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Alaska #12
Snow Laughing Matter
Another icy winter begins to settle into Snow Falls, Alaska. Sarah isn’t feeling her usual self as her attempts to become pregnant have yet to bear fruit. With her husband Detective Conrad Spencer out of town, Sarah and Amanda decide to visit their old friend Manford, who is passing through with the local circus. Despite Sarah’s sadness, she sets out with the hope of enjoying the circus performance. Yet when the circus act ends, a killer has left a mysterious message in the form of hidden pies, both in Sarah’s car and home. When a circus worker is found dead, events take a turn for the worse. Sarah is torn, caught between the desire to walk away from being a cop to become a mother and the need to catch a killer. With the identity of the murderer masked as a clown, Sarah finds that the killer has an advantageous secret trick up his sleeve. Relying on the help of friend and former colleague Los Angeles Detective Pete, can Sarah outsmart the riddles of a clown who turns laughter into screams?
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
194 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2019
196 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
183 books434 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 2, 2019
When Sarah Garland Spencer and her husband, Conrad, moved to Snow Falls, Alaska to leave all of the hustle and bustle of her job as a retired detective in Los Angeles behind, she never dreamed all of the nightmares would follow her. All Sarah wants is to get pregnant and start a family with her husband. With Conrad in New York helping friends and her best friend, Amanda's husband in England assisting his father, the gals decide to go to the circus that is in town. Their friend, Manford, is one of the clowns in the circus.
As they trudge through the mounting snow to head home, Amanda sits down in the passenger seat of Sarah's jeep only to find she has sat down in a pie that has been placed in the seat. Arriving at Sarah's cabin they find another pie near the door. Sarah thinks her friend Manford is playing a trick on her.
Sarah receives a call from Pete, her partner in their detective agency in Los Angeles. Pete is also a retired detective. He has also received a pie. He tells Sarah that the "clown killer", Clint Junerson, has been released from prison.
Sarah then receives a call from Andrew with the police department that one of the workers with the circus, Bret Slopes, has been killed. After learning how Bret was killed she is confident that the killer is Clint Junerson. All of Sarah's nightmares begin again. She knows she will have to be smarter than Clint to stop him and whoever is working with him in Los Angeles that is a threat to Pete.
Sarah and Amanda begin a cat and mouse game with Junerson who has had his entire face changed with plastic surgery thinking Sarah would never find him.
I love how the characters have grown in this series. It seems Sarah and Amanda are always involved in investigating murders. This is a great series by Wendy Meadows.
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest review.
As they trudge through the mounting snow to head home, Amanda sits down in the passenger seat of Sarah's jeep only to find she has sat down in a pie that has been placed in the seat. Arriving at Sarah's cabin they find another pie near the door. Sarah thinks her friend Manford is playing a trick on her.
Sarah receives a call from Pete, her partner in their detective agency in Los Angeles. Pete is also a retired detective. He has also received a pie. He tells Sarah that the "clown killer", Clint Junerson, has been released from prison.
Sarah then receives a call from Andrew with the police department that one of the workers with the circus, Bret Slopes, has been killed. After learning how Bret was killed she is confident that the killer is Clint Junerson. All of Sarah's nightmares begin again. She knows she will have to be smarter than Clint to stop him and whoever is working with him in Los Angeles that is a threat to Pete.
Sarah and Amanda begin a cat and mouse game with Junerson who has had his entire face changed with plastic surgery thinking Sarah would never find him.
I love how the characters have grown in this series. It seems Sarah and Amanda are always involved in investigating murders. This is a great series by Wendy Meadows.
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest review.
October 11, 2020
A good 12th instalment in a great series
Another great instalment in the Alaska Cozy Mystery series - this is number 12. I really enjoyed the book and loved the characters. It’s a great story and series which I would highly recommend.
Another great instalment in the Alaska Cozy Mystery series - this is number 12. I really enjoyed the book and loved the characters. It’s a great story and series which I would highly recommend.
January 31, 2021
Amazing books
Wow, this series of Alaska Cosy. Mysteries is absolutely fantastic. What a wonderful read they all where. Miss Meadows kept me interested from the very first one I’ve read
Wow, this series of Alaska Cosy. Mysteries is absolutely fantastic. What a wonderful read they all where. Miss Meadows kept me interested from the very first one I’ve read
March 10, 2021
Way awesome
This was so exciting. And Pete's waitresses name was Rose, oh, and she was ornery. That's me. Lol. But, the story was centered in a circus, with a killer clown, in a snowstorm. Intense reading, loved it.
This was so exciting. And Pete's waitresses name was Rose, oh, and she was ornery. That's me. Lol. But, the story was centered in a circus, with a killer clown, in a snowstorm. Intense reading, loved it.
March 10, 2025
another success
Sarah seems to be on the brink of insanity, too. Her killers are insane and she crawls in their heads to figure out how to catch them. Games like that end up with nightmare mind games controlling her demons.
Sarah seems to be on the brink of insanity, too. Her killers are insane and she crawls in their heads to figure out how to catch them. Games like that end up with nightmare mind games controlling her demons.
January 29, 2021
Crazy never ends!
Another crazy killer chases Sarah and Pete. Their combined efforts serve them well, of course, but it is a close call. Good, convoluted story!
Another crazy killer chases Sarah and Pete. Their combined efforts serve them well, of course, but it is a close call. Good, convoluted story!
April 13, 2024
I enjoyed the story.
September 20, 2019
Wow, Omg can this series get anymore better I don't think so. I love it. It is so entertaining and capturing. It is filled with so many aspects of entertainment. It can be funny, intriguing, suspenseful, terror and mind blowing. This book was just like reading IT. It has a creepy freaking clown in it. Let's not forget Sarah's creepy snowman that's playing deadly games with her. You almost can think this series has a touch of paranormal aspects to it.
The circus has come to town. Sarah wanted to see her adopted son Manford, who is a circus clown. So they talked the owner into to bring the circus to town. Even though it is snowing and freezing cold. They thought the town could use a break and have some from all the excitement of murderers running loose. What Sarah didn't know and soon found out another boogie man has come to play with her. He's a past adversary, who just got out of prison. He comes in the form as a clown. Also Pete in LA gets in on the fun. So we actually have 2 killers.
Sarah has her own personal problems she's dealing with. Her and Conrad are having a problem with getting pregnant. She had me crying cause you could feel her pain.
But she knows she has to play this game, win and not die herself, oh and protect her family and the town. Amanda was ever present by her side ready to shoot if need be.
This was a tough one cause this clown was very very smart. He was meticulous and had everything already planned out. Sarah had to put her detective cap and come out her place of sorrow. Conrad was in New York and he didn't know and she didn't want him to know. Their number one rule protect your family.
If you haven't read this series you need to jump into it. You will not be sorry, scared maybe but not sorry.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
The circus has come to town. Sarah wanted to see her adopted son Manford, who is a circus clown. So they talked the owner into to bring the circus to town. Even though it is snowing and freezing cold. They thought the town could use a break and have some from all the excitement of murderers running loose. What Sarah didn't know and soon found out another boogie man has come to play with her. He's a past adversary, who just got out of prison. He comes in the form as a clown. Also Pete in LA gets in on the fun. So we actually have 2 killers.
Sarah has her own personal problems she's dealing with. Her and Conrad are having a problem with getting pregnant. She had me crying cause you could feel her pain.
But she knows she has to play this game, win and not die herself, oh and protect her family and the town. Amanda was ever present by her side ready to shoot if need be.
This was a tough one cause this clown was very very smart. He was meticulous and had everything already planned out. Sarah had to put her detective cap and come out her place of sorrow. Conrad was in New York and he didn't know and she didn't want him to know. Their number one rule protect your family.
If you haven't read this series you need to jump into it. You will not be sorry, scared maybe but not sorry.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
October 3, 2019
This is only the second Alaska Cozy Mystery by Wendy Meadows, that I have read but that didn't seem to be a problem with enjoying the story. It was easy to jump right in and get to know these well developed characters and their small town. The twisted mind of the killer and the intrigue and suspense make this a good page-turning mystery.
When Sarah Spencer retired from the hustle and bustle of her job as a detective in Los Angeles, she thought she could leave that life behind when she moved to Snow Falls, Alaska with her husband Conrad. Unfortunately, all of her nightmares and fears from her years as a detective moved with her.
Years ago in LA, Sarah and her and partner, Pete put Clint Junerson, a sadistic serial killer, in prison for a long time, yet his threats still haunt her dreams.
After a receiving a couple of unsettling gifts, and a call to Pete in LA, Sarah finds out Junerson somehow got early release - whereabouts unknown. This information leaves her positive Junerson is in Snow Falls and letting her know he's coming for her, maybe her family and friends, too. That same night, the first victim is found dead with Junerson's trademark weapon, a butcher knife. Now Sarah and her bestie, Amanda are in the middle of a murder investigation once again.
This story is intriguing and holds your interest throughout. Get ready to enjoy this 5-star mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Sarah Spencer retired from the hustle and bustle of her job as a detective in Los Angeles, she thought she could leave that life behind when she moved to Snow Falls, Alaska with her husband Conrad. Unfortunately, all of her nightmares and fears from her years as a detective moved with her.
Years ago in LA, Sarah and her and partner, Pete put Clint Junerson, a sadistic serial killer, in prison for a long time, yet his threats still haunt her dreams.
After a receiving a couple of unsettling gifts, and a call to Pete in LA, Sarah finds out Junerson somehow got early release - whereabouts unknown. This information leaves her positive Junerson is in Snow Falls and letting her know he's coming for her, maybe her family and friends, too. That same night, the first victim is found dead with Junerson's trademark weapon, a butcher knife. Now Sarah and her bestie, Amanda are in the middle of a murder investigation once again.
This story is intriguing and holds your interest throughout. Get ready to enjoy this 5-star mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
“A pie in the face is no gun.
A knife in the back is loads of fun.
The countdown is starting, so run, run, run...
you can't escape. The nightmare’s begun.”
This is the message Sarah's partner Pete receives with the dead body. Sarah knows it's meant for her, and knows who it comes from too. But will she find him and stop him before the killing spree starts in earnest?
Number twelve in Meadows' Alaska Cozy series can be read as a stand alone. The story develops quickly, and while you know early on who the killer is, Sarah still needs to stop him before it's too late. The killer's diabolical twist almost gives him the edge.
I would have liked to see more context developed between some of the characters. While it's a short read, the characters have a lot of history that I feel, as a stand alone reader, would have helped with some questions. The story between Sarah and her friend Amanda or the retired detective and the local chief of police, both could have used some fleshing out for instance. But it is nonetheless an interesting story and a good read. Check it out.
[I received a copy of this book from the author via BookSprout, for an honest review of the book. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
A knife in the back is loads of fun.
The countdown is starting, so run, run, run...
you can't escape. The nightmare’s begun.”
This is the message Sarah's partner Pete receives with the dead body. Sarah knows it's meant for her, and knows who it comes from too. But will she find him and stop him before the killing spree starts in earnest?
Number twelve in Meadows' Alaska Cozy series can be read as a stand alone. The story develops quickly, and while you know early on who the killer is, Sarah still needs to stop him before it's too late. The killer's diabolical twist almost gives him the edge.
I would have liked to see more context developed between some of the characters. While it's a short read, the characters have a lot of history that I feel, as a stand alone reader, would have helped with some questions. The story between Sarah and her friend Amanda or the retired detective and the local chief of police, both could have used some fleshing out for instance. But it is nonetheless an interesting story and a good read. Check it out.
[I received a copy of this book from the author via BookSprout, for an honest review of the book. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
October 2, 2019
Sarah is distracted with her deep disappointment over not getting pregnant, making it hard to focus. Conrad is out of town. But the circus has come to town to cheer everyone up, right? Unfortunately, Sarah didn’t know that one of her past adversaries is out of prison and dressed as one of the clowns. When a circus worker is killed, she is drawn into the mystery. Will the murders start piling up? Can she protect the town from something they can’t fight against? She will have to rely on all her old detective skills for this one. It’s not only the intelligent nemesis she will have to go up against, but something else is out there to complicate things.
Despite the clown factor that would freak some people out, the tension in this story is “just right”. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, but maybe not make you run screaming from the room. The characters are well presented and the story line is clever. Grab your copy and help Sarah track down the baddies again! You may never feel the same about snowmen and clowns again!
Despite the clown factor that would freak some people out, the tension in this story is “just right”. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, but maybe not make you run screaming from the room. The characters are well presented and the story line is clever. Grab your copy and help Sarah track down the baddies again! You may never feel the same about snowmen and clowns again!
October 7, 2019
Married life is but a dream for Sarah and Conrad, but the time doesn’t seem to be right for her to become pregnant (much to their disappointment). While Conrad is out of town, Sarah and best friend Amanda decide to see that circus that is visiting town. Deadly messages and a circus worker being murdered puts a damper on the occasion. When a strange calling card is left at the scene, a bit of checking confirms Sarah’s worse nightmare, they have given early release to a serial killing and he is on his way to get her. Can Sarah get over her conflict of walking away from being a cop to become a mother and her desire to catch a killer that should never have gotten released? It will not be easy as the killer has a new face and identity.
This is an intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns, wonderful story-telling, and characters that you can’t help but root for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns, wonderful story-telling, and characters that you can’t help but root for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2019
You have to make a choice between your job and what you want in life. the reason is that something from your past comes back and leaves a calling card that you recognize. What decision do you make? This is what happens to Sarah.
I love reading this series. It always has that bit of 'tension' / just on the edge of your seat, but not full blown scary, to keep you reading. It is definitely is a reason I keep reading.
This is can be read in a day. It moves along very fast. It can be read by itself but some things from previous books do show up. Like I still need to learn about the significance of the snowman.
I have a question: how did she figure out the date person? Did I miss it?
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
I love reading this series. It always has that bit of 'tension' / just on the edge of your seat, but not full blown scary, to keep you reading. It is definitely is a reason I keep reading.
This is can be read in a day. It moves along very fast. It can be read by itself but some things from previous books do show up. Like I still need to learn about the significance of the snowman.
I have a question: how did she figure out the date person? Did I miss it?
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
October 3, 2019
In this series, figures we might expect to be safe are anything but safe. The snowman specter of danger and death is lurking again. This time the Clown Killer is about. Trouble never walks alone.
A man of many faces.
A medley of harm, damage and pain awaits. Sarah may want to set her badge aside and make babies- this just might not be in the cards.
For now, her patchwork of friends and family can help keep away the fear and nightmares- if only just for now.
I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. I have read most of the recent books from this author on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
A man of many faces.
A medley of harm, damage and pain awaits. Sarah may want to set her badge aside and make babies- this just might not be in the cards.
For now, her patchwork of friends and family can help keep away the fear and nightmares- if only just for now.
I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. I have read most of the recent books from this author on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
October 2, 2019
Sarah and Amanda are enjoying the circus and plans for a visit with Manford while both their husbands are out of town. Little did they know a crazed killer from Sarah’s past had different ideas. The killer is in Alaska while his partner is in Los Angeles with her sights set in Pete. Sarah, Pete and Amanda have to work hard to stay a step ahead of the millers. In the end they solve the riddle and catch their killers. This is a great book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
Finished but not over.
I admire Ms. Meadows she writes such entertaining cozies and this was no exception. Now first off it has a clown now any mystery that starts off with a clown has me spook already. Then in this quick read, you really have the action. What Amanda wanted to do and what Sarah had to do were at odds with each other but damn if you cannot see both sides of the coin. Yet at the end of the book, things are finished at least for now but they are not over. Loved the book! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I admire Ms. Meadows she writes such entertaining cozies and this was no exception. Now first off it has a clown now any mystery that starts off with a clown has me spook already. Then in this quick read, you really have the action. What Amanda wanted to do and what Sarah had to do were at odds with each other but damn if you cannot see both sides of the coin. Yet at the end of the book, things are finished at least for now but they are not over. Loved the book! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 2, 2019
In this one, Sarah is having nightmares about the snowman again. While she and Conrad are trying to have a baby a killer from her past comes to town. His intention is to frame her for murder but she and Amy turn the tables on this evil person. With Pete's help in Los Angeles, they do get everything worked out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2019
This was a great quick cozy read where the fact there are 2 killers on the loose and bother and Clint are at risk adds to the tension. There are some good twists you don't expect or see coming which draws you in and seeing the struggles Sarah is starting to have now her shift in what she wants in life has changed brings you closer to her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2019
She has been trying to get pregnant but it is not happening and it is getting her down. So when her friend wants to go to a circus she goes along for a laugh. It is about to become deadly as after the show a note is out in their cars. Then there is a murder and she will get drawn in. Will she be able to solve it? Can she catch him before he kills again? See if she can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
Amanda receives some prank gifts that turn menacing. To protect herself and the people she loves, she must use all her talents to outwit the threat. Snow Laughing Matter is an excellent and exciting mystery. Wendy Meadows has created one of my favorite series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
An excellent mystery! Excitement, suspense and thrills. A little bit of tension that keeps the reader on their seat waiting and reading to find out what happens next. Wendy has done a fantastic job with this series! If you're a mystery lover, you'll love this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
Another well written book in the series brings yet another intriguing and mysterious story. The author does a great job building the story with her descriptive writing and detailed scenes. The characters are strong and the story moves quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed and would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 3, 2019
As usual, this author has written another awesome book. I love Amanda and Sarah and the antic they seem to get into. This one is one of the best in the series but I have loved every one of them. One word equals horror for me: clowns. This book has them. It's awesome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2019
I have read almost all the books in this series, I can say this one is by far the best of them all so far! This story has Sarah's emotions all wound up where she can't even think clearly, but she needs to as there is a killer out there and he has his sites on her. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout
October 4, 2019
This was on the edge of your seat captivating! The clown killer was scary bad and to find out that he had an accomplice helping him was even scarier! I love Wendy Meadows writing and this series keeps me glued to it until I can reach the end of each book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2019
Captivating Snow Falls Mystery!
Sarah, Amanda and Andrew have their hands full when the circus 🎪 comes to town and brings The Clown 🤡 Killer with it seeking revenge on Sarah in this scary addition to the series. An exciting fast paced drama that you won’t want to put down. Enjoy!
I received an advance copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
Sarah, Amanda and Andrew have their hands full when the circus 🎪 comes to town and brings The Clown 🤡 Killer with it seeking revenge on Sarah in this scary addition to the series. An exciting fast paced drama that you won’t want to put down. Enjoy!
I received an advance copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
October 15, 2019
A great read
Though this series is a little more of a psychological cozy then a sweet one it is so well written by Wendy Meadows that I love it and have been hooked on it from book one and I can't wait till the next. If you love a great story with characters you will love and will keep you turning the page then this series is a must read.
Though this series is a little more of a psychological cozy then a sweet one it is so well written by Wendy Meadows that I love it and have been hooked on it from book one and I can't wait till the next. If you love a great story with characters you will love and will keep you turning the page then this series is a must read.
October 16, 2019
I want more of conrad!!
I like this book and all of the characters . It's like an eclectic pot of stew that needs each other to survive the bad guys !! What would Sarah do without her bestie Amanda? Will Sarah and Conrad get the wish they've been longing for in the next book? I guess we've got to wait and see!!
I like this book and all of the characters . It's like an eclectic pot of stew that needs each other to survive the bad guys !! What would Sarah do without her bestie Amanda? Will Sarah and Conrad get the wish they've been longing for in the next book? I guess we've got to wait and see!!
October 29, 2019
I enjoy all of the Snow books by Wendy Meadows. I don't know how she finds so many ways to commit murder in this small Alaskan town that seems to be always snowed in. She is a very creative writer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed another cozy mystery by Wendy Meadows!! Who committed murder at the circus? Will Sarah and or/Pete be killed? Will Sarah ever get to hang up her badge and become a mom?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews