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Pocket Change
Previously published as Pocket Change by Mantle Rock Publishing.
When Mary Clare Casteel (Mac) discovers her contractor stuffed in the display coffin of Pocket Change, her soon-to-open eclectic business, it puts the skids on secret plans to use her recent Publisher’s Clearing House winnings to assist at-risk businesses in her small town of Pocket, Arkansas. Enter her quirky family and tantalizing new neighbor, Mick Walker. Murder, techie mishaps, and a host of Southern traditions accompany Mary Clare as she juggles her fortune while dodging demanding deadbeats. What ensues is an investigation led by a new millionaire, her fun-loving family, and a handsome bait shop owner.
When Mary Clare Casteel (Mac) discovers her contractor stuffed in the display coffin of Pocket Change, her soon-to-open eclectic business, it puts the skids on secret plans to use her recent Publisher’s Clearing House winnings to assist at-risk businesses in her small town of Pocket, Arkansas. Enter her quirky family and tantalizing new neighbor, Mick Walker. Murder, techie mishaps, and a host of Southern traditions accompany Mary Clare as she juggles her fortune while dodging demanding deadbeats. What ensues is an investigation led by a new millionaire, her fun-loving family, and a handsome bait shop owner.
- GenresMystery
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2020
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 16, 2020
When I grow up, I want to write as well as Debbie Archer. Humor, personality and Southern mannerisms flows off the pages in fun, quirky writing. The characters are a delight and the situations that Mac Casteel finds herself in are a hoot.
But this is a cozy mystery and a mystery it is. I wasn’t sure whodunit until the big reveal. Before that, I kept looking at possible suspects and thinking things like, “Don’t let it be him” or “Not her. She’s too likeable.” I picked out early my candidate for the bad guy—and missed.
Witty and well-written, this was an enjoyable trip to Pocket, Ark., and to Pocket Change, the kind of bookstore where I’ve always wanted to hang out. I hope we get to visit again soon with Mac and her troupe of eccentric family and friends.
Full disclosure: Debbie Archer was my critique partner for my first three novels. She has a delightfully disarming way of telling me when I needed to rework a scene. I did not work with her on this novel, nor did I make any promises about whether my review would be favorable. Opinions are my own.
But this is a cozy mystery and a mystery it is. I wasn’t sure whodunit until the big reveal. Before that, I kept looking at possible suspects and thinking things like, “Don’t let it be him” or “Not her. She’s too likeable.” I picked out early my candidate for the bad guy—and missed.
Witty and well-written, this was an enjoyable trip to Pocket, Ark., and to Pocket Change, the kind of bookstore where I’ve always wanted to hang out. I hope we get to visit again soon with Mac and her troupe of eccentric family and friends.
Full disclosure: Debbie Archer was my critique partner for my first three novels. She has a delightfully disarming way of telling me when I needed to rework a scene. I did not work with her on this novel, nor did I make any promises about whether my review would be favorable. Opinions are my own.
November 18, 2019
Debbie Archer has written a delightful whodunit steeped in southern charm. The action begins with the discovery of a newly deceased body inside an antique casket, which is to be used as part of a window display in Mary Clare's soon-to-open store, Books, Bling, and Memories. In the spirit of small-town living, gossip soon swirls in (fictitious) Pocket, Arkansas. A plucky cast of characters plays amateur sleuth to help local enforcement solve the crime.
The reader will enjoy playing amateur sleuth too. The plot is perfectly paced; the author wove clues throughout the story, yet tucked the perpetrator away until the highly satisfactory ending.
Pocket Change is a sweet mix of mystery, romance, and humor. The reader becomes part of the quirky Pocket family, happy and contented to be visiting yet sad to leave when the tale is done. Savor this gem of a read with a cup of hot cocoa. I'm already looking forward to the sequel.
The reader will enjoy playing amateur sleuth too. The plot is perfectly paced; the author wove clues throughout the story, yet tucked the perpetrator away until the highly satisfactory ending.
Pocket Change is a sweet mix of mystery, romance, and humor. The reader becomes part of the quirky Pocket family, happy and contented to be visiting yet sad to leave when the tale is done. Savor this gem of a read with a cup of hot cocoa. I'm already looking forward to the sequel.
September 24, 2022
If you love a good cozy mystery, pick up this book. Fictional Pocket, Arkansas could be any small Southern town, and if you know one, you will delight in the eclectic cast of characters that populate this one.
Author Debbie Archer has done such a fantastic job of crafting quirky, realistic characters that I feel I have known them forever. You may even recognize a few of your own small-town neighbors, from the busy-body who’s always first to spread the gossip, to the single lady “of a certain age” who flirts with every man in sight, to the beloved, yet slightly air-headed hometown gal who’s done well. And don’t forget the eccentric Uncle everyone considers slightly nuts but harmless.
Add in one hunky new neighbor with a secret, a dead body, and arson, and you’ve got everyone in a tizzy. Ratchet up the tension with some trespassing and break-ins at our heroine’s new business venture, and it’s enough to put any Southern lady into a baking frenzy.
A clever, entertaining read, with humor, inspiration, and small-town charm sprinkled throughout. I found myself chuckling often, and in a few places, I laughed out loud. Some of the high-jinks reminded me of the Stephanie Plum series, but without the R-rated encounters. This book is clean and sweet, and I’d have no qualms recommending it to my mother or Aunt Carol without a blush.
But Ms. Archer doesn’t skimp on the mystery either. I was wondering who-dunnit right up to the surprising reveal.
I'll be watching for more from this author.
Author Debbie Archer has done such a fantastic job of crafting quirky, realistic characters that I feel I have known them forever. You may even recognize a few of your own small-town neighbors, from the busy-body who’s always first to spread the gossip, to the single lady “of a certain age” who flirts with every man in sight, to the beloved, yet slightly air-headed hometown gal who’s done well. And don’t forget the eccentric Uncle everyone considers slightly nuts but harmless.
Add in one hunky new neighbor with a secret, a dead body, and arson, and you’ve got everyone in a tizzy. Ratchet up the tension with some trespassing and break-ins at our heroine’s new business venture, and it’s enough to put any Southern lady into a baking frenzy.
A clever, entertaining read, with humor, inspiration, and small-town charm sprinkled throughout. I found myself chuckling often, and in a few places, I laughed out loud. Some of the high-jinks reminded me of the Stephanie Plum series, but without the R-rated encounters. This book is clean and sweet, and I’d have no qualms recommending it to my mother or Aunt Carol without a blush.
But Ms. Archer doesn’t skimp on the mystery either. I was wondering who-dunnit right up to the surprising reveal.
I'll be watching for more from this author.
December 31, 2019
A lighthearted fun whodunnit that kept me totally guessing until the end reveal (and I like to think outside the box and think of every character as a potential suspect!). Well paced and written with a witty, charming Southern tone and voice throughout. Pocket, Arkansas, is a place we all want to meet and eat Maybelline's breakfast with the quirky characters in town. Read it and see if you can guess the murderer!
January 21, 2020
This cleverly written mystery will keep you guessing about who murdered the contractor right up to the exciting end. Set in a small town in the south, you get comfortable with the Mary Claire and her friends. I loved the humor interspersed in this novel. It was often unexpected which made it all the more enjoyable. It's been a long time since I've read a novel that made me laugh so often. Thanks for a fun read, Debbie Archer. I hope to read more from this author.
January 24, 2020
I loved this fun- yet - kept-me-guessing Cozy Mystery. It was not JUST a fun read, but Ms Archer took me into the setting with finesse. A definite page-turner, I wasn't sure who had 'done it' until the end. Descriptive phrases tucked within the plot and humor, were fantastic - they gave this reader a good sense of setting, and the ability to see the characters as real people.
You will NOT want to miss reading Pocket Change, if you like a good Cozy.
You will NOT want to miss reading Pocket Change, if you like a good Cozy.
December 29, 2019
If you secretly wished for a slightly younger Agatha Rasin hailing from the Southern United States instead of Southern England, then this is the perfect book for you. Pocket Change is an entertaining quick read packed with southern charm, quirky characters, and a whodunnit that will leave you guessing until the very end.
September 12, 2020
Mary Clare Casteel, winner of the Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes, only wants to help out her small town of Pocket when plans to open her store, Pocket Change. Chaos reigns when she discovers a body in a coffin she plans to use for decorative purposes on opening day. Funny, quirky characters and a bit of romance add to the excitement.
October 9, 2023
A charming story set in a small town eclectic bookstore. Plenty of familiar names and places that anyone from a small town can relate to. It was a book-club pick, and I confess it's a book that I probably wouldn't have read otherwise. But I'm glad I did. We all had a good time crafting theories and chasing red herrings along the way!
September 13, 2025
Arkansas author! Her first book was a delight! Well developed characters & story line, couldn’t put it down. Parts had me laughing out loud. Loved this book & hope there will be a sequel because these characters deserve more spotlight!
December 31, 2025
What a pleasant surprise! I don’t typically purchase local author’s books, but this one was so sweet and cozy. The story had great characters, great story telling, and funny puns. I loved reading about my backyard in a new way. Definitely worth the read.
November 14, 2019
An incredibly witty and hilarious who-done-it. I couldn’t put it down!
December 2, 2019
A completely delightful Southern mystery complete with quirky characters and a charming heroine. The fictional Pocket, Arkansas is portrayed true to form for small towns in Northeast Arkansas. An unpredictable plot line keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. I’m ready for more from this author.
January 9, 2020
This cozy mystery kept me guessing to the very end, "Who dun it." The humor in the books is delightful.
May 7, 2020
What a fun and funny mystery...and in a bookstore, no less!
December 25, 2021
Debbie Archer writes with over-flowing humor. The action never stops. Keeps you guessing right up until the end.
February 22, 2023
Loved it
This was such an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the mystery kept me turning the pages! Clarence was my favorite!
This was such an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the mystery kept me turning the pages! Clarence was my favorite!
January 20, 2020
Quirky and lighthearted whodunit mystery that kept me guessing until the very end!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews