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A Stoneybrook Mystery #8
A Sketchy Demise
Bad muse travels fast …
The people of Stoneybrook are worried when billionaire Victoria VanFranken moves to town. They know that much money usually brings trouble. And they aren’t wrong. After less than a month in the valley, Victoria is found murdered in her mansion.
The most surprising part is that the main suspect is one of their own. Suzanne, a local artist and Hadley’s best friend, was the last person to see Victoria alive. The evidence overwhelmingly points to Suze, who was hired to paint a portrait of the billionaire and had fought with Victoria hours before her death.
Hadley’s sure the pieces of art in Suze’s gallery aren’t the only things being framed, but can she prove it before Suze is out of options?
Recipes included: thumbprint cookies and honey-sweetened grapefruit jam
The people of Stoneybrook are worried when billionaire Victoria VanFranken moves to town. They know that much money usually brings trouble. And they aren’t wrong. After less than a month in the valley, Victoria is found murdered in her mansion.
The most surprising part is that the main suspect is one of their own. Suzanne, a local artist and Hadley’s best friend, was the last person to see Victoria alive. The evidence overwhelmingly points to Suze, who was hired to paint a portrait of the billionaire and had fought with Victoria hours before her death.
Hadley’s sure the pieces of art in Suze’s gallery aren’t the only things being framed, but can she prove it before Suze is out of options?
Recipes included: thumbprint cookies and honey-sweetened grapefruit jam
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2021
80 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Eryn Scott
75 books484 followersEryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 7, 2022
OMG this book is a roller coaster.
But it's also the first one that I guessed the killer as soon as they came on screen so I'm patting myself on the back for that one. LOL Not to say that the ride of Hadley figuring it out wasn't pure insanity.
The pressure is on for Hadley and the gang as they try and get of their own off the hook for murder.
Seeing everyone stressed beyond reason about the case, and family drama changed the dynamic of the investigation. (In a good way—lots of solo Hadley investigating!) It gave us more insight into everyone's personality and flipped the script on how their murders are usually investigated. I liked seeing everyone rise to the occasion and step out of their normal role.
The ending of this book totally had me tearing up! So sad that there are only two more books, but I'm thinking they are going to be filled to the brim with bells. Hopefully for more than one lucky couple.
I adore how the entire town of Stoneybrook uses their nosey nancy intrigue to help solve these cases. Even if they don't know they are helping by spreading the gossip mill, it's neat to see the small town work it's magic.
You're going to love this series if you love your cozies to have series long arcs, lots of happily ever after moments, and a small town that is like one big family with the good and the bad that comes with it.
But it's also the first one that I guessed the killer as soon as they came on screen so I'm patting myself on the back for that one. LOL Not to say that the ride of Hadley figuring it out wasn't pure insanity.
The pressure is on for Hadley and the gang as they try and get of their own off the hook for murder.
Seeing everyone stressed beyond reason about the case, and family drama changed the dynamic of the investigation. (In a good way—lots of solo Hadley investigating!) It gave us more insight into everyone's personality and flipped the script on how their murders are usually investigated. I liked seeing everyone rise to the occasion and step out of their normal role.
The ending of this book totally had me tearing up! So sad that there are only two more books, but I'm thinking they are going to be filled to the brim with bells. Hopefully for more than one lucky couple.
I adore how the entire town of Stoneybrook uses their nosey nancy intrigue to help solve these cases. Even if they don't know they are helping by spreading the gossip mill, it's neat to see the small town work it's magic.
You're going to love this series if you love your cozies to have series long arcs, lots of happily ever after moments, and a small town that is like one big family with the good and the bad that comes with it.
February 13, 2021
I love the little town of Stoneybrook and these characters! It feels like visiting friends each time a new installment is released. I was thrilled to receive the email from Eryn when the ARC came available and immediately inserted it at the top of my crowded TBR in front of library books that I'll never get read before their due dates.
This book did not disappoint. The mystery was fun, having Suze as the main suspect certainly increased the angst factor, and following along with Hadley as she fought to save her friend from prison was an adventure.
I'm also super excited to see that the next book in the series will be out later this year! I can't wait!
This book did not disappoint. The mystery was fun, having Suze as the main suspect certainly increased the angst factor, and following along with Hadley as she fought to save her friend from prison was an adventure.
I'm also super excited to see that the next book in the series will be out later this year! I can't wait!
February 14, 2021
It was refreshing to see manners used in this book, pleases & thank yous mean a lot to me and aren’t used enough these days. For a cozy mystery writer that normally has me laughing, reading this one had me in tears, it was so emotional. I loved this book, I thought this series was over so it was a nice surprise to see the characters back. I loved seeing Hadley, Suze, Luke & Paul along with some of the other people that make up the small town. I was given an advanced reader copy and I’m volunteering my honest opinion.
February 21, 2021
Fun and entertaining. This book is definitely a must read. The series is great. Both world building and character presentation is well done and you feel like you know the people of Stoneybrook. Like old friends they invite you in to help them solve the mystery. Become hooked by this series and join the crowd of readers who love Eryn Scott’s books.
February 22, 2021
Another great one.
Loved this one. It could be read as a stand alone but in order to connect with the characters I suggest you start with book 1. Lots of excitement and realistic characters.
Loved this one. It could be read as a stand alone but in order to connect with the characters I suggest you start with book 1. Lots of excitement and realistic characters.
March 5, 2021
Another great cozy mystery!
Things I liked:
1) A clean read.
2) Well-written and entertaining.
3) Part of a series.
4) Plenty of red herrings.
5) Wonderful main characters and relationships.
6) Included in the Kindle Unlimited Library.
7) There are recipes included:
a. Thumbprint cookies.
b. Grapefruit honey jam from Shae Irving.
Things I liked:
1) A clean read.
2) Well-written and entertaining.
3) Part of a series.
4) Plenty of red herrings.
5) Wonderful main characters and relationships.
6) Included in the Kindle Unlimited Library.
7) There are recipes included:
a. Thumbprint cookies.
b. Grapefruit honey jam from Shae Irving.
March 9, 2021
A delightful, easy to read mystery. Victoria moves to Stoneybrook, and unfortunately gets murdered. That’s what the town folk worried about with rich people moving there, trouble seems to follow. Absolutely enjoyed it.
February 21, 2021
Greatbook
This is a great book in the Stoney room series by Eryn Scott. I cant wait for the next book.
This is a great book in the Stoney room series by Eryn Scott. I cant wait for the next book.
October 28, 2022
One of our major characters becomes a suspect in this one. But help is at hand!
March 2, 2021
Loved it
August 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book and like with all the great master this author has created a master piece of a mystery that is worthy of any art gallery. I did know who the killer was but that was only because I read the books out of order so was privy to key information, otherwise I don't think I would have been able to name the killer. It was still a lot of fun even thinking I knew who the killer was because the author is very talented a creates a story that is not only entertaining but is easy to picture. The other reason I loved it so much is because of the characters themselves, this is book 8 and being set in a small town we have got to know not only the main characters but also a lot of the other residents, many who have appeared in previous books, making you not only invested in the characters (this time Hadley's best friend Suze) well being but it also makes you feel like you are one of them. I just love this series and off to start the next book.
The town Stoneybrook is going through a difficult time lately, as vandals seem to be targeting the small business by destroying property. But it is going to get a whole lot worse for Hadley as a woman who her best friend is painting is found dead and next to her is a finished piece of work of the same woman posed with a knife in her back. Paul, as Suze's boyfriend is taken off the case and it is up to Hadley to find out who is framing her friend. Are the Juvenile pranks just teenagers like the police think or are the two connected? And with her brother off the case and not able to act on information that Hadley provides or share it, can Hadley solve the murder?
I like the narrator. She has an easy manner of speaking that is not only pleasant to listen to but also entertaining.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The town Stoneybrook is going through a difficult time lately, as vandals seem to be targeting the small business by destroying property. But it is going to get a whole lot worse for Hadley as a woman who her best friend is painting is found dead and next to her is a finished piece of work of the same woman posed with a knife in her back. Paul, as Suze's boyfriend is taken off the case and it is up to Hadley to find out who is framing her friend. Are the Juvenile pranks just teenagers like the police think or are the two connected? And with her brother off the case and not able to act on information that Hadley provides or share it, can Hadley solve the murder?
I like the narrator. She has an easy manner of speaking that is not only pleasant to listen to but also entertaining.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 3, 2024
Another great book in this series. This one was a tofu one to figure out - and I didn't until the murderer was revealed near the very end of the book. I've already got the next one in the series ;iced up and ready to read!
Amazon synopsis:
The people of Stoneybrook are worried when billionaire Victoria VanFranken moves to town. They know that much money usually brings trouble. And they aren’t wrong. After less than a month in the valley, Victoria is found murdered in her mansion.
The most surprising part is that the main suspect is one of their own: Suzanne, a local artist and Hadley’s best friend, was the last person to see Victoria alive. The evidence overwhelmingly points to Suze, who was hired to paint a portrait of the billionaire and argued with Victoria hours before her death.
Hadley’s sure the pieces of art in Suze’s gallery aren’t the only things being framed, but can she prove it before Suze is out of options?
Amazon synopsis:
The people of Stoneybrook are worried when billionaire Victoria VanFranken moves to town. They know that much money usually brings trouble. And they aren’t wrong. After less than a month in the valley, Victoria is found murdered in her mansion.
The most surprising part is that the main suspect is one of their own: Suzanne, a local artist and Hadley’s best friend, was the last person to see Victoria alive. The evidence overwhelmingly points to Suze, who was hired to paint a portrait of the billionaire and argued with Victoria hours before her death.
Hadley’s sure the pieces of art in Suze’s gallery aren’t the only things being framed, but can she prove it before Suze is out of options?
May 10, 2025
A Sketchy Demise is the 8th book in the wonderful A Stoneybrook Mystery series and this is a good addition to the series. The characters are very likable and the cozy mystery was good. Hadley James owns Pretty Jam Good, a jam store in Stoneybrook. Her twin brother Paul is the Deputy Police. Hadley’s roommate and boyfriend Luke owns an IT company and helps on his family’s farm. Hadley’s best friend Suze is also Paul’s girlfriend. A newcomer to town is billionaire Victoria VanFranken but they find her dead at her home. Suze is the primary suspect because she was painting a portrait of Victoria. There aren’t many suspects and I suspected the culprit by the process of elimination. The audiobook gets a bit dramatic with Suze being the main suspect and Paul being taken off the case but overall it is enjoyable. The audiobook narration was good. #ASketchyDemise #AStoneybrookMystery #KristophersonPress #ErynScott #cozymystery
March 20, 2021
Love these Stoneybrookians
The author is skilled at creating lovable characters, and even peripheral players are given attention: Kevin's aspirations are a surprise, for instance, but they play into the investigation logically. The mystery aspect is handled well; there are multiple concurrent crimes and criminals which makes solving the murder more complex, and the murderer is a sociopath who blithely misdirects the investigation. Luke's family issues, Paul's professional ones,and poor Suze's legal woes leave Hadley with little back-up which also serves the storyline. Best of all is the sweet surprise ending; good job, Eryn Scott!
The author is skilled at creating lovable characters, and even peripheral players are given attention: Kevin's aspirations are a surprise, for instance, but they play into the investigation logically. The mystery aspect is handled well; there are multiple concurrent crimes and criminals which makes solving the murder more complex, and the murderer is a sociopath who blithely misdirects the investigation. Luke's family issues, Paul's professional ones,and poor Suze's legal woes leave Hadley with little back-up which also serves the storyline. Best of all is the sweet surprise ending; good job, Eryn Scott!
November 1, 2021
This adventure in Stoneybrook was high stress for the reader since our beloved Suze is accused of the crime. We all know it’s a frame from the outset but the frame is so good, it’s a struggle to see who did it, why, and how. Thankfully, even though Hadley is a cat lover, she’s a bulldog when it comes to clearing Suze. I love how the town’s people always come together to help, whether it’s in clearing Suze, helping restore vandalized properties, or for a special wedding. Love this series and all the characters. Looking forward to the next one, which thankfully, I have in hand.
June 24, 2022
5 Star review A Sketchy Demise (Stoneybrook Mystery #8) by Eryn Scott
Audio Review:
A Sketchy Demise was an entertaining cozy mystery and one that I really enjoyed. From the first chapter to the last, I was hooked as I followed the clues trying to guess the murderer before Hadley, her brother and friends. Will Hadley be able to save Suze or will she be too late?
Narrator Jennifer Jill Araya has really brought these books to life for me and did a fabulous job keeping me entertained. This was a book filled with a lot of intrigue and suspense and I was kept guessing until the end.
Audio Review:
A Sketchy Demise was an entertaining cozy mystery and one that I really enjoyed. From the first chapter to the last, I was hooked as I followed the clues trying to guess the murderer before Hadley, her brother and friends. Will Hadley be able to save Suze or will she be too late?
Narrator Jennifer Jill Araya has really brought these books to life for me and did a fabulous job keeping me entertained. This was a book filled with a lot of intrigue and suspense and I was kept guessing until the end.
January 5, 2026
Hadley's best friend is a suspect in a murder. Naturally, Hadley is sleuthing out clues to help clear her friend's name.
Loved this book! The ending was such a twist and had such a cool element to it, but I won't spoil it.
If you're looking for a good, cozy series this is it. The world building is amazing. The descriptions make me feel like I'm in the PNW with Hadley and friends. The characters- love them! So likeable and I love the relationships they have with each other. So many cute cats! And the mysteries are all different stories, no cookie cutter story lines.
Loved this book! The ending was such a twist and had such a cool element to it, but I won't spoil it.
If you're looking for a good, cozy series this is it. The world building is amazing. The descriptions make me feel like I'm in the PNW with Hadley and friends. The characters- love them! So likeable and I love the relationships they have with each other. So many cute cats! And the mysteries are all different stories, no cookie cutter story lines.
March 23, 2021
Greedy Murder
A most enjoyable series. Pretty Jam Good owner Hadley James is compelled to investigate the murder in which her best friend is the prime suspect. Twisty plot turns.
A most enjoyable series. Pretty Jam Good owner Hadley James is compelled to investigate the murder in which her best friend is the prime suspect. Twisty plot turns.
February 28, 2023
Stoneybrook experiences another murder and this time the prime suspect is too close to home for Hadley. With a few twists, a quickly paced plot and the red herrings that lead Hadley into trouble, it was another cozy mystery that kept me turning the pages.
March 30, 2021
Another fun installment, can't wait for the next one to come out later this year.
September 9, 2021
Another fun mystery featuring Hadley, Paul, Luke, and Suz.
April 30, 2022
Love this series!
Cozy mystery lovers who also enjoy a role for cats will like this series. The characters are engaging and the plots are nicely developed and concluded.
Cozy mystery lovers who also enjoy a role for cats will like this series. The characters are engaging and the plots are nicely developed and concluded.
August 5, 2023
Excellent and really have loved this series!
February 6, 2024
Accidentally read 8 and 9 out of order but it didn’t really matter. This one had an artist theme and the secrets of an old mansion! Quite entertaining.
March 22, 2021
Another great Stoneybrook cozy mystery!
This time the stakes are even higher because Hadley's best friend Suze is the prime suspect. I loved the twists and turns the case took. It kept me guessing whodunnit until the very end.
I also liked getting to see more of Luke, Paul, Suze, and the residents of Stoneybrook. It's such a cute small town - even with all the mysteries Hadley finds herself a part of.
This story can be read as a standalone, but I recommend the whole series!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This time the stakes are even higher because Hadley's best friend Suze is the prime suspect. I loved the twists and turns the case took. It kept me guessing whodunnit until the very end.
I also liked getting to see more of Luke, Paul, Suze, and the residents of Stoneybrook. It's such a cute small town - even with all the mysteries Hadley finds herself a part of.
This story can be read as a standalone, but I recommend the whole series!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
Another enjoyable installment about the folks in Stoneybrook. The books should be read in sequential order, as the characters do not get much of an introduction, and their stories develop from book to book.
April 21, 2021
After another murder, Hadley is on the case when the finger - and evidence - is pointed towards here BFF, Suze. Shenanigans ensue, the truth is revealed, and Hadley finds herself in danger, again.
This is such a fun cozy mystery series. If you are a fan of cozies and are looking for a fun, fast series, the Stoneybrook Mystery series is for you.
This is such a fun cozy mystery series. If you are a fan of cozies and are looking for a fun, fast series, the Stoneybrook Mystery series is for you.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews