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Haunted Housekeeping #2
The Deadly Dust Bunnies
Running a thrift store is so much better than cleaning houses, so when the The Treasure Trove goes up for sale, my bestie and I jump at the chance to buy it. After all, this is our chance to give up the toilet brushes and feather dusters for good.
Lucky for us, our grand re-opening coincides with the opening ceremonies of the Blueberry Bay Days Festival. With tourists flocking to town for the events, we’re sure to get a sales boost, and our new business will be booming in no time.
But nothing in the Cooper's Cove Small Business Owner's guide prepared us for what to do if a dead body turns up in your dumpster full of dust bunnies. To make things worse, some of my closest friends top the list of suspects. And did I mention that my parents are in town?
Now, Hazel and I are too busy solving a murder to enjoy the festival. Even worse, it looks like the killer’s set their sights on me!
Can we find a way to solve the crime without adding our own names to the body count?
Lucky for us, our grand re-opening coincides with the opening ceremonies of the Blueberry Bay Days Festival. With tourists flocking to town for the events, we’re sure to get a sales boost, and our new business will be booming in no time.
But nothing in the Cooper's Cove Small Business Owner's guide prepared us for what to do if a dead body turns up in your dumpster full of dust bunnies. To make things worse, some of my closest friends top the list of suspects. And did I mention that my parents are in town?
Now, Hazel and I are too busy solving a murder to enjoy the festival. Even worse, it looks like the killer’s set their sights on me!
Can we find a way to solve the crime without adding our own names to the body count?
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2020
170 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 15, 2023
I'd been wanting to get back to this series for a long time now so I finally made the time and was glad I did! I soon got caught back up in Tori and Hazel's world. The ladies were running a secondhand store now, but some things never change and Hazel's cop brother, Gavin was snarky as ever. But he did show a nicer side every once in a while. I think he just acts that way 'cause people expect it, lol. And I did miss reading about that awesome Rune, Tori's boyfriend. If you didn't read book 1, you need to if you want lots more enjoyment from the series. There may or may not be spoilers in this book, but when in doubt, in order's the way to go.
After the second body turned up, Tori was a little worried she'd be next since there'd been an attempt on her life. The showdown was exciting with Tori giving it her best efforts. But I'm pretty sure she was glad she let Mom and Rune follow behind! Off to the next book which I borrowed while the series was still in KU.
After the second body turned up, Tori was a little worried she'd be next since there'd been an attempt on her life. The showdown was exciting with Tori giving it her best efforts. But I'm pretty sure she was glad she let Mom and Rune follow behind! Off to the next book which I borrowed while the series was still in KU.
December 10, 2020
I was already pretty enamored with all things Tori, Rune, and Hazel after reading the first book, and this one has only cemented that opinion. This story took me places I never expected to go even though the author warned that it did the exact same things to her. There’s community drama, and family drama, and relationship drama, and people dropping like flies. In the middle of all of this are our intrepid heroes determined to once again one-up the law by solving the mystery first. Now, I’m not usually a fan of this kind of antagonism with law enforcement, but since it’s done in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek, sibling rivalry way, it doesn’t bother me as much as it would normally. There are some unusual revelations in this book, and I’m more than curious to see how they will play out in future releases in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
November 13, 2020
Really nice murder mystery! Not much housekeeping is done by Hazel and Tori in this book, though. More like shopkeeping. And solving a murder by dust bunnies... :-)
A festival, a murder investigation, a visit from mum (oh no!) and Irish men popping up. And don't forget the wicked awesome coffee and donuts from Joe's!
A festival, a murder investigation, a visit from mum (oh no!) and Irish men popping up. And don't forget the wicked awesome coffee and donuts from Joe's!
January 29, 2024
I can't wait to dive into another one book in this series, I really like the characters! Too bad bodies keep finding them. Good read!
December 4, 2021
Well... the dust bunnies weren't deadly, and the cat was pretty much an afterthought...
In her acknowledgements, the author thanks her editor and 'critique buddy' who "helped prevent this book from being a hot mess." Well, I guess it could have been a hotter mess, but we still have a number of inconsistencies, poorly explained phenomena, unrealistic motives, and no real mystery solving - just once again stumbling across someone who is willing to confess all to their next potential victims. I like the main characters, but I wish they were better fleshed out. The tiny teasers to future plot points or future character development are just not enough to keep me engaged. I think I'm done with the series now. (I do love the cover art, though!)
In her acknowledgements, the author thanks her editor and 'critique buddy' who "helped prevent this book from being a hot mess." Well, I guess it could have been a hotter mess, but we still have a number of inconsistencies, poorly explained phenomena, unrealistic motives, and no real mystery solving - just once again stumbling across someone who is willing to confess all to their next potential victims. I like the main characters, but I wish they were better fleshed out. The tiny teasers to future plot points or future character development are just not enough to keep me engaged. I think I'm done with the series now. (I do love the cover art, though!)
November 4, 2020
Tori and Hazel have another murder to solve and this one hits close to home, behind their second-hand store, Treasure Trove and in the dumpster. R.A Muth brings us back to Cooper’s Cove, Maine in this new installment in the Haunter Housekeeping stories in The Deadly Dust Bunnies. What? Dust bunnies killed somebody? No, but a body was found in the dumpster with the dust bunnies that came from Tori’s store when Rune emptied the vacuum. So the fun begins Blueberry Days festival…finding the body of Warren Nagle the owner of a dance studio that teaches Irish dancing. Rune is a familiar that became human that is from Ireland and says Warren’s is teaching the kids wrong and challenges him to a dance off. But Warren doesn’t make it…hence to dead body with the dust bunnies. Investigating the murder becomes even more personal when Tori starts being threatened. Who could the murder be? Why did they kill Warren and want to kill Tori? Well…that’s the fun of this story, it keeps you guessing.
October 30, 2020
"Chin up, lass. Things are never as bad as they seem."
I raised my head and scowled. "You're right, Rune. Sometimes they're worse."
Victoria and Hazel have gone from cleaning houses to selling things for houses as they open Treasure Trove, a small business in Blueberry Bay. They'd already solved one murder... are they surprized when they find themselves knee deep in a new one? And why on earth is her mother here? As long as there's enough beach plum donuts around to go with her caffeine fix, even Tori can find the rainbow in this second in the series.
I admit, the first book in this series wasn't very good, and I couldn't finish it. This one certainly makes up for it. Victoria and Hazel are a 21st century Lucy and Ethel with New England accents, and I loved this!
Highly recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and chose to read and review it]
I raised my head and scowled. "You're right, Rune. Sometimes they're worse."
Victoria and Hazel have gone from cleaning houses to selling things for houses as they open Treasure Trove, a small business in Blueberry Bay. They'd already solved one murder... are they surprized when they find themselves knee deep in a new one? And why on earth is her mother here? As long as there's enough beach plum donuts around to go with her caffeine fix, even Tori can find the rainbow in this second in the series.
I admit, the first book in this series wasn't very good, and I couldn't finish it. This one certainly makes up for it. Victoria and Hazel are a 21st century Lucy and Ethel with New England accents, and I loved this!
Highly recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and chose to read and review it]
October 28, 2024
Once again, no ghosts in this "Haunted Housekeeping" series. Also no housekeeping...
But, anyway -
The mystery of this one was kinda meh, and the who of the whodunit, I thought, was kind of dumb. I guess not outside of the realm of possibility, but
Same issues with narrator as before. The voices of the various women are often nigh indistinguishable, and it's tough when you have two women as your main leads.
The jealousy of Tori with Marci is weird. Like,
I wouldn't pay credits for this series, but since it's currently "free", I'll continue onto the next book.
But, anyway -
The mystery of this one was kinda meh, and the who of the whodunit, I thought, was kind of dumb. I guess not outside of the realm of possibility, but
Same issues with narrator as before. The voices of the various women are often nigh indistinguishable, and it's tough when you have two women as your main leads.
The jealousy of Tori with Marci is weird. Like,
I wouldn't pay credits for this series, but since it's currently "free", I'll continue onto the next book.
October 30, 2020
This is the second book in the Haunted Housekeeping series. It is better than the first book in the series. The story is well-written, the characters are likable, and it held my attention from beginning to end. Tori and Hazel now own a second-hand store and Rune helps them run it while living in the upstairs apartment. I'd love to have a Rune in my life. Gavin is less of a caricature than he was in the first book although he's still slightly obnoxious. I had the murderer and motive figured out although I didn't know how the second murder was related to the first. That didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. There was less use of the term wicked to describe everything. The book does need a proofreader to go over it. I give it 4.5 stars.
November 15, 2020
Tories and Hazel have given up their cleaning business to buy and run a thrift store called The Treasure Trove. Things are going well until they find a body in their dumpster. As some of their friends are suspects, Tori and Hazel are drawn into the investigation. Can they find the killer before it's too late? In addition, Tori's mother is in town which adds to her stress level.
This is the second book in a new series and it was an enjoyable read. However, there were some errors such as missing words throughout which detracted from the story for me. There was plenty of action and humor which pulls you into the story and keeps you hooked. I do recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
This is the second book in a new series and it was an enjoyable read. However, there were some errors such as missing words throughout which detracted from the story for me. There was plenty of action and humor which pulls you into the story and keeps you hooked. I do recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
December 30, 2020
I sure did enjoy this book.
There's nothing like going to work and finding a dead body in the dumpster behind your business. Warren is in the dumpster just a day after he and Rune had words about dancing and were to have a dance off that day. Tori and Hazel is told not to butt into the investigation but with sibling rivalry they butt in. Tori's mom comes to town. That doesn't help ,matters or does it. Tori is poison. So who killed Warren and poisoned Tori and why? Grab the book and get comfy.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
There's nothing like going to work and finding a dead body in the dumpster behind your business. Warren is in the dumpster just a day after he and Rune had words about dancing and were to have a dance off that day. Tori and Hazel is told not to butt into the investigation but with sibling rivalry they butt in. Tori's mom comes to town. That doesn't help ,matters or does it. Tori is poison. So who killed Warren and poisoned Tori and why? Grab the book and get comfy.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 31, 2020
What a great second book in the series!
I had been looking forward to reading this; I loved book 1 and I was excited for book 2! And it didn’t disappoint! It was even better! What a great book! I just loved the writing style. Well-written, easy-to-read, with a good flow. And I so love Rune! He is full of charm and he’s just so funny!
Another murder to solve, and many twists and turns lead to a satisfying ending. I cannot recommend this cozy enough!
I had been looking forward to reading this; I loved book 1 and I was excited for book 2! And it didn’t disappoint! It was even better! What a great book! I just loved the writing style. Well-written, easy-to-read, with a good flow. And I so love Rune! He is full of charm and he’s just so funny!
Another murder to solve, and many twists and turns lead to a satisfying ending. I cannot recommend this cozy enough!
November 1, 2020
Great story with fun characters. I enjoyed reading this mystery and trying to figure out who the murderer was. This was a fun story with the Treasure Trove shop and the cat that is a now the official shop cat. Tori and her mom kept me in stitches with her mom’s flirty behavior and the how snarky they are with each other , I really enjoyed their relationship. This story will definitely keep you on your toes, so much to love about it!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2020
This was a fun read. The Irish dance instructor in Cooper's Cove turns up dead in the dumpster behind the Treasure Trove, so naturally, Tori and Hazel are on the job, sleuthing for a murderer.
False trails, furry friends and danger all ensue as the pair and their hunky Irish upstairs neighbour work to limit the body count to one ... or two ... or maybe more.
There's lots of family drama too in this well written, always entertaining cozy mystery.
A great, light hearted cozy mystery.
False trails, furry friends and danger all ensue as the pair and their hunky Irish upstairs neighbour work to limit the body count to one ... or two ... or maybe more.
There's lots of family drama too in this well written, always entertaining cozy mystery.
A great, light hearted cozy mystery.
November 12, 2020
Do funny and murder go together? If it is a R. A Muth book they do. Blueberry Bay can be a dangerous place for a quiet New England area. Victoria and Hazel have developed a tendency to find dead bodies. Aided by Rune, a former feline, now a handsome Irishman (read The Squeaky Clean Skeleton to figure that out), sorta aided by Gavin, Hazel’s brother and a Cooper’s Cove detective, the who done it gets solved. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
November 14, 2020
Cozy community for multiple murder mysteries in need of solving. This is one of the more wholesome because it's not all about the cozy sleuthing, it also has character depth which I think makes the characters more realistic and helped to connect with them. So, not only is this suspenseful but it has heartfelt emotions, a dab of humor with a romance interest twist. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2020
Yes, Victoria & Hazel, along with Rune, find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation though the police warn them to stay out of it & are once again not happy for the "help" that is offered. An excellent cozy mystery that I enjoyed & am sure will please others. I received a copy from the publisher. It is my choice to leave a review.
December 9, 2021
This was a rather dim read. The characters were interesting, but all together, they were rather dull. I know coffee drinkers, but three large coffees by the time you got to work, the going out for more? If they were "broke", how could they afford to eat so many meals carryout? I just wasn't impressed.
May 29, 2022
Read the previous book in this series so you connect with the characters. The first book was more action and a lot of fun. This second book is dangerous and had much forward action, but carries on themes set forth in the first book. It takes a very interesting turn.
I wonder where we might go next.
I wonder where we might go next.
September 25, 2023
WTH? Is she 15? Who cares about what others think, they don't pay your bills so who's business is who are you sleeping with?!?!?! People really need to stop living their lives for others. I really dislike these wimp female characters that can't seem to take ownership of their OWN lives. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
April 27, 2024
This is a pretty good read. I'm enjoying Tori, Rune, Hazel, and all the other fun and/or nutty characters in this one. I would give it 5 stars but there are a couple of inconsistencies that kind of threw me off. Story was still entertaining and kept me reading till the end. I have already started book 3. Happy reading!
October 30, 2020
The Deadly Dust Bunnies is a fun and entertaining mystery. I love the characters and their dynamics together. The mystery has many twists and surprises that you are kept guessing until the end. I really enjoyed this book.
November 2, 2020
The Deadly Dust Bunnies is an engaging cozy mystery. I like the main characters, Victoria, Hazel and Rune. This well plotted mystery gabbed my attention at once and kept me reading way too late into the night! There are plenty of bodies, suspects and possible motives. I am eagerly awaiting book three!
November 2, 2020
Promising Series
I like the characters and hope we get to learn a little more about Rune and that he gets to grow a bit more in development. So far the stories are cute even if the murders are easy to solve
I like the characters and hope we get to learn a little more about Rune and that he gets to grow a bit more in development. So far the stories are cute even if the murders are easy to solve
January 23, 2021
Another one
Finding a body behind their new shop send the girls into Nancy Drew mode again. A festival, another body and an attempt on Tori's life says they're getting close. There is also a huge surprise for Tori. Bring on the next one!
Finding a body behind their new shop send the girls into Nancy Drew mode again. A festival, another body and an attempt on Tori's life says they're getting close. There is also a huge surprise for Tori. Bring on the next one!
November 24, 2021
I didn't see that coming!
Wonderful quirky characters. A fast-moving plot. Lots of laughs. Halfway through I had said to myself twice, well I didn't see that coming! Which means this is a very good book! I have read the first 2 now and I'm off to get the third!
Wonderful quirky characters. A fast-moving plot. Lots of laughs. Halfway through I had said to myself twice, well I didn't see that coming! Which means this is a very good book! I have read the first 2 now and I'm off to get the third!
January 5, 2022
very entertaining
This story was so entertaining. The characters were well rounded, and the situations kept morphing one after the other. It’s always good when each thread is concluded satisfactorily.
This story was so entertaining. The characters were well rounded, and the situations kept morphing one after the other. It’s always good when each thread is concluded satisfactorily.
July 16, 2023
This book is an enjoyable continuation of the cozy mystery Haunted Housekeeping series. Again the author's excellent descriptive writing makes the action easy to picture in the readers mind. The book is an easy, lighthearted, fun read.
May 12, 2024
The Deadly Dust Bunnies,,The Haunted Housekeeping Series book 2
This is a coll mystery with a hint of magic, however as the murder and attempted mystery evokes wasn't exactly happy with the fire reason.
This is a coll mystery with a hint of magic, however as the murder and attempted mystery evokes wasn't exactly happy with the fire reason.
April 18, 2025
I loved that the ending to the mystery murders was believable and not just a silly twist nobody could have seen coming. The leprechaun character, Rune made this a different and interesting read that was enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews