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Just a Simple Little Holiday
Fern Mortimer has mastered the art of being invisible. Since a hit and run accident five years ago left her wheelchair-bound, she has become a recluse in her parents' home.
After finally venturing back into the real world, she struggles to make friends and trust anyone. Getting the nickname of The Ice Queen at her new place of work does little to build her confidence.
However, one young woman, Nessa Sullivan, sees through Fern's mask and is determined to be her friend. A mission that only months later sees Fern joining Nessa and three others on a well-deserved and much-needed holiday to the Portuguese Algarve.
During the holiday, Fern is seduced by a handsome restaurant manager, raising her mood and her hopes of a romantic entanglement whilst also robbing her of her usual common sense and sound judgement.
So, why is her wheelchair now lying capsized in the infinity pool and a body is spotted out at sea? Where is Fern Mortimer?
***
The story continues in "Just a Simple Little Court Case", which also introduces The Blackleaf Agency Series.
After finally venturing back into the real world, she struggles to make friends and trust anyone. Getting the nickname of The Ice Queen at her new place of work does little to build her confidence.
However, one young woman, Nessa Sullivan, sees through Fern's mask and is determined to be her friend. A mission that only months later sees Fern joining Nessa and three others on a well-deserved and much-needed holiday to the Portuguese Algarve.
During the holiday, Fern is seduced by a handsome restaurant manager, raising her mood and her hopes of a romantic entanglement whilst also robbing her of her usual common sense and sound judgement.
So, why is her wheelchair now lying capsized in the infinity pool and a body is spotted out at sea? Where is Fern Mortimer?
***
The story continues in "Just a Simple Little Court Case", which also introduces The Blackleaf Agency Series.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2016
24 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 12, 2016
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book and chose to read it because it sounded like a fascinating mystery, and I hadn’t read a short story in ages. I thought it would make a nice change from a novel.
I found myself wrapped up in the world L S Fellows created, and caring about the main characters, Nessa and Fern, because they had depth and dimension as did Raven as the story unfolded.
This story keeps you gripped until more or less the end, but I did guess the twist before it was revealed. L S Fellows has a good feel for description and I always felt part of the scene or the atmosphere, especially when there was dialogue.
As it is a short story I cannot say too much without giving away the big reveal but, I have to say that the second half of the book flew along at quite a pace and tried to cram too much in. This only made me feel that a longer story was needed here. I felt as if I was sitting on the sofa being told who did it and why by Mrs Marple, rather than the author showing me how the culprit came to do what they did.
Don’t get me wrong, when you read this you will get a complete understanding of what went on, and why, but with more ‘show’ and less ‘tell’, as a reader you would have more fun working things out for yourself.
I think this story would have served better as a novel rather than a short story as I felt the author missed a few tricks; a bit more plot and character development and I would have been happier and more satisfied by the end of this read.
Having said that, I would recommend this book for anyone wanting a quick and easy read that isn’t too involved and if you want to fill a quiet afternoon with a nice cup of tea in a comfortable chair!
Reviewed by guest reviewer, author Rosa Temple, over on www.whisperingstories.com
I found myself wrapped up in the world L S Fellows created, and caring about the main characters, Nessa and Fern, because they had depth and dimension as did Raven as the story unfolded.
This story keeps you gripped until more or less the end, but I did guess the twist before it was revealed. L S Fellows has a good feel for description and I always felt part of the scene or the atmosphere, especially when there was dialogue.
As it is a short story I cannot say too much without giving away the big reveal but, I have to say that the second half of the book flew along at quite a pace and tried to cram too much in. This only made me feel that a longer story was needed here. I felt as if I was sitting on the sofa being told who did it and why by Mrs Marple, rather than the author showing me how the culprit came to do what they did.
Don’t get me wrong, when you read this you will get a complete understanding of what went on, and why, but with more ‘show’ and less ‘tell’, as a reader you would have more fun working things out for yourself.
I think this story would have served better as a novel rather than a short story as I felt the author missed a few tricks; a bit more plot and character development and I would have been happier and more satisfied by the end of this read.
Having said that, I would recommend this book for anyone wanting a quick and easy read that isn’t too involved and if you want to fill a quiet afternoon with a nice cup of tea in a comfortable chair!
Reviewed by guest reviewer, author Rosa Temple, over on www.whisperingstories.com
June 28, 2017
The fifth wheel was a well developed and intriguing mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had a natural flow, the characters were engaging and the plot twists were unexpected. It's a quick read, but definitely worth it.
September 28, 2016
This is a wonderful short story, and L.S. Fellows has done a fabulous job with it. I enjoyed the way the story starts, and by the end of it, I had one thought – ‘Wow’. Fern normally kept pretty much to herself, and so much so that her work colleagues at Hann & Merrie called her the Ice Queen. So she is a bit surprised when Nessa befriends her, and insists that she come away with her and her friends on a holiday to Portugal. Fern thinks why not, there are worst things to do than spend 10 days in a luxury villa overlooking the Mediterranean. Harriet, Audrey and Raven aren’t quite sure about Fern, and not because she is in a wheelchair, but they think she’s a bit quiet, and they are here to party and have a good time. Fern ended up in a wheelchair after being the victim of a hit and run. However, she was determined not to let this affect her. They all venture out for a meal on the first night, and are all quite taken with their gorgeous waiter Jorge. A dark haired, god like male who seems quite taken with Fern. So it’s no surprise when he pulls her aside a few nights later and has a quiet word with her. After going out night clubbing the girls get home late, and wake up a bit shocked to find Fern’s wheelchair in the swimming pool. With no Fern in the house, they of course start to look around and wonder if she caught up with Jorge. When I read what happened to Fern in this story, it’s one of those rare moments in reading a book where I was left gobsmacked. Simply Brilliant, and a very clever piece of writing. I will certainly be looking out for more from this Author, as this was well worth a read.
October 20, 2016
Since a hit and run accident five years ago left Fern wheelchair-bound, she has become a recluse in her parents’ home. After finally venturing back into the real world, she struggles to make friends and trust anyone. However Nessa sees through Fern’s mask and is determined to be her friend. A mission that only months later sees Fern joining Nessa and three others on a well-deserved and much-needed holiday to the Portuguese Algarve. During the holiday, Fern is seduced by a handsome restaurant manager, raising her mood and her hopes of a romantic entanglement whilst also robbing her of her usual common sense and sound judgement. So, why is her wheelchair now lying capsized in the infinity pool and a body is spotted out at sea? Where is Fern Mortimer?
A fantastic page turning short story. Very well written with great descriptions that makes you feel like you are there. Starts off with a girls holiday and turns into mystery and suspense. Brilliant from start to end I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Recommend to fans of short stories, mystery, suspense and books with a shocking ending :) xx
A fantastic page turning short story. Very well written with great descriptions that makes you feel like you are there. Starts off with a girls holiday and turns into mystery and suspense. Brilliant from start to end I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Recommend to fans of short stories, mystery, suspense and books with a shocking ending :) xx
September 27, 2016
The Fifth Wheel is a wonderful short read. After reading this gem, I'll have to say it's a cozy mystery. I love the way the story started from the ending and worked backward and then returned to pick up the ending.
Fern, a major character is wheelchair bound. She goes on holiday with a group of coworkers. They rent a villa and do what girls do, only Fern can't participate because her legs are not working. Throw a hot man in the mix and you've got trouble. Now a mystery is afoot and the girls work hard to solve it. Five stars for this one.
Fern, a major character is wheelchair bound. She goes on holiday with a group of coworkers. They rent a villa and do what girls do, only Fern can't participate because her legs are not working. Throw a hot man in the mix and you've got trouble. Now a mystery is afoot and the girls work hard to solve it. Five stars for this one.
November 14, 2016
This book felt to me like a cozy mystery. The author did an awesome job in presenting her storyline. Fern, who was injured, and is in a wheelchair is invited on an all girl holiday to an overseas villa. Little does she know that her vacation is more than she anticipated.
The authors characters are well developed and the humorous antics of them are very entertaining. The mystery part of the story is well done and it has lots of surprises I didn't see coming.
I would recommend this short read to anyone who likes a cozy mystery wrapped with humor and surprise.
The authors characters are well developed and the humorous antics of them are very entertaining. The mystery part of the story is well done and it has lots of surprises I didn't see coming.
I would recommend this short read to anyone who likes a cozy mystery wrapped with humor and surprise.
April 10, 2018
The victim of a hit-and-run accident, Fern Mortimer now lives her life in a wheelchair. The former social butterfly has shunned friendships and close ties since a careless driver changed her life five years ago.
Fern has no qualms about re-entering the workforce. It’s dealing with people on a personal level she’s leery of.
Dubbing her ‘The Ice Queen’, friendships are slow to form with her new coworkers, all except perky Nessa Sullivan, who’s bound and determined to be Fern’s friend.
Reader Alert! – That is a CLUE! Pay attention!
When a buddy backs out of a planned girls’ holiday, Nessa badgers Fern to take her place so the others don’t lose their deposits and for Fern to get out and have some fun.
It’s anything but fun when the five young women are together for the first time. Nessa hasn’t shared any info about Fern with her friends about Fern’s wheelchair… or frosty attitude.
The group slips into a not-too-antagonistic friendship and the holiday proceeds.
I thought I knew where this story was headed but I was waaaay off course!
The attention of a handsome restaurant manager brightens Fern’s mood during the vacation. But everyone is not who they claim to be, and the group is frantic to find Fern when she disappears and her wheelchair is found at the bottom of the pool.
The mystery of Fern’s disappearance takes a malevolent turn when identities and motives are revealed.
As Fern attempts to restart her life, someone with a grudge is out to end it.
The Fifth Wheel is the prequel to the recently released Casualty of Court and that’s where I’m headed next! Grab this quick read to get the captivating backstory and meet me there!
Enjoy!
Fern has no qualms about re-entering the workforce. It’s dealing with people on a personal level she’s leery of.
Dubbing her ‘The Ice Queen’, friendships are slow to form with her new coworkers, all except perky Nessa Sullivan, who’s bound and determined to be Fern’s friend.
Reader Alert! – That is a CLUE! Pay attention!
When a buddy backs out of a planned girls’ holiday, Nessa badgers Fern to take her place so the others don’t lose their deposits and for Fern to get out and have some fun.
It’s anything but fun when the five young women are together for the first time. Nessa hasn’t shared any info about Fern with her friends about Fern’s wheelchair… or frosty attitude.
The group slips into a not-too-antagonistic friendship and the holiday proceeds.
I thought I knew where this story was headed but I was waaaay off course!
The attention of a handsome restaurant manager brightens Fern’s mood during the vacation. But everyone is not who they claim to be, and the group is frantic to find Fern when she disappears and her wheelchair is found at the bottom of the pool.
The mystery of Fern’s disappearance takes a malevolent turn when identities and motives are revealed.
As Fern attempts to restart her life, someone with a grudge is out to end it.
The Fifth Wheel is the prequel to the recently released Casualty of Court and that’s where I’m headed next! Grab this quick read to get the captivating backstory and meet me there!
Enjoy!
July 7, 2020
A Lot in a Little Package
Holy guacamole! This is a super short and quick read, but oh, my gosh! The author has packed more into these few little pages than many pack into novels. This is a girls’ holiday/vacation that goes completely sideways. We think we know the characters as we start off, but as more and more gets revealed about the individuals, all bets are off. The book took some surprising twists and turns that one doesn't expect in such a short book. Exceptionally well-done book, and I look forward to the official first book of this series; this is a prequel.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Holy guacamole! This is a super short and quick read, but oh, my gosh! The author has packed more into these few little pages than many pack into novels. This is a girls’ holiday/vacation that goes completely sideways. We think we know the characters as we start off, but as more and more gets revealed about the individuals, all bets are off. The book took some surprising twists and turns that one doesn't expect in such a short book. Exceptionally well-done book, and I look forward to the official first book of this series; this is a prequel.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
February 15, 2018
A nice quick read. What L.S. Fellows does well is draw wonderfully flawed,believable characters. ‘The Fifth Wheel’ is a prequel and as such it works well. I found Fellows writing style easy to read and enjoyed the touch of humour that was sprinkled throughout. If you are looking for a Chicklit type mystery with the promise of a full length novel to follow I would highly recommend The Fifth Wheel’.
February 19, 2017
A very interesting short story told with a sense of humour, a little intrigue and adventure thrown in for good measure!
November 27, 2016
This is a suspenseful story, with plenty of fully-developed personalities, plot twists and laughter too. Even though it was a short book, I didn't feel that the author left anything out or skimped on the writing in any way. I liked the way it flowed along with a great beginning and a satisfying ending. I look forward to reading the books that the author promised will be coming next - The Blackleaf Agency, that follows the girls in their new PI business. Should be a hoot!
December 9, 2016
This was an enjoyable, quick cozy mystery. The beginning sets up the intrigue. What has happened to the wheel-bound girl, and why was her wheelchair at the bottom of a pool? The story then backtracks to let readers pick up clues about what might have transpired. It doesn't go into a lot of detail with the setting, characters, or plot: some may like this; others may not. What detail the story has is sufficient to make it complete, though.
December 19, 2020
A very short novella, this is to read when you need some momentary distraction. Easy to read and easy to like.
The surprise of finding out who are the true villains of the story does give it some distinction.
The surprise of finding out who are the true villains of the story does give it some distinction.
July 8, 2021
Friends or Foes
I liked this cozy mystery but it was too short for me! I normally read novels but it was a good storyline. I felt sorry for Fern at first for having a hard time making friends but they became her true friends!
I liked this cozy mystery but it was too short for me! I normally read novels but it was a good storyline. I felt sorry for Fern at first for having a hard time making friends but they became her true friends!
July 2, 2024
A nice little novella just big enough to allow the reader to appreciate the plot.
I do wish people put page numbers on their books. So annoying the number so of so much or percentage. Really a pet peeve of mine…
I do wish people put page numbers on their books. So annoying the number so of so much or percentage. Really a pet peeve of mine…
June 29, 2019
Holiday drama
The girls get away to a warm climate. It's not all fun. Great book. Can't wait to read more of her books.
The girls get away to a warm climate. It's not all fun. Great book. Can't wait to read more of her books.
July 5, 2021
Simple
Very simple writing almost childish! Maybe less simple characters and less squealing! Get an a for effort maybe to be honest?
Very simple writing almost childish! Maybe less simple characters and less squealing! Get an a for effort maybe to be honest?
March 16, 2017
An interesting
The ice queen meets an irresistible Portuguese waiter in this short story. An interesting read with promises of more to follow.
The ice queen meets an irresistible Portuguese waiter in this short story. An interesting read with promises of more to follow.
August 14, 2016
A MUST READ 5 STAR BOOK!!!
I very much enjoyed this book! The plot was engaging and the characters were real and their individual personalities were well developed. I really liked that the scenes were descriptive so I could get a real "feel" for the location and the events. I definitely went through a range of emotions while reading it also which is a sign of great writing. The end caught me completely by surprise! I would definitely recommend this book and this author and I am looking forward to reading her future books!
I very much enjoyed this book! The plot was engaging and the characters were real and their individual personalities were well developed. I really liked that the scenes were descriptive so I could get a real "feel" for the location and the events. I definitely went through a range of emotions while reading it also which is a sign of great writing. The end caught me completely by surprise! I would definitely recommend this book and this author and I am looking forward to reading her future books!
April 12, 2017
The Fifth Wheel by L.S. FellowsHow often do Individuals pay attention to the disability rather than the person? What damage does that do? Those are two of the questions asked by Fellows in this Short story.
Fern's life changed drastically after an accident left her unable to walk. She is a strong Female lead, who I enjoyed reading about. Her character harbours a certain amount of resentment, not necessarily because of her disability, but more towards the way others treat her now.
It's no surprise when a scrumptious hunk of a waiter shows interest, it makes her a bit giddy. Drunk on attention, she trusts too easily.
When she goes missing, its up to a group of girls who just met Fern to figure out what happened.
A great mystery, although at times perhaps a bit dry.
A great read on a rainy afternoon. 4/5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews