trying to clean up some of those freebies, and needed something short and light after my last book, so decided to give this a shot.
This is yet another book with a MC who is running away from her past, but at least she’s not running back to her hometown. Some of her early actions made me question her common sense, but she settled down as she settled in to her new surroundings. Several of the secondary characters in this book seem like potential recurring characters in the series, which is good, as I liked them in this story.
The murder victim here was not liked by most of the town residents, so there were plenty of suspects to consider, but I didn’t think about the actual villain until shortly before it was revealed in the book. The motive seemed silly to me, but given the person, it made sense.
I wouldn’t mind continuing the series if I can find the books, but they’re all shorter than what I usually read, so I won’t be in a hurry to read them.
I downloaded this Kindle freebie a few years ago, then ignored it until now. I’m trying to clean up some of those freebies, and needed something short and light after my last book, so decided to give this a shot.
This is yet another book with a MC who is running away from her past, but at least she’s not running back to her hometown. Some of her early actions made me question her common sense, but she settled down as she settled in to her new surroundings. Several of the secondary characters in this book seem like potential recurring characters in the series, which is good, as I liked them in this story.
The murder victim here was not liked by most of the town residents, so there were plenty of suspects to consider, but I didn’t think about the actual villain until shortly before it was revealed in the book. The motive seemed silly to me, but given the person, it made sense.
I wouldn’t mind continuing the series if I can find the books, but they’re all shorter than what I usually read, so I won’t be in a hurry to read them.
March 23, 2023
Great read
This is a great cozy read. The main character is one of the most likable I have seen in cozy mysteries lately. The " romantic" parts are hardly romantic and not cheesy and gross, which is a pleasant change. The author describes the characters and scenery just enough for you to picture things, but not so much that you can't use your imagination to fill in the rest. I also loved that the main character was SMART for once. She wasn't some airhead or headstrong to a fault type of character, like most cozies. I also love at the end, that she makes the intelligent choice with the killer instead of inserting herself into stupid danger. It gets exhausting in other cozies to see the main character put herself in danger and then play damsel in distress or end up in the hospital. This book was such an incredibly pleasant change from others I had been stuck reading for lack of a better choice.
This is a great cozy read. The main character is one of the most likable I have seen in cozy mysteries lately. The " romantic" parts are hardly romantic and not cheesy and gross, which is a pleasant change. The author describes the characters and scenery just enough for you to picture things, but not so much that you can't use your imagination to fill in the rest. I also loved that the main character was SMART for once. She wasn't some airhead or headstrong to a fault type of character, like most cozies. I also love at the end, that she makes the intelligent choice with the killer instead of inserting herself into stupid danger. It gets exhausting in other cozies to see the main character put herself in danger and then play damsel in distress or end up in the hospital. This book was such an incredibly pleasant change from others I had been stuck reading for lack of a better choice.
February 13, 2019
This is the first book in a new series for Tegan Maher and I think she started off with a winner. It is a good mystery and I didn't want to put it down until it was finished and now I can't wait for Book Two.
Toni is new in town as she had bought a very old house (mansion) that definitely needs a lot of work and she makes a couple of new friends right off the bat and the three of them make a very good team in the eye of a murder and in the process of figuring out what Toni is going to do to fix up her new home. Toni doesn't really know what she wants to do with her new home but there are a few options and all of them would be good ideas. The characters are very believable and I love them already. It was a very good book and I really want to know where it is going in Book Two, which is lucky for us that it comes out in April so not a long wait time.
Toni is new in town as she had bought a very old house (mansion) that definitely needs a lot of work and she makes a couple of new friends right off the bat and the three of them make a very good team in the eye of a murder and in the process of figuring out what Toni is going to do to fix up her new home. Toni doesn't really know what she wants to do with her new home but there are a few options and all of them would be good ideas. The characters are very believable and I love them already. It was a very good book and I really want to know where it is going in Book Two, which is lucky for us that it comes out in April so not a long wait time.
July 24, 2021
I woman, Toni Owens, newly divorced, wanting a change of pace buys, sight unseen, a lodge in the mountains. When she gets there she finds that it is very run down and needs a lot of work! Upon moving in the next morning she goes into town for breakfast only to discover that the owner of the diner who is a rude woman and a lousy cook, dead with her head bashed in with a rolling pin. The niece of the dead woman is found with the rolling pin in her hand but states she just picked it up off the floor and saw the dead woman. The two ladies become good friends and set out to clear the nieces name and work on cleaning up and repairing the lodge. The next door neighbor is a very good looking man that takes an interest in her and the niece has taken ownership of her aunts huge dog. A fun tale that involves a ghost!
March 29, 2025
good
Toni’s new start isn’t off to an auspicious beginning; the lodge she purchased isn’t in the condition she had been led to expect, and the first morning she is there, she runs into a murder!
When the first person to greet and befriend her ends up as the prime suspect, Toni is determined to find out the truth.
This is the first book in the Haunted Lodge series, and we are introduced to recent divorcee Toni, and the new friends she makes in the town of Mercy. It’s an intriguing mystery, with just a hint of the paranormal, and a cast of interesting characters. There’s only the slightest hint of a romance (Toni’s very recent divorce is the main factor in this), including a hint of one for Toni’s new roommate Dee.
It’s an enjoyable, lighthearted, cosy mystery, and armchair detectives will enjoy trying to figure it out.
Toni’s new start isn’t off to an auspicious beginning; the lodge she purchased isn’t in the condition she had been led to expect, and the first morning she is there, she runs into a murder!
When the first person to greet and befriend her ends up as the prime suspect, Toni is determined to find out the truth.
This is the first book in the Haunted Lodge series, and we are introduced to recent divorcee Toni, and the new friends she makes in the town of Mercy. It’s an intriguing mystery, with just a hint of the paranormal, and a cast of interesting characters. There’s only the slightest hint of a romance (Toni’s very recent divorce is the main factor in this), including a hint of one for Toni’s new roommate Dee.
It’s an enjoyable, lighthearted, cosy mystery, and armchair detectives will enjoy trying to figure it out.
February 13, 2019
Toni leaves her old life behind and moves to the small town of Mercy, population 10,586. When she finds the lodge she bought, she's more than a little disappointed. As a plus, she finds the caretaker's cottage and can stay there while figuring out what needs to be fixed at the lodge. Next, she's off to the only diner she saw in town for something to eat. She finds out pretty quick that the owner, Fiona, is a mean old woman but the waitress, Dee, is nice and Toni both likes and feels bad for her. There's a murder mystery in here and Toni tries to help solve it as she and Dee become roommates and friends. I really enjoyed this book with it's small town vibe, laugh out loud moments and great characters. It's the first in a series and I'm looking forward to more.
November 21, 2025
Mystery, murder, a ghost and some new friends to help.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Tegan is a great storyteller. Toni comes to a new small town and the next day walks into the diner for her morning coffee and finds the waitress she met last night holding a marble rolling pin and looking down on the dead owner. Then there's the property she bought with her divorce settlement and it's totally run down from over 10 years of neglect. She has no money to fix it up. The home's ghost is none too happy to have her there. As you read this book, you'll see how Toni makes some great new friends, solves the murder and more. Enjoy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Tegan is a great storyteller. Toni comes to a new small town and the next day walks into the diner for her morning coffee and finds the waitress she met last night holding a marble rolling pin and looking down on the dead owner. Then there's the property she bought with her divorce settlement and it's totally run down from over 10 years of neglect. She has no money to fix it up. The home's ghost is none too happy to have her there. As you read this book, you'll see how Toni makes some great new friends, solves the murder and more. Enjoy!
October 15, 2019
Nothing in this story to make it anything other than average.
Woman who spends all her money, sight unseen, on a building for which she has not even seen an inspection report? Check.
Convenient living quarters instead? Check.
Good looking, sexy neighbor? Check.
Friend she immediately trusts? Check.
Small town that apparently doesn't need outside economic influences? Check.
It was a quick read. The "haunted" seems an afterthought.
I read this a day and a half ago and already can't remember who did it. It's that memorable.
Woman who spends all her money, sight unseen, on a building for which she has not even seen an inspection report? Check.
Convenient living quarters instead? Check.
Good looking, sexy neighbor? Check.
Friend she immediately trusts? Check.
Small town that apparently doesn't need outside economic influences? Check.
It was a quick read. The "haunted" seems an afterthought.
I read this a day and a half ago and already can't remember who did it. It's that memorable.
March 1, 2020
I think this was a great start to this series. I really liked the main character Toni who starts a new life in a small town. One think I like about her is she strong, willing to take help from people and when she finds the murderer she doesn't decide to confront her by herself but actually calls the cops.
I liked the story line which kept moving and was interesting. I liked Dee, Scout and Gabe though I am hoping we are not doing the "love triangle" thing with her not able to choose a guy.
All in all a great book and I am going to be reading the next one in the series soon.
I liked the story line which kept moving and was interesting. I liked Dee, Scout and Gabe though I am hoping we are not doing the "love triangle" thing with her not able to choose a guy.
All in all a great book and I am going to be reading the next one in the series soon.
April 3, 2019
Loved this first in a series cozy mystery. Toni, recently divorced and on her own for the first time in many years, buys a lodge sight unseen in a small town. Quite a change from her Orlando, Florida life. Her new friends, Dee and Scout, are helping her acclimate into her new life, and discover who murdered Dee's boss and aunt. Great plot. Nice use of foreshadowing (Fiona's affair). Strong characters. Looking forward to continuing with the series.
July 25, 2019
Nice beginning!
Very enjoyable and entertaining. If you like a slow pace, clean and cozy happy mystery then I suggest this book. Toni is a good girl who ends up with some majors life changes. Enter a lodge bought sight unseen, an chance meeting of a new friend and a murder. There’s a lovable goofy dog and a nice looking neighbor.
As I said, it’s slow paced. And I really enjoyed it.
Very enjoyable and entertaining. If you like a slow pace, clean and cozy happy mystery then I suggest this book. Toni is a good girl who ends up with some majors life changes. Enter a lodge bought sight unseen, an chance meeting of a new friend and a murder. There’s a lovable goofy dog and a nice looking neighbor.
As I said, it’s slow paced. And I really enjoyed it.
June 4, 2020
Maisie Makes Three
When Toni bought and old lodge, sight unseen, she got more than she bargained for: murder and mayhem weren’t in the purchase contract. If that weren’t enough, the ghost of the original owner pops in to give her two cents worth. Maher’s characters are always people you wish were in your life. If I have one criticism, it would be that Maisie needs a little more sass, a la Aunt Addie.
When Toni bought and old lodge, sight unseen, she got more than she bargained for: murder and mayhem weren’t in the purchase contract. If that weren’t enough, the ghost of the original owner pops in to give her two cents worth. Maher’s characters are always people you wish were in your life. If I have one criticism, it would be that Maisie needs a little more sass, a la Aunt Addie.
July 24, 2019
A good time!
I’m a fan of this author and was excited to start a new series by her. This one is a tad different than the rest but still has a heroine with a mind of her own, a quirky side kick and plenty of funny secondary characters. I love the B&B with a ghost angle and look forward to more.
I’m a fan of this author and was excited to start a new series by her. This one is a tad different than the rest but still has a heroine with a mind of her own, a quirky side kick and plenty of funny secondary characters. I love the B&B with a ghost angle and look forward to more.
August 1, 2019
Refreshing Story
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. What I loved most was the author wasn’t afraid to use a bit of foul language. I love it! Not an overkill, just enough to remind us that our characters are actual fictional people with flaws, who don’t say shoot or gosh darn it all the time. Looking forward to book 2!
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. What I loved most was the author wasn’t afraid to use a bit of foul language. I love it! Not an overkill, just enough to remind us that our characters are actual fictional people with flaws, who don’t say shoot or gosh darn it all the time. Looking forward to book 2!
August 22, 2020
I really liked this!
What a delight this book was! I love the Keyhole Lake series Tegan Maher writes & like the Castle's Bluff series with Cori but this one falls behind keyhole lake. I've read the Enchanted Coast series - which isn't my favorite but anything she writes is a fun, fast paced read with humor & great characters.
What a delight this book was! I love the Keyhole Lake series Tegan Maher writes & like the Castle's Bluff series with Cori but this one falls behind keyhole lake. I've read the Enchanted Coast series - which isn't my favorite but anything she writes is a fun, fast paced read with humor & great characters.
January 6, 2021
Terrific 1st in a series
OMG, what a great 1st book in a new series!! I just fell in love with the people, town, dog, houses and even the ghost 👻 so if you're looking for a creative little murder mystery that has it all rolled up into one with a lovable batch of people, I highly suggest this one!!
OMG, what a great 1st book in a new series!! I just fell in love with the people, town, dog, houses and even the ghost 👻 so if you're looking for a creative little murder mystery that has it all rolled up into one with a lovable batch of people, I highly suggest this one!!
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