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Dead 'n Breakfast
Liz Marsh had just opened her new Bed & Breakfast and was determined to make a success of it. She was more than ready for the simple life now that she was back in her hometown of Maple Ridge, Vermont, where honesty and goodness still mattered. But when she stumbled over a dead body in her cow barn at milking time, she knew she’d have to take matters into her own hands or else face the prospect of being the number one suspect.
Setting aside her fears, and they were real, she had to find a way to get to the bottom of it on her own. And she wasn’t so sure the detective was digging deep enough to see past the end of his nose. With his focus centered squarely on her he’d never discover the real killer, and time was running out.
Setting aside her fears, and they were real, she had to find a way to get to the bottom of it on her own. And she wasn’t so sure the detective was digging deep enough to see past the end of his nose. With his focus centered squarely on her he’d never discover the real killer, and time was running out.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
33 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Paulette Brewster
3 books3 followersPaulette Brewster is a multi-published author who writes cozy mysteries and romance. She and her husband live on their farm in Northwest Ohio where they raised three children and now are blessed with many grandchildren. When Paulette isn't crafting her books she's very likely squeezing in some time for quilting. To receive freebies, updates and farm based recipes go to her website.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 23, 2020
I liked the protagonist in this story because she doesn’t give up when she has problems. The only thing I didn’t like about the plot was that the repetition in several chapters made some of the story drag. The police weren’t too smart, either. However, the book ended with a strong, exciting finish and a cute, unexpected epilogue! I will read the next story.
July 3, 2021
Dead 'n Breakfast by Paulette Brewster, is the first book in the "Maple Ridge" cozy mystery series. The primary character is Liz Marsh, proud new owner of the Maple Ridge Bed & Breakfast.
After exposing embezzlement at her workplace, Liz is anxious to leave corporate life behind. She pays a visit to her parents in Maple Ridge, Vermont, where she learns they plan to sell the farm and travel in their retirement. Liz jumps at the opportunity to buy her childhood home with dreams of opening her own B&B. Things are looking up when she gets her first guest, but Liz's peace is shattered after she encounters a former co-worker, Kevin Jones, who managed to avoid prison time. He threatens her, leaving Liz shaken. The real trouble starts when Liz finds Kevin dead in her barn. With the police aware of their contentious history, Liz knows she's their number one suspect. Not content to let the investigation progress at its own pace, Liz is determined to clear her name.
I enjoyed the story. Liz is a likable character, and other characters were portrayed well. The setting was charming, both in the location and the season (Autumn). However, these three points stuck in my craw:
1. Liz had a milk cow named Myrtie and her calf, Pearl. The author continually referred to them as "the cows". A calf is not a cow. A female calf is called a heifer. If the author wanted to use a catch-all term for Myrtie and Pearl, she should have used "the cattle", as in "Liz turned the cattle out to pasture." As someone who grew up among cattle, this vexes me.
2. Liz and I were both blindsided at the end with the identity of the killer. While I had my suspicions, Liz had no idea. It basically negated all of the sleuthing and research she had done in an effort to dig into Kevin's past to find who wanted him dead. I enjoy a cozy mystery when the amateur sleuth builds on clues and information to reach the correct conclusion.
3. The author also blindsided me with sentient animals in the epilogue! I love a cozy with sentient, talking, plotting, engaged animals (the "Mrs Murphy" series, anyone?), but for heaven's sake, don't make this a thing at the very end of the book! Introduce your clever animals at the beginning. Guh.
I'm on the fence between a three and a four here, so this one gets put through the "Trope Test" wringer:
1. Does the mc work at/as one of the following: baker/bakery/sweet shop/tea shop/coffee shop, library/librarian, antique/vintage shop, book store, fashion/boutique? No, she owns a B&B.
2. Does the mc live at her (or his) place of occupation? Yes
3. Is the love interest involved in law enforcement? (Police officer, sheriff, detective, PI, FBI) Yes/no--he's a former cop
4. Does the mc have a dog/cat as a pet? Yes, she has a cat named Bess.
5. Is the mc's BFF either a gay guy or a ditzy/zany woman? No, her BFF is the town librarian.
6. Did the mc find the body? Yes, she did.
7. Did the mc wind up in mortal danger at the end of the book? Yes, she did.
8. Is the mc's mother either: dead, absent, far removed, ditzy and dithering, or overbearing/disapproving/meddling? Yes, she's haring off in her new RV.
9. If mother is dead/absent, does the mc have another mother-figure (grandmother, aunt, mom's friend, or an older friend)? Yes, Liz's neighbor is her mother's friend, Polly.
10. Is the mc child-free? (Either no children or else grown children--i.e. no small children to look after) Yes
Based on the number of "yes" answers, the story as a whole earns an average rating of three. However, I did like it and will look for others in the series.
After exposing embezzlement at her workplace, Liz is anxious to leave corporate life behind. She pays a visit to her parents in Maple Ridge, Vermont, where she learns they plan to sell the farm and travel in their retirement. Liz jumps at the opportunity to buy her childhood home with dreams of opening her own B&B. Things are looking up when she gets her first guest, but Liz's peace is shattered after she encounters a former co-worker, Kevin Jones, who managed to avoid prison time. He threatens her, leaving Liz shaken. The real trouble starts when Liz finds Kevin dead in her barn. With the police aware of their contentious history, Liz knows she's their number one suspect. Not content to let the investigation progress at its own pace, Liz is determined to clear her name.
I enjoyed the story. Liz is a likable character, and other characters were portrayed well. The setting was charming, both in the location and the season (Autumn). However, these three points stuck in my craw:
1. Liz had a milk cow named Myrtie and her calf, Pearl. The author continually referred to them as "the cows". A calf is not a cow. A female calf is called a heifer. If the author wanted to use a catch-all term for Myrtie and Pearl, she should have used "the cattle", as in "Liz turned the cattle out to pasture." As someone who grew up among cattle, this vexes me.
2. Liz and I were both blindsided at the end with the identity of the killer. While I had my suspicions, Liz had no idea. It basically negated all of the sleuthing and research she had done in an effort to dig into Kevin's past to find who wanted him dead. I enjoy a cozy mystery when the amateur sleuth builds on clues and information to reach the correct conclusion.
3. The author also blindsided me with sentient animals in the epilogue! I love a cozy with sentient, talking, plotting, engaged animals (the "Mrs Murphy" series, anyone?), but for heaven's sake, don't make this a thing at the very end of the book! Introduce your clever animals at the beginning. Guh.
I'm on the fence between a three and a four here, so this one gets put through the "Trope Test" wringer:
1. Does the mc work at/as one of the following: baker/bakery/sweet shop/tea shop/coffee shop, library/librarian, antique/vintage shop, book store, fashion/boutique? No, she owns a B&B.
2. Does the mc live at her (or his) place of occupation? Yes
3. Is the love interest involved in law enforcement? (Police officer, sheriff, detective, PI, FBI) Yes/no--he's a former cop
4. Does the mc have a dog/cat as a pet? Yes, she has a cat named Bess.
5. Is the mc's BFF either a gay guy or a ditzy/zany woman? No, her BFF is the town librarian.
6. Did the mc find the body? Yes, she did.
7. Did the mc wind up in mortal danger at the end of the book? Yes, she did.
8. Is the mc's mother either: dead, absent, far removed, ditzy and dithering, or overbearing/disapproving/meddling? Yes, she's haring off in her new RV.
9. If mother is dead/absent, does the mc have another mother-figure (grandmother, aunt, mom's friend, or an older friend)? Yes, Liz's neighbor is her mother's friend, Polly.
10. Is the mc child-free? (Either no children or else grown children--i.e. no small children to look after) Yes
Based on the number of "yes" answers, the story as a whole earns an average rating of three. However, I did like it and will look for others in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
A Good Start to a New Series
I really liked this cozy mystery. It had a good pace, logical flow with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. Keeping in mind the adage that in a murder mystery, the killer is introduced early in the story, I have to say that I figured out the culprit fairly early on. However, there were some red herrings that made me doubt myself. I loved the Vermont setting and I loved the description of the farm and the New England area. Having lived there for 8 years, this book made me a bit homesick! I loved the animals and while talking animals is not a new tactic in cozy mysteries, this story used those talking animals to good advantage. I look forward to the next book in bbq the series. Good job, Paulette!
I really liked this cozy mystery. It had a good pace, logical flow with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. Keeping in mind the adage that in a murder mystery, the killer is introduced early in the story, I have to say that I figured out the culprit fairly early on. However, there were some red herrings that made me doubt myself. I loved the Vermont setting and I loved the description of the farm and the New England area. Having lived there for 8 years, this book made me a bit homesick! I loved the animals and while talking animals is not a new tactic in cozy mysteries, this story used those talking animals to good advantage. I look forward to the next book in bbq the series. Good job, Paulette!
December 31, 2020
What an enjoyable book!!
This is the first book I have read by Paulette Brewster, but it certainly won't be the last. The storyline was compelling, the characters were lifelike, and the mystery was written into the story masterfully. I enjoyed learning about working a farm (on a small scale) and a new bed and breakfast. The epilogue was perfect!
This is the first book I have read by Paulette Brewster, but it certainly won't be the last. The storyline was compelling, the characters were lifelike, and the mystery was written into the story masterfully. I enjoyed learning about working a farm (on a small scale) and a new bed and breakfast. The epilogue was perfect!
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January 8, 2021Fun who dun it
Liz is embroiled in a work scandal that follows her home. Desperately trying to find a suspect, other than herself, she starts her own investigation. The author plots an entertaining tale
Liz is embroiled in a work scandal that follows her home. Desperately trying to find a suspect, other than herself, she starts her own investigation. The author plots an entertaining tale
January 9, 2021
I couldn't put it down
Paulette Brewster has created a community that I want to live in. Her writing is descriptive and suspenseful. I tried to second guess the outcome and every page I would change my guess.
Paulette Brewster has created a community that I want to live in. Her writing is descriptive and suspenseful. I tried to second guess the outcome and every page I would change my guess.
May 20, 2021
Fun book
Although I figured out who the killer was early in the book, I enjoyed reading it. This is a new author for me. I have the next book in the series and will probably read it soon.
Although I figured out who the killer was early in the book, I enjoyed reading it. This is a new author for me. I have the next book in the series and will probably read it soon.
August 10, 2020
Good mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - lots of twists and turns to keep the story interesting. The characters are all likable and am looking forward to future stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - lots of twists and turns to keep the story interesting. The characters are all likable and am looking forward to future stories.
December 30, 2020
Great 👍first book
This was a solid mystery full of twists and turns. I enjoyed all the characters, especially the cows, lol. Our heroine was a believable character and her back story fits our times. The town was a great setting as well. Waiting for #2.
This was a solid mystery full of twists and turns. I enjoyed all the characters, especially the cows, lol. Our heroine was a believable character and her back story fits our times. The town was a great setting as well. Waiting for #2.
January 2, 2021
Binge-worthy❣️
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
January 8, 2021
F
Good light detective fiction read. Had guessed murderer early on. Would also class as what is known as chick lit
Good light detective fiction read. Had guessed murderer early on. Would also class as what is known as chick lit
January 21, 2021
A good read that held my interest. Short chapters that I love. (They keep you reading just one more chapter.). Recommended
January 25, 2021
Dead n breakfast
This is a new author for me but I really enjoyed this book I liked the characters and the story made sense
This is a new author for me but I really enjoyed this book I liked the characters and the story made sense
January 26, 2021
Loved it! I really can't wait for the next one.
August 30, 2023
Dead at Breakfast
Interesting read! I enjoyed the characters and the story! It just propelled along and carried you right to the end
Interesting read! I enjoyed the characters and the story! It just propelled along and carried you right to the end
June 5, 2021
loved it want to read more of these.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews