Death Between the Walls

by Alexa Bowie

Not much happens in the tiny town of Newcastle. At least, not until Emma returns from Toronto to claim her a stately arts and cultural center. Since taking up residence in the center, Emma Andrews has gotten used to finding things just a little off-kilter. Her tenants, for example, are convinced she may have killed the town manager (but they still love her). The new town manager is determined to have her evicted (but he would still love to date her). And there’s the little matter of a coyote – or is it a wolf? – that shows up at the most interesting of times.Trouble in the form of a dark secret gathers momentum, swirling around her like Dorothy’s tornado, and threatens to carry her away. The arts and culture center holds a link to the past, together with a crime that just won’t remain hidden.Helping Emma avoid disaster are a couple of handsome police officers, a new-old best friend, her feisty namesake aunt, and a Manse filled with eccentric, talented artists. Emma has to get to the bottom of this. Will her new friends be enough to keep her safe? Or will Emma’s Manse become her final resting place?

208 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2020

Reviews

[Darlene Gillet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this wonderful book for Christmas. I have to say that I didn't devour this book, I savoured it. I took my time and fell in love with the characters, and I do mean characters. I love the way the story unfolded before me, and how it lead me around the "Manse", trying to figure out "Who Done It". I can not wait for the next one.

[Taraann LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another Bowie book, making me hungry. While mysteries are not my prefered genre of reading, I must say I loved this one. Being from the maritimes not too far from where this book takes place, quite a few lines and sayings in this story struck home with me. Emma is a witty, sassy (but in a cute funny way) lady and I absolutely enjoyed every part of her character development. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!

[Allan Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa may be new to the writing game but not the name Bowie. This is great start to a new series by a talented New Brunswick author that knows how to entertain. Good story from start to finish. Will eagerly watch for the next Old Manse story. Well done!

[Sandra Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first in the Old Manse Mystery series, author Alexa Bowie introduces the characters that will populate this and subsequent novels in a small town setting. The characters are eccentric and have expressions and mannerisms unique to this community in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada. The book is packed with conflict, mystery, and yes, murder, with just a hint at romance. The real charmer is the small town itself - Newcastle - where everyone knows everyone...and everything going on. Enjoyable read.

[Terri Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the mystery itself besides the "local flavors" incorporated into the story. Great writing definitely makes for a page turner. Looking forward to Emma's next adventure and meeting more of the interesting characters that surround her.

[Deane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend gave me this novel to read....new author, Alexa Bowie....which takes place in the Miramichi area of New Brunswick....Chatham/Newcastle.

For some reason, I found the book hard to get 'into' but I am glad I kept reading because it really became interesting. I loved the part where she finds the 3-roomed library that her father made and only a few people know of it. Emma has her office in the 3rd room.

Emma is certainly determined to take every argument, discussion, and the mystery of why her father and Hosiah Jones, the Town Manager stopped talking to each other after a camping weekend 30 years ago. Emma is determined to find out why.

I really like the idea that Emma is making the Manse into an art and craft building.

[Hannah State · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner!

I very much enjoyed this small town cozy mystery. The characters were well-developed and the pacing was great. The protagonist was instantly likeable and engaging. The author wove an exciting tale with intriguing characters, humour, and twists along the way to keep me captivated. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Jennifer Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly a pleasant read. There's something of a childhood wish fulfilment in inheriting a huge old manse filled with secrets and Bowie wields this wish with a delightful flourish. The characters seem ready to take up residence in your own neck of the woods, the mystery is compelling, AND there's a secret library? I need the next book right away, thank you very much.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good for a cozy mystery.

[Cody Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for something in the vein of ‘Murder She Wrote’, Death Between the Walls is just that! Cozy is as cozy does.

Looking forward to digging into the rest of the Old Manse Mysteries

[Amy Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun to read of local places. Good storyline.
I just found in general things were too overexplained in the writing and a bit predictable.