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Sedona Spirit #3
The Fiancé is Finished
When a man is found dead in a hotel room and Darla, Bernie's friend, becomes one of the main suspects, Bernie takes it upon herself to find the true killer in order to save her friend from prison.
Book 3 in the Sedona Spirit Cozy Mystery series
Book 3 in the Sedona Spirit Cozy Mystery series
- GenresCozy Mystery
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2021
24 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Carly Winter
56 books230 followersUSA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 22, 2022
Title: The Fiancé if Finished ( Sedona Spirit #3)
Author: Carly Winter
Synopsis: When a man is found dead in a hotel room and Darla, Bernie's friend, becomes one of the main suspects, Bernie takes it upon herself to find the true killer in order to save her friend from prison.
Review: I loved reading all about Ruby’s adventures if you will and in this book! She is very funny and j think brings the story so much laughter! I think it’s also a good balance with Bernadette who is more serious and less funny but charming all the same! There were more suspects in this book and I did not guess the killer but it was a big surprise when it was unveiled! This can be read as a standalone or you can read it in order of the series.
Author: Carly Winter
Synopsis: When a man is found dead in a hotel room and Darla, Bernie's friend, becomes one of the main suspects, Bernie takes it upon herself to find the true killer in order to save her friend from prison.
Review: I loved reading all about Ruby’s adventures if you will and in this book! She is very funny and j think brings the story so much laughter! I think it’s also a good balance with Bernadette who is more serious and less funny but charming all the same! There were more suspects in this book and I did not guess the killer but it was a big surprise when it was unveiled! This can be read as a standalone or you can read it in order of the series.
August 22, 2021
This is the third book in the Sedona series. I finished all 3, and although the plotlines were solid, and they were all well written, there was always something nagging me in the back of my mind. After the third book, I think I figured it out.
Bernie is not a rule breaker. She has anxiety. Ok, that is her character flaw, understandable. No one is perfect. Sometimes she is at odds with her dead grandma Ruby, because Ruby is the direct opposite of Bernie. When Ruby was alive, she embraced life, perhaps to the extreme, and had no filters, whereas Bernie probably has a few too many. This is illustrated many times throughout all three books.
However, I think what bothers me is Bernie is not consistent. Sometimes there is an exaggerated hyperfocus on things that will lead to her downfall. Perhaps that is her tragic flaw, I don't know, but it's unsettling, when her rationale for the extremes from her basic values is weak. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I think there could have been a better "fleshing out" of her character, and opportunities throughout these three books to make her grow. And instead, she goes against everything ingrained in her for a rather weak reason in this book - one that had a myriad of other possible solutions.
The other thing is her relationship with Adam. It really isn't clearly stated, or even implied until the climax of the 3rd book, and my reaction was "really?" (again with no spoilers) I realize it's a "cozy" mystery, and as such is not explicit, but an explanation through perhaps the thoughts of Bernie, or a conversation between her and Ruby would go further to clarify.
Bernie is not a rule breaker. She has anxiety. Ok, that is her character flaw, understandable. No one is perfect. Sometimes she is at odds with her dead grandma Ruby, because Ruby is the direct opposite of Bernie. When Ruby was alive, she embraced life, perhaps to the extreme, and had no filters, whereas Bernie probably has a few too many. This is illustrated many times throughout all three books.
However, I think what bothers me is Bernie is not consistent. Sometimes there is an exaggerated hyperfocus on things that will lead to her downfall. Perhaps that is her tragic flaw, I don't know, but it's unsettling, when her rationale for the extremes from her basic values is weak. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I think there could have been a better "fleshing out" of her character, and opportunities throughout these three books to make her grow. And instead, she goes against everything ingrained in her for a rather weak reason in this book - one that had a myriad of other possible solutions.
The other thing is her relationship with Adam. It really isn't clearly stated, or even implied until the climax of the 3rd book, and my reaction was "really?" (again with no spoilers) I realize it's a "cozy" mystery, and as such is not explicit, but an explanation through perhaps the thoughts of Bernie, or a conversation between her and Ruby would go further to clarify.
August 14, 2021
A Very Exciting Fun Adventurous Paranormal Cozy Mystery!!!
Bernadette 'Bernie' Maxwell is the owner of Sedona Bed and Breakfast. Amy's fiancé, Colin, was cheating on her; Colin came after Amy to try to win her back then he is found dead in a hotel room. Bernie’s friend, Darla, becomes one of the main suspects and she begs Bernie to help find the killer to clear her. Bernie & Ruby need to search for clues to bring the killer to justice even though it means that her relation with Deputy Adam Gallagher will be put on the line.
This is a very exciting fun adventurous paranormal cozy mystery that is hard to put down full of humor, mystery, action, a fast-paced mystery that flows well with lots of twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out who is the murderer. I really enjoy this book and I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bernadette 'Bernie' Maxwell is the owner of Sedona Bed and Breakfast. Amy's fiancé, Colin, was cheating on her; Colin came after Amy to try to win her back then he is found dead in a hotel room. Bernie’s friend, Darla, becomes one of the main suspects and she begs Bernie to help find the killer to clear her. Bernie & Ruby need to search for clues to bring the killer to justice even though it means that her relation with Deputy Adam Gallagher will be put on the line.
This is a very exciting fun adventurous paranormal cozy mystery that is hard to put down full of humor, mystery, action, a fast-paced mystery that flows well with lots of twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out who is the murderer. I really enjoy this book and I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2021
Bernie is busy her B&B h as been booked solid, leaving little fun time for her out her gun living ghostly gran. A date with her deputy sheriff boyfriend is just what the Dr ordered.
A last minute guest arrives, a repeat customer! But far from the excited bride to be Amy is now a sobbing mess, her fiance has cheated on her again and this time Amy is not taking him back.
Minutes after checking in Amy receives a call Colin has arrived in town and will do everything in his power to win her back!
The next morning Colin is found in his hotel room dead. And not only does Bernie have the devastated fiancee and her friend Cathy staying with her, both of whom are suspects. But so is Bernie's friend Darla. Darla is recovering from a mental health breakdown and this is not what she needs right now, but in order to help keep Darla calm Bernie might have to break the trust of the man she thinks she's faking in love with. Can she solve the murder without breaking his trust? Which isn't easy as it seems Colin managed to upset just about everybody in the short amount of time he was in town.
What can Bernie do? And if course Ruby giving her opinion and demands from her ghostly perch doesn't make anything any easier.
This is a well written easy to read cosy. There is a good who done it with plenty suspects (all with valid motives) and plenty red herrings to keep you on your toes. Carly Winter writes about Darla's mental health crisis in a sympathetic way, it isn't just added for the shock value, or to be "woke" It follows from the previous book and fits into the plot and highlights people's lack of understanding and prejudices well.
I enjoy Ruby's shenanigans she offsets the seriousness of Bernie, the comic relief. Her and Ned's new pastime made me laugh! And Jezebel is great, She isn't worried at all about being a suspect. She trusts the process and that the sheriffs office will do their job and get the murderer. Her attitude is refreshing and I love the insults traded between her and Ruby (with Bernie as the in-between obviously!) This one really made me laugh! " “I'm an acquired taste, Jezebel. If you don't like me, simply acquire some taste.” I totally plan on using it!
Definitely worth the read, it can be a standalone but will be enjoyed much more when read as part of the series
A last minute guest arrives, a repeat customer! But far from the excited bride to be Amy is now a sobbing mess, her fiance has cheated on her again and this time Amy is not taking him back.
Minutes after checking in Amy receives a call Colin has arrived in town and will do everything in his power to win her back!
The next morning Colin is found in his hotel room dead. And not only does Bernie have the devastated fiancee and her friend Cathy staying with her, both of whom are suspects. But so is Bernie's friend Darla. Darla is recovering from a mental health breakdown and this is not what she needs right now, but in order to help keep Darla calm Bernie might have to break the trust of the man she thinks she's faking in love with. Can she solve the murder without breaking his trust? Which isn't easy as it seems Colin managed to upset just about everybody in the short amount of time he was in town.
What can Bernie do? And if course Ruby giving her opinion and demands from her ghostly perch doesn't make anything any easier.
This is a well written easy to read cosy. There is a good who done it with plenty suspects (all with valid motives) and plenty red herrings to keep you on your toes. Carly Winter writes about Darla's mental health crisis in a sympathetic way, it isn't just added for the shock value, or to be "woke" It follows from the previous book and fits into the plot and highlights people's lack of understanding and prejudices well.
I enjoy Ruby's shenanigans she offsets the seriousness of Bernie, the comic relief. Her and Ned's new pastime made me laugh! And Jezebel is great, She isn't worried at all about being a suspect. She trusts the process and that the sheriffs office will do their job and get the murderer. Her attitude is refreshing and I love the insults traded between her and Ruby (with Bernie as the in-between obviously!) This one really made me laugh! " “I'm an acquired taste, Jezebel. If you don't like me, simply acquire some taste.” I totally plan on using it!
Definitely worth the read, it can be a standalone but will be enjoyed much more when read as part of the series
August 12, 2021
Bernie and Ruby are on the Case . . .
There is quite a bit going on in this story. Bernie Maxwell is busy with her B&B when Amy arrives in tears. Her fiancé was cheating on her and she’s through with him. Colin Victory shows up rather quickly after Amy is settled in; he wants her back. The next morning, Colin is found murdered at Sedona Grand Hotel and Amy, Cathy, and Darla are all considered suspects. This is not a good time for Darla to be stressed like this with her mental health condition putting her at risk.
Bernie and Deputy Adam Gallagher have been seeing each other, but he won’t provide any information to her so she can calm Darla. To find the killer, Bernie may have to risk her relationship with Adam. And of course, her ghostly grandmother Ruby will be there to help her out. Can the daring duo solve the murder? Did the victim’s drug-addicted sister Jessica have anything to do with her brother’s death? Or was she victimized too by the killer? The twists and turns will keep you guessing to the very end! Grab your copy and gather the clues with Bernie!
There is quite a bit going on in this story. Bernie Maxwell is busy with her B&B when Amy arrives in tears. Her fiancé was cheating on her and she’s through with him. Colin Victory shows up rather quickly after Amy is settled in; he wants her back. The next morning, Colin is found murdered at Sedona Grand Hotel and Amy, Cathy, and Darla are all considered suspects. This is not a good time for Darla to be stressed like this with her mental health condition putting her at risk.
Bernie and Deputy Adam Gallagher have been seeing each other, but he won’t provide any information to her so she can calm Darla. To find the killer, Bernie may have to risk her relationship with Adam. And of course, her ghostly grandmother Ruby will be there to help her out. Can the daring duo solve the murder? Did the victim’s drug-addicted sister Jessica have anything to do with her brother’s death? Or was she victimized too by the killer? The twists and turns will keep you guessing to the very end! Grab your copy and gather the clues with Bernie!
July 15, 2021
Bernie and Adam have been growing closer, but mo relationship is perfect
Bernie goes to crazy lengths to try to help her friends and solve murders and related complications
Adam as a deputy is bound to have issues crop up with some of her methods
On the other hand, Adam has voiced some fairly negative things about Darla, a friend to Bernie who has continued to struggle with schizophrenia. Mental illness does not make a person a murderer, though given the contemporary mental health services, it is likely the folks who are mentally ill have brushes with the law.
When a cheating fiancé finds a bad end to efforts to win back his almost bride, mayhem , humor, romance, trust and ghosts are on the line.
Bernie is an over the top personality, though far from as exciting as her now ghostly grandmother. Sometimes drama can be deadly
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bernie goes to crazy lengths to try to help her friends and solve murders and related complications
Adam as a deputy is bound to have issues crop up with some of her methods
On the other hand, Adam has voiced some fairly negative things about Darla, a friend to Bernie who has continued to struggle with schizophrenia. Mental illness does not make a person a murderer, though given the contemporary mental health services, it is likely the folks who are mentally ill have brushes with the law.
When a cheating fiancé finds a bad end to efforts to win back his almost bride, mayhem , humor, romance, trust and ghosts are on the line.
Bernie is an over the top personality, though far from as exciting as her now ghostly grandmother. Sometimes drama can be deadly
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2021
Bernie inherits a bed and breakfast business in Sedona Arizona from her deceased grandmother Ruby who stays on as a ghost. The fiance of one of Bernie's guests is murdered and, contrary to her stated desires, Bernie gets pulled into the investigation putting her at odds with the investigating officer her boyfriend.
Carly Winter introduces a host of interesting people and has a good twist to who actually done it. I kind of knew who did it, the person arrested was believable and the twist worked well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carly Winter introduces a host of interesting people and has a good twist to who actually done it. I kind of knew who did it, the person arrested was believable and the twist worked well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2022
Wonderful 3rd installment of the boxed set (1-3) of this mystery series which I read in a row. Bernie and Ruby make a good crime solving duo even though Ruby is the ghost of Bernie's deceased grandmother! Bernie does some questionable actions instigated by Ruby in order to help her schizophrenic friend Darla leading to an incorrect deduction. But it worked out in the end.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy of the first three books in this mystery series from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy of the first three books in this mystery series from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2021
Bernie and Ruby are at it again in the third book of the Sedona Spirit series. They get mixed up in a murder without even trying. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others. The character's are well written and you can imagine them as real people. Carly knows how to grab the readers attention and keep you enertained until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2021
Bernie is back at it, but this time she might’ve gone too far. We get some return guests and a murder. But this murder ends up causing some conflicts in her relationships - including her ghostly ones. Carly did a fantastic job keeping me engrossed in the story (no surprise there, really), and I couldn’t put it down. Strongly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2021
Bernie is settling in for the night when Amy comes to her crying her eyes out saying Colin has cheated on her and she's leaving him but after Bernie gets settled Colin shows up and the next morning he is found dead and now they are all suspects. What's a girl to do but to find out who killed him so they are not suspects anymore.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2021
Bernie and Grandma Ruby, a ghost, are trying to find a killer while hiding their search from her friend Deputy Adam. The characters are fun and the banter makes you smile. The storyline is well written, with great backstories and plenty of twists and surprises. Loved the situations that push them to their limits and keep you guessing, too. The ending was perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2025
This series makes me laugh out loud! The main character has inherited a large home from her grandmother Ruby. In order to keep things afloat, she turns the house into a B & B. Sometimes, guests report the smell of lavender and marijuana- but Bernie knows it's just Grandma Ruby's ghost. Bernie can see ghosts and she and Grandma Ruby investigate murders and get into trouble.
I love the series so far and look forward to reading more!
I love the series so far and look forward to reading more!
August 28, 2021
Well-paced mystery filled with drama and a bit of humour. I've definitely gotten more and more engrossed in the series with each book -- this one in particular was a page-turner. Would recommend to any cozy mystery fan!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2022
It was good for 3rd Novel. I think I am going to find another series to read. This was not as humorous as it claimed . I am wondering why she went ahead and broke into her boyfriends house knowing how he is. I just wonder why they broke them up. And wonder why they brought in his ghost if he is not going to be in the books that much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2021
This is a good read with good characters and story. Bernie inherited a house from her grandmother that she turned in a B & B. I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2021
This was such a nail biter of a page turner. A great read. I loved the book. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait for another book. A great book by a favourite author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2021
it took this book a little longer to catch my interest than the previous two, by the end I was more invested in the mysteries. Well done, little less of a beach read than the previous two...still fits the category though.
October 4, 2021
Didn't see it coming
Nope, thought it was someone else. Should have known it was her, just too nice!! I enjoyed this very much
Nope, thought it was someone else. Should have known it was her, just too nice!! I enjoyed this very much
October 28, 2023
4/10 Bernie is sooo stupid honestly how she got this far in life is beyond me. No wonder she doesn't have any friends.
December 5, 2023
It was alright. It took me a while to finish it. I probably won't read any more books by this author.
August 17, 2024
Great story
I love the story and the people in it. I found this very entertaining after a long day at work.
I love the story and the people in it. I found this very entertaining after a long day at work.
May 2, 2025
#1522.
August 7, 2025
Another good mystery, even though I was pretty sure I knew who the villain was this time. It was a little sad though, but I still would recommend reading it.
April 26, 2025
good read
This was book 3 of the series and it was just as good as book one and two I do recommend Carly Winter author. I am going on the book four I will keep you updated.
This was book 3 of the series and it was just as good as book one and two I do recommend Carly Winter author. I am going on the book four I will keep you updated.
April 28, 2022
Bernie and Ruby are back!
This time her friend Darla is in trouble, she is a suspect in a murder. She has already been warned by Adam to stay out of the investigation but there is no way she will stand by and let her fall.
Little did she know that her butting in will get her in major trouble with her now boyfriend Adam. Not even her personal life will stop her from helping a friend.
There are so many suspects but Ruby and Bernie will stop at nothing to right a wrong.
The Fiancé is Finished
This time her friend Darla is in trouble, she is a suspect in a murder. She has already been warned by Adam to stay out of the investigation but there is no way she will stand by and let her fall.
Little did she know that her butting in will get her in major trouble with her now boyfriend Adam. Not even her personal life will stop her from helping a friend.
There are so many suspects but Ruby and Bernie will stop at nothing to right a wrong.
The Fiancé is Finished
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews