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Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #4
Murder in a Cape Cottage
From Agatha-awarding winning author Maddie Day comes the latest novel in her Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series set in a picturesque Cape Cod town, where resourceful bike-shop owner Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida” tackles a cold case with the help of her fellow book club sleuths—a treat for fans of fresh, clever, cozy mysteries and those who love Lorna Barrett’s Booktown series.
ʼTis the day after Christmas, following a wicked-busy time of year for Mac’s bike shop. It’s just as well her Cozy Capers Book Group’s new pick is a nerve-soothing coloring book mystery, especially when she has last-minute wedding planning to do. But all pre-wedding jitters fade into the background when Mac and her fiancé, Tim, begin a cottage renovation project and open up a wall to find a skeleton—sitting on a stool, dressed in an old-fashioned bridal gown . . .
As Mac delves into the decades-old mystery with the help of librarian Flo and her book group, she discovers a story of star-crossed lovers and feuding families worthy of the bard himself. Yet this tale has a modern-day villain still lurking in Mac’s quaint seaside town, ready to make this a murderous New Year’s Eve . . .
Includes Recipes!
ʼTis the day after Christmas, following a wicked-busy time of year for Mac’s bike shop. It’s just as well her Cozy Capers Book Group’s new pick is a nerve-soothing coloring book mystery, especially when she has last-minute wedding planning to do. But all pre-wedding jitters fade into the background when Mac and her fiancé, Tim, begin a cottage renovation project and open up a wall to find a skeleton—sitting on a stool, dressed in an old-fashioned bridal gown . . .
As Mac delves into the decades-old mystery with the help of librarian Flo and her book group, she discovers a story of star-crossed lovers and feuding families worthy of the bard himself. Yet this tale has a modern-day villain still lurking in Mac’s quaint seaside town, ready to make this a murderous New Year’s Eve . . .
Includes Recipes!
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
375 people are currently reading
2155 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Day
29 books1,550 followersMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
September 11, 2022
Murder in a Cape Cottage is the 4th book in Maddie Day's Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. I've read a few series by the author and enjoy the different characters and settings. In this latest caper, our protagonist Mac, a late thirties bike store owner who's getting married in this book, discovers a skeleton in her home with hubby-to-be Tim. What's worse, she was wearing a wedding dress like Mac's! The body is ~75 years old and turns out to be from a family that lived there in the 1940s. Several relatives still reside in their small Massachusetts town, plus those of the dead woman's fiancé and another core family who was very friendly with them. What a terrific genealogical investigation! Loved it... easily 4.5 stars. It's a smooth story, ripe with conflict and drama but flows so well. It's hard to decide which family might be protecting an ancestor, as they all had reasons to be guilty, but the true criminal is two-fold. One in the past and one in the present. Love the progression of this series, and I definitely recommend it to amateur sleuth fans.
August 30, 2022
It is nearly Christmas in Westham, Massachusetts,and Mac Almeida and husband to be, Tim, are demolishing a wall in their cottage to build an en suite bathroom. In true cosy style of course they reveal a skeleton in a bride's dress, sitting in a chair and chained to the wall. Not what you expect to find behind the average wall.
The book follows a lengthy and complicated investigation as Mac researches the history of many of the town's established families to try and discover who the would be bride was, and why she ended up murdered.
This a well written book with lots of research and many red herrings. The families are protective of their forebears and no one wants to find their grandparents guilty of this horrible murder. Mac does an excellent job of pursuing justice for her skeleton bride and her prospective bridegroom. It was all very entertaining and definitely worth reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book follows a lengthy and complicated investigation as Mac researches the history of many of the town's established families to try and discover who the would be bride was, and why she ended up murdered.
This a well written book with lots of research and many red herrings. The families are protective of their forebears and no one wants to find their grandparents guilty of this horrible murder. Mac does an excellent job of pursuing justice for her skeleton bride and her prospective bridegroom. It was all very entertaining and definitely worth reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 22, 2022
I loved this cozy mystery that is the latest book in Cozy Capers Book Group mysteries. It was the first book I read by this author. I loved that it takes place around the holidays and the murder from long ago is discovered right before Mac's wedding. The town setting in beautiful Cape Cod is perfect as well.
I think cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book as much as I did.
I think cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book as much as I did.
August 14, 2022
‘Mac’ MacKenzie Almeda, and her fiancé, Tim Brunelle, are readying for their wedding which is only five days away. They live in Westham, Massachusetts where both own successful businesses and have busy, active lives in the community. Mac has moved into Tim’s hundred-year-old cottage and they decide to get started knocking down a wall for planned renovations to enlargen the space. After a couple of sledgehammer whams, Mac is horrified to discover female skeletal remains when she peeks behind the wall. The woman was obviously left there to perish as someone walled her in with no way to escape. The local police detective gets right on the job of identifying the Jane Doe, or Bridey, as Mac refers to her. Author Maddie Day immediately captured my attention with the creation of this splendid plot to entertain readers!
Fans of the previous Cozy Capers Book Group series will recognize Mac’s family members who support her at all times; plus the members of the Book Group who enjoy aiding in murder investigations. (I loved that the group was reading a Krista Davis cozy!) Several suspect characters are introduced that could be possible killers, and as the list grows, multiple names move to the top and stunning revelations lead to more than one arrest! Shock, after shocking reveal wraps up the final mysteries for a fantastic ending. Delicious recipes are added for readers, too. I highly recommend this story and the previous three novels to cozy mystery fans.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Fans of the previous Cozy Capers Book Group series will recognize Mac’s family members who support her at all times; plus the members of the Book Group who enjoy aiding in murder investigations. (I loved that the group was reading a Krista Davis cozy!) Several suspect characters are introduced that could be possible killers, and as the list grows, multiple names move to the top and stunning revelations lead to more than one arrest! Shock, after shocking reveal wraps up the final mysteries for a fantastic ending. Delicious recipes are added for readers, too. I highly recommend this story and the previous three novels to cozy mystery fans.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2022
Another great installment! It was so fun to be spending time w/ Mac and Tim just days before their wedding. Things become a little more stressful for the couple when they find a dead gal in the wall while starting renovations on their cottage. I knew Mac would be too fascinated to not get involved in the case!
I myself am not a huge fan of cold cases, but with all the fun family dynamics, amazing setting, wedding prep, and best of all a cozy mystery book club I was engaged from start to finish!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Maddie Day, and the publisher for this opportunity.
I myself am not a huge fan of cold cases, but with all the fun family dynamics, amazing setting, wedding prep, and best of all a cozy mystery book club I was engaged from start to finish!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Maddie Day, and the publisher for this opportunity.
October 13, 2022
Another great installment! It was so fun to be spending time w/ Mac and Tim just days before their wedding. Things become a little more stressful for the couple when they find a dead gal in the wall while starting renovations on their cottage. I knew Mac would be too fascinated to not get involved in the case!
I myself am not a huge fan of cold cases, but with all the fun family dynamics, amazing setting, wedding prep, and best of all a cozy mystery book club I was engaged from start to finish!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Maddie Day, and the publisher for this opportunity.
I myself am not a huge fan of cold cases, but with all the fun family dynamics, amazing setting, wedding prep, and best of all a cozy mystery book club I was engaged from start to finish!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Maddie Day, and the publisher for this opportunity.
November 21, 2022
⭐⭐ -- Pretty cover on this one!
I like this author and enjoyed the previous book in this series, however this one just wasn't this author's best work. First, the mystery isn't much of a mystery. It's pretty obvious who it is going to be from early on. Second, I did not like Mac in this one at all. First, who starts a home renovation over the holiday season and days before their wedding? This annoyed me. 😂🤷🏻♀️ Second, she overacted, cried, was depressed, a grinch, for a good portion of this book. Perhaps if she had held off on the renovations until AFTER she was married, she would have been happier! 😂 On a more positive note, I still love the setting and the secondary characters remain strong.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I like this author and enjoyed the previous book in this series, however this one just wasn't this author's best work. First, the mystery isn't much of a mystery. It's pretty obvious who it is going to be from early on. Second, I did not like Mac in this one at all. First, who starts a home renovation over the holiday season and days before their wedding? This annoyed me. 😂🤷🏻♀️ Second, she overacted, cried, was depressed, a grinch, for a good portion of this book. Perhaps if she had held off on the renovations until AFTER she was married, she would have been happier! 😂 On a more positive note, I still love the setting and the secondary characters remain strong.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 4, 2022
As Mac and Tim prepare for their upcoming nuptials they find a body behind a wall while doing renovations. It was nice to watch Mac try to figure out what happened along with getting her wedding things done.
June 18, 2022
I am a bit mixed on this book. About half way through I realized that it was only going to be about solving this decades old mystery. Considering Mac is trying to get ready for her wedding at the end of the week, it is hard to believe that she would spend time on it. At times it gets bogged down and at times Mac overreacts to things. Only at the end it there really any action. This was not the best that I have read by Maddie Day.
December 31, 2024
Story: 4.5 Stars
Audio: 5 Stars
Audio: 5 Stars
October 5, 2022
In this fourth instalment in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series by Maddie Day, Mackenzie 'Mac' Almeida is a bicycle shop owner who is back in the town where she grew up after several years away. She runs "Mac’s Bikes" which caters for tourists visiting the quaint town of Westham, Massachusetts and she is a member of The Cozy Capers Book Group. Her mother is an astrologist and her dad is a minister.
Mac is always on hand to help when her friends need her and she's also very busy with the preparations for her wedding to fiancé, Tim Brunelle. The couple is working on their cottage renovation owned by Tim when they happen across a skeleton in their cupboard wall. It's a woman's remains dressed in her wedding frock with a leather suitcase beside her.
The author's characters are very engaging, their presences jumping from the pages. Mac, in her thirties, is curious, smart, friendly, and very hands-on. The diverse supporting characters arere a hit for me as well; from Tim, Mac's family, and her best friend, Gin, to Mac's African grey parrot, Belle, the local residents and others, the reader is treated to well-crafted characters. I liked the romantic interludes between Tim, a keen race runner and the owner of Greta's Grains, an artisan bakers business based in the town and Mac. Whilst the storyline builds upon the previous books, the novel can easily be enjoyed as an individual read.
The author gave me everything I could want from a fantastic cozy mystery making it easy to escape right into the intriguing, fun story. The pacing was even and there were more than enough twists and clues. If you enjoy a great cozy you need to check out this series. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Murder in a Cape Cottage and I can't wait to read the first in the series, Murder on Cape Cod, as well as revisiting Mac in book five.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
Mac is always on hand to help when her friends need her and she's also very busy with the preparations for her wedding to fiancé, Tim Brunelle. The couple is working on their cottage renovation owned by Tim when they happen across a skeleton in their cupboard wall. It's a woman's remains dressed in her wedding frock with a leather suitcase beside her.
The author's characters are very engaging, their presences jumping from the pages. Mac, in her thirties, is curious, smart, friendly, and very hands-on. The diverse supporting characters arere a hit for me as well; from Tim, Mac's family, and her best friend, Gin, to Mac's African grey parrot, Belle, the local residents and others, the reader is treated to well-crafted characters. I liked the romantic interludes between Tim, a keen race runner and the owner of Greta's Grains, an artisan bakers business based in the town and Mac. Whilst the storyline builds upon the previous books, the novel can easily be enjoyed as an individual read.
The author gave me everything I could want from a fantastic cozy mystery making it easy to escape right into the intriguing, fun story. The pacing was even and there were more than enough twists and clues. If you enjoy a great cozy you need to check out this series. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Murder in a Cape Cottage and I can't wait to read the first in the series, Murder on Cape Cod, as well as revisiting Mac in book five.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
August 2, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in Cape Cottage by Maggie Day. It blended so many interests of mine in one amazing package. From the moment Mac and Tim find the body, to the final bow at the end tying up the loose ends, I was riveted. I loved the way genealogy was woven throughout the story. It gave a wonderful twist to a history of the characters and the town. One of the highlights for me was the Hanukkah party. It was so naturally done. It is not often I can celebrate my holiday vicariously in so wonderful a manner. As always in this series, the twist and red herrings kept me guessing.
December 29, 2022
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. This was an incredibly boring cozy mystery. Mac is a bike shop owner who is about to get married. While fixing up her fiancé’s house, she finds a skeleton in the wall. She helps solve another mystery in her town. My problem with the book is that Mac isn’t likable. If I found a skeleton in the wall I would freak. Mac is like, oh well I have to solve the mystery. She also won’t shake hands with anyone because of the pandemic, even though it is over. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
May 31, 2022
“Mac” Almeida had a high-powered employment history but now owns a bicycle rent/repair shop, lived in a Tiny House, has a father who is a minister, a mother who is an astrologer, has a verbose African Grey parrot, a baker for an imminent bridegroom, and is essential to the Cozy Capers Book Group. While doing renovations in their new home a few days before the wedding, she comes upon a skeleton hidden in a wall wearing bride's dress with a small valise and wearing handcuffs! The police do try, but this skeleton was from 80 years ago and there are other things going on. The person is identified as a member of town royalty with issues. I'm making it a point to do this review at the 65% mark so I don't get tempted to give away any spoilers! Another entrancing read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
September 27, 2022
I’m always a big fan of cold cases being solved so this mystery was difficult to put down. Add in the somewhat feuding families, the home renovation, and a wedding, and I am definitely hooked. This had so much going on and although I figured out who the guilty person was early on, it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Mac and Tim.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
September 10, 2022
Renovating just after Christmas and two weeks before your wedding is never a good idea. But for Mac and Tim, finding a skeleton bride behind a wall could prove a bigger disaster than either of them know. In the fourth book in the “Cozy Caper Book Group” series, Murder in a Cape Cottage tells the story of love, hate, suspicion, and heartbreak. In other words, life.
Mac finding a skeleton behind the wall of her new home with Tim, dressed as a bride, makes everything about her wedding far more important and seems almost natural. And at the same time, everything feels almost meaningless unless she can find out who killed the young woman and why. But tracking down suspects and evidence from a crime carried out decades ago could be difficult, if not fruitless. Along the way, Mac discovers the secrets of several families and how some of the most respected members of society can hide events and information, sometimes even murder. Families are never what they seem, even when they look normal.
The characters in this series have always been well-written, very likable, and full of inspiration. The age range works well, from young to old; the book club members are a force to be reckoned with and not to be underestimated. The setting of the bike shop doesn’t play a significant role as it has in the past, which is a nice change of pace. The bookshop is always busy and fun, along with the town itself, especially after the holidays. The victim, a skeleton bride, walled up years ago, almost comes to life as you read the sad story of her death. The evidence, although sparse, gives a good idea of who is to blame for the murder of the young woman. Tragedy abounds, not just in the murder of a bride but in the lives of those involved. Of course, Mac and her friends solve the crime, but it changes their view on life in their little corner of the world.
Murder in a Cape Cottage is a very nice addition to this series. Readers will be enthralled by the past and the secret lives of those we live near or see daily. The skeleton bride will never receive justice, but at least she can finally rest in peace. Mac and Tim have a long life ahead of them, and I hope we get to read all about it in many books yet to come. Fans will enjoy every second spent reading this book, and the recipes will have your mouth watering. I hope everyone spends time with Mac and enjoys her continuing story.
Mac finding a skeleton behind the wall of her new home with Tim, dressed as a bride, makes everything about her wedding far more important and seems almost natural. And at the same time, everything feels almost meaningless unless she can find out who killed the young woman and why. But tracking down suspects and evidence from a crime carried out decades ago could be difficult, if not fruitless. Along the way, Mac discovers the secrets of several families and how some of the most respected members of society can hide events and information, sometimes even murder. Families are never what they seem, even when they look normal.
The characters in this series have always been well-written, very likable, and full of inspiration. The age range works well, from young to old; the book club members are a force to be reckoned with and not to be underestimated. The setting of the bike shop doesn’t play a significant role as it has in the past, which is a nice change of pace. The bookshop is always busy and fun, along with the town itself, especially after the holidays. The victim, a skeleton bride, walled up years ago, almost comes to life as you read the sad story of her death. The evidence, although sparse, gives a good idea of who is to blame for the murder of the young woman. Tragedy abounds, not just in the murder of a bride but in the lives of those involved. Of course, Mac and her friends solve the crime, but it changes their view on life in their little corner of the world.
Murder in a Cape Cottage is a very nice addition to this series. Readers will be enthralled by the past and the secret lives of those we live near or see daily. The skeleton bride will never receive justice, but at least she can finally rest in peace. Mac and Tim have a long life ahead of them, and I hope we get to read all about it in many books yet to come. Fans will enjoy every second spent reading this book, and the recipes will have your mouth watering. I hope everyone spends time with Mac and enjoys her continuing story.
October 30, 2022
It’s the week before Christmas, and Mac is preparing for her wedding. All pre-wedding jitters fade into the background when Mac’s fiancé, Tim, begins a cottage renovation project and opens up a wall to find a skeleton sitting on a stool, dressed in an old-fashioned bridal gown. As Mac delves into the decades-old mystery with the help of librarian Flo and her book group, she discovers a story of star-crossed lovers and feuding families. Yet this tale has a modern-day villain still lurking in Mac’s quaint seaside town, ready to make this a murderous Christmas.
This was a great holiday cozy mystery. I love Mac for her tenacity and how she works with the police to discover the identity of the murderer. The plot was enthralling, and I liked every twist and turn. I wish there were more encounters with the book group. Overall, a very satisfying read. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
This was a great holiday cozy mystery. I love Mac for her tenacity and how she works with the police to discover the identity of the murderer. The plot was enthralling, and I liked every twist and turn. I wish there were more encounters with the book group. Overall, a very satisfying read. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
December 2, 2022
A delightful read. Sounds cheesy but it best describes the 4th book in the cozy capers book group series. This is the first book in the series I have read. (Thank you netgalley & Kensington for the eARC of this book.) I've heard that for murder mysteries publishers recommend that a body is found within the 1st 3 chapters. The author took it to heart and placed the remains smack dab in the first chapter. I was hooked! Easy read and I was able to catch up and connect to the main characters even without reading the earlier books. I do recommend that anyone reading keep notes in the connections between the Swifts, Winslows & Ruhlens. At least on the early family members. They have all passed but are often spoken about throughout the book. It can get a bit confusing. The recipes included workbook sky s delicious! I Will definitely try them.
November 16, 2022
Very intriguing mystery! I love cozies that involve cold cases.
July 4, 2022
Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
I had not read this author before, and I liked the book. It was a quick and engaging read, which is what you want from a cozy mystery.
Mac and Tim have closed their businesses in a small (invented) Cape Cod town to get ready for their wedding, which includes a bit of home renovation. When they smash through the wall in a closet, they find a skeleton of what appears to be a bride. A little disconcerting, but Mac, with help from her friends in the Cozy Mystery book club, sets out to solve the mystery -- and she wants it solved in the four days remaining before her wedding. That sets the pace for the book, which moves pretty quickly. The plot is a bit unusual, and the characters, while not quite three dimensional, are interesting, and a few of them, like Mac's grandmother and parrot, are great.
Cozy fans will like this book, and probably the whole series. Murder on Cape Cod is the first in the series; the author also has another, the Country Store series Flipped for Murder is the first in that series.
#CozyMystery #CapeCod #Bicycles #Wedding #MurderInACapeCottage
I had not read this author before, and I liked the book. It was a quick and engaging read, which is what you want from a cozy mystery.
Mac and Tim have closed their businesses in a small (invented) Cape Cod town to get ready for their wedding, which includes a bit of home renovation. When they smash through the wall in a closet, they find a skeleton of what appears to be a bride. A little disconcerting, but Mac, with help from her friends in the Cozy Mystery book club, sets out to solve the mystery -- and she wants it solved in the four days remaining before her wedding. That sets the pace for the book, which moves pretty quickly. The plot is a bit unusual, and the characters, while not quite three dimensional, are interesting, and a few of them, like Mac's grandmother and parrot, are great.
Cozy fans will like this book, and probably the whole series. Murder on Cape Cod is the first in the series; the author also has another, the Country Store series Flipped for Murder is the first in that series.
#CozyMystery #CapeCod #Bicycles #Wedding #MurderInACapeCottage
December 26, 2022
In this 4th book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, it's almost time for Mac's wedding and Christmas. She and her fiancé, Tim are renovating their cottage and they find an unexpected surprise. It is a skeleton of a woman dressed in a wedding gown and chained to a wall. The skeleton is about 80 years old, so this is a very cold case. Because the skeleton was in her house, she feels that she must get justice for this poor woman. With the help of locals who have good memories, and old pictures, can Mac solve this mystery? As she begins to dig into the past, she upsets someone and there are attempts on a life that might have the answers for Mac.
I enjoy this series, with it's quirky characters. I think I like Mac's niece the best of the secondary characters. She is so cute and reminds me how sweet and innocent children are. Mac's parrot Bella, is staying with Mac's parents during the renovation, but we still see her often enough to give the reader a giggle or smile with her antics. Although I am not a huge fan of cold cases in cozy mysteries, this one was well written and plotted. I thought I figured out who the culprit was, (just a feeling) as the evidence played out, I found I was correct. Of course, Mac figured it out and arrived in the nick of time to prevent another death. It was a wonderful showdown and I loved how it all played out. Of course, the wedding does occur and the vows/toasts are wonderful. A great addition to this series and I recommend this one.
I enjoy this series, with it's quirky characters. I think I like Mac's niece the best of the secondary characters. She is so cute and reminds me how sweet and innocent children are. Mac's parrot Bella, is staying with Mac's parents during the renovation, but we still see her often enough to give the reader a giggle or smile with her antics. Although I am not a huge fan of cold cases in cozy mysteries, this one was well written and plotted. I thought I figured out who the culprit was, (just a feeling) as the evidence played out, I found I was correct. Of course, Mac figured it out and arrived in the nick of time to prevent another death. It was a wonderful showdown and I loved how it all played out. Of course, the wedding does occur and the vows/toasts are wonderful. A great addition to this series and I recommend this one.
May 20, 2022
Murder in a Cape Cottage by Maddie Day is a great cozy mystery thst is the third book in the adorable A Cozy Capers Book Club Mystery series.
Cape Cod is always a perfect place for a picturesque backdrop for cozies. The small town feel, the quirky and colorful characters, the landscapes…it is just great. Ms. Day dies a great job at delivering all of these things within a great cozy that includes a murder/mystery that kept me engaged.
Mackenzie (Mac) is a great mid-30s woman that is smart, unique, owns her own bike shop, and is trying to remodel a house with her fiancé while finishing up her preparations for their holiday wedding on NYE. Of course they just stumble upon a suspicious death involving a decades-old corpse in a wedding dress within the walls.
Mac and the local book group work to uncover the mystery, secrets, history, and culprit. Add in plenty of twists, turns, and potential current-day ties…and one has themselves a great book.
5/5 stars
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/27/22.
Cape Cod is always a perfect place for a picturesque backdrop for cozies. The small town feel, the quirky and colorful characters, the landscapes…it is just great. Ms. Day dies a great job at delivering all of these things within a great cozy that includes a murder/mystery that kept me engaged.
Mackenzie (Mac) is a great mid-30s woman that is smart, unique, owns her own bike shop, and is trying to remodel a house with her fiancé while finishing up her preparations for their holiday wedding on NYE. Of course they just stumble upon a suspicious death involving a decades-old corpse in a wedding dress within the walls.
Mac and the local book group work to uncover the mystery, secrets, history, and culprit. Add in plenty of twists, turns, and potential current-day ties…and one has themselves a great book.
5/5 stars
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/27/22.
July 1, 2024
Cape Cod vibes - yes! Good storytelling - eh!
The book starts strong with a soon to be married couple, demolishing a wall in their cottage to make an addition, finds a hidden walled in space in it. In that space there's a skeleton in a wedding gown, sitting on a chair, hands chained to the wall. Why did this happen to the woman and who did it to her?
And that's where the excitement kind of ended for me. The book continues with wedding planning, dresses and shoes, wine and lobsters, electricians and plasterers, small town shopping, and mystery sprinkled here and there.
I can see how this can be a good read for some, wrapped in a blanket on the couch in the winter. For me it did nothing.
The book just didn't keep my attention and was DNF'd at 49%.
Just not my cup of tea. Hope others enjoy it more.
The book starts strong with a soon to be married couple, demolishing a wall in their cottage to make an addition, finds a hidden walled in space in it. In that space there's a skeleton in a wedding gown, sitting on a chair, hands chained to the wall. Why did this happen to the woman and who did it to her?
And that's where the excitement kind of ended for me. The book continues with wedding planning, dresses and shoes, wine and lobsters, electricians and plasterers, small town shopping, and mystery sprinkled here and there.
I can see how this can be a good read for some, wrapped in a blanket on the couch in the winter. For me it did nothing.
The book just didn't keep my attention and was DNF'd at 49%.
Just not my cup of tea. Hope others enjoy it more.
June 25, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book!
I absolutely love murder mystery books, so when I seen this one; I had to request it.
Mac and her husband Tim are in the middle of remodeling their home when they bust down a wall and find a 80ish year old Skelton bride hidden in it. Mac being who she is, loving crime, just can’t get what has happened out of her head. She too is fixing to get married and she wants justice for “Bridey” since she never got her happy ending.
With all the twist and turns in this book, it still leaves you wanting more. I suspected Win had something to do with what was happening in the present time and I was right! I’m super glad that everyone in this book got the justice they deserved and that Al made it out alive.
I absolutely love murder mystery books, so when I seen this one; I had to request it.
Mac and her husband Tim are in the middle of remodeling their home when they bust down a wall and find a 80ish year old Skelton bride hidden in it. Mac being who she is, loving crime, just can’t get what has happened out of her head. She too is fixing to get married and she wants justice for “Bridey” since she never got her happy ending.
With all the twist and turns in this book, it still leaves you wanting more. I suspected Win had something to do with what was happening in the present time and I was right! I’m super glad that everyone in this book got the justice they deserved and that Al made it out alive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
Mac and Tim are about to get married, but as they are making last-minute renovations to their home, they make a gruesome discovery - a skeleton in the wall. The skeleton of a young woman dressed in a wedding gown and chained to the wall is terrifying, but so close to her own wedding, Mac is especially freaked out. Trying to stay on track for her wedding ceremony, Mac tries to discover who the skeleton was and why she was imprisoned in the wall, It's a tale of family greed and honor.
June 23, 2022
I received an ARC of, Murder in a Cape Cottage by, Maddie Day. This book reminded me of an episode of Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. Finding a skeleton in a home, Can Mackenzie solve the murder mystery?
October 15, 2022
This was a DNF for me. The plot heavy story is not a personal preference of mine and the story was difficult to focus on with all the back history and it didn't feel like anything was getting anywhere or interesting will into the novel. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me.
January 6, 2024
It's official: I don't actually like cozy mysteries.
March 30, 2024
Why did I even finish this? I should have dnfed…. But I didn’t. I pushed through and I was STILL disappointed. 2⭐️ without hesitation.
August 26, 2022
I love reading cold cases, and in this clever mystery, the police had no idea there was a case until nearly a century after the murder is committed. Mac is part of a book club, Cozy Capers, that reads and discusses cozy mysteries regularly. As the action takes place during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and she and her fiancé Tim are getting married on New Year’s Eve, the book club postponed their regular meeting. That didn’t stop Mac from finding a mystery to solve with help from her reading friends!
Mac owns and operates a bicycle shop in Westham on Cape Cod and has closed it for the next three weeks to allow for the holidays, last minute wedding preparations, and their honeymoon. Tim, owner of the best bakery and coffee shop in town, has also closed his business. Most wedding details are complete, so they decide to demo a wall so their contractors can start to install a bathroom for their first-floor bedroom. Between the walls, Mac found something that hit close to her heart this week. It is the skeletal remains of a woman wearing a wedding dress, having been sat against her will on a stool, with her initialed valise next to her. They know the cottage is about a hundred years old, and from what she could see of the dress, the woman may have been there since the 1930’s or ‘40’s.
Mac is no stranger to murder investigations, having taken part in three since returning to Westham almost two years ago. She would only start asking questions or researching if one of her loved ones was involved, which is not the case this time, but it is hard to ignore a bride while she is preparing to walk the aisle herself. Her Cozy Caper friends, including the head librarian with top-notch research skills, help her each time. How does one even begin to find out what happened? In a small town where everybody knows almost everybody else, there is always a starting point.
Currently, someone is breaking into businesses at night. Someone also tried to murder the nephew of the fiancé of Della, the woman inside the wall, after Mac had visited him a couple times with things she learned. Della’s fiancé Manny had disappeared when Della had, so people assumed they eloped.
I enjoy the author’s writing style, with excellent, concise details of the setting, characters, and mystery. She is extremely knowledgeable about the subjects and activities, has developed engaging characters throughout the series, and builds the mystery at a fast, yet even, pace. I was able to work through the clues almost too quickly to determine whodunit for the present-day crimes. The cold case clues and conjecture regarding those responsible for Della’s demise and Manny’s disappearance seemed to point out whodunit only marginally slower. I did enjoy spending a little time with the bride, her family and friends, and the wedding preparations, which did not detract from mysteries past or present. I also appreciated the end results, regarding necessary evidence for the solutions to the mysteries and the wedding and reception for Mac and Tim. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy a holiday Cape Cod setting, unusual cold case murders, weddings, and close family and friendships.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Mac owns and operates a bicycle shop in Westham on Cape Cod and has closed it for the next three weeks to allow for the holidays, last minute wedding preparations, and their honeymoon. Tim, owner of the best bakery and coffee shop in town, has also closed his business. Most wedding details are complete, so they decide to demo a wall so their contractors can start to install a bathroom for their first-floor bedroom. Between the walls, Mac found something that hit close to her heart this week. It is the skeletal remains of a woman wearing a wedding dress, having been sat against her will on a stool, with her initialed valise next to her. They know the cottage is about a hundred years old, and from what she could see of the dress, the woman may have been there since the 1930’s or ‘40’s.
Mac is no stranger to murder investigations, having taken part in three since returning to Westham almost two years ago. She would only start asking questions or researching if one of her loved ones was involved, which is not the case this time, but it is hard to ignore a bride while she is preparing to walk the aisle herself. Her Cozy Caper friends, including the head librarian with top-notch research skills, help her each time. How does one even begin to find out what happened? In a small town where everybody knows almost everybody else, there is always a starting point.
Currently, someone is breaking into businesses at night. Someone also tried to murder the nephew of the fiancé of Della, the woman inside the wall, after Mac had visited him a couple times with things she learned. Della’s fiancé Manny had disappeared when Della had, so people assumed they eloped.
I enjoy the author’s writing style, with excellent, concise details of the setting, characters, and mystery. She is extremely knowledgeable about the subjects and activities, has developed engaging characters throughout the series, and builds the mystery at a fast, yet even, pace. I was able to work through the clues almost too quickly to determine whodunit for the present-day crimes. The cold case clues and conjecture regarding those responsible for Della’s demise and Manny’s disappearance seemed to point out whodunit only marginally slower. I did enjoy spending a little time with the bride, her family and friends, and the wedding preparations, which did not detract from mysteries past or present. I also appreciated the end results, regarding necessary evidence for the solutions to the mysteries and the wedding and reception for Mac and Tim. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy a holiday Cape Cod setting, unusual cold case murders, weddings, and close family and friendships.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
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