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Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries #1
Burden of Poof
An amateur sleuth named Bonnie and her kitty companion Clyde, with names like those, what could possibly go wrong?
Life hasn't sparkled too brightly for Bonnie Balfour over the past few years, but a heart-breaking divorce has brought her back to her small rural hometown of Bliss, Georgia, and things are starting to shape up.
The proud new owner of Bless Her Heart—a second chance dress shop and boutique on the town square—Bonnie thinks thirty-eight might not be too late for a fresh start in life after all.
Until a grouchy old widow turns up dead in a pile of donations meant for Bonnie’s shop, and the town’s new detective pins her to the top of his suspect list!
To save her shop, dream and reputation, Bonnie must coordinate clues and stitch together the truth about her innocence, but the unreasonably handsome detective and prying eyes of the local gossip mill are fast fraying her nerves.
When a series of anonymous attacks begin to hem her in, Bonnie fears the real killer is fixing to make her his next victim. Can this amateur sleuth measure up?
Life hasn't sparkled too brightly for Bonnie Balfour over the past few years, but a heart-breaking divorce has brought her back to her small rural hometown of Bliss, Georgia, and things are starting to shape up.
The proud new owner of Bless Her Heart—a second chance dress shop and boutique on the town square—Bonnie thinks thirty-eight might not be too late for a fresh start in life after all.
Until a grouchy old widow turns up dead in a pile of donations meant for Bonnie’s shop, and the town’s new detective pins her to the top of his suspect list!
To save her shop, dream and reputation, Bonnie must coordinate clues and stitch together the truth about her innocence, but the unreasonably handsome detective and prying eyes of the local gossip mill are fast fraying her nerves.
When a series of anonymous attacks begin to hem her in, Bonnie fears the real killer is fixing to make her his next victim. Can this amateur sleuth measure up?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2021
201 people are currently reading
1875 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Lindsey
171 books1,464 followersJulie Anne Lindsey- Hatcher is an award-winning and bestselling author of cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than sixty novels as herself & under the pen names, Bree Baker, Jacqueline Frost & Julie Chase, for various publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not writing the stories that keep her up at night, Julie stays busy in Kent, Ohio with her three amazing kids and shamelessly enabling friends. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
August 22, 2021
Imaginatively written, and as cozy as grandma’s house; readers will immediately fall in love with Bliss, Georgia and the Balfour Family. After Bonnie Balfour decides to defy her lyin’, cheatin’ husband; file for divorce; and move back home to the Deep South; her dreams of opening a second chance dress shop come true when she opens Bless Her Heart boutique. Bonnie has a new man, er….feline….in her life now—his name is Clyde, and he keeps her company day and night.
Always searching for gently used clothing to re-fashion into chic new styles; Bonnie is horrified to discover the deceased body of donator, Viola Abbott-Harrington when she goes to her home to pick up a load of old ball gowns. Bonnie gets sideways with Detective Mason Wright who comes across as rude as all get out! He’s downright gettin’ on her last nerve and even dares to to come into the very feminine area of Bless Her Heart and eat her homemade cookies like he’s starved!
The quirky, zany cast of mostly Southern characters will charm you; make you laugh; lie to you; and try to kill you. If you like cats, this story is for you. If you like pretty dresses, this story is for you. If you like snarky, back and forth flirting, this book is your style. If you enjoy humor, home-style cooking, and being part of a caring, giving community, you’ll love Burden of Poof! After you figure out who the low-down, double-crossing’ murderer is and see how they get captured, you’ll be cheering like I did! I can hardly wait for the next story in this series.
I honestly reviewed an un-edited digital arc provided by Cozy Queen Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
Always searching for gently used clothing to re-fashion into chic new styles; Bonnie is horrified to discover the deceased body of donator, Viola Abbott-Harrington when she goes to her home to pick up a load of old ball gowns. Bonnie gets sideways with Detective Mason Wright who comes across as rude as all get out! He’s downright gettin’ on her last nerve and even dares to to come into the very feminine area of Bless Her Heart and eat her homemade cookies like he’s starved!
The quirky, zany cast of mostly Southern characters will charm you; make you laugh; lie to you; and try to kill you. If you like cats, this story is for you. If you like pretty dresses, this story is for you. If you like snarky, back and forth flirting, this book is your style. If you enjoy humor, home-style cooking, and being part of a caring, giving community, you’ll love Burden of Poof! After you figure out who the low-down, double-crossing’ murderer is and see how they get captured, you’ll be cheering like I did! I can hardly wait for the next story in this series.
I honestly reviewed an un-edited digital arc provided by Cozy Queen Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
September 14, 2021
Sometimes you come across a new book that has you smiling from the very start. BURDEN OF POOF, the first book in the brand-new Bonnie & Clyde Mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey, had that effect on me. From the downhome Southern charm of protagonist, Bonnie Balfour, to her adorable rescue cat, Clyde, to the witty and humorous dialog, Ms. Lindsey pens an entertaining tale. I loved the premise of Bonnie’s new shop, Bless Her Heart, a second chance dress shop and boutique. It seemed to be a fitting metaphor for a great deal that went into the development of the charming story and the characters. Another thing that I admire is that there is so much kindness and caring between Bonnie, her parents, and her friends, new and old. It left me with a comforting, warm feeling of wanting to spend time with Bonnie and the community of Bliss.
However, someone in the community had it in for the only curmudgeon in town, and Bonnie is the unfortunate one to find the victim. Too many clues point to Bonnie being the viable suspect and the new detective has set his sight on her. I like that she’s a “soft” investigator who gets information by being pleasant and getting clues by chatting and asking gentle questions, instead of in-your-face interrogating. Despite this gentle style, the book is fast-paced and kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. The reveal left me well-satisfied as the clues clicked into place and has me yearning for another trip back to Bliss!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
However, someone in the community had it in for the only curmudgeon in town, and Bonnie is the unfortunate one to find the victim. Too many clues point to Bonnie being the viable suspect and the new detective has set his sight on her. I like that she’s a “soft” investigator who gets information by being pleasant and getting clues by chatting and asking gentle questions, instead of in-your-face interrogating. Despite this gentle style, the book is fast-paced and kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. The reveal left me well-satisfied as the clues clicked into place and has me yearning for another trip back to Bliss!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 8, 2021
If you like cozy mysteries set in a small southern close-knit community then pick this up and sit back and enjoy this first book in a new cozy series.
Ms. Lindsey's descriptive writing pulled me in from the first page. Bonnie and her best man/feline, Clyde, have returned to Bliss, Georgia after 10 years away. She's opened Bless Her Heart, a second chance boutique that offers clothing as well as other items that she has restored. Handsome Detective Mason Wright is in Bliss,on loan from Cleveland, and responds to Bonnie's call when she discovers the victim. The sparks begin to fly almost immediately. A tightly woven plot with likable characters, a cat who will steal your heart (he seems to be a kleptomaniac), plenty of twists, snarky banter between Bonnie and Detective Wright and a dramatic reveal kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed meeting many of the secondary characters in this book and want to learn more about them, especially Gretchen, Sutton,Liz and Gigi. I'm already excited to read the next one in the series.
The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. Lindsey's descriptive writing pulled me in from the first page. Bonnie and her best man/feline, Clyde, have returned to Bliss, Georgia after 10 years away. She's opened Bless Her Heart, a second chance boutique that offers clothing as well as other items that she has restored. Handsome Detective Mason Wright is in Bliss,on loan from Cleveland, and responds to Bonnie's call when she discovers the victim. The sparks begin to fly almost immediately. A tightly woven plot with likable characters, a cat who will steal your heart (he seems to be a kleptomaniac), plenty of twists, snarky banter between Bonnie and Detective Wright and a dramatic reveal kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed meeting many of the secondary characters in this book and want to learn more about them, especially Gretchen, Sutton,Liz and Gigi. I'm already excited to read the next one in the series.
The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 7, 2022
I think I’m going to enjoy this series! It is off to a fabulous start with characters I love, a cute small town setting that I want to visit again and some interesting goings on. I enjoyed the mystery and Bonnie’s sleuthing, not to mention the cute detective. I also can’t forget to mention Bonnie’s partner in crime, her adorable cat Clyde. So looking forward to the next adventure with them all!
September 15, 2021
“Burden of Poof” is book 1 in the Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries by Julie Anne Lindsey. OMG I love her new series featuring Clyde a black rescue cat! I can see this being one of my top favourite cozies, Julie is already one of my favourite authors and per usual I was not disappointed.
An amateur sleuth named Bonnie and her kitty companion Clyde, with names like those, what could possibly go wrong?
I LOVED this book!
I found the characters (both human and furbaby) a delight to read about and the setting of Bliss, Georgia hometown of Bonnie Balfour and her cat Clyde was so charming. I loved her BFF Cami who is single handedly revitalizing the downtown. I enjoyed the hint of magic and romance as well as the humour strewn throughout the book.
The mystery is well-written and plotted. There are several red herrings and twists to keep the reader engaged. I suspected the killer halfway through but then changed my mind, as there were other viable suspects.
I look forward to reading all the books in the series and highly recommend to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I voluntarily agreed to read a digital copy of this book supplied by the Author. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
An amateur sleuth named Bonnie and her kitty companion Clyde, with names like those, what could possibly go wrong?
I LOVED this book!
I found the characters (both human and furbaby) a delight to read about and the setting of Bliss, Georgia hometown of Bonnie Balfour and her cat Clyde was so charming. I loved her BFF Cami who is single handedly revitalizing the downtown. I enjoyed the hint of magic and romance as well as the humour strewn throughout the book.
The mystery is well-written and plotted. There are several red herrings and twists to keep the reader engaged. I suspected the killer halfway through but then changed my mind, as there were other viable suspects.
I look forward to reading all the books in the series and highly recommend to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I voluntarily agreed to read a digital copy of this book supplied by the Author. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
August 22, 2022
Delightful! Julie Anne Lindsey is one of my favorite writers, and the first installment of the Bonnie and Clyde mystery series does not disappoint. Protagonist Bonnie Balfour has returned to her hometown of Bliss, Georgia, after experiencing heartbreak. After opening a second chance boutique, (such a fun concept!) Bless Her Heart, Bonnie finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation when a wealthy older woman is murdered. I couldn't stop turning the pages as the mystery played out. With wonderfully detailed descriptions of the quaint southern town, quirky characters, a cute cat, and touches of humor and chemistry between Bonnie and Detective Mason Wright, I read late into the night to see the conclusion. I highly recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries. I look forward to my next visit to the enchanted community of Bliss!
January 6, 2022
Book 1. Bonnie came back to her hometown after her divorce. Her momma and dad were there. They run a Flower Farm. Bonnie new shop was a shop that kept clothing cosignment. People donated cool clothes and she fixed them up. She even gives out dresses to young girls teens for proms. One woman Viola she asked if she could donate some of her clothing last Christmas and Viola blew Bonnie head off. Then in present day she came in shop and have her some clothes and told her to come to her house for some more. When she went to her house she found that She had fallen down her stairs. The Detective Mason was on the case and at first he was very grouchy and had mean expression on his face. And he suspected Bonnie of the murder. Emma Viola assistant came in shop after awhile and have Bonnie some of Viola clothes and told Bonnie that she thought Viola would want her to have it. Nathan Viola son just came into town and Bonnie thought he was following her. After awhile Det. Mason and Bonnie became somewhat of friends. Bonnie thought Mason was handsome like the character on Justified the tv show. Timothy Olyphant. Bonnie has a kitty named Clyde. And some of the characters are quirky like an older woman named Sutton. Her great niece Gretchen told Bonnie that Sutton talks and understands cats and plants in which Sutton gave Bonnie a plant she named Judy and that she will protect her. These are interesting series. I will probably read 2
December 10, 2021
Burden of Poof
(Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries #1)
by Julie Anne Lindsey
This is a very good cosy mystery, and it's clean and complicated. No annoying characters that normally drive me crazy in some cosy mysteries. It's smart and cute!
(Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries #1)
by Julie Anne Lindsey
This is a very good cosy mystery, and it's clean and complicated. No annoying characters that normally drive me crazy in some cosy mysteries. It's smart and cute!
August 29, 2021
A new cozy mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey, yes, please! Burden of Poof is a fabulous start to the new Bonnie and Clyde Mysteries. Lindsey shows us once again why she is the Queen of Cozies with her wide range of highly developed characters, fantastic descriptions of the town and upcycled clothing boutique, and the strong sense of community she has strongly established in the very first book.
Let’s take a look at some of the characters; Bonnie, a woman who tried to please her husband for years until her chance encounter with Clyde when he made her realize that the town of Bliss, Georgia was where she belonged. Clyde is a black cat that seems to know what Bonnie is saying and actually helps out… when he’s not stealing shiny trinkets… I’m sure that’ll come into play in future books.
Then there’s Cami, Bonnie’s best friend, who is the head of a large campaign to revitalize the downtown. Because of what Cami is doing, the reader gets an extra dose of Lindsey’s wonderful descriptions of the town and all the cute stores, including a store full of gnomes and a haunted library.
And we mustn’t forget the big city detective on loan to Bliss. While there are sparks, what I really enjoyed is the dialogue between the characters which felt natural and not forced. Some author’s strengths are not in romantic banter, but that is not the case for Lindsey… what can she not do!?!
Along with some more fun and quirky characters we also get a mystery filled with red herrings. And the way the attacks on Bonnie increase throughout the book, Lindsey also gives the read a bit of a suspenseful thrill. I did not figure out the whodunnit, but after it was revealed, all the clues had been there.
Already looking forward to book two in the series, Seven Deadly Sequins, which comes out on 10/15/21 and can be preordered now.
Let’s take a look at some of the characters; Bonnie, a woman who tried to please her husband for years until her chance encounter with Clyde when he made her realize that the town of Bliss, Georgia was where she belonged. Clyde is a black cat that seems to know what Bonnie is saying and actually helps out… when he’s not stealing shiny trinkets… I’m sure that’ll come into play in future books.
Then there’s Cami, Bonnie’s best friend, who is the head of a large campaign to revitalize the downtown. Because of what Cami is doing, the reader gets an extra dose of Lindsey’s wonderful descriptions of the town and all the cute stores, including a store full of gnomes and a haunted library.
And we mustn’t forget the big city detective on loan to Bliss. While there are sparks, what I really enjoyed is the dialogue between the characters which felt natural and not forced. Some author’s strengths are not in romantic banter, but that is not the case for Lindsey… what can she not do!?!
Along with some more fun and quirky characters we also get a mystery filled with red herrings. And the way the attacks on Bonnie increase throughout the book, Lindsey also gives the read a bit of a suspenseful thrill. I did not figure out the whodunnit, but after it was revealed, all the clues had been there.
Already looking forward to book two in the series, Seven Deadly Sequins, which comes out on 10/15/21 and can be preordered now.
August 13, 2021
Bonnie Balfour, has moved back to her hometown of Bliss, GA to start fresh after a failed marriage. On a previous visit, Clyde, the town’s homeless kitty, comes into her life just when she needed him most! I’m not sure who rescued whom, but it was a perfect match. Bonnie has opened a new store in Bliss, called “Bless Her Heart.” A place where cast-offs are donated, found at estate sales, or garage sales. Bonnie takes the items, giving them a second chance, much like Clyde and herself. When one of her wealthy donors ends up dead, Bonnie is the main suspect due to an altercation with the victim in the past. In order to clear her name, she sets out to investigate, along with Clyde and a little help from her new friends.
Bonnie and Clyde make a great team. I immediately fell in love with Clyde, Bonnie’s parents, and her best friend Cami. There are some quirky secondary characters that will bring a smile to your face. I already know, this will be a series I preorder as soon as it becomes available! Excellent start to a new series! The writing is top notch and the plot well thought out. There are plenty of clues throughout the book, which led me in several directions and kept me second-guessing myself! Ms. Lyndsey is a skillful storyteller and will keep your attention throughout the story. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves cozy mysteries. I voluntarily requested and received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bonnie and Clyde make a great team. I immediately fell in love with Clyde, Bonnie’s parents, and her best friend Cami. There are some quirky secondary characters that will bring a smile to your face. I already know, this will be a series I preorder as soon as it becomes available! Excellent start to a new series! The writing is top notch and the plot well thought out. There are plenty of clues throughout the book, which led me in several directions and kept me second-guessing myself! Ms. Lyndsey is a skillful storyteller and will keep your attention throughout the story. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves cozy mysteries. I voluntarily requested and received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2021
Entertaining and Quick Read!
I loved this first in a new series by Julie Ann Lindsey. I loved the setting of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone (and their business) and the loveable characters that reside within. The storyline was entertaining and had many twists and turns that kept me from wanting to put the book down. I can't wait for the next installment!
I loved this first in a new series by Julie Ann Lindsey. I loved the setting of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone (and their business) and the loveable characters that reside within. The storyline was entertaining and had many twists and turns that kept me from wanting to put the book down. I can't wait for the next installment!
September 25, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Still stinging from her pending divorce Bonnie Balfour has returned home to Bliss Georgia and has opened up Bless Her Heart, a second-hand dress shop and boutique. She is giving items a second chance while she works on giving herself the same with her kitty Clyde by her side. Viola Abbott-Harrington has given Bonnie’s shop a second thought and has dropped by with a big donation of old ball gowns, perfect for the girls attending the upcoming homecoming dance. She even asks Bonnie to stop by her home to pick up even more gowns and accessories. But when she arrives she finds Viola dead at the bottom of the stairs on top of the gowns she was there to pick up.
Detective Mason Wright arrives on the scene, takes a brief look around, and decides Bonnie is his number one suspect. She is not about to give the man one second of a chance to pin anything on her. She decides to stitch all the clues together and prove without a shadow of a doubt that she is innocent and who the real killer is before all her dreams go up in a poof of smoke.
I absolutely love Bonnie and Clyde, the stars of this new cozy mystery series from Julie Anne Lindsey. The author pulled me into this story filled with Southern charm and fabulous characters. Clyde stole my heart immediately and I was thrilled by Bonnie’s sewing talents and her creativity. She certainly doesn’t need a man in her life except for Clyde but it is hard to deny the sparks that fly between her and the good detective from the get-go. Their banter was so much fun to observe. The snarky one-liners were great and funny. I also enjoyed meeting Bonnie’s best friend Cami, that woman has an iron in every fire in the town of Bliss and she is so good for Bonnie. Bonnie needs a push and a shove to get out of her store and enjoy life. We are also introduced to a few of the quirky residents of Bliss and the hint of magic that touches their lives. All of the characters were intriguing in their own way and played necessary roles in the overall story.
Ms. Lindsey has crafted an intelligent mystery with plenty of twists and suspects. Bonnie takes to sleuthing like a kitten to milk. She asks great questions that move the investigation forward although they add more comedic tension between her and Detective Wright. There were some really nice turns and I loved the reveal. I was kept guessing right up to the very end.
The setting of Bliss Georgia was brought to life by the author’s wonderful descriptions. As Bonnie was updating the exterior of her shop I felt like I was right there on the scene. The bookstore was especially interesting for me and I am very excited by the hope of visiting it again. Viola’s home and the square with its wide variety of shops were all places fully described to give readers a real feel for everything Bliss has to offer. It is a great Southern town and I really was drawn to the genuine way people cared for each other.
After finishing most cozy mysteries you have to wait months or even a year for the next installment. That is not true in this case. The next book in the series Seven Deadly Sequins is being released October 15, Beating the Wrap will be released November 15, and Eyelet Witness will be out December 15. I am really excited about the continuation of this series and more adventures with Bonnie and Clyde.
Still stinging from her pending divorce Bonnie Balfour has returned home to Bliss Georgia and has opened up Bless Her Heart, a second-hand dress shop and boutique. She is giving items a second chance while she works on giving herself the same with her kitty Clyde by her side. Viola Abbott-Harrington has given Bonnie’s shop a second thought and has dropped by with a big donation of old ball gowns, perfect for the girls attending the upcoming homecoming dance. She even asks Bonnie to stop by her home to pick up even more gowns and accessories. But when she arrives she finds Viola dead at the bottom of the stairs on top of the gowns she was there to pick up.
Detective Mason Wright arrives on the scene, takes a brief look around, and decides Bonnie is his number one suspect. She is not about to give the man one second of a chance to pin anything on her. She decides to stitch all the clues together and prove without a shadow of a doubt that she is innocent and who the real killer is before all her dreams go up in a poof of smoke.
I absolutely love Bonnie and Clyde, the stars of this new cozy mystery series from Julie Anne Lindsey. The author pulled me into this story filled with Southern charm and fabulous characters. Clyde stole my heart immediately and I was thrilled by Bonnie’s sewing talents and her creativity. She certainly doesn’t need a man in her life except for Clyde but it is hard to deny the sparks that fly between her and the good detective from the get-go. Their banter was so much fun to observe. The snarky one-liners were great and funny. I also enjoyed meeting Bonnie’s best friend Cami, that woman has an iron in every fire in the town of Bliss and she is so good for Bonnie. Bonnie needs a push and a shove to get out of her store and enjoy life. We are also introduced to a few of the quirky residents of Bliss and the hint of magic that touches their lives. All of the characters were intriguing in their own way and played necessary roles in the overall story.
Ms. Lindsey has crafted an intelligent mystery with plenty of twists and suspects. Bonnie takes to sleuthing like a kitten to milk. She asks great questions that move the investigation forward although they add more comedic tension between her and Detective Wright. There were some really nice turns and I loved the reveal. I was kept guessing right up to the very end.
The setting of Bliss Georgia was brought to life by the author’s wonderful descriptions. As Bonnie was updating the exterior of her shop I felt like I was right there on the scene. The bookstore was especially interesting for me and I am very excited by the hope of visiting it again. Viola’s home and the square with its wide variety of shops were all places fully described to give readers a real feel for everything Bliss has to offer. It is a great Southern town and I really was drawn to the genuine way people cared for each other.
After finishing most cozy mysteries you have to wait months or even a year for the next installment. That is not true in this case. The next book in the series Seven Deadly Sequins is being released October 15, Beating the Wrap will be released November 15, and Eyelet Witness will be out December 15. I am really excited about the continuation of this series and more adventures with Bonnie and Clyde.
October 15, 2021
4.5 stars
Any time I hear about a new cozy mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey (or her alter ego, Julie Chase), I do a giddy little happy dance on the inside. Her characters always draw me in, they complement the setting perfectly, and there’s sure to be a swoony, smoldering love interest for the heroine. Burden of Poof checks all of these boxes AND adds in one of my favorite elements – magical realism! The charming town of Bliss, Georgia, has its fill of quirky people and places – a matchmaker who’s never wrong, a bookstore with a mind of its own, a dotty great aunt who talks with plants & animals. I LOVE IT! And I can’t wait to spend many more delightful hours with the people & places of Bliss through the pages of this series.
I liked Bonnie well enough at first ‘sight’ and loved her generous heart right away, but it’s when we get to see her a bit more through Mason’s eyes that I really came to adore her. His banter with her, calling her pocket-sized and a pixie, etc. with delight in his eyes, made her all the more endearing to me. While the story is told exclusively through Bonnie’s perspective, the author does a great job of integrating the swoony detective’s draw to Bonnie and creating sizzling romantic tension with a few low murmurs and charged looks. And even though the mystery is the main point of the book, this romantic potential between them is another of the things that will keep me impatiently waiting for each new book in the series.
As for the mystery, I thought it was very well plotted – full of plenty of suspects, red herrings, and motives. Bonnie’s own investigation allows us an organic way to get to know the town of Bliss and became acquainted with its eccentricities while we’re on the hunt for the killer right along with her. There were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, and I think Bonnie and her feline sidekick Clyde may just give the swoony detective a run for his money – or at least his Yankee investigative skills!
Bottom Line: Oh my goodness! What a fun start to a new series by one of my fave cozy authors! A quirky, small Southern town, a swoony new detective, an endearing heroine, a cleverly constructed plot and a bit of magical realism thrown in for good measure? Yes please! I loved every minute of Burden of Poof and my chance to read book 2 cannot come soon enough.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Any time I hear about a new cozy mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey (or her alter ego, Julie Chase), I do a giddy little happy dance on the inside. Her characters always draw me in, they complement the setting perfectly, and there’s sure to be a swoony, smoldering love interest for the heroine. Burden of Poof checks all of these boxes AND adds in one of my favorite elements – magical realism! The charming town of Bliss, Georgia, has its fill of quirky people and places – a matchmaker who’s never wrong, a bookstore with a mind of its own, a dotty great aunt who talks with plants & animals. I LOVE IT! And I can’t wait to spend many more delightful hours with the people & places of Bliss through the pages of this series.
I liked Bonnie well enough at first ‘sight’ and loved her generous heart right away, but it’s when we get to see her a bit more through Mason’s eyes that I really came to adore her. His banter with her, calling her pocket-sized and a pixie, etc. with delight in his eyes, made her all the more endearing to me. While the story is told exclusively through Bonnie’s perspective, the author does a great job of integrating the swoony detective’s draw to Bonnie and creating sizzling romantic tension with a few low murmurs and charged looks. And even though the mystery is the main point of the book, this romantic potential between them is another of the things that will keep me impatiently waiting for each new book in the series.
As for the mystery, I thought it was very well plotted – full of plenty of suspects, red herrings, and motives. Bonnie’s own investigation allows us an organic way to get to know the town of Bliss and became acquainted with its eccentricities while we’re on the hunt for the killer right along with her. There were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, and I think Bonnie and her feline sidekick Clyde may just give the swoony detective a run for his money – or at least his Yankee investigative skills!
Bottom Line: Oh my goodness! What a fun start to a new series by one of my fave cozy authors! A quirky, small Southern town, a swoony new detective, an endearing heroine, a cleverly constructed plot and a bit of magical realism thrown in for good measure? Yes please! I loved every minute of Burden of Poof and my chance to read book 2 cannot come soon enough.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 20, 2021
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The first in a new series from Julie Anne Lindsey, Burden of Poof introduces us to Bonnie Balfour and her trickster kitty Clyde, as well as a whole host of charming quirky characters. Bonnie has recently returned to her hometown of to Bliss Georgia as she attempts to leave a long broken marriage behind her and finalize the details of her divorce.
Sinking her savings and hope into her dream, Bonnie has worked over the last few months to open a second hand dress shop and boutique, Bless Her Heart, pinning her own fresh start on the success of her store.
Her talent for breathing new life into the donated dresses she redeems lands her in a tangled mess when she finds more than dresses in a pile of donations. Bonnie alters the murderers plans as she seeks to cut herself from the detective’s suspect list.
I had so much fun getting first glimpses into the fabric of Bliss that Lindsey has created. Honestly the only thing that kept me from giving the book 5 stars was my frustration that I didn’t get to learn more about these unique folks! Well, that and I personally felt the romance angle was a bit heavy handed considering Bonnie’s divorce isn’t yet final, and she’s still healing from the emotional abuse of her marriage.
I did love the details of charming southern behaviors Lindsey included that I feel many southern based cozies skip, in particular the regional idioms that make up so much of the southern dialect. I will also admit that the murderer was a total surprise to me, although the pieces clearly fit together.
I am eagerly awaiting the next books in what Lindsey has said will be a six book series with future spin-offs as well.
Burden of Poof is set for publication from Cozy Queen Publishing on September 15, and available for preorder now. I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
The first in a new series from Julie Anne Lindsey, Burden of Poof introduces us to Bonnie Balfour and her trickster kitty Clyde, as well as a whole host of charming quirky characters. Bonnie has recently returned to her hometown of to Bliss Georgia as she attempts to leave a long broken marriage behind her and finalize the details of her divorce.
Sinking her savings and hope into her dream, Bonnie has worked over the last few months to open a second hand dress shop and boutique, Bless Her Heart, pinning her own fresh start on the success of her store.
Her talent for breathing new life into the donated dresses she redeems lands her in a tangled mess when she finds more than dresses in a pile of donations. Bonnie alters the murderers plans as she seeks to cut herself from the detective’s suspect list.
I had so much fun getting first glimpses into the fabric of Bliss that Lindsey has created. Honestly the only thing that kept me from giving the book 5 stars was my frustration that I didn’t get to learn more about these unique folks! Well, that and I personally felt the romance angle was a bit heavy handed considering Bonnie’s divorce isn’t yet final, and she’s still healing from the emotional abuse of her marriage.
I did love the details of charming southern behaviors Lindsey included that I feel many southern based cozies skip, in particular the regional idioms that make up so much of the southern dialect. I will also admit that the murderer was a total surprise to me, although the pieces clearly fit together.
I am eagerly awaiting the next books in what Lindsey has said will be a six book series with future spin-offs as well.
Burden of Poof is set for publication from Cozy Queen Publishing on September 15, and available for preorder now. I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
August 17, 2021
Burden of Poof is the 1st book in Julie Anne Lindsey’s new series, Bonnie and Clyde Mysteries. Bonnie Balfour and her black cat, Clyde, returned to her hometown of Bliss, Georgia, after her husband filed for divorce. Now Bonnie is following her dream of opening a second-hand shop, Bless Her Heart, where she breathes new life into used clothing and furniture. A woman who humiliated Bonnie when she had asked the woman if she’d like to donate anything, has suddenly had a change of heart. But when Bonnie goes to the woman’s house to pick up the donation, she finds the woman dead, in a pile of dresses. Now it’s up to Bonnie, with a little help from Clyde, to unveil the killer before her second chance is ruined.
This is a fantastic book. It’s fast-paced, I read it in one sitting. Bliss is a quintessential small town, I would love to live there. Vivid and detailed descriptions brought the town and characters to life. A magical bookstore! A shop that sells gnome décor, yes please! Characters have a wide range of personalities, from mysterious to quirky and eccentric. Sutton is my favorite character, so far. I believe Sutton and Gigi could get into some outlandish situations. The mystery is expertly crafted and kept me guessing to the end. Ms. Lindsey plays fair with the clues; the reader knows everything that Bonnie knows. The banter between Bonnie and the FBI agent provided a lot of funny moments. Could a romance be brewing? There are other moments of humor as well. Chapter 14, my favorite chapter, is hilarious.
I absolutely recommend this book to everyone. Don’t forget to check out the prequel to this series, When Bonnie Meets Clyde.
This is a fantastic book. It’s fast-paced, I read it in one sitting. Bliss is a quintessential small town, I would love to live there. Vivid and detailed descriptions brought the town and characters to life. A magical bookstore! A shop that sells gnome décor, yes please! Characters have a wide range of personalities, from mysterious to quirky and eccentric. Sutton is my favorite character, so far. I believe Sutton and Gigi could get into some outlandish situations. The mystery is expertly crafted and kept me guessing to the end. Ms. Lindsey plays fair with the clues; the reader knows everything that Bonnie knows. The banter between Bonnie and the FBI agent provided a lot of funny moments. Could a romance be brewing? There are other moments of humor as well. Chapter 14, my favorite chapter, is hilarious.
I absolutely recommend this book to everyone. Don’t forget to check out the prequel to this series, When Bonnie Meets Clyde.
August 4, 2021
Burden of Poof by Julie Anne Lindsey is an excellent contemporary cozy mystery that is the first in a new series: Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries. I loved it!
Here we are introduced to Ms. Bonnie Balfour as she comes home to the adorable down-south small town called Bliss, Georgia to escape her mistakes and to also run The Second Chance dress shop. She ends up being part of an unfortunate murder/mystery. Bonnie finds herself to end up being an amateur sleuth and along with the wonderful cast of characters, we have the privilege of being able to follow along.
This story is cute, fun, engaging, and entertaining. I looked Bonnie and her adorable feline sidekick, Clyde, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
5/5 stars
Thank you to the Author/Cozy Queen Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/15/21.
Here we are introduced to Ms. Bonnie Balfour as she comes home to the adorable down-south small town called Bliss, Georgia to escape her mistakes and to also run The Second Chance dress shop. She ends up being part of an unfortunate murder/mystery. Bonnie finds herself to end up being an amateur sleuth and along with the wonderful cast of characters, we have the privilege of being able to follow along.
This story is cute, fun, engaging, and entertaining. I looked Bonnie and her adorable feline sidekick, Clyde, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
5/5 stars
Thank you to the Author/Cozy Queen Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/15/21.
August 5, 2021
What a great first book of a new series. I can't wait to read the next one.
Thanks Julie Anne Lindsey/Cozy Queens for letting me read an arc copy of the book.
Thanks Julie Anne Lindsey/Cozy Queens for letting me read an arc copy of the book.
October 18, 2021
Julie Anne Lindsey does it again! Her first independent published Cozy Mystery, Burden of Poof is full of everything you want in a cozy: the amateur sleuth you can’t help but adore, her furry sidekick, small town charm, puns galore, and of course, the handsome detective.
Bonnie is going through a rough divorce so she needs the safety and security of home where she fulfills her life long dream of owning and opening a second hand dress shop, Bless Her Heart. But home isn’t so safe when she finds a dead body and soon is in the killer’s sights herself. Can the new detective, Mason Wright, over look the obvious evidence that points to Bonnie to find the real killer before it’s too late? **SPOILER ALERT** of course he can and look damn sexy doing it!
Watch The Who Picked This Book? Club’s Livestream Discussion of this book on September 29th @ 6pm Pacific 9pm Eastern time
https://youtu.be/04sdOr6dNLg
Bonnie is going through a rough divorce so she needs the safety and security of home where she fulfills her life long dream of owning and opening a second hand dress shop, Bless Her Heart. But home isn’t so safe when she finds a dead body and soon is in the killer’s sights herself. Can the new detective, Mason Wright, over look the obvious evidence that points to Bonnie to find the real killer before it’s too late? **SPOILER ALERT** of course he can and look damn sexy doing it!
Watch The Who Picked This Book? Club’s Livestream Discussion of this book on September 29th @ 6pm Pacific 9pm Eastern time
https://youtu.be/04sdOr6dNLg
September 22, 2021
I love this new cozy series. small town, interesting characters, romance waiting to happen...and of course murder.
Bonnie has moved back to her hometown of Bliss, GA, and opened a second-hand shop for clothing and household goods. She requests donations from anyone she meets. She had recently requested items from Viola, a somewhat crotchety resident of Bliss, and was turned down until one day Viola shows up with gowns and such and says she has more for her and for her to swing by and pick the items up from her home. What Bonnie doesn't expect is to find her dead at the bottom of the stairs and to be swept into a murder investigation by the "on loan" detective, Mason Wright. As is with most mysteries, Bonnie is the prime suspect and has to uncover clues to prove her innocence all without ending up dead herself.
There are so many factors to this book that I adored - the characters, the town, the philanthropic endeavors of Bonnie when it came to the young ladies and prom, and Bonnie's desire to succeed with this new shop, a black rescue cat named Clyde who has a bit of a thieving issue in the store (which works out on Bonnie's behalf later in the book). I seriously got tears in my eyes reading about her plans to make sure all young ladies had a dress for prom, definitely a feel-good moment. Bonnie's best friend, Cami, is a hoot and engaged in revitalizing downtown Bliss. As you can imagine, in a small town people may not be aware of changes and shop away from town; and Cami is working hard to change this mindset.
The mystery portion is engaging and I honestly had no idea who to suspect of killing Viola. There are several possibilities and when the killer was revealed, it was not someone even on my radar. I found part of the justice quite interesting but you'll have to read the book to find out what.
There is a blossoming romance between Bonnie and Detective Wright (once he determines she is not the killer), but at the same time, Bonnie is still trying to finalize her divorce, and while that relationship may have been over long ago, should she hold off and build a friendship with him before anything else? Only time will tell in future books.
This is a fantastic new series and I can't wait to see what happens next for Bonnie & Clyde and the rest of Bliss. We give it 5 paws up.
Bonnie has moved back to her hometown of Bliss, GA, and opened a second-hand shop for clothing and household goods. She requests donations from anyone she meets. She had recently requested items from Viola, a somewhat crotchety resident of Bliss, and was turned down until one day Viola shows up with gowns and such and says she has more for her and for her to swing by and pick the items up from her home. What Bonnie doesn't expect is to find her dead at the bottom of the stairs and to be swept into a murder investigation by the "on loan" detective, Mason Wright. As is with most mysteries, Bonnie is the prime suspect and has to uncover clues to prove her innocence all without ending up dead herself.
There are so many factors to this book that I adored - the characters, the town, the philanthropic endeavors of Bonnie when it came to the young ladies and prom, and Bonnie's desire to succeed with this new shop, a black rescue cat named Clyde who has a bit of a thieving issue in the store (which works out on Bonnie's behalf later in the book). I seriously got tears in my eyes reading about her plans to make sure all young ladies had a dress for prom, definitely a feel-good moment. Bonnie's best friend, Cami, is a hoot and engaged in revitalizing downtown Bliss. As you can imagine, in a small town people may not be aware of changes and shop away from town; and Cami is working hard to change this mindset.
The mystery portion is engaging and I honestly had no idea who to suspect of killing Viola. There are several possibilities and when the killer was revealed, it was not someone even on my radar. I found part of the justice quite interesting but you'll have to read the book to find out what.
There is a blossoming romance between Bonnie and Detective Wright (once he determines she is not the killer), but at the same time, Bonnie is still trying to finalize her divorce, and while that relationship may have been over long ago, should she hold off and build a friendship with him before anything else? Only time will tell in future books.
This is a fantastic new series and I can't wait to see what happens next for Bonnie & Clyde and the rest of Bliss. We give it 5 paws up.
September 16, 2021
Burden of Poof is a fabulous start to a new cozy mystery series from author Julie Anne Lindsey. Head on down to Bliss, Georgia with Bonnie Balfour as she starts over in her hometown with the cutest second-hand boutique: Bless Her Heart; and the cutest little bow-tie-wearing black cat: Clyde. Bonnie finds herself the prime suspect in the murder of grouchy Viola Harrington. Now Bonnie finds herself trying to prove her innocence on top of trying to move on from her divorce.
I have been eagerly anticipating this series since I first heard about and then when I read the free prequel, I was hooked! I preordered the first four books. Bonnie is the perfect cozy sleuth. She's my age (ahem...38) and dealing with so many real-world problems. She felt like someone I would be besties with. I loved that she was so relatable. I was also a fan of her whip-smart comebacks and Southern charm. I saved so many quotes on my Kindle while reading this one. Ms. Lindsey has a knack for snappy one-liners!
With handsome Detective Mason Wright to contend with, Bonnie has her sleuthing work cut out for her. The mystery is deftly written and kept me on my toes. If you are looking for a cozy with heart, I highly recommend Burden of Poof. You won't be disappointed!
I received an early copy for review but also purchased this book to read as well. My review is not influenced in any way.
I have been eagerly anticipating this series since I first heard about and then when I read the free prequel, I was hooked! I preordered the first four books. Bonnie is the perfect cozy sleuth. She's my age (ahem...38) and dealing with so many real-world problems. She felt like someone I would be besties with. I loved that she was so relatable. I was also a fan of her whip-smart comebacks and Southern charm. I saved so many quotes on my Kindle while reading this one. Ms. Lindsey has a knack for snappy one-liners!
With handsome Detective Mason Wright to contend with, Bonnie has her sleuthing work cut out for her. The mystery is deftly written and kept me on my toes. If you are looking for a cozy with heart, I highly recommend Burden of Poof. You won't be disappointed!
I received an early copy for review but also purchased this book to read as well. My review is not influenced in any way.
August 5, 2021
Bonnie is not your average crime fighter. She sells vintage clothes made new in her southern shop. Best of all, Bonnie has a side kick, Clyde the cat. I love that Julie Anne Lindsey new series features a shop owner who is middle aged. No more young and fearless. Bonnie has this, armed with cupcakes, pincushion and some good ole' southern charm. And of course there is a handsome northern lawman to be swept up in all her chiffon. I promise a exciting read and I know this series will add adventure to all our lives!
September 6, 2021
What a fun read! If you like the South, small towns, fashion and cats you will want to make sure not to miss this new series. Bonnie Balfour is a down on her luck but not down on spirit! In the middle of a divorce, she heads home to open her second hand high fashion shop, Bless Her Heart. With her new buddy Clyde, a rescue black cat, she is ready to start over until a murderer trys to set her up!! What is a girl to do!
August 14, 2021
A new cozy series from author Julie Anne Lindsey, and this is going to be another winner. Bonnie is an amateur sleuth, and Clyde is her sidekick kitty. This story is so cute, and entertaining I loved the characters in the book. This author is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone that loves cozy mysteries.
I voluntarily agreed to read a digital copy of this book supplied by the Author. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I voluntarily agreed to read a digital copy of this book supplied by the Author. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
October 4, 2021
I loved this first book in the Bonnie and Clyde series. Bonnie has returned to her hometown of Bliss, Georgia after breaking up with her now ex husband and opened a second hand shop. I love Bonnie. She is such a wonderful character and Clyde is the cutest. The mystery was good. I didn't expect who the killer was. I can't wait to continue with this series.
August 9, 2021
I was so excited to read the first installment of the new Bonnie & Clyde Cozy Mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey and was not disappointed!
One of my favorite authors, I jumped at the chance to read her new series which features Bonnie Balfour, a recent, soon-to-be divorcée who has moved back from Atlanta to her hometown of Bliss, GA, to open her new dress shop, and her trusty stray cat, Clyde.
I love the premise of her shop - she renovates and redesigns vintage / out-of-style dresses and makes them more fun and modern.
She discovers the murder victim and thanks to circumstances both beyond her control and some bad timing, she becomes the target of the murder investigation. Enter Ex-FBI agent and now detective on loan, Mason Wright. Mr. Wright? Love the pun. The witty banter between Bonnie and him is super fun to read. He’s just not - buying - her - story.
The story is great fun to read because you’re introduced to a whole cast of characters including her loving parents who own a flower farm outside of town. Her friend Cami who works to advertise all that is wonderful and good about their town of Bliss, other shop keepers including one with a haunted book shop, another with a coffee shop that isn’t, but may be up for sale, and one who talks to plants because they’re pretty much troublemakers anyway. (The plants, that is)
Things I liked
* While still younger, I like that the FMC of this book is at least closer to my age.
* She also works with kids who may not be able to afford their own dresses which I think is awesome.
* The Snarkiness of Detective Wright, a.k.a. Detective Grumpy
* I also like that he’s sneakier than typical detectives in Cozy series
Things I didn’t like
* That I now have to wait for the second book in the series. So rude! (Just kidding!)
One oddity which probably says more about me than the book.
Detective Wright, from Cleveland, calls something a potato puff. What the heck is that? I live in Ohio, but I’ve never heard of that. FMC called them tater tots, but what? Huh? Of course they’re tater tots. (I may have to revisit this particular topic!)
This was a fun book with a good whodunnit wrapped inside a fun group of characters. Until it was revealed, I didn’t know “whodunnit,” which is exactly how I like my mysteries.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, Seven Deadly Sequins!
This ARC / ebook copy was provided to me by the author. My review is honest and entirely my own. I also still have the book on pre-order for my nook.
One of my favorite authors, I jumped at the chance to read her new series which features Bonnie Balfour, a recent, soon-to-be divorcée who has moved back from Atlanta to her hometown of Bliss, GA, to open her new dress shop, and her trusty stray cat, Clyde.
I love the premise of her shop - she renovates and redesigns vintage / out-of-style dresses and makes them more fun and modern.
She discovers the murder victim and thanks to circumstances both beyond her control and some bad timing, she becomes the target of the murder investigation. Enter Ex-FBI agent and now detective on loan, Mason Wright. Mr. Wright? Love the pun. The witty banter between Bonnie and him is super fun to read. He’s just not - buying - her - story.
The story is great fun to read because you’re introduced to a whole cast of characters including her loving parents who own a flower farm outside of town. Her friend Cami who works to advertise all that is wonderful and good about their town of Bliss, other shop keepers including one with a haunted book shop, another with a coffee shop that isn’t, but may be up for sale, and one who talks to plants because they’re pretty much troublemakers anyway. (The plants, that is)
Things I liked
* While still younger, I like that the FMC of this book is at least closer to my age.
* She also works with kids who may not be able to afford their own dresses which I think is awesome.
* The Snarkiness of Detective Wright, a.k.a. Detective Grumpy
* I also like that he’s sneakier than typical detectives in Cozy series
Things I didn’t like
* That I now have to wait for the second book in the series. So rude! (Just kidding!)
One oddity which probably says more about me than the book.
Detective Wright, from Cleveland, calls something a potato puff. What the heck is that? I live in Ohio, but I’ve never heard of that. FMC called them tater tots, but what? Huh? Of course they’re tater tots. (I may have to revisit this particular topic!)
This was a fun book with a good whodunnit wrapped inside a fun group of characters. Until it was revealed, I didn’t know “whodunnit,” which is exactly how I like my mysteries.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, Seven Deadly Sequins!
This ARC / ebook copy was provided to me by the author. My review is honest and entirely my own. I also still have the book on pre-order for my nook.
October 5, 2021
What a fantastic first read in a new series! I am so looking forward to book #2!
August 24, 2021
This is the first in a new series by Julie Anne Lindsey. Bonnie is returning home to Bliss, Georgia for a fresh start & second chances. Bonnie and her cat, Clyde, team up and become a clever sleuthing duo. Even their outfits coordinate! Bonnie is very relatable. I like that she's smart & doesn't bumble into situations. I also like that Bonnie has a healthy and loving relationship with her parents.
Julie has a talent for writing such vivid imagery that the scenes come to life like a movie. "Clyde's ears worked like tiny satellites in the dim glow of the dashboard light." I can't wait to find out more about Bonnie & Clyde's adventures! Check this out on September 15th!
Julie has a talent for writing such vivid imagery that the scenes come to life like a movie. "Clyde's ears worked like tiny satellites in the dim glow of the dashboard light." I can't wait to find out more about Bonnie & Clyde's adventures! Check this out on September 15th!
September 15, 2021
The first book in the Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries series has already stolen my heart. When naturally curious Bonnie with her, bow tie wearing cat, Clyde, returns to her hometown of Bliss Georgia, she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Surrounded by her family and friends, what could go wrong? When Bonnie is in close proximity to a murder, all of her hopes and dreams of a new start are dashed thanks to the new detective that is investigating the scene. Will Bonnie be able to clear her name or will the handsome detective prove her guilt? Is Bonnie in danger of losing more than her freedom?
Author Julie Anne Lindsey has written the beginning of a series that grabbed my attention from the start! I found Bonnie to be, not only smart and fearless, but she has the sass that fits her personality so well. When there is a fasticious cat thrown in the mix, I knew then, that this was a series that I would love! I cannot wait to see what Bonnie & Clyde will be getting into next! I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are truly my own!
Author Julie Anne Lindsey has written the beginning of a series that grabbed my attention from the start! I found Bonnie to be, not only smart and fearless, but she has the sass that fits her personality so well. When there is a fasticious cat thrown in the mix, I knew then, that this was a series that I would love! I cannot wait to see what Bonnie & Clyde will be getting into next! I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are truly my own!
August 8, 2021
Author Julie Anne Lindsey has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She always delivers and gives me everything I'm looking for in a cozy mystery no matter what name she writes under. Burden of Proof is the first book in her new Bonnie & Clyde Mystery series and this new series almost makes up for the fact that her Seaside Cafe Mystery series (written as Bree Baker) is ending.
Bonnie Balfour is starting over after her divorce in her hometown of Bliss, Georgia. This is the kind of small-town where everyone knows each other and all the fun and drama that comes with it. I fell in love with Bonnie right from the beginning. She has the type of personality and good heart that will draw readers to her. There is a terrific cast of secondary characters that include Cami (Bonnie's best friend), Bonnie's parents, and other shop owners. I particularly enjoyed Liz, who inherited her grandmother's haunted bookshop. I could see a spin-off for her character alone.
As Bonnie is struggling to make a go of her resale shop, she discovers the dead body of a local wealthy woman who was donating clothing, shoes, and accessories to Bonnie's story. Instantly, Bonnie and the new detective in town butt heads as he considers her his prime suspect in the murder. Bonnie is determined to prove her innocence and sets out to provide the detective with more viable suspects. The mystery was solid. Bonnie is a wonderful amateur sleuth. She is not reckless and doesn't go out of her way to be overly nosey. She asks good questions and tries to rationally put together the clues. There are several viable suspects for the reader to consider and enough clues to keep us guessing. In the end, I did not guess the identity of the killer, but all the clues fit together nicely.
I am excited to see where Ms. Linsdey takes this series. It has a lot of great potential and places she can take the characters. There is a potential romance for Bonnie, but we will see where that leads. The author does not appear to be rushing it, but if you are a fan of her other series, you know that the amateur sleuth does tend to end up in a relationship with a local lawman.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Bonnie Balfour is starting over after her divorce in her hometown of Bliss, Georgia. This is the kind of small-town where everyone knows each other and all the fun and drama that comes with it. I fell in love with Bonnie right from the beginning. She has the type of personality and good heart that will draw readers to her. There is a terrific cast of secondary characters that include Cami (Bonnie's best friend), Bonnie's parents, and other shop owners. I particularly enjoyed Liz, who inherited her grandmother's haunted bookshop. I could see a spin-off for her character alone.
As Bonnie is struggling to make a go of her resale shop, she discovers the dead body of a local wealthy woman who was donating clothing, shoes, and accessories to Bonnie's story. Instantly, Bonnie and the new detective in town butt heads as he considers her his prime suspect in the murder. Bonnie is determined to prove her innocence and sets out to provide the detective with more viable suspects. The mystery was solid. Bonnie is a wonderful amateur sleuth. She is not reckless and doesn't go out of her way to be overly nosey. She asks good questions and tries to rationally put together the clues. There are several viable suspects for the reader to consider and enough clues to keep us guessing. In the end, I did not guess the identity of the killer, but all the clues fit together nicely.
I am excited to see where Ms. Linsdey takes this series. It has a lot of great potential and places she can take the characters. There is a potential romance for Bonnie, but we will see where that leads. The author does not appear to be rushing it, but if you are a fan of her other series, you know that the amateur sleuth does tend to end up in a relationship with a local lawman.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 15, 2021
Link to my full, spoiler-free review: https://youtu.be/5FwzZoK4CQc
Julie Anne Lindsey is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, and she does not disappoint with Burden of Poof! It has Clyde, the adorable cozy companion, Mason, the hunky investigator, and the quaint, small town setting of Bliss. I loved the quirky characters and Bonnie's relationship with her parents. The plot was fast paced and well written, and I had so much fun trying to solve the mystery! I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you to Julie Anne Lindsey/Cozy Queen Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Julie Anne Lindsey is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, and she does not disappoint with Burden of Poof! It has Clyde, the adorable cozy companion, Mason, the hunky investigator, and the quaint, small town setting of Bliss. I loved the quirky characters and Bonnie's relationship with her parents. The plot was fast paced and well written, and I had so much fun trying to solve the mystery! I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you to Julie Anne Lindsey/Cozy Queen Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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