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Josiah Reynolds Mysteries #13
Death By Deceit
Josiah Reynolds and her girlfriend had just seen a movie and were going home when they discover a dead body. Why does this always happen to Josiah?
She learns the dead man was a reporter and a stranger to the Bluegrass. The police believe his death is due to a botched robbery, but Josiah thinks otherwise and begins snooping around.
When Detective Drake tells Josiah to back off, Josiah’s forensic psychiatrist boyfriend, Hunter, comes to the rescue and hires her to help investigate the case. Now Josiah has carte blanche to all the reports concerning the case, and they bear out her theory of what really happened to the dead reporter, but no one will listen.
Josiah makes it her mission to unearth evidence that will prove her theory. She begins the dangerous game of finding out the truth in a world that hides its secrets among antebellum mansions, oak-cured bourbon, and million dollar horses grazing in emerald pastures. This is the world of the Bluegrass—a world of wealth, privilege, and now murder!
She learns the dead man was a reporter and a stranger to the Bluegrass. The police believe his death is due to a botched robbery, but Josiah thinks otherwise and begins snooping around.
When Detective Drake tells Josiah to back off, Josiah’s forensic psychiatrist boyfriend, Hunter, comes to the rescue and hires her to help investigate the case. Now Josiah has carte blanche to all the reports concerning the case, and they bear out her theory of what really happened to the dead reporter, but no one will listen.
Josiah makes it her mission to unearth evidence that will prove her theory. She begins the dangerous game of finding out the truth in a world that hides its secrets among antebellum mansions, oak-cured bourbon, and million dollar horses grazing in emerald pastures. This is the world of the Bluegrass—a world of wealth, privilege, and now murder!
- GenresMystery
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2019
78 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Keam
78 books496 followersHello Gentle Reader,
I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.
I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.
In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).
I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.
I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.
I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.
In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).
I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.
I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail
AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 31, 2019
Every once in a while you read that special book. One that you know will create a lasting memory for you. This book was it for me. I have been recovering from a total knee replacement and the physical therapy is difficult and painful. The day the book was released was a sunny, warm fall day here in PA. I took a pain pill, hobbled onto my front porch and opened my Kindle. It meant so much to me to spend time with Josiah and the whole cast of characters.
The holiday themed mystery was perfect as I watched the colorful fall leaves dropping all around me. Perfection!
Do not miss out on this series.
The holiday themed mystery was perfect as I watched the colorful fall leaves dropping all around me. Perfection!
Do not miss out on this series.
December 8, 2023
Wintery cozy mystery
"Death by Deceit (A Josiah Reynolds Mystery #13)" by Abigail Keam is a bit Thanksgiving, a bit Christmas. However, despite a snowy and icy part of the story there are a few parts that made it seem like it shouldn't be somewhere that gets snow (except rarely).
The mystery had a bit of cold case mixed in with the modern day mystery. I wish we'd gotten a bit more of an answer about the cold case but that didn't surprise me. Once the cold case got a confession, of sorts, I was thinking of a couple suspects for the modern one.
I do have to say, it's not inconceivable that a woman could have gotten that man into Josiah's friend's trunk. Especially if he fell at least partially into it when he died. I could do it and I am very unassuming in my size and my level of strength often surprises people. Plus, you can use physics.
"Death by Deceit (A Josiah Reynolds Mystery #13)" by Abigail Keam is a bit Thanksgiving, a bit Christmas. However, despite a snowy and icy part of the story there are a few parts that made it seem like it shouldn't be somewhere that gets snow (except rarely).
The mystery had a bit of cold case mixed in with the modern day mystery. I wish we'd gotten a bit more of an answer about the cold case but that didn't surprise me. Once the cold case got a confession, of sorts, I was thinking of a couple suspects for the modern one.
I do have to say, it's not inconceivable that a woman could have gotten that man into Josiah's friend's trunk. Especially if he fell at least partially into it when he died. I could do it and I am very unassuming in my size and my level of strength often surprises people. Plus, you can use physics.
October 29, 2019
“Death by Deceit” earns 5/5 Trunk Surprises...Totally Engaging Fun !
For me it’s a delightful introduction! Josiah Reynolds, a woman of a mature age and physically flawed, raises honey bees, sells the honey, boards horses, and rents out her home, The Butterfly, for special events, but it’s her amateur detecting that seems to be the most challenging. After an evening at the movies, she and her best friend Veritas Noble finds VeVe‘s car a victim of a hit and run...crushed bumper and all. An envelope of money and a note of apology and “hope this helps” may ease some of the financial burden, but then they discover a dead body in her trunk. Oh, I love cozy mysteries! Abigail Keam’s writing style is very entertaining with short chapters, each filled with descriptive language and dialogue that does well to illustrate the setting, the emotions and tone, and the various personalities. Josiah is quite refreshing with a sense of humor, sometimes deliciously snarky, and personal predicaments to which I can easily relate. She has a very complicated relationship with Matt, and her past involvement in suspicious deaths has put her as a “persona non grata” with Detective Norbert Drake and the police department both leading to some delightful conflicts. The mystery is not too complex, easily followed with a few suspects and motives to consider, personal peril to nail-bite through, and a “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” conclusion to make it a satisfying read! There’s an English mastiff and a clowder of in- and outside cats for the “fur friend” lover, and vintage movie and televising references, nosy neighbors, and a little black dress for fun! This is the thirteenth book in the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series, and although much has happened with relationships and lots of criminal activity, it was easy to get hooked...totally entertaining!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
For me it’s a delightful introduction! Josiah Reynolds, a woman of a mature age and physically flawed, raises honey bees, sells the honey, boards horses, and rents out her home, The Butterfly, for special events, but it’s her amateur detecting that seems to be the most challenging. After an evening at the movies, she and her best friend Veritas Noble finds VeVe‘s car a victim of a hit and run...crushed bumper and all. An envelope of money and a note of apology and “hope this helps” may ease some of the financial burden, but then they discover a dead body in her trunk. Oh, I love cozy mysteries! Abigail Keam’s writing style is very entertaining with short chapters, each filled with descriptive language and dialogue that does well to illustrate the setting, the emotions and tone, and the various personalities. Josiah is quite refreshing with a sense of humor, sometimes deliciously snarky, and personal predicaments to which I can easily relate. She has a very complicated relationship with Matt, and her past involvement in suspicious deaths has put her as a “persona non grata” with Detective Norbert Drake and the police department both leading to some delightful conflicts. The mystery is not too complex, easily followed with a few suspects and motives to consider, personal peril to nail-bite through, and a “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” conclusion to make it a satisfying read! There’s an English mastiff and a clowder of in- and outside cats for the “fur friend” lover, and vintage movie and televising references, nosy neighbors, and a little black dress for fun! This is the thirteenth book in the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series, and although much has happened with relationships and lots of criminal activity, it was easy to get hooked...totally entertaining!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
November 5, 2019
I've missed Josiah and all of her quirky friends!
Though this was not the page turned I've come to expect in this series, time was taken to expand the relationship between Josiah and Hunter which was quite unexpected and magical in its own way. This 13th book in the series was entertaining. I'm glad Matt is back home, that Asa was around when needed, June was a bit more spirited than usual and that the whole list of usual characters made an appearance. Bring on book 14!
Though this was not the page turned I've come to expect in this series, time was taken to expand the relationship between Josiah and Hunter which was quite unexpected and magical in its own way. This 13th book in the series was entertaining. I'm glad Matt is back home, that Asa was around when needed, June was a bit more spirited than usual and that the whole list of usual characters made an appearance. Bring on book 14!
October 31, 2019
Loved it.
I love the Death By series. I enjoy all of Josiah's explorts. She is always finding herself in the middle of something. I hope Abigail Mean didn't didn't jinx us with the white Thanksgiving seeing as how it is only 29 degrees here today on Halloween. Unheard of in these parts.....
I love the Death By series. I enjoy all of Josiah's explorts. She is always finding herself in the middle of something. I hope Abigail Mean didn't didn't jinx us with the white Thanksgiving seeing as how it is only 29 degrees here today on Halloween. Unheard of in these parts.....
December 12, 2020
Josiah is in fine form in this very delightful murder mystery! Abigail Keam does an outstanding job with the character Josiah Reynolds! Josiah is quite the middle aged woman, who in the last few years seems to stumble over dead bodies!! In this one, the body is of a reporter who is found in the trunk of her friend's car. Josiah feels like it is up to her to figure out who murdered the young man. Her boyfriend, Hunter, who is often hired to do psych workups of who would do such crimes, tries to help her. They are a great team, Josiah has had some nasty ups and downs, but she is a great character and you will completely enjoy this page turner of a story!!! It is very well written with a great story line!
December 22, 2021
I'm sorry to admit this, but The outcome of the mystery part of this story sucked. However, I was more into The twists and turns of the mystery, than with book 12.
It was a nice surprise to find out that Meeria is not a selfish, heartless bitch after all. I hated her so much, a couple books ago, but now I feel bad for her. It's a huge relief that she and Mat worked things out, but I could imagine that going through what she went through must be humiliating.
My favorite part about this book was how Josiah, once again, cheated death. Pure bad-ass! I LOVED the ending too. So cute and warm and fuzzy💕
It was a nice surprise to find out that Meeria is not a selfish, heartless bitch after all. I hated her so much, a couple books ago, but now I feel bad for her. It's a huge relief that she and Mat worked things out, but I could imagine that going through what she went through must be humiliating.
My favorite part about this book was how Josiah, once again, cheated death. Pure bad-ass! I LOVED the ending too. So cute and warm and fuzzy💕
January 1, 2024
Another Great Mystery
Josiah is so very strong. Not in body, but in her convictions and her loyalty to her friends. She is not a perfect person. She often colors outside the lines as regards strict right and wrong. Her intentions when she colors outside the lines are always good. She calls herself a nosy body, but aren't most good sleuths? Josiah is a very good sleuth. All her friends and loved ones have various levels of messy lives, except Charles. He is pretty perfect, but also a little boring. It is the messy friends that keep the story flowing. I love this series.
Josiah is so very strong. Not in body, but in her convictions and her loyalty to her friends. She is not a perfect person. She often colors outside the lines as regards strict right and wrong. Her intentions when she colors outside the lines are always good. She calls herself a nosy body, but aren't most good sleuths? Josiah is a very good sleuth. All her friends and loved ones have various levels of messy lives, except Charles. He is pretty perfect, but also a little boring. It is the messy friends that keep the story flowing. I love this series.
October 24, 2021
Novella length
This little book lacked much of the charm of earlier books in the series. There’s a lot of characters—both old & new—but they mostly didn’t rate more than a mention. Further character development would have made this more satisfying, as would solving at least one of the two mysteries. Overall, disappointing.
This little book lacked much of the charm of earlier books in the series. There’s a lot of characters—both old & new—but they mostly didn’t rate more than a mention. Further character development would have made this more satisfying, as would solving at least one of the two mysteries. Overall, disappointing.
December 3, 2021
Lot's of fun. Best aspect of the book is the cast of characters Ms. Keam peoples her books with. They are interesting and individual. This is the thirteenth book in the series that I've read. I just bought the rest of the books published in the series thus far. After wading through the Robert Fagles translation of Homer's The Iliad, I am more than ready for some light, entertaining reading.
May 25, 2020
Enjoyable Read
Josiah and Company!! A continuous ride with Josiah does not ever seem to bore. Great read and would definitely recommend!!
Josiah and Company!! A continuous ride with Josiah does not ever seem to bore. Great read and would definitely recommend!!
October 31, 2021
A must read!!! Another great Josiah Reynolds mystery!!!
March 20, 2022
Another cracking book about Josiah Reynolds and her beautiful friends. Wonderful descriptions and setting. Wish I could lunch with them all. Another murder solved. Excellent book.
February 23, 2020
I love this whole series! Josiah is a hilarious, crabby broad and I love her! :) It's not all fun and games though as there are some serious moments. It's a good mystery with great characters.
February 11, 2020
Not my favorite one
October 29, 2019
This was the best Josiah Reynolds Mystery yet! A wonderful holiday mystery that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go until the last. All of the engaging characters return to solve Josiah's latest run in with a murder victim. The warm holiday atmosphere makes you wish you were there to be a part of it all. A must read for returning Josiah fans and new readers to the series. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens with Josiah and Baby!
October 31, 2019
Josiah does it again
Josiah Reynolds is a good old Kentucky girl and I love that she is so flawed! Although this mystery was not one of my favorites, that is not the reason I devour this series. I love catching up with all my quirky friends. Matt and the baby are back, Hunter is in love with Josiah, Franklin is aiding and abetting, and June is hilarious! It was nice to spend the afternoon with such kooky friends!
Josiah Reynolds is a good old Kentucky girl and I love that she is so flawed! Although this mystery was not one of my favorites, that is not the reason I devour this series. I love catching up with all my quirky friends. Matt and the baby are back, Hunter is in love with Josiah, Franklin is aiding and abetting, and June is hilarious! It was nice to spend the afternoon with such kooky friends!
November 6, 2019
This got five stars from me because I love this series. The book read well. Liked the story. But it seemed a little disjointed in some places and repeated what went on in previous stories. I don’t remember that being in other books. Of course I can’t wait for the next book. Hope it was me and not the book this time.
October 29, 2019
Love this series
I have enjoyed every one of Josiah's stories and this one is no exception. Her resilience and determination are admirable. Me Keam's descriptions of the beautiful Bluegrass country would make me want to visit if I wasn't already blessed to live there.
I have enjoyed every one of Josiah's stories and this one is no exception. Her resilience and determination are admirable. Me Keam's descriptions of the beautiful Bluegrass country would make me want to visit if I wasn't already blessed to live there.
October 29, 2019
Abigail does it again!!
Another delightful success. Thoroughly enjoyed the latest Josiah Reynolds mystery. As usual, these quirky fun books put a smile on my face. Is it too soon to ask when the next one will be out?
Another delightful success. Thoroughly enjoyed the latest Josiah Reynolds mystery. As usual, these quirky fun books put a smile on my face. Is it too soon to ask when the next one will be out?
November 5, 2019
The story line was shallow and lacked depth of the plot line and of characters. The ending was basically suppostion. I was really disappointed. I truly enjoy this series and characters but this edition...not so much. Lacks former stories quality in my opinion.
December 19, 2019
I just love Josiah she is such an awesome character and she just gets more awesome with every book.
This is a really enjoyable series.
This is a really enjoyable series.
February 4, 2020
Excited for the next book
Supremely entertaining! Real life with just enough of what now or not again. Love how that they bicker but always make up cause they are family.
Supremely entertaining! Real life with just enough of what now or not again. Love how that they bicker but always make up cause they are family.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews