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Piney Falls Mysteries #1
Welcome to Piney Falls
Lanie has no idea what awaits her in Piney Falls...
Lanie Anders has a perfectly-ordered life. From her half-foam morning latte to her high-powered executive job - she controls every outcome. But when her house burns to the ground in mysterious circumstances, her life is thrown into confusion.
Searching for some kind of purpose, she stumbles across a century-old mystery and flees to Piney Falls, Oregon, an oceanside hamlet with a curious past. But something isn’t quite right in the picturesque town. Her neighbor speaks in riddles, the death rate is alarmingly high and the impossibly handsome town baker is hiding something.
With each clue she unearths in the present and the past, she becomes more convinced that the townspeople are in imminent danger.
Will Lanie be able to solve both mysteries without putting her own life in jeopardy?
Lanie Anders has a perfectly-ordered life. From her half-foam morning latte to her high-powered executive job - she controls every outcome. But when her house burns to the ground in mysterious circumstances, her life is thrown into confusion.
Searching for some kind of purpose, she stumbles across a century-old mystery and flees to Piney Falls, Oregon, an oceanside hamlet with a curious past. But something isn’t quite right in the picturesque town. Her neighbor speaks in riddles, the death rate is alarmingly high and the impossibly handsome town baker is hiding something.
With each clue she unearths in the present and the past, she becomes more convinced that the townspeople are in imminent danger.
Will Lanie be able to solve both mysteries without putting her own life in jeopardy?
270 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2020
527 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Joann Keder
35 books403 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author, Joann Keder, spent most of her life on the plains of Nebraska. After sixteen years as a piano teacher, she and her husband made a midlife move to the Pacific Northwest. Serious health issues followed, which led her to examine her priorities.
Now she creates stories about small towns and the unique people who inhabit them. Her ever-patient husband cheers her on.
Now she creates stories about small towns and the unique people who inhabit them. Her ever-patient husband cheers her on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 18, 2022
This was a strange and intriguing read that I found myself emerged in.
Lanie has her life in perfect order until her house burns down. She decides to take a creative writing class that takes her to the town of Piney Falls, Oregon. This town has an old mystery that no one wants to talk about. Lanie is trying to uncover this mystery in order to write her paper. She soon finds herself digging into the towns dark past and uncovering things that want to stay buried.
I enjoyed the cast of quirky characters with odd names like, Cosmo and November. Lanie is a hoot and I enjoyed her transformation from self centered to kind and caring.
Lanie has her life in perfect order until her house burns down. She decides to take a creative writing class that takes her to the town of Piney Falls, Oregon. This town has an old mystery that no one wants to talk about. Lanie is trying to uncover this mystery in order to write her paper. She soon finds herself digging into the towns dark past and uncovering things that want to stay buried.
I enjoyed the cast of quirky characters with odd names like, Cosmo and November. Lanie is a hoot and I enjoyed her transformation from self centered to kind and caring.
February 13, 2022
Lanie Anders likes her job, has a beautiful home that she redecorates often, and a fabulous wardrobe. For something different, Lanie is taking a creative writing class. Her latest assignment has Lanie investigating a mystery in Piney Falls, Oregon. When Lanie’s home is burned to the ground, she finds herself at a loss. She heads to Piney Falls to learn more about the town. Lanie soon discovers that something is not right with the people in the town. They evade her questions and do not wish to speak about the past. Lane becomes determined to uncover the secrets of the town. Welcome to Piney Falls by Joann Keder is the beginning of the Piney Falls Mysteries. I found the characters in Piney Falls to be a little odd. The author gave us a quirky bunch of characters. They have unusual names, and one person is quite colorful. Lanie is an acquired taste. She grows on you over the course of the novel. This is a dual timeline novel. Lanie’s tale is in 2018 while the Flannagan sisters takes us back to 1908. I enjoyed the historical portion more than the present day. I found the Flannagan sisters’ story quite interesting, and I enjoyed the letter format. Welcome to Piney Falls is a slow starter, but the pace picks up in the second half of the story. I found myself rapidly turning the pages to see how the mysteries would turn out (I love solving whodunits and I wanted to see if I was right). It was difficult at times when the story did not always follow a linear progression. The mysteries were wrapped up neatly (no questions left unanswered) and the story has a sweet ending. I loved the descriptions of coastal Oregon with the woods and the beautiful falls. Welcome to Piney Falls is a quirky, mysterious tale with Scottish emigres, tasty pastries, zipped lips, fateful falls, a curious cult, and startling revelations.
September 22, 2020
Lanie believes she is living a wonderful life. When things start falling apart she uses a creative writing assignment as an opportunity to travel to Piney Falls and write about this town that changed its name. In the process of discovering the history of the town, she discovers that her life could be much fuller and better.
This is actually two stories alternating between chapters. One is the story of two sisters, from a century ago, when they first arrived at the lumber camp that was to become Piney Falls. The other is the story of Lanie. I enjoyed the character growth and the history. There is humour, tragedy and interesting ideas in the stories. The two stories don't always follow a linear timeline within their story. This was a little frustrating because I found myself checking back to make sure I didn't miss something. However, I enjoyed this book and will be looking for more books by this author.
This is actually two stories alternating between chapters. One is the story of two sisters, from a century ago, when they first arrived at the lumber camp that was to become Piney Falls. The other is the story of Lanie. I enjoyed the character growth and the history. There is humour, tragedy and interesting ideas in the stories. The two stories don't always follow a linear timeline within their story. This was a little frustrating because I found myself checking back to make sure I didn't miss something. However, I enjoyed this book and will be looking for more books by this author.
April 7, 2021
I read cozy mysteries all the time, but have never read a book like Welcome to Piney Falls before! I absolutely loved it and am onto the second book right now! I really enjoy Keder’s writing style and character development.
February 8, 2024
The MC Lanie is a Very unlikable person who is more interested in brand name clothes and decorating her elaborate home. She does not care about anyone other than herself. I had a Very difficult time making it through this Story. Narrator does a Great job with the Celtic accent and historical part of this book.
April 7, 2021
Well written
This story is unique. It is a little historical, a little mystery, a lot odd. The characters are....well, characters. I never really felt like I could understand or connect with any of them. I liked the historical aspect more because it was more interesting. To be fair, I have no knowledge or experience about cults, so that may make a difference. It is interesting enough to try the next book.
This story is unique. It is a little historical, a little mystery, a lot odd. The characters are....well, characters. I never really felt like I could understand or connect with any of them. I liked the historical aspect more because it was more interesting. To be fair, I have no knowledge or experience about cults, so that may make a difference. It is interesting enough to try the next book.
September 18, 2020
Lanie Anders keeps her life perfectly ordered right down to the smallest detail but when her house burns down, she's left adrift. When her creative writing professor suggests that she go to the town of Piney Falls in Oregon to write a paper on the subject she was given in class she does so. Her subject? Why did the small town change its name from Flanagan to Piney Falls? But when Lanie arrives, she quickly learns that there's more than one mystery to be solved so which one should she focus on? In addition to the mysteries, Lanie takes a hard look at herself.
I received this book free from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. I did enjoy the book which goes back and forth between the Flanagan sisters in the past and the present. The book was a bit slow in the beginning but picked up around a quarter of the way through or so. Once it picked up, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are wonderful and well done. You may find it somewhat difficult to read when it's focusing on the Flanagan sisters as some of t j.g at is written in the manner that it would have been back then. I do recommend this book and am looking forward to the next one.
I received this book free from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. I did enjoy the book which goes back and forth between the Flanagan sisters in the past and the present. The book was a bit slow in the beginning but picked up around a quarter of the way through or so. Once it picked up, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are wonderful and well done. You may find it somewhat difficult to read when it's focusing on the Flanagan sisters as some of t j.g at is written in the manner that it would have been back then. I do recommend this book and am looking forward to the next one.
October 8, 2024
( Format : Audiobook )
"This town is blanketed in mystery."
Two stories wrapped into one, that of modern day, self centred, pushy and, frankly, not very nice Lanie, and Piney Falls, a town in Oregon which changed it's name. After her home burns down, Lanie goes on a short holiday there to find out why? But on arrival she is told that the mayor, with whom she thought she had a pre arranged appointment, had committed suicide. Nosing about, she learns of the deaths of two founding sisters early in the 1900s, of a cult named the Fallen Branch and that 'there have been lots of suicides around here'. As time passes she slowly uncovers some of the secrets as well as facing herself.
An intriguing, if unlikely story worth a 4 star rating, but I struggled to listen, told as it was by Carolyn Leys with a dreadful narration: her Scottish accent was dire she failed to pace her sentences sufficiently sensibly. Recommended, but read, don't listen to this book.The
My thanks to the rights holder of Welcome to Piney Falls, who freely gifted me with a complimentary audio copy at my request.
"This town is blanketed in mystery."
Two stories wrapped into one, that of modern day, self centred, pushy and, frankly, not very nice Lanie, and Piney Falls, a town in Oregon which changed it's name. After her home burns down, Lanie goes on a short holiday there to find out why? But on arrival she is told that the mayor, with whom she thought she had a pre arranged appointment, had committed suicide. Nosing about, she learns of the deaths of two founding sisters early in the 1900s, of a cult named the Fallen Branch and that 'there have been lots of suicides around here'. As time passes she slowly uncovers some of the secrets as well as facing herself.
An intriguing, if unlikely story worth a 4 star rating, but I struggled to listen, told as it was by Carolyn Leys with a dreadful narration: her Scottish accent was dire she failed to pace her sentences sufficiently sensibly. Recommended, but read, don't listen to this book.The
My thanks to the rights holder of Welcome to Piney Falls, who freely gifted me with a complimentary audio copy at my request.
February 20, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
This is a solid start to a new fun cozy mystery series. We meet Lanie who's life has pretty much been turned upside down. In an effort to get things back on track she decides to write an article about the hidden history of a small town that wants to change its' name to Piney Falls. She packs up, rents a house, and heads on her way to get started. Unfortunately when she gets there her contact, the mayor, had been found dead at the bottom of the falls which happens more then it really should in this area. Determined to write her story regardless she starts her research only to tumble down a path that the residents do not want uncovered. This makes for a fascinating read as we meet the quirky characters of the town while they also try to stop her from finding the truth. Makes for quite the fun read as it all plays out keeping the reader guessing until the very end. I look forward to more in this series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
This is a solid start to a new fun cozy mystery series. We meet Lanie who's life has pretty much been turned upside down. In an effort to get things back on track she decides to write an article about the hidden history of a small town that wants to change its' name to Piney Falls. She packs up, rents a house, and heads on her way to get started. Unfortunately when she gets there her contact, the mayor, had been found dead at the bottom of the falls which happens more then it really should in this area. Determined to write her story regardless she starts her research only to tumble down a path that the residents do not want uncovered. This makes for a fascinating read as we meet the quirky characters of the town while they also try to stop her from finding the truth. Makes for quite the fun read as it all plays out keeping the reader guessing until the very end. I look forward to more in this series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
September 21, 2022
How boring can it be?
I listened to this story.
What I liked:
I liked the historical characters Had the story been historical, I may have even liked it.
I liked the Scottish accent. I thought the narrator did good job of voicing all the characters.
The story became a little more interesting towards the end of the book.
While I was driving, listening to the story was slightly better than silence or the radio.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like any of the modern characters.
I didn't find the character progression of the main character plausible.
Genetics don't work the way the story presented.
I didn't believe the later part of one of the characters.
As I mentioned
B o o o r I I I n g g g
I listened to this story.
What I liked:
I liked the historical characters Had the story been historical, I may have even liked it.
I liked the Scottish accent. I thought the narrator did good job of voicing all the characters.
The story became a little more interesting towards the end of the book.
While I was driving, listening to the story was slightly better than silence or the radio.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like any of the modern characters.
I didn't find the character progression of the main character plausible.
Genetics don't work the way the story presented.
I didn't believe the later part of one of the characters.
As I mentioned
B o o o r I I I n g g g
September 19, 2020
An engaging mystery about a small town and what hides beneath the surface.....strange cults, suspicious suicide, weird characters and an across time story about two strong women. The writing is spot on: the characters of the small town are represented with all their peculiarities and the dialogue is authentic. The mood and tone of the story is convincing and the plot is believable. A well written mystery with characters the reader can identify with on some level. A great start to a new series. Keder has a winner!!
March 1, 2022
There's just something off...
I honestly can't pinpoint what is off with this book. The mystery is ok, the writing good, but the characters do not quite hit the mark. The storyline wanders too much for me and I was never a fan of the past/present alternating style of writing. Maybe that's all it is. I could out this book down and easily forget it. I didn't because I don't like not finishing a story before I return it to Kindle Unlimited. I don't foresee me reading more of the series though as it felt like too much work.
I honestly can't pinpoint what is off with this book. The mystery is ok, the writing good, but the characters do not quite hit the mark. The storyline wanders too much for me and I was never a fan of the past/present alternating style of writing. Maybe that's all it is. I could out this book down and easily forget it. I didn't because I don't like not finishing a story before I return it to Kindle Unlimited. I don't foresee me reading more of the series though as it felt like too much work.
August 20, 2024
I love a good mystery and the fact that this one is set here in Oregon where I reside made me think it might be an interesting journey. I was impressed with Carolyne Leys' ability to bring such varied characters alive for me to enjoy. Joann Keder brought a split time line story from vastly different generations together to tell a harrowing story that has angst and insight galore for the characters which creates an engaging journey for me as the reader. I can honestly say that I am looking forward to listening to more of the Piney Falls Mystery series.
September 22, 2020
I enjoyed the book. Lanie was a bit hard to relate to at first; but as she grew, I started to like her more. The double mystery keeps the reader hopping back and forth and at first is difficult to keep all the characters separate. It did become easier and I liked the quirky side-characters in the town. Everybody in the story has a strange side and a secret. I am looking forward to what Lanie will get into next.
April 17, 2021
Very Unusual!
Book explanation is misleading! This is the sad, depressing story of 2 immigrant women from Scotland , their American husbands, settlement in Oregon, what happens to them all, and the silence of this town now about them to an outsider investigating their history! Lots of strange people , unexplained suicides, and town not welcoming outsiders! I feel ambivalent about it.
Book explanation is misleading! This is the sad, depressing story of 2 immigrant women from Scotland , their American husbands, settlement in Oregon, what happens to them all, and the silence of this town now about them to an outsider investigating their history! Lots of strange people , unexplained suicides, and town not welcoming outsiders! I feel ambivalent about it.
August 30, 2021
Welcome to Piney Falls was a very interesting book. The author has researched well and presented in a good way. Though I had questions here and there, by the end of the book, all those did not matter.
The opening for the second in the series makes the readers curious about the forthcoming books. Hope we get to see more of Lanie and Cosmo and hope they get developed into stronger characters.
3.5/5 stars
The opening for the second in the series makes the readers curious about the forthcoming books. Hope we get to see more of Lanie and Cosmo and hope they get developed into stronger characters.
3.5/5 stars
February 22, 2022
This was an intriguing book, and I keep thinking about the people a day after I finished the book. So, I guess I’ll have to get the next book in the series. 😀. I gave it 3 stars because there were obvious mistakes which are annoying to me such as maid-made, your-you’re. It’s obvious a person didn’t do a final read but relied on spell checker. That said, it’s a good afternoon read. I’ll bet you will be thinking about the people in Piney Falls long after you finished the book.
April 13, 2022
Two stories intertwined
Interesting charactersare the backdrop. Flipping between time and stories was an effective way to present two stories that meld into one. The main character's development enables her to uncover the events that trap others in the past.
Interesting charactersare the backdrop. Flipping between time and stories was an effective way to present two stories that meld into one. The main character's development enables her to uncover the events that trap others in the past.
November 15, 2023
Good stuff!
This was a moving and somewhat sad story. But it was well written and worth the time spent reading it. Without giving away the details, suffice it to say the twists blew me away! Well done!
This was a moving and somewhat sad story. But it was well written and worth the time spent reading it. Without giving away the details, suffice it to say the twists blew me away! Well done!
July 31, 2024
This was quite entertaining.
I always like dual timelines. It was well written. Good character development, could even have been a bit more profound.
Really loved the story of the Flanagan sisters. Story of Lanie grew on me along the way (slow start).
I always like dual timelines. It was well written. Good character development, could even have been a bit more profound.
Really loved the story of the Flanagan sisters. Story of Lanie grew on me along the way (slow start).
October 29, 2020
Quirky. Enjoyable. Our heroine just needs to get away from the rat race that was her life, take a deep breath and learn what's really important.
November 9, 2020
Fun book that keeps you engaged until the end.
February 15, 2022
I really like this book and was very moved by the story of the sisters. She’s some tears at the end. That doesn’t happen often.
February 17, 2022
A town doesn’t change its name after one murder, does it??? Does it after sixty??? Although at times it seems a little convoluted, at the end I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
July 17, 2023
enjoyed this mystery and how the town was formed kept me guessing as to who done it good narration
***audiobook review
***audiobook review
November 25, 2023
Quirky, interesting story with an ending I didn’t see coming- totally surprised. Looking forward to reading the next one
September 20, 2020
In her Latest book “Welcome to Piney Falls” Miss Keder does an artful job of spinning a tale with two mysteries and a love story into one compelling book. The story takes place in a small Oregon coast town during the 1920s, the 1980s, and 2018, but it is never hard to keep track of the action.
Lanie Anders is a successful marketing manager in Chicago, yet she wants something more. Not knowing what that is she is taking a night school course in creative writing. An assignment ‘to write a story on why a small Oregon town changed its name’ starts her on a road to self discovery and healing after a tragic loss.
As in Miss Keder’s previous books there is a subtle humor and as the readers quest for the denouement, it comes with the answers to both of the mysteries and the beginnings of a renewed life and new relationships for Lanie.
If you are looking for an enjoyable read, I highly recommend this book. The characters are each well developed with their own human foibles. The Flanagan sisters, from the early years of the town, the current towns-people, and those of the “utopian” cult of the 1980’s are woven together during current times to create an entertaining read which is difficult to set aside.
Lanie Anders is a successful marketing manager in Chicago, yet she wants something more. Not knowing what that is she is taking a night school course in creative writing. An assignment ‘to write a story on why a small Oregon town changed its name’ starts her on a road to self discovery and healing after a tragic loss.
As in Miss Keder’s previous books there is a subtle humor and as the readers quest for the denouement, it comes with the answers to both of the mysteries and the beginnings of a renewed life and new relationships for Lanie.
If you are looking for an enjoyable read, I highly recommend this book. The characters are each well developed with their own human foibles. The Flanagan sisters, from the early years of the town, the current towns-people, and those of the “utopian” cult of the 1980’s are woven together during current times to create an entertaining read which is difficult to set aside.
September 22, 2020
I received this as an advanced reader copy for a honest review. This is a dual storyline between the present and the past told in letters about the same town. I didn't much like the main character in the beginning, but she grew on me.
It's actually a really good story that has a definite conclusion even though it says there will be a book 2. I'll read the next one because I did enjoy the characters.
I should say that the author isn't doing herself any favors by not having a description of the story under her book title.
It's actually a really good story that has a definite conclusion even though it says there will be a book 2. I'll read the next one because I did enjoy the characters.
I should say that the author isn't doing herself any favors by not having a description of the story under her book title.
May 19, 2024
A very complex, dual timeline narrative with many mysterious deaths, Scottish migrants, a cult, a less than loveable middle aged heroine....audiobook is well narrated. Through the use of accents, it is easy to keep the different timelines straight in the audiobook, but the intertwined plots have many characters and are super complex, so pay attention.
May 14, 2020
A new life, new town, filled with secrets
Keder pens a magnificent story in Welcome to Piney Falls. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. Lanie is a great character, and she becomes as intrigued as the reader into finding out the truth. A very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. A definite attention grabber. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly and the characterizations are engrossing. Told in first person, the story has an edge and great perspective. The title drew me in, but the story made me stay. The author's technique of intense characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This is supposed to be the first book in a series, so I look forward to whatever comes next. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Keder pens a magnificent story in Welcome to Piney Falls. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. Lanie is a great character, and she becomes as intrigued as the reader into finding out the truth. A very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. A definite attention grabber. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly and the characterizations are engrossing. Told in first person, the story has an edge and great perspective. The title drew me in, but the story made me stay. The author's technique of intense characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This is supposed to be the first book in a series, so I look forward to whatever comes next. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews