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An Ollie Stratford Mystery #1
Texas Troubles
Want to get away from the daily grind? So did Ollie!
Middle aged Professor Ollie Stratford's been hounded by a psycho realtor, outrun by a bunch of grandma’s, taken advice from sock puppets, stuck in a brimming toilet bowl, and almost run out of college by a drunken professor. How is that for her first few days in a quiet little Texas town she never wanted to live in?
Thrust into the middle of a murder mystery with a dwindling pile of cash and very few leads Ollie starts digging. Along the way, she teams up with an oddball reporter, a dreadlocks flashing lawyer, a grandma who teaches mixed martial arts, and a stray dog named Bodie. Can she discover the identity of the killer in time or will she end up being the next victim?
If you like cozy mysteries, clever animals, southern charm, and coffee, you'll love Texas Troubles, the first in a fun series of Ollie Stratford Murder Mysteries set in a small Texan Hill Country town, with all its quirky inhabitants.
Pick up this page turner today!
Middle aged Professor Ollie Stratford's been hounded by a psycho realtor, outrun by a bunch of grandma’s, taken advice from sock puppets, stuck in a brimming toilet bowl, and almost run out of college by a drunken professor. How is that for her first few days in a quiet little Texas town she never wanted to live in?
Thrust into the middle of a murder mystery with a dwindling pile of cash and very few leads Ollie starts digging. Along the way, she teams up with an oddball reporter, a dreadlocks flashing lawyer, a grandma who teaches mixed martial arts, and a stray dog named Bodie. Can she discover the identity of the killer in time or will she end up being the next victim?
If you like cozy mysteries, clever animals, southern charm, and coffee, you'll love Texas Troubles, the first in a fun series of Ollie Stratford Murder Mysteries set in a small Texan Hill Country town, with all its quirky inhabitants.
Pick up this page turner today!
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2019
681 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
September 18, 2020
Pure Texas
A fun cozy that reads quickly and embraces the Texas Hill Country. When Ollie Stratford decides to make a fresh start to move from New York she begins at an auction to purchase a Texas property, site unseen. Accidentally winning the auction is just the beginning of many surprises she will deal with.
When her old friend is found dead shortly after her arrival, she decides to investigate to find his killer as local Law Enforcement is too steeped in town politics and fishing to do the job themselves.
The characters and their descriptions and personalities are one of the best things about the book. I loved the fun names of places and people too. The plot is strong but I felt the conclusion needed a few more pages to wrap up successfully. I look forward to visiting this Hill Country community again soon.
A fun cozy that reads quickly and embraces the Texas Hill Country. When Ollie Stratford decides to make a fresh start to move from New York she begins at an auction to purchase a Texas property, site unseen. Accidentally winning the auction is just the beginning of many surprises she will deal with.
When her old friend is found dead shortly after her arrival, she decides to investigate to find his killer as local Law Enforcement is too steeped in town politics and fishing to do the job themselves.
The characters and their descriptions and personalities are one of the best things about the book. I loved the fun names of places and people too. The plot is strong but I felt the conclusion needed a few more pages to wrap up successfully. I look forward to visiting this Hill Country community again soon.
November 21, 2017
“Texas Troubles” earns 4/5 Texas Tall Hats…Big Fun!
The bidding was tight. Two sat down angrily. The man on the phone confidant, until his connection was disrupted. “Up fifty!” She smiled. The gavel sounded, and the property in Texas, outbuildings and all, were hers. More than she could afford, more than she realized, more than it’s worth, but it was hers. What a way to start! A dream coming true for Ollie Stratford, middle-aged professor. I am a newbie to N.C. Lewis Ollie Stratford Murder Mystery which follows new farm owner turned amateur detective. Her first case? Ollie discovers an old friend has been murdered.
It is true that the editing process seems to have been less than successful with several spelling, grammar, and punctuation/capitalization errors. As a retired teacher, that is disappointing, so take away a star for that! The story is very much in the ‘cozy mystery’ genre with an entertaining murder mystery focusing mostly on peripheral events: buyers remorse issues, small town vs big city culture, and even personal jeopardy from poking one’s nose into other’s business. All of that was entertaining, but the investigative style is more ‘a lucky break’ than deductive reasoning. The characters, too, fit the ‘cozy’ genre and in many ways realistic: pushy real estate agents, needs-some-grooming dog, an odd “sock puppet wielding” reporter, and a coiffed-challenged lawyer. All of them were entertaining, even though a few stereotypes or generalities pop up. “Texas Troubles” has some troubles, but overall it was enjoyable, and I’d love to give this author another chance with her next book.
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.”
The bidding was tight. Two sat down angrily. The man on the phone confidant, until his connection was disrupted. “Up fifty!” She smiled. The gavel sounded, and the property in Texas, outbuildings and all, were hers. More than she could afford, more than she realized, more than it’s worth, but it was hers. What a way to start! A dream coming true for Ollie Stratford, middle-aged professor. I am a newbie to N.C. Lewis Ollie Stratford Murder Mystery which follows new farm owner turned amateur detective. Her first case? Ollie discovers an old friend has been murdered.
It is true that the editing process seems to have been less than successful with several spelling, grammar, and punctuation/capitalization errors. As a retired teacher, that is disappointing, so take away a star for that! The story is very much in the ‘cozy mystery’ genre with an entertaining murder mystery focusing mostly on peripheral events: buyers remorse issues, small town vs big city culture, and even personal jeopardy from poking one’s nose into other’s business. All of that was entertaining, but the investigative style is more ‘a lucky break’ than deductive reasoning. The characters, too, fit the ‘cozy’ genre and in many ways realistic: pushy real estate agents, needs-some-grooming dog, an odd “sock puppet wielding” reporter, and a coiffed-challenged lawyer. All of them were entertaining, even though a few stereotypes or generalities pop up. “Texas Troubles” has some troubles, but overall it was enjoyable, and I’d love to give this author another chance with her next book.
"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.”
February 6, 2018
This was an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing! I kind of had an idea of who did it but not really why so I kept thinking maybe it was someone else.
Ollie Stratford accidentally won a Texas homestead so she decided to make the best of it. Widowed and between college professor jobs, she found the place to be really run-down but had a great idea for it, an event center. At first everyone in the town seemed friendly and eager to help but after the murder of a good friend she was planning to meet back up with, someone seemed to be telling her to leave the investigation alone.
I really liked the regular characters of this town, especially Ollie's friend Tanner's uncle even though he wasn't in it a whole lot. They mostly seemed like people I'd want to be friends with. I loved that the homestead came with a dog and at the end, he helped save the day along with a resident homeless guy, Simpkins. Things ended well for Ollie and I'm assuming those at fault were getting their due punishment.
There was definitely a diverse mixture of personalities and I'm anxious to return to the next book and see how Ollie is progressing with her plans for the homestead.
Ollie Stratford accidentally won a Texas homestead so she decided to make the best of it. Widowed and between college professor jobs, she found the place to be really run-down but had a great idea for it, an event center. At first everyone in the town seemed friendly and eager to help but after the murder of a good friend she was planning to meet back up with, someone seemed to be telling her to leave the investigation alone.
I really liked the regular characters of this town, especially Ollie's friend Tanner's uncle even though he wasn't in it a whole lot. They mostly seemed like people I'd want to be friends with. I loved that the homestead came with a dog and at the end, he helped save the day along with a resident homeless guy, Simpkins. Things ended well for Ollie and I'm assuming those at fault were getting their due punishment.
There was definitely a diverse mixture of personalities and I'm anxious to return to the next book and see how Ollie is progressing with her plans for the homestead.
October 19, 2018
Following her husband's death, Ollie buys a small place southwest of Austin, Texas. There she encounters people who try to force her off the land and a friend is murdered. When the small town police do a poor job of investigating she will take on the case herself.
February 2, 2019
It can only happen in Texas!
This is about a whole lot of troubles, when the Dr. Stratford went
to a land auction. Ended up buying 41 acres in Texas. Drives down
And sees the buildings herself. Along with a starving dog and all.
This is when things really start napping and go wrong, since other
People want her land and they don't care how they get it. One big
Texas mystery you are just going to have to read to find out what,
And who done it Especialy when she has to deal with a dog hating realtor who wants to steal her ranch from her. How's that for a so called peaceful
town in Texas. You're just going to have to read it for your self. This is
A fast pacing mystery with lots of action from crazy people served up
Texas style.
Debra H.
Debra H.
This is about a whole lot of troubles, when the Dr. Stratford went
to a land auction. Ended up buying 41 acres in Texas. Drives down
And sees the buildings herself. Along with a starving dog and all.
This is when things really start napping and go wrong, since other
People want her land and they don't care how they get it. One big
Texas mystery you are just going to have to read to find out what,
And who done it Especialy when she has to deal with a dog hating realtor who wants to steal her ranch from her. How's that for a so called peaceful
town in Texas. You're just going to have to read it for your self. This is
A fast pacing mystery with lots of action from crazy people served up
Texas style.
Debra H.
Debra H.
August 23, 2019
Ollie is a widow with grown kids and recently let go from her corporate job. Now she’s a part-time teacher…or at least she WAS until she decides to impulsively buy a ranch house in TX. From NY to TX. Talk about a culture shock!
Can she run a ranch? Turns out the place was a money pit. TX was hot, which was all she seemed to notice. Yeah, what a shocker.
Story was kinda slow—like the TX life, I guess. It didn’t progress for me.
Can she run a ranch? Turns out the place was a money pit. TX was hot, which was all she seemed to notice. Yeah, what a shocker.
Story was kinda slow—like the TX life, I guess. It didn’t progress for me.
April 29, 2019
The suspense builds up really well. So well that I felt the frustration of the protagonist. The author had taken the whole 'throw as many adversities as possible at the main character' trope as far as it could go!
I also enjoyed reading about a Texas small town (which I have never been to).
My only issue was that the ending was quite sudden and very rushed. Everything resolved itself overnight!
I also enjoyed reading about a Texas small town (which I have never been to).
My only issue was that the ending was quite sudden and very rushed. Everything resolved itself overnight!
January 12, 2018
This is a book you just sit back and let yourself relax with, letting the story entertain you.
My Thanks to the Author.
My Thanks to the Author.
May 17, 2020
Well, let's see:
- a former karate student who refers to a karate "suit"
- a supposedly reputable martial-arts studios that teaches a jumping spinning backfist to beginners. First, it's more likely to be a Tae Kwan Do move than Karate, but since N.C.Lewis apparently had to lump all martial arts together to make the story fit .... Very disappointing.
- Most authors know the difference between "alter" and "altar". Many could benefit from a solid copy editor, but few seem acquainted with one.
- "Claps of loud thunder followed by illuminating streaks of lightning continued throughout the late afternoon ...". Apparently not a scientist either.
I love the Texas Hill Country, and the scenery/location was right. An event center is a smart decision for the area; competition is good. But it's unlikely an event center would be within a shortcut's walk to town Possible, but not likely. There was no clear reason why Ollie walks sometimes and drives sometimes, either.
Many of the characters are superficial and basically useless except to form caricatures of small-town life.
The story, overall, was a typical cozy mystery. One good thing about superficiality is that it doesn't really matter who the actual murderer is; the reader has not enough information to play along so guesses work.
- a former karate student who refers to a karate "suit"
- a supposedly reputable martial-arts studios that teaches a jumping spinning backfist to beginners. First, it's more likely to be a Tae Kwan Do move than Karate, but since N.C.Lewis apparently had to lump all martial arts together to make the story fit .... Very disappointing.
- Most authors know the difference between "alter" and "altar". Many could benefit from a solid copy editor, but few seem acquainted with one.
- "Claps of loud thunder followed by illuminating streaks of lightning continued throughout the late afternoon ...". Apparently not a scientist either.
I love the Texas Hill Country, and the scenery/location was right. An event center is a smart decision for the area; competition is good. But it's unlikely an event center would be within a shortcut's walk to town Possible, but not likely. There was no clear reason why Ollie walks sometimes and drives sometimes, either.
Many of the characters are superficial and basically useless except to form caricatures of small-town life.
The story, overall, was a typical cozy mystery. One good thing about superficiality is that it doesn't really matter who the actual murderer is; the reader has not enough information to play along so guesses work.
May 21, 2018
Eh
Not too terribly bad if this is a first book. Some grammar errors, some awkward sentences. Some strange descriptions like 'sunbaked sourness.' What the heck is that? The thing I found the strangest was that a grown woman played with sock puppets and no one seemed to think it strange.
Not too terribly bad if this is a first book. Some grammar errors, some awkward sentences. Some strange descriptions like 'sunbaked sourness.' What the heck is that? The thing I found the strangest was that a grown woman played with sock puppets and no one seemed to think it strange.
May 16, 2020
Recommend
Enjoyed the story line and the characters were interesting also. It was hard to put the book down I did not figure out who the bad person was until the end of book.
Enjoyed the story line and the characters were interesting also. It was hard to put the book down I did not figure out who the bad person was until the end of book.
September 20, 2017
A cute premise and interesting characters. What I liked was the characters. They were interesting and had backstories that enforced their actions and decisions. I liked the idea for the story right from Ollie’s arrival, to the murder mystery, to the other little side mysteries. What I didn’t like was that I figured out who the murderer was very early in the book so it didn't hold my interest as other characters were explored as possible murderers. I wish there had been more clues and less supposition. The little side mysteries had lots of potential for interest and humour but were simply a few words here and there and then they were all cleared up right at the end without including the reader in any of it. I wish there was less time spent exploring the possible guilt of other characters and much more spent on clues and on outwitting the perpetrators in those side stories. So much potential humour was missed. The last thing I didn’t like was that the story had been spell checked but not edited. So many wrong words, missing words and even missing sentences. I think this is a new author and although I found the execution of this story a little disappointing I’m looking forward to reading more of their stories as they develop their writing and editing skills.
July 10, 2022
This is a quick read and a fun mystery. I couldn't put it down. Professor Ollie Stratford leaves Manhattan corporate world for a small town in Texas and the owner of Ealing Homestead. Before she can even get started renovating and updating the place, she gets involved in a murder of her friend Tanner and Tanner's family wants her to find out who killed him as they don't have a lot of confidence in the local police department. As if that isn't enough she seems to be having one bad luck after another. She is offered a part-time job at the local community college to only have it taken away with in a few days. A bank loan that she was told would get approved was rejected. And why does the local realtor so interested in buying her land. When a package from an attorney's office in Austin regarding Ealing Homestead is thought to have been destroyed in a fire started by arson things couldn't get any worse. This book is a page turner with great characters in the small town of Medlin Creek. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 14, 2019
Slow start
A bit of a slow start. Also not enough backstory of the main protaganist's friend for me to feel invested in what happened with Tanner or his martial arts studio. The characters felt rather flat and 2 dimensional. The dog Bodie had more personailty then some of the people in the town. Wish there was more dialogue with Ma Jenkins. I feel like she had the potential to be an interesting character but there just wasn't enough there. The descriptions of places were fantastic but the descriptions of people fell rather short. Even after reading the whole book I feel like all I know about the main character is that she likes drinking coffee and that she's a teacher. Overall I think the plot was good but the writing just needs more in depth character development. The barista at he coffeeshop was kind of a fun character. More descriptions of the way things feel or smell would help bring this charming Texas town more alive for me.
A bit of a slow start. Also not enough backstory of the main protaganist's friend for me to feel invested in what happened with Tanner or his martial arts studio. The characters felt rather flat and 2 dimensional. The dog Bodie had more personailty then some of the people in the town. Wish there was more dialogue with Ma Jenkins. I feel like she had the potential to be an interesting character but there just wasn't enough there. The descriptions of places were fantastic but the descriptions of people fell rather short. Even after reading the whole book I feel like all I know about the main character is that she likes drinking coffee and that she's a teacher. Overall I think the plot was good but the writing just needs more in depth character development. The barista at he coffeeshop was kind of a fun character. More descriptions of the way things feel or smell would help bring this charming Texas town more alive for me.
December 13, 2017
A New York City professor in the Texas Hill Country running an event center and solving murders? You betcha!
If you're Ollie Stratford and a widowed, empty nester (on the north side of fifty) and longing for a change - a little deceit and crime solving may be worth the trouble. When Ollie wins a house & property at an auction, her life changes in ways she never imagined. Solving two murders, dealing with shady people who want her land and trying to decide who is friend or foe - makes for a great mystery!
I loved the character of Ollie - mature, smart, kind, loves pizza and her new best friend, Bodie the dog. There are wonderfully quirky characters (Millie & her sock puppets) and some really mean ones. There were "red herrings" all over the place, which I enjoyed!
Already bought the second book to see what Ollie is up to now!
If you're Ollie Stratford and a widowed, empty nester (on the north side of fifty) and longing for a change - a little deceit and crime solving may be worth the trouble. When Ollie wins a house & property at an auction, her life changes in ways she never imagined. Solving two murders, dealing with shady people who want her land and trying to decide who is friend or foe - makes for a great mystery!
I loved the character of Ollie - mature, smart, kind, loves pizza and her new best friend, Bodie the dog. There are wonderfully quirky characters (Millie & her sock puppets) and some really mean ones. There were "red herrings" all over the place, which I enjoyed!
Already bought the second book to see what Ollie is up to now!
June 5, 2021
A professor in NY has been let go and attends an auction on properties around the country. She bids on one and is way overbid by a very young man. Deciding she would make a little trouble to see how far he would go she ups the ante by the same amount he ousted her bid for. He was getting phone calls to increase his bid when the cell service went out and she won the bid which she had not expected to. She moves down to TX in the summer and finds the property in poor condition but several people are trying to get her to sell it anyway. Two people are killed and my only complaint is that the ends were tied up a bit too quickly. The author did well in the story itself and kept you guessing but finished the whole thing in about 5 pages. It was as if she got tired of her characters and the plot had run its course. Not bad but the ending could have been a bit better!
April 3, 2018
All's well in Texas?
Dr Ollie Stratford has a mess on her hands once she wins a bid in a small ranch in Texas. After leaving New York behind for a fresh start, her one friend in the small Texas town is murdered and no one seems too bothered about finding the killer. Ollie decides to look into it between trying to make her new home more habitable and possibly a profitable business.
Every step and turn is thwarted or blocked by red tape with the ranch and all leads are dead ends. Ollie is staring at too many brick walls to be coincides.
This book is well worth reading and I'm about to start the second in this series. The only reason for four stars was for the feeling of a rushed ending.
Dr Ollie Stratford has a mess on her hands once she wins a bid in a small ranch in Texas. After leaving New York behind for a fresh start, her one friend in the small Texas town is murdered and no one seems too bothered about finding the killer. Ollie decides to look into it between trying to make her new home more habitable and possibly a profitable business.
Every step and turn is thwarted or blocked by red tape with the ranch and all leads are dead ends. Ollie is staring at too many brick walls to be coincides.
This book is well worth reading and I'm about to start the second in this series. The only reason for four stars was for the feeling of a rushed ending.
May 28, 2018
New Series
I was very pleased with this first book of the Ollie Stratford series. The story flowed and clues were given such that the reader could narrow the suspects down to one or two. The only problem I had in reading the story was grammatical. When speaking of the Sheriff's department, a plural verb was used, but the department is a single entity. This occurred also in a few instances when the subject was plural and a singular verb was used. This was a well-established story line and the grammatical errors just caused me to stumble and re-read the sentence to be sure I understood the sentence. I have already purchased book 2 and am excitedly looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I was very pleased with this first book of the Ollie Stratford series. The story flowed and clues were given such that the reader could narrow the suspects down to one or two. The only problem I had in reading the story was grammatical. When speaking of the Sheriff's department, a plural verb was used, but the department is a single entity. This occurred also in a few instances when the subject was plural and a singular verb was used. This was a well-established story line and the grammatical errors just caused me to stumble and re-read the sentence to be sure I understood the sentence. I have already purchased book 2 and am excitedly looking forward to seeing what happens next.
August 4, 2018
This first entry in a cozy mystery series is a great read. Ollie Stratford, a widowed mother of four and a college professor ends up buying a ranch in a small Texas town. As this is the first in a series, we get to meet what I assume will be a continuing cast of characters. Ollie is just beginning to adjust to Texas versus NYC when a murder takes place. Ollie pals up with the reporter on a very small town paper, and they hope to figure out who the killer is. Not only do we see Ollie's detective skills at work, but we also learn a lot about Ollie's new home and the people who populate it. This is a well done mystery novel with no cheats! If you like cozies, this is a book for you. If you've never read a cozy, this is an excellent book to try.
November 2, 2017
Great new mystery. Ollie Stratford got carried away at an auction and suddenly found herself the owner of a large run down farm in Texas but her friend Tanner lives in the same town and was prepared to help her get settled in. However, there are plenty of other people who are prepared to make sure that she does not, people who are prepared to set her house on fire, offer her a nice sum, bully her into selling, make sure she loses her newly appointed position as teaching professor at the local college. And all the time, Ollie still does not know why.
Good plot, strong storyline and believable characters. Excellent enjoyable read
Good plot, strong storyline and believable characters. Excellent enjoyable read
December 26, 2017
A Wonderful Read
Seeing how I live in the hill country of Texas, I really liked how Lewis described the hill country of Texas in the book. It was spot on. I also lived in a small town for 13 years and his description of living in a small town was also perfect (sometimes humorously so). Dr. Ollie Stratford is a woman who has all kinds of problems, and things seem to be getting worse. However, she has to s love the murder of a good friend because local law enforcement does not seem to have the time to do it. It is a wonderful book of overcoming problems (even the ones we cause), friendship and loss. I an looking forward to reading "Creek Crisis".
Seeing how I live in the hill country of Texas, I really liked how Lewis described the hill country of Texas in the book. It was spot on. I also lived in a small town for 13 years and his description of living in a small town was also perfect (sometimes humorously so). Dr. Ollie Stratford is a woman who has all kinds of problems, and things seem to be getting worse. However, she has to s love the murder of a good friend because local law enforcement does not seem to have the time to do it. It is a wonderful book of overcoming problems (even the ones we cause), friendship and loss. I an looking forward to reading "Creek Crisis".
April 5, 2018
What a pack of trouble Ollie Stratford found when she moved to the little town in the Texas Hill Country. She won an auction of an old abandoned farmhouse, complete with land and outbuildings, and someone immediately wanted to buy her out before she even got settled. And things just keep piling up: there are 2 murders; costs to renovate and even maintain her new residence seem to fall from the sky and challenge her last nickel -- and that one might be wooden for all she knows. Y'all will have to buy it and read it for yourselves, cause I ain't givin away the good stuff. But if you enjoy it half as much as I did, y'all'll be awful glad ya did.
July 9, 2018
This is a super quick read. I liked Ollie, a middle-aged part-time professor starting a new life far from her New York home - in Texas! However, the plot dragged a bit, and the bad guy at first seemed too good to be true, so I had a pretty good idea that he wasn't really the good guy at all. The thing that troubled me most was the use of dialect. I don't mind authentic dialect at all, but the homeless man didn't talk like a Texan at all, and for that matter, hardly any one else did either. It might be reading additional books in the series; I just don't think I'll move them to the top of the "Want to Read" list.
January 2, 2018
Promising new series!
This is one of those books you can get for free on Amazon, and I am really glad that I did! I am also really glad that the author states that more books are planned. I started this book not expecting much but ended up really enjoying this book. The story was great and the characters only add to that. It is loaded with excitement at every turn, from the start with the accidental purchase by Ollie, her obstacles in her new life and the murders. It was well written and I am looking forward to more of Ollie's adventures.
This is one of those books you can get for free on Amazon, and I am really glad that I did! I am also really glad that the author states that more books are planned. I started this book not expecting much but ended up really enjoying this book. The story was great and the characters only add to that. It is loaded with excitement at every turn, from the start with the accidental purchase by Ollie, her obstacles in her new life and the murders. It was well written and I am looking forward to more of Ollie's adventures.
March 3, 2018
This is the second of this series I have read. I read the second book first but that didn't help me figure out who did in this one. Ollie is the main character and she ends up buying property in Texas by accident. When she gets there at first everything seems like it might just work out and she has an old friend living there. Before she can meet up with her old friend he is murdered. From there everything goes down hill. Up until the very end I thought I knew who was behind everything but boy was I wrong. Looking forward to more of Ollie's adventures.
July 16, 2018
The money pit might bring unexpected excitement into her life
A terrific read. Auctions can have you doing silly things like bidding too high. That's how she finds herself the proud owner of a run down farm. Deaths, a realtor who try to bully her into selling the farm, limited funds, papers not filed, a lawyer with a package for her, arson and more lies than she has ever incountered before all woven into a plot that will keep you guessing until the end. Great characters that are all too believable and that you definitely want to meet again in more books.
I got this in a giveaway.
A terrific read. Auctions can have you doing silly things like bidding too high. That's how she finds herself the proud owner of a run down farm. Deaths, a realtor who try to bully her into selling the farm, limited funds, papers not filed, a lawyer with a package for her, arson and more lies than she has ever incountered before all woven into a plot that will keep you guessing until the end. Great characters that are all too believable and that you definitely want to meet again in more books.
I got this in a giveaway.
November 3, 2017
The book deals with the trials and tribulations of Dr,Ollie Strafford.She buys a property in Texas and sets her heart on renovating it,developing it for event management.It is indeed brave of her to go on under constant obstacles,two murders..
She makes some good friends too.It is a good mystery,keeps up your interest as you cannot guess who is the culprit till the end.My congratulations to the author
She makes some good friends too.It is a good mystery,keeps up your interest as you cannot guess who is the culprit till the end.My congratulations to the author
January 27, 2018
Well written tale from Texas
Ollie buys a piece of abandoned property in the Hill Country of Texas . At first things go well but a relentless realtor seems to want her property and town officials seen to want her to sell as well . Her friend is murdered and everything dealing with her new home seems to be going down hill fast . Why, what and who are behind everything ?
Ollie buys a piece of abandoned property in the Hill Country of Texas . At first things go well but a relentless realtor seems to want her property and town officials seen to want her to sell as well . Her friend is murdered and everything dealing with her new home seems to be going down hill fast . Why, what and who are behind everything ?
February 10, 2018
Purchased a free copy of book 2 via a free book mailing list and decided to start at the beginning. I'm glad that I did. The cast of characters is quite amusing and main character, Ollie, has an interesting back story. I was able to figure out who the killer was, but not sure why. There were some suspenseful parts towards the end. All in all, I enjoyed the book and look forward to more in this series.
May 29, 2018
Ollie finds Texas a mystery
My favorite scene is when Bodie, the dog, sinks his teeth in the butt of the real estate pitch!!!!
This was a good read. Ollie is a woman retired from the corporate world in New York, who accidentally purchased a property in a small town southwest of Austin. It seems the local realtor wanted the property and does everything she can to cheat her out of it. When Ollie's old college buddy is murdered, it draws her into the mystery.
My favorite scene is when Bodie, the dog, sinks his teeth in the butt of the real estate pitch!!!!
This was a good read. Ollie is a woman retired from the corporate world in New York, who accidentally purchased a property in a small town southwest of Austin. It seems the local realtor wanted the property and does everything she can to cheat her out of it. When Ollie's old college buddy is murdered, it draws her into the mystery.
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