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A Bridge to Death Mystery #3
Cold Reading Murder
In the third Bridge to Death Mystery by R.J. Lee, Bridge expert and small town investigative reporter Wendy Winchester must put her amateur sleuthing skills to the test while investigating the death of a flamboyant psychic...
Bridge expert and investigative reporter Wendy Winchester knows a thing or two about navigating life along the Mississippi River, but murder isn't something she foresees...
Who could have predicted it? The daughter of Police Chief Bax Winchester married to a cop--Detective Ross Rierson. It's a beautiful wedding, and the newlyweds are in bliss--even if they do have to postpone their Hawaiian honeymoon for now. In the meantime, Wendy is teaching a group of newbies the game of bridge so they can join the Rosalie Country Club Bridge Bunch.
One of the newcomers, flamboyant psychic Aurelia Spangler, invites the group to meet at her new home. The historic Overview mansion sits atop the High Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and the local lore is that it's possibly haunted, definitely cursed by the original builder, who fell down the stairs to his death. Unfortunately, the house is about to claim another life.
Following a night of bridge practice and cold readings by their clairvoyant host, Aurelia is found dead in her home by Wendy, a suicide note and cocaine residue by her corpse. But Wendy, an investigative reporter for the Rosalie Citizen, doesn't buy it. The scene seems phonier than Aurelia's act, and now Wendy needs to call the bluff of a cold-blooded killer playing a psychic bid...
Bridge expert and investigative reporter Wendy Winchester knows a thing or two about navigating life along the Mississippi River, but murder isn't something she foresees...
Who could have predicted it? The daughter of Police Chief Bax Winchester married to a cop--Detective Ross Rierson. It's a beautiful wedding, and the newlyweds are in bliss--even if they do have to postpone their Hawaiian honeymoon for now. In the meantime, Wendy is teaching a group of newbies the game of bridge so they can join the Rosalie Country Club Bridge Bunch.
One of the newcomers, flamboyant psychic Aurelia Spangler, invites the group to meet at her new home. The historic Overview mansion sits atop the High Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and the local lore is that it's possibly haunted, definitely cursed by the original builder, who fell down the stairs to his death. Unfortunately, the house is about to claim another life.
Following a night of bridge practice and cold readings by their clairvoyant host, Aurelia is found dead in her home by Wendy, a suicide note and cocaine residue by her corpse. But Wendy, an investigative reporter for the Rosalie Citizen, doesn't buy it. The scene seems phonier than Aurelia's act, and now Wendy needs to call the bluff of a cold-blooded killer playing a psychic bid...
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2021
8 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Lee
5 books35 followersR.J. Lee follows in the mystery-writing footsteps of his father, R. Keene Lee, who wrote fighter pilot and detective stories for Fiction House, publishers of WINGS Magazine and other 'pulp fiction' periodicals in the late '40's and '50's. Lee was born and grew up in the Mississippi River port of Natchez but also spent thirty years living in the Crescent City of New Orleans. A graduate of the University of the South (Sewanee) where he studied creative writing under Sewanee Review editor, Andrew Lytle, Lee now resides in Oxford, Mississippi.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 23, 2021
Cold Reading Murder is the 3rd book in the Bridge to Death Mystery series by R.J. Lee. In this book, I was pleased to meet bridge expert and investigative reporter Wendy Winchester who lives in the Mississippi River.
Wendy is very busy with her full-time job at Rosalie Citizen newspaper, also having just got married to Detective Ross Rierson, as well as teaching a group of newbies the game of bridge so they can join the Rosalie Country Club Bridge Bunch. Even though she and Ross aren't going on their honeymoon until the end of the summer, things are going well for the newlyweds.
The bridge group meets at newcomer, psychic Aurelia Spangler's, new home 'Overview' - a mansion sitting atop the High Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. According to local lore, it's haunted, cursed by the original builder who fell to his death. After a night of bridge practice, Wendy texts Aurelia to meet for a chat. When Aurelia doesn't respond she goes in search of her and finds her dead...
Although book 3 in the Bridge to Death Mystery series, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. With a compelling plot, drama aplenty, a great bunch of characters, and oodles of mayhem added to the mix, this was a fantastic read that kept me on my toes. R.J. Lee's easy writing style was a good fit for me. Trying to unravel the mystery in the pockets of Wendy was lots of fun and I welcomed the comfortable pace. I would like to read the first books I've missed in this series as I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Reading Murder and I’m game to see what shenanigans Wendy and the Mississippi River rabble get into next. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Wendy is very busy with her full-time job at Rosalie Citizen newspaper, also having just got married to Detective Ross Rierson, as well as teaching a group of newbies the game of bridge so they can join the Rosalie Country Club Bridge Bunch. Even though she and Ross aren't going on their honeymoon until the end of the summer, things are going well for the newlyweds.
The bridge group meets at newcomer, psychic Aurelia Spangler's, new home 'Overview' - a mansion sitting atop the High Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. According to local lore, it's haunted, cursed by the original builder who fell to his death. After a night of bridge practice, Wendy texts Aurelia to meet for a chat. When Aurelia doesn't respond she goes in search of her and finds her dead...
Although book 3 in the Bridge to Death Mystery series, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. With a compelling plot, drama aplenty, a great bunch of characters, and oodles of mayhem added to the mix, this was a fantastic read that kept me on my toes. R.J. Lee's easy writing style was a good fit for me. Trying to unravel the mystery in the pockets of Wendy was lots of fun and I welcomed the comfortable pace. I would like to read the first books I've missed in this series as I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Reading Murder and I’m game to see what shenanigans Wendy and the Mississippi River rabble get into next. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 21, 2021
Wendy Winchester has a group of newbies she is teaching to play Bridge. One of the new people is Aurelia Spangler, who claims to be a psychic. Aurelia has rented Overview, a mansion overlooking the Mississippi River. Overview is purported to be haunted following the death of the original owner. Aurelia persuades Wendy to hold the bridge training lesson at Overview, after which she will give cold readings to the bridge players for free. The lesson goes very well and the first person Aurelia does a reading for is Vance Quimby, an author. After the reading, Vance swears she was able to reveal the plot of a mystery novel he is thinking about, even though he has not actually written anything yet. Another reading is given to Milton Bagdad, who delivers singing telegrams. Aurelia's reading scares Milton so badly that he leaves town without any notice.
Shortly later, Aurelia is found dead. It appears to be a case of suicide from an overdose of cocaine. Wendy had been working closely with Aurelia and is certain she did not kill herself. With Aurelia's death from a cocaine overdose, Chief of Police Bax Winchester contacts Earl Jay Doxey, who has help police in the past. When Earl is also murdered, the police start to question Aurelia's actual cause of death.
Was Aurelia's death suicide or murder? Who killed Earl Jay Doxey? Are the two deaths connected? If so, what is the common denominator? Can Wendy and the police unravel the mystery?
This is a great addition to the Bridge to Death series. The characters and situations are very realistic and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end. I am anxiously awaiting the next episode in this wonderful series!
Shortly later, Aurelia is found dead. It appears to be a case of suicide from an overdose of cocaine. Wendy had been working closely with Aurelia and is certain she did not kill herself. With Aurelia's death from a cocaine overdose, Chief of Police Bax Winchester contacts Earl Jay Doxey, who has help police in the past. When Earl is also murdered, the police start to question Aurelia's actual cause of death.
Was Aurelia's death suicide or murder? Who killed Earl Jay Doxey? Are the two deaths connected? If so, what is the common denominator? Can Wendy and the police unravel the mystery?
This is a great addition to the Bridge to Death series. The characters and situations are very realistic and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end. I am anxiously awaiting the next episode in this wonderful series!
March 1, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the third book in the A Bridge to Death mystery series by R.J. Lee.
Wendy and Ross have to skip their honeymoon and instead find themselves involved in a murder mystery. It all starts at the home of a psychic and she gives her guests are pretty accurate readings but Wendy’s is generic at best. Then the psychic ends up dead.
I thought this was a great book. Loved the whole psychic concept and how her profession led to her death and how it made the mystery so much more interesting. I loved the idea of the protagonist being a reporter and her hubby in with the police force. The best of both worlds as far as cozies go.
I thought the mystery was well-crafted and kept your attention all the way through. The characters are what really shone here. I loved the whole group that met with the psychic and how we got to see how it effected all their lives throughout the book.
Definitely a series I want to continue to follow.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the third book in the A Bridge to Death mystery series by R.J. Lee.
Wendy and Ross have to skip their honeymoon and instead find themselves involved in a murder mystery. It all starts at the home of a psychic and she gives her guests are pretty accurate readings but Wendy’s is generic at best. Then the psychic ends up dead.
I thought this was a great book. Loved the whole psychic concept and how her profession led to her death and how it made the mystery so much more interesting. I loved the idea of the protagonist being a reporter and her hubby in with the police force. The best of both worlds as far as cozies go.
I thought the mystery was well-crafted and kept your attention all the way through. The characters are what really shone here. I loved the whole group that met with the psychic and how we got to see how it effected all their lives throughout the book.
Definitely a series I want to continue to follow.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
May 1, 2021
Newly-wed reporter Wendy Winchester Rierson has volunteered to teach some neophytes bridge. At a lesson in the house newly rented by a self-styled psychic, the hostess offers to give the crew sample readings. But she's found dead and Wendy's husband, a police detective, and her doting father, the local police chief, accept Wendy's firm belief that it wasn't suicide. There's a lot of plot packed in these pages, and perhaps not as much bridge as the earlier episodes of this series, which was fine with me.
April 2, 2021
Cold Reading Murder is the third installment in the Bridged to Death Mystery series. Instead of going on a Hawaiian Holiday for her honeymoon, reporter and bridge expert Wendy Winchester Rierson ends up meeting with her bridge club, bringing new members into the club. She's invited into the hilltop Manor of psychic Aurelia Springer. Until she dies. I have enjoyed the series so far. I enjoy the mysteries and also the characters and setting
June 28, 2021
Entertaining book! I thought there were some slow parts, but eventually I was sucked in. I had no idea who the murderer and what their reason would be! Very well written and it tied in nicely. Hopefully it doesn't spread any bad ideas 🤣🤣
July 15, 2021
Promising new mystery author . . . the mystery involved wasn't a difficult solve, but there were enough characters mucking up the scenery to have one shifting the blame back and forth. The strength here is in Mr. Lee's character development . . . I hope he continues to develop his investigative reporter and her bridge club and that the mysteries get even more convoluted in the future.
April 21, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: The story opens with Wendy and Ross’s wedding. It is a perfect affair put on by an extraordinary party planning service in Rosalie. Included in her guests are the newbies Wendy is about to teach the game of Bridge. They are an interesting and diverse lot including a psychic who offers the other students a cold reading at their first session with Wendy. The psychic sees something terrifying but does not see her own death, which is initially called a suicide.
When the victim’s brother reveals a rather diabolical plot the theory of suicide becomes less likely. But how to prove something that seems to be so well disguised. Wendy believes the evidence is hiding in plain sight and she happens to be right. However, it takes quite a few twists, turns and revelations before the entire story becomes clear. Puzzle solver supreme that is Wendy has an indefinable talents for seeing things and connecting the dots in ways others do not. Both her new husband and her chief of police father recognize her ability and call upon her to help solve crimes.
It is a rather unique chemistry the three have and it is both refreshing and fascinating. I love the Deep South flavour of Rosalie and its inhabitants. Like all good fiction, the secret of the success is the development of the characters and this is no exception. I have enjoyed the ride so far and look forward to future outings, where I am sure, based on how the book ended, has a lot of potential for growth.
Five purrs and two paws up.
When the victim’s brother reveals a rather diabolical plot the theory of suicide becomes less likely. But how to prove something that seems to be so well disguised. Wendy believes the evidence is hiding in plain sight and she happens to be right. However, it takes quite a few twists, turns and revelations before the entire story becomes clear. Puzzle solver supreme that is Wendy has an indefinable talents for seeing things and connecting the dots in ways others do not. Both her new husband and her chief of police father recognize her ability and call upon her to help solve crimes.
It is a rather unique chemistry the three have and it is both refreshing and fascinating. I love the Deep South flavour of Rosalie and its inhabitants. Like all good fiction, the secret of the success is the development of the characters and this is no exception. I have enjoyed the ride so far and look forward to future outings, where I am sure, based on how the book ended, has a lot of potential for growth.
Five purrs and two paws up.
April 25, 2021
The cover of R.J. Lee’s latest Bridge to Death Mystery, COLD READING MURDER was actually the reason I took up this series. Sometimes a book cover just catches your eye and you have to read it. All the better when the story is even better than the cover led you to believe. That is the case with COLD READING MURDER. What a great read!
Before I read COLD READING MURDER I did go back and read the first two books in the series, Grand Slam Murder and Playing the Devil and I encourage readers to do so if they haven’t already mainly because Lee does a great job of having characters, grow, develop and change in the course of each book. There is some romance, but not over the top distractive romance from the mystery at hand, between Ross and Wendy. It progresses and adds to each story.
Lee’s characters are full developed. I admit I wasn’t impressed with how Merleece, Wendy’s friend and house keeper was introduced—Lee portrayed her as sounding ignorant and uneducated when in fact she has common sense and adds wisdom to Wendy’s investigations. Wendy is a terrific character. She’s smart, caring, determined and what I appreciate, doesn’t do the “dumb sleuth” move of thinking she shouldn’t do something and then do it anyway. She knows when she could be walking into trouble or just feels like things aren’t as they should be, and lets Ross or her dad know what is going on.
Before I read COLD READING MURDER I did go back and read the first two books in the series, Grand Slam Murder and Playing the Devil and I encourage readers to do so if they haven’t already mainly because Lee does a great job of having characters, grow, develop and change in the course of each book. There is some romance, but not over the top distractive romance from the mystery at hand, between Ross and Wendy. It progresses and adds to each story.
Lee’s characters are full developed. I admit I wasn’t impressed with how Merleece, Wendy’s friend and house keeper was introduced—Lee portrayed her as sounding ignorant and uneducated when in fact she has common sense and adds wisdom to Wendy’s investigations. Wendy is a terrific character. She’s smart, caring, determined and what I appreciate, doesn’t do the “dumb sleuth” move of thinking she shouldn’t do something and then do it anyway. She knows when she could be walking into trouble or just feels like things aren’t as they should be, and lets Ross or her dad know what is going on.
February 23, 2021
Would things have been different if Wendy and her husband, Ross had gone on their honeymoon following their lovely wedding overlooking the banks of the Mighty Mississippi? No way to tell but nobody saw death in the future. Wendy spends some of her time teaching five newbies how to play bridge but that shouldn't have turned deadly. Aurelia is one of the group and she invites the rest to her home for some bridge and a bit of psychic reading. Not long after she is found dead and it looks like suicide. Wendy isn't convinced and lets her thoughts turn to murder. Given that her father is the Chief of Police and her new husband is a cop...well add that to her day job as an investigative reporter and it's no stretch for her to try to uncover the truth. Was Aurelia's house haunted, was it cursed or did a cold blooded killer use those stories as cover?
This works well as a stand alone with a satisfyingly complex plot and many wonderful characters There's no lag in the pace and the twists and turns kept me guessing to the great reveal. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This works well as a stand alone with a satisfyingly complex plot and many wonderful characters There's no lag in the pace and the twists and turns kept me guessing to the great reveal. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 25, 2021
Poor, poor Wendy. It seems she has hit yet another stumbling block on the road to being able to spend a civil evening playing a game of bridge with friends. While a group of newbies think Wendy has progressed well enough to teach them, their play is hampered, yet again, by a death shortly after a game. While Wendy and the others decide to continue with the lessons, Chief Winchester and the new Mr. and Mrs. Rierson try to figure out who killed the psychic who didn’t see her own death coming. The suspects are many and the clues so few as Wendy staunchly refuses to accept the coroner’s first-blush prediction of suicide as the cause of death.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read, both on its own as well as, as the next instalment in the lives of the residents of Rosalie, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read, both on its own as well as, as the next instalment in the lives of the residents of Rosalie, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 1, 2021
Cold Reading Murder by R.J. Lee
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Release Date: February 23, 2021
Cold Reading Murder is the third book in A Bridge to Death Mystery series by R.J. Lee. I had not read the previous books, but was easily able to read this as a standalone mystery.
This was a fun cozy mystery. The characters were likable, the setting was interesting and the mystery was great! Investigative reporter, bridge expert, and newly-wed Wendy takes us along as she works to solve the murder of newcomer Aurelia.
This was such a fun book and I look forward to reading the other books in the series!
I'm so grateful to Pam Binder, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Release Date: February 23, 2021
Cold Reading Murder is the third book in A Bridge to Death Mystery series by R.J. Lee. I had not read the previous books, but was easily able to read this as a standalone mystery.
This was a fun cozy mystery. The characters were likable, the setting was interesting and the mystery was great! Investigative reporter, bridge expert, and newly-wed Wendy takes us along as she works to solve the murder of newcomer Aurelia.
This was such a fun book and I look forward to reading the other books in the series!
I'm so grateful to Pam Binder, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2021
If Wendy had only gone on her honeymoon! Well, that probably wouldn't have stopped someone from murdering Aurelia and making it look like suicide but still, honeymoons are more fun than murder. Unless you are Wendy, a reporter and bridge expert. Wendy just met Aurelia, a psychic, when she joined one of Wendy's bridge classes and now she's learning a lot more about her. Cozy readers know there will be red herrings and twists, Lee does a nice job with the small town atmosphere as well as with the characters. This is the third in the series but perfectly fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read.
May 27, 2021
This is a good mystery involving Wendy, a woman who is an investigative reporter, married to a cop and daughter of another policeman, but who most of all in this story, is attempting to teach a group of people to play bridge. When she goes to the mansion of one of those people, who also happens to be a fortune-teller, she never expects that she will soon be investigating the woman's murder. There is quite a tangled web involving the people in her group, as well as their situations, but Wendy figures it out in the end.
January 9, 2021
Newly married Wendy starts teaching bridge to a group which includes a physic reader. At the first lesson there are several cold readings which start an series of events. One of which is murder. Follow her attempts to sort things out. I enjoyed the book enough to purchase the first two in the series.
Thank you for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley
#Keningston
#ColdReadingMurder
Thank you for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley
#Keningston
#ColdReadingMurder
October 29, 2020
I liked this book, although I found spots that were slow. I liked the characters especially Milton. I think the story is interesting and the reveal of the bad guys was exciting. I was a little disappointed that the actual killer wasn't found. #ColdReadingMurder #NetGalley
February 26, 2021
It is rare that I look for something to do instead of reading a book and I finished several small projects before reaching the last page. There were too many stereotypes and too much unnecessary dialogue.
February 12, 2021
This is the third book to A Bridge To Death Mystery series.
A well written book with a plot to keep you reading. The characters were likable and each had their own story.
I found this to be an enjoyable read and would recommend reading the series even though you could read this book without the first two in the series.
I requested and received an advance copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions aren't own.
A well written book with a plot to keep you reading. The characters were likable and each had their own story.
I found this to be an enjoyable read and would recommend reading the series even though you could read this book without the first two in the series.
I requested and received an advance copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions aren't own.
April 30, 2021
Very similar to another series I have read. I guessed the end.
March 23, 2023
Sorry, I only got to pg 4, then skimmed, then chucked it. Descriptions of wedding cakes and gowns bored me to tears.
February 19, 2024
I've read both the previous books and I have to say this was my least favorite. Not sure why. Perhaps it went in longer than need be? I'm giving it To the 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
November 14, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exhange for an honest review.
"Cold Reading Murder" by R.J. Lee is the 3rd book in the cozy A Bridge To Death Mystery series.
I was lucky to have read the 1st 2 books in the series, "Grand Slam Murders" and "Playing The Devil" and I thought this book was a great continuation to the series.
I found it well written, original with an unique theme, had a great cast of characters and provided a good murder mystery.
I hope the author decides to right another book in the series.
"Cold Reading Murder" by R.J. Lee is the 3rd book in the cozy A Bridge To Death Mystery series.
I was lucky to have read the 1st 2 books in the series, "Grand Slam Murders" and "Playing The Devil" and I thought this book was a great continuation to the series.
I found it well written, original with an unique theme, had a great cast of characters and provided a good murder mystery.
I hope the author decides to right another book in the series.
July 12, 2025
A library find.
Interesting!
Written well!
Interesting plot!
Likeable characters!
Enjoy!
Second read June 2023
July2025
Interesting!
Written well!
Interesting plot!
Likeable characters!
Enjoy!
Second read June 2023
July2025
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews