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The Sisters, Texas #12
Murder Worth a Thousand Words
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy of '22!
For almost thirty years, Alpha Bodine’s murder has been one of the few unsolved crimes in The Sisters. The beloved grandmother was attacked in her parlor in broad daylight but her killer was never found. There were no witnesses, no evidence, and no apparent motive for her death.
The mystery still haunts those who knew and loved her, particularly elected officials who hadn’t seen justice served under their watch. Her old Victorian mansion became a forgotten shrine, locked up and abandoned while rumors continued to swirl about her death.
The house remained shuttered to the public, until a failed business venture forced her heirs into an emergency liquidation sale. Being the close-knit community that they are, the townspeople turned out in droves to show their support. That, and to see the rumored blood stains still on the Persian carpet.
Having seen more than her share of dead bodies and crime scenes since moving back home, Madison deCordova wasn’t there for the gore. She hoped to find some small treasure from the past, some trinket or piece of artwork that filled a need she didn’t know she had.
What she found was so much more.
Maddy, of course, found Miss Alpha’s killer.
Book 12 in the best-selling, award-winning
The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series.
For almost thirty years, Alpha Bodine’s murder has been one of the few unsolved crimes in The Sisters. The beloved grandmother was attacked in her parlor in broad daylight but her killer was never found. There were no witnesses, no evidence, and no apparent motive for her death.
The mystery still haunts those who knew and loved her, particularly elected officials who hadn’t seen justice served under their watch. Her old Victorian mansion became a forgotten shrine, locked up and abandoned while rumors continued to swirl about her death.
The house remained shuttered to the public, until a failed business venture forced her heirs into an emergency liquidation sale. Being the close-knit community that they are, the townspeople turned out in droves to show their support. That, and to see the rumored blood stains still on the Persian carpet.
Having seen more than her share of dead bodies and crime scenes since moving back home, Madison deCordova wasn’t there for the gore. She hoped to find some small treasure from the past, some trinket or piece of artwork that filled a need she didn’t know she had.
What she found was so much more.
Maddy, of course, found Miss Alpha’s killer.
Book 12 in the best-selling, award-winning
The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
105 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Becki Willis
44 books541 followersBest-selling indie and hybrid author Becki Willis loves crafting stories with believable characters in believable situations. Many of her stories stem from her own personal experiences. (No worries; she's never actually murdered anyone).
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 16, 2021
I can never get enough of The Sisters, Texas series, so it's always an absolute privilege to receive an ARC copy. Becki Willis's latest installment doesn't disappoint. It's full of action, intrigue, daring old ladies, and sweet cuddly new babies! Of course the stories always strike a chord with me being a fellow Texan, particularly in central Texas - Becki captures the true essence of the area and culture to a T.
October 18, 2021
Intriguing. Dealing with a murder that is really old and unsolved. Binge reading to find out if Maddy and Genny can figure it out Ready for more.
November 3, 2022
this is a wonderful story very good and well written if you have read the other books you will want to read this one but even if you have not you will enjoy the book this is another great story, Maddy and Genny go to an estate sale and Maddy find a painting to get Brash for Christmas but before she can even pay for it someone tries to steal it but she does get it and hides it in a gubby hole in the big house. genny is smitten with the baby as is all the females in the townes . Maddy and the geriatric group try to find out who killed a friend over 20 years ago, much to deputy perry furry he was the one to investigate the murder when it happened and couldnot find the person who did it/ now the women are checking things out but not sure who is responsible but she must be getting close because someone is following her . i like the way cutter was always ready to hold the baby very well written looking forward to the next story i was given a copy but this is an honest review
February 15, 2022
Some of the BEST cozies you can read
Every one of the books from the series The Sisters takes you to an entertaining make believe world where you can loose yourself and enjoy living and getting to know all the characters. I have been reading cozy books for 20+ years and these are some of the best. Becky Willis opens up a world of modern life, a single mom with twins, a small town, and people I wish I could meet in real life!! Granny Bert, Genny, Brash, and Cutter could all be goo d, friends I'd love to have. If you are looking for a series that will make you laugh, cry, and get lost in the story these are the books for you. As a bonus, they are available from Kindle Unlimited. Start with book 1 Chicken Scratch and read the series in order. That is the best way to enjoy them. By the way, these books have lots of love but no graphic sex.
Every one of the books from the series The Sisters takes you to an entertaining make believe world where you can loose yourself and enjoy living and getting to know all the characters. I have been reading cozy books for 20+ years and these are some of the best. Becky Willis opens up a world of modern life, a single mom with twins, a small town, and people I wish I could meet in real life!! Granny Bert, Genny, Brash, and Cutter could all be goo d, friends I'd love to have. If you are looking for a series that will make you laugh, cry, and get lost in the story these are the books for you. As a bonus, they are available from Kindle Unlimited. Start with book 1 Chicken Scratch and read the series in order. That is the best way to enjoy them. By the way, these books have lots of love but no graphic sex.
September 24, 2021
A case gone cold comes back to life, stalking included
A murder that has gone cold almost 30 years ago gets a second chance to get solved. I really enjoy all the characters in the story, they are all likable and have their own unique personalities. There is a lot of fun and witty banter and the interesting plot moves along at a good pace. There are numerous ways this could go with plenty of twists along the way, I enjoyed the trail they pursued and how they solved the mystery. A stand alone story in this series with many of the same characters from prior books. A very enjoyable book and I highly recommend to read, it kept me engaged from beginning to end. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
A murder that has gone cold almost 30 years ago gets a second chance to get solved. I really enjoy all the characters in the story, they are all likable and have their own unique personalities. There is a lot of fun and witty banter and the interesting plot moves along at a good pace. There are numerous ways this could go with plenty of twists along the way, I enjoyed the trail they pursued and how they solved the mystery. A stand alone story in this series with many of the same characters from prior books. A very enjoyable book and I highly recommend to read, it kept me engaged from beginning to end. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
September 28, 2021
Maddie is the dead body magnet of The Sisters. In this story she's 30 years late finding the body but she still wants to help the police solve the cold case. Granny Bert's friend Alpha was murdered years ago. Was it her grandsons or someone else who had evil on his mind? Maddie is mostly on her own solving this murder mystery as Genny has one bundle of joy in her hands and another due any minute. Granny and her octogenarian friends all piece together what they know so Maddie can figure out the murderer. Lots of twists and turns before the culprit is found. And as usual Brash tries to rein in Maddie, we know how that works... The series can be read as stand alones but I recommend reading them in order so you know who the characters are and their history.
October 9, 2021
Madison and Genny make the most of their bff time before Genny’s little family doubles by taking advantage of a garage sale or two, Maddy finds a perfect gift for Brash, a western themed painting. But apparently a baseball capped man is suffering from buyer’s envy, breaking garage sale etiquette and tries to swipe the painting away from Maddy.
One would think that would be the end of the Garage Sale Gripper but it isn’t. As the garages sale tale travelled the gossip circuit, the story of a Granny Bert’s contemporary’s open and mysterious murder 30 years ago resurfaces, intriguing Maddy. Granny Bert’s posse get involved after things get tacky for Maddy with her unwelcome visitors, irritating annoyances, etc.
Rating: 3.75stars
One would think that would be the end of the Garage Sale Gripper but it isn’t. As the garages sale tale travelled the gossip circuit, the story of a Granny Bert’s contemporary’s open and mysterious murder 30 years ago resurfaces, intriguing Maddy. Granny Bert’s posse get involved after things get tacky for Maddy with her unwelcome visitors, irritating annoyances, etc.
Rating: 3.75stars
September 24, 2021
Loved, loved, loved this book. This book is a great addition to the series. The small town atmosphere is so authentic and the characters are typical of the population that lives in them. With perhaps a few more quirks. The author knows how to write a story that engages the reader from page one and holds their interest until the last line is write . The mystery plays out with increasing action until the perpetrator is unmasked. Don't miss this book or any of the others in the series.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
December 30, 2021
1.5 stars
As someone who had not read any other books in the series, I found the book opened with a lot of characters, and no background knowledge of these folks was provided. There were also many references to events in prior books, that had no meaning to me. So, it wasn’t great as a stand-alone. The writing itself is dialogue heavy, but acceptable; it flowed fine. The big issue I have is with the ridiculous plot, which depended on absurd premises.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As someone who had not read any other books in the series, I found the book opened with a lot of characters, and no background knowledge of these folks was provided. There were also many references to events in prior books, that had no meaning to me. So, it wasn’t great as a stand-alone. The writing itself is dialogue heavy, but acceptable; it flowed fine. The big issue I have is with the ridiculous plot, which depended on absurd premises.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2024
Madison works a cold case.
An estate auction at which Madison purchases a painting for her husband opens up the cold case of the murder which had happened in the home thirty years earlier. Madison’s Granny Bert had been close friends with the victim and was dismayed that the murderer had never been identified. When a stranger approaches Madison at the sale and tries to take the artwork, Madison realizes the painting must be tied into the murder so long ago. Now, she must discern how—2and who is the menacing man? Another solid entry in this cozy mystery series.
An estate auction at which Madison purchases a painting for her husband opens up the cold case of the murder which had happened in the home thirty years earlier. Madison’s Granny Bert had been close friends with the victim and was dismayed that the murderer had never been identified. When a stranger approaches Madison at the sale and tries to take the artwork, Madison realizes the painting must be tied into the murder so long ago. Now, she must discern how—2and who is the menacing man? Another solid entry in this cozy mystery series.
September 24, 2021
Well done!
Looked forward to this book since reading the last one and it was great ! Madison and Granny Bert are at it again to solve a 30 yr old murder with help from GB's friends and they're just as funny. Poor Brash suffers with a hidden smile to their antics.LOVE this series goes without saying but I will-love,love,love this series and so will you!!
Looked forward to this book since reading the last one and it was great ! Madison and Granny Bert are at it again to solve a 30 yr old murder with help from GB's friends and they're just as funny. Poor Brash suffers with a hidden smile to their antics.LOVE this series goes without saying but I will-love,love,love this series and so will you!!
September 29, 2021
I'm always crazy excited to read and review a book in The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series. This 12th book certainly didn't disappoint. Once again Madison and Granny are knee deep in a murder that happened 30 years ago. The series is full of entertaining characters and a great storyline. I received an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
April 27, 2022
Another Amazing Murder Thriller!
What more can I say a bout Becky Willis' writing? She has mastered character development, keeping the reader hanging into every word, along with her unique humor with Granny Beth's dialogues. Love how her main characters are so easily believed and the closeness in the families and friends!
What more can I say a bout Becky Willis' writing? She has mastered character development, keeping the reader hanging into every word, along with her unique humor with Granny Beth's dialogues. Love how her main characters are so easily believed and the closeness in the families and friends!
May 14, 2023
Another wonderful book!
I have enjoyed all 12 books so far. Except for reintroducing the main characters, every story is unique and different. Such a pleasure to read from a real story teller!!! Please don’t stop, I can’t wait to read more. I am a serial reader, so I really appreciate all the different, wonderful clean reading.
I have enjoyed all 12 books so far. Except for reintroducing the main characters, every story is unique and different. Such a pleasure to read from a real story teller!!! Please don’t stop, I can’t wait to read more. I am a serial reader, so I really appreciate all the different, wonderful clean reading.
August 24, 2025
Two by Two
Two is definitely the word in this book. With Genny's two babies, and Maddie's twins and even more in the book, it's wild. I absolutely love the picture in my mind of the ladies sneaking in and looking around their friend's old house. That's become a goal for me and my friends. Love it!!!
Two is definitely the word in this book. With Genny's two babies, and Maddie's twins and even more in the book, it's wild. I absolutely love the picture in my mind of the ladies sneaking in and looking around their friend's old house. That's become a goal for me and my friends. Love it!!!
December 16, 2021
Cold Case
A thirty year old murder to solve with few, if any, clues. The start of a great plot with lots of different characters. Follow them through to see if the mystery is solves and how.
A thirty year old murder to solve with few, if any, clues. The start of a great plot with lots of different characters. Follow them through to see if the mystery is solves and how.
March 28, 2022
Can't Put Down Story
Madison is at it again, this time working on a very cold case, the murder of one of Granny Bert's best friends.
Stalkers, western art work, and keeping up with 3 teenagers and the birth of 2 babies . . What a read!
Madison is at it again, this time working on a very cold case, the murder of one of Granny Bert's best friends.
Stalkers, western art work, and keeping up with 3 teenagers and the birth of 2 babies . . What a read!
August 18, 2022
This is a fun mystery with a wide age group from babies to elders. The main character is solving a decades old murder while balancing the responsibilities of wife and mother with family love always at center.
July 27, 2023
I’m reading this series, though not one after the other. I read others of interest In between but I always come back to read the next after I’ve read several different books. They are fun interesting books and I have enjoyed following the characters and their developing lives.
September 22, 2021
Small town, Family and Friends, Love, a Stalker and a Cold Case Murder Mystery ** What more could you ask for in a story by Becki Willis!!!
October 9, 2021
This is my favorite series by this author although I love all of her books. The characters and the setting are so well written that you feel like you are right there with them.
October 18, 2021
FUN AND INTRIGUING
Just the right amount of mystery with whole lot of fun. Light and breezy .
Enjoyed it from page one.
Just the right amount of mystery with whole lot of fun. Light and breezy .
Enjoyed it from page one.
October 25, 2021
Another good read
I love the characters . This book was predictable but fun to read. I am looking forward to the next one.
I love the characters . This book was predictable but fun to read. I am looking forward to the next one.
October 29, 2021
Happy ending
This was the best sisters novel I’ve read so far. Granny Bert really takes the cake putting on her ghost act there at the end.
This was the best sisters novel I’ve read so far. Granny Bert really takes the cake putting on her ghost act there at the end.
November 30, 2021
Wonderful
Very good read. This had me guessing as to who did the killing of Alpha. I loved it when Granny Bert started talking from behind the wall.
Ann
Very good read. This had me guessing as to who did the killing of Alpha. I loved it when Granny Bert started talking from behind the wall.
Ann
January 1, 2022
Super read
This series makes you feel like you want to move to Texas. Highly recommend these for any age group today
This series makes you feel like you want to move to Texas. Highly recommend these for any age group today
January 25, 2022
Suspenseful book
Appreciated development of each well rounded character. Enjoyed the twist at the end of the book. Would recommend this series.
Appreciated development of each well rounded character. Enjoyed the twist at the end of the book. Would recommend this series.
March 6, 2022
Babies
No matter how old you are, you will always be someone’s baby. Family dynamics enter into a twisted plot of revenge.
No matter how old you are, you will always be someone’s baby. Family dynamics enter into a twisted plot of revenge.
May 20, 2022
sisters
Good mystery keeps you reading wanting to see what happens next you get to know the characters like old friends
Good mystery keeps you reading wanting to see what happens next you get to know the characters like old friends
September 12, 2022
easy entertaining read!
I love the characters and they grow more with time. Thanks for the entertainment. I would like to live in Sister’s any day.
I love the characters and they grow more with time. Thanks for the entertainment. I would like to live in Sister’s any day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews