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Mitten State Mystery #2
Isabel Puddles Investigates
Sure to enchant fans of Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegone tales, the second Mitten State Mystery by veteran television writer M.V. Byrne finds senior sleuth and Jill-of-all-trades Isabel Puddles investigating a deadly mystery among Rust Belt royalty in the cozy town of Gull Harbor, Michigan…
“Too late” isn’t a factor for Isabel Puddles—until the clock starts ticking on a deadly mystery in the cozy town of Gull Harbor, Michigan...
Isabel is living life on her terms as summer stirs the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan. Only slowing down to meet her oldest friend for daily coffee, the newly licensed PI has found herself chipping away at the college degree she never completed—and, to her surprise, eagerly awaiting letters from her pen pal, an admired British mystery writer. But when her latest client turns out to be an extravagant recluse who’s rich both in secrets and money, Isabel becomes embroiled in the strange world of Rust Belt royalty and the Memorial Day Weekend disappearance of a handsome young heir.
Beyond the famous family name and ugly rumors surrounding her, Abigail Bachmeier is an enigma. With one great nephew presumed dead after vanishing off the side of a ferry, Abigail makes the strange request to locate another missing relative. As Isabel investigates and gets closer to revealing at least one more possible murder, she begins to suspect yet another life could soon be in terrible danger—her own
“Too late” isn’t a factor for Isabel Puddles—until the clock starts ticking on a deadly mystery in the cozy town of Gull Harbor, Michigan...
Isabel is living life on her terms as summer stirs the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan. Only slowing down to meet her oldest friend for daily coffee, the newly licensed PI has found herself chipping away at the college degree she never completed—and, to her surprise, eagerly awaiting letters from her pen pal, an admired British mystery writer. But when her latest client turns out to be an extravagant recluse who’s rich both in secrets and money, Isabel becomes embroiled in the strange world of Rust Belt royalty and the Memorial Day Weekend disappearance of a handsome young heir.
Beyond the famous family name and ugly rumors surrounding her, Abigail Bachmeier is an enigma. With one great nephew presumed dead after vanishing off the side of a ferry, Abigail makes the strange request to locate another missing relative. As Isabel investigates and gets closer to revealing at least one more possible murder, she begins to suspect yet another life could soon be in terrible danger—her own
384 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2021
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173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 30, 2021
Meet Isabel Puddles and Isabel Puddles Investigates by M.V. Byrne are the first and second book respectively of the cozy Mitten State Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each book of the Mitten State Mystery series does contain it’s own mystery that will be solved so they can be read as a standalone of in any order if choosing to do so. There is however character development that carries over book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
Isabel Puddles is a widow and the mother of two grown children living in Gull Harbor, Michigan. Isabel supports herself by doing all kinds of odd jobs and considers herself a jack of all trades. Most notably of late this avid mystery fan has taken a job in the local funeral parlor doing up the hair of the corpses. This is where Isabel finds a nail in the head of the departed, Earl Jonasson, and opens up a murder case.
Then in the second book Isabel decides that after her first dive into the deep waters of solving a murder to add to her resume once again and got herself a P.I. license. Isabel however still works her other odd jobs and as she’s helping out at her cousin’s hardware shop a new client walks in. Soon Isabel is hired by the extravagant recluse, Abigail Bachmeier, when her nephew disappeared and she tasks Isabel with finding another missing relative.
Meet Isabel Puddles and Isabel Puddles Investigates by M.V. Byrne were both cozy mysteries that fell right into the this was alright pile but not ones that really grabbed me. Both books had a slower pace to them which would be fine if full of the laughs I love but those were fewer than I’d like too. The second book even felt as if completely starting over again with the series instead of just being peppered with reminders here and there. Overall these are in the not bad but not ones I fell in love with leaving them at three stars each.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Isabel Puddles is a widow and the mother of two grown children living in Gull Harbor, Michigan. Isabel supports herself by doing all kinds of odd jobs and considers herself a jack of all trades. Most notably of late this avid mystery fan has taken a job in the local funeral parlor doing up the hair of the corpses. This is where Isabel finds a nail in the head of the departed, Earl Jonasson, and opens up a murder case.
Then in the second book Isabel decides that after her first dive into the deep waters of solving a murder to add to her resume once again and got herself a P.I. license. Isabel however still works her other odd jobs and as she’s helping out at her cousin’s hardware shop a new client walks in. Soon Isabel is hired by the extravagant recluse, Abigail Bachmeier, when her nephew disappeared and she tasks Isabel with finding another missing relative.
Meet Isabel Puddles and Isabel Puddles Investigates by M.V. Byrne were both cozy mysteries that fell right into the this was alright pile but not ones that really grabbed me. Both books had a slower pace to them which would be fine if full of the laughs I love but those were fewer than I’d like too. The second book even felt as if completely starting over again with the series instead of just being peppered with reminders here and there. Overall these are in the not bad but not ones I fell in love with leaving them at three stars each.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 4, 2023
When you want to read an M.V.Byrne book you have to lend yourself a little time as the author does a great job writing a good, complete tale that is going to pull you in and keep you for a little over a day, as the author does to me, at the very least. These cozy mysteries are a little different than the others that I have read and, as of yet, I haven't put my finger on exactly why. One of the differences here, I can note that this author never gives you much of a clue as to what is going to happen yet. If you think any of the books you have been reading have been too predictable I suggest switching to a Byrne book as the author never lends on to some of the deeper mysteries even though there are clues in the book. And, it isn't that you miss them it is that the author weaves such a complex, intriguing, mystery that, until the bitter end, you are not going to know it. And there are many times when I don't want to be able to predict the end of a book, which, lately, has become too easy.
What I really like in the second of the Isabel Puddles book is that the author has done a lot of research on the area (or she has made up some really cool, local legends for the book, which may be the truth, too, a question for the author one day). One of these is about the local legend that, when someone dies in Lake Michigan, the beating of drums can be heard which, are said to be, the Indians who were once in the area, now dead. (And, if they are in their life and doing this for the white man who dies let me be the first to say thank you. But, it could also be that they are not welcoming the dead but celebrating they are dead.) When Isabel is drawn into a complex family issue, with decades of lies, all asked to be unraveled by the older woman, she finds herself in the middle of something with more danger than she knew to be involved in. And, readers don't expect it either as the end really reveals everything you didn't know that was going on behind the scenes (and this is what makes Byrne one of the best cozy writers, in my opinioin). With this case and all the feelings it brings, along with the danger, Isabel really finds herself questioning her choice of career and thinking how her other side hustles might be a little better life choice.
One of the questions that I have about this book is that Isabel is presented with an offer on her property, several times, each time, the offer going up until it is way beyond what anyone would ever sanely offer for a property. As that had no relation to what went on with the mystery at hand Isabel solved and other side stories, as the last readers know the realtor is sent away with a stern warning not to bother her a fourth time, she will never sell, no matter the offer, what about Isabel's property makes someone want it so bad? The writer, in this second book, never reveals anything about it and in not doing so, leaves readers with the mystery of it. Did Byrne include it as a small story line to end with Isabel just being bothered or will Byrne do more with this story line, later, in the ongoing series? Is there a bigger mystery awaiting, why does someone want the land Isabel lives on and has raised her family on and will never let go? As I don't think Byrne does anything in her stories by accident I am turning to the third book today to see if any of it will solve my mystery or, if any information will be provided.
Regardless, as this review has shown, the Byrne series, Mitten State Mysteries, starring Isabel Puddles has a lot going on. And if not for the mystery, the warm family relationships and strong love Isabel has with all those in her life, the heart warming family and friends scenes in the book are something all will want to read especially if your like me and you don't really have family and friends like that, those kinds of scenes in your own life, and like me, you can only get them in a book. Isabel Puddles does throw some lovely parties and with some great food (don't read these books on an empty stomach or one full of fast food). And, with an adult relationship heating up on the other side of the water (in England), with a mystery writer named Teddy, I can't wait to open the third installment of the series to see what Puddles will do when confronted with her own love life heating up, the woman just one of those "characters" who readers can't predict what she will do in this arena.
The Mitten State Mystery series is one that snuck up on me and became a part of my regular reading. At first, I didn't think this would be a series I liked but I have grown to love the writer, the character, and the whole set up of her friends, town, the way she works. She is like the old granny McGyver in my opinion, always ready to solve a problem in some odd but practical way that readers are like, "yeah, that was really inventive." Isabel Puddles is original and fresh, full of love and laughter that I love to share in by reading the books. I only hope the series continues forever!
What I really like in the second of the Isabel Puddles book is that the author has done a lot of research on the area (or she has made up some really cool, local legends for the book, which may be the truth, too, a question for the author one day). One of these is about the local legend that, when someone dies in Lake Michigan, the beating of drums can be heard which, are said to be, the Indians who were once in the area, now dead. (And, if they are in their life and doing this for the white man who dies let me be the first to say thank you. But, it could also be that they are not welcoming the dead but celebrating they are dead.) When Isabel is drawn into a complex family issue, with decades of lies, all asked to be unraveled by the older woman, she finds herself in the middle of something with more danger than she knew to be involved in. And, readers don't expect it either as the end really reveals everything you didn't know that was going on behind the scenes (and this is what makes Byrne one of the best cozy writers, in my opinioin). With this case and all the feelings it brings, along with the danger, Isabel really finds herself questioning her choice of career and thinking how her other side hustles might be a little better life choice.
One of the questions that I have about this book is that Isabel is presented with an offer on her property, several times, each time, the offer going up until it is way beyond what anyone would ever sanely offer for a property. As that had no relation to what went on with the mystery at hand Isabel solved and other side stories, as the last readers know the realtor is sent away with a stern warning not to bother her a fourth time, she will never sell, no matter the offer, what about Isabel's property makes someone want it so bad? The writer, in this second book, never reveals anything about it and in not doing so, leaves readers with the mystery of it. Did Byrne include it as a small story line to end with Isabel just being bothered or will Byrne do more with this story line, later, in the ongoing series? Is there a bigger mystery awaiting, why does someone want the land Isabel lives on and has raised her family on and will never let go? As I don't think Byrne does anything in her stories by accident I am turning to the third book today to see if any of it will solve my mystery or, if any information will be provided.
Regardless, as this review has shown, the Byrne series, Mitten State Mysteries, starring Isabel Puddles has a lot going on. And if not for the mystery, the warm family relationships and strong love Isabel has with all those in her life, the heart warming family and friends scenes in the book are something all will want to read especially if your like me and you don't really have family and friends like that, those kinds of scenes in your own life, and like me, you can only get them in a book. Isabel Puddles does throw some lovely parties and with some great food (don't read these books on an empty stomach or one full of fast food). And, with an adult relationship heating up on the other side of the water (in England), with a mystery writer named Teddy, I can't wait to open the third installment of the series to see what Puddles will do when confronted with her own love life heating up, the woman just one of those "characters" who readers can't predict what she will do in this arena.
The Mitten State Mystery series is one that snuck up on me and became a part of my regular reading. At first, I didn't think this would be a series I liked but I have grown to love the writer, the character, and the whole set up of her friends, town, the way she works. She is like the old granny McGyver in my opinion, always ready to solve a problem in some odd but practical way that readers are like, "yeah, that was really inventive." Isabel Puddles is original and fresh, full of love and laughter that I love to share in by reading the books. I only hope the series continues forever!
November 24, 2021
M.V. Byrne's Mitten State Mystery series focuses on Isabel Puddles who lives on the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan. The newly licensed PI is doing a college degree she didn't finish when she was younger and is approached by a potential client. Abigail Bachmeier's great nephew is presumed dead after vanishing off a ferry, and she also has another missing relative for Isabel to locate. Could yet another life be in danger?
There is a lot to like in this novel with its abundance of humour. Isabel lives an exceptionally fulfilling life; everything is done on her terms, she has her knitting, she works part-time at a hardware store, her family visits and of course, she has her private investigator job. The mystery is well written, the setting is fabulous, and the characters are winsome. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
There is a lot to like in this novel with its abundance of humour. Isabel lives an exceptionally fulfilling life; everything is done on her terms, she has her knitting, she works part-time at a hardware store, her family visits and of course, she has her private investigator job. The mystery is well written, the setting is fabulous, and the characters are winsome. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 10, 2022
Isabel, an AARP-card-carrying widow, has obtained her private investigator's license when she's asked to find the long-lost nephew of a reclusive heiress, whose nephew has just fallen off the local car ferry and is presumed dead. There's a lot going on in this, and Isabel makes some mistakes that could easily prove to be fatal, but our heroine walks away to investigate again (we hope). For Jessica Fletcher fans, I'd say.
August 12, 2021
I had a great time reading the second Isabel Puddles book. This senior sleuth is always determined to find the truth, and reading a book featuring a sassy sleuth is one of my favorite past times.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Talking about this book? Use #IsabelPuddlesInvestigates #NetGalley.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Talking about this book? Use #IsabelPuddlesInvestigates #NetGalley.
January 27, 2024
I grew up in rural parts of Minnesota and Ohio, so felt right at home in this small town Michigan mystery. This worked well as a standalone— Maybe a bit too well so that it would be slow in parts if read in order. There is some humor and eccentric small town characters.
June 5, 2025
Easy pleasant cozy mystery.
October 19, 2021
What fun it would be to have breakfast with Isabel Puddles at Land's End Cafe, though perhaps not with her irritable friend Frances. Set in small town Gull Harbor, Michigan this is a fun read about ordinary daily life resplendent with gossip, food and fascinating characters. Isabel works part time at a hardware store and makes jams and pickles. Her two adult children no longer live with her but do visit...who can blame them with that scrumptious food? This time, they visit for the July 4 long weekend when Isabel invites friends to an annual barbecue where local delectable food is served. But the book isn't all joy and roses...as in real life, there is also heartache.
Isabel is also working on a college degree and a licensed private investigator. Eccentric Abigail Bachmeier invites her to her lovely mansion with a quest to find a missing person. Not only is there mystery surrounding the disappearance but also Abigail herself who is unexpected. I adore her quirkiness and spunk! There are excellent subplots as well, beautifully written and integrated.
Descriptions of food in books always grab my attention and I love that the main characters aren't twenty somethings. Very refreshing. In my view this story is more about life than "only" a mystery. We get to really know the characters to the point of being able to picture them. The cover is sweet, too. Very homey.
Those who are seeking a fabulous cozy mystery series should not miss this. Though cozy, it has more oomph to it than many. The language is flowery and descriptive (which is my wheelhouse) and made me giggle several times.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this absolutely delightful book! I really look forward to the next in the series.
Isabel is also working on a college degree and a licensed private investigator. Eccentric Abigail Bachmeier invites her to her lovely mansion with a quest to find a missing person. Not only is there mystery surrounding the disappearance but also Abigail herself who is unexpected. I adore her quirkiness and spunk! There are excellent subplots as well, beautifully written and integrated.
Descriptions of food in books always grab my attention and I love that the main characters aren't twenty somethings. Very refreshing. In my view this story is more about life than "only" a mystery. We get to really know the characters to the point of being able to picture them. The cover is sweet, too. Very homey.
Those who are seeking a fabulous cozy mystery series should not miss this. Though cozy, it has more oomph to it than many. The language is flowery and descriptive (which is my wheelhouse) and made me giggle several times.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this absolutely delightful book! I really look forward to the next in the series.
November 21, 2021
When I find a new mystery series and I love the first book I always cross my fingers that the next in the series will be as enjoyable. Isabel Puddles Investigates hits the mark. Isabel is back, completing her college degree, working part time at the hardware store and having breakfast with her BFF, Frances. She is now a PI, too. As a senior on a fixed income, every penny counts.
It's summer in Gull Harbor, Michigan and her children have come to visit for the long 4th of July weekend. Friends gathering for a BBQ, gossip and such, life is good for Isabel who is living her life her way. As a new PI she also takes a new case, one with a very upper crust client. It's a missing person case but not the first in the life of the client, Abigail Bachmeier. To call her eccentric is fair but I would also call her quirky. My kind of character.
I don't want to give anything away beyond saying the mystery is well written, the setting is lovely, the characters are memorable and the humor abounds. This series continues to have everything that I like in a cozy mystery. Now I'm ready for Isabel's encore.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
It's summer in Gull Harbor, Michigan and her children have come to visit for the long 4th of July weekend. Friends gathering for a BBQ, gossip and such, life is good for Isabel who is living her life her way. As a new PI she also takes a new case, one with a very upper crust client. It's a missing person case but not the first in the life of the client, Abigail Bachmeier. To call her eccentric is fair but I would also call her quirky. My kind of character.
I don't want to give anything away beyond saying the mystery is well written, the setting is lovely, the characters are memorable and the humor abounds. This series continues to have everything that I like in a cozy mystery. Now I'm ready for Isabel's encore.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2021
Isabel Puddles, the delightful “Miss Marple” of Gulf Harbor, Michigan, returns in the second Mitten State mystery. She’s as busy as ever and now a licensed private investigator with an office over her cousin’s hardware store where she also works part-time because small town detective work does not pay well. Until…she is summoned to a “luncheon” by the town recluse Abigail Bachmeier, sole heir to the Bachmeier beer fortune. Abigail tells her a tragic story ending with the recent drowning death of her great nephew. She has just learned that she has another great nephew and hires Isabel to find him. However, Isabel is not the only person looking for the missing man. And is someone looking for her?
This is a completely charming series! Life is good in picturesque Gulf Harbor. It’s summer and the locals are coping with tourists, planning barbecues, selling homemade goodies, and gossiping about their neighbors. Both new and recurring characters come to life with detailed descriptions, especially prickly Frances, Freddie, Ramush and Abigail. Reading Isabel’s adventures is like sitting down with an old friend. I’m looking forward to her next visit! 5 stars.
Thank toy to NetGalley, Kensington Books and M.V. Byrne for this ARC.
This is a completely charming series! Life is good in picturesque Gulf Harbor. It’s summer and the locals are coping with tourists, planning barbecues, selling homemade goodies, and gossiping about their neighbors. Both new and recurring characters come to life with detailed descriptions, especially prickly Frances, Freddie, Ramush and Abigail. Reading Isabel’s adventures is like sitting down with an old friend. I’m looking forward to her next visit! 5 stars.
Thank toy to NetGalley, Kensington Books and M.V. Byrne for this ARC.
August 17, 2021
I laughed my sox off with all the Milwaukee bashing! Sounds like us bashing Chicago! Teeheehee.
Isabel is a widow with grown children living on opposite coasts while she chooses to stay in her home town with all her friends and cousins. Most of the characters in the town are just plain folks but there is the snooty estate on the edge of town that looms large in size and local lore. Because she solved a murder before, she followed the encouragement of others, got her PI license, and is working on a degree in criminal justice while also working part-time in cousin's hardware store.
Enter the eccentric and very wealthy recluse from that estate nearby who actively encourages odd gossip to keep people away. The woman wants Isabel to do a bit of sleuthing, and it's very unusual. The whole is very Midwest small town with great characters, plot twists, and more (but no spoilers). Loved this laugh riot!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Isabel is a widow with grown children living on opposite coasts while she chooses to stay in her home town with all her friends and cousins. Most of the characters in the town are just plain folks but there is the snooty estate on the edge of town that looms large in size and local lore. Because she solved a murder before, she followed the encouragement of others, got her PI license, and is working on a degree in criminal justice while also working part-time in cousin's hardware store.
Enter the eccentric and very wealthy recluse from that estate nearby who actively encourages odd gossip to keep people away. The woman wants Isabel to do a bit of sleuthing, and it's very unusual. The whole is very Midwest small town with great characters, plot twists, and more (but no spoilers). Loved this laugh riot!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
December 1, 2021
Loving or not loving a book depends a lot on your mood and your current expectations.
Some of the reasons that stopped me from giving a 5* rate to the first book in this series are the same that made me love it and I suppose I will reread the first book.
It's a slow burning book, don't expect that the mystery starts soon in the book because there a general recap of the characters backstory, catching up what's going on and introducing what will be the mystery part.
That said I found it very relaxing and the descriptions are so detailed that you cannot help visualizing the scene in your mind.
Isabel is a great characters, wise and clever. I love her philosophy of life and her relationship with other people.
The author did a good job in delivering a compelling and highly entertaining story. The solid mystery is full of surprises even if I guessed one of the twists.
Good storytelling and character development.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Some of the reasons that stopped me from giving a 5* rate to the first book in this series are the same that made me love it and I suppose I will reread the first book.
It's a slow burning book, don't expect that the mystery starts soon in the book because there a general recap of the characters backstory, catching up what's going on and introducing what will be the mystery part.
That said I found it very relaxing and the descriptions are so detailed that you cannot help visualizing the scene in your mind.
Isabel is a great characters, wise and clever. I love her philosophy of life and her relationship with other people.
The author did a good job in delivering a compelling and highly entertaining story. The solid mystery is full of surprises even if I guessed one of the twists.
Good storytelling and character development.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 2, 2021
Isabel Puddles has returned to college to finish up her degree forty years after beginning it. She just completed a correspondence course to become a newly minted private investigator. Isabel breakfasts with her best friend every morning at the town’s cafe. She also works part-time in her nephew’s hardware store. She has a letter writing relationship with an English mystery writer—that may turn into something more. And finally, Isabel Puddles Investigates a missing person.
My problem with Isabel Puddles Investigates is that the mystery takes a backseat to Isabel’s love life, her best friend’s life, all the gossip in the small town, and even the Michigan setting. If I wanted to read women’s fiction, I would. I wanted a mystery, which is here but appears so late that I was already bored. 3 disappointed stars.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
My problem with Isabel Puddles Investigates is that the mystery takes a backseat to Isabel’s love life, her best friend’s life, all the gossip in the small town, and even the Michigan setting. If I wanted to read women’s fiction, I would. I wanted a mystery, which is here but appears so late that I was already bored. 3 disappointed stars.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 29, 2022
Isabel Puddles is back and better than ever!
It was so amazing to be back in Lake Michigan with all of the lovable characters that were introduced in the first Isabel Puddles book as well as some new ones. I honestly enjoyed this book more than the first due to the fact that I felt more involved in Isabel’s life in Gull Harbor, and there are so many interesting side characters that just add so much to this series. Isabel is truly an amazing heroine and sleuth who is always looking out for those around her while trying to solve puzzling mysteries.
Not to mention the mystery in this novel was very well done and so entertaining. I have to say I figured out the plot before it happened in the book, but in my opinion that means the author laid out the clues perfectly. Figuring out how the plot would unfold did not take away from my enjoyment of the book though.
I was immersed in this story from the first page, and hope to see Isabel again!🍻
It was so amazing to be back in Lake Michigan with all of the lovable characters that were introduced in the first Isabel Puddles book as well as some new ones. I honestly enjoyed this book more than the first due to the fact that I felt more involved in Isabel’s life in Gull Harbor, and there are so many interesting side characters that just add so much to this series. Isabel is truly an amazing heroine and sleuth who is always looking out for those around her while trying to solve puzzling mysteries.
Not to mention the mystery in this novel was very well done and so entertaining. I have to say I figured out the plot before it happened in the book, but in my opinion that means the author laid out the clues perfectly. Figuring out how the plot would unfold did not take away from my enjoyment of the book though.
I was immersed in this story from the first page, and hope to see Isabel again!🍻
July 14, 2021
Isabel Puddles has hung out her PI shingle and is living life on her own terms these days. When she takes on a new client, Isabel has to not only look for the woman’s missing relatives, she has to figure what to believe when she hears rumors about the woman. It leave Isabel searching for answers on several fronts. It also leaves Isabel in the position of becoming the next missing person tied to her client. But nothing will stop Isabel from pursuing the answers and finding out what happened to the missing relatives.
Who doesn’t want to be like Isabel Puddles when they grow up? Living life on your own terms, making up for missed opportunities and most of all helping people? This is a great series and the second installment was even better than the first! I’ll be waiting for the next adventures with Isabel Puddles with great anticipation.
Who doesn’t want to be like Isabel Puddles when they grow up? Living life on your own terms, making up for missed opportunities and most of all helping people? This is a great series and the second installment was even better than the first! I’ll be waiting for the next adventures with Isabel Puddles with great anticipation.
October 23, 2021
About a year has passed since Isabel solved the Jonasson murder and she's become a licensed PI and gone back to school to study criminology. When legendary local recluse Abigail Bachmeier hires her to locate her long-lost nephew Isabel figures it'll be an easy case and a quick paycheck... but she couldn't be more wrong.
I really enjoy this series and this book was very similar to the first. There are lots of humorous side stories and background information, which I often find a little boring but in these stories it adds some "flesh" to the characters and makes me feel more engaged. Isabel has finally started coming into the 21st century and is using all the tools of the time, Google, cell phones, GPS, etc. to help her solve the case.
If you enjoy series featuring senior sleuths, this is a good one to add to your to-be-read pile.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I really enjoy this series and this book was very similar to the first. There are lots of humorous side stories and background information, which I often find a little boring but in these stories it adds some "flesh" to the characters and makes me feel more engaged. Isabel has finally started coming into the 21st century and is using all the tools of the time, Google, cell phones, GPS, etc. to help her solve the case.
If you enjoy series featuring senior sleuths, this is a good one to add to your to-be-read pile.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 7, 2021
4 stars
Isabel Puddles Investigates
by M.V. Byrne
Isabel Puddles is quite like sitting with an older lady and having her regale you with every story about everyone she knows and as a listener/reader being completely enchanted with her stories of her town and her life.
M.V. Byrne writes the Puddles books almost as she is sitting and observing her in her day to day life and her thoughts. This second book in this series is filled with mystery, family, friends and deceit.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery that will appeal to most mystery readers. I really enjoy and appreciate books that showcase women on the other side of children and family still having a vibrant life and enjoying every minute of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
Isabel Puddles Investigates
by M.V. Byrne
Isabel Puddles is quite like sitting with an older lady and having her regale you with every story about everyone she knows and as a listener/reader being completely enchanted with her stories of her town and her life.
M.V. Byrne writes the Puddles books almost as she is sitting and observing her in her day to day life and her thoughts. This second book in this series is filled with mystery, family, friends and deceit.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery that will appeal to most mystery readers. I really enjoy and appreciate books that showcase women on the other side of children and family still having a vibrant life and enjoying every minute of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
February 9, 2022
Isabel is living life on her terms as summer stirs the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan. Only slowing down to meet her oldest friend for daily coffee, the newly licensed PI has found herself chipping away at the college degree she never completed—and, to her surprise, eagerly awaiting letters from her pen pal, an admired British mystery writer. But when her latest client turns out to be an extravagant recluse who’s rich both in secrets and money, Isabel becomes embroiled in the strange world of Rust Belt royalty and the Memorial Day Weekend disappearance of a handsome young heir. Fun location in a state I know well.
This is the second in this series and a really fun read. You will like Isabel. This is cozy mystery writing at its best and I hope there are many more in this series. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
This is the second in this series and a really fun read. You will like Isabel. This is cozy mystery writing at its best and I hope there are many more in this series. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
April 22, 2023
Sorry, this book just annoyed me. It was slow paced and cloying with mother's tears, warm fuzzies, and complimentary overload. I could just hear the Hallmark movie sound track in the background. Isabel is just so "perfect" as she tears up because she is just such a "good" person and I find that irritating. A key element to solve the mystery was slow to arrive and made it impossible for the reader to puzzle this one out. Frances was annoying and even good Isabel lets some real snarky stuff fly. Too many characters in her books have petty grievances that they should have grown out of years ago but instead use to guide their life. Maybe Gull Harbor isn't such a kind place to live after all.
I know there are many readers who love all this over the top feel good stuff but I'm not one of them. I think this is the last Mitten State Mystery Book I'll read.
I know there are many readers who love all this over the top feel good stuff but I'm not one of them. I think this is the last Mitten State Mystery Book I'll read.
August 15, 2021
A cozy set in a small north Michigan town of Gull Harbor.
Isabel Puddles opened her PI business in a room above the hardware store where she works for her cousin Freddie. When heiress Abigail Bachmeier hires Isabel to find someone, Isabel manages to find them, and it leads to more cases.
The plot moved along well and there were multiple subplots to keep all of the characters actively involved throughout the novel.
This case leaves Isabel wondering if she is going to continue her PI courses or switch to teacher training.
I am looking forward to whatever Isabel finds herself up to next.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Publishers through Net Galley
Release date Nov 30, 2021.
Isabel Puddles opened her PI business in a room above the hardware store where she works for her cousin Freddie. When heiress Abigail Bachmeier hires Isabel to find someone, Isabel manages to find them, and it leads to more cases.
The plot moved along well and there were multiple subplots to keep all of the characters actively involved throughout the novel.
This case leaves Isabel wondering if she is going to continue her PI courses or switch to teacher training.
I am looking forward to whatever Isabel finds herself up to next.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Publishers through Net Galley
Release date Nov 30, 2021.
November 7, 2021
Isabel Puddles, a retired hairdresser, works part time in her cousin's hardware store and loves solving crime so much that she's back in school working on a criminology degree. That comes in handy when she's hired by the wealthy and snotty Abagail not to find her recently disappeared nephew, the heir to their beer fortune, but rather to solve a thirty year old question of another missing nephew. As with the first book (and this will be fine as a standalone), this is cozy territory where the heroine solves the mystery by untangling the gossip in a small town. I like Isabel and I also like her friend Frances who is dealing with marital issues. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A quick and entertaining read.
May 11, 2023
I needed something easy to listen to and Ms. Puddles is fun and cozy. this time she is not researching the mysterious death on the lake, but rather the lost heir. But why does this line seem to be so accident prone. And why is the surviving matron so callous with regards to the loss of the nephew.
Francis is also in high spirits as she finds out hubby not only got a promotion, but is wanting to move, and she doesn't want to leave town. I don't know how quaint this village must be to turn down 1.2 Million for the childhood home, but I hope she holds out for 2 and divides it between her dogs. One thing the small town needs is to raise prices "during the season" and have a coupon for the locals. Tax the problem till you manage it.
Francis is also in high spirits as she finds out hubby not only got a promotion, but is wanting to move, and she doesn't want to leave town. I don't know how quaint this village must be to turn down 1.2 Million for the childhood home, but I hope she holds out for 2 and divides it between her dogs. One thing the small town needs is to raise prices "during the season" and have a coupon for the locals. Tax the problem till you manage it.
August 13, 2021
I tried, I really tried to get into this book. The premise looked so interesting. A senior PI. But this style of writing is just not for me. At one point I think there was a four-page descriptor, providing context, between two lines of conversation.
I pushed to 40% of the book hoping the balance would change. But it didn't. So the book didn't build any pace with this level of detail. Seems I need something with a little more pace.
My thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the author for my Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review
I pushed to 40% of the book hoping the balance would change. But it didn't. So the book didn't build any pace with this level of detail. Seems I need something with a little more pace.
My thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the author for my Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review
October 1, 2021
Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for sharing the second installment of the Isabel Puddles series. Gosh (which is definitely the right word for this), this was fun. I liked it even better than the first book. Isabel is back, now with a PI license and getting involved in local mysteries and mayhem, all in her kind and trusting way. I recommend this series for fans of Jan Mitford or cozy mysteries in general (although I am not much of a fan of those books, this series is a bit meatier and less silly than many of those).
January 28, 2022
This book felt slow to start, but not undesirably so. There was a lot of character building with previous life history woven into the first third of the book. While this is the second book in this series, it doesn't seem that it was necessary to read the first to enjoy this book! I will happily read the first when I see it at the library in the future. I grabbed this book from the "choice reads" shelf at the library because it said it was a story about a private investigator, and it didn't appear to be a rebranded romance as many mysteries are.
March 28, 2023
"Isabel Puddles Investigates" was just as good as the first of the series, "Meet Isabel Puddles." After some awkwardness while the reader was reminded of the first book, Isabel set about delighting and entertaining the reader. In the first book, her friend, Frances, was a bit of a tactless but lovable loudmouth. In this book, Frances goes a little further over the top, threatening to become annoying. Fortunately, her pagetime does not interfere with Isabel's caring and loveable investigation. I heartily recommend this book!
July 14, 2025
In the second installment Isabel is hired to find a missing heir. As her first professional case it holds new challenges and a big learning curve. Isabel moves forward with her characteristic tenacity and levelheaded pragmatism. I enjoy how she approaches research and stands her ground when talking to people. As polite as she can be while being firm and steadfast.
This was a heartwarming story and it was fun to watch the relationships of the main cast of characters develop. Looking forward to Isabel's trip abroad!
This was a heartwarming story and it was fun to watch the relationships of the main cast of characters develop. Looking forward to Isabel's trip abroad!
January 1, 2022
I am very happy to find a new mystery series that is well written , entertaining and funny! Isabel Puddles now has her investigators license. So far she's had simple cases, but now the richest lady in town wants her services. She wants her to find her grand-nephew. There is so much more here than just a mystery. There are interpersonal relationships of all sorts that make entertaining reading all by themselves. I look forward to more books in the series.
January 21, 2022
This is the second title in the Mitten State Mysteries by M.V. Byrne. Isabel Puddles is back and now a newly licensed PI and finally working on her college degree. Her first case is the disappearance/death of the son of Gull Harbor, Michigan royalty. His mother is Abigail Bachmeier, a eccentric woman. A lot of detail is put into the story. It feels like Isabel, the other characters, and the town of Gull Harbor are real.
January 23, 2022
Isabel is a delightful character. She is a woman of a certain age. She has returned to college to finish her degree and has passed her private investigators licenses. Isable is hired by the wealthy recluse of Gull Harbor to locate a person. As she works on this case she finds that there are more mysteries and maybe even unsolved murders. I'm already looking forward to the next Isabel Puddle book
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