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Lilly Carlsen has planned the perfect wedding reception for her brother, but her plans unravel in spectacular fashion when a dead body turns up and someone’s dangerous prank spirals out of control. After Bill and Noley head off to their well-deserved honeymoon in the tropics, Lilly is determined to find out who was behind the events that turned a fairy-tale evening into the worst reception in Juniper Junction history. But all is not as it seems, and Lilly may be putting herself in grave danger by attempting to uncover the culprits. And to make matters worse, serious family issues are mounting and Lilly may have to do the one thing she swore she wouldn’t do...
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2021
31 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Amy M. Reade
20 books251 followersAmy M. Reade is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling mystery author who practiced law until she realized it was way more fun writing fiction.
She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
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She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-m...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amreadeauthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/readeandwrite
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amreade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymreade
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 4, 2021
When I see a book cover in ice cream colors (preferably with a cupcake or a cat), I know the tropes I’ll find inside. And in her latest Juniper Junction holiday mystery, author Amy Reade gives a master class in constructing the cozy mystery. Wherever her amateur detective Lilly goes, bodies pile up offstage, but actual blood/bodily fluids are kept to a minimum. (Same goes for sex, actually.)
This time jeweler and amateur sleuth Lilly Carlsen isn't looking for a murder to solve. She's got bigger problems. She's agreed to organize the May Day wedding of her best friend Noley, a celebrity chef, and her brother Bill, a member of the local police force. Despite conflicts with the caterer, family issues such as her mother's slide into dementia, and the professional demands of running a successful jewelry business, Lilly is determined to pull off the perfect fairytale wedding.
And she nails it. That is, until the small plane repeatedly buzzes the wedding party, sending everyone into dress-destroying faceplants. And until the groom and most of his fellow law enforcement officers race off toward the sound of the plane crash, leaving behind the bride, the guests, and... the corpse.
Cue frustration you could cut with a knife. With the two main members of her crime-solving posse, Bill and Noley, off on their honeymoon, Lilly is frustrated by the slow pace of the ensuing investigation. Her boyfriend Hassan is frustrated that after giving up Lilly's attention to the wedding preparations, he still has to take second place to her determination to figure out who deliberately destroyed the wedding, and unmask the murderer. Lilly's son and daughter are literally frustrated as she deliberately and consistently blocks their developing relationships.
But what sets this book apart from others of its genre are the things that have nothing to do with the mystery. I can't tell you how refreshing Lilly is as a heroine. Instead of misogynistic brooding and drugs like Sherlock, or painful personal quirks like Poirot, Lilly is a mature woman who has to balance her detecting with the needs of...well, everyone. Her best friend wants her to organize her dream wedding, but imposes restrictions, not to mention pale green bridesmaid dresses that make her look ill. Her college-age kids ("'Kids, do not make me stop this car.' The threat still worked, even after all these years.") want to have sleepovers—the good kind— with their love interests. Her aging mother's dementia is accelerating, but she wants to stay in her own home. Her over-protective police officer brother ("Don't you dare, Lil. Don't think it, don't say it. I'm up for a promotion to deputy lieutenant and if you go sticking your nose where it doesn't belong and sniffing out answers, there's no way they'll promote me.") wants her to stop asking questions. And of course, her boyfriend Hassan just wants her. So does her dog.
So even though I found Lilly's solution of grounding her college age kids a bit cringe-making, and found the motives for the crimes to be somewhat weak, I'm in love with Lilly. Her life is believable, she faces familiar joys and difficulties I've had to deal with too. She makes bad decisions for good reasons, and good ones almost by accident. But when things go off the rails, or she's in danger, it's those strong relationships that save her.
Author Amy Reade plays fair with her readers, liberally scattering clues and red herrings for us to unravel along with Lilly. As with most series I love, one of the pleasures of reading about Lilly's life and family is the way she and her posse continue to grow and develop into ever more fully rounded characters. Her slow-burn romance with Hassan, her struggle to accept her mother's decline, and her determined (if often intrusive) parenting are all wonderful to see and appreciate over again.
Recipes included! (Laurel's Chicken Pot Pie sounds delicious, even if I have no idea what "Better Than Bouillon" is...)
This time jeweler and amateur sleuth Lilly Carlsen isn't looking for a murder to solve. She's got bigger problems. She's agreed to organize the May Day wedding of her best friend Noley, a celebrity chef, and her brother Bill, a member of the local police force. Despite conflicts with the caterer, family issues such as her mother's slide into dementia, and the professional demands of running a successful jewelry business, Lilly is determined to pull off the perfect fairytale wedding.
And she nails it. That is, until the small plane repeatedly buzzes the wedding party, sending everyone into dress-destroying faceplants. And until the groom and most of his fellow law enforcement officers race off toward the sound of the plane crash, leaving behind the bride, the guests, and... the corpse.
Cue frustration you could cut with a knife. With the two main members of her crime-solving posse, Bill and Noley, off on their honeymoon, Lilly is frustrated by the slow pace of the ensuing investigation. Her boyfriend Hassan is frustrated that after giving up Lilly's attention to the wedding preparations, he still has to take second place to her determination to figure out who deliberately destroyed the wedding, and unmask the murderer. Lilly's son and daughter are literally frustrated as she deliberately and consistently blocks their developing relationships.
But what sets this book apart from others of its genre are the things that have nothing to do with the mystery. I can't tell you how refreshing Lilly is as a heroine. Instead of misogynistic brooding and drugs like Sherlock, or painful personal quirks like Poirot, Lilly is a mature woman who has to balance her detecting with the needs of...well, everyone. Her best friend wants her to organize her dream wedding, but imposes restrictions, not to mention pale green bridesmaid dresses that make her look ill. Her college-age kids ("'Kids, do not make me stop this car.' The threat still worked, even after all these years.") want to have sleepovers—the good kind— with their love interests. Her aging mother's dementia is accelerating, but she wants to stay in her own home. Her over-protective police officer brother ("Don't you dare, Lil. Don't think it, don't say it. I'm up for a promotion to deputy lieutenant and if you go sticking your nose where it doesn't belong and sniffing out answers, there's no way they'll promote me.") wants her to stop asking questions. And of course, her boyfriend Hassan just wants her. So does her dog.
So even though I found Lilly's solution of grounding her college age kids a bit cringe-making, and found the motives for the crimes to be somewhat weak, I'm in love with Lilly. Her life is believable, she faces familiar joys and difficulties I've had to deal with too. She makes bad decisions for good reasons, and good ones almost by accident. But when things go off the rails, or she's in danger, it's those strong relationships that save her.
Author Amy Reade plays fair with her readers, liberally scattering clues and red herrings for us to unravel along with Lilly. As with most series I love, one of the pleasures of reading about Lilly's life and family is the way she and her posse continue to grow and develop into ever more fully rounded characters. Her slow-burn romance with Hassan, her struggle to accept her mother's decline, and her determined (if often intrusive) parenting are all wonderful to see and appreciate over again.
Recipes included! (Laurel's Chicken Pot Pie sounds delicious, even if I have no idea what "Better Than Bouillon" is...)
April 27, 2021
Lilly Carlsen has taken on a big task--planning the wedding and reception for her police officer brother, Bill and best friend and cook book author, Noley. As the big day approaches, she has to deal with the somewhat expected hiccups between the caterer and venue manager, and a call or two from a weepy bride-to-be with last minute jitters. Staying calm through it all, Lilly is relieved when the big day arrives...for a moment at least!
Bill and Noley's reception gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'wedding bell blues'. As guests literally dodge an unexpected visitor, it's game-on for Lilly to try and salvage the day for her brother and friend. Just as things appear to be back on track, once again the wedding trolls intervene--this time with deadly results.
Author Reade delivers a thrill filled tale that will send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned wedding planners! Throw in a dose or two of teen love angst, deadly deeds, career sabotage and the bittersweet decline of a beloved relative leaves Lilly reeling. As she pieces together the clues and events, unexpected twists place her directly in danger's path. Will the wicked actions prevail? An exciting read to the end, highly recommended!
Bill and Noley's reception gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'wedding bell blues'. As guests literally dodge an unexpected visitor, it's game-on for Lilly to try and salvage the day for her brother and friend. Just as things appear to be back on track, once again the wedding trolls intervene--this time with deadly results.
Author Reade delivers a thrill filled tale that will send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned wedding planners! Throw in a dose or two of teen love angst, deadly deeds, career sabotage and the bittersweet decline of a beloved relative leaves Lilly reeling. As she pieces together the clues and events, unexpected twists place her directly in danger's path. Will the wicked actions prevail? An exciting read to the end, highly recommended!
May 2, 2021
I am spoiled by Amy Reade‘s cozy mysteries. They are so much “more” than many other cozies. Cozy at times? Yes because Reade includes family time and joys within the scope of her Cozy mysteries. Mystery? Oh yes there’s always a great mystery in her cozies that takes the reader until the end of the book to figure out. But Reade also includes all kinds of nuance of living in a community and within a family and the complications thereof. Her main character not only finds love but she does so with an ex husband nearby and his fiancé, who takes care of her mother! The “cozy” includes a strong sister and brother bond and teenage angst as parents watch their children grow up and fly off the nest, not necessarily easily. I am particularly impressed with the the way Reade includes the main character’s mother‘s dementia and how all the family deals with the disease within their daily lives and their own personal struggles and a murder mystery. A wonderful story of family bonding amidst murder and suspense.
May 6, 2021
In "MayDay!" by Amy M. Reade, Lilly Carlsen has put herself in grave danger as she strives to figure out who was responsible for sabotaging the wedding of her brother and her best friend, Noley.
As she investigates, several family issues take precedence and Lilly is overwhelmed and exhausted as she, once again, tries to do it all.
A great addition to the Juniper Junction series!
As she investigates, several family issues take precedence and Lilly is overwhelmed and exhausted as she, once again, tries to do it all.
A great addition to the Juniper Junction series!
August 4, 2022
I have been enjoying this series by Ms. Reade. As I thought with book #4, a lot of the plot is family happenings and very little investigation of the crime (or crimes in this case). Also, the ending was a bit of a downer. I hope Ms. Reade is planning a book #6 to give some closure to some of the characters. The solution to the mystery was surprising and well-done but went by so quickly. I am curious about which holiday she can do next as well as if she will get back to more investigation.
April 27, 2021
Another jaunt into Juniper Junction? Yes, please! Here we go back delving into the wonderful world of Juniper Junction where this charming community hits the spot and the mysteries leave you flabbergasted.
Lilly as always, I relate a lot to her. I am the eldest sibling of my family and as such, am the one stuck with all the responsibilities while everyone else gets to go and have fun lol. Usually when I am reading what she has to say and everything she has to do I am sitting there laughing and nodding my head going yep, that's how I would do it to lol. I have OCD big time and lists are my friends. I would be lost without my lists so, I completely get Lilly.
I really like Hassan as well. He is so polite and so respectful. I get the feeling that he really wants to propose to Lilly but everything kind of seems like it's so chaotic all of the time that he wants to make it special and wait for the right time. Well, there Guy, you might have to just pop the question amongst the chaos lol.
The kids are both a-typical teenagers/young adults. Nobody at that age thinks their parents are cool and everyone of us has fought against authority. I know I certainly did. Not as much as some of the others I went to school with but some bucking is required. However, both of them are really good kids underneath all of that and I think Lilly has done a great job with them.
The mysteries, well wow, per usual you just don't see it coming. I appreciate the fact that the mysteries themselves were unique. You just don't see any of it coming. And honestly, I didn't see the ending coming either. I kept waiting thinking that I was going to see or notice something that would tip me off but it never came then it was like BOOM right to the face here you go. I love that about these books. Amy Reade is very clever in her writing skills and I am always happy to read her books.
This wedding is definitely one I will never forget even if it is just fiction. I am still sitting here wondering where the bad guy got the idea to do that in the first place. It was just that unique and crazy.
I am really hoping that Bev gets better. However, I have worked with patients who have had Dementia and it just breaks the heart. Lilly is so strong and when strong people fall apart it takes a village to put them back together again. Hopefully her and Bill can figure out the right next step to do to help their mom out.
I thought the concept of a book featuring May Day was really neat because honestly you don't hear much about it anymore. I remember in school we would plant flowers into little cups then make handles with pipe cleaners and then go and leave them on door handles, knock, then run off to be able to surprise those of our neighbors/ family members that we gave them to. I haven't seen that done in quite awhile. (yes, I realize I am dating myself lol) So, I really enjoyed that. I like obscure type things being put in books. It makes them really stand out from other books.
I really loved the book. Fantastically written. I would definitely recommend to anyone. Juniper Junction is a great place to hang out and spend time in!
Lilly as always, I relate a lot to her. I am the eldest sibling of my family and as such, am the one stuck with all the responsibilities while everyone else gets to go and have fun lol. Usually when I am reading what she has to say and everything she has to do I am sitting there laughing and nodding my head going yep, that's how I would do it to lol. I have OCD big time and lists are my friends. I would be lost without my lists so, I completely get Lilly.
I really like Hassan as well. He is so polite and so respectful. I get the feeling that he really wants to propose to Lilly but everything kind of seems like it's so chaotic all of the time that he wants to make it special and wait for the right time. Well, there Guy, you might have to just pop the question amongst the chaos lol.
The kids are both a-typical teenagers/young adults. Nobody at that age thinks their parents are cool and everyone of us has fought against authority. I know I certainly did. Not as much as some of the others I went to school with but some bucking is required. However, both of them are really good kids underneath all of that and I think Lilly has done a great job with them.
The mysteries, well wow, per usual you just don't see it coming. I appreciate the fact that the mysteries themselves were unique. You just don't see any of it coming. And honestly, I didn't see the ending coming either. I kept waiting thinking that I was going to see or notice something that would tip me off but it never came then it was like BOOM right to the face here you go. I love that about these books. Amy Reade is very clever in her writing skills and I am always happy to read her books.
This wedding is definitely one I will never forget even if it is just fiction. I am still sitting here wondering where the bad guy got the idea to do that in the first place. It was just that unique and crazy.
I am really hoping that Bev gets better. However, I have worked with patients who have had Dementia and it just breaks the heart. Lilly is so strong and when strong people fall apart it takes a village to put them back together again. Hopefully her and Bill can figure out the right next step to do to help their mom out.
I thought the concept of a book featuring May Day was really neat because honestly you don't hear much about it anymore. I remember in school we would plant flowers into little cups then make handles with pipe cleaners and then go and leave them on door handles, knock, then run off to be able to surprise those of our neighbors/ family members that we gave them to. I haven't seen that done in quite awhile. (yes, I realize I am dating myself lol) So, I really enjoyed that. I like obscure type things being put in books. It makes them really stand out from other books.
I really loved the book. Fantastically written. I would definitely recommend to anyone. Juniper Junction is a great place to hang out and spend time in!
April 26, 2021
Not your average holiday cozy.
Amy Reade, Queen of the holiday-cozy genre, has done it again with MayDay!— her latest entry in the Juniper Junction series.
After the caterer is murdered during her brother’s wedding reception, Lilly Carlsen is determined to play her part in discovering the culprit, whose identity is revealed after a series of plot twists designed to keep the reader guessing.
Although the murder investigation forms the backbone of this novel, the most interesting part for me was the descent of Lilly’s mother, Bev, into dementia, and the caring, compassionate way in which Reade handled this element of the story. Anyone who has dealt with a family member or friend ravaged by dementia will be able to identify with the situations described in the book and will appreciate Reade’s respectful presentation of a tragic and difficult subject.
MayDay! is a satisfying page-turner of a cozy and deserves a full five stars.
Amy Reade, Queen of the holiday-cozy genre, has done it again with MayDay!— her latest entry in the Juniper Junction series.
After the caterer is murdered during her brother’s wedding reception, Lilly Carlsen is determined to play her part in discovering the culprit, whose identity is revealed after a series of plot twists designed to keep the reader guessing.
Although the murder investigation forms the backbone of this novel, the most interesting part for me was the descent of Lilly’s mother, Bev, into dementia, and the caring, compassionate way in which Reade handled this element of the story. Anyone who has dealt with a family member or friend ravaged by dementia will be able to identify with the situations described in the book and will appreciate Reade’s respectful presentation of a tragic and difficult subject.
MayDay! is a satisfying page-turner of a cozy and deserves a full five stars.
April 29, 2021
There's a lot going on in Juniper Junction. The book starts out just before Lilly's brother's wedding to her best friend. Lilly has agreed to plan the wedding for them. The caterer is a big problem. She can't meet her obligations and it's too close to the wedding to find a new one.
Then a plane buzzes the wedding and apparently crashes. Lilly's mother's dementia is taking a turn for the worse. Her kids are in semi-serious relationships and life keeps on spinning. Oh, and there's a murder.
This book has quite a few twists and turns and the reader is kept guessing until the end. The author does a great job at tying all the strings together.
Very well written and fun to read.
I haven't read the previous books in the series, but that is not at issue at all. I think this book could be read and enjoyed by most readers.
The author provided me with a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
Then a plane buzzes the wedding and apparently crashes. Lilly's mother's dementia is taking a turn for the worse. Her kids are in semi-serious relationships and life keeps on spinning. Oh, and there's a murder.
This book has quite a few twists and turns and the reader is kept guessing until the end. The author does a great job at tying all the strings together.
Very well written and fun to read.
I haven't read the previous books in the series, but that is not at issue at all. I think this book could be read and enjoyed by most readers.
The author provided me with a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
July 16, 2021
Fabulous return to the Juniper Springs family & friends
Lilly Carlson has planned the perfect wedding for her brother to her best friend. It’s in beautiful Colorado on a gorgeous spring day, the 1st of May. “Mayday” takes on additional meaning, however, when a plane buzzes the party then crashes nearby. Then the caterer’s murdered body is discovered, placing everyone present under suspicion. While her brother is away on his honeymoon, Lilly will find all kinds of trouble and danger as she tries to unravel May Day’s tragic events.
The great fun and mystery of this novel is even better because the reader comes home again to the quaint town of Juniper Springs and the characters we love from previous books by Amy M Reade. If this is your first Juniper Springs holiday novel, you’ll want to read them all. And soon!
Lilly Carlson has planned the perfect wedding for her brother to her best friend. It’s in beautiful Colorado on a gorgeous spring day, the 1st of May. “Mayday” takes on additional meaning, however, when a plane buzzes the party then crashes nearby. Then the caterer’s murdered body is discovered, placing everyone present under suspicion. While her brother is away on his honeymoon, Lilly will find all kinds of trouble and danger as she tries to unravel May Day’s tragic events.
The great fun and mystery of this novel is even better because the reader comes home again to the quaint town of Juniper Springs and the characters we love from previous books by Amy M Reade. If this is your first Juniper Springs holiday novel, you’ll want to read them all. And soon!
May 13, 2021
I don't often read cozy mysteries but this was a treat. Lily, the main character, is a typical sandwich generation woman. She is in the middle of dealing with teenagers with raging hormones and an elderly mother with dementia while running a jewellery store. Like all busy people, she takes on too much, including organizing her brother's wedding to her best friend. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything as it happens. When someone is killed during the reception, Lily is determined to find out who the murderer is while juggling family mishaps. At times I could feel how tired she was and could see why she had little time for her own boyfriend. It took a while for the story to take off, but when it did there was plenty of action. I will be reading more of these books!
August 13, 2024
Another great book in her series. Bill and Noley finally get married. But the wedding was not what they wanted. A crazy incident and a murder take place at the venue. And Lilly is left with trying to solve the murder, while dealing with real life issues, like dementia with her Mom. I think this is her best one of the series.
July 7, 2024
Fantastic!
Oh my gosh, each story gets better and better. I love all the wonderful characters, and the real life problems that the author writes the story around make it very easy to relate to.
Oh my gosh, each story gets better and better. I love all the wonderful characters, and the real life problems that the author writes the story around make it very easy to relate to.
May 7, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. Fun little cozy.
May 11, 2021
Enjoyed Mayday
The continuing story of family dynamics has as become as important as the mystery. Amy doesn’t give away too much too early.
The continuing story of family dynamics has as become as important as the mystery. Amy doesn’t give away too much too early.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews