Peachy Scream

Georgia B&B #2

by Anna Gerard, Jane Oppenheimer (Narrator)

To die, or not to die? Georgia B&B proprietor Nina Fleet turns amateur thespian to bring the curtain down on a Shakespearean actor's killer.

It's nothing short of inevitable that Cymbeline, GA, hosts an annual Shakespeare festival. But stage-struck Nina Fleet is about to learn that putting on an amateur theatrical production can be murder. Nina's anticipating showbiz glamour and glitz when a community Shakespearean troupe arrives for a two-week stay at her B&B. But the lights dim when she learns the company's director is her nemesis, struggling actor Harry Westcott--who still claims to be the rightful heir to Nina's elegant Queen Anne home.

Meanwhile, the troupe members are not content to leave the drama upon the stage. Accusations of infidelity and financial malfeasance make a shambles of rehearsals. And then, two days into the troupe's stay, the lead actor is found dead in Nina's formal Shakespeare garden. Natural causes...or murder most foul?

Nina uncovers evidence that something is indeed rotten in the town of Cymbeline. Too bad Harry is the only one who believes that she's not going completely off script. And exposing the truth isn't easy when the remaining troupe members say the show must go on...particularly when all of them seemingly had a motive for wanting their fellow actor to permanently exit stage right. Determined to keep the killer from making a curtain call, Nina and her trusty Australian Shepherd, Matilda, join forces with Harry to sleuth out the murder plot. Will they succeed before someone else shuffles off this mortal coil? Find out in Anna Gerard's delightful second Georgia B&B mystery.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Adult, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

9 pages, Audiobook

Published August 11, 2020

About the author

DIANE A.S. STUCKART who also writes as ALI BRANDON, ALEXA SMART, and ANNA GERARD, is a member of that proud breed, the native Texan. She was born in the West Texas town of Lubbock, home to Buddy Holly, prairie dogs, and Texas Tech University, where her mom once taught. Most of her formative years, however, were spent in Dallas with her parents and siblings: one younger sister and three younger brothers. And then, when she was fifteen, her dad's work took them north of the Red River and into Oklahoma, settling just outside Oklahoma City. 

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peachy Scream by Anna Gerard is the second book in the cozy A Georgia B&B Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book of the series has it’s own fully solved mystery within so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There is however some character development that carries over from book to book for those who follow from the beginning.

After her divorce Nina Fleet wanted to get away from the city and give herself a fresh start so when she found a historic Queen Anne house in quaint Cymbeline, GA. Nina immediately put in an offer for the home with her long term plan being to open a Bread and Breakfast and start a new life in the charming small town. After a rocky start to her new business Nina feels like things are finally going well.

Now with the annual Shakespeare festival in the small town Nina is hoping to fill up her B&B with guests for the two weeks. Nina really didn’t expect one of those guests to be Harry Westcott, the man who gave Nina problems over the sale of her new home. However, when the lead actor ends up murdered Harry is the only one that believes in Nina’s theories and teams up with her to help catch a killer.

Having read both books in the A Georgia B&B Mystery series I have come to find that the stories certainly have a lot going on in them. Regardless though these are still easy to follow cozies with fun characters in a lovely small town setting which is just the type of cozy that I enjoy. With also another great mystery to follow in this second book I will definitely look forward to the next in the series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy authors certainly like to set their series in B&B's. I suppose it is a modern version of the country house parties which authors like Agatha Christie used. Just a good way to bring together a bunch of people and keep them in one place while murders are performed and resolved.

Anna Gerard certainly collects an interesting group of characters into Nina's B&B in this book. The town is in the middle of a Shakespeare festival and Nina is hosting a group of actors who are going to present performances of Hamlet. Unfortunately Hamlet dies in Nina's garden and she suspects foul play. The book centres around her investigative procedures as she sets out to find the guilty party.

