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Crossword Puzzle Mystery #3
Fatal Solutions
1 ACROSS: HUMAN REMAINS
Creating crossword puzzles for the Chestnut Station Chronicle won’t allow Quinn Carr to quit her diner waitress job any time soon. But it does provide an outlet for her organizational OCD, and also lets her leave subtle hints for police chief Myron Chestnut, an avid puzzler, when his investigations need some direction. Some mysteries, though, leave even Quinn stumped—like the property deed she finds in her grandfather’s old desk. The document lists Quinn’s mother as the owner of some land on the outskirts of Chestnut Station, but Georgeanne refuses to discuss it.
8 LETTERS, STARTS WITH “S”
Quinn visits the site, located near a World War II Japanese internment camp that’s since been turned into a museum. There she unearths a weathered Japanese doll…and a skeleton. Before she can uncover a killer, she has to identify the victim. Was it an inmate trying to escape? A guard? Or someone closer to home? As Quinn fills in the blanks, she finds an unexpected link between her family and Chief Chestnut’s—one that could spell more deadly trouble…
Creating crossword puzzles for the Chestnut Station Chronicle won’t allow Quinn Carr to quit her diner waitress job any time soon. But it does provide an outlet for her organizational OCD, and also lets her leave subtle hints for police chief Myron Chestnut, an avid puzzler, when his investigations need some direction. Some mysteries, though, leave even Quinn stumped—like the property deed she finds in her grandfather’s old desk. The document lists Quinn’s mother as the owner of some land on the outskirts of Chestnut Station, but Georgeanne refuses to discuss it.
8 LETTERS, STARTS WITH “S”
Quinn visits the site, located near a World War II Japanese internment camp that’s since been turned into a museum. There she unearths a weathered Japanese doll…and a skeleton. Before she can uncover a killer, she has to identify the victim. Was it an inmate trying to escape? A guard? Or someone closer to home? As Quinn fills in the blanks, she finds an unexpected link between her family and Chief Chestnut’s—one that could spell more deadly trouble…
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2021
5 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Becky Clark
28 books301 followersBecky Clark is the seventh of eight kids, which explains both her insatiable need for attention and her atrocious table manners. She likes to read funny books so it felt natural to write them too. She surrounds herself with quirky people and pets who end up as characters in her books. Her stout-hearted dog keeps her safe from menacing squirrels, leaves, and deer, but not plastic bags. Those things are terrifying.
Readers say her books are “fast and thoroughly entertaining” with “witty humor and tight writing” and “humor laced with engaging characters” so you should “grab a cocktail and enjoy the ride.” They also say “Warning: You will laugh out loud. I’m not kidding,” and “If you like Janet Evanovich, you will like Becky Clark.”
She writes the Dunne Diehl novels (with Ted Hardwick), the Mystery Writer's Mysteries, and the upcoming Crossword Puzzle Mysteries, as well as some low-calorie cookbooks, and a how-to book about writing a novel, "Eight Weeks to a Complete Novel: Write Faster, Write Better, Be More Organized."
Visit https://beckyclarkbooks.com/ for all kinds of fun. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to her "So Seldom It's Shameful" newsletter. http://beckyclarkbooks.com/subscribe
You'll hear about new releases, maybe win some prizes, find out about book promotions from her and others, read interviews from new-to-you authors, and more. (As you might have gleaned from the title, she won't inundate your inbox, either.)
Join Becky's private group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Becky... for even more shenanigans and at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/author/beckyclark).
If you enjoy her books, she’d swoon if you left a review. Yes, swoon.
Here's a 2014 Q&A interview of her from Pikes Peak Writers in case you haven't overdosed on All Things Becky ... http://pikespeakwriters.blogspot.com/...
Readers say her books are “fast and thoroughly entertaining” with “witty humor and tight writing” and “humor laced with engaging characters” so you should “grab a cocktail and enjoy the ride.” They also say “Warning: You will laugh out loud. I’m not kidding,” and “If you like Janet Evanovich, you will like Becky Clark.”
She writes the Dunne Diehl novels (with Ted Hardwick), the Mystery Writer's Mysteries, and the upcoming Crossword Puzzle Mysteries, as well as some low-calorie cookbooks, and a how-to book about writing a novel, "Eight Weeks to a Complete Novel: Write Faster, Write Better, Be More Organized."
Visit https://beckyclarkbooks.com/ for all kinds of fun. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to her "So Seldom It's Shameful" newsletter. http://beckyclarkbooks.com/subscribe
You'll hear about new releases, maybe win some prizes, find out about book promotions from her and others, read interviews from new-to-you authors, and more. (As you might have gleaned from the title, she won't inundate your inbox, either.)
Join Becky's private group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Becky... for even more shenanigans and at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/author/beckyclark).
If you enjoy her books, she’d swoon if you left a review. Yes, swoon.
Here's a 2014 Q&A interview of her from Pikes Peak Writers in case you haven't overdosed on All Things Becky ... http://pikespeakwriters.blogspot.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 17, 2021
Fatal Solutions by Becky Clark is the third book in the cozy Crossword Puzzle Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each book of the series will contain it’s own mystery that is solved within so it can be enjoyed as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. The character development that happens in each book however will carry over for those that continue to read the series.
The Crossword Puzzle Mystery series introduces readers to Quinn Carr who suffers from a mild case of OCD. Quinn’s original plans for her life didn’t quite work out so now she’s trying to get her life on the right track. Quinn has a day job working at the local diner for an eccentric boss and a side job of creating crosswords for the local paper.
Quinn has kept her job at the diner despite her having to search for two murderers so far since settling into the waitressing job. Now though Quinn has a new mystery she’d like to solve, one that she uncovered in her grandfather’s old desk. Quinn found a deed for a property that looks like it belongs to her mother but when she visited the grounds she ends up finding a old skull that ties back to the town’s police chief Myron Chestnut.
As someone who seeks out the overly humorous cozy mysteries with quirky characters the Crossword Puzzle Mystery series fit that bill perfectly for me. Quinn definitely fits the mold of a quirky character with a naive charm about her that I’ve grown fond of over the course of this series. I like that Quinn once wanted to become a police officer and is good friends with one to help her along the way. Each book has held plenty of laughs and a nice mystery so far so I’ll definitely come back for more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Crossword Puzzle Mystery series introduces readers to Quinn Carr who suffers from a mild case of OCD. Quinn’s original plans for her life didn’t quite work out so now she’s trying to get her life on the right track. Quinn has a day job working at the local diner for an eccentric boss and a side job of creating crosswords for the local paper.
Quinn has kept her job at the diner despite her having to search for two murderers so far since settling into the waitressing job. Now though Quinn has a new mystery she’d like to solve, one that she uncovered in her grandfather’s old desk. Quinn found a deed for a property that looks like it belongs to her mother but when she visited the grounds she ends up finding a old skull that ties back to the town’s police chief Myron Chestnut.
As someone who seeks out the overly humorous cozy mysteries with quirky characters the Crossword Puzzle Mystery series fit that bill perfectly for me. Quinn definitely fits the mold of a quirky character with a naive charm about her that I’ve grown fond of over the course of this series. I like that Quinn once wanted to become a police officer and is good friends with one to help her along the way. Each book has held plenty of laughs and a nice mystery so far so I’ll definitely come back for more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 11, 2022
Fatal Solutions Earns 5/5 Up and Down Words…Engaging & Compelling!
Becky Clark penned an engaging page-turner as third in her Crossword Puzzles Mystery series creatively incorporating a tragic episode in U.S. history, but it’s the distinctive characteristic of her heroine that, for me, was compelling, treated with sensitivity and insights, and adding a fascinating element. As well as secretly creating crossword puzzles for the local paper, something she’d done since high school, Quinn Carr is in therapy to help manage her obsessive compulsive disorder. She is frustrated by her “OCD monster,” but it does make her uniquely prepared for all sorts of puzzles from those she creates, uses, and shares to those who fall into her lap. When going through her grandfather’s old desk, Quinn comes across a land deed in her mother’s maiden name. Her mother’s out-of-character reaction and refusal to answer questions about the document sends Quinn on a difficult journey to research the deed that is connected to Camp Chestnut, a Japanese internment camp. There she finds a human skull, but local and state law enforcement agencies have little interest to investigate, so Quinn is “compelled” to put together the pieces thru the land’s history, inhabitants, and a Daruma doll. Marvelous reading experience following Quinn’s inner thoughts to control her “monster,” as well as her techniques of using color-coded charts, messages in her crosswords, and detailing organizational skills which in a small way I identified. The dynamic between Quinn and her family and friends was portrayed with healthy and endearing realism, yet struggles to completely understand Quinn’s difficulties. The relationship with the police chief was oddly good and bad. He, too, is an avid crossword puzzle fan and should have lots in common with Quinn but for some reason, yet to determine, he dislikes her, a conflict adding to the drama. Engaging use of crosswords. I am new to the series, highly recommending this third book “Fatal Solutions,” and for me, I’m off to read more. Wait! Recipes, too! Included are two of Quinn’s mother’s recipes: Weekend Funfetti Casserole and Pineapple Potpie.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Kensington/Lyrical thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Becky Clark penned an engaging page-turner as third in her Crossword Puzzles Mystery series creatively incorporating a tragic episode in U.S. history, but it’s the distinctive characteristic of her heroine that, for me, was compelling, treated with sensitivity and insights, and adding a fascinating element. As well as secretly creating crossword puzzles for the local paper, something she’d done since high school, Quinn Carr is in therapy to help manage her obsessive compulsive disorder. She is frustrated by her “OCD monster,” but it does make her uniquely prepared for all sorts of puzzles from those she creates, uses, and shares to those who fall into her lap. When going through her grandfather’s old desk, Quinn comes across a land deed in her mother’s maiden name. Her mother’s out-of-character reaction and refusal to answer questions about the document sends Quinn on a difficult journey to research the deed that is connected to Camp Chestnut, a Japanese internment camp. There she finds a human skull, but local and state law enforcement agencies have little interest to investigate, so Quinn is “compelled” to put together the pieces thru the land’s history, inhabitants, and a Daruma doll. Marvelous reading experience following Quinn’s inner thoughts to control her “monster,” as well as her techniques of using color-coded charts, messages in her crosswords, and detailing organizational skills which in a small way I identified. The dynamic between Quinn and her family and friends was portrayed with healthy and endearing realism, yet struggles to completely understand Quinn’s difficulties. The relationship with the police chief was oddly good and bad. He, too, is an avid crossword puzzle fan and should have lots in common with Quinn but for some reason, yet to determine, he dislikes her, a conflict adding to the drama. Engaging use of crosswords. I am new to the series, highly recommending this third book “Fatal Solutions,” and for me, I’m off to read more. Wait! Recipes, too! Included are two of Quinn’s mother’s recipes: Weekend Funfetti Casserole and Pineapple Potpie.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Kensington/Lyrical thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
June 6, 2022
Quinn stumbles over some old bones in a field by a Japanese internment camp. Turns out the bones are from someone who died in the 1970’s. Quinn’s battle with her OCD seems to be getting the better of her so the turns her focus on what appears to be a cold case. Can she solve to case without upsetting half the town?
Quinn is a unique protagonist. She is intelligent but struggles with her OCD. She is in a battle to stay in control and not let her OCD control her. She is an interesting character and I really enjoyed getting to know her better with each book. I really enjoyed the mystery being a cold case. There is just a short list of suspects but no shortage of plot twists. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
Quinn is a unique protagonist. She is intelligent but struggles with her OCD. She is in a battle to stay in control and not let her OCD control her. She is an interesting character and I really enjoyed getting to know her better with each book. I really enjoyed the mystery being a cold case. There is just a short list of suspects but no shortage of plot twists. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
November 15, 2021
Synopsis:
1 ACROSS: HUMAN REMAINS
Creating crossword puzzles for the Chestnut Station Chronicle won’t allow Quinn Carr to quit her diner waitress job any time soon. But it does provide an outlet for her organizational OCD, and also lets her leave subtle hints for police chief Myron Chestnut, an avid puzzler, when his investigations need some direction. Some mysteries, though, leave even Quinn stumped—like the property deed she finds in her grandfather’s old desk. The document lists Quinn’s mother as the owner of some land on the outskirts of Chestnut Station, but Georgeanne refuses to discuss it.
8 LETTERS, STARTS WITH “S”
Quinn visits the site, located near a World War II Japanese internment camp that’s since been turned into a museum. There she unearths a weathered Japanese doll…and a skeleton. Before she can uncover a killer, she has to identify the victim. Was it an inmate trying to escape? A guard? Or someone closer to home? As Quinn fills in the blanks, she finds an unexpected link between her family and Chief Chestnut’s—one that could spell more deadly trouble… (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Quinn is still getting treatment for her OCD. We got to know her therapist a little better and we found out more of Quinn’s treatment. She desperately wants to control her “monster” and lead a more normal life.
When Quinn starts to clean her grandfather’s desk, she finds a property deed that has her mother’s name on it. When she questions her mother about it, her mom refuses to talk about it and gets very upset. Quinn knows something is wrong and decides to figure it out. When she visits the land that she figures her mother’s deed is for, she finds a dead body that has been there a while. Now she really needs to find out what is going on with her mother and who the dead body is.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and it answered some questions about Quinn’s mother’s earlier life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It was good to be able to catch up on Quinn’s life.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
1 ACROSS: HUMAN REMAINS
Creating crossword puzzles for the Chestnut Station Chronicle won’t allow Quinn Carr to quit her diner waitress job any time soon. But it does provide an outlet for her organizational OCD, and also lets her leave subtle hints for police chief Myron Chestnut, an avid puzzler, when his investigations need some direction. Some mysteries, though, leave even Quinn stumped—like the property deed she finds in her grandfather’s old desk. The document lists Quinn’s mother as the owner of some land on the outskirts of Chestnut Station, but Georgeanne refuses to discuss it.
8 LETTERS, STARTS WITH “S”
Quinn visits the site, located near a World War II Japanese internment camp that’s since been turned into a museum. There she unearths a weathered Japanese doll…and a skeleton. Before she can uncover a killer, she has to identify the victim. Was it an inmate trying to escape? A guard? Or someone closer to home? As Quinn fills in the blanks, she finds an unexpected link between her family and Chief Chestnut’s—one that could spell more deadly trouble… (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Quinn is still getting treatment for her OCD. We got to know her therapist a little better and we found out more of Quinn’s treatment. She desperately wants to control her “monster” and lead a more normal life.
When Quinn starts to clean her grandfather’s desk, she finds a property deed that has her mother’s name on it. When she questions her mother about it, her mom refuses to talk about it and gets very upset. Quinn knows something is wrong and decides to figure it out. When she visits the land that she figures her mother’s deed is for, she finds a dead body that has been there a while. Now she really needs to find out what is going on with her mother and who the dead body is.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and it answered some questions about Quinn’s mother’s earlier life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It was good to be able to catch up on Quinn’s life.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
November 23, 2021
Becky Clark continues her Crossword Puzzle Mystery series with Fatal Solutions. I really enjoyed this 3rd instalment and I am interested enough to pick up book 4 when it becomes available.
After bombing out of the police academy in Denver Quinn Carr has arrived back home in Chestnut, Colorado and is currently living with her folks. As well as devising crossword puzzles for her local rag, she is employed as a waitress in a diner.
In this cold case, Quinn is sorting through her grandad's ancient oak rolltop desk when she comes across some papers relating to property owned by her mum, granted to her by police chief Myron Chestnut. Georgeanne won't discuss the matter with Quinn, so Quinn, along with her friend Loma visit the site the find a skeleton that has lain there for eons...
Quinn, although not faultless, keeps a sense of realism and humour as she is assisted by her police officer friend, Rico. Quinn is an OCD sufferer and I like the sensitive way the author portrays her. All in all, a great cozy mystery with some witty interludes and a fun bunch of characters. 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
After bombing out of the police academy in Denver Quinn Carr has arrived back home in Chestnut, Colorado and is currently living with her folks. As well as devising crossword puzzles for her local rag, she is employed as a waitress in a diner.
In this cold case, Quinn is sorting through her grandad's ancient oak rolltop desk when she comes across some papers relating to property owned by her mum, granted to her by police chief Myron Chestnut. Georgeanne won't discuss the matter with Quinn, so Quinn, along with her friend Loma visit the site the find a skeleton that has lain there for eons...
Quinn, although not faultless, keeps a sense of realism and humour as she is assisted by her police officer friend, Rico. Quinn is an OCD sufferer and I like the sensitive way the author portrays her. All in all, a great cozy mystery with some witty interludes and a fun bunch of characters. 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
November 11, 2021
The best books teach you something while entertaining you. I learned so much about internment camps and OCD that I didn't know and I am thankful for it. I knew about the larger, more infamous internment camps but am constantly learning about other, smaller ones that aren't really talked about. The mystery itself was a little different as it was a cold case (I'm still not sure how a body can be out in the elements for 30 years and no one found it) and had me guessing until the very end. Although this story started out slowly, the writing flowed well and kept my interest. I love the addition of the crossword puzzles within the book.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2021
This has a combination of crossword puzzles along with mysteries and a very interesting main character Quinn Carr. She is very thorough but does have a good sense of humor as well.
She gives gentle hints when she finds out what may have occurred and leaves those for the police chief. The good part is at times she does get stuck and has to figure it out as well.
I like this even though I am reading it out of sequence because it is different then several of the mysteries I have been reading.
She gives gentle hints when she finds out what may have occurred and leaves those for the police chief. The good part is at times she does get stuck and has to figure it out as well.
I like this even though I am reading it out of sequence because it is different then several of the mysteries I have been reading.
July 28, 2021
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of FATAL SOLUTIONS (Book 3 of the Crossword Puzzle Mysteries), by Becky Clark, in exchange for an honest review. When Quinn Carr, waitress at her brother’s diner and creator of crossword puzzles for the Chestnut Station Chronicle, help out her family by cleaning out her grandfather’s old desk, Quinn stumbles into a series of mysteries. First, why is there an old deed granting Quinn’s mother property from police chief Myron Chestnut? Second, why is her mother so cagey and angry about the deed? Third, why is there skeletal human remains on the property covered by the deed? Fourth, who was the person whose skeleton was found? Fifth, how does the nearby World War II Japanese internment camp factor into the murder? Sixth, who killed the victim? Seventh, why? Quinn will struggle to manage her OCD, her jobs, and her investigation all at the same time.
I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, cold cases, WWII history, crossword puzzles, and coping with mental disorders.
#FatalSolutions #NetGalle
I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, cold cases, WWII history, crossword puzzles, and coping with mental disorders.
#FatalSolutions #NetGalle
November 9, 2021
Quinn and her friend, Loma, come across an old skull at a piece of property that Quinn thinks is owned by her mother. The property is near a Japanese’s Internment Camp that is now a museum. Once she learns who the victim was, she starts investigating, as it’s possible her grandfather could be involved. This is Fatal Solutions (Crossword Puzzle Mystery #3) by Becky Clark.
Let me start by saying, this is the best book in the series thus far. All of the fantastic characters are back and the chemistry between them all gets better and better. The plot was partly based on a historical Japanese Internment Camp in Colorado, loaded with sarcastic pearls of Ms. Clark’s sense of humor, and quite clever. The story also covered more of Quinn’s OCD issues and her therapy. The author writes about the issue so well, you find yourself rooting for Quinn to conquer it. I totally loved that the author named drop the protagonist from her other mystery series, Mystery Writer’s Mysteries. As always, the crossword puzzles that Quinn does for the local paper are included in the book as are a couple of Quinn’s mother’s bizarre recipes.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
Let me start by saying, this is the best book in the series thus far. All of the fantastic characters are back and the chemistry between them all gets better and better. The plot was partly based on a historical Japanese Internment Camp in Colorado, loaded with sarcastic pearls of Ms. Clark’s sense of humor, and quite clever. The story also covered more of Quinn’s OCD issues and her therapy. The author writes about the issue so well, you find yourself rooting for Quinn to conquer it. I totally loved that the author named drop the protagonist from her other mystery series, Mystery Writer’s Mysteries. As always, the crossword puzzles that Quinn does for the local paper are included in the book as are a couple of Quinn’s mother’s bizarre recipes.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
November 1, 2021
The third installment of the Crossword Puzzle Mystery series follows Quinn Carr as she stumbles across another mystery, just begging for her to solve. After moving back in with her parents following completion of her degree, Quinn's life is not going in the direction she wants it to. Struggling to cope with her OCD while working at the local diner in small town Chesnut Station, Quinn jumps at the opportunity for a distraction. When she and her best friend Loma discover human bones in a field near a World War II Japanese internment camp-turned museum, Quinn has more questions than answers. Who did the bones belong to? Someone from the internment camp? Was it murder or an accident? Quinn follows the meager trail of clues as best as she can, only to find out that things might be more personal than she expected. Would solving the mystery bring more trouble than it's worth?
I really enjoyed this book! I have to admit, I didn't realize this was part of a series when I picked it up. However, this didn't detract from the story at all. I found it easy to follow along with the story and easily caught on to the character relationships.
I enjoyed the cozy setting in a small town with much of the story taking place in the local diner. Quinn was an easy character to follow with a very logical way of approaching the mystery. It was refreshing to see some good OCD representation in this book! I often read books that include some aspect of mental health, but rarely do I see anything related to OCD. I thought it was really well done, with the effects that OCD can have on a person's daily life clearly portrayed. Being someone who doesn't suffer from this condition, I can't say how accurate it is, but I really liked the perspective of attending therapy that was shown. There were some really good pieces of information shared in the conversations with the psychologist that are good to remember, even for people who don't have OCD.
The mystery in this book was interesting, although it definitely fits more into the 'cozy' category than the 'suspense' one. While I was intrigued about how things happened, I didn't feel like it was a big page turner. Regardless, the writing style is easy to read in large chunks and I finished this in only a few sittings. After reading the third book out of order, I think maybe I'll pick up the other two the next time I'm in the mood for a lazy afternoon with a simple mystery!
I really enjoyed this book! I have to admit, I didn't realize this was part of a series when I picked it up. However, this didn't detract from the story at all. I found it easy to follow along with the story and easily caught on to the character relationships.
I enjoyed the cozy setting in a small town with much of the story taking place in the local diner. Quinn was an easy character to follow with a very logical way of approaching the mystery. It was refreshing to see some good OCD representation in this book! I often read books that include some aspect of mental health, but rarely do I see anything related to OCD. I thought it was really well done, with the effects that OCD can have on a person's daily life clearly portrayed. Being someone who doesn't suffer from this condition, I can't say how accurate it is, but I really liked the perspective of attending therapy that was shown. There were some really good pieces of information shared in the conversations with the psychologist that are good to remember, even for people who don't have OCD.
The mystery in this book was interesting, although it definitely fits more into the 'cozy' category than the 'suspense' one. While I was intrigued about how things happened, I didn't feel like it was a big page turner. Regardless, the writing style is easy to read in large chunks and I finished this in only a few sittings. After reading the third book out of order, I think maybe I'll pick up the other two the next time I'm in the mood for a lazy afternoon with a simple mystery!
August 23, 2021
While she is trying hard to deal with her OCD, it is a struggle for diner waitress Quinn Carr. Creating crosswords for the local newspaper helps, as does solving the occasional mystery (she sometimes leaves clues for Police Chief Myron Chestnut in the puzzles). While cleaning out her grandfather’s desk, she stumbles across a mystery that she is not sure she will be able to solve – she finds a deed listing her mother as owner of land that Quinn knows nothing about and her mother refuses to discuss it. Quinn, being Quinn, can’t leave it alone so she does some investigating, including visiting the site listed on the deed which is near a World War II Japanese internment camp that’s since been turned into a museum. She gets much more than she bargained for however when she stumbles across a skeleton. Quinn is determined to find out what happened but the more she digs the more she uncovers startling information about not only her family but also Chief Chestnut. Will her digging end up revealing things that Quinn can’t handle?
“Fatal Solutions” is the extremely well done third book in Becky Clark’s Crossword Puzzle Mystery series. Quinn is one of the most complex characters I have come across in a cozy mystery and, while she can be a bit hard to take at times, she has grown as a character during the course of the series and I find myself sympathizing more and more with her as the series goes on. Her struggles with OCD and depression are very well and realistically done by Clark and are never done to poke fun at Quinn – her sessions with her counselor Mary-Louise Lovely are some of the best scenes in the book. Also well done is her relationship with her parents and her friends – Rico, Jake, and Loma and even her relationship with Police Chief Chestnut. Quinn struggles with some of those relationships in this book, which again helps, deepen her character. The information regarding the World War II Japanese internment camp was sad yet fascinating and left me wanting to do more research on this - a subject that I know woefully little about. The mystery itself was very interesting – this is not a current day murder but a murder in the past that Quinn investigates and the truth, when revealed, is heartbreaking. The ending of the book is not one that I will soon forget.
“Fatal Solutions” is a very well done mystery.
“Fatal Solutions” is the extremely well done third book in Becky Clark’s Crossword Puzzle Mystery series. Quinn is one of the most complex characters I have come across in a cozy mystery and, while she can be a bit hard to take at times, she has grown as a character during the course of the series and I find myself sympathizing more and more with her as the series goes on. Her struggles with OCD and depression are very well and realistically done by Clark and are never done to poke fun at Quinn – her sessions with her counselor Mary-Louise Lovely are some of the best scenes in the book. Also well done is her relationship with her parents and her friends – Rico, Jake, and Loma and even her relationship with Police Chief Chestnut. Quinn struggles with some of those relationships in this book, which again helps, deepen her character. The information regarding the World War II Japanese internment camp was sad yet fascinating and left me wanting to do more research on this - a subject that I know woefully little about. The mystery itself was very interesting – this is not a current day murder but a murder in the past that Quinn investigates and the truth, when revealed, is heartbreaking. The ending of the book is not one that I will soon forget.
“Fatal Solutions” is a very well done mystery.
August 19, 2021
Can OCD sufferer and secret crossword whizz Quinn Carr solve a cold murder case after finding a long dead body? She had better hope so because if not a death could go unpunished or worse the local police could discover how her own family might have been involved.
It's been a little tense in the normally loving and busy Carr household in Chestnut Station because Quinn's grandpa, Bernard, has had to move into a local assisted living facility. This means one of his prized possessions, a desk with 31 drawers, is now in the Georgeanne and Dan's family home with Quinn offering to return it to its former glory.
With her OCD fighting against her every move, Quinn is trying to limit her obsession with the desk and clean it gradually. So, when she finds papers linking her mom to the founding family of Chestnut Station, and specifically the local sheriff, she changes her focus onto the tract of land instead. When Georgeanne refuses to discuss it Quinn and her bestie, Loma go on a short trip out of town and find more than they bargained for.
This is the third book in the series and the best so far with more detailed insights into Quinn's OCD, her therapy, and how she's trying to understand and live with it alongside a fascinating murder mystery. The strains of small town living, the problems associated with growing older, and the shameful internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War are also woven into this brilliant storyline.
Everything is complimented by looking under the microscope at family secrets, the problems they cause, and how to start understanding our place in our own space, resulting in this excellent story packing a well camouflaged punch. A slightly different focus this time means a much more personal story for Quinn with a compassionate look at mental illness and the power of secrets all of which I absolutely loved.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is cosy crime at its best with an historical storyline giving it more depth, many things to contemplate afterwards and even two crossword puzzles to complete. Highly recommended.
It's been a little tense in the normally loving and busy Carr household in Chestnut Station because Quinn's grandpa, Bernard, has had to move into a local assisted living facility. This means one of his prized possessions, a desk with 31 drawers, is now in the Georgeanne and Dan's family home with Quinn offering to return it to its former glory.
With her OCD fighting against her every move, Quinn is trying to limit her obsession with the desk and clean it gradually. So, when she finds papers linking her mom to the founding family of Chestnut Station, and specifically the local sheriff, she changes her focus onto the tract of land instead. When Georgeanne refuses to discuss it Quinn and her bestie, Loma go on a short trip out of town and find more than they bargained for.
This is the third book in the series and the best so far with more detailed insights into Quinn's OCD, her therapy, and how she's trying to understand and live with it alongside a fascinating murder mystery. The strains of small town living, the problems associated with growing older, and the shameful internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War are also woven into this brilliant storyline.
Everything is complimented by looking under the microscope at family secrets, the problems they cause, and how to start understanding our place in our own space, resulting in this excellent story packing a well camouflaged punch. A slightly different focus this time means a much more personal story for Quinn with a compassionate look at mental illness and the power of secrets all of which I absolutely loved.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is cosy crime at its best with an historical storyline giving it more depth, many things to contemplate afterwards and even two crossword puzzles to complete. Highly recommended.
July 12, 2022
Fatal Solutions is the third book in Becky Clark’s Crossword Puzzle mystery series, and this book is as quirky and fun as its predecessors. In addition to an intriguing cold case mystery, this installment also incorporates a challenging bit of U.S. history.
Waitress Quinn Carr is balancing her work at the diner and her secret job making crossword puzzles for the local paper. On the home front, her grandfather has moved into an assisted living facility, and she is helping to organize his stuff. Clearing out his desk, she discovers a quitclaim deed from the current police chief, Myron Chestnut, granting specific property to her mom. Quinn asks her mom about it, but is shut down, so she decides to go look up the property itself. She gets more than she bargained for when she discovers bones on the property, which is adjacent to a former Japanese internment camp. Intrigued, Quinn goes on to discover that the surrounding property is owned by the Chestnut family, and that the patriarch disappeared mysteriously some years before. Before she knows it, Quinn is hot on the trail of a cold case killer.
Quinn’s OCD takes center stage in a charming and authentic manner. From her interactions with her therapist, Mary Louise Lovely, to her ever-present desire to organize her mom’s spice rack alphabetically, Quinn’s OCD is a natural part of her life. Her quirkiness is endearing, and she uses her OCD to great advantage when solving mysteries. Here, the mystery is fresh and appealing – who doesn’t love a good cold case mystery. And the inclusion of the Japanese internment camp and its related history is handled in a respectful and thought-provoking manner. The surrounding cast of regulars is also present, with Jake, Rico, Loma, the Retireds (a group of retired gentlemen who meet routinely at the diner), and even Jethro and Virginia Woof putting in an appearance.
The more of this series I read, the more I like it. With its captivating characters and its clever mystery, Fatal Solutions adds up to a very enjoyable read!
Note: I received an ARC of Fatal Solutions from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
Waitress Quinn Carr is balancing her work at the diner and her secret job making crossword puzzles for the local paper. On the home front, her grandfather has moved into an assisted living facility, and she is helping to organize his stuff. Clearing out his desk, she discovers a quitclaim deed from the current police chief, Myron Chestnut, granting specific property to her mom. Quinn asks her mom about it, but is shut down, so she decides to go look up the property itself. She gets more than she bargained for when she discovers bones on the property, which is adjacent to a former Japanese internment camp. Intrigued, Quinn goes on to discover that the surrounding property is owned by the Chestnut family, and that the patriarch disappeared mysteriously some years before. Before she knows it, Quinn is hot on the trail of a cold case killer.
Quinn’s OCD takes center stage in a charming and authentic manner. From her interactions with her therapist, Mary Louise Lovely, to her ever-present desire to organize her mom’s spice rack alphabetically, Quinn’s OCD is a natural part of her life. Her quirkiness is endearing, and she uses her OCD to great advantage when solving mysteries. Here, the mystery is fresh and appealing – who doesn’t love a good cold case mystery. And the inclusion of the Japanese internment camp and its related history is handled in a respectful and thought-provoking manner. The surrounding cast of regulars is also present, with Jake, Rico, Loma, the Retireds (a group of retired gentlemen who meet routinely at the diner), and even Jethro and Virginia Woof putting in an appearance.
The more of this series I read, the more I like it. With its captivating characters and its clever mystery, Fatal Solutions adds up to a very enjoyable read!
Note: I received an ARC of Fatal Solutions from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
November 9, 2021
Quinn Carr is back in this third Crossword Puzzle Mystery outing!
This series is always a pleasure for me to read – I love the small town setting of the fictional Chestnut Station, Colorado. The usual characters are all back, with a fair amount of time spent at the diner with the Retireds – some of my favorite chapters! An important setting in this book is the Japanese interment camp. Ms. Clark creates a fictional camp, but based on real history that happened in Colorado. Quinn finds a Japanese Daruma doll, and as she researches the doll we get a glimpse into the camps and their sad history. (Sadly, this was not a topic ever taught in my Colorado history class growing up, and I only learned about it as an adult. Ms. Clark gives the reader a good introduction and starting point to want to explore more about this chapter in our history.)
Fatal Solutions finds Quinn growing in many ways – learning to accept and find ways to manage her OCD, finding her place working at the diner among the Retireds (love the fun banter with these old timers!), and digging into her family history. The cold case she stumbles upon is personal to Quinn – was the skeleton she found an unfortunate accident, or was it murder? And if it was murder could her grandfather have been involved? Without any spoilers, I really liked the way this mystery wrapped up in the end.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters and humor throughout, give the Crossword Puzzle Mysteries a try. I’ve enjoyed this series, and Fatal Solutions is the best one yet! And don’t worry if you are new to the series, you can jump right in with this latest outing.
This series is always a pleasure for me to read – I love the small town setting of the fictional Chestnut Station, Colorado. The usual characters are all back, with a fair amount of time spent at the diner with the Retireds – some of my favorite chapters! An important setting in this book is the Japanese interment camp. Ms. Clark creates a fictional camp, but based on real history that happened in Colorado. Quinn finds a Japanese Daruma doll, and as she researches the doll we get a glimpse into the camps and their sad history. (Sadly, this was not a topic ever taught in my Colorado history class growing up, and I only learned about it as an adult. Ms. Clark gives the reader a good introduction and starting point to want to explore more about this chapter in our history.)
Fatal Solutions finds Quinn growing in many ways – learning to accept and find ways to manage her OCD, finding her place working at the diner among the Retireds (love the fun banter with these old timers!), and digging into her family history. The cold case she stumbles upon is personal to Quinn – was the skeleton she found an unfortunate accident, or was it murder? And if it was murder could her grandfather have been involved? Without any spoilers, I really liked the way this mystery wrapped up in the end.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters and humor throughout, give the Crossword Puzzle Mysteries a try. I’ve enjoyed this series, and Fatal Solutions is the best one yet! And don’t worry if you are new to the series, you can jump right in with this latest outing.
September 21, 2021
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Quinn and her best friend Loma find an old skull on a piece of property that Quinn was checking out. The property is by a WWII Japanese Internment Camp in Colorado turned museum.
The author has created a fully developed and very unique character. Who did the skull belong to? And what of the Daruma doll found nearby?
I get a kick out of the imaginative, quirky characters Ms Clark has crafted—so real, including her mother with the outrageous food recipes and the old boys at the diner where Quinn waits tables.
Quinn struggles with several problems. First, she has OCD. Not just the kind where you straighten objects, or check something twice. I’m talking real, classic, debilitating OCD and she creates crossword puzzles for the local paper on the QT. Once she’s working a puzzle, such as the bones on the property her mother is denying as well as the Daruma doll, she is beyond compelled to answer the questions. The sessions with her therapist are always fun as well.
There is a strongly connected sense between she and the support characters. They know one another, like, appreciate, and enjoy each other. I enjoy the author’s wacky sense of humor and turn of phrase.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley and these are my honest thoughts. The third in the series, each one better than the last.
Quinn and her best friend Loma find an old skull on a piece of property that Quinn was checking out. The property is by a WWII Japanese Internment Camp in Colorado turned museum.
The author has created a fully developed and very unique character. Who did the skull belong to? And what of the Daruma doll found nearby?
I get a kick out of the imaginative, quirky characters Ms Clark has crafted—so real, including her mother with the outrageous food recipes and the old boys at the diner where Quinn waits tables.
Quinn struggles with several problems. First, she has OCD. Not just the kind where you straighten objects, or check something twice. I’m talking real, classic, debilitating OCD and she creates crossword puzzles for the local paper on the QT. Once she’s working a puzzle, such as the bones on the property her mother is denying as well as the Daruma doll, she is beyond compelled to answer the questions. The sessions with her therapist are always fun as well.
There is a strongly connected sense between she and the support characters. They know one another, like, appreciate, and enjoy each other. I enjoy the author’s wacky sense of humor and turn of phrase.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley and these are my honest thoughts. The third in the series, each one better than the last.
November 16, 2021
Quinn is still wrestling with her OCD and working with a therapist. One thing that helps her focus is creating crossword puzzles for the local newspaper, The Chestnut Station Chronicle. She hopes to one day earn a living with them but, until then, she lives at home and waits tables at the local diner. On the side she gets involved in the occasional homicide. She's good at that, too.
While cleaning out her grandfather's desk she comes across an old land deed but, to her surprise, the name on the deed is that of her mother. When questioned about it, her mother becomes upset and refuses to speak of it. Quinn decides to look into it herself and traces it to land near a former WWII Japanese internment camp and the nearby museum. What she didn't expect? To find a decades old doll and an equally old body. Who is the question to answer and that leads to uncomfortable interactions that involve her family and the town.
This is the third in the series and works fine as a stand alone. With a well crafted mystery and a writing style that flows smoothly added to a main character who is so very human and likable, this is a cozy series I have enjoyed from the first book. I hope there will many more.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in echange for my honest review.
While cleaning out her grandfather's desk she comes across an old land deed but, to her surprise, the name on the deed is that of her mother. When questioned about it, her mother becomes upset and refuses to speak of it. Quinn decides to look into it herself and traces it to land near a former WWII Japanese internment camp and the nearby museum. What she didn't expect? To find a decades old doll and an equally old body. Who is the question to answer and that leads to uncomfortable interactions that involve her family and the town.
This is the third in the series and works fine as a stand alone. With a well crafted mystery and a writing style that flows smoothly added to a main character who is so very human and likable, this is a cozy series I have enjoyed from the first book. I hope there will many more.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in echange for my honest review.
November 16, 2021
Quinn Carr finds herself in hot water with her mother after finding a deed to land in her mother's name while going through her grandfather's desk. Her mother's reaction is very unexpected and although she is told to let it go, Quinn can't do that.
Quinn sets out with Loma to investigate and find themselves not far from a WWII Japanese internment camp. After snapping pictures, Quinn finds something unexpected, human remains. She continues to search and finds other objects.
Are the remains an escapee from the internment camp? Why is her mother so upset over a piece of paper? What is the wooden ball?
I enjoyed this story that touches on the history regarding the treatment of Japanese-Americans. There's a link at the end of the book that allows you to read more about the internment camps. I found this book to be different and unique, I liked that Quinn came up with crossword puzzles to give a nudge to the police chief in the direction he needed to go. Quinn's insatiable curiosity gets her into hot water that calls for making amends, and in the beginning, I didn't think much of Chief Chestnut but he redeems himself.
I received an arc through a giveaway, and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Quinn sets out with Loma to investigate and find themselves not far from a WWII Japanese internment camp. After snapping pictures, Quinn finds something unexpected, human remains. She continues to search and finds other objects.
Are the remains an escapee from the internment camp? Why is her mother so upset over a piece of paper? What is the wooden ball?
I enjoyed this story that touches on the history regarding the treatment of Japanese-Americans. There's a link at the end of the book that allows you to read more about the internment camps. I found this book to be different and unique, I liked that Quinn came up with crossword puzzles to give a nudge to the police chief in the direction he needed to go. Quinn's insatiable curiosity gets her into hot water that calls for making amends, and in the beginning, I didn't think much of Chief Chestnut but he redeems himself.
I received an arc through a giveaway, and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
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October 7, 2021GREAT STORY!!!!!
Quinn Carr finds a deed to a piece of property in her mom’s name in a desk that belonged to Quinn’s grandfather. Her mom refuses to discuss it. Quinn decides to try to find the land herself, and discovers that it in on the site of a former Japanese internment camp from WWII, now the site of a museum dedicated to teaching just what happened there all those years ago. While exploring the site, she finds an old Japanese wooden doll and a human skeleton. Who was the person? Is the doll linked to that person? Does any of this have to do with the property that is supposed to belong to her mom?
There are lots of twists in the story, that make this a first class page turner.
Quinn also suffers from severe OCD. With each book, we see how she is learning to deal with her condition, and that, at times it can even help her to focus and help her to find answers to questions and help uncover the truth.
I can’t wait to find out what Quinn’s next adventure will be.
Quinn Carr finds a deed to a piece of property in her mom’s name in a desk that belonged to Quinn’s grandfather. Her mom refuses to discuss it. Quinn decides to try to find the land herself, and discovers that it in on the site of a former Japanese internment camp from WWII, now the site of a museum dedicated to teaching just what happened there all those years ago. While exploring the site, she finds an old Japanese wooden doll and a human skeleton. Who was the person? Is the doll linked to that person? Does any of this have to do with the property that is supposed to belong to her mom?
There are lots of twists in the story, that make this a first class page turner.
Quinn also suffers from severe OCD. With each book, we see how she is learning to deal with her condition, and that, at times it can even help her to focus and help her to find answers to questions and help uncover the truth.
I can’t wait to find out what Quinn’s next adventure will be.
November 11, 2021
This was a little different from the other two books in the series since it dealt with finding bones from a death in the 70s. Poor Quinn seemed to be able to get herself into a mess even if she wasn't trying. I just love the banter she always enjoyed with the group of older men who hung out in the diner and call themselves the Retireds. They loved teasing her mercilessly but all in good fun.
Oh and that crazy Loma! Although at one point, she did something just typically a Loma thing that really upset Quinn and actually for a good reason, but good friends never stayed mad too long. Quinn always did the right thing when she felt like she'd wronged someone too. She did find out the answer to the long-ago death which was a little surprising but not under the circumstances.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Oh and that crazy Loma! Although at one point, she did something just typically a Loma thing that really upset Quinn and actually for a good reason, but good friends never stayed mad too long. Quinn always did the right thing when she felt like she'd wronged someone too. She did find out the answer to the long-ago death which was a little surprising but not under the circumstances.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
November 14, 2021
Another enjoyable edition in this series featuring a diner waitress with OCD, who can't seem to catch a break, however, she does seem to catch mysteries and murder dilemmas. An old skull is discovered near a museum which was formerly a Japanese internment camp, however, the bigger questions are why is it here, how did it get here, and why is it on property she thinks is owned by her mother?
Never a spoiler in my reviews, here's what you need to know: As usual, the characters are loveable, spunky, and engaging. A small town and a diner are the main settings for this well-written, easy-to-read story. Although it is the third in the series, you totally don't have to read the books before this to easily fall into the storyline, but you will want to go back to read the others after you've read this.
This is a fun series that also at the same time addresses real and serious issues but in a tasteful and entertaining way. Pick this one up, you'll be glad you did.
Never a spoiler in my reviews, here's what you need to know: As usual, the characters are loveable, spunky, and engaging. A small town and a diner are the main settings for this well-written, easy-to-read story. Although it is the third in the series, you totally don't have to read the books before this to easily fall into the storyline, but you will want to go back to read the others after you've read this.
This is a fun series that also at the same time addresses real and serious issues but in a tasteful and entertaining way. Pick this one up, you'll be glad you did.
November 10, 2021
An engrossing read from the mind and pen of Becky Clark. She writes with such empathy of the two major themes that confront Quinn in this story: that of her OCD which she is constantly battling but is learning of some techniques to assist her from her therapist and her discovery of the remains of an eight-letter word starting with S. If you guessed Skelton, that is correct. This discovery takes place next to the land of a former WWII Japanese internment camp. With this discovery and information found in her grandfather’s desk, Quinn is determined to find the murderer of the police chief’s father. Included are some recipes from Quinn’s mother and two crossword puzzles worthy of Will Shortz. Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and the author for providing an ARC of this book; this is my honest review.
September 13, 2021
I think that Colorado made a big mistake by not letting Quinn enter the police Academy. She is perfectly suited to Crime Scene Investigation and follow-up! Instead we get to enjoy her activities in the small town while she works in the diner and does more than due diligence to solve a cold case she literally stumbles on while also delving into the injustices and more of an internment camp for Japanese-Americans just a few miles from her home town. I have not read the first books in series, but didn't feel left behind. But don't think that this is all serious, because the characters truly are and there are missteps all along the twisty way (red herrings and all). I was riveted!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 9, 2021
I am growing more and more fond of these books.
The characters are growing on me more with each book. I love it when Quinn and Loma get together.
The dialogue is witty.
The pace seemed to drag for me a bit on this book, I’m not sure why.
The clues and red herrings where well placed. U did guess this bad guy, but it was just a wild guess, not because it was given away.
Still don’t have a real handle on the town as far as setting description goes, but that’s just my opinion , being very picky.
And speaking of picky, the focus on OCD is real. The world as we know it, it is not. I am constantly hearing about people and their “ocd” issues, and I am starting to kindly teach them that it is rude to say you are ocd when you are just picky. Thanks.
The characters are growing on me more with each book. I love it when Quinn and Loma get together.
The dialogue is witty.
The pace seemed to drag for me a bit on this book, I’m not sure why.
The clues and red herrings where well placed. U did guess this bad guy, but it was just a wild guess, not because it was given away.
Still don’t have a real handle on the town as far as setting description goes, but that’s just my opinion , being very picky.
And speaking of picky, the focus on OCD is real. The world as we know it, it is not. I am constantly hearing about people and their “ocd” issues, and I am starting to kindly teach them that it is rude to say you are ocd when you are just picky. Thanks.
November 10, 2021
Fatal Solutions is the 3rd book in Becky Clark’s Crossword Puzzle Mystery series, but can be read as a standalone. Ms. Clark has crafted a cleverly craft mystery, in an idyllic setting, with plenty of humor. The characters are well developed and I found myself rooting for Quinn to get past her OCD issues. I’m fascinated by the fact that Quinn creates crossword puzzles. I love to work them, but I’d never be able to create one. Readers will find the information about Japanese internment camps interesting and very sad. I enjoyed this book so much that I’m going to go back and read the first two in the series. I highly recommend this book to any cozy reader.
I received an advance digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2021
I was so excited to read and review this book. For me this is the best of the series so far. Quinn is a delightful protagonist. I particularly enjoy her because she's so imperfectly perfect. Her OCD and her therapy are seamlessly integrated in the story. The rest of the characters are developing nicely and really what can you say about the Retireds and her mother's bizarre recipes. I love that Quinn creates crossword puzzles and sprinkles them with clues for Police Chief Chestnut. If you enjoy smart cozies that are witty with a great storyline this book is for you. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
August 22, 2021
This is a great addition to the. Ross word Puzzle Mystery series. Being both a puzzle lover and a mystery lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An added bonus is the inclusion of crossword puzzles for the reader to solve. The writing is clear and gives the reader a look at mental illness, The effects of small town living, family secrets, aging, and some history, as well, are all part of this well written story. Well worth the time to read, I recommend Fatal Solutions. I received a copy of this book through Net Galley. I write this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2021
Quinn Carr is a crossword puzzle genius, but with people, not so much. When she stumbles across a deed while cleaning an old desk, she goes into the Colorado desert to search for clues, despite her mother clearly telling her to 'let it go!' (or perhaps, because of it?!) Quinn, as usual, is dogged in her investigation, even though everyone around her is begging her to let it go. The scenes set at the Japanese internment camp are haunting and well explained. I love Quinn's character and Ms. Clark does such a great job of explaining how debilitating real OCD can be.
November 10, 2021
This book is the 3rd in this series and it takes a different turn. A Japanese internment camp is close to the setting of an old skeleton. The background of the internment camp is addressed and is loosely involved in the murder search. I found this part very interesting but it didn’t weigh the story down.
Quinn is still fighting her OCD and working as a waitress in the restaurant. She is cleaning out her grandfather’s desk and discovers paperwork which sets off the story in this mystery. This series has wonderful characters, I like the crossword tie-in and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Quinn is still fighting her OCD and working as a waitress in the restaurant. She is cleaning out her grandfather’s desk and discovers paperwork which sets off the story in this mystery. This series has wonderful characters, I like the crossword tie-in and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
September 1, 2021
Fatal Solutions has everything I want in a cozy mystery! Quirky, endearing characters, like Quinn Carr. She is coping with OCD and depression. She has supportive friends and family and an abundance of perseverance. She is very down to earth and easy to like. She’s the kind of friend we should all have. It all takes place in a charming little town where everyone seems to know everyone else. This is the third book in the Crossword Puzzle Mystery Series, and I can’t wait for the fourth!
September 2, 2021
Part of a series, but also stands alone. Very cute and satisfying cozy read which readers who do crossword puzzles will have fun with. The main character has OCD that she is trying to manage and that adds a very human element. I also enjoyed the setting and the way the author easily included some important history about the Japanese internment camps. The book was good enough for me to want to read more in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
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