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Grave Consequences
Sometimes finding the living is more difficult than searching for the dead. In 1968, twenty-six-year-old Charlotte Graves wrestles with more than just her decision to return to her hometown, Loblolly, Alabama-she is also fleeing a broken heart, colliding headlong into a second one, and about to stumble onto a deadly secret.
Now settled back in Loblolly, Charlotte is hired to oversee the Woodville County Historical Society, a job she was born for. But no sooner has she banged the gavel to bring order to the first meeting than she is accused of being incompetent to lead the group by her old nemesis, Boopsie Sweets. Later that night, she finds herself arrested by her old beau, the current deputy sheriff, Roan Steele, for killing Boopsie.
After being released on bail, Charlotte uses her skills as a genealogist to leap into the investigation. And when Charlotte goes digging up dirt, she unearths a long-kept family secret. Will it lead to Boopsie's murderer ... or to grave consequences for Charlotte and her family?
Now settled back in Loblolly, Charlotte is hired to oversee the Woodville County Historical Society, a job she was born for. But no sooner has she banged the gavel to bring order to the first meeting than she is accused of being incompetent to lead the group by her old nemesis, Boopsie Sweets. Later that night, she finds herself arrested by her old beau, the current deputy sheriff, Roan Steele, for killing Boopsie.
After being released on bail, Charlotte uses her skills as a genealogist to leap into the investigation. And when Charlotte goes digging up dirt, she unearths a long-kept family secret. Will it lead to Boopsie's murderer ... or to grave consequences for Charlotte and her family?
- GenresFiction
282 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2020
25 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Debra DuPree Williams
2 books28 followersDid y'all know I'm an award-winning author? I don't often say that, but it's true. I was thrilled when Grave Consequences won third place in the Director's Choice Awards at the 2021 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Book two, Grave Decisions, which I'm still editing, has won its fair share of awards prior to publication. And a new Work In Progress (WIP) The Red Dirt Girls won first place for fiction at the 2023 Carolina Christian Writers Conference. It's always nice to win validation for our writing. But I love it when my friends win, too. I'd love to encourage you in your writing if you are an author or a wannabe. Get in touch with me and let me cheer you on. I'm a great encourager!
I was born and reared (as my Mama would say, not raised which is for animals) in south Alabama in a tiny little town that was the best place on earth to have spent my formative years. Friendships made there endure to this day even though many miles separate us.
Much of my childhood was spent singing with my big sister Bobbie who lives in Heaven now. We traveled all over our little town and surrounding areas providing entertainment in old-folks homes, as they were called back then, or for civic events. Sundays found us singing in a church somewhere.
Besides music, reading, and writing were my favorite pass times as a child. I spent hours lying on the floor pouring over our Childcraft books, memorizing as many poems as possible. I’ve long since forgotten the number, but some of them still come to mind from time to time. By age thirteen I’d written my first novel. A romance. You must wonder what in the world a thirteen-year-old knew about romance. Nothing. That’s kind of the point. The story was terrible and I’ve no clue whatever became of it. A very good thing.
My college years took me to the big city, Birmingham, where I met my husband. I went to the Methodist school on one side of town while he attended the Baptist one on the other. A whole lot of years, four boys, one daughter-in-law, two perfect granddaughters, a passel of grand-dogs later, we’ve lived in that big city, on the beach in Florida, and now we’re settled in the mountains of western North Carolina.
My faith and my family are the two most important things in my life. It was my love of genealogy, searching for my roots, that the need to write family stories settled upon my spirit. All those years spent chasing after ancestors wound their way into story after story in my heart and then worked their way onto the printed page.
So, grab a rocker, a tall glass of sweet tea, a good book, and let’s settle in for an afternoon of reading and talking. If that talk happens to turn to genealogy or food, well, that’s even better. There’s nothing quite like down-home Southern cooking and talking about the kinfolk. I’m not a bad cook, if I do say so, as long you don’t ask me to make biscuits. I could almost bet you, somewhere along the line, we’ll be kin.
I was born and reared (as my Mama would say, not raised which is for animals) in south Alabama in a tiny little town that was the best place on earth to have spent my formative years. Friendships made there endure to this day even though many miles separate us.
Much of my childhood was spent singing with my big sister Bobbie who lives in Heaven now. We traveled all over our little town and surrounding areas providing entertainment in old-folks homes, as they were called back then, or for civic events. Sundays found us singing in a church somewhere.
Besides music, reading, and writing were my favorite pass times as a child. I spent hours lying on the floor pouring over our Childcraft books, memorizing as many poems as possible. I’ve long since forgotten the number, but some of them still come to mind from time to time. By age thirteen I’d written my first novel. A romance. You must wonder what in the world a thirteen-year-old knew about romance. Nothing. That’s kind of the point. The story was terrible and I’ve no clue whatever became of it. A very good thing.
My college years took me to the big city, Birmingham, where I met my husband. I went to the Methodist school on one side of town while he attended the Baptist one on the other. A whole lot of years, four boys, one daughter-in-law, two perfect granddaughters, a passel of grand-dogs later, we’ve lived in that big city, on the beach in Florida, and now we’re settled in the mountains of western North Carolina.
My faith and my family are the two most important things in my life. It was my love of genealogy, searching for my roots, that the need to write family stories settled upon my spirit. All those years spent chasing after ancestors wound their way into story after story in my heart and then worked their way onto the printed page.
So, grab a rocker, a tall glass of sweet tea, a good book, and let’s settle in for an afternoon of reading and talking. If that talk happens to turn to genealogy or food, well, that’s even better. There’s nothing quite like down-home Southern cooking and talking about the kinfolk. I’m not a bad cook, if I do say so, as long you don’t ask me to make biscuits. I could almost bet you, somewhere along the line, we’ll be kin.
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August 1, 2020
In Debra Dupree Williams's book, Grave Consequences, 26 yr old Charlotte Graves is digging up the past.
After moving back to Loblolly, the town she grew up in, Charlotte hopes to slip into a quiet life. She looks forward to her new role as the newly appointed genealogical and historical society director. But for Charlotte, things have never been simple or quiet. Her childhood rival, Boopsie Sweets, doesn't believe she's qualified. Boopsie wastes no time in letting everyone in town know just how unqualified she believes Charlotte is. Not able to hold her tongue, Charlotte gives her the what for. Later, while out on a late-night errand, she regrets her outburst. Charlotte goes to Boopsies’ house, hoping to patch things up. When Boopsie doesn’t answer the door, Charlotte discovers the door is ajar. Something doesn't feel right to Charlotte and cautiously she goes into the house to investigate.
It doesn’t take but a minute or two when Charlotte realizes she made a grave mistake.
She sees Boopsie lying in the middle of the kitchen in a pool of blood. To make matters all that much worse, her ex-boyfriend turned deputy sheriff is the one that has to book her on the murder charge.
Not about to let a little old murder charge hold her back, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands. It's up to her to clear her name and find the actual killer. With almost no leads, things seem impossible. She quickly employs the help of her long-time best friend and cousin, Fiona. Charlotte and Fee soon discover digging up the past is the only way to solve this mystery. Doing so, though, will mean uncovering family secrets with deep roots. Not only that, there is something else much deeper going on that could put not only Charlotte in danger but also her family.
As Charlotte confronts her present, the more aware she is of how much she has tried to bury her past.
Forcing herself to deal with the present and putting away the past may be the key to unlocking the door that leads to her future; that is if she can find her way out of the mess she’s made.
Set in the sixties and in the charming southern state of Alabama, Loblolly reminds me of a town close to where I spent my teenage years. When Boopsie and Charlotte have their spat, I envisioned them outside the very library my mother worked in for over twenty years. Loblolly became more than just a cozy hometown; it became my hometown.
Charlotte and Fiona, or Fee, as Charlotte affectionately calls her, are fun and adventurous. The pair left me feeling as though I was with my best childhood friend. If I didn't move, I believe we would have been much like Charlotte and Fee; always into something and never backing out of anything. Through thick and thin, they are there for each other. Fee balances Charlotte with her sensibility. Charlotte’s impetuousness gives her a vulnerability that keeps you turning the page to see what she will do next. She also makes you want to yell don’t go there as loud as you can.
The genealogical twists and turns that Miss Debbie wove throughout this charming southern cozy keep the reader on her (or his) toes. From a huge southern front porch to a hidden room that holds secrets of the past, we discover some paths in life aren't straight lines. In fact, they may not even lead in the direction you thought you were going. But that’s okay because it’s what you learn along the way, that holds the key to unlocking the real treasure; family, friends, and fellowship with the Creator.
This is the perfect book for a summer afternoon on the porch. So grab a glass of ice tea, put your feet up, and let Charlotte drive you around Loblolly for a bit.
P.S. After reading this charming southern novel, I am convinced that Charlotte’s mom makes the best chicken and dumplings in the south.
I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author. However, I was not required to write a review. Writing one has been my choice, and these are my own words.
After moving back to Loblolly, the town she grew up in, Charlotte hopes to slip into a quiet life. She looks forward to her new role as the newly appointed genealogical and historical society director. But for Charlotte, things have never been simple or quiet. Her childhood rival, Boopsie Sweets, doesn't believe she's qualified. Boopsie wastes no time in letting everyone in town know just how unqualified she believes Charlotte is. Not able to hold her tongue, Charlotte gives her the what for. Later, while out on a late-night errand, she regrets her outburst. Charlotte goes to Boopsies’ house, hoping to patch things up. When Boopsie doesn’t answer the door, Charlotte discovers the door is ajar. Something doesn't feel right to Charlotte and cautiously she goes into the house to investigate.
It doesn’t take but a minute or two when Charlotte realizes she made a grave mistake.
She sees Boopsie lying in the middle of the kitchen in a pool of blood. To make matters all that much worse, her ex-boyfriend turned deputy sheriff is the one that has to book her on the murder charge.
Not about to let a little old murder charge hold her back, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands. It's up to her to clear her name and find the actual killer. With almost no leads, things seem impossible. She quickly employs the help of her long-time best friend and cousin, Fiona. Charlotte and Fee soon discover digging up the past is the only way to solve this mystery. Doing so, though, will mean uncovering family secrets with deep roots. Not only that, there is something else much deeper going on that could put not only Charlotte in danger but also her family.
As Charlotte confronts her present, the more aware she is of how much she has tried to bury her past.
Forcing herself to deal with the present and putting away the past may be the key to unlocking the door that leads to her future; that is if she can find her way out of the mess she’s made.
Set in the sixties and in the charming southern state of Alabama, Loblolly reminds me of a town close to where I spent my teenage years. When Boopsie and Charlotte have their spat, I envisioned them outside the very library my mother worked in for over twenty years. Loblolly became more than just a cozy hometown; it became my hometown.
Charlotte and Fiona, or Fee, as Charlotte affectionately calls her, are fun and adventurous. The pair left me feeling as though I was with my best childhood friend. If I didn't move, I believe we would have been much like Charlotte and Fee; always into something and never backing out of anything. Through thick and thin, they are there for each other. Fee balances Charlotte with her sensibility. Charlotte’s impetuousness gives her a vulnerability that keeps you turning the page to see what she will do next. She also makes you want to yell don’t go there as loud as you can.
The genealogical twists and turns that Miss Debbie wove throughout this charming southern cozy keep the reader on her (or his) toes. From a huge southern front porch to a hidden room that holds secrets of the past, we discover some paths in life aren't straight lines. In fact, they may not even lead in the direction you thought you were going. But that’s okay because it’s what you learn along the way, that holds the key to unlocking the real treasure; family, friends, and fellowship with the Creator.
This is the perfect book for a summer afternoon on the porch. So grab a glass of ice tea, put your feet up, and let Charlotte drive you around Loblolly for a bit.
P.S. After reading this charming southern novel, I am convinced that Charlotte’s mom makes the best chicken and dumplings in the south.
I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author. However, I was not required to write a review. Writing one has been my choice, and these are my own words.
July 27, 2020
I love the authentic Southern voice of Charlotte who could pass for Lucille Ball's Southern cousin, but instead of Vivian as a sidekick, Charlotte has her cousin Fee. It's the 1960's in Alabama and Charlotte tries to be the perfect lady as the new director of the Genealogy and Historical Society. But then, she stumbles upon a body and is arrested by her old beau who is the current sheriff. You know there's going to be more than one laugh with a character named Bootsie Sweets (the murder victim). The author knows smalltown life as you can't escape your history or your enemies in a place like Loblolly, AL. This book is fun, easy to read, and entertaining.
July 15, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It was an easy read, has a great mystery, and fun characters. What's not to love? Delightful debut novel and I'm looking forward to the next book!
August 20, 2020
"Grave Consequences" highlights Debra DuPree Williams’s ability to intertwine elements of humor, heartbreak, suspense, and romance into a great story that leaves you wanting to read more from her.
August 2, 2020
Grave Consequences
By Debra DuPree Williams
When genealogist Charlotte Graves goes home to Loblolly, Alabama after an eight-year stay in Savannah, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly ancestral mystery.
Charlotte is hired to oversee the Woodville County Historical Society much to the dismay of her old rival, Boopsie Sweets. When Boopsie is later found dead, Charlotte is accused of her murder. Having no evidence to keep Charlotte locked up, she sets out to prove her innocence. But she finds much more than she bargained for as it looks like Boopsie was killed because she knew too many secrets, secrets that must be kept hidden.
Charlotte treks through old cemeteries, researches ancient documents and photographs, and gathers family history to get to the bottom of Boopsie’s death. And to prove her own innocence.
Set in 1968, this book is full of pure southern charm, colloquialisms, mystery and even a few recipes. Throw in an old boyfriend or two and Grave Consequences has it all. I found this book very hard to put down because I had to know what came next!
I enjoyed this book very much. Debra Williams proves herself to be a wonderfully talented novelist with many stories to tell. I am anxiously awaiting her next Charlotte Graves mystery.
By Debra DuPree Williams
When genealogist Charlotte Graves goes home to Loblolly, Alabama after an eight-year stay in Savannah, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly ancestral mystery.
Charlotte is hired to oversee the Woodville County Historical Society much to the dismay of her old rival, Boopsie Sweets. When Boopsie is later found dead, Charlotte is accused of her murder. Having no evidence to keep Charlotte locked up, she sets out to prove her innocence. But she finds much more than she bargained for as it looks like Boopsie was killed because she knew too many secrets, secrets that must be kept hidden.
Charlotte treks through old cemeteries, researches ancient documents and photographs, and gathers family history to get to the bottom of Boopsie’s death. And to prove her own innocence.
Set in 1968, this book is full of pure southern charm, colloquialisms, mystery and even a few recipes. Throw in an old boyfriend or two and Grave Consequences has it all. I found this book very hard to put down because I had to know what came next!
I enjoyed this book very much. Debra Williams proves herself to be a wonderfully talented novelist with many stories to tell. I am anxiously awaiting her next Charlotte Graves mystery.
July 14, 2020
Author, Debra DuPree Williams, knocks it out of the park with her debut novel, Grave Consequences. Set in the deep south, this story ticks all the boxes for this southern gal with front porch rockers, sweet tea, realistic dialogue with just the right accents, and likable characters.
After being arrested for murder, main character, Charlotte Graves, gets caught up in finding the real killer. When she and her cousin, Fee, join forces, Charlotte gets more than she bargained for as the family tree gets shaken. Truth that had been hidden for generations is brought to light and threatens to change Charlotte’s family more than anyone was comfortable with.
I recommend this cozy mystery to anyone who enjoys suspense with a bit of humor and a spiritual thread running throughout. I look forward to more from this new author!
*I received an advance copy of this book but was not required to give a review. My review is completely my own opinion.
After being arrested for murder, main character, Charlotte Graves, gets caught up in finding the real killer. When she and her cousin, Fee, join forces, Charlotte gets more than she bargained for as the family tree gets shaken. Truth that had been hidden for generations is brought to light and threatens to change Charlotte’s family more than anyone was comfortable with.
I recommend this cozy mystery to anyone who enjoys suspense with a bit of humor and a spiritual thread running throughout. I look forward to more from this new author!
*I received an advance copy of this book but was not required to give a review. My review is completely my own opinion.
July 15, 2020
This book was so enjoyable, I read it in a day. I poured myself a big glass of Sweet Tea (Had to, it's a southern thing for a southern book!) and just kept reading. I couldn't help myself.
The characters were so rich that you might just think this was not fiction, but a retelling of true events. The scenes were very detailed and I felt I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. You grew to love Charlotte and your feelings for Boopsie weren't so nice! For Charlotte's sake, of course.
The story pulled me in right at the beginning and kept at that pace the entire book. For me, that's hard to find a book that well done. But this one did just that.
Grab this book, a big ole glass of Sweet Tea and find yourself a comfy spot on the porch and read away! It will be worth your reading time!
Disclaimer: I did receive a digital copy of the this from the publisher with no expectation in return. My thoughts and comments above are my own.
The characters were so rich that you might just think this was not fiction, but a retelling of true events. The scenes were very detailed and I felt I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. You grew to love Charlotte and your feelings for Boopsie weren't so nice! For Charlotte's sake, of course.
The story pulled me in right at the beginning and kept at that pace the entire book. For me, that's hard to find a book that well done. But this one did just that.
Grab this book, a big ole glass of Sweet Tea and find yourself a comfy spot on the porch and read away! It will be worth your reading time!
Disclaimer: I did receive a digital copy of the this from the publisher with no expectation in return. My thoughts and comments above are my own.
July 15, 2020
A killer hook, an authentic author first-person voice, characters that rise from the pages with finesse and fire, and a plot intriguing as the metaphors of southern life poured through the pages. I was drawn into the story from the first paragraph and the story immersed this reader with anticipation for the characters’ journeys. I adore Charlotte and identified with her and rooted for her throughout the book. Immersive sensory-filled writing, with clever sounds and smells, rounded the experience. Wow, what a fabulous mystery! I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. I can’t wait for the next installment in the Charlotte Graves Mystery series! And written by a debut author! Bravo! Well done, Debra Dupree Williams! Pen the next book in the series quickly!
August 1, 2020
What a great debut novel! I loved the unique story line in this book and how genealogy is key to solving a multitude of mysteries. I laughed out loud at several of the snarky southern phrases and I was left wanting more! I’m looking forward to another book in this series.
July 17, 2020
In 1968, Charlotte Graves stumbled onto a deadly secret. Later that night, Charlotte is arrested by Deputy Sheriff, Roan Steele for the murder of Boopsie Sweets. Released on bail, Charlotte leaps into the investigation and digs up a long-kept family secret.
"Every time I closed my eyes I saw Boopsie. Pooled in her own blood."
I absolutely loved this book. The mystery of who did it and secrets kept me reading. I lost sleep as I couldn't put the book down. The characters were interesting and the plot exciting. The ending - very good. I look forward to other books by Debra.
"Every time I closed my eyes I saw Boopsie. Pooled in her own blood."
I absolutely loved this book. The mystery of who did it and secrets kept me reading. I lost sleep as I couldn't put the book down. The characters were interesting and the plot exciting. The ending - very good. I look forward to other books by Debra.
July 18, 2020
South Alabama Memories
Reading this book has taken me back to that small town in South Alabama I grew up in. Debbie DuPree Williams writing brings forth so many memories of my family, cooking with my grandmother, listening at the knees of my elders of relatives long dead. I was captivated by the mystery of a murder and intrigued to learn of the genealogical connection between these characters. I couldn't put it down! We'll done.
Reading this book has taken me back to that small town in South Alabama I grew up in. Debbie DuPree Williams writing brings forth so many memories of my family, cooking with my grandmother, listening at the knees of my elders of relatives long dead. I was captivated by the mystery of a murder and intrigued to learn of the genealogical connection between these characters. I couldn't put it down! We'll done.
August 7, 2020
An interesting mystery featuring an amateur sleuth genealogist and her cousin sidekick. The 1960s come alive as lead character Charlotte drives around town in her old Chevy digging up clues that will keep you turning pages. Here's my favorite quote from Charlotte: "I don't know why that woman hates me so much, other than the fact that I was arrested for her daughter's murder." Go figure, right? This is a fun read you will be sure to enjoy.
June 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this visit to Loblolly where your DNA can get you into a lot of trouble. For a debut, this is a firecracker of a read. If you enjoy family history and genealogy, or like trips to small town America where life is a little slower and neighbors know everyone's business, this will intrigue and entertain you.
July 15, 2020
Everything about Grave Consequences made this southerner feel right at home. Well-developed characters, the rich setting, and humor---all with a pinch of mystery, kept me turning pages long past bedtime. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I received a free digital advance copy with no promise of leaving a review. Not only did I want to leave a review, but I also purchased a hard copy.
July 18, 2020
Grave Consequences is a Must Read delight!
Like Debra DuPree Williams, I love genealogy! I couldn’t wait to read this book when I learned its basis in family history. The escapades of Charlotte Graves create a page turner of a mystery even if you’re not into genealogy. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one. Well done, Debra!
Like Debra DuPree Williams, I love genealogy! I couldn’t wait to read this book when I learned its basis in family history. The escapades of Charlotte Graves create a page turner of a mystery even if you’re not into genealogy. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one. Well done, Debra!
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July 23, 2020Fun
Good time piece. 1968. And no hippies. Just how the rest of America was living. More Happy Days. Charlotte, the main character, is somewhat ditzy. Think Laverne and Shirley. The plot is complicated but the reader can guess parts of the ending if they pay attention to the clues. But the romance falls flat because of the ending. And you think, Shucks.
Good time piece. 1968. And no hippies. Just how the rest of America was living. More Happy Days. Charlotte, the main character, is somewhat ditzy. Think Laverne and Shirley. The plot is complicated but the reader can guess parts of the ending if they pay attention to the clues. But the romance falls flat because of the ending. And you think, Shucks.
September 28, 2020
An entertaining, sweet-tea Southern mystery that invites you to sit a spell.
From the initial drop of her gavel to bring the Woodville Historical and Genealogical Society’s first meeting to order, Charlotte Graves’ life spirals out of control. It seems her return to her hometown of Loblolly, Alabama isn’t welcomed by all . . . and some are more vocal than others. Before the evening is over, Charlotte finds herself the primary suspect in the murder of her former nemesis, Boopsie Sweets. But “pickled bricks,” Charlotte will not be outdone. Refusing to rely on the expertise of her old beau, now the deputy sheriff, and county investigators, she resorts to what she does best—“digging up dirt.” After unearthing a long-buried mystery surrounding the Rose Haven estate, will telling the truth concerning Loblolly’s residents set her free or push her to leave those she loves once more?
Debut novelist, Debra DuPree Williams, pulls you in to this homespun cozy mystery with her unique and delightful Southern voice—one that charms you into spending more time with Charlotte and her side-kick cousin. Whether sipping sweet tea on Rose Haven’s veranda or traipsing through forests in the dark of night, time spent with this mismatched comical pair guarantees a memorable adventure and keeps you turning pages.
From the initial drop of her gavel to bring the Woodville Historical and Genealogical Society’s first meeting to order, Charlotte Graves’ life spirals out of control. It seems her return to her hometown of Loblolly, Alabama isn’t welcomed by all . . . and some are more vocal than others. Before the evening is over, Charlotte finds herself the primary suspect in the murder of her former nemesis, Boopsie Sweets. But “pickled bricks,” Charlotte will not be outdone. Refusing to rely on the expertise of her old beau, now the deputy sheriff, and county investigators, she resorts to what she does best—“digging up dirt.” After unearthing a long-buried mystery surrounding the Rose Haven estate, will telling the truth concerning Loblolly’s residents set her free or push her to leave those she loves once more?
Debut novelist, Debra DuPree Williams, pulls you in to this homespun cozy mystery with her unique and delightful Southern voice—one that charms you into spending more time with Charlotte and her side-kick cousin. Whether sipping sweet tea on Rose Haven’s veranda or traipsing through forests in the dark of night, time spent with this mismatched comical pair guarantees a memorable adventure and keeps you turning pages.
April 4, 2025
Why I don't read more cozy mysteries is beyond me, but when I do they pull me in and don't let up until I'm through reading them. This one is no exception. This is the authors debut novel, though it came out a few years ago. It's being rereleased with a new cover with the second book coming out soon, and I can't wait. You have Charlotte who has come back home and gets a job with the historical society. When her old nemesis is murdered, Charlotte is suspected. She is determined to clear her name along with her cousin, Fee. All the commotion that goes on during the book will keep you turning the pages until the last page. Just a side note, please read on a full stomach because you will be wanting every dish that is mentioned throughout the book. Plus an added bonus is some recipes in the back of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book but wasn't required to leave a positive review. I do have to mention that I loved this book so much that I purchased a copy.
April 12, 2022
Here is a mighty fine mystery. Set in the Deep South of Alabama in 1968, a young woman who knows a great deal of the town’s secrets, is found murdered , done in by a cast iron skillet. Charlotte Graves, who happens to be standing over her at the time, is arrested for her murder. Charlotte is soon released because of no evidence, but is bound and determined to find the killer.
And this ensues this mighty fine mystery. Oh, it was a lot of fun reading this story and trying to figure out the deeply buried secrets of so many folks in this small southern town. I never did guess. Recommended.
My thanks is to the author for a copy of this book. I was not expected to leave a positive review.
And this ensues this mighty fine mystery. Oh, it was a lot of fun reading this story and trying to figure out the deeply buried secrets of so many folks in this small southern town. I never did guess. Recommended.
My thanks is to the author for a copy of this book. I was not expected to leave a positive review.
March 24, 2021
There’s mystery afoot that only a genealogist can decipher!
Lovable, realistic characters invited me into a small Alabama town in the 1960s. Williams does a fantastic job giving an authentic feel with details such as music, clothing, decorations, and furniture. The characters seem to step off the page from an era 50 years ago.
Written in first person so the story drew me in immediately. I couldn’t put the book down!
The story is well-written with escalating tension that kept me turning pages. I’ll look for more books by this author. Recommend!
Lovable, realistic characters invited me into a small Alabama town in the 1960s. Williams does a fantastic job giving an authentic feel with details such as music, clothing, decorations, and furniture. The characters seem to step off the page from an era 50 years ago.
Written in first person so the story drew me in immediately. I couldn’t put the book down!
The story is well-written with escalating tension that kept me turning pages. I’ll look for more books by this author. Recommend!
August 23, 2022
Great throw-back for me. I enjoyed my visit back to the sixties through the varied characters in this story. Well-written with good pacing and balance of dialogue and narration. The mystery held my interest. I wanted to discover the secrets as much as Charlotte Graves. I’m looking forward to Book Two.
November 6, 2022
Alabama Girl
I’m an Alabama native and instantly felt at home with the characters, the setting, the colloquialisms, and the food. I recalled the fun times at my grandparents’ homes with cousins, aunts, and uncles galore.
Debra created an ending I didn’t fully anticipate.
For lovers of southern fiction this is a must read book.
I’m an Alabama native and instantly felt at home with the characters, the setting, the colloquialisms, and the food. I recalled the fun times at my grandparents’ homes with cousins, aunts, and uncles galore.
Debra created an ending I didn’t fully anticipate.
For lovers of southern fiction this is a must read book.
June 15, 2021
What a fun read!
This book was engaging and immensely readable. I found it to be accurate in details of Southern towns, having grown up in one. Kudos to my college friend and fellow musician, Debra Dupree Williams!
This book was engaging and immensely readable. I found it to be accurate in details of Southern towns, having grown up in one. Kudos to my college friend and fellow musician, Debra Dupree Williams!
August 2, 2021
Delightful cozy mystery sent in a small south Alabama town, Loblolly. Charlotte moves back to town to work for the historic society, and immediately gets caught up in trying to find out who murdered her childhood nemesis Boopsie.
October 14, 2021
I was intrigued since the first chapter! I couldn’t finish it fast enough; however, I had my suspicions near the beginning of who the killer was..but definitely not how it was discovered!! I do wish we had more romance throughout, but overall it was a great read!
December 20, 2022
Grave Consequences
It was a revelation to read this. Using a genealogist to put together clues and solve family mysteries leading to solving the murder was a genius move and made good reading.
It was a revelation to read this. Using a genealogist to put together clues and solve family mysteries leading to solving the murder was a genius move and made good reading.
September 3, 2020
Somewhat Intriguing
The premise was okay but very confusing to me. I could never figure out who was who. I thought there were too many names to keep up with without a chart and too many first names without last names.
The premise was okay but very confusing to me. I could never figure out who was who. I thought there were too many names to keep up with without a chart and too many first names without last names.
October 25, 2020
Excellent Genealogy story
1) already recommended to my friend
2) excellent story lines
3)Tree charts may have helped explain
4) enjoyable, homey reading
1) already recommended to my friend
2) excellent story lines
3)Tree charts may have helped explain
4) enjoyable, homey reading
October 12, 2021
Such an awesome, Southern mystery. The characters are knowable and the story kept me reading long into the night! I cannot wait for the next book in this series (A Charlotte Graves Mystery)!
November 11, 2021
Loved it! It is truly a great book! Mrs. Williams is a true southern lady, and this book is southern family at its best. Funny, and full of twists and turns, I recommend this book whole heartedly!
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