This was a fun story, well told and entertaining to read. Occasionally the author became a little bit too whimsical. One example - naming a husband and wife Jack and Jill Hill. Just small things though. Overall an enjoyable book.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[JEN A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. The release date for this book is 11 Aug 2020

I love a good cozy mystery and “Peachy Scream” is just that. I’m a sucker for your typical cozy mystery formula and the author follows it quite well. The victim isn’t very well liked and there are suspects abound. This was a very easy and fun read and I love novels that have great animal characters as well, in this case a dog named Mattie. Overall the second book in this series is a success and I look forward to reading future installments.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peachy Scream by Anna Gerard is the second book in her Georgia B&B and was great fun and kept me completely engaged throughout the book. I really enjoy visiting Cymbeline and Nina and was thrilled to be able to read this book. Ms. Gerard's writing is so comfortable and draws me in every time.

Nina Fleet takes a last minute booking for her B&B for the Atlanta based amateur Shakespeare acting troupe that is performing in Cymbeline's annual Shakespeare Festival. Turns out that Harry Westcott is the director of the troupe for this performance and Nina has no choice but to welcome him back. A well crafted story with a diverse cast of characters (pun intended) that came alive with Ms. Gerard's descriptive writing, several twists as the troupe members pasts come to light and a dramatic reveal that Nina and Harry planned together (shocking)for the entire festival goers to witness.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was absolutely refreshing. I am really starting to love this series and am certainly anticipating a third book. And a fourth. ;-) And thankfully, there is only ONE mention of the way Nina [NINE-ah] pronounces her name [this was a little bit of an issue in the first book].

Nina is ready for the town's local Shakespeare's festival - she has scored a coup in being able to house the Shakespeare troupe coming from Atlanta to put on the show "Hamlet" during the festival at her B&B and is happy and ready to welcome them there until they actually show up and are led by her nemesis, Harry Westcott. Needless-to-say, she is less than impressed. But due to all the positive press that the B&B will get from hosting them, she has to let them stay. And as she says, THAT was her first mistake. :-) And after serving the first breakfast of the 10 day stay, one of the actors dies in her garden and from that moment on, Nina and her reluctant side-kick Harry [they decide to put differences aside to solve this WHILST trying to rehearse for Hamlet. In summer. IN GEORGIA. Yeah.] work to solve this murder. Add the awesome police chief, the coroner who is also a preacher AND a funeral director AND all the remaining actors and a reveal that is both entertaining and extremely original I had guessed who the killer was early on. Simply by their behavior and simply because I read a lot of mysteries. I was unsure of the why, but I knew who it was very early on. The WHY was interesting and the idea that the wrong person died is also a interesting new trope to introduce to the cozy genre and made it an excellent read, even knowing who the killer was, and you have one really good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Harry Westcott is back and he has brought a troupe of Shakespearean actors with him. They are booked into Nina Fleet’s Georgia B&B for the next two weeks to take part in Cymbeline’s annual Shakespeare festival. Nina is sure this is just part of Harry’s scheme to take her home away from her but with no other lodging available she can’t send the group away and be responsible for ruining the festival. The trouble with actors though is they always bring the drama. This crowd seems to snipe at each other constantly and are not beyond playing a prank or two. But did someone’s prank go too far? Just two days into their stay lead actor Len Marsh is found dead in Nina’s Shakespeare garden. Foul play? or natural causes?

Nina definitely believes there is murder afoot and shares her thinking with Harry. Soon Nina and her nemesis are teaming up with a little assistance from a certain Australian Shepherd to catch the killer before the curtain comes down on another B&B guest.

Nina (Nine-A) Fleet is a great protagonist and is learning the ropes of being a great innkeeper. She does her best to keep her guests happy and to tend to their needs. Even Harry Westcott. Harry does put his career first and agrees to put his feud with Nina on the backburner if she allows everyone to stay. Having them work together on the murder investigation really shows how much these characters have grown.

Readers are introduced to quite a group of thespians. They include lead actor, playing Hamlet, and victim Les Marsh and his trophy wife Susie, who will be playing Ophelia. Earth Mother, Professor Tessa Benedict, and her hippy husband Bill, who will be playing Queen Gertrude and King Claudius. Bill will also be playing the ghost of Hamlet’s father. Radley Heller, a research and development bigwig, will be playing Laertes. Marvin Lasky who just sold his small electronics development company for a few million dollars, playing Polonius and Horatio. And Chris Boyd, the youngest and newest member of the group. He is quiet with his nose in his phone and earbuds in his ears. He will be playing a variety of minor roles, but really wants the major role of Hamlet. The author does a fine job of fleshing out these characters quickly. It seems they all had reasons to kill Marsh and with everyone staying together at the B&B they all had the opportunity too.

The mystery is well-plotted and I did like Harry and Nina working together but I did pick the culprit out early in the story. That being said I loved the way all was revealed on opening night. A little rewrite of the script and a few background images changed and the show must go on. And go on it does, allowing the killer to reveal themselves. It was entertaining to read and I bet it would have been delightful to watch.

Peachy Scream is a peachy keen addition to this series. I enjoy the realistic characters and the way Ms. Gerard injects humor in all the right places. The Shakespeare theme was fun too.

The next book in this series, Peaches and Schemes will be released on May 11.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peachy Scream by Anna Gerard has Nina Fleet who owns Fleet House Bed-and-Breakfast in Cymbeline, Georgia hosting Georgia Amateur Shakespeare Players (GASP). It is the town’s seventh annual Shakespeare on Cymbeline Square which includes nightly performances of Hamlet by the amateur acting troupe. Nina does not learn until the actors arrive that their director is Harry Westcott. The group is rehearsing at the B&B while they adjust to the hot temperatures for their outdoor performances. When Len Marsh fails to return from a smoke break, Nina goes searching and finds the thespian dead in the hawthorn hedge. There were tensions between Len and several of the member of GASP. Nina with her trusty Australian shepherd sidekick, Mattie reluctantly team up with Harry to unmask the killer. Peachy Scream is the 2nd A Georgia B&B Mystery. It can be read as a standalone. Nina Fleet cannot believe her luck in obtaining the actors performing at Shakespeare on Cymbeline Square for her fledgling bed and breakfast. But then the bus arrives with Harry Westcott behind the wheel. Nina was hoping she had seen the last of the actor who believes he should be the rightful owner of her Queen Anne Victorian. You can always count on laughs when Harry is around. There is plenty of fun to be had in Peachy Scream. The death of Len Marsh has Nina donning her sleuthing cap once again. The killer does not seem happy to stop with Len because attempts are made another one of the thespians. Someone is also playing pranks that are getting everyone riled up. There is a red herring as well as a variety of clues. I wish this whodunit had been more of a challenge to solve. I did feel that the killer was rather obvious. Also, there was a repetition of key details regarding the investigation. This character driven story will delight those who enjoy easygoing, humorous cozy mysteries. Peachy Scream is a blithe tale with a hawthorn hedge, amateur actors, number nine Nina, a play within a play, the Secret Squirrel Society, madcap mayhem, and playful pranks.

[Lisa Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Being trans and not out is not deception. Dead naming trans people to their face and threatening to tell others is an act of violence. This book disgusts me.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina Fleet’s Georgia B&B is doing very well. It was difficult at first since her ownership of the house had been questioned by Harry Westcott, who claimed he inherited it. However, that’s all behind them now until Harry returns. This time he is directing a Shakespearean troupe and staying at Nina’s B&B. She hopes it won’t be awkward.

However, Harry Westcott is the least of her concerns. One of the members of the troupe is found dead in her garden. Things get crazier when Nina learns the victim had quite a few enemies starting with every member of the Shakespearean troupe. Nina fears no one will want to stay at her B&B since this is the second murder to occur there in just a few months. Meanwhile, Harry is concerned about his play. Together, along with Nina’s dog Mattie, they search for a killer.

This is the second book in the series and I loved this one even more than the first. The storyline moves along at a nice pace.

There’s quite a bit of character growth between Nina and Harry. I look forward to seeing if it goes any deeper. Both are realistic, fun characters. The supporting cast are an interesting group, especially the Shakespearean troupe. They each have their own quirks.

I always enjoy a B&B setting. The author did a great job of transporting me into the small town. I wasn’t overly shocked at who the culprit turned out to be, but the storytelling is intriguing and riveting. I found myself engrossed in finding out the whys and hows of it all. I can’t wait for the next book to be out.





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia B&B owner Nina Fleet has her hands full when a theater troupe descends upon her guest house. The group is staying there to rehearse for a Shakespearean play they’ll perform at a local festival. But when Len, the actor portraying Hamlet, ends up dead in the garden, what will they do for a lead performer? The director decides he’ll play the role to the consternation of his colleagues who might have wanted the part. Meanwhile, Nina means to solve Len’s murder and erase any stain on her business’s reputation. Interpersonal conflicts and resentments among the players rival the tragic play as she digs deeper. Can she avenge Hamlet by exposing Len’s killer before the curtain falls on the next victim? "Peachy Scream" is a charming bed-and-breakfast murder mystery that will make you eager to attend the next play in the park with this book in hand. I enjoyed the setting, the characters, the twisty plot, and in particular, the food descriptions at the B&B. Disclaimer - I received an advance reading copy from the author. This review is freely given as my honest opinion.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Georgia B&B mystery series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

NIna, 41, divorced, receives a troupe of Shakespeare actors for the annual festival at her B&B. When the lead actor is found dead in her garden, she is involved in another mystery, which she solves with the help of a man who isn´t necessarily her friend - or is he?

I liked the description of the B&B life as well as of the rehearsals of the company. Good description of characters too, and though a bit slow in the beginning paces along quite well till the exciting end. Loved the setting in the theatre world, and would like to read more of this series.

The only negative spot is Nina´s view on certain kinds of people, which I don´t want to spoil now.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Finding a dead body in your formal garden has got to rate in the top ten Bad Things that can happen to a person. To be fair, war and plague and famine do have a lock on the first three spots.”

Once again, Anna Gerard has me caught up in a book by the first few lines. I really enjoyed Peach Clobbered, the first in this Georgia B&B Mystery series, so I was very much looking forward to Peachy Scream – I’m happy to report that I really enjoyed this new installment as well.

Nina’s first person narrative voice is delightfully conversational and a little bit snarky (which I love), and the characters she encounters at her B&B and the small town of Cymbeline are as quirky and suspicious as you might expect for a cozy mystery. Instead of nuns, in Peachy Scream, Nina’s inn is descended upon by a troupe of Shakespearean actors with none other than Harry Westcott (Nina’s part nemesis, part potential love interest) at the helm. These Hamlet players bring a new level of layers (and dry humor) to the mix, making you simultaneously entertained by their drama & feeling sorry for Nina for having to put up with them. (And can I just say that I’m typing this from Georgia. In the summer. In the hot hot hot summer. And I can’t imagine being all dressed up in Shakespearean garb to rehearse and perform a play outside. Nope. Nope. Nope. lol)

I also really love the eccentricities of Cymbeline – the author has done a great job of capturing a small southern town with its offbeat way of doing things. Particularly the ‘one stop shop’ appeal (?) of the coroner who also happens to be a pastor and the funeral home director! (LOL) The police chief is refreshingly portrayed as a competent law enforcement officer and is a great supporting character – and, for her part, Nina is more responsible (sometimes) in her sleuthing than a lot of cozy mystery heroines. And, of course, Mattie the sweet & faithful dog – gotta love her!

Bottom Line: Engaging to read & smartly written, Peachy Scream is a fabulous followup to its predecessor in the Georgia B&B mystery series by Anna Gerard. The plot, with its infusion of entertaining & intriguing characters, will more than hold your attention from beginning to end, and you’ll turn the last page already eager for the next trip to Cymbeline. While my initial guess of the culprit was ultimately right, I was never 100% sure until just before the creative reveal – and I certainly didn’t guess the WHY behind the WHO. Fun series to add to your TBR list!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cymbeline, Georgia is about to hold the
town’s seventh annual Shakespeare Festival.
The festival will have authentic musicians,
craftspeople and an abridged performance
of a Shakespeare play to represent the
sixteenth century.
Nina Fleet owner of the Fleet House Bed and
Breakfast will house the troupe of the Georgia
Amateur Shakespeare players.
The director is Harry Westcott. He is an actor
and Nina’s nemesis. Harry is the grandnephew
of the home’s former owner who died without
updating her will. Shortly after the former
owner passed the house went up for sale
with Nina buying it. But Harry still insists that
the home really belongs to him .
The troupe will be staying there for two weeks.
The readers will take play in the working of
putting together a production by participating
in the rehearsals at the B&B then the final
actual performance on the twin stage. The
reader will also come acquainted with Yorick.
This is a fast paced adventure full of antics
with a cast of multifaceted, well created,
quirky characters with interesting backstories.
Plus Matilda (Mattie), the fur baby appears
thorough out the story. Mattie is a black, gray
and white Australian Shepherd that has one
blue and one brown eye. I enjoyed the role she
played especially when Mattie helped to keep
one of the characters alive.
Keeping up a streaming intrigue flow plus
keeping the story light and fun presents an
interesting twist and turn on who murdered a
man in the garden.
I loved the Shakespeare garden which consisted
of a series of herbs and flower beds that were
mentioned in the Bard’s works.
Also mentioned in the story was the a Halloween
charity event called a Peachy Scream.
I enjoyed the well presented murder mystery
mixed with the Shakespeare theme.
This is book # 2 in the Georgia B&B Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone. This is
the first book in the series I have read.
I volunteered to read Peachey Scream. Thanks
to Crooked Lane Books via Net Gallery for the
opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my own.
Stop by Cymbeline, Georgia and help solve the
murder mystery.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. Nina Fleet's B and B is housing an amateur acting group, who will be performing at the local Renaissance festival. Unfortunately for Nina, the group's director is her old nemesis Harry Westcott.

This is another enjoyable cozy, with a few references to the events in the first book, but only enough to give a little background. I think it's a series worth continuing.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second in the series didn't keep me as into the book as the first did. I still love the setting and the main characters, I guess I just didn't like the secondary characters that show up. I did enjoy the ending though and will continue with this series!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I had trouble following this book. Even it's only the second in the series, the author, in my opinion, didn't give me enough background to get a feel for the background story. However, it was interesting. I loved the town and how they rallied around the Shakespeare Festival!

I will be going back to read the first book to make sense of a few background facts including what's going on with Harry! There's obviously some type of relationship to figure out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book!

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked first installment better. This one just had too much unimportant information regarding a play that was taking place in town. Just an okay read.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peachy Scream by Anna Gerard is the 2nd book in the Georgia B&B Mystery series, and another great addition. Nina is 41 years old and came to Cymbeline, GA where she bought a house, and turn it into a bed and breakfast. The town is hosting the annual Shakespeare festival, and the Shakespearean Troupe is staying at her B&B. Unfortunately Harry Westcott is back and claiming her house belongs to him, he is also the director and staying with the troupe, in her house. When the lead actor is found dead in Nina's formal Shakespeare garden, the sleuthing begins. There is so much going on in this book, I love it, along with all the quirky characters. I can not wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mallorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading book two just as much as book one. Hoping to see a third book in this series. I was glad to see the harry character being brought back for book two, after having left in book one. The characters were really interesting and the dog character was written so well that it seemed like the dog was helping nina in figuring out the mystery. The idea of reenacting the murder on the stage in order to flush out the killer, i thought was brilliant and a little clever.

I recommend this book if :1) you enjoy cozy mysteries
2) enjoyed book one in this series
3) like mysteries set in B&B's

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

The first book in this series, Peach Clobbered, was just the quintessential first book in a cozy mystery series. The location was marvelous, the characters were appropriately quirky, the dog was adorable and the mystery was properly twisty while the story had a lot of heart – and a superfluity (that’s the correct word, I looked it up) of surprisingly with-it elderly nuns.

I miss the nuns. (Now there’s a sentence I never expected to write!)

Not that Nina Fleet – and her still adorable dog Mattie – aren’t still operating the Fleet House B&B in lovely Cymbeline Georgia. And not that I still wouldn’t love to find the place that inspired it once travel is safe again.

But I miss the nuns. They brought something to the first book that isn’t present in the second one. Making Peachy Scream more of a typical cozy than one that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

The story in Peachy Scream is still plenty charming – although the murder victim certainly is not.

When Nina’s nemesis, jobbing actor Harry Westcott, returns to her B&B with a troupe of amateur Shakespeare players in tow, Nina is certain that Harry is up to something. Again.

After all, when Nina and Harry first met, it was over his lawsuit to vacate her ownership of his great-aunt’s house. The place that Nina had just bought and just started setting up as a B&B in touristy Cymbeline. Not that Nina didn’t buy the house fair and square, rather that Harry’s contention was that the seller had no rights to sell because his great-aunt promised to leave him the house in her will. Which she didn’t – or at least no such will has ever been found although I expect it to turn up at some point later in the series. (That is a guess on my part and not a spoiler. I could be totally wrong. Time will eventually tell. Hopefully.)

Still, Harry’s back and Nina’s suspicious. As she should be.

But Cymbeline, named for Shakespeare’s play, is just about to open its popular, profitable and annual Shakespeare Festival. Harry and his troupe are the contracted acting company for this year’s play, Hamlet. And every other possible place for the players to stay was booked long ago. The festival is very popular!

Which means that Nina, rightfully suspicious as she is, can’t afford to throw Harry out on his rather delectable ass. Not that she’s noticed. Much.

It’s clear to Nina from the moment that she is introduced to Harry’s troupe of players that, to quote the Bard, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” or at least in the state of the company. When the man whom everybody seems to hate – including his trophy wife – turns up his toes in the middle of Nina’s Shakespeare garden, there’s a bushel of suspects, a peck of motives and no end in sight. But the show must go on.

And so must Nina’s and Harry’s reluctant collaboration in investigation. But this time, it’s not the play that’s “ the thing to uncover the conscience of the king”, it’s the play within a play within a play that catches the murderer.

Escape Rating B: Anyone who has spent their school years being endlessly compared to an older sibling or cousin and always failing to measure up will understand my reaction to Peachy Scream. I absolutely loved Peach Clobbered and picked up Peachy Scream because I was hoping for more of the same – or hopefully even better – in the second book in the series now that the setting and characters had been established.

I just didn’t realize how much of the charm of the first book was owed to the nuns. Without them, Peachy Scream doesn’t have quite the same charm. It’s still a good cozy mystery, but the nuns made the first book rise in a way that this one doesn’t.

Not that the story doesn’t have its own charms. The troupe of players, their surprisingly convoluted relationships and the almost internecine warfare amongst them certainly adds plenty of drama to a scenario that is already fraught with it. After all, these are actors – albeit amateur ones – and drama is their natural state.

The whole concept of the play within a play within a play really works here, especially as it seems completely natural for Cymbeline to host a Shakespeare Festival. It would be more of a surprise if they didn’t!

And the hidden agendas of the players make for an appropriate tipping of drama into melodrama, while the strange and strained relationship between Nina and Harry adds an element of farce.

There’s one element of the story that, while in some ways it’s done very well, in one particular aspect adds to some discomfort while reading. It was a common device in several of Shakespeare’s plays, for example in As You Like It, for the Bard to play with gender roles and gender stereotyping by having one or more female characters spend much of the play masquerading as male characters, with all of the dramatic and comedic possibilities for mistaken identities and misplaced affections on full display.

So the concept that one of the members of the troupe is a woman pretending to be a man fits right into the Shakespearean milieu that Cymbeline plays homage to with its festival.

But Nina’s reaction to discovering the possibility that the Chris that presents themselves as male may be female made for a very uncomfortable read. In 21st century terms, when this story is set, it is entirely possible that Chris is in transition rather than in disguise. Nina’s waffling about how to refer to Chris inside her own head, her seeming compulsion to hang herself up on knowing Chris’ gender felt so wrong that it literally dropped the grade of the book from a B+ to a B. The point where Harry just tells Nina to get over herself and use the gender nonspecific “they” in reference to Chris made ME heave a sigh of relief. And it should not have been necessary.

That being said, there was a lot about Peachy Scream to enjoy. The cast was even quirkier, in their own way, than the previous book. The town of Cymbeline is filled with a terrific bunch of folks, and while the Reverend Dr. Bishop, local minister, funeral home director and county coroner, wasn’t as much fun as the nuns; he was a fascinating character in his own right and I hope we see more of him in the series.

And Nina’s relationship with Harry, as weird as it already is, got even weirder at the end of the book. I’m terribly curious to see how THAT plays out in future books in the series!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I haven't read the first book in Anna Gerard's series set in a B & B, I still jumped at the opportunity to read this one, Peachy Scream as I enjoy a well written cosy, and this looked like it fitted the bill perfectly.

Fleet House B & B in Cymbeline, Georgia is this year's venue for a Shakespearean amateur theatrical production. Nina Fleet, the proprietor of the fledgling B & B is looking forward to the event, expecting showbiz glamour as the actors arrive for their two-week stay. But her enthusiasm abates when she learns the company's director is her nemesis, struggling actor Harry Westcott, who still claims to be the rightful heir to her elegant Queen Anne home. Accusations of infidelity and financial wrongdoing abound, and then the lead actor is found dead in Nina's garden...

Peachy Scream was a compelling, charming, fun cosy read. The cast was quirky, and protagonist Nina was spirited, peppy and amusing. The town of Cymbeline was filled with a terrific bunch of folks, and I really liked the Reverend Dr Bishop, local minister, funeral home director and county coroner who was loads of fun. The troupe of players, with their chaotic relationships and havoc-wreaking behaviour certainly add plenty of drama to the entertaining plot. The mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep my armchair detective cravings satisfied.

The hidden agendas of the players turn all of the drama into melodrama, while the strained relationship between Nina and Harry adds an element of farce. Nina had a rather curious relationship with Harry that intensified as the story progressed, and I’m fascinated to see how it plays out in future books. Overall, a marvellous cosy and a very worthwhile read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

PEACHY SCREAM by Anna Gerard
The Second Georgia B&B Mystery

Cymbeline, Georgia is gearing up for its annual Shakespeare festival. While Nina Fleet is too late to become an official sponsor of the event, she's happy to host the Georgia Amateur Shakespeare Players at her B&B. That is until she discovers the director is none other than Harry Westcott, the actor who previously lay claim to her Queen Anne home. Although worried about Harry's machinations, Nina allows the group in only to find the Shakespearean troupe plagued by pranks. When their Hamlet is found dead in Nina's garden the first thought is that he died of natural causes. But did he? One thing is certain, something's rotten in the Fleet House B&B and it's up to Nina to find out what!

I'm delighted to be back at Fleet House Bed and Breakfast and even more delighted to be thrust back into the world of theatre, especially Shakespearean theatre. Shakespeare and his themes are timeless, as are motives for murder and the two are intertwined beautifully in this second Georgia B&B Mystery. In addition to loving the nod to the bard I also appreciated the way in which the book acknowledges certain modern societal issues.

The characters come to life in the pages of PEACHY SCREAM and drive the story while keeping the readers invested. The characters are vibrant and unique from the young emo thespian to the trophy wife and the pastor/county coroner/funeral director Reverend Doctor Bishop. Everybody, from the actors in the troupe to the townsfolk, have intriguing symbiotic relationships. I especially love the dynamic between Nina and Harry.

PEACHY SCREAM is a delightful mystery infused with Georgian hospitality and Shakespearean dramatics. I wish I could imbibe a peach mimosa while giving Mattie a pat as I relax under the magnolia tree ready to see what happens next!

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.

[Lacey Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I instantly connected with Nina Fleet. Nina is the owner of Fleet House a bed and breakfast in Cymbeline Georgia. Her helper is her Australian Shepherd pup Maddie.
She has a full house as the annual Shakespeare on Cymbeline Square festival a three day event starting soon. The acting troupe chose her bed and breakfast to stay at to prepare and preform at the festival.
Not long after the GASP group (Georgia Amateur Shakespeare Players) arrive then trouble starts. The groups main led in Hamlet is murdered and Nina is determined to find the killer.
Well written, developed characters and beautiful setting. It was the very end before I figured out the killer. I can’t wait for the next one.
#PeachyScream #NetGalley

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innkeeper Nina is upset when she learns that the troupe of amateur actors who will be in town performing at the local festival are directed by Harry, who has challenged her ownership of the bed and breakfast she bought from his great-aunt's estate. But the town depends on revenue from the festival, so she and Harry agree to a truce while the play is staged. When the actor who plays Hamlet dies, Nina thinks it may be more than an unfortunate medical problem--nobody seemed to care for the man. She and a reluctant Harry find clues pointing in a number of directions, but finally use the opening night of the play itself to unmask a murderer.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the first one just a few days ago and I had to go and read the second one right away! This time Georgia B&B proprietor Nina Fleet has some new guests during the annual Shakespeare festival. The Shakespearean troupe are set to perform during the festival. But then she learns who the company's director is...... her nemesis, struggling actor Harry Westcott. The one who claims her house is his rightful heir. But when one of the troupe members ends up dead, Nina and Harry do all they can to find out who did it, especially when another troupe member seems to be the next possible victim.... While they need to learn the lines for the performance during the festival!

I absolutely loved this second book. The characters just stay great to read and the story itself was very good I have to say. I was surprised by the storyline, and due to some revelations I figured out the killer, but still amazingly fun and a very good read!!! I certainly recommend this series, it's really good!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 2nd book of this series. A bit predicable but still a cute story and I look forward
to reading the 3rd book!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and had a good time following Nina as she solved another murder.
The mystery is set around a Shakespearean play and a thespian whose death doesn't seem to upset too many people.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revisiting Nina Fleet’s Georgia B&B in Cymbeline was another wonderful escape for me. In addition, of course, in walks Harry with the Shakespearean cast for the annual Shakespeare Festival. Once again, Nina stumbles upon another body.

I thoroughly enjoyed Peachy Scream as much as I did Peach Clobbered by Anna Gerard, and I cannot wait for the next Georgia B&B Mystery.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#PeachyScream #NetGalley

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peachy Scream is the second book in the Georgia B&B Mystery series.
After a successful trial run, Nina Fleet’s B&B is officially open. She is excited as her first guests are arriving. Her first guests are a troupe of Shakesperian actors, Georgia Amateur Shakespeare Players(GASP) who will be appearing at the local Shakespeare Festival. She begins to have second thoughts after seeing the troupes bus. The bus is that of her nemesis, Harry Westcott. Westcott has, in the past, claimed that he owns the house. Nina is somewhat relieved that Westcott seems willing to put their differences aside.
Once the guests have settled in their rooms, they come downstairs for drinks and to discuss the upcoming rehearsal schedule. Before long there are accusations of infidelity and financial misdoing. Nina soon notices that Len, who has the lead in the play, is a first-class bully. Two days later, everyone is sitting outside having drinks when Len leaves to go to the designated smoking area for a cigarette. When he fails to return after a reasonable time, everyone heads off to search for him. He is soon found dead next to some bushes. He has had a heart condition and it is first thought he had a heart attack. When Nina returns to where the body was found to search for his drink glass, she will find it near where he died hidden in some shrubs. Nina notices some residue remaining in the glass. She secures the glass, intending to take it to the coroner/funeral director/preacher for analysis. The analysis will show that he was killed. With a killer probably stay at her B&B, Nina will ask Harry, somewhat reluctantly, to help her to find the killer.
The book is well-written and plotted, with an interesting cast of believable characters. There were enough red herrings and twists and turns that kept me guessing till the end.
I will be watching for the next book in this young series.

[San · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!"

I love me a good mystery book and after reading the blurb of this book, I immediately tapped on the 'Read Now' button on my screen. Even though I hadn't read the first book in the series, I faced no problem in reading this story.

This was a delightfully engaging read consisting of vibrant, well-drawn characters, humour, brisk plot, gutsy protagonist, cozy portrayal of small town setting, etc. There were enough twists and turns to keep the readers engaged. Although, since the beginning of the part after the murder, I had my suspicions pinned on Susie, the dead man's wife, it was still interesting to see how it played out.

The plot wasn't very complex but quite simple actually. The author's skillful writing is what makes this standout. The subplots like the ones involving the Reverend also added a nice touch to the story. All in all, it was a good page-turning read.

Can't wait to read the first book in the series!

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