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Rosa Reed #7
Murder at the Dude Ranch
Murder's a wild ride!
Rosa Reed takes a much needed break from her thriving private investigative work by joining her cousin Clarence and Aunt Louisa for a weekend getaway at the Black Stallion Dude Ranch near Santa Bonita, California. It's the beginning of 1957 and Rosa is ready for a fresh start. Newly single, all she needs is time on the trails, and cuddles from her tabby cat, Diego.
The peace and quiet of ranch life is soon disrupted when a horse returns from a trail ride without its rider. When foul play is determined, Rosa finds herself thrust once again into a murder investigation alongside the handsome detective Miguel Belmonte.
Suspicion falls on many of the guests—the failed investment banker, the laundromat owner, the heiress, and to Rosa's dismay, her own cousin Clarence.
Can Rosa prove her cousin's innocence before the cows come home?
Rosa Reed takes a much needed break from her thriving private investigative work by joining her cousin Clarence and Aunt Louisa for a weekend getaway at the Black Stallion Dude Ranch near Santa Bonita, California. It's the beginning of 1957 and Rosa is ready for a fresh start. Newly single, all she needs is time on the trails, and cuddles from her tabby cat, Diego.
The peace and quiet of ranch life is soon disrupted when a horse returns from a trail ride without its rider. When foul play is determined, Rosa finds herself thrust once again into a murder investigation alongside the handsome detective Miguel Belmonte.
Suspicion falls on many of the guests—the failed investment banker, the laundromat owner, the heiress, and to Rosa's dismay, her own cousin Clarence.
Can Rosa prove her cousin's innocence before the cows come home?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2021
301 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
130 books2,344 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 30, 2021
Murder at the Dude Ranch by Lee and Norm Strauss is another Rosa Reed adventure set in the 1950's. Once again I was pulled in from the first page of the book and didn't stop reading until I reached the end.
The story is quickly paced with a limited number of suspects with a motive, clues and red herrings that kept me guessing until the dramatic reveal. I like Rosa as she is both smart and independent (thanks to her mother and father). It was fun to see a dude ranch through Rosa's eyes which made the time spent at the ranch come alive for me. The final chapter has me anticipating the next book in the series.
The story is quickly paced with a limited number of suspects with a motive, clues and red herrings that kept me guessing until the dramatic reveal. I like Rosa as she is both smart and independent (thanks to her mother and father). It was fun to see a dude ranch through Rosa's eyes which made the time spent at the ranch come alive for me. The final chapter has me anticipating the next book in the series.
March 29, 2022
Rosa Reed goes to a ranch with her aunt and cousin for a weekend getaway.
Everything is going okay with the exception of one extremely rude guest.
And it gets worse when Rosa find his body and her cousin is implicated as the murderer.
Another fun story with defined characters and bit of humor.
Everything is going okay with the exception of one extremely rude guest.
And it gets worse when Rosa find his body and her cousin is implicated as the murderer.
Another fun story with defined characters and bit of humor.
May 2, 2021
Lost Rider
Rosa , her cousin Clarence and her Aunt decide to visit a local Dude Ranch called The Black Stallion. One of the visitors goes missing while riding. Suspects are all that were at the Dude Ranch, but the most suspicion falls on her cousin Clarence.
Of course, Rosa ends up on the case working with the handsome detective Miguel to try and find the murderer and prove her cousin Clarence’s innocence.
Matters become complicated when her old boyfriend from London, England shows up at the Forrester house.
I love reading these cozy mysteries by Lee Strauss. The descriptions of the people, the clothing, and the scenery is very distinct and believable. I can see the picture in my mind as if I were actually there. Each location in each book is like a mini vacation.
One more enjoyable cozy mystery featuring Rosa Reed, her cat Diego and his new friend Squeaker.
Thanks to Lee Strauss for allowing me to read and review a copy of the book.
Rosa , her cousin Clarence and her Aunt decide to visit a local Dude Ranch called The Black Stallion. One of the visitors goes missing while riding. Suspects are all that were at the Dude Ranch, but the most suspicion falls on her cousin Clarence.
Of course, Rosa ends up on the case working with the handsome detective Miguel to try and find the murderer and prove her cousin Clarence’s innocence.
Matters become complicated when her old boyfriend from London, England shows up at the Forrester house.
I love reading these cozy mysteries by Lee Strauss. The descriptions of the people, the clothing, and the scenery is very distinct and believable. I can see the picture in my mind as if I were actually there. Each location in each book is like a mini vacation.
One more enjoyable cozy mystery featuring Rosa Reed, her cat Diego and his new friend Squeaker.
Thanks to Lee Strauss for allowing me to read and review a copy of the book.
April 29, 2021
Lee and Norm Strauss continue the entertaining and adventurous tales of Rosa Reed with another excellent book!
There are plenty of twists and turns in this mystery and in Rosa's personal life as well. The book is well written and keeps you guessing right up to the end.
Rosa's personal story has some intriguing developments in this book as well, and it will be interesting to see where the next book leads.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this mystery and in Rosa's personal life as well. The book is well written and keeps you guessing right up to the end.
Rosa's personal story has some intriguing developments in this book as well, and it will be interesting to see where the next book leads.
April 30, 2021
Rosa Reed, her Aunt Louisa and cousin Clarence decide to take a little holiday at a dude ranch that Louisa used to go to, although Rosa wished her hidden love, detective Miguel Belmonte. But the secret is still kept about the two of them. The Dude ranch was everything they expected, nice trails for horseback rides, walks and general enjoyment. With Louisa riding with the ranch manager, Mr. Roundtree on the trail and one of the Washington twins hiking up the mountain trail overlooking the lake while the other twin, Tom Washington against the rules, took one of the horses out on the trail. Well, things go downhill from there when the horse returns without Tom Washington. When they find him dead up on the trail, of course Rosa has to help Miguel with the investigation, especially when her cousin, Clarence is arrested for the murder. With lots of twists and turns we are taken through suspect after suspect. Could someone not at the dude ranch have killed Tom Washington? We are surprised when the murderer is discovered by Rosa as well as other a few other surprises when Winston shows up, the man Rosa left at the altar in London and Rosa's more modern cousin, Gloria as well as Rosa stand up for themselves in a time when women are only just starting to work outside the home. We are treated to a fantastic ending with a few surprises as well as we are left with a cliff hanger that makes you want the next book as soon as possible to see what happens! I Love this series as well as all the series from this author and have a had time waiting for more! I received an ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
August 20, 2021
Rosa Reed, private investigator, is taking a breather from work to spend a weekend on a dude ranch with her aunt and cousin - and of course her cat Diego. (I had no idea, but a dude ranch is apparently a cattle ranch that is converted to a holiday centre for tourists. Incidentally, as I Brit I love that through the Rosa Reed series I’m picking up things I’d never know otherwise about American culture as well as life in the 1950s! It’s always done so naturally, woven seamlessly into the stories.)
Rosa is right on hand with her investigative skills when a murder occurs, and this time there’s a more personal need to find the true murderer...
The plot is intriguing and the mystery is very satisfyingly unravelled. And some rather interesting character developments occur too!
I can’t believe we’re on book 7 of this brilliant series already. If you’ve not read the others, you’ve missed a treat, so start from the beginning to get the full pleasure of the lovely character and relationship developments. But this whodunnit mystery is totally self contained (as are they all) so you don’t need to have read the others. Relax and enjoy!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Rosa is right on hand with her investigative skills when a murder occurs, and this time there’s a more personal need to find the true murderer...
The plot is intriguing and the mystery is very satisfyingly unravelled. And some rather interesting character developments occur too!
I can’t believe we’re on book 7 of this brilliant series already. If you’ve not read the others, you’ve missed a treat, so start from the beginning to get the full pleasure of the lovely character and relationship developments. But this whodunnit mystery is totally self contained (as are they all) so you don’t need to have read the others. Relax and enjoy!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
This is another well written period cozy mystery by Lee Strauss. A murder occurs at a California dude ranch and Rosa’s cousin Clarence is the main suspect. She is brought into the investigation to help the police and prove her cousin’s innocence. Although there aren’t that many suspects, the murderer came as a complete surprise to me. There are multiple surprises, especially near the end of the book.
I enjoy remembering some of the things which occurred in the 50’s and this story brings them to life. Lee Strauss’ descriptions always makes you feel like you are there.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book and I can’t wait to read the next one in this delightful series.
I enjoy remembering some of the things which occurred in the 50’s and this story brings them to life. Lee Strauss’ descriptions always makes you feel like you are there.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book and I can’t wait to read the next one in this delightful series.
April 29, 2021
Rosa Reed is at it again! This time our 1950’s sophisticated detective is out to save a member of her family. The storyline is enjoyable but what I like the most is the transition in the era. At this time the 1950’s housewife is the epitome of how a woman should act and categorize herself. However, you can see a change in culture to a freer time of the 1960’s. Lee Strauss shows this gradually and you can tell it will become more pronounced as the series continues. I love the attention to detail the author provides and they most research extensively. Overall, this series is one of my favorite light mysteries.
May 6, 2021
Although I love how Rosa Reed works as a detective to solve murder mysteries, what I really enjoyed in this book is how she handles her love relationships. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but it seems as though Rosa has finally committed to a man and the feeling is mutual. Due to some meddling by her Aunt Louisa, a former love interest enters her life once more and Rosa is forced to handle the situation in the proper way.
This story is light and entertaining, leaving a “feel good” mood for the reader. Each mystery is a complete story, but the underlying romance continues on. I can’t wait for book number 8!
This story is light and entertaining, leaving a “feel good” mood for the reader. Each mystery is a complete story, but the underlying romance continues on. I can’t wait for book number 8!
May 7, 2021
A horse of a different colour
Rosa, Aunt Louise, & cousin, Clarence decide on a weekend at a local dude ranch. Rosa’s been working flat out & needs the break. Unfortunately, there’s a murder to spoil the peace & quiet. The unpleasant brother of a pair of fraternal twins goes off alone on horseback against the rules. When he’s found dead in an unusual way, Clarence is suspected, then arrested. Not only is Rosa trying to find the real murderer but her ex-fiancé, Lord Winston Eveleigh, has shown up & won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
The adventures of Rosa Reed keep getting better & better. I look forward to each one.
Rosa, Aunt Louise, & cousin, Clarence decide on a weekend at a local dude ranch. Rosa’s been working flat out & needs the break. Unfortunately, there’s a murder to spoil the peace & quiet. The unpleasant brother of a pair of fraternal twins goes off alone on horseback against the rules. When he’s found dead in an unusual way, Clarence is suspected, then arrested. Not only is Rosa trying to find the real murderer but her ex-fiancé, Lord Winston Eveleigh, has shown up & won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
The adventures of Rosa Reed keep getting better & better. I look forward to each one.
April 29, 2021
Love this next installment of the series. Rosa is just as astute a detective here as she is in her first book. The added tension of Winston's untimely and unexpected appearance brings a bit of tension which requires our heroine to prove that she is as decisive and committed as the author tells us about her choices.
It's good see Aunt Louisa being a bit more human! Her officiousness and blatant prejudices have been fairly one-dimensional. Her short, but revealing storyline rounds her character out nicely.
Looking forward to reading the last book. Desperate to find out who killed Vivien!
It's good see Aunt Louisa being a bit more human! Her officiousness and blatant prejudices have been fairly one-dimensional. Her short, but revealing storyline rounds her character out nicely.
Looking forward to reading the last book. Desperate to find out who killed Vivien!
May 5, 2021
Well written as always with attention to historical detail in fashion, slang, and culture this author never fails to go above and beyond. I am always in awe of the excellent job the author does in bringing to life the time period in which this series is set and this book is no different.
When a weekend away at a dude ranch ends in murder, Rosa partners with the police to find the killer and clear her cousin Clarences name. There are some surprises in the book that make it particularly enjoyable.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
When a weekend away at a dude ranch ends in murder, Rosa partners with the police to find the killer and clear her cousin Clarences name. There are some surprises in the book that make it particularly enjoyable.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
April 30, 2021
This is another great mystery from Lee Strauss. I love her books, the characters are wonderful and the period settings are spot on. Rosa's family is involved in the murder this time, so it's personal. There are a few surprises for Rosa and her aunt, and secrets are revealed along with a surprise guest. The story moves along at a good pace and kept me reading till I finished. I am looking forward to the next book.
May 16, 2021
Once again, this is a great Rosa Reed mystery! Rosa, Aunt Louisa and Clarence go to the ranch for a fun getaway. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and Rosa finds herself investing a murder. Clarence quickly becomes a suspect, and Rosa must help prove his innocence. A visitor from Rosa's past, makes things extra interesting! A fun surprise at the end, has me very excited for the next book in the series!
July 4, 2022
An interesting conundrum
Rosa, her Aunt Louisa, and her cousin Clarence went to a dude ranch for some relaxation, but a murder there interrupted their leisure. When Clarence was arrested for the murder, he hired Rosa to find the real killer. After many interviews, Rosa was able to clear her brother and the killer was revealed. I enjoyed the unexpected ending and the hope that another murder would finally be solved.
Rosa, her Aunt Louisa, and her cousin Clarence went to a dude ranch for some relaxation, but a murder there interrupted their leisure. When Clarence was arrested for the murder, he hired Rosa to find the real killer. After many interviews, Rosa was able to clear her brother and the killer was revealed. I enjoyed the unexpected ending and the hope that another murder would finally be solved.
April 30, 2021
Book 7 in the Rosa Reed series is another well written, entertaining story. Rosa and other family members are away at a dude ranch when a guest has "an accident". One of her family is accused and Rosa works with the police to find the culprit. The mystery itself is pretty straight forward, however, it kept me guessing until the end. The twists and turns in Rosa's personal life is what made this book fun. I love Rosa and her cousin Gloria's modern views and their courage to express themselves. Although not necessary, I suggest reading the entire series to fully appreciate the attention to detail of the 1950's and the character development. I love, love, love this series and can not recommend it enough.
May 8, 2021
I love this series, but I can say that this has been the most exciting book so far with some very unexpected twists. The ranch descriptions were spot on and I really felt like being able to go to one (without a murder). Another excellent book in the series and can't wait for the next one - hopefully Ginger and Basil will also be involved!
May 24, 2021
Murder at the dude ranch is book number 7 of the Rosa Reed series.
The setting is on a ranch called the Black Stallion. Rosa her cousin and aunty go for the weekend as Rosa has been working very hard and needs a break. Then someone goes missing.
This is another great story by author Lee Strauss not to be missed.
The setting is on a ranch called the Black Stallion. Rosa her cousin and aunty go for the weekend as Rosa has been working very hard and needs a break. Then someone goes missing.
This is another great story by author Lee Strauss not to be missed.
June 10, 2021
Well crafted murder mystery. I liked the dude ranch. I liked the characters. There are so many new couples in this book. Diego has a few fun moments. I did like how she get her key clue. I had my theories of the crime. The clues were there.
I am now looking forward to the next story where she goes back to London.
I am now looking forward to the next story where she goes back to London.
October 6, 2022
Fun read
Murder seems to follow Rosa even on a quiet weekend. At a dude ranch you would think nothing bad could happen, however when a particular unpleasant man is murdered, the suspects pile up as Rosa investigates the case to clear one suspect in particular her cousin. Rosa also has a unwanted guess to contend with, her ex fiance. Great story and characters, fun read.
Murder seems to follow Rosa even on a quiet weekend. At a dude ranch you would think nothing bad could happen, however when a particular unpleasant man is murdered, the suspects pile up as Rosa investigates the case to clear one suspect in particular her cousin. Rosa also has a unwanted guess to contend with, her ex fiance. Great story and characters, fun read.
July 5, 2025
Where Rosa go there will be murder.
family vacation turn deadly.
turns out another family outing of just the brother and sister since everyone else in their family are all dead kills each other. Brother said to sister that you will die at the end of our trip so the sister killed him before he can kill her.
family vacation turn deadly.
turns out another family outing of just the brother and sister since everyone else in their family are all dead kills each other. Brother said to sister that you will die at the end of our trip so the sister killed him before he can kill her.
May 6, 2021
Another hit!
I loved it! Rosa must work to clear her cousin of murder. Add the complication of her former fiancee showing up and well, you have to read it to see what happens next! I am looking forward to reading the next book!
I loved it! Rosa must work to clear her cousin of murder. Add the complication of her former fiancee showing up and well, you have to read it to see what happens next! I am looking forward to reading the next book!
May 23, 2021
Really not sure why, but this book never really grabbed my attention for some reason, the characters didn’t seem to grab my interest and I really liked the character of Larry and Rosa.
Perhaps the next book will be more my reading.
Perhaps the next book will be more my reading.
June 28, 2021
Absolutely wonderful series
I love the connection to the Ginger Gold series.. Great characters. Not formulaic at all. I'm excited that I have ordered the 8th book in this series. Keep them coming
I love the connection to the Ginger Gold series.. Great characters. Not formulaic at all. I'm excited that I have ordered the 8th book in this series. Keep them coming
December 12, 2021
Fun and full of surprises
I enjoyed this book immensely. I love watching Rosa's brain work overtime to solve the mystery. Deputy Diego got his scene, too. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book!
I enjoyed this book immensely. I love watching Rosa's brain work overtime to solve the mystery. Deputy Diego got his scene, too. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book!
October 30, 2022
Suspense is always around the corner
Suspense is always around the corner in this story...you're never quit sure who did what or when something was going to happen.. Made you to keep reading to the end.
Suspense is always around the corner in this story...you're never quit sure who did what or when something was going to happen.. Made you to keep reading to the end.
February 12, 2023
Cracking good read
I love these characters they are really well written and enjoyable to read, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories. I can't wait for the next one.
I love these characters they are really well written and enjoyable to read, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories. I can't wait for the next one.
February 4, 2025
A murder at a dude ranch. Rosa of course is there to solve the mystery. Loved this book although her ex fiancé showing up did cause me a bit of stress. The aunt was super annoying at times in this book. I like that these books are not too long and filled with unnecessary details.
May 4, 2021
Totally love this series!!
May 4, 2021
Someone is killed and Rosa finds the body and a LOT of evidence. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews