With her inherited house, an unusually large dog, and a jam-packed committee calendar, Abby McCree keeps busy in her adopted town of Snowberry Creek in the Pacific Northwest even when she isn’t investigating the occasional murder! When a dead body turns up on a 5K charity race route, Abby hits the ground running to catch a killer in this fifth installment by USA Today bestselling author Alexis Morgan.
Overcommitted Abby has once again been drafted to use her organizing superpowers—this time for a 5k charity run that’s part of the Founder’s Day Celebration in Snowberry Creek, Washington. At least she has help, albeit from an unlikely Gil Pratt, a member of her handsome tenant Tripp Blackston’s veterans group and co-owner of a motorcycle repair shop with his brother. Abby and Gil may seem like an odd couple, but they work great together.
The event seems to be running smoothly—until city council member James DiSalvo is found murdered in a ravine along the race route. Unfortunately, Gil’s brother Gary had a very public argument with DiSalvo minutes before the race, making him the prime suspect. Now the two race organizers must again team up to prove Gary’s innocence—before the real killer makes a run for it. But one wrong step and Abby may be the next one to come in dead last...
Alexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.
Abby McCree’s special organizational skills have been called on again for an event in Snowberry Creek. The Founder’s Day Celebration will include a Salmon Scoot 5k charity run and Abby is happy to plan it as long as she gets help. She is surprised when Gil Pratt, co-owner of the local motorcycle repair shop volunteers. He is also a vet and a member of her hunky tenant Tripp Blackston’s veteran’s group. After a quick chat, they agree to work together and make a fine team.
The big day arrives and everything is in place for the run to be a huge success. They have plenty of volunteers along the route including a medical team in case of any injuries. The runners are soon off and running and crossing the finish line with Tripp as one of those coming in with the first group. Soon is it time to account for a few stragglers so Abby starts to make her way along the route. She comes across a couple of teenagers that tell her a man has fallen down a ravine just off the race path. By the time help arrives they find city councilman James DiSalvo dead and his death was no accident.
Shortly before the race, Gil’s brother Gary was seen having a very heated argument with the councilman so he immediately becomes the police’s main suspect. Gil believes in his brother’s innocence so asks Abby to help him prove it. It’s a race to find the killer before they can run off and kill again.
I really enjoy the characters in this series. Abby is a wonderful protagonist who has settled nicely into the home she inherited from her aunt. She has made friends of all ages and is a trusted member of the community. She is developing a very comfortable relationship with her tenant Tripp Blackston. The handsome gentleman also has several admirers including one that loves delivering her “famous tuna casseroles” so the poor man will never go hungry. They both are in love with Abby’s mastiff Zeke, a big gentle giant that immediately stole my heart.
Ms. Morgan introduces us to a great new character in Gil Pratt. Abby wasn’t sure about him when they first met. In fact, he scared her a bit, but over the course of this story, they became good friends. His brother was a key suspect in this book but we didn’t really get to know too much about him. I hope both these characters appear in future books in this series. I do have a fear of an Abby, Tripp, Gil, romantic triangle and I am not sure how I feel about that when Abby and Tripp’s relationship is just starting to take off.
We also meet James DiSalvo and learn a lot about him after his death. He was an awful man and had plenty of enemies. Enemies equal suspects and he had a nice wide pool. The mystery really has that small-town twist. The police chief is friends with Gil and Gary and he really tried to give Gary the benefit of the doubt and didn’t just stop investigating when all the evidence was pointing right at him. The author really twisted the case up with plenty of red herrings to keep her readers guessing. I could say my guess was half right but it was not firmed up by any good theory until all the clues were spelled out for me. I had a lot of fun following along with Abby as she dished out baked goods and played a little pool while trying to root out a killer.
While this author can write one heck of a mystery it is the wonderful characters that bring me back for book after book in this series. They are believable and genuine. I love the veteran tie-in and all the good works Abby gets involved in. I would love to jump into the pages just so I could be her friend.
Death by the Finish Line is a winning addition to this series. I can’t wait to return to Snowberry Creek!
Death by the Finish Line by Alexis Morgan is the 5th book in the Abby McCree Mystery series, and another great addition. I really loved this book/series and can't wait for the next book. Abby McCree moved to Snowberry Creek, after inheriting her Aunt Sybil home. Abby also inherited a tenant Tripp, who helps her around the property and their romance seems to grow in every book. This book is very well written full of great characters, and a well thought out plot. When I started this book, it kept me reading page after page. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book and the whole series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the fifth book in the Abby McCree Mystery series by Alexis Morgan, set in Snowberry Creek, Washington featuring Abby McCree and Tripp Blackston.
Abby McCree helps organisations to raise money as well as making quilts and generally keeping herself busy. She is in a good place, her tenant, Tripp Blackston is a great friend, and she is currently lending a hand with a 5-kilometre charity run that’s part of the Founder’s Day Celebrations. Gil Pratt, the co-owner of a motorcycle repair shop along with his brother Tripp, is also helping out. Abby is surprised to find that she and Gil work well together but on the day of the race, she witnesses an argument between Gil's brother, Gary and James DiSalvo, a city council member. Police Chief Gage Logan then points the finger of guilt in Gary's direction.
With her resourcefulness and sassy attitude, I was pleased to be back in Abby's company. Alexis Morgan has surrounded Abby with a great supporting cast and Tripp especially is easy to warm to. The connection and chemistry between him and Abby are evident. Abby also has a true friendship and understanding with Police Chief Gage Logan and of course, Zeke, Abby's lovable Mastiff mix, deserves a mention. The author has written a very strong mystery here too. With its great plot, the pacing is comfortable and there were enough red herrings to keep me guessing a while. Alexis Morgan's humorous touches were neat and helped to make Death by the Finish Line a really compelling, fun read. A marvellous addition to this series, I was totally entertained from beginning to end. Bring on book #6!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Abby can’t stay out of an investigation, no matter how hard she tries. In the latest book in the “An Abby McCree Mystery” series, Death By The Finish Line, Abby is once again thrust into the role of amateur sleuth. Mainly because she puts herself in that position and because she knows the people involved and won’t stand for someone to be accused wrongly. Founder’s Day should be a time of celebration, not murder.
Things aren’t always easy for Abby, she keeps getting roped into helping with one activity after another, but this time she doesn’t mind when her partner turns out to be Gil, a friend of Tripp’s. They work for months to bring the town’s Founder’s Day 5k run to the finish line, and just when they think everything is perfect, a body shows up. Of course, it doesn’t help that Abby, along with most of the participants in the run, witnessed Gil’s brother and the victim arguing just before the race.
The characters in this series are always delightful to spend a few hours with. The setting is picturesque. The 5k run gives the reader a good idea of what the area looks like outside the town itself. The finish line of the run brings everyone at the Founder’s Day celebration to the foreground, making it easy to follow all of the players. There are a good amount of suspects, and the evidence is spread throughout the story. There are enough red herrings to keep readers guessing but not so many to make it confusing. The killer might not jump out at you, but when the reveal is completed, most readers will realize that they knew who it was all along. Of course, Abby can’t do an investigation without putting herself in danger, and this time is no exception.
Death By The Finish Line brings together everything we love about cozy books. Great characters & suspects, motives that we can get behind, descriptive and inspiring settings, and a celebration that makes us want to join in on the Founders Day fun wherever we may live. This is wonderful storytelling by a talented author at its best. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Abby McCree inherited her late aunt's Victorian home in Snowberry Creek, Washington. It was fortuitous because after her divorce, she moved in and suddenly the town took to her right away. Because of her business expertise, Abby has a habit of getting roped into events all year long by the mayor's assistant -- and her tenant, Tripp Blackston, is starting to become something more than just a tenant.
This time out she's working on the Salmon Scoot, a 5k run in which the proceeds of the event will benefit the high school. Her co-chair is the unlikely Gil Pratt, co-owner of a motorcycle repair shop along with his brother. Abby is surprised to find that Gil isn't scary at all, and they actually work well together. But the day of the race, she witnesses an argument between Gil's brother Gary and James DiSalvo, a city council member.
Later, when DiSalvo's lifeless body is found along the race trail, Gary is arrested for the murder. Gil is beside himself, knowing his brother isn't a killer. Now Abby, even though she's promised both Tripp and Sheriff Gage Logan that she will stay out of it, is somehow dragged into the investigation anyway. She's determined that any information she receives she'll turn over to Gage, but if the wrong person thinks Abby might know a little too much, it might also be the last thing she does learn...
This is the fifth book in the series and I have read them all and enjoyed every one of them. I do like the fact that Abby's relationship with Tripp is progressing (albeit slowly), so there's that, but in this book she befriends biker Gil, who somehow develops a soft spot for Abby, and, of course, her baking skills. We also get to see a little more of Gage's relationship with his daughter Sydney, and there's a sweet moment that should please anyone.
However, the dead man's daughter is haranguing Gage daily, and there's another woman who's muddying the waters, making it difficult for Abby to figure out the truth. But her friends are around her, and their tidbits of information are giving her a clue as to what the dead man was truly like, and it might make things easier in the long run.
I will not give out any more information on the plot, but I will say that this book is chock full of action, and the clues are there, even if they are few and far between. The murderer came as a surprise to me, and I am usually very good at this, so that was pleasant and enhanced my enjoyment of the book. It was one that I read in one evening, and a very good cozy to keep you entertained. We also get a hint as to what the next book will be like, and I truly wish I could read it now. Ms. Morgan is a talented writer that knows how to pull in the reader and make them want to be part of the book itself, and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
I don’t enjoy slagging off on self-published e-books, especially ones distributed for free as Goodreads Giveaways. These authors, mostly amateurs, have devoted many hours of their lives to writing these books. They’ve exposed themselves to public criticism. They’re hoping for validation. In short, the authors of self-published e-books are real people who’ve done something I’ve never managed the time and discipline to do: actually written novels, commissioned cover art, worked out the formatting, and even signed up for a giveaway.
That said, I didn’t get past Chapter One of this book. The author‘s prose reminds me of an undergrad creative writing student: overly descriptive and rather clunky. In a world in which I’m granted unlimited access to the greatest writers of all time, I’m unwilling to devote much time to apprentices.
Nevertheless, I hope author Alexis Morgan keeps writing. I look forward to sampling her again after she’s had a bit more experience.
I always enjoy returning to this series set in a small town of Snowberry Creek in the Pacific Northwest. This is the 5th installment in this charming series and can be read as a stand alone. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for he opportunity.
I enjoy this series with well developed charcters that grow with every books. Our protagnist is smart savvy and a good sleuth. Abby's dog Zeke will delight all dog lovers with his comedy and antics. Abby wears a lot of hats in this mystery yet does not hesitate to jump in to investigate. A complicated relationship moves forward as Abby closes in on the true suspect. A fun read that kept me turning pages to conclusion. Well done to the author.
Abby McCrea and her top-notch organizational skills have been commandeered to organize a charity run in her town. Luckily she gets partnered with someone else with similar skills, even though he is a bike shop owner and with a somewhat scary demeanor. When she finds a dead body after the race, Abby can't help getting involved with getting involved with the investigation. What I love about this series, and especially this book, is the true to life banter and the support the friends show one another. Even at times with snarkiness and real tension. Abby is almost a superwoman with her commitment to help other and provide food, especially baked goods, for any and all occasions. Wish I had her for a friend....
Another fun story in this series. I always enjoy these books - and love all the characters. I truly find Abby a great character and all of her friends, too. I keep waiting for the Abby & Tripp relationship to get to another level. Maybe ... the next book. And I love how the end of this book sets up for the next in the series. Now all I have to do is wait for the future book(s)!
I won an ARC (signed by the Author) of this book. So well written, storyline and characters that truly hold the reader's attention from beginning to end! Abby is my favorite because she is feisty, outspoken and strong!! Love Zeke too!!!!
Abby has been talked into running the 5K charity run with co chair Gil. Gil owns a motorcycle store and his brother is running in the race. all is going great until Gil’s brother is accused of killing a city council member. The book made you think about all the details into putting on a race.
I love the Abby McCree mysteries! In this book, Abby has been roped in to chair the committee for a community race. Abby is also offered an unlikely partner, a rough around the edges biker named Gil.
Abby is determined to have the race go off without a hitch. However, as she is doing a last round of the race course, she finds all is not well and one of the racers has died. When police determine the runner was murdered, Abby is reminded by everyone who cares about her to stay out of the investigation. When Gil's brother is arrested for the crime, Abby feels obligated to investigate.
I thought this was a good book and I love the variety of themes the stories of the series take place in. Usually, these are related to a community event that Abby has somehow unwittingly been a part of.
This book was a good mystery, although I was picking up clues along the way. I enjoyed this story and would encourage anyone looking for a fun mystery seriesto pick this up.
This is a fun series and it is a quick read on a rainy afternoon. It is a great cozy mystery and does not disappoint.. The characters are interesting and the story line flows.
In Alexis Morgan’’s Death by the Finish Line, the 5th installment in the Abby McCree cozy mystery series, this cozy mystery had excitement, danger, and twisted turns to keep you in suspense. It all started for Abby McCree, when she teamed up with Gil Pratt, a local biker, to coordinate the Snowberry Creek Founder’s Day Salmon Scoot race. Everything went smoothly until a dead body was found by the finish line. That’s when she called in the police to retrieve the body and later learned his name was identified as James DiSalvo. The main suspect was Gil’s brother Gary and arrested for his murder. But to help her friend prove his brother’s innocence, she did some shopping in Di Salvo’s background without sticking her head into it. To make things worse, his estranged daughter arrived on the scene and making a fuss about her father’s house. At this time, Abby’s uncertain about her feelings with her friend Tripp Blackston, who wanted to take their relationship to the next level. As Abby dug closer to the truth, danger lurked over her head and boomed ahead for her. When she thought she had figured it out, the real culprit revealed itself to her when she fought for her life to see justice service.
This intriguing cozy mystery had me hooked from the first page to keep on reading further. I cared for Abby and how she’d gotten herself into another pickle. I loved how she cared about her family and the other residents in Snowberry Creek. I also have found Tripp ambitious to keep up with his studies in college and to help keep Abby out of trouble. Zeke was adorable and a true devoted pet by herself. The location of Snowberry Creek, Washington, was enchanted and charming to picture a small town in Northwestern Washington State with idyllic scenic settings by the river. The theme of the story is not to hold a grudge on someone when your anger is boiling hot.
This fascinating cozy will captivate you into a great mystery in one or two settings. I couldn’t find anything fault to nitpick on. I rated this book, four out of five stars for no reason. If you love great cozy capers to keep you in suspense with non-stop action, plenty of non-stop drama and a hint of romance, Death by the Finish Line is the book for you. This cozy is recommended for all mystery and cozy lovers who enjoy a good read to try out a new series and a new author to follow.
Abby has an unlikely partner, Gil, as she chairs the committee that is organizing Snowberry Creek’s Founder’s Day charity run. Gil is a die-hard biker who runs a motorcycle maintenance shop with his brother Gary. Gil, a veteran, has a rough exterior, but Abby discovers in him excellent organizational skills developed during his time in the military and a surprisingly soft side.
Abby and Gil plan the run down to the last detail and recruit a group of capable volunteers. What they didn’t count on was a murder along the way and charges filed against Gary. This is not the first murder Abby is too close to since she moved to Snowberry Creek. With urgings from her boyfriend Tripp and the police chief Gage, Abby tries hard to stay out of the investigation, but Gary needs help and clues keep coming her way.
The plot of Death by the Finish Line is complex with lots of complications. Abby is a likable main character. She and Tripp are trying to work out just what their relationship is and if the “L” word should be a part of it. The romance, however, is only a sideline and does not cloud the mystery aspects. Abby’s lovable mastiff mix Zeke plays a big role in the story and in Abby’s life.
For most of the book, it would be hard to predict who the criminal is, but as the plot churns quickly towards a denouement, the reader becomes aware of the perpetrator, but not the motive. Abby is somewhat naive as she focuses on helping people, and the reader will surely be screaming “No, Abby, don’t do it! Watch out.” Finally beginning to sense danger, Abby makes a smart move as the plot reaches its climax. In the aftermath, Abby is surprised with a personal, non-romantic, decision that will leave you smiling. For the cozy mystery reader, Death at the Finish Line is another satisfying trip to Snowberry Creek where life should be slow-paced and uneventful, but rarely is.
I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Death by the Finish Line, the fifth Abby McCree mystery, is a fun, engaging addition to the charming Washington based series featuring overcommitted volunteer Abby.
Abby McCree finds herself once again in charge of a local event – this time a 5k run taking place during the town’s Founder’s Day Celebration. Her co-coordinator and unexpected friend is Gil, owner of a motorcycle shop whose experience in the military has trained him to be conscientious and organized. Everything goes well until a member of the city council, James DiSalvo, is found dead just off the race route. Unfortunately, Gil’s brother Gary becomes the prime suspect since he was seen arguing with the councilman shortly before the race. Abby is convinced that Gary is innocent and sets out to find the real killer despite everyone’s orders to stay out of it.
I enjoy this series. The mysteries are always well plotted and executed, but it is the characters that keep me coming back for more. Abby is an intelligent sleuth who genuinely cares about those around her. Tripp is a favorite, and their relationship continues here with a “will they/won’t they” slow burn. As a dog lover, Abby’s dog Zeke is always a highlight…I just love him. I appreciate Abby’s and Police Chief Gage’s friendship. Even though she often puts her nose where it does not belong, much to Gage’s displeasure, their relationship always survives. Readers first meet in the previous book in the series, and it is nice to get to know him better within these pages. The mystery of DiSalvo’s death is engaging, and, as Abby quickly discovers, there are several suspects and motives. Even with sufficient clues and red herrings sprinkled throughout the tale, I mistakenly discounted the killer until late in the book.
Death by the Finish Line is an appealing comfort read. Recommended to any cozy mystery reader.
Genre: Cozy mystery I read book 4 in an Abby McCree Mystery series and really enjoyed it. This book didn't flow as well for me. Synopsis: Abby has been roped into helping with a race on Founder's Day. Her partner is someone she would normally shy away from, Gil. Gil has a motorcycle repair and customization shop, but he was in the military and has great organizational skills. He and Abby make a great team. Everything seems to be going fine on race day until there are a few stragglers who are not accounted for. One man in the race is found dead in the woods. The main suspect is Gary, Gil's brother. Abby doesn't believe Gary killed DiSalvo, but she tries to stay out of the investigation....mostly. Likes: the characters - Abby, Tripp, Gil, Gage and other supporting characters. I like the setting in small town Washington. I like Zeke, the big goofy dog. I like that Abby loves to bake and cook. Cons to this book in the series: there was a lot of time spent telling Abby to stay out of the investigation and out of trouble. Tripp and Gage weren't above intimidation. I don't care for that dynamic. Abby tried to hard to stay safe and her biggest failing seems to be caring too much for people she gets to know.
The ending to the book was interesting. I had considered those that turned out to be responsible but I couldn't tell for sure what their motive would be. I liked that part. The way Abby feels she has to offer cookies to the police as an apology for inadvertently getting involved in the ending (can't give away more because I don't want to spoil it) bothers me a little as well. Overall, I liked the book but felt like Abby was a bit of a door mat at some points. I would guess it's a tough balance to find for the author because Abby seems like a genuinely nice person, but she gets pushed around by the men around her.
The Victim We did not meet this victim before that I could recall except for a brief intro in the beginning of this book while he was still alive, and man was he a real piece of work.
The Suspects There was a total red herring in this book that caught me until almost near the end. There weren’t a ton of solid suspects in this book but definitely enough maybes to keep you guessing. Zeke did not play a part in picking out the killer this time.
The Scene of the Crime Down a hill/cliff/in a culvert is an interesting place to find a body.
The Characters
Abby – I love seeing the character growth and relationship building with Abby and the people of Snowberry Creek. It’s great to see her further settle into town.
Tripp – There is only one thing I don’t like about Tripp. He tends to grip Abby’s arm when he’s upset about something she is doing, and I don’t know. It throws me off sometimes because of how much it happens.
Gage – I still love you. Your daughter is adorable. You deserve all the happiness in the world.
Gil – my favourite biker. Seriously. He is more than he seems and I love him. I enjoyed him last book and that enjoyment continues to grow.
Liam – Liam has only appeared slightly in the last four books, and it was nice to see him being all teasing/joking around the pool table.
The Plot This one was a zinger for sure, and harkened back to previous books with a lot of tense moments, some of them even in public.
I really enjoyed the murder mystery plot of the book, as it kept me guessing and guessing wrong again and again until there was a bit more clarity for me within the end of the book. It was well drawn out without being too tedious.
The off-mystery parts were also good, with friendships growing and there was a lot of great details in how the town functions, who makes decisions and what some of the “nicer” people in town actually are like.
Death by the Finish Line is the fifth installment in the An Abby McCree Mystery series set in Snowberry Creek, Washington. Connie Pohler, the Mayor's assistant, has once again roped Abby into chairing a committee - this time it's the 5k Charity Run for Founder's Day. Connie has also selected a co-chair in Gil Pratt, veteran, biker and motorcycle repairman. Surprisingly, the unlikely duo work well together and the Salmon Scoot goes off without a hitch - until the end. A last tour of the race circuit to check for stragglers yet to cross the finish line leads to the discovery of a dead runner in a roadside ravine. The body is identified as City Councilman James DiSalvo.
Unfortunately, Gil's younger brother Gary was seen having a loud fight with the victim shortly before the start of the race so, it's really no surprise when Gage Logan, Chief of Police arrests Gary for murder. Despite the rough biker exterior and a reputation to match, Gil knows in his heart that his brother is not a killer and together with Abby and her tenant Tripp sets out to clear Gary's name.
A fast paced plot, the return of many series regulars and Zeke the Mastiff make for a quick afternoon read. I only got half of the whodunit correct - lol. While I'm enjoying the growing relationship between Tripp and Abby - I was almost rooting for her to connect with Gil as they seem to make a better pair. And, it would have been nice to actually "meet" Gary.
I received an advanced copy of Death by the Finish Line from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Princess Fuzzypants here: When she first started working on the charity race with Gil, the owner of a bike shop, she thought he was a scary guy. Working closely to make the event successful, a friendship developed so when a bully is murdered off the route of the run, and Gil’s brother Gary is arrested, Abby is drawn into the investigation. Abby is nothing if not a loyal friend and she supports Gil through this trying time. Even though Gary argued with the deceased just before the race, she does not believe him guilty. Nor does Tripp or her friend, the chief of police, in spite of the evidence to the contrary.
The dead man was obnoxious and mean so there were lots of people who did not like him. He even shunned his own daughter because she did not marry the “appropriate” man. Sifting through all the people with a beef against him opens up several possible suspects. And by the time Abby figures out whodunnit, the reader may have accepted and rejected several of the candidates. Part of my suspicions were borne out but I was flummoxed in the end. It is kind of fun when the reader tries to figure out the killer and motive and gets fooled.
One of the things I like best about this series is the relationships of a spate of quirky and fallible characters who learn to trust and treasure each other. Abby is a great heroine who is smart and sassy but also has a big heart which brings some unusual types together. But if she was my friend and she baked like she does in the book, I would not be able to move. Glad it is just fiction. Five purrs and two paws up.
Abby McCree is working on the annual run with some other townsfolk. She's amazed at how smoothly things are going and is pleased that her biker friend, Gil, is her co-leader. As they're cleaning up after the successful race, a runner is found off the path, having fallen down a precipice. Soon the man is identified as a city council member and it is determined that he was murdered. Unfortunately, Gil's brother had a loud shouting match with the man just before the race started and it looks like he's the prime suspect. Abby doesn't believe Gary killed the man, but she also has vowed to stay out of the investigation as past sleuthing has not always gone well for her personally. But she can keep her ears and eyes open, what harm will that do?
With the town divided over whether Gary is the murderer, Abby learns more about the late city councilman from the talk going around town. She realizes there are plenty of other people who had issues with the man and hopes that some other suspects pop up before Gary is sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Can Abby keep her promise to Tripp and safely pass along anything she hears without truly becoming involved, or will she get too close and cause the killer to try and stop her?
I love this series! It's one of my must reads and never disappoints. From the cozy setting to the big good dog, what's not to love when it's combined with a solid whodunit? Can't wait to see what the next book brings!
Death by the Finish Line by Alexis Morgan (Abby McCree Mystery #5) 5 stars
Abby McCree, perennial organizer (can do person for every occasion) volunteers?? to run the 5K charity run for the Founders Day celebration. Her partner for this endeavor is Gil Pratt, co-owner of the local motorcycle shop. At first glance, Gil Pratt is an unlikely candidate for civic engagement, a rough looking vet with some dicey clientele; but he is also highly organized and comes with a strong work ethic. On the day of the race, Gil's brother Gary has an argument with James DiSalvo, a local councilman. Unfortunately, Mr. DiSalvo's body is found along the race route, Before you can say alibi, Gary is arrested on suspicion and Abby is determined to find the real culprit. It doesn't help that Mr. DiSalvo's ideas on civic pride and engagement antagonized a lot of people. Abby has a lot of suspects to winnow through.
I really enjoyed this book; the mystery was interesting, but what really tops it are the interactions between the characters. I loved the relationship between Abby and Tripp. I hope it continues to progress and grow. I also love the way Abby gets reluctantly involved in her various projects. The end of the book promises more drama and mayhem in the future. I can't wait.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.
This is the 5th in this series. Abby McCree is once again helping out with a town event and this time it is the Founders day celebration and the annual 5k run. This time motorcycle repair shop owner Gil Pratt is her co-chair and it has gone remarkably well. The day of the race starts off well but she witness’s Gil’s brother Gary in a heated argument with another man who turns out to be a town council member James DiSalvo. As the race is just about over Abby does a final check of the course and is flagged down by a couple of people who say someone is hurt down a ravine. Abby has once again found a dead body. Tripp Blackston is not too happy but it is not like Abby goes out of her way to find trouble. It turns out the deceased is council member DiSalvo and it appears to be murder. Gary Pratt is arrested and Abby is concerned about Gil as he has now become a friend. Gage Logan and Tripp of course don’t want Abby to get involved in the investigation. Abby is so well intentioned and really did try and stay out of it but she just happens to be in the wrong place at the right time several times over. This is a good engaging mystery with great characters. Love Abby and hope to see her and Tripp figure out what their relationship really is. This will keep you guessing and reading late into the night. Looking forward to the next in the series!
Death by the Finish Line is an excellent cozy mystery. It is the fifth Abby McCree Mystery by Alexis Morgan. Each book develops the characters a little more revealing their uniqueness and quirkiness. Abby may have been somewhat railroaded in the beginning of the series to take on the many volunteer positions that she has but it is evident that she does enjoy them. Almost as much as she enjoys solving a mystery. She definitely enjoys making sure that an innocent member of the Pacific Northwest small town of Snowberry Creek finds justice. That means she is on the lookout for the real culprit putting herself in danger.
This is a fun read where there is a true solution and a guilty party stopped. There is danger but not gore. I have enjoyed this series and particularly Death by the Finish Line. It has the right amount of small town charm showing us all you can’t judge a person or a character by how they look. Abby learns that early as she works with Gil Pratt. Of course, she has other members of the community and her tenant Tripp Blackston around to help her sort out this murder mystery by the end of the book.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DEATH BY THE FINISH LINE (Book 5 of the Abby McCree Mysteries), by Alexis Morgan, in exchange for an honest review. Abby has been drafted into organizing a 5k charity run as part of the Founder’s Day Celebration in Snowberry Creek, Washington. This time, Abby’s burden was shared and considerably lightened by the capable assistance of Gil Pratt. As it turns out, Gil’s scary biker appearance hides his veteran service and his efficiency as the operating partner of a local motorcycle repair shop. As inevitable as Abby being roped into public service, a murder blights the event Abby’s been involved in. The evidence all points to Gil’s brother Gary as being the culprit. Gil, knowing of Abby’s history in identifying killers, pleads desperately for Abby to help his brother by proving his innocence. Abby’s leery of the danger involved in investigation, but she just can’t help but help others.
I like this book and the series. I recommend this book and series to fans of cozy mysteries.
4 stars Death by the Finish Line by Alexis Morgan I absolutely loved this book, and I adore this whole series. Alexis Morgan has a way of pulling the reader in to her plot and characters by making it engaging, silly and relatable. We all know an “Abby” in real life, someone who is constantly finding herself in trouble yet is utterly lovable. I adore her tendency to bake for everyone. Morgan does her part to shatter stereotypes by writing about bikers and mechanics Gil and Gary as good, honest people who just want to help their community and each other. I truly hope this series last for a few more books as it is truly a cozy mystery with no swearing, no sex or violence. I highly recommend this book and as an added bonus even though this is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.