What do you think?
Rate this book
A Watercolor Mystery #1
A Brush with Murder
Jane Roland and her painter friends are enrolled in a watercolor retreat at the picturesque Gardens and Horses Resort. They're looking forward to a week of sun-drenched landscapes, sleek racehorses, art instruction, and — best of all — laughter and conversation.
Out for their first stroll, the women discover a dead thoroughbred in the pretty reflecting pool. Next evening, they find the handsome young stable man in the horse watering trough. Surely, there's a link between them?
When a painter from their workshop goes missing, Jane realizes that her class notes are valuable clues to catch the culprit in this light-hearted cozy mystery.
Out for their first stroll, the women discover a dead thoroughbred in the pretty reflecting pool. Next evening, they find the handsome young stable man in the horse watering trough. Surely, there's a link between them?
When a painter from their workshop goes missing, Jane realizes that her class notes are valuable clues to catch the culprit in this light-hearted cozy mystery.
231 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2022
286 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Gail Langer Karwoski
32 books20 followersGail Langer Karwoski writes historical novels and nonfiction for kids in grades 3-9, as well as “green” picture books. Curiosity inspires her choice of topics and research helps her books grow. Her titles have won lots of awards and are enjoyed in classrooms and libraries around the country.
Recently, she has added books for grownups to her bibliography. She wrote a memoir for two remarkable gay friends, who succeeded, against the odds, in getting married in 1971, decades before gay marriage was legal in the U.S. It’s called The Wedding Heard ‘Round the World; America’s First Gay Marriage.
She is now at work on a cozy mystery series that features a group of funny and energetic older women who paint watercolors. Book One of the Watercolor Mysteries is A Brush With Murder. Book two is Skeleton in the Art Closet. Reading them is like going on an adventure with delightful, quirky friends.
When she isn’t clicking away on her keyboard, you can find this former teacher visiting schools and libraries. Gail’s lively programs inspire kids to read, discover, and write. She often talks with book clubs and about her lighthearted mysteries. She lives near Athens, Georgia, with her university-professor husband and extroverted cat. Gail has 2 grownup daughters and the cutest grandchildren on Planet Earth.
Recently, she has added books for grownups to her bibliography. She wrote a memoir for two remarkable gay friends, who succeeded, against the odds, in getting married in 1971, decades before gay marriage was legal in the U.S. It’s called The Wedding Heard ‘Round the World; America’s First Gay Marriage.
She is now at work on a cozy mystery series that features a group of funny and energetic older women who paint watercolors. Book One of the Watercolor Mysteries is A Brush With Murder. Book two is Skeleton in the Art Closet. Reading them is like going on an adventure with delightful, quirky friends.
When she isn’t clicking away on her keyboard, you can find this former teacher visiting schools and libraries. Gail’s lively programs inspire kids to read, discover, and write. She often talks with book clubs and about her lighthearted mysteries. She lives near Athens, Georgia, with her university-professor husband and extroverted cat. Gail has 2 grownup daughters and the cutest grandchildren on Planet Earth.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 11, 2022
This started out well enough but then fizzled. There was way too much description of little things and very little focus on the murder, which was the whole point of the book. There was also a lot of repetition of the same facts that weren't very interesting to begin with. I loved the idea of the older women painting at a retreat and the setting sounded beautiful. Unfortunately, there was too much description and not enough action for this mystery. I found myself skimming and even skipping large chunks of text by the time I hit 30% and skipped to the end to see who the murderer was.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
June 4, 2022
I felt rather like I was losing my new best friends as the book ended. I wanted to get in the car and go home with Jane and her friends. I miss them already, even the rowdy, energetic mischief maker dog Tillie. In other words, author Karwoski was successful in world building with, oh, so likable, relatable characters we'd all like to know even if, as one observed, this vacation week was a bit like living in a crime novel. The setting, the Gardens and Horses Resort, sounded enchanting and even though it's been years since I picked up a paint brush, I found myself jotting down some of the watercolor hints shared within.
Unfortunately, the friends' retreat begins with them stumbling cross a horse dead in a reflecting pool. To be honest, as a horse nut from way back, I almost passed up this book when this was mentioned in the blurb but am glad I didn't. Although saddening, with much more of the dark side of horse racing revealed as the book progressed, this scene was quickly lost in the rest of the action. A groom is found nearly drowned in a horse water trough, then one of the workshop attendees is found dead. Are the three scenes connected? Jane, who prides herself a bit on her orderliness, had already started a journal to help her sort out who was who among the workshop participants and slips into the mode of registering everything she observes or senses, too, sharing her notes with the police. I admired her ability to keep her head when the others were otherwise distracted, whether by flirtations or Donna's disturbing habit of fainting when stressed. There are multiple suspects, side stories, and red herrings, not to mention that the three events may or may not be related. In the process, however, the friends attend the painting sessions and it was fascinating to hear their virtual work being dissected with hints of how to create certain watercolor techniques or improve on others. They're being taught to see, really see, what is in front of them. If you're an artist, you'll find these sections fascinating, I'm sure.
As the friends observe, however, it's much easier to solve a mystery in a book than it is in real life. All have input and helpful observations, observations Jane carefully records and shares. Jane's own research into the use of drugs in horse racing was eye-opening, especially after a real-life race winner was disqualified and his trainer banned. Jane's growing fascination with solving the mystery, even to the point where she jots down the ABC's of detectives, ie assume nothing, believe no one, and check everything, seems to grow. Her friendship with Officer Goode was interesting and although they live in different areas, I'm hoping he'll pop up again in future books. It's always nice to see the police and amateur sleuth acting with mutual respect rather than the more usual conflict that so often pops up in mysteries.
Bottom line, if you haven't already guessed, I loved this book and was delighted to see a preview for the next in the series at the end. Phew, that relieves my fear this might be a one shot mystery from the author. I also appreciated the suggestions for Book Club discussions included. I think my favorite asked how their painting styles reflected personalities, which made me rethink the book a bit more. Lovely writing, lyrical at times, awash in painting references, and an intricate mystery all packaged with lovely watercolor paintings now awash in my mind's eye.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BlackRoseWriting for inviting me to attend this lovely workshop with Jane, Donna, Grace, Pam, and Tillie. I'm looking forward to the next adventure. This one is a winner.
Unfortunately, the friends' retreat begins with them stumbling cross a horse dead in a reflecting pool. To be honest, as a horse nut from way back, I almost passed up this book when this was mentioned in the blurb but am glad I didn't. Although saddening, with much more of the dark side of horse racing revealed as the book progressed, this scene was quickly lost in the rest of the action. A groom is found nearly drowned in a horse water trough, then one of the workshop attendees is found dead. Are the three scenes connected? Jane, who prides herself a bit on her orderliness, had already started a journal to help her sort out who was who among the workshop participants and slips into the mode of registering everything she observes or senses, too, sharing her notes with the police. I admired her ability to keep her head when the others were otherwise distracted, whether by flirtations or Donna's disturbing habit of fainting when stressed. There are multiple suspects, side stories, and red herrings, not to mention that the three events may or may not be related. In the process, however, the friends attend the painting sessions and it was fascinating to hear their virtual work being dissected with hints of how to create certain watercolor techniques or improve on others. They're being taught to see, really see, what is in front of them. If you're an artist, you'll find these sections fascinating, I'm sure.
As the friends observe, however, it's much easier to solve a mystery in a book than it is in real life. All have input and helpful observations, observations Jane carefully records and shares. Jane's own research into the use of drugs in horse racing was eye-opening, especially after a real-life race winner was disqualified and his trainer banned. Jane's growing fascination with solving the mystery, even to the point where she jots down the ABC's of detectives, ie assume nothing, believe no one, and check everything, seems to grow. Her friendship with Officer Goode was interesting and although they live in different areas, I'm hoping he'll pop up again in future books. It's always nice to see the police and amateur sleuth acting with mutual respect rather than the more usual conflict that so often pops up in mysteries.
Bottom line, if you haven't already guessed, I loved this book and was delighted to see a preview for the next in the series at the end. Phew, that relieves my fear this might be a one shot mystery from the author. I also appreciated the suggestions for Book Club discussions included. I think my favorite asked how their painting styles reflected personalities, which made me rethink the book a bit more. Lovely writing, lyrical at times, awash in painting references, and an intricate mystery all packaged with lovely watercolor paintings now awash in my mind's eye.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BlackRoseWriting for inviting me to attend this lovely workshop with Jane, Donna, Grace, Pam, and Tillie. I'm looking forward to the next adventure. This one is a winner.
June 16, 2022
I received an ARC of, A Brush with Murder, by Gail Langer Karwoski. I tried to get into this book, but I could not. It was boring, and I did not care for the characters.
June 26, 2022
A Brush with Murder by Gail Langer Karwoski has three women from Georgia heading to a painting retreat at the luxurious Gardens and Horses Resort. After checking in, the ladies decide to explore the grounds. They look in the reflecting pool to see a dead thoroughbred. Their plein air watercolor retreat begins the next day. One of the men from the stables agrees to give them a tour at the end of the day. The ladies arrive at the stables to find the man dead in a horse trough. Jane Roland believes the two cases are connected. She takes the class roster and begins keeping detailed notes about each person. When one of their fellow classmates turns up missing and is later found in the lake, Jane feels her observations could help catch the culprit. A Brush with Murder is the debut of A Watercolor Mysteries. The author provides a Class List at the beginning of the book (a list of all the characters). There are a number of characters so it can be difficult to keep them all straight. The author is a detailed descriptive writer. She likes to tell you what each person looks like (hair coloring, demeaner, clothing) as well as descriptions of the gardens, artwork, food, etc. This type of detail does slow down the pacing of the story. The book moves at a leisurely pace as the characters enjoy the watercolor class, tour the grounds, eat their meals, and socialize. The mystery is not at the forefront of the story. I wish it had been more prominent (with Jane searching for clues). The death of the horse was disturbing, and it happened in the first chapter. The details gave Jane and her friends nightmares as well as me. There are several suspects, but one individual stands out. I struggled to finish A Brush with Murder. The pacing is so slow plus (I am sorry) it was boring. There was no action or lively activity. I did find some details to be off (when you find yourself saying that they never mentioned this or when did this happen you know something is off or left out). A Brush with Murder is more cozy than mystery. I liked that the main characters were older (in their 60s). It is nice that they are close friends, so they know each other’s quirks and habits. One of my favorite characters was Maggie, a fifteen-year-old with a domineering grandmother. Maggie is a talented artist who loves horses. A Brush with Murder is a lighthearted tale with plein air painting, gorgeous gardens, a retreat romance, suspicious passings, health happenings, essential notes, and a curious watercolorist.
June 20, 2022
When a group of friends heads off to a painting retreat, they stumble across a dead horse, not quite the landscape they were looking for. When they stumble across a body the next day, they’re convinced the two discoveries are connected.
While the friends try to figure out what happened and who killed the horse and man, they find their class, from which a student has gone missing, may hold the key to helping them solve the murders.
This is a fabulous and a strong start to a new series. The characters are relatable and I adore that they admit solving a crime is much easier in a book the it is in real life. I’m looking forward to much more in this series as it has a very promising future.
While the friends try to figure out what happened and who killed the horse and man, they find their class, from which a student has gone missing, may hold the key to helping them solve the murders.
This is a fabulous and a strong start to a new series. The characters are relatable and I adore that they admit solving a crime is much easier in a book the it is in real life. I’m looking forward to much more in this series as it has a very promising future.
December 5, 2023
too slow for me
I liked the artsy tips at the beginning. The setting and characters were ok. But the pace was just too slow for me to enjoy.
My main complaint was the handling of health issues! Maybe they do things differently down south, but This New Englander had her blood pressure meds Adjusted when I got dizzy! You’re Not supposed to Faint all the time when you have blood pressure problems! And the other woman being admitted to the hospital? She must have multiple insurance plans to pay for That! Thus, three stars.
I liked the artsy tips at the beginning. The setting and characters were ok. But the pace was just too slow for me to enjoy.
My main complaint was the handling of health issues! Maybe they do things differently down south, but This New Englander had her blood pressure meds Adjusted when I got dizzy! You’re Not supposed to Faint all the time when you have blood pressure problems! And the other woman being admitted to the hospital? She must have multiple insurance plans to pay for That! Thus, three stars.
January 4, 2024
This was a great book! I fell in love with Whispering Cove in the first chapter. I enjoyed Chloe has a sleuth and the story keep me reading late into the night. I would recommend this book
July 31, 2023
Thanks to netgalley.com for a chance to read the book for an honest review.
Jane Roland and her friends are attending a watercolor retreat at a fancy resort. While wandering around the grounds they find a dead horse in the reflecting pool. Soon afterwards they find the groom bashed over the head in the water trough. Luckily Jane knows CPR and saves the poor man.
When another member of the artists retreat is found dead at a nearby park. Jane can't sit by and wait for the police to catch the killer.
I enjoyed this book, though it seemed like I was missing some information about Jane's past. Another small issue I had was one of the characters kept fainting due to high blood pressure. I'm not in the medical field, but even I know it's far more likely to faint due to low blood pressure rather than high blood pressure. The mystery was very good, there were a lot of red herrings to keep it interesting. The description of the retreat was very well done and I enjoyed the information about the artwork and horse racing.
Jane Roland and her friends are attending a watercolor retreat at a fancy resort. While wandering around the grounds they find a dead horse in the reflecting pool. Soon afterwards they find the groom bashed over the head in the water trough. Luckily Jane knows CPR and saves the poor man.
When another member of the artists retreat is found dead at a nearby park. Jane can't sit by and wait for the police to catch the killer.
I enjoyed this book, though it seemed like I was missing some information about Jane's past. Another small issue I had was one of the characters kept fainting due to high blood pressure. I'm not in the medical field, but even I know it's far more likely to faint due to low blood pressure rather than high blood pressure. The mystery was very good, there were a lot of red herrings to keep it interesting. The description of the retreat was very well done and I enjoyed the information about the artwork and horse racing.
July 5, 2022
It's a short road trip from Georgia to the Gardens and Horses Retreat Center in South Carolina. Jane Roland, Donna Norton, and Grace Tanner are excited for their week away to attend "en plein air" (painting outdoors) watercolor workshop with the renowned artist Alexander Robert Treville. Little did the women realize the stories they would have to share with their Tuesday painting group when they returned home. The eclectic group of painters in the workshop is realistic and I especially enjoyed the camaraderie of the group from Atkinsville.
This title is Gail Langer Karwoski's debut for writing a cozy mystery albeit not her writing debut. The author’s "Dedication" is the reader’s first hint of the author’s personal knowledge of painting with watercolors followed by appreciation within "Acknowledgements." "About the Author" also shares her enjoyment of painting with watercolors. I did sense authenticity in descriptions of the different painting sessions including techniques, different approaches used by the class participants, and instructor critiques. I particularly enjoyed the comparison between the details in a book and the details in a painting.
Readers that are familiar with horse racing will be better able to comment but strictly as an animal lover I found the opening cause for a police investigation difficult to read. From that moment forward I couldn’t decide if the author was using the cozy as a platform to convey personal feelings about horse racing through her characters. I remain undecided.
Reviewer’s Note: Common expressions of swear words although minimal are used in dialogue and accordingly this title is unable to be designated a "clean cozy."
I was lucky to receive an Advance Reader’s Edition of this title as an Early Reviewer from Library Thing. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
This title is Gail Langer Karwoski's debut for writing a cozy mystery albeit not her writing debut. The author’s "Dedication" is the reader’s first hint of the author’s personal knowledge of painting with watercolors followed by appreciation within "Acknowledgements." "About the Author" also shares her enjoyment of painting with watercolors. I did sense authenticity in descriptions of the different painting sessions including techniques, different approaches used by the class participants, and instructor critiques. I particularly enjoyed the comparison between the details in a book and the details in a painting.
Readers that are familiar with horse racing will be better able to comment but strictly as an animal lover I found the opening cause for a police investigation difficult to read. From that moment forward I couldn’t decide if the author was using the cozy as a platform to convey personal feelings about horse racing through her characters. I remain undecided.
Reviewer’s Note: Common expressions of swear words although minimal are used in dialogue and accordingly this title is unable to be designated a "clean cozy."
I was lucky to receive an Advance Reader’s Edition of this title as an Early Reviewer from Library Thing. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
June 19, 2022
Jane Roland and her painter friends are looking forward to their watercolor retreat at the picturesque Gardens and Horses Resort, especially the opportunity for plein air painting. At first all goes as planned – the grounds are beautiful, the painting classes are informative, the food is delicious, and the beds are very comfortable. Things quickly change when the women discover a dead thoroughbred in the reflecting pool and the next day the stableman is attacked. When murder soon follows, Jane does her best to help the police solve the crimes. But will they be solved before Jane has to return home?
“A Brush with Murder” is the nicely done first book in Gail Langer Karwoski’s The Watercolor Mysteries cozy mystery series. I can’t draw a straight line even with a ruler but I still loved the description of the watercolor retreat, the resort, and the paintings done by the retreaters. Jane and her friends are well done - each with their own little quirks, especially Donna who is one of the most memorable characters in the book. Karwoski is a good descriptive writer – she paints with words the way that Jane and friends paint with watercolors – and I could feel the softness of the beds, see the paintings, and taste the food while reading this book. While the mystery was as enjoyable as the rest of the book, I am taking one star off for the way the killer was revealed – after investing so much time in reading the book, I wanted more and was disappointed at the route the author took. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books in the series.
“A Brush with Murder” is the nicely done first book in Gail Langer Karwoski’s The Watercolor Mysteries cozy mystery series. I can’t draw a straight line even with a ruler but I still loved the description of the watercolor retreat, the resort, and the paintings done by the retreaters. Jane and her friends are well done - each with their own little quirks, especially Donna who is one of the most memorable characters in the book. Karwoski is a good descriptive writer – she paints with words the way that Jane and friends paint with watercolors – and I could feel the softness of the beds, see the paintings, and taste the food while reading this book. While the mystery was as enjoyable as the rest of the book, I am taking one star off for the way the killer was revealed – after investing so much time in reading the book, I wanted more and was disappointed at the route the author took. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books in the series.
June 29, 2022
2.5 stars
This series debut features senior Jane Roland and her friends Grace, Pam and Donna. They are attending a watercolor painting workshop at a swanky resort and right off the bat they stumble over the dead body of a valuable thoroughbred horse in the resort pool.
Things I liked: the main characters are all seniors, and they are mostly portrayed as intelligent and capable people instead of the elderly stereotypes you often find. Jane is the main character and chronicler of the mystery and she is a pretty straightforward woman. The other strength of the book for me was the actual description of painting philosophy and technique. Although I am not an artist, I found this to be very interesting and well-described.
Minuses: Jane's careful journal of the "crime" happenings and her passing it on to the police seems very far-fetched. The character of Donna was strange -- I got tired of her weird little laugh and her passing out every other page due to high blood pressure. The character of Pam is accompanied by the most annoying dog ever, untrained, constantly jumping on people, ruining paintings, tipping over furniture, etc.
Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This series debut features senior Jane Roland and her friends Grace, Pam and Donna. They are attending a watercolor painting workshop at a swanky resort and right off the bat they stumble over the dead body of a valuable thoroughbred horse in the resort pool.
Things I liked: the main characters are all seniors, and they are mostly portrayed as intelligent and capable people instead of the elderly stereotypes you often find. Jane is the main character and chronicler of the mystery and she is a pretty straightforward woman. The other strength of the book for me was the actual description of painting philosophy and technique. Although I am not an artist, I found this to be very interesting and well-described.
Minuses: Jane's careful journal of the "crime" happenings and her passing it on to the police seems very far-fetched. The character of Donna was strange -- I got tired of her weird little laugh and her passing out every other page due to high blood pressure. The character of Pam is accompanied by the most annoying dog ever, untrained, constantly jumping on people, ruining paintings, tipping over furniture, etc.
Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 7, 2022
Great story, great characters, fine mystery. But this retired RN was grinding teeth at most of the medical info. I'm sure that it was all fine for those not in the business.
The main characters are a small group of longtime friends who are there for the lessons, live a couple of hours away, and share an interest in watercolor painting. The Gardens and Horses Resort is a very high-end facility complete with stables and a semi-resident artist who holds retreats with classes in watercolor painting. An important part of the classes is instructing the artists to really pay attention to what they're seeing in an in-depth manner and remember it all. Despite the beautiful setting, things go badly in short order, including two ladies who wind up in hospital due to chronic health conditions. The first death was a racing thoroughbred horse, but it didn't stop there. The mystery is well done, and both the plot twists and red herrings are creative.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. Thank you!
The main characters are a small group of longtime friends who are there for the lessons, live a couple of hours away, and share an interest in watercolor painting. The Gardens and Horses Resort is a very high-end facility complete with stables and a semi-resident artist who holds retreats with classes in watercolor painting. An important part of the classes is instructing the artists to really pay attention to what they're seeing in an in-depth manner and remember it all. Despite the beautiful setting, things go badly in short order, including two ladies who wind up in hospital due to chronic health conditions. The first death was a racing thoroughbred horse, but it didn't stop there. The mystery is well done, and both the plot twists and red herrings are creative.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. Thank you!
August 7, 2022
I think budding artists would enjoy the watercolor retreat, the setting & instructor, and his artistic advice in this story. The characters were well developed, I enjoyed the camaraderie among them, and I liked that the murderer was kept hidden to the reader until the very end!
I had a hard time staying interested in the storyline, however, as there were too many metaphorical descriptions, repetition of details, and a lot of "chit-chat" dialogue. There was a light-hearted air throughout the story, and emphasis on a much too goofy and aggravating dog, while characters were being seriously attacked and even murdered. Maybe that's what a "cozy mystery" is. The story seemed to be written more on a young adult level.
I had a hard time staying interested in the storyline, however, as there were too many metaphorical descriptions, repetition of details, and a lot of "chit-chat" dialogue. There was a light-hearted air throughout the story, and emphasis on a much too goofy and aggravating dog, while characters were being seriously attacked and even murdered. Maybe that's what a "cozy mystery" is. The story seemed to be written more on a young adult level.
August 8, 2022
A group of friends travel to South Carolina for a painting retreat and get caught up in solving a murder.
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters with their quirky personalities. I especially liked Jane because she was very observant and able to figure out clues others didn't even notice. I also liked the art element of the story. I learned a lot about watercolor painting. For me, the storyline was pretty basic and it was easy to pick out the red herrings. I knew who the killer was way before the end of the story because of one event that happened.
Still, I can't wait to read about the friends' next adventure!
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters with their quirky personalities. I especially liked Jane because she was very observant and able to figure out clues others didn't even notice. I also liked the art element of the story. I learned a lot about watercolor painting. For me, the storyline was pretty basic and it was easy to pick out the red herrings. I knew who the killer was way before the end of the story because of one event that happened.
Still, I can't wait to read about the friends' next adventure!
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 9, 2024
When Jane, Grace, Donna and Pam join an artists’ retreat in the posh Savannah area resort, Gardens and Horses, death becomes the main subject in this cozy mystery by Gail Langer Karwoski. It’s no stroke of luck when this unlikely grouping of women brush up against multiple crimes connected to the retreat. Never fear, the methodical Jane (quite like Miss Marple) latches onto every detail from conversations and observations during the retreat and shares her copious notes with Detective Goode. With more suspects than there are paints on a palette, Jane fears for the safety of her fellow artists in this cleverly plotted mystery involving the darker side of race horses. Karwoski’s characters are unique and her descriptions of painted scenes are simply lovely.
June 22, 2022
A good mystery. There were plenty of suspects who were all connected in some way, so it was hard to figure out the murderer. First the women found a dead horse, then a man is attacked and left for dead and then one of painters is found dead. Who did it? Jane and her friends are expecting a quiet painting retreat at a posh hotel. What they get is a dead horse, an attempted murder and a murder. They are learning about good techniques for painting, but Jane is focusing on finding a killer. Will they find the killer before they all go home? Jane can't stand to have questions left unanswered.
September 4, 2023
A Brush with Murder by Gail Langer Karwoski is a well-written, complex mystery with a core group of female characters who bring to mind the friendships women everywhere nurture and enjoy. There are numerous suspects and Karwoski keeps you guessing as to whodunnit up to the very end of the book.
Lovers of art in particular enjoy this book, which is full of extensive descriptions of the outdoor painting sessions the characters experience during an artists' retreat. The settings are also described in great detail, providing a vivid painting of where the action takes place.
Lovers of art in particular enjoy this book, which is full of extensive descriptions of the outdoor painting sessions the characters experience during an artists' retreat. The settings are also described in great detail, providing a vivid painting of where the action takes place.
January 10, 2024
I had a hard time with this. I so wanted to love it and kept telling myself to keep going. But there was just too much. Too much details. Too much information about seemingly unimportant things. Too much repetition of certain facts. Too much focus on painting. Not enough mystery. I kept skipping over paragraphs because they just felt extensive. DNF. I just couldn’t push myself to finish it. I didn’t care enough about who killed the horse and the murder came too late for me to get interested in it.
June 18, 2022
Lots of twists and turns will keep you guessing. Great characters. A group of friends are at The Garden and Horses Retreat for painting lessons. Beautiful descriptions of the scenes, but alas! Murder comes along. A solid mystery. Thanks #netgalley and #BlackRoseWriting for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
May 25, 2023
This was a fun cosy mystery, the first in series of an Athens, GA, writer already well known for her children's history/fiction books. And because it's local to this area of Georgia, I had a fun time trying to guess who the characters and places might be patterned after. I also learned a lot about the art of watercolor!
July 15, 2023
An exciting read
Jane is part of a watercolour painting group. With a nose for mystery, Jane earns herself the nickname of Shirley Holmes. The characters were skilfully crafted, and their interactions enriched the story. The search for a murderer leads Jane into unexpected situations. I liked the descriptions of the way that the painting group operated.
Jane is part of a watercolour painting group. With a nose for mystery, Jane earns herself the nickname of Shirley Holmes. The characters were skilfully crafted, and their interactions enriched the story. The search for a murderer leads Jane into unexpected situations. I liked the descriptions of the way that the painting group operated.
July 17, 2023
Jane and the Hidden Cemetery
Jane and her besties survive a wall in a bomb shelter falling in and a casket landing on her. Big surprise..... Who was in this very old hidden cemetery? Though injured, Jane continues her hunt for several criminals. Can she catch them on crutches? Good story!
Jane and her besties survive a wall in a bomb shelter falling in and a casket landing on her. Big surprise..... Who was in this very old hidden cemetery? Though injured, Jane continues her hunt for several criminals. Can she catch them on crutches? Good story!
July 20, 2023
A very cozy murder mystery
It's nice to read about a group of friends and feel your part of that group. The friendships were important in this story. The murder was the icing on the cake. I liked it all. The spooky bomb shelter and the cemetery added just the right ingredient to make this a very enjoyable cozy murder mystery. Just wonderful.
It's nice to read about a group of friends and feel your part of that group. The friendships were important in this story. The murder was the icing on the cake. I liked it all. The spooky bomb shelter and the cemetery added just the right ingredient to make this a very enjoyable cozy murder mystery. Just wonderful.
June 21, 2022
A new delightful cozy mystery series: quaint setting, quirky characters, and a solid mystery.
It kept me hooked as it's a compelling and enjoyable read.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It kept me hooked as it's a compelling and enjoyable read.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 6, 2023
This book was just okay. There were way too many characters with too many convoluted connections to keep track of. The ending was anticlimactic and the murderer was super obvious from the moment he was introduced even though he really didn't have much of a motive.
Overall, just okay.
Overall, just okay.
August 5, 2023
Skeleton in the Closet
A cute story that would have been more enjoyable if told until the conclusion. Instead the author chose to use the last two chapters by tying together loose ends and detailing the solving of the mystery..
A cute story that would have been more enjoyable if told until the conclusion. Instead the author chose to use the last two chapters by tying together loose ends and detailing the solving of the mystery..
August 28, 2022
Mixed review. Loved the novel and the story kept you involved, but felt the story chopped and changed with many characters to keep updated on
March 1, 2023
Who killed Lance aka Lancelot Du Lac and why??? AND wh9 killed Sharyl and attacked Dale and why??? Temper??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
March 9, 2023
Charming!
Lots happens in this cozy mystery! An interesting blend of watercolor painting, thoroughbred horses, and murder. Friendship, romance, and malice. Refreshing.
Lots happens in this cozy mystery! An interesting blend of watercolor painting, thoroughbred horses, and murder. Friendship, romance, and malice. Refreshing.
April 13, 2023
Throughly enjoyable! The details about watercolor painting and horses gave this mystery an air of authenticity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews