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The Violet Carlyle Mysteries #33
A Frosty Little Murder
Vi and friends are ready to dive into anything but London. The days have turned dreary, and these days they’re proactive about avoiding the blues. So, they pack their bags and head to the country where they’re hoping to find clear skies and cheery days.
They aren’t surprised, however, when a storm rolls in. They’re even excited when they’re invited to a local contest for the best snow sculpture. They find their way to the meadow, and they play in the snow. They drink an excess of cocoa. Except during the celebration, a body is found. A body with something they recognize. Maybe it was an accident? Evidence seems to suggest otherwise and--once again--the murderous hand of fate has struck.
They aren’t surprised, however, when a storm rolls in. They’re even excited when they’re invited to a local contest for the best snow sculpture. They find their way to the meadow, and they play in the snow. They drink an excess of cocoa. Except during the celebration, a body is found. A body with something they recognize. Maybe it was an accident? Evidence seems to suggest otherwise and--once again--the murderous hand of fate has struck.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2021
164 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 8, 2022
I usually love this series. The characters are well developed and there's always a very intriguing mystery to investigate. This one felt off. Despite the holiday setting of Christmas in the country house, things were anything but merry. Vi is flustered and seems depressed. Servants are having personal troubles, so Vi and her family are working with subs and not the usual crew.
The book itself starts off with one story that goes nowhere before they head to the country to start another. Then there are all kinds of events that don't seem to go anywhere. There's a lot of repetition and then a very quick, unsatisfying ending with cleaning up of leads. It just reveals the killer and then ends with one paragraph.
It's a shame because I normally enjoy these books and the holiday ones are usually my favorites.
The book itself starts off with one story that goes nowhere before they head to the country to start another. Then there are all kinds of events that don't seem to go anywhere. There's a lot of repetition and then a very quick, unsatisfying ending with cleaning up of leads. It just reveals the killer and then ends with one paragraph.
It's a shame because I normally enjoy these books and the holiday ones are usually my favorites.
January 30, 2022
I was really confused when this book started and spent 20mins trying to look around to see if I missed a book in between. It felt like an interesting storyline with Ethan but then it was just dropped and the story moved on to something else. Overall the book felt disjointed. Hoping the next one will get things back on track.
**I didn't realize until after reading that Beth Byer's 2nd series (Smith Investigates #2 - Thing of Darkness) fell in between and should have been read before this book. It would have been helpful to have a note about it.
**I didn't realize until after reading that Beth Byer's 2nd series (Smith Investigates #2 - Thing of Darkness) fell in between and should have been read before this book. It would have been helpful to have a note about it.
December 25, 2021
Another truncated ending
It seems the author is having trouble writing endings. Like her previous book, as soon as the culprit is identified, the story ends. There's no cleanup, no tying of loose end, just a single paragraph that does nothing. The DI appears in one scene and never appears again. Why bother with the character at all?
I'm being generous giving this three stars.
It seems the author is having trouble writing endings. Like her previous book, as soon as the culprit is identified, the story ends. There's no cleanup, no tying of loose end, just a single paragraph that does nothing. The DI appears in one scene and never appears again. Why bother with the character at all?
I'm being generous giving this three stars.
April 25, 2022
Not up to par
So many common sense questions were never asked and Vi's oh woe is me whimpering got really old. Just a most disappointing read this time.
So many common sense questions were never asked and Vi's oh woe is me whimpering got really old. Just a most disappointing read this time.
December 28, 2021
I love Violet, Jack and the gang but something has changed with Beth's books--it is like she has grown tired of them. This one in particular--it started out with a scene completely out of left field and truly no explanation. Then after a great mystery it ended leaving many strings untied. Who was this Bailey character? Why was the Wakefield's phone out and no one else's?? Why was Miss Kinley ordering these robberies when she supposedly didn't know the motivation?? Come on Beth--don't leave all these questions. The ones about Ethan could make a whole book.
December 29, 2021
A Very Deadly Christmas
The Carlyle’s and extended family have to be the coolest kids in town. Beth Byers has written another fun and creative book about our protagonist Violet. If ever there was a murder to solve She would be the one to call! As the family goes away to the country for Christmas there is a murder too close to home that pulls their staff in. Can Violet and her team rush to save the day before their holiday festivities are ruined? Grab this book if you want a great read that is light and fun! I absolutely can not stop reading this series!!
The Carlyle’s and extended family have to be the coolest kids in town. Beth Byers has written another fun and creative book about our protagonist Violet. If ever there was a murder to solve She would be the one to call! As the family goes away to the country for Christmas there is a murder too close to home that pulls their staff in. Can Violet and her team rush to save the day before their holiday festivities are ruined? Grab this book if you want a great read that is light and fun! I absolutely can not stop reading this series!!
December 19, 2021
Very Good!
Great series but last few have not been as good as earlier ones. This one is an excellent story, great characters, lots of suspects, and Vi has plenty of opportunity to investigate. Heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and no telephone hamper the final confrontation but our hardy group overcome the villains!
Great series but last few have not been as good as earlier ones. This one is an excellent story, great characters, lots of suspects, and Vi has plenty of opportunity to investigate. Heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and no telephone hamper the final confrontation but our hardy group overcome the villains!
January 12, 2022
one of the best! recommend 100%
I have read all of the series & look forward to
the new ones. Like potato chips …. You can’t stop. Today was no different. I read the whole book this morning. They are good in many ways: the murder/mystery is always interesting. I like catching up with the ever expanding families. Today Ethan was added. They are like old friends that visit!
R
I have read all of the series & look forward to
the new ones. Like potato chips …. You can’t stop. Today was no different. I read the whole book this morning. They are good in many ways: the murder/mystery is always interesting. I like catching up with the ever expanding families. Today Ethan was added. They are like old friends that visit!
R
October 4, 2022
Great book….great series! Love this whole series. This is a lovely “cozy” murder mystery….no sex, no graphic violence, a mystery (or sometimes 2) to solve, and no cliffhanger endings. They could all be stand alone books…..but, you would miss the characters back stories. I have the next one on my “read next” stack. So, curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy the mystery.
October 13, 2022
one of her better ones
33 books in, most authors would be struggling mightily for a way to escape using many of the same plot lines. But Ms Byers was undeterred and mined her characters even deeper, running the rich river of fealty that links the family and extended family together. Well done, a very worthwhile read.
33 books in, most authors would be struggling mightily for a way to escape using many of the same plot lines. But Ms Byers was undeterred and mined her characters even deeper, running the rich river of fealty that links the family and extended family together. Well done, a very worthwhile read.
December 20, 2021
Murder and a theft
A Christmas mystery story that picks up right after the last Smith investigates book. This mystery is quicker with more of the focus on Vi than her friends, but is still really enjoyable.
A Christmas mystery story that picks up right after the last Smith investigates book. This mystery is quicker with more of the focus on Vi than her friends, but is still really enjoyable.
December 20, 2021
Excellent!
One of my favorite set of characters! They seem very human and the action is well paced. I am always excited to read on of the books in this series or that Smith Investigates series!
One of my favorite set of characters! They seem very human and the action is well paced. I am always excited to read on of the books in this series or that Smith Investigates series!
December 21, 2021
Great mystery
Characters are interesting and well thought out. Love a good country house mystery with lots of plausible villains. Good to see the same characters appearing in this novel.
Characters are interesting and well thought out. Love a good country house mystery with lots of plausible villains. Good to see the same characters appearing in this novel.
December 24, 2021
Latest in this series
This series just keeps getting better and better. This one was great! Good story line, interesting characters and great setting. I am looking forward to more in this series!
This series just keeps getting better and better. This one was great! Good story line, interesting characters and great setting. I am looking forward to more in this series!
January 9, 2022
Christmas With Vi and Victor Can Be Deadly
This third Christmas book is just wonderful. The twins do seem to stumble across dead bodies fairly regularly. Very enjoyable book. I do miss Denny and Lila. But I'm sure the next book will bring the gang back together.
This third Christmas book is just wonderful. The twins do seem to stumble across dead bodies fairly regularly. Very enjoyable book. I do miss Denny and Lila. But I'm sure the next book will bring the gang back together.
January 18, 2022
great night time read
I always enjoy these cozy mysteries, and always look forward to the next one.
Easy reading yet there’s plots and mysteries to be solved. Looking forward to the next adventure!!
I always enjoy these cozy mysteries, and always look forward to the next one.
Easy reading yet there’s plots and mysteries to be solved. Looking forward to the next adventure!!
January 25, 2022
Twisty fun!
The characters are wonderfully crafted and well suited to the time portayed. I would highly recommend this cosy mystery to everyone that loves to read a well crafted puzzle. Bravo.
The characters are wonderfully crafted and well suited to the time portayed. I would highly recommend this cosy mystery to everyone that loves to read a well crafted puzzle. Bravo.
April 9, 2022
I really like these books but
I recently read a review about the books being too much about Vi's blue days and I must say I agree.
Additionally they are a bit short which can be a good and bad thing 🤷
I recently read a review about the books being too much about Vi's blue days and I must say I agree.
Additionally they are a bit short which can be a good and bad thing 🤷
April 10, 2022
Violet and friends are among my favorites
I hold cozy mysteries in a special escapism place. A weekend afternoon when I know I should be doing something else gets devoted to cozies … and Violet and her friends are often the go tos. Grab a cup of tea, coffee or chai and enjoy
I hold cozy mysteries in a special escapism place. A weekend afternoon when I know I should be doing something else gets devoted to cozies … and Violet and her friends are often the go tos. Grab a cup of tea, coffee or chai and enjoy
December 3, 2022
Another great installment.
This was a great story with the background of a record breaking snow storm. Stupid people stealing from the rich to get a good start in life, instead of working for it. Stories as old as mankind. I definitely recommend this book.
This was a great story with the background of a record breaking snow storm. Stupid people stealing from the rich to get a good start in life, instead of working for it. Stories as old as mankind. I definitely recommend this book.
January 3, 2023
Great Read
One of my favorite series of cozy mysteries. Trapped in a house with a thief & possible murderer during a snowstorm, Vi, Jack, Victor, and Ham capture a villain & save Christmas.
One of my favorite series of cozy mysteries. Trapped in a house with a thief & possible murderer during a snowstorm, Vi, Jack, Victor, and Ham capture a villain & save Christmas.
January 27, 2024
Another poor showing. The book once again just ends. We have a paragraph where a final paragraph or chapter should be. Massive glaring errors in the story. Obvious murderer. Only makes sense if you've read the Smith books. Just bad all around.
February 24, 2024
Good plot, but...
I liked the story, but the editing left much to be desired. There were so many double negatives that I spent more time trying to decipher what was actually being said than enjoying the story for itself.
I liked the story, but the editing left much to be desired. There were so many double negatives that I spent more time trying to decipher what was actually being said than enjoying the story for itself.
December 19, 2021
unhappy beginning and a sad ending. I'd hoped the temporary butler had done it. Sigh.
December 20, 2021
Fun series
I have read all the books so far and enjoying them. I Like the characters
Looking forward to follow ups.
I have read all the books so far and enjoying them. I Like the characters
Looking forward to follow ups.
December 27, 2021
Felt this one was written just to get a book out. Disappointing.
December 28, 2021
Truly enjoyed
Nice to have a bit of simplicity for the holiday entry, though I also missed the missing. Big editing improvements.
Nice to have a bit of simplicity for the holiday entry, though I also missed the missing. Big editing improvements.
January 3, 2022
Beth does it again!
This was a short but interesting book. As always Ms. Beth delivers delicious plots with twists to keep you guessing. Can't wait for the next one!
This was a short but interesting book. As always Ms. Beth delivers delicious plots with twists to keep you guessing. Can't wait for the next one!
January 3, 2022
Okay
Nothing amazingly special. Just an easy, not challenging at all English historical country house murder mystery. Fairly obvious villain choice.
Nothing amazingly special. Just an easy, not challenging at all English historical country house murder mystery. Fairly obvious villain choice.
January 14, 2022
I enjoy these, but the endings have started to seem a little rushed. However they are my go-to cozy reads when I just can’t focus on anything else.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews