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Myrtle Clover Mysteries #19
A Dash of Murder
Food for thought: seasoning with these berries results in a dash of murder.
It's been a quiet autumn so far in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. Or, as Myrtle would put it, a boring one. The slow pace and lingering post-summer heat are making life in Bradley very slow-paced, indeed.
That all changes when a local resident is poisoned by what looks like a scrumptious pie. The victim is a boorish man who has plenty of enemies in Bradley. Despite this, suspicion falls heavily on Myrtle and Miles's friend—a botanist who grows the deadly nightshade the man was poisoned with.
Can Myrtle and Miles solve the case and help their friend before the killer strikes again?
It's been a quiet autumn so far in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. Or, as Myrtle would put it, a boring one. The slow pace and lingering post-summer heat are making life in Bradley very slow-paced, indeed.
That all changes when a local resident is poisoned by what looks like a scrumptious pie. The victim is a boorish man who has plenty of enemies in Bradley. Despite this, suspicion falls heavily on Myrtle and Miles's friend—a botanist who grows the deadly nightshade the man was poisoned with.
Can Myrtle and Miles solve the case and help their friend before the killer strikes again?
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2022
About the author
Elizabeth Spann Craig
98 books498 followersAuthor also writes under Elizabeth Craig
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 9, 2022
I've missed Myrtle! I feel part of tthe mytle family
I'm a seventy four year youngster who enjoys reading about my age. I can identify a and enjoy family being close by . My son and daughter are 2000 and 5000 miles away in Oregon and Germany with my grandkids so I enjoy reading about families being close by! It helps me live the blessings of others while
my grandkids so far away.! Keep writing about Myrtle. For all us youngsters in our 70s!
Diane McCampbell
I'm a seventy four year youngster who enjoys reading about my age. I can identify a and enjoy family being close by . My son and daughter are 2000 and 5000 miles away in Oregon and Germany with my grandkids so I enjoy reading about families being close by! It helps me live the blessings of others while
my grandkids so far away.! Keep writing about Myrtle. For all us youngsters in our 70s!
Diane McCampbell
March 10, 2022
3.5
Solid 4 stars until the last couple chapters where it feels like the ending becomes seriously rushed. An extra chapter or two to ease into the finish would have really helped. Otherwise, it was a lovely return to familiar friends and antics, like watching a favorite sitcom.
Solid 4 stars until the last couple chapters where it feels like the ending becomes seriously rushed. An extra chapter or two to ease into the finish would have really helped. Otherwise, it was a lovely return to familiar friends and antics, like watching a favorite sitcom.
March 31, 2023
Elizabeth Spann Craig’s A Dash of Murder is a well-written and entertaining cosy mystery starring everyone’s favourite octogenarian sleuth. The memorable characters are excellent and funny as always while the interesting mystery has great twists! This is the nineteenth entry in the series but it works fine as a standalone.
It’s shaping up to be a quiet, boring, and very hot autumn in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. Retired English teacher turned amateur sleuth Myrtle and her germaphobic sidekick Miles are desperately searching for something to do. But, the peace is soon shattered by a murder! The victim Luther Cobb has been poisoned by a delicious berry pie. A crude and mean man, Luther had no shortage of enemies in Bradley. However, suspicion soon falls upon Myrtle’s friend, the mild-mannered botanist Ezra Blake. Myrtle quickly sets about snooping before the killer strikes again!
I love the book’s mature and excellent writing as well as the deft combination of fun, wit, and humour that I’ve really come to admire about this series. It’s often difficult to find cosies that balance these elements so well but Craig consistently delivers a truly genuine book. I particularly like how wonderfully and realistically she crafts the small-town setting.
The mystery plot is very interesting and well-paced. There is an abundance of viable and memorable suspects including the victim’s wife and his jilted ex-secretary. Craig kept me on my toes for the entire book because I kept changing my mind about the murderer’s identity because there are just so many great suspects! The plot has some really great twists and red herrings. I was quite surprised by the big reveal but it makes sense and the murderer’s motives are definitely plausible.
I love this vivid cast of well-written, memorable, and unique characters! I am always excited for recurring appearances from Bradley’s residents, especially adorable feral cat Pasha and Myrtle’s ditzy but well-meaning daughter-in-law Elaine who is always taking up hobbies that she is terrible at. Our clever and bossy protagonist Myrtle is pitch-perfect! I love that she’s an older woman who is always living her best life. I wish my life could be half as adventurous as hers! I love how she smartly and boldly interrogates suspects, bosses around poor mild-mannered sidekick Miles, and rushes to solve the mystery before her police chief son Red.
🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧 out of 5 poisoned pies!
It’s shaping up to be a quiet, boring, and very hot autumn in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. Retired English teacher turned amateur sleuth Myrtle and her germaphobic sidekick Miles are desperately searching for something to do. But, the peace is soon shattered by a murder! The victim Luther Cobb has been poisoned by a delicious berry pie. A crude and mean man, Luther had no shortage of enemies in Bradley. However, suspicion soon falls upon Myrtle’s friend, the mild-mannered botanist Ezra Blake. Myrtle quickly sets about snooping before the killer strikes again!
I love the book’s mature and excellent writing as well as the deft combination of fun, wit, and humour that I’ve really come to admire about this series. It’s often difficult to find cosies that balance these elements so well but Craig consistently delivers a truly genuine book. I particularly like how wonderfully and realistically she crafts the small-town setting.
The mystery plot is very interesting and well-paced. There is an abundance of viable and memorable suspects including the victim’s wife and his jilted ex-secretary. Craig kept me on my toes for the entire book because I kept changing my mind about the murderer’s identity because there are just so many great suspects! The plot has some really great twists and red herrings. I was quite surprised by the big reveal but it makes sense and the murderer’s motives are definitely plausible.
I love this vivid cast of well-written, memorable, and unique characters! I am always excited for recurring appearances from Bradley’s residents, especially adorable feral cat Pasha and Myrtle’s ditzy but well-meaning daughter-in-law Elaine who is always taking up hobbies that she is terrible at. Our clever and bossy protagonist Myrtle is pitch-perfect! I love that she’s an older woman who is always living her best life. I wish my life could be half as adventurous as hers! I love how she smartly and boldly interrogates suspects, bosses around poor mild-mannered sidekick Miles, and rushes to solve the mystery before her police chief son Red.
🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧 out of 5 poisoned pies!
August 2, 2026
Yeah! Myrtle and her sidekick Miles are back with there latest mystery and I loved every minute.
I love this series and always stop what I am listening to or reading to jump straight into there world and join in there escapades. It's always a hoot spending time with them.
The author has created some quirky and unusual regular characters that would be missed if they weren't included and lucky for us they are all present to lend Myrtle and Miles a hand in this mystery. Even if this is your first outing out with the elderly but not old sleuths then you don't need to worry, each book is written as a standalone mystery but I would highly recommend this series and suggest you read them all. That way you get to know the characters really well and experience there antics for yourself.
The mystery was good, with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and I never did work out who the killer was. I think I was to busy being distracted by gnomes, hobbies and Pasha the cat. Everything that makes this series the fun that it is. I can't wait for the next book.
With the hot weather Myrtle and Miles are struggling to keep themselves entertained. So when Myrtle's son, the police chief is called to a suspected murder, Myrtle and Miles tag along. They quickly learn the dead man was poisoned and suspicions fall on there friend, a man known for his talks on poisonous flowers. With all the evidence pointing at him and even the poison coming from his garden, Myrtle thinks he is being framed and sets out to clear his name, especially with so many other suspects available to choose from. Is she making the right moves to uncover the killer or is she just somebody's pawn?
It took me a while to get use to the new narrator because she wasn't the voice I was expecting. However by the end of the book she had made the characters her own and I enjoyed her interpretation of them.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I love this series and always stop what I am listening to or reading to jump straight into there world and join in there escapades. It's always a hoot spending time with them.
The author has created some quirky and unusual regular characters that would be missed if they weren't included and lucky for us they are all present to lend Myrtle and Miles a hand in this mystery. Even if this is your first outing out with the elderly but not old sleuths then you don't need to worry, each book is written as a standalone mystery but I would highly recommend this series and suggest you read them all. That way you get to know the characters really well and experience there antics for yourself.
The mystery was good, with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and I never did work out who the killer was. I think I was to busy being distracted by gnomes, hobbies and Pasha the cat. Everything that makes this series the fun that it is. I can't wait for the next book.
With the hot weather Myrtle and Miles are struggling to keep themselves entertained. So when Myrtle's son, the police chief is called to a suspected murder, Myrtle and Miles tag along. They quickly learn the dead man was poisoned and suspicions fall on there friend, a man known for his talks on poisonous flowers. With all the evidence pointing at him and even the poison coming from his garden, Myrtle thinks he is being framed and sets out to clear his name, especially with so many other suspects available to choose from. Is she making the right moves to uncover the killer or is she just somebody's pawn?
It took me a while to get use to the new narrator because she wasn't the voice I was expecting. However by the end of the book she had made the characters her own and I enjoyed her interpretation of them.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 31, 2022
A Dash of Murder by Elizabeth Spann Craig is the nineteenth installment in her Myrtle Clover Mystery series and another must read for all true cozy mystery lovers.
I love that the same recurring characters are present in every book, as well as the array of new ones, and they are always so vivid and realistic that I never had a problem of imagining them and "seeing" them in my mind. They make the story stand out and bring it to life. The dialogue is excellently written.
The book is steady paced, the language easy to read and highly entertaining.
I absolutely adore how smart and observant Myrtle, our main heroine is. She is like a bad tempered and grouchy Miss Marple, and such a delight to read about. Being and elderly character, full of wisdom and life lessons there is often so much to even learn from, and she stands out from a lot of similar characters.
I also find it very rewarding to see all our favorite people develop and grow further in each installment.
The plot is well thought out, clues are all presented and clearly shown so all readers can try to solve the mystery along with the heroine and her side kick if they so wish.
I love that the same recurring characters are present in every book, as well as the array of new ones, and they are always so vivid and realistic that I never had a problem of imagining them and "seeing" them in my mind. They make the story stand out and bring it to life. The dialogue is excellently written.
The book is steady paced, the language easy to read and highly entertaining.
I absolutely adore how smart and observant Myrtle, our main heroine is. She is like a bad tempered and grouchy Miss Marple, and such a delight to read about. Being and elderly character, full of wisdom and life lessons there is often so much to even learn from, and she stands out from a lot of similar characters.
I also find it very rewarding to see all our favorite people develop and grow further in each installment.
The plot is well thought out, clues are all presented and clearly shown so all readers can try to solve the mystery along with the heroine and her side kick if they so wish.
March 9, 2023
It's been a quiet autumn so far in the small town of Bradley, North Carolina. Or, as Myrtle would put it, a boring one. The slow pace and lingering post-summer heat are making life in Bradley very slow-paced, indeed. That all changes when a local resident is poisoned by what looks like a scrumptious pie. The victim is a boorish man who has plenty of enemies in Bradley. Despite this, suspicion falls heavily on Myrtle and Miles's friend—a botanist who grows the deadly nightshade the man was poisoned with. [amazon synopsis]
Myrtle and Miles need to work quickly to solve this murder before the murderer gets to someone else. Of course, as usual, Red does something to annoy Myrtle so the gnomes come out. Puddin and Dusty wouldn't have a business outside of a cozy. Both are LAZY.
Myrtle and Miles need to work quickly to solve this murder before the murderer gets to someone else. Of course, as usual, Red does something to annoy Myrtle so the gnomes come out. Puddin and Dusty wouldn't have a business outside of a cozy. Both are LAZY.
January 26, 2024
M & M quite possibly my favorite murder solving duo
I believe this is my favorite one to date. A little bit of murder, relationships but not spice and details the genuine essence of them: platonic, intimate and teacher and student plus parental. Myrtle shown in her best light as both a mentor and a quick-witted lady. Love it. Idk what I will do when this series finishes. It will feel like losing. A friend.
I believe this is my favorite one to date. A little bit of murder, relationships but not spice and details the genuine essence of them: platonic, intimate and teacher and student plus parental. Myrtle shown in her best light as both a mentor and a quick-witted lady. Love it. Idk what I will do when this series finishes. It will feel like losing. A friend.
December 6, 2023
So I really enjoy these books and I don’t know if the author reads these reviews but I hope so. I was glad when she mentioned Myrtle’s relationship with Red less but the grandchild needs to grow up a bit. He sounds as if he’s two and he couldn’t possibly be. He has to be at least 4 and should be more verbal than allowed. He’s a minor character but he sounds stunted. Please fix.
December 20, 2023
A favorite - everyone acting in character, well-paced, plenty of clues, no tedious passages, good comedic bits, pacing just right. The author even thinks to mention a few days here and there where nothing much happens. Reads like a well-told tale more than a fleshed-out plot synopsis. Look forward to reading this again at least once.
February 14, 2022
5 stars
Another great book about Myrtle Clover. Like always I look forward to another book about the octogenarian sleuth and this one did not disappoint. I can't wait for the next one.
Another great book about Myrtle Clover. Like always I look forward to another book about the octogenarian sleuth and this one did not disappoint. I can't wait for the next one.
April 18, 2022
Myrtle Clover
Myrtle is at it again. Solving murders with her sidekick, Miles before her police chief son, Red can solve the case.Although murder is a serious thing the cast of characters will have you chuckling through the whole book.
Myrtle is at it again. Solving murders with her sidekick, Miles before her police chief son, Red can solve the case.Although murder is a serious thing the cast of characters will have you chuckling through the whole book.
February 11, 2022
enjoyed it
I’ve become attached to the characters. Easy read when life is stressful and my mind wants nothing to heavy. Recommend reading them from first
I’ve become attached to the characters. Easy read when life is stressful and my mind wants nothing to heavy. Recommend reading them from first
February 11, 2022
I just love the miss myrtle series such a light read funny who done its
March 16, 2022
Excellent as always!
Read
March 27, 2022Very good read!
Ms. Mrytle did not disappoint! As always this author keep you guessing. I can not wait for her next book to come out!
Ms. Mrytle did not disappoint! As always this author keep you guessing. I can not wait for her next book to come out!
September 17, 2022
Great story of course but I need to stop with stopping in the middle for 2 months. It is very disjointing.
August 7, 2023
Another Hit!
This was a great read by Elizabeth Spann Craig. Wonderfully written and engaging! I cannot wait until the next book comes out !
This was a great read by Elizabeth Spann Craig. Wonderfully written and engaging! I cannot wait until the next book comes out !
December 7, 2023
Great fun for this the 19 th in the series. Always good for a chuckle.
September 17, 2025
A Dash of Murder
Another great book in this series. Myrtle solves another murder mystery. A great ending to the book also. Very intriguing clues.
Another great book in this series. Myrtle solves another murder mystery. A great ending to the book also. Very intriguing clues.
February 11, 2026
I absolutely love this series! I have read 19 of these and intend on reading more, the characters are great and it is a fast read.
March 15, 2022
Myrtle is at it again, solving murders while her son Red, the police chief, tries to keep her away (put her into a rest home, because, after all, his mother is over 80 years old) from the murder investigation and it, of course, unsuccessful.
Myrtle has an uncanny ability to weasel her way into anyone's home to ask questions (after all, she was likely their English teacher) and ferret out the truth.
Another great entry in the series (just wait until you see what Elaine's new hobby is) and well--worth reading if you enjoy older folks as the protagonists and if you enjoy a solid cozy mystery.
Myrtle has an uncanny ability to weasel her way into anyone's home to ask questions (after all, she was likely their English teacher) and ferret out the truth.
Another great entry in the series (just wait until you see what Elaine's new hobby is) and well--worth reading if you enjoy older folks as the protagonists and if you enjoy a solid cozy mystery.
December 29, 2023
Poisoned Pie Mystery
In this Myrtle Clover Mystery, a poisoned pie leads to an unfortunate end for a local resident of Bradley, North Carolina. As usual, octogenarian Myrtle Clover is interested in solving the case, and she drags along her best friend and sidekick Miles Bradford to help in the case. As the victim wasn’t the most popular person in town, there’s a slew of suspects to consider, and Myrtle wastes no time.
The chief of police (and Myrtle’s son) is not thrilled to see his mother get tangled in another murder case. But when suspicion falls on a botanist friend of hers who actually grew the poisonous plant that was used in the pie, the stakes become even higher. Can Myrtle and Miles clear the botanist’s name before he’s arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, or will they end up six feet under?
Some of the scenes in this book were absolutely hysterical. But the plot was solid, and the characters, as usual, were great. The climax of the book had me laughing and panicked at the same time, and the ending was very satisfying as Miles was more involved in catching the perp than in earlier books.
This is an excellent addition to the series. Elaine has another new hobby, and as usual it’s not going well. Wanda has more dire predictions, and Miles is basically steeping in hand sanitizer. The classic ingredients for another great Myrtle Clover Mystery is here, and this book is a delight.I recommend this book to all the Myrtle fans out there who love her adventures.
In this Myrtle Clover Mystery, a poisoned pie leads to an unfortunate end for a local resident of Bradley, North Carolina. As usual, octogenarian Myrtle Clover is interested in solving the case, and she drags along her best friend and sidekick Miles Bradford to help in the case. As the victim wasn’t the most popular person in town, there’s a slew of suspects to consider, and Myrtle wastes no time.
The chief of police (and Myrtle’s son) is not thrilled to see his mother get tangled in another murder case. But when suspicion falls on a botanist friend of hers who actually grew the poisonous plant that was used in the pie, the stakes become even higher. Can Myrtle and Miles clear the botanist’s name before he’s arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, or will they end up six feet under?
Some of the scenes in this book were absolutely hysterical. But the plot was solid, and the characters, as usual, were great. The climax of the book had me laughing and panicked at the same time, and the ending was very satisfying as Miles was more involved in catching the perp than in earlier books.
This is an excellent addition to the series. Elaine has another new hobby, and as usual it’s not going well. Wanda has more dire predictions, and Miles is basically steeping in hand sanitizer. The classic ingredients for another great Myrtle Clover Mystery is here, and this book is a delight.I recommend this book to all the Myrtle fans out there who love her adventures.
August 6, 2022
Myrtle & Miles don't need to watch their favorite soap opera when they are seeing it live and in person when they try to help prove that their friend didn't poison a local resident. 😉 Red of course finds himself in danger of a heart attack as the dynamic duo questions everyone (and Elaine starts another hobby) but he sees that they can handle themselves when the killer comes knocking. 😊 I hope when I grow up I can be a nosy old lady just like Myrtle (I already got the cane. 😉)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews