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Clucks and Clues Cozy Mysteries #4
Born in a Barn
Last one to solve it is a rotten egg…
It’s Christmas in Honeytree. Leona’s homestead is dusted with snow, her beloved grandchildren are visiting, and her connection with Sheriff Eli Ramirez is sweeter than a cup of hot cocoa.
But when her Grinchy ex-husband shows up on her front porch, all the holiday cheer flies the coop. He’s not just there to ruin her new life. Worse, he wants her back. And he’s counting on a little Christmas magic to help him do it.
Eager to put coal in his stocking, Leona arranges a visit with Santa. But when Old Saint Nick pegs her ex for the naughty list, it more than ruffles his feathers. And when Santa is found “sleighed” after their frosty fistfight, her ex becomes the prime suspect in the killing.
Now Eli’s not just competing against him for Leona’s heart. He’s also investigating him for murder. And Leona’s unwelcome guest is extending his stay—unless she can uncover the truth of what happened there under the mistletoe and send him packing to jail…or at the very least, back to LA.
Can Leona and Eli crack the case in time for Christmas? Or will their holiday goose be cooked?
Born in a Barn, the fourth book in the Clucks and Clues Cozy Mysteries, is a festive whodunnit full of chuckles and chickens. While designed to be read in order, all the books in this series can be enjoyed as standalone mysteries.
No gore or other explicit content, just good, clean murder.
It’s Christmas in Honeytree. Leona’s homestead is dusted with snow, her beloved grandchildren are visiting, and her connection with Sheriff Eli Ramirez is sweeter than a cup of hot cocoa.
But when her Grinchy ex-husband shows up on her front porch, all the holiday cheer flies the coop. He’s not just there to ruin her new life. Worse, he wants her back. And he’s counting on a little Christmas magic to help him do it.
Eager to put coal in his stocking, Leona arranges a visit with Santa. But when Old Saint Nick pegs her ex for the naughty list, it more than ruffles his feathers. And when Santa is found “sleighed” after their frosty fistfight, her ex becomes the prime suspect in the killing.
Now Eli’s not just competing against him for Leona’s heart. He’s also investigating him for murder. And Leona’s unwelcome guest is extending his stay—unless she can uncover the truth of what happened there under the mistletoe and send him packing to jail…or at the very least, back to LA.
Can Leona and Eli crack the case in time for Christmas? Or will their holiday goose be cooked?
Born in a Barn, the fourth book in the Clucks and Clues Cozy Mysteries, is a festive whodunnit full of chuckles and chickens. While designed to be read in order, all the books in this series can be enjoyed as standalone mysteries.
No gore or other explicit content, just good, clean murder.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
179 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 9, 2022
Book 4. It is Christmas time. Leona daughter Andrea and her 2 twins John Wi!Liam's and Isabella Sophie came to visit. Then unexpectedly her ex husband Peterson shows up.Andrew invited him. Leona could not stand him still. She was trying to find somewhere for him to sleep for a week. But Sheriff Eli Leona boyfriend took him in. They went to town and let the twins meet Santa Claus but Homer Santa did not show up. Joan the Mrs. Claus was yelling at Ruth Leona best friend and telling why she even would hire him to be Santa because he was a drunk. Well Eli went looming for Homer. And Rusty Ruth bro did the honors of Santa. When they came home Eli told them that Homer died. Peterson and Homer got into fight because Homer was drunk and scratched his car and Peterson had a black eye to prove it. So Peterson was prime suspect. Love these series. Leona has a chicken farm too. With one hen that live in her house Boots. This one was a great book
January 29, 2025
That was so good! I admit that I was angry with Peterson in the beginning, but he grew on me. And Eli was such a sweetheart making me like him even more for Leona.
This took place during the Christmas season so we got to see the scenery of that period which made me feel all homey. Time spent on the chicken farm is so comfortable. Leona needs to get some outdoor cats and a couple of large dogs in order to complete the scene. Hopefully something will simply show up in a future book.
Leona’s heart is healing and she’s becoming less abrasive. I think she only yelled once or twice in this read as opposed to previous books when she blows up easily. 😁
I’m still truly enjoying this series. It’s only getting better as it goes on. That brings me to the fact that there are only 3 books left. Darn. 😔
Next is Book 5 of 7 “Pecks & Suspects.”
This took place during the Christmas season so we got to see the scenery of that period which made me feel all homey. Time spent on the chicken farm is so comfortable. Leona needs to get some outdoor cats and a couple of large dogs in order to complete the scene. Hopefully something will simply show up in a future book.
Leona’s heart is healing and she’s becoming less abrasive. I think she only yelled once or twice in this read as opposed to previous books when she blows up easily. 😁
I’m still truly enjoying this series. It’s only getting better as it goes on. That brings me to the fact that there are only 3 books left. Darn. 😔
Next is Book 5 of 7 “Pecks & Suspects.”
December 21, 2022
¡Ooooh!
Qué libro más cuqui. Perfecto para lectura de Navidad.
Esta vez, Eli ha brillado como personaje. Es un tesoro. Me encanta su personaje porque aunque cada libro es muy sencillo y los personajes no tienen una profundidad de la leche, tienen el toque justo para entretener y tomarles cariño. Sobre todo a Eli 😍 Mi crush del año versión madurito...
El último tercio de esta historia lo he pasado con el corazón encogido por Boots, la pobre.
Lo mejor, el final. Me ha gustado mucho el desenlace y quién era el culpable.
No me arrepiento, para nada, de haber hecho el esfuerzo por leer todos los libros hasta llegar a este especial navideño. Seguiré con la serie pero con más tranquilidad.
Qué libro más cuqui. Perfecto para lectura de Navidad.
Esta vez, Eli ha brillado como personaje. Es un tesoro. Me encanta su personaje porque aunque cada libro es muy sencillo y los personajes no tienen una profundidad de la leche, tienen el toque justo para entretener y tomarles cariño. Sobre todo a Eli 😍 Mi crush del año versión madurito...
El último tercio de esta historia lo he pasado con el corazón encogido por Boots, la pobre.
Lo mejor, el final. Me ha gustado mucho el desenlace y quién era el culpable.
No me arrepiento, para nada, de haber hecho el esfuerzo por leer todos los libros hasta llegar a este especial navideño. Seguiré con la serie pero con más tranquilidad.
December 4, 2020
After a very nasty divorce from her plastic surgeon doctor ex-husband Peterson, Leona moved back to her small town of Honeytree, where she grew up and started a chicken farm. She became successful in the sale of her eggs and is very happy being her own person now. Add to that her next door neighbor Sheriff Eli is head over heals for Leona. Leona is excited to have her daughter Andrea, son-in-law and 4 year old twin grandchildren coming to visit for the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, Andrea's husband couldn't make it but that wouldn't stop the festivities. As Leona, Andrea and the twins get ready to walk out the door to the Christmas festivities and a visit with Santa, Peterson shows up at the front door complete with a suitcase. It was a shock but one planned by Andrea to try and have a family Christmas and maybe get her parents back together. But there is Eli who is Leona's boyfriend and to boot, Peterson is sporting a huge black eye and swollen face. Apparently, when he stopped for gas, Homer the gas station owner scraped the pump handle against Peterson's expensive car which threw Peterson into a rage and he had "words" with Homer who punched Peterson in the face, hence the black eye. Well, trying to keep her distance from Peterson, Leona took the brood to the festival so the kids can meet with Santa and the giving tree could get donations. While on line to see Santa, he became a no show! When Eli went to the gas station to see what was up with Homer, since he is the town drunk as well, he finds him dead. And who is suspect number one? Why Peterson, of course. Eli puts Peterson up in his spare room in his house since he has to stick around, even though no one believes he killed Homer. So Leona sets about to help Eli solve the murder and prove her ex's innocence so she can send him back to his own home. This is a really fun book in this series complete with lots of mystery, surprises at the end and a whole lot of snarky humor and so much more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
December 1, 2020
It’s the holiday season at Lucky Cluck Farm and Leona’s daughter, Andrea, and grandchildren are visiting. As a not so pleasant surprise, Andrea has invited her father, Leona’s ex, to share in the festivities. Hoping to ship him off to a hotel, Leona’s plans are thwarted when Peterson becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation. As she tries to clear Peterson, Leona treats us to a small town Christmas celebration and her boyfriend, Eli, walks the tightrope between doing his job as sheriff and his role as the man is her life. Is Peterson guilty or is the death accidental? Could someone else be responsible? Join Leona, Eli and the residents of Honeytree as they experience murder and seasonal merriment in this excellent cozy. Even Boots, Leona’s house chicken, contributes a family holiday surprise. These unique and entertaining characters never disappoint and I highly recommend the entire series.
December 20, 2020
Leona Davis is happy that her daughter Andrea and her twins, JW and Izzy, are visiting for Christmas until she answers the door and finds her ex-husband, Peterson, standing there with a black eye. Everyone is standing in line at the Honeytree Holiday Festival waiting for Santa to appear. When Santa doesn't show up, Eli, Leona's current beau and the sheriff, goes to the gas station and finds Homewr Wilds dead.
It appears Peterson may be the last person to have seen Homer alive. He got into an altercation with Homer after Homer scratched his Rolls Royce.
Leona gets involved in the investigation as well as volunteering for the Festival. She is also concerned because her house chicken, Boots, is missing.
Peterson is a well known plastic surgeon. Leona knows him well enough to know he is not a killer. Who in Honeytree could have killed Homer?
The Clucks and Clues series is a wonderful series. It has humor, animals and great characters. I received an advance copy. This is my honest review.
It appears Peterson may be the last person to have seen Homer alive. He got into an altercation with Homer after Homer scratched his Rolls Royce.
Leona gets involved in the investigation as well as volunteering for the Festival. She is also concerned because her house chicken, Boots, is missing.
Peterson is a well known plastic surgeon. Leona knows him well enough to know he is not a killer. Who in Honeytree could have killed Homer?
The Clucks and Clues series is a wonderful series. It has humor, animals and great characters. I received an advance copy. This is my honest review.
November 25, 2020
Leona was planning a nice family Christmas with her daughter, Andrea, her husband, and their twins J.W. and Izzy of course Eli. Then Peterson her ex-husband shows up. He also has a fat lip and a black eye. He got into an altercation with Homer who runs the local gas station. Apparently, Homer dinged Peterson's Rolls Royce when putting gas in it. Homer was pretty well plastered at the time. But when Homer didn't show up to play Santa, everyone figured he was passed out drunk. But he was dead! Now Peterson is the number one suspect, plus he is staying at Eli's house at night! Homer not only has signs of the altercation with Peterson -- he was murdered with an injection on anti-freeze. Peterson is a doctor! Can Leona prove he didn't kill Homer and send him back to L.A. hopefully to never see him again? Read this delightful story to find out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 5, 2020
It’s Christmas in Honeytree, and Leona’s daughter and twin grand-kids are down for the holidays and the Honeytree Christmas Festival. They were all just leaving for the festival when there was a knock on the door. Leona opens the door and there stands her ex-husband with his suitcase not knowing what to do she slams the door on him. Turns out their daughter invited him to the farm for Christmas. So no time to talk about it they all head to the Festival. As time goes by Santa never shows up so the elf is recruited to take Santa s place. Later they find the man who was to play Santa was found died at his gas station. So was this an accident or did someone just kill Santa. Lots of suspects, twists and turns in the happenings and did the ex get to stay on the farm or was he placed somewhere else. Great read and if you enjoy a good Cozy this is a must read.
November 29, 2020
If my ex brought me botox, I would have a creative use and placement for the needle
Leona is faced with surviving Christmas with her daughter, her twins and the unexpected arrival of her cosmetic surgeon ex - who also gets into a kerfuffle or two- even with a hen
A Gifting Tree toy drive faces some complications and needs some help.
Bestie Ruth has the pleasant surprise that her brother is out of prison, but his coming under suspicion for holidays mayhem is less pleasant.
The challenges with a scheduled Santa leave more than one family feeling grinchy
I really enjoy the adult grandma and her interactions with her adult daughter. Married with children isn’t easy. Divorced with children isn’t easy either.
Sweet, funny, relatable and a yummy sexy sheriff
Leona is faced with surviving Christmas with her daughter, her twins and the unexpected arrival of her cosmetic surgeon ex - who also gets into a kerfuffle or two- even with a hen
A Gifting Tree toy drive faces some complications and needs some help.
Bestie Ruth has the pleasant surprise that her brother is out of prison, but his coming under suspicion for holidays mayhem is less pleasant.
The challenges with a scheduled Santa leave more than one family feeling grinchy
I really enjoy the adult grandma and her interactions with her adult daughter. Married with children isn’t easy. Divorced with children isn’t easy either.
Sweet, funny, relatable and a yummy sexy sheriff
December 1, 2020
The arrival of her ex-husband throws a monkey wrench into Leona’s holiday plans with her daughter and twin grandchildren. Things get worse when said ex becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the MIA Santa. Eli has to focus more on being sheriff and less on being Leona’s boyfriend due to her visitors and the murder investigation. In the midst of all the turmoil, Leona’s house chicken Boots disappears. Of course, Leona carries on her own investigation despite Eli’s warnings to stay out of it. Suffice it to say, there are all kinds of twists and turns before this book ends with one last surprise. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to laugh as they read their cozy mystery.
Disclosure: I was given a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
Disclosure: I was given a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
December 4, 2020
It's Christmastime and Leona has a houseful of visitors. Including her ex-husband, Peterson, who has plans of winning Leona back. Leona will not let him stay with her. Her daughter and the twins are visiting. Her daughter invited daddy to come for the holidays - maybe relive having a happy family. Leona is having none of it. She has her sites set on the sheriff, Eli. When they all head to town for the festivities the hired Santa does not show up and Eli goes to find him. Needless to say he is found dead and the last person to talk with him is Leona's ex-husband. So of course she has to find out who did it before he goes to jail.
This is a fun entertaining story with a lot of clucks and turns.
This is a fun entertaining story with a lot of clucks and turns.
November 26, 2020
I was waiting for this one to come out! There is just something with this series that makes me want to read more and more about it. Hillary has a way of writing stories like no others!
It's Christmas time and Lorna has her hands and house full with family, friends and of course a murder to solve. From the unexpected arrival of her ex, to finding out that he is on the short list of suspect in Santa's death, Lorna has to work hard to fix it all so Christmas is not ruined for her family.
I do so recommend this cozy mystery, it's funny, heartfelt and fast pace... Easy reading in between gift wrappings!
I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest opinion.
It's Christmas time and Lorna has her hands and house full with family, friends and of course a murder to solve. From the unexpected arrival of her ex, to finding out that he is on the short list of suspect in Santa's death, Lorna has to work hard to fix it all so Christmas is not ruined for her family.
I do so recommend this cozy mystery, it's funny, heartfelt and fast pace... Easy reading in between gift wrappings!
I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest opinion.
November 27, 2020
What a wonderful cozy mystery! Honeytree is having their annual holiday celebration and Leona is up to her neck in the festivities. Her daughter is in town with her twins for Christmas and she has invited her father, Leona's ex, to join them for Christmas. To add to that uncomfortable situation, the man who was supposed to play Santa at the celebration is found murdered. Eli, the local detective and Leona's boyfriend, is investigating and one of his suspects is Leona's ex! Add a hefty dose of humor to the touching story of family and Christmas spirit and you'll read until you're done. Oh, and you won't believe who killed Santa! Highly recommend reading this one!
November 30, 2020
When Leona's daughter and her twins arrive at the farm for Christmas Leona is over the moon. She has everything she wants until her daughter informs her Mom that she invited her Dad here for Christmas as well. Leona is beside herself thinking of dealing with her ex-husband during the holidays. The town is busy with Christmas activities and things get very hectic when a murder takes place. Eli, Leona's boyfriend and the sheriff is extra busy this year and wants to be involved with Leona and all her family during the holidays. It was another wonderful story from Hillary in this series and it certainly gave me lots of Christmas joy. I also look forward to the next book as I always do.
December 1, 2020
Hillary Avis is a marvelous cozey writer that never lets her readers down, so once again I'm happy to say she has written a beautiful cozey with family present and past brought together for Christmas showcasing a carreing community,understanding friends, and a struggling family.A murder mystery to solve along with a mystery of a missing chicken. Who did the deed of murder and where did Leona's chicken go.Aquier "Born in a Barn "to to find the answers and so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😊😮🤐🤔🙄😀😊Kat
November 24, 2020
OMG!!! This series gets better with every new book! I absolutely love it. You will find everything you want in this book - family, fun, Christmas, chickens, and, of course, murder. Leona gets an unexpected Christmas visitor along with a rather pricey unexpected present! I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is a must read for this Christmas season!
I received an ebook ARC from the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
I received an ebook ARC from the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
December 1, 2020
Who hasn't had unwanted guests or strange incidents during holiday gatherings? Author Hillary Avis captures those experiences perfectly. Throw in a spoiled chicken, a real nativity complete with camels, sugar donuts and a dead body and you've got a Christmas event not to be forgotten! I laughed out loud so hard my husband narrowed his eyes at me! Snuggle up with a blanket, a cup of Cocoa, and a great book, Born in a Barn!
December 3, 2020
I had so much fun reading Born in a Barn! I think this may have been the best book in the series so far. With both old and new, well portrayed characters, this book fascinated me with the character interactions. The well-written plot enters more on family and Christmas activities in a small town, than on the murder itself. Of course, Leona will figure things out in time to save Christmas! It was a most pleasurable journey from page one to the end!
November 21, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. Avis hit it out of the park with this one. Andrea invites someone to join them for Christmas, which makes Leona not very happy. Leona helps Eli solve a murder. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next one in this series. I truly recommend this book.
December 1, 2020
Wonderful series. You will love the characters, the town and the family interactions in this book. Each book is better than the last. This story was especially sweet as it pulls the Christmas goodwill and family dynamics together to make a great story. This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it to all cozy mystery lovers.
December 4, 2020
Fabulous book!
It’s so well written. It’s a marvelous story of how well people can help one another leaving any selfishness behind.
The lovely characters depicted in the book moved me to tears and laughter.
The adorable twins, the cute hen, everything in the book is sweet and tender
It’s a masterpiece not to miss
It’s so well written. It’s a marvelous story of how well people can help one another leaving any selfishness behind.
The lovely characters depicted in the book moved me to tears and laughter.
The adorable twins, the cute hen, everything in the book is sweet and tender
It’s a masterpiece not to miss
December 7, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 10, 2020
Leona has her daughter and grandchildren in town for Christmas. Everything is wonderful, then her ex husband Peterson shows up. It will take everything she has to be polite to him, next thing he is a suspect in a murder. She wants to solve this murder, mostly to get rid of her ex. There are a lot of the past cleared up during the investigation. This is a great easy read.
Read
January 13, 2022Fun farm cozy
Leona helps investigate a murder in which her ex-husband is implicated in. His trip to see if she could be talked into a second chance has him cooling his heels in town. I enjoyed this book tremendously, the humor sprinkled throughout the mystery was spiced with a bit of romance.
Leona helps investigate a murder in which her ex-husband is implicated in. His trip to see if she could be talked into a second chance has him cooling his heels in town. I enjoyed this book tremendously, the humor sprinkled throughout the mystery was spiced with a bit of romance.
January 24, 2022
Good read!
This was the first book I've read in the Clicks and Clues mysteries, but it won't be the last. This author slowly and captivatingly leads you through the story towards the discovery of who committed the crime. I especially liked that she didn't reveal the who until the end.
This was the first book I've read in the Clicks and Clues mysteries, but it won't be the last. This author slowly and captivatingly leads you through the story towards the discovery of who committed the crime. I especially liked that she didn't reveal the who until the end.
December 26, 2023
A little shorter than the last three, this was a cozy Christmas story, albeit more focused on character development than it was on solving the murder itself. Books 5-7 haven't showed up yet (though they should get here by the end of the week. I'm still enjoying the series and the characters and once I'm done with this one, I plan on snagging another Avis series.
December 1, 2020
another wonderful cozy in this series! a really fun and interesting read! wonderful complex and quirky characters and interesting story make this a page turner! A very enjoyable read! I was given a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
December 25, 2020
This is a nice cozy mystery to read on Christmas day. I enjoyed this book. This is the first book that I read in the series and I hope it isn't that last. The characters are wonderful.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
March 24, 2021
Family Christmas with a Touch of Murder
This is a n inspiring and heartwarming story when egg rancher Leona Davis's family visits for Christmas. Leonard's ex unexpectedly turns up for Christmas and immediately becomes a homicide suspect.
This is a n inspiring and heartwarming story when egg rancher Leona Davis's family visits for Christmas. Leonard's ex unexpectedly turns up for Christmas and immediately becomes a homicide suspect.
December 19, 2021
Murder or mayhem
Fun, family, friends, Christmas, chickens, and murder! Lots of love, laughter, anger, and forgiveness! Full of Misunderstanding, betrayal, and suspects! Who killed Santa? Why? Did her ex do it? Lots of questions in this quirky clacking mystery!
Fun, family, friends, Christmas, chickens, and murder! Lots of love, laughter, anger, and forgiveness! Full of Misunderstanding, betrayal, and suspects! Who killed Santa? Why? Did her ex do it? Lots of questions in this quirky clacking mystery!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews