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Shuller #4
Thirteen for Dinner
The exclusive dinner party event of the season...where the guests are dying to leave.
Eccentric and elderly socialite, Elizabeth Headstrom, hosts an annual lavishly themed party at her family’s sprawling estate. Always fascinated with anything supernatural, Elizabeth determined this year’s theme would center around a particular superstition. This year, she was to host a dinner party of just thirteen guests. She wanted to test the adage that if one broke the circle of thirteen at the table, then misery would befall all in attendance.
Ms. Headstrom intentionally invited only those who have been most notable in certain circles, some not exactly for the best reasons, to attend this year’s event. All the infamous guests accept her invite, unaware of the theme, as well as unaware of just how far the evening’s events would go.
Eccentric and elderly socialite, Elizabeth Headstrom, hosts an annual lavishly themed party at her family’s sprawling estate. Always fascinated with anything supernatural, Elizabeth determined this year’s theme would center around a particular superstition. This year, she was to host a dinner party of just thirteen guests. She wanted to test the adage that if one broke the circle of thirteen at the table, then misery would befall all in attendance.
Ms. Headstrom intentionally invited only those who have been most notable in certain circles, some not exactly for the best reasons, to attend this year’s event. All the infamous guests accept her invite, unaware of the theme, as well as unaware of just how far the evening’s events would go.
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Published November 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 28, 2020
Thirteen for Dinner is a chilling thriller that continues Kathleen Lopez's Shuller Series. Ms. Elizabeth Headstrom goes all out this year to make her yearly dinner party accentuate her obsession of superstition folklore. Her mansion is decked out with black cats, ladders, anything else that hints of doom. But her distinguished guests will also spy good luck pieces woven within the decor. That will not be enough as guests begin to die. Could this relic of a lady be guilty of the crimes the guests are pinning on her?
Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock have fellow suspense writing as Kathleen Lopez continues her Shuller Series. She sets the stage with a mysterious dinner party that mocks evil omens and Police Sheriff Shuller just happens to be a guest. The more you read the more questions you find yourself asking about the plot behind this dinner party and the unique connection the guests have with each other. Can Shuller solve these crimes before he becomes a victim also? I loved how the story unfolds and the twists it took to get there.
Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock have fellow suspense writing as Kathleen Lopez continues her Shuller Series. She sets the stage with a mysterious dinner party that mocks evil omens and Police Sheriff Shuller just happens to be a guest. The more you read the more questions you find yourself asking about the plot behind this dinner party and the unique connection the guests have with each other. Can Shuller solve these crimes before he becomes a victim also? I loved how the story unfolds and the twists it took to get there.
December 3, 2020
Thirteen for Dinner by Kathleen Lopez has all of the classic hallmarks of a great mystery novel, an old mansion, a dinner party, and plenty of confounding clues. In the tradition of Agatha Christie, the author spins a mesmerizing tale filled with interesting characters, as the lady of the house, Elizabeth Headstrom hosts her annual tantalizing party. This time there are thirteen guests, creepy clues, and talismans of bad luck as well as good luck motifs left around her huge home. As the fourth installment in the Shuller series, this book lives up to its predecessors, the ongoing role of Sherriff Shuller makes for an enticing and riveting story as the mystery unfolds along with a multitude of dead bodies. Could the little old lady Headstrom really be responsible for the tumult? The story unfolds well, with plenty of twists and turns to leave you wondering what exactly is happening as the clues are revealed. Skilled and effective storytelling make this a must-read for mystery lovers everywhere.
December 11, 2020
Elizabeth Hedstrom is a spry elderly Aris, Who loves to throw lavish theme parties every year and this year it is things that bring bad luck. Black cats, upside down horse shoes and more there’s even a circle of 13 at the dinner table and Miss Elizabeth says if you break the circle, you’ll bring misery on everyone at the table. It doesn’t take long to find out if what she’s saying is true as one of the guest is her niece who harbors resentment towards her for reasons that were never really clear. To me it just sounded like a rich spoiled girl yelling at her guardian. She’s also an actress so when she gets up gasping for air in the middle of her tirade, her aunt is suspicious. Well everyone else tries to help and the retired detective that is there Mr. shrill calls for someone to call 911 only to find out the house phone and their cell phones are out of service. Which is a shame, because this will not be the first time they need emergency services. The fun thing about this book is plenty of people die but not all look like murder. This book reminded me of an old fashion murder mystery, , Only set in modern times. I can’t say enough about this book. I loved it and think Miss Lopez is a brilliant writer and highly recommend this to those who also love mysteries and who done its. Because you will never guess who done it!
December 16, 2020
Thirteen for Dinner by Kathleen Lopez is a great mystery novel. Elizabeth Headstrom is hosting one of her annual themed dinner parties, which she invites thirteen guests to, this year the theme is of the supernatural. A great plot that unfolds with many twists and clues which leaves you wondering what’s next and just how far the evening’s events will go! In my opinion it’s a must read for any mystery lover.
November 28, 2020
‘I’ll never look at car keys the same way ever again,’ – Invitation to a fine mystery
Florida author Dr. Kathleen Lopez has been writing since age fourteen – first as a journalist in junior high school, then throughout her college experience, having her poems published during that time, and subsequently writing thrillers and mysteries. She is the founding president of the Sisters in Crime Central Florida chapter of Citrus Crime Writers and participates in workshops for Indie authors and readers. Her gifts are displayed in several anthologies as well as her novels ROOM 423, THE CALLING CARD MURDERS, THE LONG ROAD HOME, IT ALL STARTED WITH BURNT BACON, ARE YOU STILL WATCHING?, and her Shuller Series of which THIRTEEN FOR DINNER is the fourth volume.
Mastering the art of maintaining suspense while inserting murder and other crime and some paranormal aspects is evident as this new volume opens. “So, the count is what now, six? Six dead?” The meek little man was becoming meeker by the minute. “This is insane. She’s insane. You must all know that she’s behind this whole thing, right?” “You mean the frail octogenarian? You think she killed him? Seriously. I mean, look at him” Jeanie barked at the man, “He has to be 250 pounds easy, and she’s like, what, 80 pounds soaking wet? I don’t think the little old lady had anything to do with this,” she said, emphasizing her statement by gesturing to the prone man who lay in a pool of blood. Shuller was half-listening to the exchange and half-inspecting the hulking mass that was face down in the foyer...’ With Sheriff Martin Shuller on the scene, as in this Prologue, the intricacies of this novel will gradually unfold.
Providing a light on the theme of the story, the synopsis hints at the suspense to follow: ‘Eccentric and elderly socialite, Elizabeth Headstrom, hosts an annual lavishly themed party at her family’s sprawling estate. Always fascinated with anything supernatural, Elizabeth determined this year’s theme would center around a particular superstition. This year, she was to host a dinner party of just thirteen guests. She wanted to test the adage that if one broke the circle of thirteen at the table, then misery would befall all in attendance. Ms. Headstrom intentionally invited only those who have been most notable in certain circles, some not exactly for the best reasons, to attend this year’s event. All the infamous guests accept her invite, unaware of the theme, as well as unaware of just how far the evening’s events would go.’
Maintaining her mystery by creating well-drawn characters who stimulate suspense, Kathleen manages to magnetize interest to the final page. This is perfect reading for a dark wintry night - but keep the lights on…
Florida author Dr. Kathleen Lopez has been writing since age fourteen – first as a journalist in junior high school, then throughout her college experience, having her poems published during that time, and subsequently writing thrillers and mysteries. She is the founding president of the Sisters in Crime Central Florida chapter of Citrus Crime Writers and participates in workshops for Indie authors and readers. Her gifts are displayed in several anthologies as well as her novels ROOM 423, THE CALLING CARD MURDERS, THE LONG ROAD HOME, IT ALL STARTED WITH BURNT BACON, ARE YOU STILL WATCHING?, and her Shuller Series of which THIRTEEN FOR DINNER is the fourth volume.
Mastering the art of maintaining suspense while inserting murder and other crime and some paranormal aspects is evident as this new volume opens. “So, the count is what now, six? Six dead?” The meek little man was becoming meeker by the minute. “This is insane. She’s insane. You must all know that she’s behind this whole thing, right?” “You mean the frail octogenarian? You think she killed him? Seriously. I mean, look at him” Jeanie barked at the man, “He has to be 250 pounds easy, and she’s like, what, 80 pounds soaking wet? I don’t think the little old lady had anything to do with this,” she said, emphasizing her statement by gesturing to the prone man who lay in a pool of blood. Shuller was half-listening to the exchange and half-inspecting the hulking mass that was face down in the foyer...’ With Sheriff Martin Shuller on the scene, as in this Prologue, the intricacies of this novel will gradually unfold.
Providing a light on the theme of the story, the synopsis hints at the suspense to follow: ‘Eccentric and elderly socialite, Elizabeth Headstrom, hosts an annual lavishly themed party at her family’s sprawling estate. Always fascinated with anything supernatural, Elizabeth determined this year’s theme would center around a particular superstition. This year, she was to host a dinner party of just thirteen guests. She wanted to test the adage that if one broke the circle of thirteen at the table, then misery would befall all in attendance. Ms. Headstrom intentionally invited only those who have been most notable in certain circles, some not exactly for the best reasons, to attend this year’s event. All the infamous guests accept her invite, unaware of the theme, as well as unaware of just how far the evening’s events would go.’
Maintaining her mystery by creating well-drawn characters who stimulate suspense, Kathleen manages to magnetize interest to the final page. This is perfect reading for a dark wintry night - but keep the lights on…
December 27, 2020
Elizabeth Headstrom enjoys throwing dinner parties, but the dinner parties have an eccentric theme. Her latest party is one filled with superstition. Elizabeth has her loyal servant, Charles, prepare everything. Once her 12 guests arrive, they start mingling, and learn that each of them has been “media-worthy” in some way.
People start dying at this party, and rather rapidly. After the death toll reaches a high number, the guests try to take things into their own hands.
I enjoyed this thriller up until the end, which I thought was a bit far-fetched, and almost seemed rushed. Otherwise, I enjoyed the suspense of the dinner party evening, and trying to track all the guests through the night.
#ThirteenForDinner #KathleenLopez
People start dying at this party, and rather rapidly. After the death toll reaches a high number, the guests try to take things into their own hands.
I enjoyed this thriller up until the end, which I thought was a bit far-fetched, and almost seemed rushed. Otherwise, I enjoyed the suspense of the dinner party evening, and trying to track all the guests through the night.
#ThirteenForDinner #KathleenLopez
January 15, 2021
A little far fetched but still an enjoyable who done it murder mystery novel. Well written the story has a good supernatural plot with plenty of mystery. I really enjoyed this story with the twists and clues that eventually lead to the truth! if you like a good old fashioned murder mystery novel then i would recommend reading his one. Kathleen Lopez has done a great job telling this story
January 21, 2025
A Sinister Supper: Mystery and Mayhem in Thirteen for Dinner
Kathleen Lopez delivers a deliciously twisted and suspenseful tale in Thirteen for Dinner, the fourth installment of The Shuller Series. With its eerie premise, eccentric hostess, and a gathering of dubious guests, this novel is a feast of intrigue, deception, and deadly consequences. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, you’ll find yourself utterly enthralled by the eerie atmosphere and sinister undertones woven throughout this novel.
Elizabeth Headstrom, a wealthy socialite with a penchant for the supernatural, takes her annual themed dinner party to chilling new heights. This year’s event revolves around the superstition that breaking a table of thirteen invites disaster—an ominous concept that quickly turns from mere folklore to a grim reality. As the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that each carefully selected guest has secrets, some more dangerous than others. What begins as an extravagant evening of fine dining and revelry soon spirals into a high-stakes game of survival.
Lopez masterfully builds suspense, crafting a locked-room mystery filled with tension, misdirection, and a slow-burning dread that keeps you glued to the pages. The cast of characters is rich and varied, each with their own motives and dark pasts, making it impossible to determine who—if anyone—will make it out unscathed. The grand estate setting adds an extra layer of gothic charm, heightening the sense of isolation and danger as the night progresses.
With razor-sharp pacing, clever twists, and a touch of the macabre, Thirteen for Dinner is a gripping whodunit that will keep you guessing until the very last page. It’s an atmospheric and immersive read, perfect for fans of classic murder mysteries with a supernatural flair. Whether you’re a longtime follower of The Shuller Series or a newcomer, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a mystery where no one is safe, and the truth is more terrifying than fiction.
Kathleen Lopez delivers a deliciously twisted and suspenseful tale in Thirteen for Dinner, the fourth installment of The Shuller Series. With its eerie premise, eccentric hostess, and a gathering of dubious guests, this novel is a feast of intrigue, deception, and deadly consequences. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, you’ll find yourself utterly enthralled by the eerie atmosphere and sinister undertones woven throughout this novel.
Elizabeth Headstrom, a wealthy socialite with a penchant for the supernatural, takes her annual themed dinner party to chilling new heights. This year’s event revolves around the superstition that breaking a table of thirteen invites disaster—an ominous concept that quickly turns from mere folklore to a grim reality. As the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that each carefully selected guest has secrets, some more dangerous than others. What begins as an extravagant evening of fine dining and revelry soon spirals into a high-stakes game of survival.
Lopez masterfully builds suspense, crafting a locked-room mystery filled with tension, misdirection, and a slow-burning dread that keeps you glued to the pages. The cast of characters is rich and varied, each with their own motives and dark pasts, making it impossible to determine who—if anyone—will make it out unscathed. The grand estate setting adds an extra layer of gothic charm, heightening the sense of isolation and danger as the night progresses.
With razor-sharp pacing, clever twists, and a touch of the macabre, Thirteen for Dinner is a gripping whodunit that will keep you guessing until the very last page. It’s an atmospheric and immersive read, perfect for fans of classic murder mysteries with a supernatural flair. Whether you’re a longtime follower of The Shuller Series or a newcomer, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a mystery where no one is safe, and the truth is more terrifying than fiction.
February 22, 2021
I found Thirteen for Dinner to be a chilling thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire read. There are so many twists to this story that I did find myself asking a lot of questions and second guessing myself before the answers finally unfolded! Elizabeth Headstrom is a wonderful character, and I did love how author Lopez cleverly intertwined complexities at the dinner party.
A Perfect read for anyone who loves an Agatha Christie-esque thriller. Highly recommended.
A Perfect read for anyone who loves an Agatha Christie-esque thriller. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2021
Unforgettable novel. Outstanding.
February 17, 2021
Most enjoyable book!
February 17, 2021
Most entertaining story.
February 17, 2021
Utterly outstanding.
February 17, 2021
Extraordinarily good novel.
March 4, 2021
Amazing book for lovers of complex fiction.
Currently reading
January 28, 2021Review pending as I seek the updated copy of the book.
February 16, 2021
Well written with a great story!
February 16, 2021
This was so outstanding.
February 16, 2021
So good, I loved it.
February 18, 2021
Adore the complex writing style of this book.
February 18, 2021
Simply beautiful character interplay.
February 18, 2021
A very moving book.
February 18, 2021
Extraordinary and fascinating characters.
February 18, 2021
Good story, very intelligent and thoughtful.
February 18, 2021
Most entertaining writing.
February 18, 2021
This book truly was so awesome.
February 18, 2021
Wonderful writing. I loved it.
February 18, 2021
Most amazing book for a quiet afternoon!
February 18, 2021
Enjoyable book, I recommend it!
February 18, 2021
Great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews