Influenced to Death

Lily Rock Mysteries #2

by Bonnie Hardy

Olivia Greer dreads returning to Lily Rock. But the dead tenant on her doorstep has made the trip a necessity. Without a doubt, reconnecting with the people she abruptly abandoned a year ago will be agonizing. None more so than Michael Bellemare, whose smile made her heart race.
 
But to solve the murder, she will need to partner with officer Janis Jets and put her amateur sleuth skills to the test once more. Every clue they find, each lie uncovered in Internet photographs, proves Lana de Carlos’s life was shrouded in secrets. 
 
Forced to take a deeper look at all the residents of Lilly Rock, Olivia begins to wonder if anyone there is who they claim to be. Will the truth solidify her sense of belonging with the town and its people? Or make her wish she never returned?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2021

About the author

Bonnie Hardy, a retired professional turned author, is celebrated for her two enthralling cozy mystery series. The first, set in the picturesque mountain town of Lily Rock, features amateur sleuth Olivia Greer, known for her uncanny ability to draw out confessions from the most unlikely people.
The second series, set in Palm Desert, features the mid-life duo mentalist Rex Redondo and his down to earth next door neighbor doula Vivienne Rose.
Inspired by Agatha Christie, Bonnie's captivating tales of mystery and community masterfully blend fast-paced whodunits with clever sleuthing.

Reviews

[JJ Bellfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you have it all figured it! It turns out that there is more to the story. The author has a knack for adding subtle twists and turns throughout the story that keep you turning the pages in anticipation. While the murder of a viral social media influencer is the forefront of the story, the stories about the people of Little Rock and the underlying potential of romance woven throughout the story make this a well-rounded and truly enjoyable read.

[Jill Darland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this return to Lily Rock and the eclectic cast from Getaway Death. Olivia's serene, woodsy house is again the setting for murder. It's a fast-moving story of friendship, deceit and voyeurism, all to solve the murder of a social media influencer. The town's dog, Mayor Maguire, adds some whimsy to this fun new novel.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging read which dwells in the wild wild west of social media influencers. I love amateur sleuth Olivia. She is daring, funny and perceptive. I kept reading to find out who dunnit, now I am sad it is over. Bring on book three!

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story delivers a character-driven, rich, cozy mystery set against the charming backdrop of a small California mountain town.

The plot is layered and contemporary, blending the intrigue of a murder mystery with timely themes like influencer culture, self-reinvention, and the pull of home.

Hardy’s greatest strengths lie in her well-drawn characters and immersive setting.

The dialogue is sharp and often humorous, and the town of Lily Rock brims with personality.

Some early chapters lean on introspection and telling us backstory, which slows the pacing.

Also, the central mystery takes time to ignite.

Readers who love cozy mysteries with strong heroines, layered relationships, and a touch of modern social commentary will find Influenced to Death a rewarding read.

[Cierra Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to get through. It was a little slow. I didn’t realize there was a first book or that this was even a series. I got this book for free, honestly don’t really know how. Mystery club or something. Either way, I really enjoyed the story. It was well written and I love mystery books where I don’t know whodunnit before its announced. I was genuinely surprised at the killer. That doesn’t happen to often. Those are the best ones.

This was a good read if you’re in the mood for a little bit of mystery. And a sprinkle of romance. Hopefully the next few books have more of it. I needed more Liv x Michael time.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good series follow up

Another murder in Olivia's home!!! I enjoyed watching Olivia suffer through the possibilities and clues. She's a pretty good detective, but she has no skills to see what's right in front of her and in her heart until she's confronted head on and forced to choose. Will she choose love or running from it??? Some family secrets are outed. I enjoyed this.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a year since Olivia has been back to Lily Rock. She comes back to figure out who killed her tenant. Olivia and Sage started a band but Olivia is keeping a secret from Sage. Lots happens in this story, a lot of emotional stuff and big decisions are made. I am really enjoying this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherri Englett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really liked the book. Olivia had a list of suspects for Lana's death. Olivia's gift of song found out the real killer. In glad Olivia and Michael finally got together.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the small town talk. I figured out who did it way in advance, but the author did a good job of stretching the story out with other suspects. And I like it when they give you enough info to figure out who did it.

[Skater · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Murder in Lily Rock

The death of the woman renting her house draws Olivia back to Lily Rock. As she reopens friendships, she has a murder to solve. These are quick, well written mysteries, filled with great characters and wonderful friendships.

[Kaitlyn Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not quite as good as the first book in the series but still loved it! I love all the twists and turns that the book takes. Will definitely be reading the 3rd in the series :)

[Lesley Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

A really lovely cozy mystery, the characters are endearing. The Mayor is a favourite of both the characters and me. Murder, mayhem and fun. Well worth five stars.

[Eileen Gernet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Many issues resolved in Lily Rock in this book. As exciting as this mystery is, I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Peggy Haufle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first in the series and listened to this one. I'm a fan of the author but not the narrator. Sage sounds whiney when she isn't at all. I'm going to read the third book.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I just couldn't put it down. The murder, secrets, and quirky characters kept me turning pages.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice characters.

A small town with lots of secrets. And a body

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one.

[Ceanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

The narrators voice on this audiobook was not good.

[Lisa Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading anything by this author and I am hooked. This book had so many twists and turns just when I thought I had it figured out I was proven wrong. I couldn’t put this book down!!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting cozy mystery. The heroine seemed a bit indecisive. I enjoyed it and have continued reading the series.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

a number of journeys and transitions continue during the course of this book.

Dangerous deceptions prove lethal in some cases, and most secrets do not stay secret in Lily Rock.

Sage faces her fears and insecurities about Michael and Sage and her relationships with them and other townsfolk close to her heart.

Things are often a bit convoluted in Lily Rock.

Reflective journeys through town, gender, personal and fictional identities.

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one in the series. I found it slower and there are a number of errors in the book and inconsistencies in the plot that made it confusing and frustrating to read. I do like the characters and the town.