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Southern Homebrew Mystery #1

The Moonshine Shack Murder

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In this intoxicating new cozy mystery series, the future for modern-day moonshiner Hattie Hayes looks bright—until death darkens the doorstep of her Moonshine Shack.

The Hayes family has made moonshine in Chattanooga since the days of Prohibition, and Hattie is happy to continue the tradition, serving up fun, fruity flavors in mason jars for locals and tourists alike. All signs indicate her new 'shine shop will be a smashing success. What's more, mounted police officer Marlon Landers has taken a shine to Hattie. For the first time ever, the stars seemed to have aligned in both her work and romantic life. But when a body ends up on her store's doorstep alongside a broken jar of her Firefly Moonshine, it just might be lights out for her fledgling business.

The homicide detective can't seem to identify the person who killed the owner of a nearby bar. The only witness is Hattie's longhaired gray cat, and Smoky isn't talking. When the detective learns that the victim and Hattie had a heated exchange shortly before his murder, she becomes her prime suspect.

Lest Hattie end up behind bars like her bootlegging great-grandfather a century before, she must distill the evidence herself and serve the killer a swift shot of justice.

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 6, 2021

54 people are currently reading
887 people want to read

About the author

Diane Kelly

69 books1,235 followers
Award-winning author Diane Kelly writes romance and romantic mysteries featuring feisty heroines, quirky sidekicks, and sexy leading men, with humor that leaves readers laughing out loud.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,886 reviews330 followers
July 10, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts

Hattie (love that name, it was my grandma’s) Hayes comes from a long line of moonshiners and now she is keeping the tradition alive with The Moonshine Shack where she will sell her grandfather’s shine along with her own brand with fruity flavors. She hopes her “Shack” and her “Shine” will be a hit with tourists and locals.

Hattie holds a grand opening party where she meets the tavern owner from across the street. She thought she had him convinced to carry her “shine” but when she goes to deliver his first order he backs out of the deal. Then a few nights later he is found dead on the Shack’s porch with a smashed jar of her moonshine nearby. She was upset by his deceit but she would never have killed the man. The only witness appears to be Hattie’s cat but he isn’t talking so she becomes the homicide detective’s #1 suspect. Officer Landers is on her side and tries to help her distill the evidence to clear her name and put the real killer behind bars.

Ms. Kelly has given her new Southern Homebrew Mystery a fantastic start. I liked these characters immediately, okay I loved her grandfather. He leaves the senior home every day to help her out at the store. When the customers are scarce he sits in the rocker on the front porch and whittles the cutest little animals. He also takes a nap here and there and there is a scene that had me giggling and you will too. I love the close relationship he has with his granddaughter. He is so proud of her for carrying on the family tradition. She is smart and savvy and knows how to market her product. Those characteristics come in handy when trying to sleuth out a killer.

Hattie has her two besties helping her out too but one is due to have a baby any day so that means she will have less time to help out. Officer Landers is such a nice man and good at his job. He takes a special interest in keeping Hattie safe and his horse is adorable. I love that this relationship is taking a romantic turn. Marlon and Hattie’s families have a history but I don’t think some old feud will come between them. I also approve highly of Hattie bringing her kitty Smoky to the shop each day. Seeing him lying in the window in the sunshine each day gives the place a real homey feel.

The mystery is very well-plotted and it quickly becomes apparent that the former barkeep has his fair share of enemies which really opened up the suspect pool. Some of his employees/girlfriends rank high on Hattie’s list but a local lawyer and other shopkeepers and a certain restaurant owner all had motives to kill the man. Hattie works hard to pare down the suspects and catch the killer because when the case wraps she has a special event she is looking forward to. I did enjoy the way she did her investigating but I took a shine to one person early on and never eliminated them. Sure I missed something I was surprised by how the ending played out and that I actually picked the right character.

As I said this series is off to a fantastic start. The location is ideal and the characters are interesting. I am excited because the author has just scratched the surface and can take this series in so many directions. I want to get to know all the characters better. I can’t wait to return to Chattanooga and The Moonshine Shack for a sample or two and whatever trouble Hattie gets herself wrapped up in.

The Moonshine Shack Murder was a pure pleasure to read and I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Jennifer Chow.
Author 26 books628 followers
January 30, 2021
A wonderful example of a cozy mystery, complete with a business savvy protagonist, an irascible granddad, and a brewing romance.

Kelly does an excellent job in this first book of her new Southern Homebrew Series in creating a warm, approachable character in Hattie Hayes. I also love the warmth and humor from her friends, granddaddy, and mounted policeman romantic interest.

A fun mystery filled with lots of clues and red herrings in a unique setting. I learned a lot about moonshine and the mountainous region near Chattanooga from this book.

A (moon)shining example of a cozy mystery!
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,086 reviews83 followers
July 6, 2021
The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly is an entertaining new cozy mystery. Hattie Hayes is opening the Moonshine Shack in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she will be selling her Firefly Moonshine. Her great-grandfather made moonshine during prohibition and Hattie is getting back into the business thanks to the recipes taught to her by her Granddaddy. Late one night after her grand opening, Hattie wakes up wondering if she properly locked up the shop. Hattie is in the storeroom when she hears odd noises outside. She looks outside the window to find the owner of Limericks bleeding out on the ground. Unfortunately, Hattie is at the top of Detective Ace Pearce’s suspect list. If Hattie does not want to end up in jail like her great-grandfather, she will need to find the bar owner’s killer. The Moonshine Shack Murder is fun story. I thought it was well-written and moved along at a quick pace. I like Hattie Hayes and her grandfather, Ben. Hattie is a savvy businesswoman as well as a warm, kind lady. I find Hattie’s granddaddy a hoot. He is feisty and a talented whittler. I like the variety of characters in the story including Hattie’s best friends. The author’s descriptive writing brought Chattanooga to life as well as the Moonshine Shack. Hattie has a love interest in Officer Marlon Landers, a mounted police officer. I did feel that there was too much romance for my liking (I prefer slow moving romances that play out over the course of the series) especially with Hattie a prime suspect in the murder. The whodunit was well thought it. I like how it was set up with the various suspects, misdirection, and the clues. There were more suspects than varieties of moonshine available at the Moonshine Shack. Avid mystery readers, though, will have no problem identifying the guilty party early on in the story. The why takes longer to figure out. I had a good time following Hattie as she questioned people and collected clues. It was interesting learning about moonshine. I had no idea there were so many varieties available. I am looking forward to the next book in A Southern Homebrew Mystery series. The Moonshine Shack Murder is a quaint Southern cozy mystery with modern moonshine, jealous girlfriends, an unscrupulous bar owner, a compassionate mounted officer, a gutsy grandfather, and a merry moonshine maker.
Profile Image for Heidi Prockish.
476 reviews17 followers
November 16, 2022
Soooo good. I really enjoyed getting to know Hattie and I loved that she kept in touch with Ace throughout the investigation, even if Ace didn't want her too. I thought her grandpa was so funny and I cannot wait to see if anything blossoms between Marlon and Hattie. Diane Kelly is an amazing writer and will have you wanting more after just one chapter.
Profile Image for L.M..
Author 4 books23 followers
May 26, 2021
I have a new favorite series! I've heard good things about Diane Kelly's books and I can't wait to tuck into her other series.

Hattie Hayes has decided to turn her family's tradition of distilling moonshine into a legal business. She opens the Moonshine Shack and fills it with jars of flavored moonshine... with free samples. Where is this place and how late are they open? I'll leave now! In addition to her charming grandfather and two best friends who are quirky and fun, she's also met a very attractive police officer and of course his adorable horse, Charlotte.

I was able to finger the killer pretty quickly but I wasn't quite sure until the very end. There were so many possibilities for people who had good reason to want to see the end of the victim, the motives were stacked higher than the roof of the 'Shine Shack.

There are so many directions the next book in the series could go. I'd love to read more about Miranda, the erstwhile waitress; Heath, the potentially sketchy lawyer; and even Ashlynn, the not-so-sneaky thief. But really, I don't care which direction the author takes the series, I'll be along for the ride.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Profile Image for Moondance.
1,195 reviews62 followers
September 5, 2021
The machinery sloshed, whirred, jangled, and clinked as I stood in breathless anticipation at the end of the conveyor belt on the factory floor.

This is the first book in the Southern Homebrew series and it is an excellent start.

Hattie Hayes has opened the Moonshine Shack in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she sells her Firefly moonshine. Moonshine is a family tradition going back to her great grandfather who served time for the illegal brew. Hattie must clear her name when a local bar owner is killed on her front steps with glass from her cherry shine.

What a great start to a series! The characters are well defined. I felt like an old friend of the family with Hattie and her Grandfather, Ben. Marlon is a wonderful police officer and potential love interest for Hattie. I really like how the lawman and the moonshiner families are intertwined.

The mystery is well done. I had a few suspicions but couldn't figure out the reason until Hattie did. The capture of the culprit had me on the edge of my seat as everything unfolded.

Smoky is a great addition to the story. Such a typical cat! I love how he and Hattie interact. The little carvings that Ben whittles makes me want a few of my own.

Hattie was a great mentor to Miranda as she works on starting her own business. I'm always happy to see characters reaching out to help one another.

I must admit that I am not a huge fan of moonshine. I do have a bottle of 30+ year old corn liquor in my cabinet that i use with lemon and honey for a cough. Perhaps I need to experiment with the flavored varieties.

On a personal note: There are stories that my paternal grandfather ran shine in the 1930s. Who knows? Perhaps I need to dig into that a bit.

This was a most enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Erica Chaillot.
763 reviews18 followers
September 3, 2021
Cute, fun story with enjoyable characters. A different premise. I look forward to the series.
Profile Image for Kim.
791 reviews49 followers
July 27, 2021
The cover of The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly caught my attention, and then reading the synopsis had me handing over my money!

Kelly does a fantastic job with developing her characters, and that is why so many people keep coming back to cozy mystery series. She’s able to mix the mean ones with the quirky ones and throws in a grumpy one, along with a very attractive romantic lead and a protagonist who actually uses her brain and passes along information to the police. And Smoky, the cat is fantastic. I wish one of our cats wanted to travel in the car and hang out with us all day at our work.

Combine well written characters, a couple who are really unique, with some history of moonshine, detailed descriptions of the region and town, along with lots of suspects, and you have a very enjoyable first book in the Southern Homebrew Mysteries, and a book I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
758 reviews
October 23, 2021
This is a first in series, so one needs to cut it some slack. As I recall I wasn't instantly on board with one of her other series but have gotten very fond of it. I'd rate it a 3.5. I was a little uncomfortable with some of the hillbilly stereotyping though I know it's a common marketing ploy in that area. I still find it cringe-inducing at times. Characters show promise. I do hope the male lead will cease referring to Our Heroine as "little filly." Otherwise, good first effort, and I'll definitely pick up the second.
Profile Image for Maria.
3,076 reviews99 followers
January 11, 2022
Whenever I pick up a book by Diane Kelly, I know I’m going to get a well-written mystery filled with humor and fun, quirky characters. I loved getting to know Hattie, her grandfather, and her friends (old and new). I learned so much about moonshine and there were great marketing ideas that can be adapted to any business. I guessed the murderer early on but enjoyed this book so much that it didn’t even matter. I can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,242 reviews79 followers
July 7, 2021
Was not a fan of the love interest. He (seriously. Not joking) kept calling her a little filly and commenting how tiny and helpless she is. Pretty icky. I didn’t really connect to any of the characters. This series is not for me.
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,119 reviews136 followers
September 13, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

This is a solid first in Diane Kelly’s exciting new cozy mystery series set in Chattanooga near the Great Smoky Mountains. There is a sweet bit of history in this novel, including a family business and its roots from the early 20th century Prohibition era. I learned interesting things about moonshine; I had no idea it is produced and sold in some states today. The mystery is captivating, the characters are a delight (especially granddaddy!), and the author’s trademark humor brightens up even the most stressful scenes. Just ask Hattie’s cat, Smoky, what was chasing him in the woods!

Hattie is opening the Moonshine Shack, having learned how to make moonshine from her grandfather, Ben. She is selling some of his corn liquor in the Shack, as well as her Firefly brand in several fruit flavors and cinnamon. On the night of her invitation-only celebration, she offers free samples of ‘shine, just as she will when officially open. Cormac, of Limericks, an Irish bar across the street, came in with Miranda, one of his waitstaff. Wanting to strike deals with local bars, she made an offer for him to buy her ‘shine. Before returning to his bar, he gave Hattie an order. She is warned away from doing business with him by two people: Mack, owner of the best barbecue restaurant in town, and Heath, an attorney who sued the surly bar owner for several clients. The sales rep from Backwoods Bootleggers, the biggest moonshine manufacturer in the area, came in uninvited to see what she sells. The next day, Cormac refused her delivery as he has just agreed to an exclusive with Backwoods in exchange for a better price.

Business trickles in over the next few days. Granddaddy helps Hattie on the weekdays, and Smoky claims the front window as his own when he joins them. Friday night, Hattie, Smoky, and grandaddy left late after cleaning up from frat boys who caused chaos. They broke a bottle of ‘shine and slipped out the door with another. During the night, Hattie suddenly awoke and couldn’t remember if she locked the shack door or set the alarm, so she went back. She did forget to set the alarm, but at least the doors were locked. Just before she left, she heard unusual noises out front and went to check. Outside the front door, Cormac lay bleeding. She tried to stop the blood and called 911, but it was too late. Cormac was dead, and her cat, Smoky, from his perch in the front window, was the only witness. The police officer who arrived thought Hattie did it, as he was killed with a piece of a broken moonshine jar. Her moonshine.

I enjoyed meeting Hattie, her family, and friends! The author has done an excellent job showing us who Hattie is and what we need to know about Grandaddy and friends Kiki and Kate. We also meet new friends and/ or business associates Miranda, Marlon, and Mack. Hattie is easy to enjoy, as are her friends. It is hard for her to know which fellow business owners to trust, as several have something against Cormac, with good reason. He had not endeared himself to the community, which makes me curious how his bar had been successful. Granddaddy is a real hoot; I can’t wait to know him better!

This cozy mystery had me hooked from the beginning. Hattie, Kiki, Granddaddy, Marlon, and Ace were engaging; I would love to see something brewing for a couple of the folks in the future. The mystery kept me guessing, as there were several people who could have killed Cormac. I was very surprised at the end with regards to who the killer was and the motive. I hope one of the future episodes will show some of the making of the moonshine, since we’ve seen the first case of ‘shine go into the jars. I highly recommend this first in a new series!
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,926 reviews215 followers
July 19, 2021
I have always loved Diane Kelly's books and was wondering if this series would rival her other series. The answer? Yes it does! I loved everything about this book - the characters, the moonshine, the animals, the quick wit and snarky dialogue, and even the town.

I never thought about moonshine as a career but was instantly intrigued and loved the descriptions of the different flavors. I want a moonshine shack in my town so I can taste the flavors! I thought it was great to have the recipe to be one that has been handed down the family and that an ancestor was arrested for making shine during prohibition.

I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and not sure if I can pick a favorite yet. Hattie is a strong self-assured business woman taking a chance on the moonshine business. Marlon is the hunky police officer that has a tie to Hattie's family (no spoilers here!). Grandpa is spunky and cracks me up at every turn. Kiki, one of Hattie's best friends, is snarky but loyal and I love that about her. There is also "Ace" the police detective that pulls no punches but I think she admires Hattie despite everything. I even liked Miranda, a waitress that worked for the owner that was murdered. And we can't forget the four legged characters - Charlotte the police horse and Smoky, Hattie's cat.

The dialogue is witty and even snarky at times and I loved it. I especially enjoyed learning about moonshine and want to know more. I especially understood the conversations between Hattie and Miranda regarding setting up a business, accounting, and the like since I work for a CPA that does this sort of thing.

The mystery is enticing and I wondered who might have done in the bar owner. There are many possibilities and I didn't guess the right character as the killer. I thought something was up regarding the situation surrounding the killer and the victim, but I didn't quite put it all togther. Looking back there are a few clues that might point you in the right direction, but nothing too obvious. The action really heats up near the end as the killer is revealed and Hattie finds herself in harms way.

There couldn't be a cozy without a potential love interest for the protagonist. Hattie and Marlon are definitely interested in each other and I can't wait to see where this goes.

We give this book 5 paws up.
Profile Image for Tammie.
164 reviews23 followers
Read
November 9, 2024
Now more than ever it's important to me that there are books to lose oneself in because, as a citizen of the good ol' US of A, I certainly don't like what I'm seeing whenever I take my eyes off my current book.
I'm very thankful for all fiction right now, particularly cozy fiction because it's comfortable and relaxing and cute.
This book made me very happy with its moonshine, likable characters, and aloof kitty cat. Moonshine because who doesn't need to get a little tipsy just to handle the utter racism and misogyny that surrounds them? Likable characters...for the same reason. And the kitty because he's the icing on the escapism cake on any rotten post-election day.
In discovering this author I feel like I have secured myself a comfortable, squishy chair in which to hunker down time and time again in the next 4+ years when things get unspeakable in my country. I'm thankful and blessed to find she has many more delightful books available.
Profile Image for Lisa Malmquist.
774 reviews23 followers
January 14, 2022
Hattie Hayes is opening her moonshine shop in Chattanooga. Her family has a tradition of making moonshine since the Prohibition days. Looks like her shop will be a big success. But one night she runs into trouble as a man is killed out at the front of her shop.
Hattie becomes a suspect of course and starts to help find out what is going on.
The man who was killed owns the bar across the street called, Limericks.
He was a shady, dishonest guy and people disliked him so the suspect pool is large.
But Hattie has the help of the police officer, Marlon Landers, who is looking out for her.
Hattie's family has a history with the Lander's family as well.
Lots of great characters and likable people, makes a fun mystery!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
577 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly is a marvelous mystery with southern charm.
Will Hattie figure out who killed Cormac before she is arrested?
Hattie Hayes
Hattie is our sleuth, maker of moonshine, and the owner of the Moonshine Shack. She is also intelligent and business savvy. Her Grandaddy is her biggest fan, especially since he taught her how to make moonshine. Hattie has a way of making people feel at ease, and they talk to her. Kiki and Kate are Hattie's best friends, and they also support her.

I like Hattie. She has spunk. Hattie is a tiny little lady, but she has more courage than some people I know. I truly want to try some of her moonshine flavors, like the cherry.
The Mystery
The Moonshine Shack CRCormac is the owner of the Irish Pub across from the Moonshine Shack. He is quite unsavory. Anyway, he met his maker on Hattie's front stoop while she was on the premises late one night. Since she found the body, she is suspect number one. But with the help of her friends, Grandaddy, and the police, she is able to find the true murder. Hattie finds she is attracted to Officer Landers, who is the grandson of the sheriff that arrested Hattie's great grandfather back in the day. I nailed this one but not really before actually culprit confessed.

Hattie's cat Smokey is such a classic feline. I love when he snubs her, and she keeps kissing him. I also liked the way that Marlon teased Hattie.
Five Stars
I truly enjoyed reading about Hattie and her family. The mystery was superb. My rating for The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly is five stars. I highly recommend this book.


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Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,299 reviews75 followers
August 10, 2021
The Moonshine Shack Murder
A Southern Homebrew Mystery, Book #1
Diane Kelly
5 Stars

Synopsis:

In this intoxicating new cozy mystery series, the future for modern-day moonshiner Hattie Hayes looks bright--until death darkens the doorstep of her Moonshine Shack.

The Hayes family has made moonshine in Chattanooga since the days of Prohibition, and Hattie is happy to continue the tradition, serving up fun, fruity flavors in mason jars for locals and tourists alike. All signs indicate her new 'shine shop will be a smashing success. What's more, mounted police officer Marlon Landers has taken a shine to Hattie. For the first time ever, the stars seemed to have aligned in both her work and romantic life. But when a body ends up on her store's doorstep alongside a broken jar of her Firefly Moonshine, it just might be lights out for her fledgling business.

The homicide detective can't seem to identify the person who killed the owner of a nearby bar. The only witness is Hattie's longhaired gray cat, and Smoky isn't talking. When the detective learns that the victim and Hattie had a heated exchange shortly before his murder, she becomes her prime suspect.

Lest Hattie end up behind bars like her bootlegging great-grandfather a century before, she must distill the evidence herself and serve the killer a swift shot of justice. (Amazon)


Reveiw:

This is the first book in a new series and I thought it was quite good.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed getting to meet Hattie, her grandfather and her girlfriends. She has been busy getting her moonshine shop ready to open and praying it will be successful. When someone is killed outside Hattie’s shop, things begin to go south. Hattie is considered a person of interest and knows she has to find the killer before she gets thrown in jail. She will need all the help she can get.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and the mystery was not easily solved.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to see what adventure awaits Hattie next.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkeley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.




Profile Image for Katreader.
961 reviews49 followers
July 11, 2021
THE MOONSHINE SHACK MURDER by Diane Kelly
The First Southern Homebrew Mystery

The Hayes family has been making moonshine since Prohibition and Hattie Hayes is keeping up the tradition. Hattie sells a variety of her fruit flavored shine as well as her Granddaddy's Ole-Timey Corn Liquor at her newly opened Moonshine Shack. When a dead body winds up in front of her shop, next to a broken bottle of Hattie's Moonshine, Hattie finds herself as both a prime suspect and a possible future victim. Now Hattie will have to prove her innocence or she may wind up in the clink herself, unless the murderer finds her first!

I enjoy wine and spirits off all kind and was thrilled to discover a new mystery series featuring moonshine! I've enjoyed some legally produced shine and I've been lucky enough to have some family brewed stuff decades ago! I know if I was in Chattanooga I'd be heading to Hattie's Moonshine Shack.

The first Southern Homebrew Mystery gives us an unlikable victim, a variety of suspects, and a capable police force, as well as a chill cat and an irascible grandpa! It also gives us Hattie, a feisty protagonist with savvy business and marketing skills. Logically, I must question some of her techniques, she gives away an awful lot of moonshine, but I can overlook the business aspect as I am more interested in the murder. And a good murder it is, with plenty of avenues for investigation, which Hattie pursues in order to "help" the police and clear her name.

Family pride, friendship, romance, and a little hooch make THE MOONSHINE SHACK MURDER a fun start to a new series.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,352 reviews264 followers
July 17, 2021
Following in her family’s footsteps, Hattie Hayes is about to open a brand new store in Chattanooga to sell moonshine. They come in several different fruity flavors and she has many people ready to help her out; including her grandfather, her best friend Kiki and her gray cat Smoky. You can’t ask for a better support system then that.

Then tragedy strikes…after she had fought with the bar owner across the street, he winds up dead in front of her shop. Killed by a broken jar of her moonshine. The police turn their attention right in Hattie’s direction. It’s up to her to prove her innocence and save her shop.

What a fun cozy mystery! This is the beginning of a new series and it’s off to a great start. Each character is well-developed. They are lively, quirky and witty. There’s even a touch of romance in the air for Hattie. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out in the future, but the mystery is the main focus of this story. Exactly how I like my cozy mysteries.

The storyline is compelling giving several different potential killers. I chose one suspect early on and I wasn’t letting go of my suspicions, but I was wrong. LOL My second choice was the real killer. I had so much fun trying to figure things out with Hattie. It’s fast-paced, clever, and filled with humor.

I’ll definitely be back for the next book.



FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free 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.
Profile Image for Bonnie Drummond.
921 reviews19 followers
September 30, 2021
Diane Kelly has some great series to read but this new series is out of this world. The Moonshine Shack Murder book #1 in the Southern Homebrew Mystery was a great read. Join Hattie Hayes as she tries to find clue as to who killed the owner of the bar across the street from the Moonshine Shack before she herself goes up the river for said murder. If that's not bad enough she has the hots for a very Handsome Sexy Mounted Horse Officer that patrols were she shop is. I really can't wait to read book #2 .
1,142 reviews14 followers
August 2, 2021
An interesting idea for a series! Hattie is carrying on her long family tradition of making moonshine and has decided to make it legal, selling it in her own shack. After inviting all the local businesses to her early opening night, she is excited by the future possibilities of how to work with other businesses. Except for her across the street neighbor, Limericks Tavern. When the owner winds up murdered on her doorstep, Hattie finds herself as a suspect and wants to help solve the mystery. With help from her grandfather and the local cop she might surprise everyone with her ability to find a killer. Good writing, well developed characters and a great story, keeps you entertained to the very end!
Profile Image for D. Wickles.
Author 1 book56 followers
September 26, 2021
I've read other Diane Kelly books and this one did not disappoint.
Profile Image for HappyGay Bakunzi.
442 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2021
Omg I love this book!!! My first boozy read. Smoky is adorable and Charlotte too. I can't wait for more from this series.
Profile Image for Ren Puspita.
1,493 reviews1,021 followers
September 6, 2024
3,5 stars

The Moonshine Shack Murder is the first book from Southern Homebrew Mystery and also the first Diane Kelly's book that I'd read. I buy the book because the cover is charming and actually the story also have its charm as well although some of its weakness were apparent. While Moonshine Shack cross all the cozy mysteries trope, the book also manage to subvert some trope such as the detective that handle the case is a Africa-American woman in her fifty-ish. The love interest is part of law enforcement too though, although he's an officer and apparently his great grandfather was a sherrif that caught the heroine's great grandfather who was a bootlegger.

The mystery is pretty solid and actually our heroine Hattie Hayes is not bad herself. She seems positive without too much sunshine (aka grating my nerves) and kinda business savvy. Although, if I read some of the reviews, I agree that Hattie's decision to share free jar and jug of moonshine in her opening party to local business owner kinda hard to believe although I think Hattie did it because of "to make money, you must spent money in order to do a marketing". But when Hattie didn't installed a camera system for her store, I just kinda face palm. Like, girl, why no security camera? I think maybe because of plot, because with the lack of camera system in the outside of store, Hattie can't caught the murderer that kill the Limerick's owner, a local bar and therefore Hattie was suspected.

Anyway, I still enjoy reading this book and also enjoy the relationship between Hattie and her love interest, Marlon Landers. Some of the reviewers state that the way Marlon called Hattie as "little filly" is cringey. I don't get it after I google it and then I was like "ahh, I understand, lol". Yep, it can be a little cringey though, lel. There also some of sexist remark toward Hattie although Hattie try her best to face it. Some of the story can be too mundane to read but overall the mystery still enjoyable and I'm looking forward to see Hattie's moonshine business to shine through.
Profile Image for Lori Leaf.
469 reviews41 followers
November 8, 2021
In short: Hattie Hayes is getting ready for the grand opening of the Moonshine Shack. The day after a public disagreement with the owner of the bar across the street he is found dead in front of Hattie’s shop.

What to expect:
🔎 Chattanooga, TB setting
🔍 Strong family history in the moonshine business
🔎Great characters including Hattie’s grandfather & mounted police officer Marlon Landers
🔍 Amateur sleuthing, multiple suspects and an interesting motive.

My thoughts: I am so glad I listened to my cousin and read this book, it was so good! To me the characters made this book, especially the instant and evolving connection between Hattie and Marlon. I love their banter and the sparks flying. I can’t wait to see what progresses with them. The other star of the book is Hattie’s grandfather. He’s so proud of her and carrying on the family business and is a kick with locals and tourists as he sits on the porch whittling little wood animals.

The mystery and sleuthing were well done and plotted out. You soon realize the victim had many enemies and I enjoyed following the clues before the final reveal. I had correctly guessed the perpetrator but not the motive.

Profile Image for emperorcupcake .
870 reviews13 followers
September 27, 2023
4.25

What's the purrfect palate cleanser after three one star reads in a row? Moonshine! (And cats, of course.) This is everything I look for in a cosy mystery. If you're like me and read cosies for 48% atmosphere, 48% cats, and 2% the actual mystery, you're gonna love this! Not that there was anything wrong with the mystery, it was pretty good actually, it was just the least interesting part of the book for me. I loved all the characters, especially Smoky of course, and this is one of the most fun settings for a cosy mystery I've seen. Will definitely continue the series!

Also I love this cover SO MUCH, I would seriously buy a print and hang it in my house. The colours, the cute cat, the fireflies, it's all so stinkin cute! This isn't a fall book, but something about the combination of blue with orange or yellow just gives me those cosy Halloween vibes.
Profile Image for Kellie.
1,099 reviews85 followers
July 23, 2022
The setting is Chattanooga, Tennessee and the adult beverage of choice is moonshine. Hattie Hayes has just opened up a moonshine store in town and with the support of her grandfather and her family recipes, Hattie is ready for success! Unfortunately, the death of a bar owner from across the street may put a damper on success. Especially since Hattie might be considered a suspect.

This book was fine. I loved the setting. The storyline was pretty good and the book kept my interest. Cozy mystery’s are fun, but a bit light for my liking. They are a good diversion after a Lee Child or Michael Connelly.
Next up is Proof is in the Poison.
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