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Wintergreen Mysteries #1
The Mountain View Murder
Bill O’Shea is living the dream. After a career of fighting crime in the big city, Bill buys a condo in the mountain resort community of Wintergreen, Virginia. When he meets his attractive new neighbor, Bill knows his retirement is off to a great start. Then an elderly man out for his early morning walk is struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. Was it an accident or intentional? With no car, no driver, and no witnesses, it’s difficult to say, so the short-staffed Wintergreen police department asks Bill to help them with the case. The investigation has hardly begun when they discover a suspect. A lone hiker on the Appalachian Trail camped nearby on the night in question. There are convenient reasons to blame the hiker. He’s rude. He smells. And he’s definitely lying about something. But Bill can’t ignore that the victim had “friends'' who may have wanted him dead. And soon, Bill falls into an old routine. Interviewing suspects. Checking alibis. Everyone has a secret to hide, but Bill lacks hard evidence to tie any of the suspects to the crime. Will Bill and his new friends solve the case, or will a Wintergreen murderer go free? If you love beautiful mountain settings, a charming cast, and intriguing plot twists, you're going to love this new series!
270 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2021
128 people are currently reading
2234 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Kelly
18 books173 followersPatrick Kelly has deep roots in Virginia. His mother grew up in Crozet, and he fondly remembers feeding chickens and picking peaches on his grandparents’ farm. Later, he graduated from the University of Virginia. His extended family has held reunions in Staunton, Hampton, Natural Bridge, Gordonsville, Afton, Smith Mountain Lake, and Wintergreen.
Patrick and his wife spend their summers in Wintergreen, hiking mountain trails, sampling local wines, and marveling at nature’s beauty. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect setting for retired detective Bill O'Shea to match wits with scheming murderers.
If you have a fondness in your heart for the natural places on earth, pull up a chair and enjoy a classic, traditional mystery set in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Patrick is winner of a Beverly Hills Book Award and a silver medalist for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for adult fiction. He serves as president of the Heart of Texas Chapter of Sisters in Crime.
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Patrick and his wife spend their summers in Wintergreen, hiking mountain trails, sampling local wines, and marveling at nature’s beauty. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect setting for retired detective Bill O'Shea to match wits with scheming murderers.
If you have a fondness in your heart for the natural places on earth, pull up a chair and enjoy a classic, traditional mystery set in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Patrick is winner of a Beverly Hills Book Award and a silver medalist for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for adult fiction. He serves as president of the Heart of Texas Chapter of Sisters in Crime.
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Kelly/...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
pkellystories
VISIT MY WEBSITE! https://www.patrickkellystories.com/
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE!
https://www.facebook.com/patrickkelly...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 17, 2021
The Mountain View Murder
by Patrick Kelly is the first book in the Wintergreen Mystery series and the first one that I have read by this author. The author brings humor, infidelity, and mystery to a Virginia mountaintop resort community that is near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail.
Bill O’Shea is a retired policeman from Columbia, South Carolina. He recently bought a condo and moved to Wintergreen. He’s looking forward to looking at the vistas, hiking, and learning about Virginia’s birds. However, Alex Sharp, acting chief of the local police department, asks for his help. A local resident, Lou Thorpe, is dead via a hit and run accident. The deputy chief is on maternity leave and the departmental investigator is on a flight to South Africa. The acting chief is a real estate broker and out of his depth. Besides the mystery, the author focuses on the character interactions with some surprising results.
Bill is someone a reader can root for and had depth. He is intelligent, friendly, slow to anger, and has a sense of humor. There is a wide variety of characters in the community that play a role in the investigation or interact with some of the top tier characters. Who would have thought such a community could have so many secrets?
The prose was compulsively readable, well-written, and engrossing. The pace was steady and character-driven. There were plenty of suspects and the ending was unexpected with a nice twist. Will you guess the hit and run driver’s identity?
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include murder, family dramas, secrets, romance, and much more. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. If the above sounds like something you would enjoy, then I recommend that you check it out.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel and the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date was May 11, 2021
Bill O’Shea is a retired policeman from Columbia, South Carolina. He recently bought a condo and moved to Wintergreen. He’s looking forward to looking at the vistas, hiking, and learning about Virginia’s birds. However, Alex Sharp, acting chief of the local police department, asks for his help. A local resident, Lou Thorpe, is dead via a hit and run accident. The deputy chief is on maternity leave and the departmental investigator is on a flight to South Africa. The acting chief is a real estate broker and out of his depth. Besides the mystery, the author focuses on the character interactions with some surprising results.
Bill is someone a reader can root for and had depth. He is intelligent, friendly, slow to anger, and has a sense of humor. There is a wide variety of characters in the community that play a role in the investigation or interact with some of the top tier characters. Who would have thought such a community could have so many secrets?
The prose was compulsively readable, well-written, and engrossing. The pace was steady and character-driven. There were plenty of suspects and the ending was unexpected with a nice twist. Will you guess the hit and run driver’s identity?
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include murder, family dramas, secrets, romance, and much more. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. If the above sounds like something you would enjoy, then I recommend that you check it out.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel and the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date was May 11, 2021
July 28, 2024
Excellent mystery. Appealing characters with a male protagonist. Great Appalachian setting. Great murder mystery—had me going until the end!
October 17, 2021
A highly plausible tale that was incredible to read from cover-to-cover.
I am not a hiker nor have I ever been on the Appalachian Trail but through Patrick Kelly's descriptive writing I felt like I was "on the trail" during the explorations by Wintergreen Police Advisor Bill O'Shea, retired Senior Detective with the Columbia Police in Columbia, South Carolina. I still don't have an inclination to hike the AT but I could easily imagine being on the deck of Bill's condo in Wintergreen, Virginia and enjoying the vistas and wildlife of the area.
The novel captures the difficulty of solving a hit and run in the wee hours of the morning without car, driver, or witnesses. Was this vehicular homicide accidental or intentional? As the investigation proceeds friends of the victim and his wife and some hikers from the AT in the time frame of estimated time of death are interviewed. I felt like I was changing my mind as to the driver from chapter-to-chapter. As a mystery lover, there's nothing better than to feel the adrenaline as the clues begin the crescendo to final peak answering the investigative questions of means, motive, and opportunity.
Animal lovers will particularly enjoy Bill's up close and personal bear sighting experience, explorations of the local groundhog that has residence at ground level from his condo balcony, and the variety of birds of the area. I'd encourage you to enjoy the photographs on the author's social media as it adds to the delight of this novel's introduction to the scenic area of the novel's setting and wildlife.
My sincere appreciation to Patrick Kelly, Chaparral Press LLC, and The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the opportunity to read this title. The opinions about the novel within my review are my own.
I am not a hiker nor have I ever been on the Appalachian Trail but through Patrick Kelly's descriptive writing I felt like I was "on the trail" during the explorations by Wintergreen Police Advisor Bill O'Shea, retired Senior Detective with the Columbia Police in Columbia, South Carolina. I still don't have an inclination to hike the AT but I could easily imagine being on the deck of Bill's condo in Wintergreen, Virginia and enjoying the vistas and wildlife of the area.
The novel captures the difficulty of solving a hit and run in the wee hours of the morning without car, driver, or witnesses. Was this vehicular homicide accidental or intentional? As the investigation proceeds friends of the victim and his wife and some hikers from the AT in the time frame of estimated time of death are interviewed. I felt like I was changing my mind as to the driver from chapter-to-chapter. As a mystery lover, there's nothing better than to feel the adrenaline as the clues begin the crescendo to final peak answering the investigative questions of means, motive, and opportunity.
Animal lovers will particularly enjoy Bill's up close and personal bear sighting experience, explorations of the local groundhog that has residence at ground level from his condo balcony, and the variety of birds of the area. I'd encourage you to enjoy the photographs on the author's social media as it adds to the delight of this novel's introduction to the scenic area of the novel's setting and wildlife.
My sincere appreciation to Patrick Kelly, Chaparral Press LLC, and The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the opportunity to read this title. The opinions about the novel within my review are my own.
July 28, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Books Go Social for a review copy of The Mountain View Murder, the first novel set in the Virginian mountain community of Wintergreen to feature retired detective Bill O’Shea.
On his regular morning early morning walk retired lobbyist Lou Thorne is killed in a hit and run. Lou wasn’t the nicest guy and had a few secrets, so there are several suspects. Bill O’Shea is asked to help the police department in their investigation.
I enjoyed The Mountain View Murder, which has a baffling mystery at its heart. In terms of conception the novel is relatively simple. It is told from Bill’s point of view as he adjusts to life in a small community, finds romance and asks a lot of questions. There are no cutting edge forensics or investigative techniques, just good old shoe leather and nous. It has a slow pace and apart from the initial hit and run and an unusual ending no action and, yet, because of the well concealed perpetrator it is strangely compulsive.
It must be admitted that there is a fair amount of padding in the novel with extraneous detail about what he eats and how he navigates his new romance, but hidden in there is a strong picture of location and life in a small community.
The Mountain View Murder is an easy read.
On his regular morning early morning walk retired lobbyist Lou Thorne is killed in a hit and run. Lou wasn’t the nicest guy and had a few secrets, so there are several suspects. Bill O’Shea is asked to help the police department in their investigation.
I enjoyed The Mountain View Murder, which has a baffling mystery at its heart. In terms of conception the novel is relatively simple. It is told from Bill’s point of view as he adjusts to life in a small community, finds romance and asks a lot of questions. There are no cutting edge forensics or investigative techniques, just good old shoe leather and nous. It has a slow pace and apart from the initial hit and run and an unusual ending no action and, yet, because of the well concealed perpetrator it is strangely compulsive.
It must be admitted that there is a fair amount of padding in the novel with extraneous detail about what he eats and how he navigates his new romance, but hidden in there is a strong picture of location and life in a small community.
The Mountain View Murder is an easy read.
September 1, 2021
“The Mountain View Murder” is the first book in the new Wintergreen Mystery series by Patrick Kelly. Set in Wintergreen, Virginia, newly retired police officer, Bill O’Shea helps out the short-staffed police department investigate a local’s death. What seems like a straight forward hit-and-run, turns into a murder investigation.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, as I’ve never read anything by the author. But being from Virginia, I was intrigued by the location that the book takes place in, and it did not disappoint. The description of the area and the other areas of Virginia was a really nice aspect of the book. There was also a range of suspects to choose from. With a little romance (not too much!) and the friendly cast of characters, this book was really enjoyable.
I would recommend this book to those looking for a light mystery read!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, as I’ve never read anything by the author. But being from Virginia, I was intrigued by the location that the book takes place in, and it did not disappoint. The description of the area and the other areas of Virginia was a really nice aspect of the book. There was also a range of suspects to choose from. With a little romance (not too much!) and the friendly cast of characters, this book was really enjoyable.
I would recommend this book to those looking for a light mystery read!
September 2, 2021
When retired police detective Bill O'Shea moves to Wintergreen, Virginia, he just wants to sit back and enjoy his life. However, when a man is killed in a hit-and-run accident on the mountain trail, the short-staffed police department asks for his help. Reluctantly, he accepts, but on his terms. Everyone seems to think it was an accident, but Bill's suspicious. And when it turns out to be an actual murder, he's once again in the mode of police detective trying to find a killer. But it seems all the suspects are friends of Bill's and no one can name an enemy, leaving his work cut out for him. But Lou must have made someone mad. Angry enough to want him dead...
There's also his new neighbor, Cindy, who's seemed to take an interest in him, although he doesn't know why. But that's suddenly fraught with problems, too, and Bill has to figure out what the problem is. If he wants his life back -- and his relationship to move along -- he needs to figure out who's hiding a big secret. Although everyone he suspects is hiding something. Which one of them had a secret big enough to kill for?...
I have to first say that this book was written beautifully. The descriptions of Wintergreen and its surrounding areas were definitely a big plus, bringing the reader into the environs of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. So much so that I plan to visit there sometime in the future.
The mystery was plotted well, with a profusion of suspects. Each of them had their own secrets, and Bill needed to ferret them out. Speaking of active retirees...anyway, it was definitely an intriguing read, and I liked it so well that I read it in one sitting. The characters had depth, and I found myself embroiled in Bill's life easily. It seemed he was barely swimming in the newness of it when he was interrupted with the murder, and still trying to figure things out as being retired. But then, he wasn't; a murder reared its ugly head and he was back in the game.
While the officers had their own ideas of who the killer might be, Bill, with his years of experience, knew that nothing was ever as it seemed and he kept his eye on the prize. Which, of course, turned out to be a major award. But when the ending comes, and the killer is revealed, it was totally unexpected, and I still don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. I did like the epilogue, though, and will read the next in the series, waiting to go once again to Wintergreen for another visit. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of the book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.
There's also his new neighbor, Cindy, who's seemed to take an interest in him, although he doesn't know why. But that's suddenly fraught with problems, too, and Bill has to figure out what the problem is. If he wants his life back -- and his relationship to move along -- he needs to figure out who's hiding a big secret. Although everyone he suspects is hiding something. Which one of them had a secret big enough to kill for?...
I have to first say that this book was written beautifully. The descriptions of Wintergreen and its surrounding areas were definitely a big plus, bringing the reader into the environs of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. So much so that I plan to visit there sometime in the future.
The mystery was plotted well, with a profusion of suspects. Each of them had their own secrets, and Bill needed to ferret them out. Speaking of active retirees...anyway, it was definitely an intriguing read, and I liked it so well that I read it in one sitting. The characters had depth, and I found myself embroiled in Bill's life easily. It seemed he was barely swimming in the newness of it when he was interrupted with the murder, and still trying to figure things out as being retired. But then, he wasn't; a murder reared its ugly head and he was back in the game.
While the officers had their own ideas of who the killer might be, Bill, with his years of experience, knew that nothing was ever as it seemed and he kept his eye on the prize. Which, of course, turned out to be a major award. But when the ending comes, and the killer is revealed, it was totally unexpected, and I still don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. I did like the epilogue, though, and will read the next in the series, waiting to go once again to Wintergreen for another visit. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of the book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.
June 25, 2021
This is a good one for fans of the Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club. It is not set in a retirement home but in a community where a lot of retirees live. The protagonist Bill is an ex-police officer. He is asked to advise on a murder case.
I found the setting very interesting since it is on the Appalachian hiking trail and as the title says, there's definitely a wonderful view described throughout the book.
The story reminded me that life can begin at 60!
I found the setting very interesting since it is on the Appalachian hiking trail and as the title says, there's definitely a wonderful view described throughout the book.
The story reminded me that life can begin at 60!
July 17, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
“In the dead of the summer night, harsh winds blow from the north into the Shenandoah Valley.” Plagued by insomnia Lou Thorpe heads out for his usual early morning walk never to return home again. The apparent victim of a hit and run the police have no witnesses to say if it was an accident or intentional. The local force is short-handed and the temporary man in charge has no clue where to start his investigation. Enter Bill O’Shea, a retired cop from the big city who has recently moved to the resort community of Wintergreen. He quickly starts checking alibis and talking to suspects but there is nothing to pin anyone with the crime. Frustrated that he is missing an important piece of the puzzle. Maybe his new neighbor can help him uncover something to get the investigation moving again but no one really seems distraught that the man is dead. Bill could be looking at a case he just may not be able to solve.
I really enjoyed Mr. Kelly’s descriptive writing style. From the first line, he whisked me away to the beautiful area of Wintergreen, Virginia. The mountains and their trails are traversed throughout the story and I could easily picture every step along the way. This added so much to the story.
The victim, Lou Thorpe was a longtime resident of the community and he had a clear routine that everyone was aware of, but he wasn’t a nice man. I was a little shocked by the number of suspects that were revealed as the retired Bill O’Shea digs into Thorpe’s life. Bill is an excellent protagonist. He is a smart man and his heart is in the right place. He was asked to assist on this case and he truly gave it his all. He interacts with a wide variety of people and at times he truly had the patience of a saint. Everyone seems to have a secret and some are pretty big. He does have an instant connection with his new neighbor Cindy but she worries me a bit after some of her reactions. I am interested to see how this relationship plays out. All the other characters we meet have issues that make them unique and memorable. It is a very interesting community.
The mystery is very well-plotted with a lot of moving parts. I really enjoyed following along with Bill and witnessing his thought process. The ending did surprise me and played out in an unusual way. The characters were believable for the most part the ending was not. I was not left with that satisfied feeling I usually have when finishing books in this genre. I can only assume the author had a very good reason for writing it the way he did.
While the ending felt off I found The Mountain View Murder to be an entertaining read. I really like Bill O’Shea and would definitely read more stories featuring him. I also really like the Shenandoah Valley and the Appalachian Trail setting and the way the author brought the area to life. I am curious to see where the author takes these characters.
“In the dead of the summer night, harsh winds blow from the north into the Shenandoah Valley.” Plagued by insomnia Lou Thorpe heads out for his usual early morning walk never to return home again. The apparent victim of a hit and run the police have no witnesses to say if it was an accident or intentional. The local force is short-handed and the temporary man in charge has no clue where to start his investigation. Enter Bill O’Shea, a retired cop from the big city who has recently moved to the resort community of Wintergreen. He quickly starts checking alibis and talking to suspects but there is nothing to pin anyone with the crime. Frustrated that he is missing an important piece of the puzzle. Maybe his new neighbor can help him uncover something to get the investigation moving again but no one really seems distraught that the man is dead. Bill could be looking at a case he just may not be able to solve.
I really enjoyed Mr. Kelly’s descriptive writing style. From the first line, he whisked me away to the beautiful area of Wintergreen, Virginia. The mountains and their trails are traversed throughout the story and I could easily picture every step along the way. This added so much to the story.
The victim, Lou Thorpe was a longtime resident of the community and he had a clear routine that everyone was aware of, but he wasn’t a nice man. I was a little shocked by the number of suspects that were revealed as the retired Bill O’Shea digs into Thorpe’s life. Bill is an excellent protagonist. He is a smart man and his heart is in the right place. He was asked to assist on this case and he truly gave it his all. He interacts with a wide variety of people and at times he truly had the patience of a saint. Everyone seems to have a secret and some are pretty big. He does have an instant connection with his new neighbor Cindy but she worries me a bit after some of her reactions. I am interested to see how this relationship plays out. All the other characters we meet have issues that make them unique and memorable. It is a very interesting community.
The mystery is very well-plotted with a lot of moving parts. I really enjoyed following along with Bill and witnessing his thought process. The ending did surprise me and played out in an unusual way. The characters were believable for the most part the ending was not. I was not left with that satisfied feeling I usually have when finishing books in this genre. I can only assume the author had a very good reason for writing it the way he did.
While the ending felt off I found The Mountain View Murder to be an entertaining read. I really like Bill O’Shea and would definitely read more stories featuring him. I also really like the Shenandoah Valley and the Appalachian Trail setting and the way the author brought the area to life. I am curious to see where the author takes these characters.
September 2, 2021
The Mountain View Murder is a great debut in A Wintergreen Mystery series. The story is set in the small resort town of Wintergreen, Virginia, which is located on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a well-crafted, enthralling mystery tale that moves along at a good, steady pace.
Bill O’Shea, a retired police detective, recently took up residence in Wintergreen. When a man is killed by a hit-and-run driver, Alex Sharp, acting Wintergreen police chief, enlists the help of Bill. Although the case results in multiple law enforcement agencies working together to find the driver and vehicle involved in the accident, Bill is a central figure in the investigation. As the case progresses, the question arises as to whether the victim’s death is due to an accident or murder. Evidence pointing to any suspects who could be guilty is basically non-existent. Will the investigation come to a satisfactory conclusion or reach a dead end?
Patrick Kelly does a first-rate job of drawing readers in on the first page and holding their interest all the way through to the end. The story features characters with personality traits that are convincing and believable. The use of descriptive writing makes it easy for readers to visualize mental images of the characters, setting, and events as they unfold. Besides a mystery to be solved, Bill is working on building a romantic relationship. The way news travels fast in a small town is spot-on. Kelly artfully illustrates the steps involved in an investigation for determining the facts in a deadly hit-and-run. A sparse amount of profanity is included. It is a wonderful book to add to your collection. I look forward to the author’s next mystery in the charming town of Wintergreen.
Bill O’Shea, a retired police detective, recently took up residence in Wintergreen. When a man is killed by a hit-and-run driver, Alex Sharp, acting Wintergreen police chief, enlists the help of Bill. Although the case results in multiple law enforcement agencies working together to find the driver and vehicle involved in the accident, Bill is a central figure in the investigation. As the case progresses, the question arises as to whether the victim’s death is due to an accident or murder. Evidence pointing to any suspects who could be guilty is basically non-existent. Will the investigation come to a satisfactory conclusion or reach a dead end?
Patrick Kelly does a first-rate job of drawing readers in on the first page and holding their interest all the way through to the end. The story features characters with personality traits that are convincing and believable. The use of descriptive writing makes it easy for readers to visualize mental images of the characters, setting, and events as they unfold. Besides a mystery to be solved, Bill is working on building a romantic relationship. The way news travels fast in a small town is spot-on. Kelly artfully illustrates the steps involved in an investigation for determining the facts in a deadly hit-and-run. A sparse amount of profanity is included. It is a wonderful book to add to your collection. I look forward to the author’s next mystery in the charming town of Wintergreen.
September 3, 2021
"The Mountain View Murder" is an excellent start to a new mystery series. Protagonist Bill is an instantly likeable main character, and I enjoyed learning more about him as the story progressed. He is a retired police officer, and I hope more of his past exploits will be referenced in future installments. Due to this experience, the local police ask him to investigate when a man is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Or....was is murder?
Due to Bill's past experience, he is able to conduct his investigation in a methodical, efficient manner. I liked following his process and gradually learning more about the victim, the accident, and the potential suspects and motives along with Bill. There was plenty for him to look into, and once everything was revealed in the end, it all made sense based on what we learned along the way. I found this book to be the perfect blend between a cozy mystery and a police procedural.
As an added bonus, the book is set in the beautiful Wintergreen, Virginia area. Having lived in Virginia for most of my life, I can confirm that the author's descriptions are accurate and will truly allow the reader to envision the surroundings. Mentions of other local areas added even more to my enjoyment of the story.
All in all, five out of five chunks of perfect Cheddar!
Due to Bill's past experience, he is able to conduct his investigation in a methodical, efficient manner. I liked following his process and gradually learning more about the victim, the accident, and the potential suspects and motives along with Bill. There was plenty for him to look into, and once everything was revealed in the end, it all made sense based on what we learned along the way. I found this book to be the perfect blend between a cozy mystery and a police procedural.
As an added bonus, the book is set in the beautiful Wintergreen, Virginia area. Having lived in Virginia for most of my life, I can confirm that the author's descriptions are accurate and will truly allow the reader to envision the surroundings. Mentions of other local areas added even more to my enjoyment of the story.
All in all, five out of five chunks of perfect Cheddar!
August 16, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it enough that it will not be the last!
Bill O’Shea is a divorced retired cop who has recently moved to Wintergreen, Virginia, adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. The acting chief of the local police asks for Bill’s help when a local goes for an early morning walk and ends up dead, apparently the victim of a hit and run.
While navigating his way through an investigation rife with land mines (prominent citizens with lots of secrets), Bill is also finding his way in his new hometown and in a new relationship, which may have as many surprises as the investigation.
This is part police procedural, part cozy, and partly a lovely visit to a small part of the Trail. The characters are fleshed out, the scenery and native wildlife play their own special roles, and secrets are teased out at a steady rate. The writing is fairly crisp and straightforward.
This book was a pleasant way to spend a few hours, and I’m curious to see what Bill O’Shea does next.
Bill O’Shea is a divorced retired cop who has recently moved to Wintergreen, Virginia, adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. The acting chief of the local police asks for Bill’s help when a local goes for an early morning walk and ends up dead, apparently the victim of a hit and run.
While navigating his way through an investigation rife with land mines (prominent citizens with lots of secrets), Bill is also finding his way in his new hometown and in a new relationship, which may have as many surprises as the investigation.
This is part police procedural, part cozy, and partly a lovely visit to a small part of the Trail. The characters are fleshed out, the scenery and native wildlife play their own special roles, and secrets are teased out at a steady rate. The writing is fairly crisp and straightforward.
This book was a pleasant way to spend a few hours, and I’m curious to see what Bill O’Shea does next.
August 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The main character, Bill, is a big-city detective who has just retired to beautiful Wintergreen. The setting is almost a character itself, with great descriptions of the mountains and the Appalachian trail, along with the animals that call the area home. Bill is making new friends in the village and gets swept...reluctantly...into a murder investigation.
I was never bored or confused by too many suspects or characters in the story. The townsfolk who are introduced are charming, and I hope they’ll be back in future stories. The pace of the mystery was perfect! It unfolded in such a way that I had no idea who committed the crime until the very end. There were clues dropped throughout the book, but they were so subtle and well done that it wasn't until the killer was revealed that i tied it all together.
This book was a relaxing, truly cozy read. Along with the mystery it had humor and a little romance. For the first time in a long while, I immediately went to Amazon to check if book two was out yet. It’s not…but hopefully soon!
I was never bored or confused by too many suspects or characters in the story. The townsfolk who are introduced are charming, and I hope they’ll be back in future stories. The pace of the mystery was perfect! It unfolded in such a way that I had no idea who committed the crime until the very end. There were clues dropped throughout the book, but they were so subtle and well done that it wasn't until the killer was revealed that i tied it all together.
This book was a relaxing, truly cozy read. Along with the mystery it had humor and a little romance. For the first time in a long while, I immediately went to Amazon to check if book two was out yet. It’s not…but hopefully soon!
August 31, 2021
This book took me a bit to get into, as is the case any time I read the first of a new series. Getting to know the cast of characters and Wintergreen took a bit more time than in other cozies, and the case took a bit to gather any steam. However, once a key clue was uncovered, things moved at a nice pace, and wrapped up in an unhurried way. The ending is really satisfying, as well.
What surprised me was that I enjoyed the retired cop aspect. I typically enjoy the reluctant sleuth type of cozy a bit more, but Bill is a charming protagonist and the fact that he’s solving this crime for “fun” made the investigation feel a bit more breezy than it might otherwise.
I’ll definitely read other books from this series.
What surprised me was that I enjoyed the retired cop aspect. I typically enjoy the reluctant sleuth type of cozy a bit more, but Bill is a charming protagonist and the fact that he’s solving this crime for “fun” made the investigation feel a bit more breezy than it might otherwise.
I’ll definitely read other books from this series.
August 14, 2021
The setting of Wintergreen is a small resort area. So there are only a few possible murderers. Bill gets around to a lot of people while he is interviewing them. So we meet lots of people in the town. It is good world building.
Bill is a good investigator. He isn’t going for the easy answer. He is going for the right answer. The descriptions of people will bother some people, but mostly I didn’t see it as any different than the female sleuths descriptions of the well toned guys they are crushing on. I liked the character of Mitch. He is a good young cop and willing to listen to Bill’s wisdom.
There is a love triangle, but it gets solved in this book. So I didn’t mind the romance.
The mystery gets very twisty as Bill starts uncovering all the victim’s secrets and they are plentiful! The ending is compelling and action packed. The ending made Bill a more compelling character.
Great mystery, good setting, and good characters.
I received a copy of this book. This is my review.
Bill is a good investigator. He isn’t going for the easy answer. He is going for the right answer. The descriptions of people will bother some people, but mostly I didn’t see it as any different than the female sleuths descriptions of the well toned guys they are crushing on. I liked the character of Mitch. He is a good young cop and willing to listen to Bill’s wisdom.
There is a love triangle, but it gets solved in this book. So I didn’t mind the romance.
The mystery gets very twisty as Bill starts uncovering all the victim’s secrets and they are plentiful! The ending is compelling and action packed. The ending made Bill a more compelling character.
Great mystery, good setting, and good characters.
I received a copy of this book. This is my review.
February 28, 2024
Gosh… what an earnest little mystery. I pretty much only read it because I grew up in Nelson County near Wintergreen, where the story is set, so I will admit it was kind of fun knowing all the places (towns, streets, restaurants) referred to in the book. Otherwise, pretty blah. The mystery part was okay but not particularly inventive, and the writing style was honestly pretty terrible. Way, way too much telling and nowhere near enough showing. The dialogue was so awkward, as were the descriptions of the characters’ body language. Lots of throwing hands out to the side - I can’t even picture what such a gesture would actually looked like. And the ending was terrible - the twist was fine but then the retired cop just lets the perpetrator get away… by HANG GLIDER?? Seriously, what did I just read? Oh, AND I found all the comments on the female characters’ bodies to be seriously gross. “Enticing figure”? Just stop it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
I loved reading about the murder on the mountain since I am familiar with all the locations and activities at Wintergreen Resort.
The author captures the way residents, many retired, spent their time with golf, tennis, hiking, skiing, and enjoying life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bill O’Shea, retired police detective, volunteers to help solve a hit and run; the killer is not apparent until the very end.
The author captures the way residents, many retired, spent their time with golf, tennis, hiking, skiing, and enjoying life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bill O’Shea, retired police detective, volunteers to help solve a hit and run; the killer is not apparent until the very end.
June 18, 2021
2 Stars
The Mountain View Murder
By Patrick Kelly
I have not previously read any Patrick Kelly books and I will not be reading any other of his books. The plot and story were slow and convoluted. It is also very obvious this book was written by a man as descriptions of women are a tad sexist. I am honestly shocked that an editor or someone did not change those descriptions.
I do not recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
The Mountain View Murder
By Patrick Kelly
I have not previously read any Patrick Kelly books and I will not be reading any other of his books. The plot and story were slow and convoluted. It is also very obvious this book was written by a man as descriptions of women are a tad sexist. I am honestly shocked that an editor or someone did not change those descriptions.
I do not recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
July 2, 2021
⛰️Book Review
The Mountain View Murder: A Wintergreen Mystery by Patrick Kelly
⛰️Genre
Traditional mystery; police procedural with a cozy feel
⛰️Excerpt
In the dead of the summer night, harsh winds blew from the north into the Shenandoah Valley. The cold front passed through Winchester and New Market and Harrisonburg, bringing relief from the steamy July heat that had gripped the valley for weeks. The chilling weather marched through the smaller cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. From Waynesboro, the front spread into a finger valley to the south and then through cornfields and chicken coops. Cows huddled together for warmth. Windows rattled on old farmhouses. The wind hit the east side of the small valley, sang through the forests of oak and hickory and maple, and rolled over the rounded tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
⛰️My description
Retired detective Bill O’Shea is settling down in Wintergreen, Virginia, with plans to get close to nature, hike the Appalachian Trail, and whatever else comes his way. When Lou Thorpe, a man few will miss, is murdered in a hit and run, acting chief of police Alex Sharp, short on staff and evidence, calls on Bill and his expertise in hopes to keep the case from growing cold.
⛰️How it made you feel
I want to go visit Wintergreen and hike the Old Appalachian Trail.
⛰️Favorite part
The ending.
⛰️One-word description
Natural
⛰️Would you recommend?
A quick read for fans of traditional mysteries or police procedurals with well-realized settings and some cozy elements (small community, food, romance). Kelly adds a modern feel with some plot twists and excellent pacing. And making Bill retired was pure genius, he doesn’t have to follow the rules of the police but knows the drill. The nature and hiking reminds me of Nevada Barr’s National Parks series while the relationship between Bill and Cindy reminds me of Spenser and Susan in Robert Parker’s Spenser series. Bill’s sense of justice, to do what’s morally rather than legally right reminds me of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett. This would be a great book to add to your summer reading list.
Many thanks to Patrick Kelly for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Mountain View Murder: A Wintergreen Mystery by Patrick Kelly
⛰️Genre
Traditional mystery; police procedural with a cozy feel
⛰️Excerpt
In the dead of the summer night, harsh winds blew from the north into the Shenandoah Valley. The cold front passed through Winchester and New Market and Harrisonburg, bringing relief from the steamy July heat that had gripped the valley for weeks. The chilling weather marched through the smaller cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. From Waynesboro, the front spread into a finger valley to the south and then through cornfields and chicken coops. Cows huddled together for warmth. Windows rattled on old farmhouses. The wind hit the east side of the small valley, sang through the forests of oak and hickory and maple, and rolled over the rounded tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
⛰️My description
Retired detective Bill O’Shea is settling down in Wintergreen, Virginia, with plans to get close to nature, hike the Appalachian Trail, and whatever else comes his way. When Lou Thorpe, a man few will miss, is murdered in a hit and run, acting chief of police Alex Sharp, short on staff and evidence, calls on Bill and his expertise in hopes to keep the case from growing cold.
⛰️How it made you feel
I want to go visit Wintergreen and hike the Old Appalachian Trail.
⛰️Favorite part
The ending.
⛰️One-word description
Natural
⛰️Would you recommend?
A quick read for fans of traditional mysteries or police procedurals with well-realized settings and some cozy elements (small community, food, romance). Kelly adds a modern feel with some plot twists and excellent pacing. And making Bill retired was pure genius, he doesn’t have to follow the rules of the police but knows the drill. The nature and hiking reminds me of Nevada Barr’s National Parks series while the relationship between Bill and Cindy reminds me of Spenser and Susan in Robert Parker’s Spenser series. Bill’s sense of justice, to do what’s morally rather than legally right reminds me of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett. This would be a great book to add to your summer reading list.
Many thanks to Patrick Kelly for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2021
This was a fun new series that has an endearing protagonist, beautiful scenery, and murder.
I loved all of the descriptions of the town and mountains and especially the trail that one might traverse as a rite of passage or to say that they hiked the whole Appalachian Trail.
Bill O'Shea may be a retired detective but he hasn't given up on life or his quest to uncover a killer, even as a volunteer to the police department. Bill brings together a cast of characters in solving the crime of who killed Lou Thorpe. There are many suspects but only one murderer that is hiding in plain sight. I have to admit I never suspected this character and there are not many clues that will give away the mystery. I will say that Lou is not a nice guy so it maybe isn't really a loss for the town that he is now gone. There was quite a bit of backstory to uncover and Bill is able to piece together the clues and uncover the murderer. The confrontation with the murderer was rather odd and I'm not quite sure why it happened the way that it did other than that since Bill is not officially on the police force he didn't have the authority to arrest this person? But Mitch was there and ready to take this character down. It was a rather odd ending but it worked.
There is a bit of romance for Bill with a woman that lives in his condo complex, Cindy. I have mixed feelings about this character. She seems good for Bill, but at the same time, she pulls a "scorned woman" act that makes no sense. This is where I wanted to reach into the book and throttle her for not addressing her feelings with Bill. They aren't young and you would think that they wouldn't have time for this sort of behavior. I know Bill has no clue what is going on because she won't speak to him. It is rather childish.
I did like all of the characters and how nothing was ever 100% truthful or accurate. It was the omission of details that kept the police and Bill guessing.
Overall we give this book 4 paws up.
I loved all of the descriptions of the town and mountains and especially the trail that one might traverse as a rite of passage or to say that they hiked the whole Appalachian Trail.
Bill O'Shea may be a retired detective but he hasn't given up on life or his quest to uncover a killer, even as a volunteer to the police department. Bill brings together a cast of characters in solving the crime of who killed Lou Thorpe. There are many suspects but only one murderer that is hiding in plain sight. I have to admit I never suspected this character and there are not many clues that will give away the mystery. I will say that Lou is not a nice guy so it maybe isn't really a loss for the town that he is now gone. There was quite a bit of backstory to uncover and Bill is able to piece together the clues and uncover the murderer. The confrontation with the murderer was rather odd and I'm not quite sure why it happened the way that it did other than that since Bill is not officially on the police force he didn't have the authority to arrest this person? But Mitch was there and ready to take this character down. It was a rather odd ending but it worked.
There is a bit of romance for Bill with a woman that lives in his condo complex, Cindy. I have mixed feelings about this character. She seems good for Bill, but at the same time, she pulls a "scorned woman" act that makes no sense. This is where I wanted to reach into the book and throttle her for not addressing her feelings with Bill. They aren't young and you would think that they wouldn't have time for this sort of behavior. I know Bill has no clue what is going on because she won't speak to him. It is rather childish.
I did like all of the characters and how nothing was ever 100% truthful or accurate. It was the omission of details that kept the police and Bill guessing.
Overall we give this book 4 paws up.
June 26, 2021
(3.5 stars from me)
I flew through this book. It was light and pleasant (despite the murder..) and there was a good, steady pace throughout the story.
We’re following Bill O’Shea, a recently retired detective who just moved to a picturesque town of Wintergreen, nestled into the mountains and bordering the Appalachian Trail. While Bill is settling into the retired life, enjoying the views from his new condo and getting to know his lovely neighbour, Cindy, the tragedy strikes. One of the Wintegreen residents has been found dead and Bill is asked to assist with the investigation. From then on we’re following the newly baked retiree/police volunteer as he begins to uncover the details of the case.
If you’re looking for a dark, tense and atmospheric read, this is NOT a book for you. There is a murder investigation, but there are no curfews imposed, no media scandal, no bloody, shocking discoveries or claustrophobic vibes. This felt more like what has to be a day-to-day of an experienced, small town cop. There is a mystery to solve and people to question, but I also have a private life and some small pleasures to get to. Since Bill is not actually employed by the police, there is little pressure on him to bring this case to a close, and you can feel that throughout the novel (I enjoyed it, felt like a nice break from the usual scarred, traumatised, addicted, socially inept detectives we see in crime books these days.)
What I’m not convinced about is the romance (do we really need it?), though it was light and a slow-burn, so can’t be too critical, and the ending, which felt a bit too out there and not entirely convincing for me.
All in all it was a quick, fun read and I’ll probably pick up the next book if the author continues on with the series.
I flew through this book. It was light and pleasant (despite the murder..) and there was a good, steady pace throughout the story.
We’re following Bill O’Shea, a recently retired detective who just moved to a picturesque town of Wintergreen, nestled into the mountains and bordering the Appalachian Trail. While Bill is settling into the retired life, enjoying the views from his new condo and getting to know his lovely neighbour, Cindy, the tragedy strikes. One of the Wintegreen residents has been found dead and Bill is asked to assist with the investigation. From then on we’re following the newly baked retiree/police volunteer as he begins to uncover the details of the case.
If you’re looking for a dark, tense and atmospheric read, this is NOT a book for you. There is a murder investigation, but there are no curfews imposed, no media scandal, no bloody, shocking discoveries or claustrophobic vibes. This felt more like what has to be a day-to-day of an experienced, small town cop. There is a mystery to solve and people to question, but I also have a private life and some small pleasures to get to. Since Bill is not actually employed by the police, there is little pressure on him to bring this case to a close, and you can feel that throughout the novel (I enjoyed it, felt like a nice break from the usual scarred, traumatised, addicted, socially inept detectives we see in crime books these days.)
What I’m not convinced about is the romance (do we really need it?), though it was light and a slow-burn, so can’t be too critical, and the ending, which felt a bit too out there and not entirely convincing for me.
All in all it was a quick, fun read and I’ll probably pick up the next book if the author continues on with the series.
June 29, 2021
Bill O'Shea is a retired cop who is looking for the easy life now that he has finally retired and moved out of the city. Unfortunately, when there is a hit and run killing in his new town, the interim chief seeks Bill's help to manage the investigation and help solve the case.
The Mountain View Murder is a perfectly paced mystery that will keep you guessing "whodunnit" until the very end. The characters are truly interesting and seem like real people you might meet in your own town or city, with just the right amount of detail given to make them come alive without adding unnecessary exposition that slows down the pace of the story. In addition, the setting is stunning, with the detailed descriptions given really making the scene come alive in my mind, and making me long to see the mountains described. The story itself is intriguing and engaging, with twists and turns that keep it interesting and keep the pace moving until the very end.
I really enjoyed this book and would gladly read more novels by Patrick Kelly. I definitely recommend The Mountain View Murder to anyone that loves cozy mysteries mixed with some police procedural!
The Mountain View Murder is a perfectly paced mystery that will keep you guessing "whodunnit" until the very end. The characters are truly interesting and seem like real people you might meet in your own town or city, with just the right amount of detail given to make them come alive without adding unnecessary exposition that slows down the pace of the story. In addition, the setting is stunning, with the detailed descriptions given really making the scene come alive in my mind, and making me long to see the mountains described. The story itself is intriguing and engaging, with twists and turns that keep it interesting and keep the pace moving until the very end.
I really enjoyed this book and would gladly read more novels by Patrick Kelly. I definitely recommend The Mountain View Murder to anyone that loves cozy mysteries mixed with some police procedural!
September 2, 2021
This was really an excellent mystery, and I was happy to realize it is the first book in a new series, so (hopefully) many more to come! Bill is a retired police detective, ready to relax and take it easy in his new home in the Wintergreen (Virginia ski resort) area. The author describes the area beautifully, and it sounds like the perfect place for a nice, peaceful retirement....
Except there's a deadly hit-and-run accident almost as soon as Bill arrives. Since he has so much experience, the local authorities bring him in to help with the case. It's an odd one, since the victim didn't really appear to have any enemies. He also didn't seem to have anyone who was too upset by this death, either. It was interesting to watch Bill follow the clues and try to piece together what really happened. This process was further complicated by Bill trying to learn the lay of the land of his new home, and possibly purse a new romance.
Bill is a great character! I felt like I really got to know him, and could understood his personality and motivations. I look forward to reading more about his future adventures in Wintergreen!
Except there's a deadly hit-and-run accident almost as soon as Bill arrives. Since he has so much experience, the local authorities bring him in to help with the case. It's an odd one, since the victim didn't really appear to have any enemies. He also didn't seem to have anyone who was too upset by this death, either. It was interesting to watch Bill follow the clues and try to piece together what really happened. This process was further complicated by Bill trying to learn the lay of the land of his new home, and possibly purse a new romance.
Bill is a great character! I felt like I really got to know him, and could understood his personality and motivations. I look forward to reading more about his future adventures in Wintergreen!
July 28, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is what I can only assume is the first book in the Bill O’Shea/Wintergreen mystery series by by Patrick Kelley.
I really liked this story. I resonated with the character of Bill and how this ex-cop was trying to find a less stressful live in Wintergreen. But then circumstances happened and higher cops were unavailable and that left a newbie in charge and asking for Bill’s expert assistance.
I liked how the author handled the budding romance between Bill and his next door neighbor. But then the village gossip mill about broke them up before they even got started. Small town grapevines are mega fast.
I enjoyed following the mystery as Bill did the job and schooled the younger cop on how to be in charge. Such a well written book. Definitely going to check out more from this author!
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
This is what I can only assume is the first book in the Bill O’Shea/Wintergreen mystery series by by Patrick Kelley.
I really liked this story. I resonated with the character of Bill and how this ex-cop was trying to find a less stressful live in Wintergreen. But then circumstances happened and higher cops were unavailable and that left a newbie in charge and asking for Bill’s expert assistance.
I liked how the author handled the budding romance between Bill and his next door neighbor. But then the village gossip mill about broke them up before they even got started. Small town grapevines are mega fast.
I enjoyed following the mystery as Bill did the job and schooled the younger cop on how to be in charge. Such a well written book. Definitely going to check out more from this author!
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
June 17, 2024
Retired policeman Bill O'Shea, who worked for years in Columbia, South Carolina, moved to scenic Wintergreen, Virginia, located just over 30 miles southeast of Charlottesville, to take his retirement. Rather than finding a crime-free area, however, Bill is no longer settled in Wintergreen than a hit-and-run accident takes place locally in the early hours of a morning. The upshot is that O'Shea works with the local police as various suspects are interviewed as the story line gets tangled. Bill, along with getting involved in a romance, wades through the interviews looking for evidence enroute to solving the case. Although the story has a few oddities like one sentence ending and another beginning with the same name or the same word, I found the the locale, the characters, and the mystery interesting and entertaining. The Mountain View Murder promises more good reading with other mysteries by Patrick Kelly.
November 7, 2021
The Mountain View Murder is a fun read with lots of action to keep the reader engaged through the last page. This mystery, set in the mountains and valleys around Wintergreen, Virginia, is a hard-to-put-down, fast-paced murder thriller. The short chapters keep the story moving. With its attractive geography and proximity to the Appalachian Trail, Wintergreen provides an ideal setting—after reading the book, I’ve added it to my bucket list of places to visit.
The main character, Bill O’Shea--a retired police detective who recently moved to Wintergreen, is drafted to lead a murder investigation. Reluctantly, he agrees and sorts out the many clues and multiple motives. The story has numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing about the identity of the murderer.
I’m already looking forward to the sequel!
The main character, Bill O’Shea--a retired police detective who recently moved to Wintergreen, is drafted to lead a murder investigation. Reluctantly, he agrees and sorts out the many clues and multiple motives. The story has numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing about the identity of the murderer.
I’m already looking forward to the sequel!
August 26, 2022
Bill O'Shea is under the impression that he will be able to enjoy his retirement. Moving to the beautiful mountain town of Wintergreen, O'Shea is ready to relax after a high power career of fighting crime. Finding that his new condo comes with a beautiful neighbor, makes the move even more engaging. However, when an elderly man out for a walk is struck and killed, Bill must join the police team to find the answers. With no real evidence or witnesses, can Bill wade through the "friends list" for a possible suspect? Who is the hiker that snuck into town? What secrets does he hold? Patrick Kelly does a wonderful job of character development. His description of the beautiful mountain views and terrain allows the reader to revel in the beauty. How can such a wonderful area harbor such sinister secrets? I look forward to the next story from Wintergreen.
May 30, 2021
A griping beginning and kept me guessing until the end. I love the way Bill tricked the killer at the end with nearly all the residents in one room. It kind of reminded me of 'Death in Paradise' when the lead investigator puts all the potential suspects in a room and reveals the murderer. However, for me the ending of 'The Mountain View Murder' just didn't have the effect the author intended. The way Bill behaved when chasing down the killer didn't make sense. The suspect killed an unarmed man so why did they go into his house unarmed and then let him get away like he did. I was really hoping it would be a great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2023
Patrick Kelly has done an excellent job of making me want to move Wintergreen, Virginia. His desciptions of the mountain and the surrounding areas make them come alive visually as well as on the page.
The story starts with a hit and run murder. This town's population leans heavily towards the elderly. A retired policeman who really loved being retired is asked to assist the town's local law enforcement with the investigation, since a murder investigation is not in their skill set. What he finds is a domino effect of small crime that grow larger as they fall. I enjoyed watching....err reading....the town scramble to keep their secrets.
The story starts with a hit and run murder. This town's population leans heavily towards the elderly. A retired policeman who really loved being retired is asked to assist the town's local law enforcement with the investigation, since a murder investigation is not in their skill set. What he finds is a domino effect of small crime that grow larger as they fall. I enjoyed watching....err reading....the town scramble to keep their secrets.
August 28, 2021
Bill O'Shea is a retired in a small resort town. He is volunteered to investigate of a hit-and-run killed a local resident. The writing is very easy, and the interest is so strong to keep reading over regular activities. A little of romance adds to the interest. As the killing is investigated, a number of very unique characters. are discovered. The relations are drawn in, and the people are strong suspects. The land near to Appalachian Trail near the town adds a beautiful story. I loved this book.
December 7, 2022
First time reading this author. It pays to advertise on social media. :) Bill O'Shea retires from his job as police investigator to the quiet mountain community of Wintergreen Virginia. Sounds tranquil, doesn't it. The interim police chief is the same guy that sold him is condo. Everything is as Bill expected it to be until an old man is killed by a hit and run driver on his morning walk. Sure looks like an accident, but who was driving the car. Certainly not one of the owners. Bill was asked to consult on the case. The choices seem endless. Great start to this series!
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