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Amelia Adams #1
The Murderous Affair At Stone Manor
Mystery fiction fanatic Amelia Adams is stunned when she inherits a dilapidated mansion, complete with secret passages, hidden compartments and its very own legend.
Helped by her brother, her best friend and a documentary maker, who is determined to turn Amelia's new life into a hit tv show, Amelia throws herself into renovating the house and unravelling old secrets.
When an unknown saboteur starts ruining her plans, Amelia doesn’t know who to trust. Everyone around her is acting strangely and soon Amelia finds herself in the center of her very own murder mystery…
Helped by her brother, her best friend and a documentary maker, who is determined to turn Amelia's new life into a hit tv show, Amelia throws herself into renovating the house and unravelling old secrets.
When an unknown saboteur starts ruining her plans, Amelia doesn’t know who to trust. Everyone around her is acting strangely and soon Amelia finds herself in the center of her very own murder mystery…
Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 23, 2025
3.50 🌟
Not at all what I would consider a cozy.
Lots of swearing and sex. Not that I mind this in my mysteries but I prefer when I’m expecting it. Not very likeable characters either. This book was pitch as a cozy and just didn’t match that to me.
The mystery: confusing, a tad dull, and easy to guess sadly
All that being said, it had its moments of excitement and enjoyment. I was stratified with how it wrapped up but I won’t continue the series.
Not at all what I would consider a cozy.
Lots of swearing and sex. Not that I mind this in my mysteries but I prefer when I’m expecting it. Not very likeable characters either. This book was pitch as a cozy and just didn’t match that to me.
The mystery: confusing, a tad dull, and easy to guess sadly
All that being said, it had its moments of excitement and enjoyment. I was stratified with how it wrapped up but I won’t continue the series.
March 19, 2025
I loved this!
July 21, 2021
Everything comes at once for Amelia Adams. She gets stuck in a broken lift with hung-over heart-throb actor Gideon Fey, learns that her boss and lover at her boring job is married with children and finds out that her eccentric and rather wonderful godmother Dorothea Campbell-Delaney (Aunt Dot or Dotty) has left her a house in a Scottish village in the Highlands. While receiving a thank-you drink from Gideon in return for helping him to salvage part of his flagging career, she tells him about the legacy. Then to top it all she gets home and finds her globetrotting brother Toby asleep in her bed. The next day Gideon sends her plane tickets to encourage her to take the trip up North and when she arrives there, he meets her in the local pub, The Whistling Haggis. They make their way to the house, and meet the handyman, Jack Temple, who first believes they are burglars and tries to have them arrested! That sorted, and Amelia getting over the shock of finding her dream cottage is actually a huge mansion, Gideon has a confession to make – the documentary he has agreed to make actually features Amelia and the restoration of her house and the film crew are already there raring to go! Soon the rumours surface about headless horsemen ghosts, secret rooms and hidden treasure, backed up by a cryptic letter left by Dotty for Amelia. Suddenly she has a houseful of people, including Toby and her best friend Sally, and starts to make plans for Stone Manor but then strange things begin to happen. She starts to receive threats and begins to doubt the sincerity of those around her but just who exactly is set on a murderous plan?
This is an excellent and original story, with loads of humour and superb characters who I grew to love as the story progressed. What starts as a bit of a jolly soon turns into something much darker and more sinister as the reader is led through the twists and turns of the discoveries that Amelia makes about her inheritance and the generations who lived in the house before Dotty. With a terrific ending that is highly satisfying all round, I can thoroughly recommend this book and I would love to read more stories featuring this very likable collection of people. 5*
This is an excellent and original story, with loads of humour and superb characters who I grew to love as the story progressed. What starts as a bit of a jolly soon turns into something much darker and more sinister as the reader is led through the twists and turns of the discoveries that Amelia makes about her inheritance and the generations who lived in the house before Dotty. With a terrific ending that is highly satisfying all round, I can thoroughly recommend this book and I would love to read more stories featuring this very likable collection of people. 5*
July 1, 2021
I must say, this is the first book I have read by this author...having said that I really got into this story! It is about a young girl who is used by her boss for 'booty calls' and totally believes him. When she goes to a lawyer to finalize the will of her godmother, she and a narcissistic actor get stuck in an elevator. Long story short, she helps him, he shows her what her boss really is! This leads to Stone Manor, the property her godmother left her. There is a mysterious history behind this property that leads to murder! This story is written so well that the reader really does get involved in the characters in my opinion. I truly enjoyed every page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book so much I read it in one sitting!
August 16, 2025
3.5 stars. Decent, but not mind blowing. A woman inherits a large manor and there are secrets, mysteries and maybe treasure? Felt a little slow and long.
February 25, 2023
They say don't judge a book by its cover but I literally picked this because the cover looked fun and it was a good time! I really don't read a lot of cosy mysteries so I don't know how it compares to others in the genre but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was a little light on actual dead bodies but there was an old house with secret passages, an outgoing heroine and a suitably cantankerous love interest. What more could you ask for in a light, no brain power required, weekend read?
READ is the most important word in that because the audiobook is dreadful. The narrator couldn't pronounce basic words like biro and formica and I honestly have no idea how the publisher approved it.
READ is the most important word in that because the audiobook is dreadful. The narrator couldn't pronounce basic words like biro and formica and I honestly have no idea how the publisher approved it.
January 1, 2023
Amelia's inherited this manor that she didn't even know her godmother owned. And with no other prospects on her horizon after finding out her boss and lover is a cheating cheater on his married wife. But while the random meeting of one famous actor sends her life down a random path of a film crew following her every action she's determined to restore the manor to glory and turn it into a function inn. Of course, the fact that there's potentially a hidden treasure somewhere on the grounds and multiple hidden passageways only complicates things.
I enjoyed this start to a new series. It was a little slow on the build, but there's a lot of description of the location going on during all of that, and since this takes place in a very large manor with lots of hidden passages that helped me have a pretty clear idea of how everything fitted together. I liked the characters in this story as well. Gideon grows on you. Amelia I liked for her spunk and her determination to make something for herself. I would continue reading about these characters in further books.
I enjoyed this start to a new series. It was a little slow on the build, but there's a lot of description of the location going on during all of that, and since this takes place in a very large manor with lots of hidden passages that helped me have a pretty clear idea of how everything fitted together. I liked the characters in this story as well. Gideon grows on you. Amelia I liked for her spunk and her determination to make something for herself. I would continue reading about these characters in further books.
October 31, 2024
A brilliant cozy mystery thriller loved it
June 1, 2024
Overall this is a fun read. You do really get to know and like the characters quite a bit, and there are enough hijinx to keep you interested. The village feel is nice, as is the nod to the classics with the giant house. The mystery of the treasure in the home is fun, and discovering a hidden identity along the way is also a fun tidbit. I think my favourite bits are actually the letters from the godmother Dotty. I think the opening chapters were a delight as well. There is nothing glaringly "wrong" with the book, however, there are a few things that made me drop this down to a 3-star (maybe 3.5 stars would be better but they don't let me do that):
1. This is called a cosy mystery, and the title says "murderous affair". I expected a murder somewhere in these pages but there isn't one. Not the worst thing ever, I just feel like a change of title and/or not calling this a cosy would solve that expectation that is set up. I get that the title is a nod to "The Mysterious Affair at Styles", which is fun, but again, no murder.
2. A few of the big character "reveals" were obvious to me long before we got to them. Again, not the worst thing ever and maybe the author intended for us to figure them out.
3. The romantic arc was easy to see coming. Perhaps this was also intended. Fans of the enemies to lovers trope will enjoy it.
4. Amelia discovers a few too many things by accident for my tastes. She bumps into things, nudges them with her toe, leans on things, and generally doesn't have to do a lot of cerebral sleuthing to figure anything out. She also seems to always have an item on hand that she needs (torch, elastic band, penknife, monocle, etc.). It was a bit unbelievable that she would be that lucky all the time.
5. The puzzle of the treasure! I really wanted Amelia to have to piece that together from clues, but instead it is yet another accidental reveal.
None of these is really that horrible, but they all added up to me not being able to give this book a higher rating. Will you enjoy it? Definitely! It is a fun read, and I'm glad there is a series as I may return to find out what happens to the gang next.
1. This is called a cosy mystery, and the title says "murderous affair". I expected a murder somewhere in these pages but there isn't one. Not the worst thing ever, I just feel like a change of title and/or not calling this a cosy would solve that expectation that is set up. I get that the title is a nod to "The Mysterious Affair at Styles", which is fun, but again, no murder.
2. A few of the big character "reveals" were obvious to me long before we got to them. Again, not the worst thing ever and maybe the author intended for us to figure them out.
3. The romantic arc was easy to see coming. Perhaps this was also intended. Fans of the enemies to lovers trope will enjoy it.
4. Amelia discovers a few too many things by accident for my tastes. She bumps into things, nudges them with her toe, leans on things, and generally doesn't have to do a lot of cerebral sleuthing to figure anything out. She also seems to always have an item on hand that she needs (torch, elastic band, penknife, monocle, etc.). It was a bit unbelievable that she would be that lucky all the time.
5. The puzzle of the treasure! I really wanted Amelia to have to piece that together from clues, but instead it is yet another accidental reveal.
None of these is really that horrible, but they all added up to me not being able to give this book a higher rating. Will you enjoy it? Definitely! It is a fun read, and I'm glad there is a series as I may return to find out what happens to the gang next.
July 22, 2022
I struggled with the audio book for a while. It’s not particularly well written or edited. Writing wasn’t particularly sophisticated or polished (used of eyes crinkling within same couple of paragraphs, descriptors not especially original, shallowly developed characters, etc.). When I got to the “I like my men like I like my eyeliner- black, smooth and…” then Gideon’s use of the epitaph retarded I was out. There’s no reason for hate and low key gross racism. As for the audio book narrator she was not great at maintaining accents. I abandoned the book because life is too short to hate read/listen and this isn’t worth the effort.
July 3, 2021
So this is not my usual genre but it really was entertaining and I really did not know who the killer was until the end when all the red herrings were neatly tied together.
What a great murder mystery and full of romance but not too soppy.
Loved it will definitely look for more by this author.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
What a great murder mystery and full of romance but not too soppy.
Loved it will definitely look for more by this author.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
November 25, 2023
Abandoned after 5 min of reading.
August 17, 2024
A bad mish mash of Nancy Drew, Rebecca and 80s romantic goth novels. Horribly mismatched narrator to boot.
April 25, 2023
It was with great joy that I saw this book has a sequel. Then it was with great sorrow that I realized the sequel is not available in audiobook format, minimizing the likelihood of my reading it, especially this time of year.
I enjoyed this book very much. I suspect the characters are what will either pull readers in or drive them away. If off the bat you think Amelia's TSTL, Gideon's intolerable, and Jack---if you make it as far as Jack---is a Jackass (ha), you won't like the book. But if you find Amelia flawed, sympathetic, and relatable; Gideon unhappy, vulnerable, and prime for redemption; and Jack endearing despite his shell of irreverent humor, then you'll enjoy spending time with them. I fell somewhere between those camps, but I was having too much fun to judge too harshly.
The biggest problem is the unfocused plot and confused genre. It starts out like a cliche Sophie Kinsella chick lit, then it's enveloped by the documentary and Amelia dealing with the house, Gideon, the production crew, and Jack. The mystery is just a subplot, and not a very strong one, considering Amelia just follows Dot's clues instead of investigating for herself, and finds the treasure by happenstance. The narrative also lost relevancy here and there---for example, we did not need Sally's little emotional arc, she was too peripheral, and that under-the-bed scene was infuriating. (Dear Any Woman Who Lets Herself Be Treated Like That: You deserve better, find your self-respect. Love, Danielle).
Thinking on it, I dare to liken this book to another title I read recently, Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan. Though marketed as a mystery, it was far more women's fiction with a mystery subplot. This book was more interesting and not nearly as poorly written, but it was similar in that the mystery wasn't as central as it should have been, at least in a novel that purported to be a mystery, with more focus on Amelia's---and Gideon's, really---problems, as well as the documentary. To my recollection, there was only one murder and it happened to someone we didn't know and was way off screen. I think it was only mentioned, like, once.
Aside from that, the mustache-twirling villain was rather one-dimensional, but that's a common problem and not something I condemn too harshly. Writing a great villain is hard.
Lastly---what the heck was that documentary supposed to be about? It wasn't at all clear. Was it meant to be about Gideon? Was it supposed to be about renovating the house? Or something to do with Dot's mystery? Perhaps life in rural Scotland? It seemed to cover all those areas, and all I can think is that it had to be an absolute mess. The way they were filming it seemed way more like a reality show rather than a documentary.
Overall, this book is a fast-paced, fun romp with charismatic characters. It just wasn't completely sure which or what kind of story it wanted most to tell.
I enjoyed this book very much. I suspect the characters are what will either pull readers in or drive them away. If off the bat you think Amelia's TSTL, Gideon's intolerable, and Jack---if you make it as far as Jack---is a Jackass (ha), you won't like the book. But if you find Amelia flawed, sympathetic, and relatable; Gideon unhappy, vulnerable, and prime for redemption; and Jack endearing despite his shell of irreverent humor, then you'll enjoy spending time with them. I fell somewhere between those camps, but I was having too much fun to judge too harshly.
The biggest problem is the unfocused plot and confused genre. It starts out like a cliche Sophie Kinsella chick lit, then it's enveloped by the documentary and Amelia dealing with the house, Gideon, the production crew, and Jack. The mystery is just a subplot, and not a very strong one, considering Amelia just follows Dot's clues instead of investigating for herself, and finds the treasure by happenstance. The narrative also lost relevancy here and there---for example, we did not need Sally's little emotional arc, she was too peripheral, and that under-the-bed scene was infuriating. (Dear Any Woman Who Lets Herself Be Treated Like That: You deserve better, find your self-respect. Love, Danielle).
Thinking on it, I dare to liken this book to another title I read recently, Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan. Though marketed as a mystery, it was far more women's fiction with a mystery subplot. This book was more interesting and not nearly as poorly written, but it was similar in that the mystery wasn't as central as it should have been, at least in a novel that purported to be a mystery, with more focus on Amelia's---and Gideon's, really---problems, as well as the documentary. To my recollection, there was only one murder and it happened to someone we didn't know and was way off screen. I think it was only mentioned, like, once.
Aside from that, the mustache-twirling villain was rather one-dimensional, but that's a common problem and not something I condemn too harshly. Writing a great villain is hard.
Lastly---what the heck was that documentary supposed to be about? It wasn't at all clear. Was it meant to be about Gideon? Was it supposed to be about renovating the house? Or something to do with Dot's mystery? Perhaps life in rural Scotland? It seemed to cover all those areas, and all I can think is that it had to be an absolute mess. The way they were filming it seemed way more like a reality show rather than a documentary.
Overall, this book is a fast-paced, fun romp with charismatic characters. It just wasn't completely sure which or what kind of story it wanted most to tell.
November 8, 2023
I don't usually care for that much chick lit with my mystery. Not that I have anything against chick lit but this is not what I came looking for when I chose this book tot listen to on Scribd.
Amelia is your bridgetjonesian leading leady - a naive super perky quirky special snowflake everywoman. Has a super annoying gay sidekick (check) and a fantastically skilled makeup artist best friend (check) and a lovable quickly maturing younger brother in a process of finding himself (check).
Then she is plonked into a whopping manor in the middle of Scottish wilderness where she proceeds teetering along on her stilettos and heedlessly rushing into the danger at every available opportunity.
When she gets herself weather appropriate clothes, she feels awfully unattractive.
Gideon the actor side kick is probably supposed to be funny and endearing but is really unforgivably self-centered, ignores anybody's wishes except his own, is a rude snob and a truly awful human being.
The grumpy love interest shows some seeds of common sense but is also most of the time unpleasant and snarky.
Despite all of these factors, it is still an easy audiobook to listen, especially as a background to doing something else. The writing is not bad, if a bit too perky and on the nose for me.
Amelia is your bridgetjonesian leading leady - a naive super perky quirky special snowflake everywoman. Has a super annoying gay sidekick (check) and a fantastically skilled makeup artist best friend (check) and a lovable quickly maturing younger brother in a process of finding himself (check).
Then she is plonked into a whopping manor in the middle of Scottish wilderness where she proceeds teetering along on her stilettos and heedlessly rushing into the danger at every available opportunity.
When she gets herself weather appropriate clothes, she feels awfully unattractive.
Gideon the actor side kick is probably supposed to be funny and endearing but is really unforgivably self-centered, ignores anybody's wishes except his own, is a rude snob and a truly awful human being.
The grumpy love interest shows some seeds of common sense but is also most of the time unpleasant and snarky.
Despite all of these factors, it is still an easy audiobook to listen, especially as a background to doing something else. The writing is not bad, if a bit too perky and on the nose for me.
January 8, 2023
Witty Cozy Mystery Upgrade: Sophie Kinsella RomCom Meets Modern, Atmospheric Cozy Mystery
Laura Stewart's written a fun novel with storylines and characters that could have wandered into the cozy mystery genre from the witty, cleverly plotted, romcom-centered books of Sophie Kinsella. There is also a fun, meta layer. When one of Stewart's characters bemoans the flat literary quality of a cozy mystery series the central character is reading, I think this is Stewart's own critique. That Stewart, like her character, is letting us know it's time for a fresh twist (and I don't mean by including a knitting theme ;) to the ever-popular cozy mystery. And here it is. Thanks, Laura! Of course, I'm now hankering for a trip to northwestern Scotland, too.
Laura Stewart's written a fun novel with storylines and characters that could have wandered into the cozy mystery genre from the witty, cleverly plotted, romcom-centered books of Sophie Kinsella. There is also a fun, meta layer. When one of Stewart's characters bemoans the flat literary quality of a cozy mystery series the central character is reading, I think this is Stewart's own critique. That Stewart, like her character, is letting us know it's time for a fresh twist (and I don't mean by including a knitting theme ;) to the ever-popular cozy mystery. And here it is. Thanks, Laura! Of course, I'm now hankering for a trip to northwestern Scotland, too.
June 28, 2021
Mystery book fan Amelia inherits a house from her godmother Dotty, expecting a quaint cottage but in fact she discovers it's a Scottish mansion. Amelia is told there is hidden treasure in the house - will she find it? And who exactly is trying to chase her away from the property, trying to prevent her from doing so?
I really loved this book. Amelia was a fantastic character, and the supporting cast were equally so. I loved all of the little references to mystery novels and authors scattered throughout, it was a really fun read. I hope this is the first of many stories for Amelia, I'll definitely be looking out for another!
I really loved this book. Amelia was a fantastic character, and the supporting cast were equally so. I loved all of the little references to mystery novels and authors scattered throughout, it was a really fun read. I hope this is the first of many stories for Amelia, I'll definitely be looking out for another!
July 12, 2021
Amelia Adams inherits a property from her godmother, and this comes at just the right time due to being stuck in a rut with her job and her boyfriend( married , but Amelia is unaware of this) .
Amelia thinks the property is a small cottage in Scotland but is amazed to find a run down mansion with lots of mystery and secret passages.
As the story unfolds we learn more about Amelia’s godmothers past , and also more about Amelia herself. The characters are likeable , and all gel together very well, the writing flows easily and is a dream to read.
To sum up this book is a great read with intrigue, mystery and a hint of romance.
Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Amelia thinks the property is a small cottage in Scotland but is amazed to find a run down mansion with lots of mystery and secret passages.
As the story unfolds we learn more about Amelia’s godmothers past , and also more about Amelia herself. The characters are likeable , and all gel together very well, the writing flows easily and is a dream to read.
To sum up this book is a great read with intrigue, mystery and a hint of romance.
Looking forward to reading more by this author.
July 18, 2021
A fabulous read - full of suspense, mystery and intrigue!
The mystery starts when Amelia inherits a huge mansion in Scotland from her godmother who never mentioned it before. Encouraged to leave her tattered life in London by a famous film star who’s also having a rouge time, Amelia is joined by her brother and best friend and accompanying film crew to document the action. The mystery deepens when Amelia finds that there is hidden treasure in the house and the person seeking it will stop at nothing to find it.
Full of lively characters, an edge of your seat who done it, this is a brilliant read, I finished it in two days. Highly recommend!
The mystery starts when Amelia inherits a huge mansion in Scotland from her godmother who never mentioned it before. Encouraged to leave her tattered life in London by a famous film star who’s also having a rouge time, Amelia is joined by her brother and best friend and accompanying film crew to document the action. The mystery deepens when Amelia finds that there is hidden treasure in the house and the person seeking it will stop at nothing to find it.
Full of lively characters, an edge of your seat who done it, this is a brilliant read, I finished it in two days. Highly recommend!
November 11, 2021
I was nearly put off by the effusive "a completely gripping cozy mystery". Is that part of the title or just an inflated description? Well, this book contains what it says on the label. It was gripping and cozy and I really had a good time listening to it. This was another gem I wasn't expecting from Kindle Unlimited. Our heroine, Amelia, is suddenly taken out of her sad and rather sordid life by two major events: she inherits an old manor house with mysteries of its own, including secret passages, and she grabs the interest of a famous and handsome star whom she rescues in a stuck elevator. Cinderella? Not really. More a Snow White because the moment she appears in Scotland to claim her inheritance and renovate her new home with her boyfriend-for-the-sake-of-the-press, she is in danger for her life. Someone wants her out of the picture, thinking they have a better claim to the house and its secret treasure. Is there really a treasure and can Amelia find it before her attacker does? Who can she trust? To add to her distress, she is filming a reality show that is following the house renovation as she plans to turn the house into a hotel. Lots of fun with secret passages, a secret tower that has no door or entry point, and is there, or is there not, a hidden treasure somewhere in the house? This was fun, and gripping and very enjoyable.
July 1, 2021
Amelia Adams inherits a mansion when her beloved godmother dies - a mansion Amelia has no idea exists. She leaves her London life behind to set up home in Scotland where she plans on renovating the mansion.
On her arrival she learns there are tales of buried treasure, secret passageways, a diary and letters which are all there to try help Amelia solve the mystery.
This really is a gem of a book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The characters were charming and funny, especially Gideon. This is the quintessential cosy mystery and I highly recommend it.
On her arrival she learns there are tales of buried treasure, secret passageways, a diary and letters which are all there to try help Amelia solve the mystery.
This really is a gem of a book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The characters were charming and funny, especially Gideon. This is the quintessential cosy mystery and I highly recommend it.
July 21, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to reading more from her in the future. This is a well written story that takes mystery to a new level. The characters are connectable and truly brought the story to life. They made the story fun and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and a story that I really enjoyed. The twists and turns had me tuning pages fast just to see what would happen to Amelia. She is a great chracter and I highly recommend this book.
July 27, 2021
This is a fantastic story for the summer it has murder, mystery, family, friends, and romantic relationship as well, This start out with find out who Jonathan is to the main female character, she had a spirt that make other want to be around her, her name is Amelia. She meets Gideon and the quickly become friends. Amelia godmother passed away and given her Stone Manor, but their more to this story. You have to find out more. I really enjoyed this story, and want to read more with Author Laura Stewart this story came out July 21, 2021. Great summer reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
Intrigue, excitement, romance and some laughs - a recipe for a great cosy!
This book was an enjoyable reading experience because it had everything I like in a cosy mystery. Although it started off being a bit ‘blah’, once the reader was transported to Scotland, the mystery and intrigue really picked up a pace. I enjoyed the characters and their very realistic interactions and found myself quite sucked into their different stories. All in all, I thoroughly recommend this novel by Laura Stewart.
This book was an enjoyable reading experience because it had everything I like in a cosy mystery. Although it started off being a bit ‘blah’, once the reader was transported to Scotland, the mystery and intrigue really picked up a pace. I enjoyed the characters and their very realistic interactions and found myself quite sucked into their different stories. All in all, I thoroughly recommend this novel by Laura Stewart.
February 9, 2023
This was a good start to a series.
The author does give a bit too much history about the characters. While that does paint a better picture it is a bit overwhelming getting all this information upfront rather than gradually as we get to know the characters.
Somethings the main character does things which are unbelievable and at times I am unclear as to how old she it...
She is suppose to be practical and efficient with her lists and all yet she frequently runs after an unknown person in the dark.
The author does give a bit too much history about the characters. While that does paint a better picture it is a bit overwhelming getting all this information upfront rather than gradually as we get to know the characters.
Somethings the main character does things which are unbelievable and at times I am unclear as to how old she it...
She is suppose to be practical and efficient with her lists and all yet she frequently runs after an unknown person in the dark.
January 3, 2025
This was a fun, cozy mystery. I read the 2nd book first, which was a great winter holiday read. This one wasn’t quite as good as the 2nd, but I am pleased the books seem to be getting even better as the series progresses. Although not entirely necessary, it is probably best to read this book before the others. It was nice to have a deeper context to some of the characters I encountered in the next book.
September 23, 2025
3.5 stars
I enjoy the not so cozy mysteries, it had some swearing and mentions of sex, but when the character is a youngish adult that feels more real than if I was reading some prim and proper cozy.
The mystery wasn't hard for me to figure out and there were times when Amelia read a little too much like "we can't solve the mystery yet" in how she ignored clues, but frankly it hit what I wanted it to hit.
It was cute and it wasn't gory. Just what I was looking for.
I enjoy the not so cozy mysteries, it had some swearing and mentions of sex, but when the character is a youngish adult that feels more real than if I was reading some prim and proper cozy.
The mystery wasn't hard for me to figure out and there were times when Amelia read a little too much like "we can't solve the mystery yet" in how she ignored clues, but frankly it hit what I wanted it to hit.
It was cute and it wasn't gory. Just what I was looking for.
July 3, 2021
First book by this author I've read. Absolutely cracking murder mystery. It's quite light hearted, funny in parts and good dialogue. It has great characters and the plot is clever enough to keep you guessing until the author decides to let you know whodunnit. I genuinely enjoyed this book and read it in 2 days. Very much worth the read. Thanks to bloodhound for my arc.
July 9, 2021
This is a good old fashioned mystery, just a lovely novel without all the gore and violence that seems to be the rage at the moment. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and all the characters, couldn't put it down. It tells of Amelia's inheritance and the mystery surrounding her Godmothers past. Taking her off on an adventure she least expected to uncover secrets from long ago.
July 14, 2021
Well written story giving the readers a whole gamut of emotions, laughter, mystery, humor, murder, romance.
The book maintain you engaged all the time with small town charm, cozy mystery, lots of "I don't know what am I doing".
It will keep you guessing till the end who the killer is.
Very enjoyable read.
The book maintain you engaged all the time with small town charm, cozy mystery, lots of "I don't know what am I doing".
It will keep you guessing till the end who the killer is.
Very enjoyable read.
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