Spring Upon a Crime

Seattle Wilderness Mystery #2

by M.L. Erdahl

Wilderness guide Crystal Rainey leads a group of college students to a private campground amidst the awe-inspiring Olympic Rain Forest. The excursion is ruined when the charming hostess Roxie is discovered standing over the land owner's body, murder weapon in hand. Enlisted to investigate the crime to absolve her friend, Crystal descends on the quiet city of Forks to find loggers, developers, and eco-protesters circling the property, intent on either exploiting or protecting the bastion of old-growth forest. The list of suspects is intimidating. Can Crystal find answers in a community determined to keep her in the dark?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

294 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2021

About the author

Award-winning ML Erdahl lives amidst the trees of the Pacific Northwest, where he pens humorous cozy mystery novels set in the wilderness he has spent his lifetime exploring. The only thing slowing him down is when his adorable rescue dogs, Skip and Daisy, demand to be petted and cuddled on his lap while he types. When he's not wandering the mountains, you can find him gardening, reading, or searching for the best coffee in Seattle with his wife, Emily.

Reviews

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series just as much, if not even more than the first book in the series. It's nice to meet a lot of the cast of the previous mystery again. I love the outdoor aspect of the series.
Once again the author made me happy with his writing style by using phrases and wording uncommon to a lot of the other mysteries I normally read.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid follow up to the award-winning Winter Takes All. ML Erdahl keeps the reader up to speed with the life and trials of Crystal and her boyfriend. Turning Roxie into a main character is inspired. The interplay between Crystal and her friends (and even enemies) drives the book. The reader is really taken into Crystal's mind and feels everything she feels.

Spring Upon a Crime works extremely well as a standalone and is brilliant as part two in this series. The whodunit is another strong suit for this book. The reader will be guessing to the end which is another sign of a fine cozy mystery. The combination of romance and romance-related issues and murder is a winner. A fun read for every fan of cozy mysteries. Recommend it to almost every mystery fan who wants a good read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal and Suzy are leading a group of hikers to the glamping of their dreams at Camp Baranof. After arriving the girls learn the rumors are true and Freddy Baranof is set on retiring and looking to sell the camp.

The word gets out and soon the camp is overrun by people intent on saving the rain forest surrounding the camp. If Freddy sells his land it would open it up to loggers and developers which would destroy the precious forest. However, it seems someone else has a different idea on how to solve the problem as Freddy is soon discovered...dead.


Ok well that was fun!! Who doesn't like hiking, camping, canoeing...murder 🤣🤣

This is THE perfect cozy series for me. I love to camp, hike, fish and hunt in the short Alaskan summers. During our long cold winters it's books like this that help me make it through 🤣.

Absolutely love the writing and the characters although Suzy and Rosie have a special place in my heart ❤️ Oh and Elf.. can't forget the feisty yet sometimes loveable feline. What a great way to spend my Saturday morning.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

With lines like “you’re as useless as jellyfish in a square dance competition”, readers will find this fun, laugh out loud book satisfying, engaging, and well worth their time.

Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring Upon A Crime was a very good read, enjoyable and engaging.

Crystal is a wilderness guide, when a man is murdered during one of her excursion at the Olympic Peninsula and one of her friend is wrongly convicted she decides to help becoming an amateur private investigator.
This is the beginning of a risky and at times even funny adventure that made me anxious and thirsty of every the word.

M.L. Erdahl was a new to me author, he won me with the intriguing storyline, the smooth flow of his words and the fine descriptions of scenery. I really liked the characters I want to become their friend.

I hope there will be a third book in the series, in the meantime I'll read the previous one.

[Lisa Pichner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This was my first read from ML Erdahl. I wasn't sure what to expect but I really enjoyed this read.
There's a lot of mystery and twist.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a fantastic read.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was an instering book to read. Kept me pulled into it. Couldn't put it down. didn't take long to read. Five star book. I do recommend it

[Lori Leaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short: Crystal is guiding a group to a private campground in the Olympic rainforest. All is going good until the hostess is found over the landowners body, holding the weapon. Crystal is in a race to get her friend out of jail and find the real killer.

My thoughts: I love this series and enjoyed this book more than the first. This can easily be read as a stand alone but reading the 1st book helps with some of the character backgrounds.

What I enjoyed:
🥾 - The setting! From Seattle to the Olympics to the hiking trail. Everything is so familiar to me.
🥾 - The background stories. While solving the murder is the primary story, I enjoy the secondary story as well and getting an update on Crystal and her boyfriend Connor. I’m so excited to see what happens next with them! ❣️
🥾 - Solving the murder. There were several suspects and lots of clues to put together, a little danger and local cops that really made Crystal feel unwelcome.
🥾 - The author touched on the struggle between environmentalists, loggers and developers.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery that includes suspense, humor, adventure, and twists in an interesting scenario. Thoroughly enjoyed reading Crystal's and her group's adventure and following the clues to solve the mystery.

[ColleenSC (colleenallbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the free copy of this book that I won in a giveaway. This was a fun mystery. The main character is sweet, and she gets into lots of wild adventures in this one! The pace really stays up, with lots of investigating and exciting moments.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts: I loved this story! This was the second in the Seattle Wilderness series. I enjoyed the first one enough to pick this one up as well – and wasn’t disappointed. This is a solid follow up to “Winter Takes All”. We are once again pulled into the life of Crystal, a wilderness guide who seems to stumble into murders. In the way of all cozy mysteries, she is our amateur sleuth who finds out who the killer is (and almost gets herself killed in the process). In this one, she has to save her friend Roxie the chef from being prosecuted for the murder of Roxie’s boss. She’s up against the local cops, developers, loggers, and tree-huggers. I especially loved the character of Emerson. He is perfect. The characters are fun and realistic and the imagery is amazing. The author shows us the northwest without being overly descriptive. And the light romance between Crystal and Conner is well done as well, although Conner isn’t in much of this book due to a sprained knee.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for all cozy mystery readers. And even those who aren’t. It’s just a fun book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from Netgalley in the hopes I'd review it. All opinions are my own.

[Sara MG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Erdahl’s cosy mystery series cantered around Crystal, a corporate cubicle worker turned outdoors guide. Crystal is likeable and smart. Her friends add some spice to the story. This was all around a really great cosy mystery and an awesome follow up to the first book in the series, Winter Takes All.

Crystal may have faked her way into the job as an outdoors guide, but her knack for research and tour guide skills have made her invaluable to the tour company. Unfortunately she’s caught up in another murder when the owner of a glamping site in the Washington rain forest is stabbed and her friend is accused of doing the deed.

Up against the town cops, the richest and most influential family in town, and a naked tree hugger, Crystal needs to solve this murder fast and save her friend from jail. A fantastic read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this Pacific Northwest Wilderness Series so I was delighted to see Crystal Rainey was back for another adventure. This time it's a trek to the Olympic National Park Rainforest to stay at a property owned by a wealthy conservationist and run by her friend and chef, Roxie. The owner is thinking about selling his properties now that he's getting older and there are developers, loggers and environmentalists interested in what happens with them. When both he and Roxie end up in a horrible position, Crystal steps in to gather intel and find answers. This is made difficult with angry protestors, vindictive police employees, slimy business people, a missing friend and a potentially cheating boyfriend.
Crystal is put into some crazy situations, but in the end the truth is revealed and she can get make to safer adventures like mountain climbing.
A wonderful book in a delightful series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

spring Upon a Crime is the second book in the Seattle Wilderness Mystery series by ML Erdahl. Having read the first book (Winter Takes All), I knew this would be a good read.

While the book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.

Crystal Rainey has a little more experience now as an Outdoors Adventure Guide in the Seattle wilderness area. During her latest hiking/camping trip with a group of college students, one of the property owners is killed, and it appears that Crystal's good friend Roxie is the main suspect. Donning her part-time sleuthing cap, Crystal sets out to prove her friend's innocence.

Crystal encounters a number of interesting characters in her endeavor, and it's these encounters that make the book a lot of fun to read. There's also a little side story going on with Crystal and her new love interest.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to those who love a good cozy mystery.

I received an Advance Readers Copy for the purpose of this review. All opinions stated are my own.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this is book 2 in a series I haven't started I enjoyed the authors ability to catch readers up quickly as the story is moving forward.

M.L.Erdahl is able to create a fun cozy mystery that readers will be able to enjoy from beginning to end. The author creates a cast of characters who become real as the story moves forward. Even though this is the first in the series I have read the author is able to make it feel like book one with reference to what happened in book one while keeping the story moving forward.

The Author captures the feel of small town and all the crazy politics that go into that small world. The author bring readers into the world they created and reader will not want to leave until they finish the mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of M.L Erdahl Spring Upon a Crime.

[VICTORIA STEWART · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful follow up to the first book! The pace is perfect. I love books that give you details without dragging them out for chapters on end. Scenes are kept at a perfect length that keeps you turning the page and wanting more. The character development has them feeling more like friends or family that has me rooting for them all. I enjoyed that we have explored a new location and season. It keeps things fresh and exciting. But I do also love that our author gives us a home base. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I feel like I was on travel with our characters and getting caught up in all the emotions and excitement. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait for the next book!

[Michelle Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as ARC from NetGalley.

Spring Upon A Crime is book #2 in a series by ML Erdahl. Crystal is a wilderness guide by day and amateur detective the rest of the time. When the chef for the private retreat she is staying at is charged with murder, Crystal must help solve the who really did it to help the chef with limited funds.

The book was a twisty-turning adventure through the woods of Forks (yes of Twilight fame) Washington. I thought I knew who did it, but I was wrong. That is OK - I like the surprises. I hope this series continues as I really enjoy the dynamics of the relationships.

[Wendy Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal is back on the trail, of a mystery! This time in the PNW on the Olympic Peninsula. This author so skillfully writes descriptive settings, he captures the haunting intrigue and innate beauty of this area. There's also plenty of action and amateur sleuthing too, which is so fun. Crystal's friend Rosie is accused of murder, and the evidence appears to be undeniable. This author creates fascinating characters and also thought provoking motives that keep readers guessing. So enjoy the romantic entanglement with Connor too. Highly recommended!

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

The author has embraced the cozy mystery genre and produced a sweet, clean mystery that is fun, confident reading. Protagonist Crystal is still faking her way through her wilderness guide gig and holding her own weight and becoming more secure in her role. She’s a quick study and works well with the more seasoned guides, this time into the Olympic Rain Forest.

Unfortunately, once arrived with her college students at the private campground where they’ll spend several days, she discovers her friend and hostess Roxie at the scene of a very fresh murder. Not good.

There is a power struggle for land between loggers and developers—a very real one--and the fight between the two attracts environmentalists, “tree huggers.” The storyline hit close to home and was a familiar one.

The characters are becoming more developed--genuine, complete with foibles and strong suits, and the mystery progressed at a steady pace, bringing in descriptions of the scenic area, information about the mountains, and some history with it.

It’s a clever and immersive story, bits of back story eased in, but this can work as a standalone. There is a building of tension and twists and I must admit I didn’t guess whodunit going into the conclusion. A great follow up to the first in the series with the right amount of atmosphere, engaging characters, romance, and mystery.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

[Susan McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Rainey is back, guiding us through Olympic Peninsula rain forests and getting into trouble trying to solve a murder pinned on a friend. ML Erdahl creates likable and sympathetic characters and brings the Pacific Northwest to life in Book 2 of this very enjoyable Seattle Wilderness Mystery series.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. This book is so different to the usual cozy mysteries out there. Well done to the author for coming with with a different and interesting profession, it makes for a great and humorous mystery. This is the second book in the series and after listening to the first book Winter Takes All, which is just as great, I just had to give this book ago too. I am really glad I did. I would recommend listening to the first book not because it continues on or anything, although you would have met a lot the characters already but because it is well worth the listen. The mystery was cleverly crafted to give you clues but still left me guessing who the killer was, mainly because I was enjoying it and didn't want it to end. It was the characters that really worked for me, they were likeable and it was easy to imagine the situation the quirky characters found themselves in. Really glad I listened to this after I named my new kitten, just love Elf as a name (evil little feline hehe). I can't wait for the next book to see what the author has in store for the characters.
Wilderness guide Crystal is leading a group of college students through the rain forest before ending at there clamping camp site. Where Roxie is waiting for them with her culinary delights. Crystal thought the hardest part, hiking through the forest with a heavy pack was over but then she discovers Roxie standing over the dead body of the camp sites owner. The man rumoured to be retiring and selling the site to either a logging company or a developer. Charged with his murder Crystal is hired by his lawyer to find other suspects in his death. Crystal along with her friends and boy friend need to get close to the tree hugging protesters, the developer and the logging company to find some answers but with nobody trusting them it won't be easy. Especially as one of them is a killer but which one?
I liked the narrator and thought she really helped to bring the story and the great characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Crystal could not be happier leading a group of students up to a gorgeous camp with her boyfriend.. As wilderness guides the two are in heaven until the owner of the property is knifed to death and Roxie, the chef at the property, is arrested for his murder. Roxie and her lawyer beg Crystal to investigate. She and her boyfriend venture back to the scene with trepidation that is amply deserved.

First there is a scary accident that ends up with Crystal on her own. Her best friend and another guide join her to help find the killer but they seem to go from one misadventure to another. Things really go downhill when the friend goes deep undercover with the eco-protestors who are camped outside of the property and she is left alone for a day. While she has not made many friends in the little community, she does discover an unexpected ally who comes to her rescue.

It is only when she tries to find her missing best friend that she stumbles upon the evidence that might free Roxie. But she and Roxie’s lawyer must be clever in how they present it. It is good but it is not conclusive so Crystal figures she needs to confront the suspect and wangle a confession. Can we all guess where this might go wrong? Thankfully, the truth is out and both she and Roxie and her best friend are all safe.
She gets results but she can be reckless. It certainly leads to an exciting conclusion.

Four purrs and two paws up.

[Susie Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Seattle Wilderness Series, Spring Upon a Crime is an engaging cozy mystery set in the majestic beauty of Olympic National Park. The descriptions of the wilderness are so vivid that I felt like I was there seeing it with my own eyes. Obviously, the author is a native of the Northwest and has spent substantial time in the National Park.
Wilderness guides Crystal and Suzy lead a group of graduating college students on a glamping excursion into the park. When the group arrives at Camp Baranof, they discover that the rumors were true and that owner Freddy plans to retire and sell the land. When Freddy is murdered the next day, Roxie, the girls’ colleague, camp hostess, and cook, is arrested for the crime. Crystal and Suzy jump into action to find the real killer and come up against land grabbers, local law enforcement, and a group of tree huggers with their own agendas who threaten to derail the girls' investigation.
The dialog was sharp and the fast-paced story was filled with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing whodunit. Spring Upon a Crime was an enjoyable read with likable, believable characters and a book I would recommend to cozy mystery lovers.

[Bobbie Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of SPRING UPON A CRIME (Book 2 of the Seattle Wilderness Mysteries) by M.L. Erdahl in exchange for an honest review. Crystal Rainey continues to work as a wilderness guide. Though she’s settling in and gaining expertise, she still considers herself to be an imposter. On an excursion to the Olympic Rain Forest, the owner of the land and luxury accommodations Crystal’s company uses is found murdered. Even worse, Roxie, the charming hostess, cook, and Crystal’s friend, is arrested for the murder. Though Crystal resists interfering in the investigation, Roxie and her attorney convince Crystal to ask enough questions to establish reasonable doubt or identify other likely suspects. Crystal finds herself in the midst of a land war between loggers, developers, and eco-protesters. With both the local police and the killer determined to thwart Crystal’s efforts, will Crystal survive to save her friend?

I liked both this book and the previous one. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, outdoor adventures, hiking, canoeing, small towns, and land politics.

#SpringUponaCrime #NetGalley

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

What better place to work than the great outdoors!
Crystal and her co-worker friends seem to have the best jobs and lifestyle. A variety of hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, and ... glamping?
Flirting and playing pranks on one another, we get to know more about each of their personalities through each adventure and dangerous encounter.
You can read this book as an enjoyable stand alone, but the characters are such fun, I recommend you appreciate the whole series.
When a trip Crystal is chaperoning results in the death of a billionaire, repurcussions resonate in shock waves. A close friend is arrested by the local cops, being pressured to close the case quickly.
Unable to afford proper legal help, Crystal calls in favors and takes an active role in discovering the truth.

Lives are endangered, Crystal herself becomes a target, but aid comes from a most unlikely source.
So many twists and bumps to keep us guessing. Even Crystal's boyfriend gets battered along the way. How will this affect their relationship?

You'll have to read to find out.

[Elle Hartford · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, to be fair, I am a Washington State native and because of that I was *over the moon* to find a cozy set in & around Seattle! :D It highlights all of the things I love about my home state: the rainforest, the lakes, the ferries -- perfect. :)

Gushing about Washington aside, I had a lot of fun with this cozy. The characters are great (I especially loved Suzie and Connor) and they get into some crazy situations! The mystery itself kept me guessing and wrapped up very well.

MILD SPOILERS! I did get a little frustrated with Crystal at one particular relationship-related point (come on, have some faith! haha), but her thoughts were understandable, I suppose. :)

All in all, I really enjoyed this read and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in cozies or the Pacific Northwest!

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring Upon a Crime is Book Two in the series but is easily read as a stand-alone. This episode finds Crystal leading a tour into the Olympic Rain Forest, where along with flora and fauna, they find a dead body and Crystal’s friend Roxie holding the murder weapon.

And so the investigation starts. But there just might be too many suspects for this one to be an easy case. Erdahl’s characters are quirky and fun, making this cozy mystery a great read. I enjoyed Spring; I’m looking forward to more of Crystal’s adventures.

[I was fortunate to receive a copy of the book from the author through the 2021 Winter Games Reader Challenge, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Spring Upon a Crime by ML Erdahl is a wonderful mystery with loyalty, friendship, and a touch of romance.
Will Crystal save Roxy from a life in prison?
Crystal
Our wilderness guide/sleuth is getting better at being a guide and sleuth. She has come into her own and is figuring out her place on the team of guides. Crystal and Conner are moving forward with their relationship. Things are going well for Crystal. She is happy, and things are just getting better.

We see some big character development with Crystal in this installment. Even when things are going nuts, she is mentally getting stronger. I like watching her growth and self-esteem get better.
The Mystery
The owner of most of the camp properties that ECO Adventures use for their outings is murdered. Roxie, the beloved chef at all the Baranhof properties, is accused of killing her boss for an inheritance that she didn't know she would be getting. With the assistance of Crystal, Olivia, and Suzy, they set out to find out what is really happening in Forks, Washington. She is pretty sure it doesn't have anything to do with werewolves or vampires. Yet, she has loggers, developers, and environmentalists in her suspect pool.

The mystery is well put together and enjoyable. There are a few red herrings and misleading clues. Yet, it all comes together in the end with a nice wrap-up.
Five Stars
My rating for Spring Upon a Crime by ML Erdahl is five stars. I love the setting; the Olympic Peninsula is always so beautiful. The author nails the different groups living there with accuracy. The characters are superb, and the relationship growths between the characters are lovely. I look forward to the next installment in this cozy mystery series. If you haven't read the first one, I highly recommend both Winter Takes All and Spring Upon a Crime.


First Book in Series

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Spring Upon a Crime by M.L. Erdahl.

Until the next time,



 

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first ML Erdahl book I have listened to or read. It is a standalone mystery.
The mystery is well done, the romance/personal relationships reminded me of high school. I had a tough time believing the main characters were in their late twenties.

I wasn’t sure I liked the female characters, especially Olivia and Suzie. Suzie seems to be the voice of reason until she gets snarky. Crystal needs to grow in the interpersonal relationship area; in this area she is still stuck in high school.

I didn’t read it for the romance so I’ll let it go. I liked the concept of the book and the mystery.
Plenty of small-town stereotypes in this story with twists and turns to make it interesting.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring Upon a Crime is an entertaining cozy mystery filled with great characters, a beautiful setting, humor, and a baffling murder mystery.

When Crystal and her friend and fellow wilderness guide Suzy embark on their latest excursion, they never expect to get mixed up in a murder. Glamping with college students and doing outdoorsy stuff with them should have been a breeze. However, the landowner is murdered, and their friend Roxie is the main suspect! Talk about ruining a perfectly good trip...

Spring Upon a Crime is the second book in the Seattle Wilderness Mystery series, but it's the first I've read. This can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone book, but I think reading the first, Winter Takes All, would have helped me feel more of an emotional attachment to the main characters. The side characters are quirky and colorful. I really liked one particular couple who live in a cabin in the wilderness (I don't want to tell you who and possibly spoil something for you!) and hope they make an appearance in future books.

The setting is beautiful. I've always wanted to visit Washington state, but considering all of the rain, I don't think I could live there! It's strange to think that there is a rain forest there! I mean, yeah, I know there is, but it's still just crazy! Forks plays a role in the book....if you don't know about Forks...I just can't even! The Forks connection makes for a couple of really funny scenes.

Whodunit? You'll be guessing until close to the very end! I definitely was! Give this fun cozy mystery a read!