Engine Repairs

Sunnyside Retired Witches Community #6

by Paula Lester

Things have been going pretty well at the retirement home for witches and other paranormals lately. Possibly too well.

When Steve Grace's friend, Rhea Kaufman, is found dead in her garage right after he dropped his car off to her, he becomes the prime suspect in her murder.

Now, Zoey has to get his name cleared. But, in the process, she just may learn a thing or two about her fiance that she hadn't known before.

Can she figure out who killed Rhea, clear Steve's name, and get on with the wedding plans? Or will the discovery she makes about Steve's name destroy their relationship and possibly the life of one of the residents?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Mystery

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2020

Reviews

[Willow Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second one I have read by her and both were good reads. Real page turners. Hope to see more by her soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I like cozy mysteries, elderly sleuths and magic and this book, or should I say series, has it all and a lot more. It is full of quirky characters, mischief and a little bit of romance. I love the characters especially the way the elderly residents help? Okay get involved in the mystery it causes more problems than they actually solve but I really hope it doesn't stop because it is highly entertaining. The mystery was good and I didn't see the killer coming. It wasn't because there was lots of suspects or a complicated plot, I just hadn't gone there, good job for Zoey or there would be a killer still running around. This is book six in the series and they are stand alone books but I don't think you will be disappointed if you listen to them all. The next book is already added to my must have list.
When things start flying Steve is usually the first person to help calm down the elderly folk in the retirement home for witches and other paranormal's but with the death of his best friend he is all out of sorts. Zoey was hoping that life was going to be quieter now that most of the residents have there powers under control, she should have known better. Steve becomes the number one suspect and the residents set up shop as detectives to help Zoey clear his name. Zoey had never met Rhea and finds the idea of Steve keeping other secrets from her distracting. Rhea also had another connection to the retirement home and with her grandmother's memory suddenly deserting her will Zoey still be able to find the killer?
I really like the narrator. I have lots of audio books but because this book has such a great narrator and wonderful characters it will be a book I can listen to again and again.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quiet month should have clued Zoey in that something big was coming their way, aside from the Ferris wheel that appeared in the back yard of Sunnyside Retired Witches Community. Sure enough, when Steve Grace's goes to pick up his repaired car at the garage, he hears that the garage owner, his best friend, Rhea Kaufman, had been murdered the evening before. Steve may have been the last one to see her, and he becomes the prime suspect. Steve said he had heard something in the back when he had used the bathroom, but he didn’t check it out. What it turned out to be was that someone used a wrench to kill her! And he was agonizing over the fact he hadn’t gone back to check and maybe save her. Then Detective Luke Kellen arrived to ask Zoey if he could use her office to question Steve! Zoey is ready to jump right in to clear his name, but she finds out things she never knew about her fiancé, and she is hurt that she never knew Rhea was his best friend.

Zoey and Steve go to the garage to begin their investigation but find no new information. However, as they were leaving, the old couple who had driven away when Steve brought his car in were approaching. They accused him of murdering Ms. Kaufman, saying that he was whispering in her ear, almost like they were plotting something. Instead, he reluctantly told Zoey that Rhea was helping him plan Zoey and Steve’s wedding. Now they started to look at Rhea’s boyfriend who hung out at a seedy bar. Can Zoey solve this case and get back to her wedding planning? Or is there more trouble ahead and she uncovers more secrets?

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love This Series

When I started reading paranormal cozy mysteries last year, this series was one of the first ones I came across, and I absolutely loved it. After the last book, when this author started another series with another author, I was concerned that I had seen the last of the zany Sunnyside Retired Witches’ Community. So I was thrilled when I saw this book show up at one of my favorite book review sites. It has all the aspects I love about this series, most particularly the quirky community denizens who keep Zoey on her toes because of their wacky magic, intended or not. But this story had an added element. Our heroine’s boyfriend Steve gets mixed up in the murder of his best friend, becoming a suspect. We learn a lot more about Steve and get to see a relationship arc as they face this test of it. Good stuff! I like a mystery story that adds elements like that; paranormal cozies don't typically explore the “romance” angle or the romantic partner (unless they are an impediment to an investigation). As always, this is a fantastic installment in a magnificent series. I'm looking forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love this series and this book was a great addition to the series. Each book can be read as a stand alone but the series is so good, you will want to read them all.

Zoey finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery again....this time, Steve is the accused and we all know there is no way Steve could actually do it. The zany crew at the Sunnyside Retirement home is up to their normal shenanigans and makes things even more entertaining. Can Zoey control the occupants of the Retirement home, convince Luke to let her help solve the murder, and keep her fiance from being arrested for a murder he didn't commit?

Good, entertaining story line, great characters, engaging dialogue and easy and comical detailed descriptions.

Written as a 3rd person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoey is happy that things have settled down at Sunnyside, that changes quickly. Zoey is telling Steve about what is going on, she realizes that something is wrong. Steve tells her his best friend has been murdered, he is a suspect. Zoey decides that she will look into the murder. Luke tells her to stop, she is too close.
Zoey, Steve and the others will look into murder. They will question some of the people they think are suspects. Zoey feels like she is missing something. Zoey is also worried about one of the residents on top of it. A reporter will make Steve's life even worse, turns out he has a vested interest. Zoey, Luke and the others will all work to figure out this murder before Steve is arrested

This was a good book to read. Things were a little confusing in regards to Steve and that build up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Engine Repairs we are back at Sunnyside Retired Witches Community and things have seem to calm down a bit after the antics of Boss Blues. Zoey is grateful for things to get back on track and to get a more familiar routine down, but that is never really an option at Sunnyside.
Zoey and Steve (her fiancé) have a wonderful relationship that is built on trust and respect but when Steve becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his best friend, Zoey must hunt down the killer all while learning new things about Steve.

What I loved about this story (without spiolers) was that we get to know Steve on a deeper level as well as getting to dive into the relationship between him and Zoey. There were a few surprises and a lot of humor and fun. I absolutely love this series, and this was another wonderful addition to it. I can never get enough of the residents of this amazing Witches Community!

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine works at a home for retired witches and paranormals, but she has a normal side as well. But normal is about to have a whole new definition.

This is book six of the series, but it works fine as a standalone. There are some references to past events and it will take a bit to catch up on all the relationships, but the essentials are laid out early on.

This is a cozy witch mystery with all that that implies. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting and a zany cast. I really have developed a fondness for this genre because I love the blend of mystery, magic and mayhem. This one delivers on all of those along with a fun sense of humor that permeates the story. All of this combines to make for a very delightful read. Overall, I had a lot of fun with this one and I look forward to reading more in the series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Disney14604 · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many of us really think about our significant other's life before us?

Steve is accused of murder. Zoey and the gang have to clear him. The victim is Steve's best friend. Best friend?

The wild goose chase to figure out who is actually the killer is full of the hijinks that we have come to expect from the residents. Some funny parts and some very serious parts that should make us all think about in our own lives.

Wonderful addition to series. Easily read as a standalone but definitely more enjoyable if you get caught up by reading previous books.

Have to say I honestly never saw the plotline coming till revealed. Although I did keep thinking about Maria. Will you get so caught up like I did and forget to solve it yourself?

Fast, fun and easy to read cozy mystery.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family and romance can be drama and complicated

Zoey is surprised to realize that there is a lot she does not know about her fiancé Steve. This becomes crystal clear when a close friend of his dies and he becomes a suspect

The folks st the retirement home are family to Zoey, and she is making connections with the mom who left her behind do long ago.

Does Zoey need to leave her romance with Steve behind too? Or is it time to move on to wedding planning

Family secrets of many kinds aplenty. Some loyalties get twisted and work in dangerous and in some cases lethal ways

Drama and romance are in the air!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Sunnydale, what's new? The accused.

This time the accused is not Zoey! I know right? That's ok because the who practically went to jail anyway. This one was so close people. I wasn't sure what the ending would be. I had 3 people I liked for the murder. At one point it was 4 that's how crazy this tale is. When a nosey reporter from the big town comes blabbing that he knows who killed The a and how all over town you can imagine it got in the way of this person's life and work! People should just let the police do their job or Zoey. She would have made one he'll of a cop. Can't wait for the next book. I'm praying it's not the last in the series. I have been telling everyone I know about this series. So you should have more fans soon!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunnyville Retirement Home has a fairly quiet time, but the morning after Steve took his car to the garage, the police come knocking. The owner of the garage, Rhea, had been killed the night before and Steve thus became a prime suspect.
Zoey and her team again have to find out what is going on, to clear Steve.
In many ways a typical story of this series, but added to it is the mixed feelings Zoe has towards Steve and her way of dealing with them.
An interesting story, as a cozy and as a human interest piece.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engine Repairs takes us back to the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community and life seem to be returning to normal. Zoey is Happy for the respite but sadly things never stay that way in Sunnyside for long soon a murder is committed and shockingly her fiancé Steve is the prime suspect. This puts Zoey hot on the trail of trying to find the killer and clear Steve’s name.

This is a really fun read that gives us a much deeper onsite into both Steve as a character and a look at the relationship that Steve and Zoey share as a couple.

This book is a fun quick read with lovable characters and if you like a good cozy this series is for you.

I received this book from Booksprout for an honest review.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoey's fiance Steve is accused of murdering his best friend. Zoey gets right in the middle of the investigation. No way is she going to trust Luke to find the killer. This is a cozy mystery that flows along at a nice pace. Really enjoyed the story and the sweetness of Zoey's and Steve's relationship. Who killed Rhea? Was it her boyfriend, employee, someone else. You need to read the story to get the details. This is a great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve and Zoey are looking forward to their upcoming wedding, but then Steve is a suspect in the murder of his friend. Zoey and friends try to figure out who really did it and she learns a lot more about her fiancee. The characters are so much fun and the banter goes in every direction as they solve this case. Surprises and twists add a little suspense to the mix, but the ending is worth the wait. Really loved this author so on to more of her stories soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Steve goes to see his mechanic, he finds that Rhea has been murdered - and he quickly becomes the only and prime suspect. Zoey, his fiance, runs the Sunnyside Retirement home fo witches and other magical folk. She has also been known to help Luke solve a murder or two in the past - but is she too close to Steve to see the truth? Will the elderely residents of the home be able to help - or will someone get hurt in the process? Love this series and cant wait for more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop her fiancé from going to jail. Zoey has to find a killer before her fiancé Steve is arrested for the murder of his best friend. But Steve’s friend Rhea has several past and present boyfriends who are on Zoey’s suspect list, as well has Rhea’s newest employee Ralph. But one of the residents at Sunnyside has secrets in her past that could lead to the killer. If Zoey can just find out what the secrets are. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Michele Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murdered Mechanic

Steve, Zoey's fiancee is accused of the murder of his friend and mechanic Rhea. He was leaving her garage after dropping off his car for service when he heard a noise from the back of the shop. He dismissed it as nothing and went home. The sheriff's deputy Luke showed up at the retirement home and after routine questions told Steve he was the leading suspect. It takes the combined efforts of Luke, Steve Zoey and the residents of the home to find the killer. Enjoyed the book immensely.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Paula Lester, has written a great addition to the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community series. I have not once been disappointed by any story in this series. This one was no exception. The characters were highly entertaining and the story line kept me engaged. I laughed my way through this book just like I have the others. I am eagerly awaiting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Sunnyside, a retirement home for witches and other paranormals. Zoey is desperate to clear Steve’s name when his friend Rhea is found murdered and Steve is the prime suspect. Busy with wedding plans and managing her group of retirees, Zoey manages to figure our who killed Rhea. Love the series. Fun characters and always a wonderful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucrecia Tolbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The residents of the retirement home in Sunnyside have given me lots of joy while reading. This book continued this joy. This book not only gave perspective from Zoey, but we got to learn more about Steve. Once again, Zoey has displayed that she will go to any lengths to protect her loved ones. Her tenacity and grit continues to shine through.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Illusode · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6 stars
Meh

Less an enthralling murder mystery than a meander through the community of Sunnyside. Frankly, that worked way better, seeing how people banded together to support their friends. Meanwhile, the investigative aspect was so partial, so biased as to easily miss pertinent clues. So it was impossible to respect that. But the relationships were so warm and real...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has pulled us into the lives of the workers and residents of the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community. When a murder happens in town, Zoey (with the help of her friends) sets out to find the true murderer since it cannot possibly be her fiance, Steve.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters! Zoey and Steve make the best couple, and no matter what, always have each other’s back. I was all over the place trying to figure out who the murderer was. So many twists and turns. It was awesome!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best in the series so far

Once again Paula Lester has kept me laughing at the antics of the residents of the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community and also guessing at the who the murderer is. I am still catching up, reading the series in sequence and I am enjoying every single minute.

[Helen Agathocleous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waited all summer for this release

Sunnyside retirement home was one of the first paranormal cozy mysteries I had read and then went onto read the entire series. This was as good as the others.

[Myra Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witchy fun

I've enjoyed each book in this series with lots of eclectic characters. I liked that Steve had more personality in this book. I did find it odd that Zoey didn't know more about her fiance's life but that was covered by the ending. Nice read!

[Shweta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sunnyside Retirement Home's residents & staff along with their friends are what keep me hooked to this amazing series.

They might not be related by blood but they're a a family at heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engine Repairs is Book 6 in the series. I enjoy this series.
Zoey's fiance is the prime suspect in the murder of his friend Rhea. This was another great mystery in this series.
I really enjoyed the mystery and the well developed characters.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I love reading about all the crazy happenings at Sunnyside Retirement Home, between all the residence and employees they can withstand anything or solve any murder case that comes their way