Little Tangled Webs

Georgiana Germaine #5

by Cheryl Bradshaw

What if you knew the person you loved was murdered, but no one else believes you?

Eighteen-year-old Harper Ellis has spent the last three years searching for her aunt's killer, looking for clues, asking questions, gathering every tidbit she can find to explain the unexplainable. She's talked to anyone who would listen, trying to make them to see they're all wrong, and she is right.

Aunt Frida’s death wasn’t an accident.

Aunt Frida was murdered.

Of this, Harper is certain.

Tonight, Harper plans prove her theory, and she's prepared to risk her own life to do it.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Amazon, Mystery Thriller

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2022

About the author

Cheryl Bradshaw is a New York Times and 11-time USA Today bestselling author writing in multiple genres, including mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, supernatural suspense, and poetry. She is a Shamus Award finalist for best private eye novel of the year, an eFestival of Words winner for best thriller, and has published over fifty books since 2011.

Raised in Southern California, she now lives in North Texas. When she's not writing, she loves jet-setting to new countries, exploring the outdoors, and playing with her grandbabies.

For a free eBook, click here: http://cherylbradshaw.com/get-a-free-...

Book series in order by Cheryl Bradshaw:

Georgiana Germaine (Mystery Series)

1. Little Girl Lost - USA Today Bestseller
2. Little Lost Secrets
3. Little Broken Things
4. Little White Lies
5. Little Tangled Webs
6. Little Shattered Dreams
7. Little Last Words
8. Little Buried Secrets
9. Little Stolen Memories
10. Little Empty Promises
11. Little Hidden Fears

Sloane Monroe Mystery/Thriller Series

0. Silent As the Grave (prequel to series)
1. Black Diamond Death
2. Murder in Mind
3. I Have a Secret
4. Stranger in Town - Shamus Award Finalist
5. Bed of Bones - USA Today Bestseller
6. Hush Now Baby - USA Today Bestseller
7. Gone Daddy Gone - USA Today Bestseller
8. Smoke and Mirrors - USA Today Bestseller

Sloane Monroe Stories - Mystery Novella Series
(with characters from the main series)

1. Deadly Sins: Sloth
2. Deadly Sins: Wrath
3. Deadly Sins: Lust
4. Deadly Sins: Greed
5. Deadly Sins: Envy
6. Deadly Sins: Pride

Sloane & Maddie Peril Awaits - Mystery Series
(Spinoff Series with Sloane Monroe & her sidekick Maddie)

1. The Silent Boy
2. The Shadow Children
3. The Broken Soul
4. The Widow Maker
5. The Familiar Stranger

Addison Lockhart Ghost Mystery Series

1. Grayson Manor Haunting
2. Rosecliff Manor Haunting
3. Blackthorn Manor Haunting
4. Belle Manor Haunting
5. Crawley Manor Haunting

Stand Alone Mystery/Thriller Novels

1. Eye for Revenge - USA Today Bestseller
2. The Perfect Lie
3. Hickory Dickory Dead - USA Today Bestseller
4. Roadkill - USA Today Bestseller

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending. You'll fly through this murder mystery wondering who the murderer is that has no qualms about the age or sex of who he is killing to protect his secret.

[Carol Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellis Harper is looking for a killer of her aunt but she got to close.
So the hunt is on when Ellis death is clearly a homicide.
Well write keep me interested in what was happening as they work out who the killer is

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gigi is in charge of getting the gazebo and park ready for her brother Paul and his soon to be wife and Gigi's friend Simone. What she finds is a dead woman lying in the gazebo. This is quite upsetting, but more so for Gigi's mother! Harper Ellis was the woman, and she has been obsessed with the death of her favorite Aunt Freda's death. She even asked Gigi to look into it a week earlier. Can Gigi full fill the need she feels to find out who killed Harper? What about Aunt Freda? I very well written story with an ending I was in awe of. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisting and thrilling mystery
The story starts with Georgiana getting the place ready for the marriage of her brother when things go horribly wrong.
Even before that Harper's story comes out as she is the only one who believes that her aunt Frida has been murdered. She has tried everything to try to find her aunt's murderer including approaching Georgiana who runs a detective agency with her two friends.
Georgiana has to work in between an annoying police chief and the one good thing is that having been a cop herself she gets enough support from the others in the police department, who trust her skills.
The shocking body count keeps increasing as a girl with schizophrenia and another woman who is the wife of a council member also end up dead. There is a common factor between all of them and Georgiana has to try and find it as soon as possible.
Especially enjoyed the scene of Georgiana's dream.
Very interesting mystery with very believable and realistic characters.
Georgiana's mother was a surprise and it was very interesting to read about her.
Enjoyable mystery.

[Sarah Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast read. I agree with the other reviews that there were a lot of characters to keep track of, I started to guess who killed everyone toward the end. Still a solid read and was a free book on my phone. Worth it.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Germaine finds herself involved in a case that weighs heavily on her heart. It isn't involving anyone she knew, but she carries some guilt, which gives her even more incentive to catch the bad guy. There is some head butting between her and the police, and she finds herself in hot water. There are several suspects, a few motives, plenty of secrets, and a few surprises, the biggest being the big reveal. The story/plot is well written. The characters feel real. It is an quick and easy read. Easy to follow. While the story isn't exactly simple or cut and dry, it's not too complicated. Aside from the initial first chapter (which is from the victims POV,) the book is strictly taken from Georgiana's POV. There is no sexual content, so it's clean as far as that goes. There is talk of abuse, suicide and cheating. Nothing graphic. Some big changes have taken place during the timeline of this story (unrelated to the mystery,) so it will interesting to see how everything plays out in Gigi's life/career.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced murder mystery that will have you reading as quickly as possible. Georgiana aka Gigi seems to find herself involved every time there is a murder in town. Her ability to ask the right questions, be dogged in the pursuit of the truth no matter what and her ability to put it all together allow her to follow the path to the truth. There are a lot of surprises in this book including the culprit. And I will admit I didn't see a few of the shocking secrets coming which make it a good story.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is excellent and this is the best one yet! Gigi keeps growing and I'm so invested in her. I also love Giovanni and the way he's alpha but supports her inner alpha as well. The mystery was full of suspense and kept me guessing. I didn't figure it out until a page before the reveal which I think makes a mystery great. Something else I like a lot is the way the author sets things up for some changes to come. It feels necessary and palatable the way its done.

[Karen Riddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first it was a great page turner! Couldn't put it down. Then I got to the ending - such a formulaic ending. I hate when this happens. The detective finally figures it out, meets up with the murderer. Maybe tells someone where he/she will be. The murderer thinks he/she will kill the detective so bears all. Tells the whole story. Come on - does this ever really happen? Then, at the last minute, someone comes in and saves the day. I would rather hear the whole story in a trial, or I don't even care if the author just summarizes it. But this has happened in so many books - the murderer bears all to the detective. So tired of reading this same ending.

[Medha Gadikere · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like a black and white old timey crime movie in the worst way.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would have loved to read this series in order
takes place in cambria

a girl was sure she figured out who killed her aunt, no one else thought her aunt was murdered. she left a note to who she thought killed her aunt to meet her, they didnt show up so she got in the car and they were in the back seat and killed her

georgiana was getting ready to go to the same wedding the girl that was murdered in her car was supposed to go to. she is with her boyfriend (im guessing, i dont remember or missed if they got married) and dog

they go to set up the wedding by the ocean and find the dead girl. she had gone to georgianas office to hire her to look into her aunts death, but she was leaving for the day and didnt have time . they were supposed to meet the next day but now shes dead
i dont know why they canceled the wedding instead of having it somewhere else real quick

the slo chief of police is now someone who doesnt like her after her stepdad retired

the aunts niece was also murdered, then the girl across the street who saw something

i didnt see that coming, it was the chief of police of slo, im glad hes gone, he got killed in jail. i think due to her boyfriend. they offered her to work at slo pd but she wants to do her own agency, less rules. but the cop she likes to work with is going to be chief now, her mom saved her at the last minute in a gun fight with the chief. she didnt know her mom could shoot, she put a tracker on her daughters car

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being a free Amazon first reads, I was pleasantly surprised with this quick mystery. It initially felt like there were a lot of characters to keep track of but that’s probably due to me starting on book five. I was able to easily jump into the characters life with enough back information provided. This had a solid mystery about a murdered teen Harper who had been investigating her aunt Frieda’s death. I honestly would have liked a story from Harper’s perspective but that obviously wouldn’t work.

This story spun a little out of control for me with I think a grand total of 4 murders/ deaths by the end. You could tell there was also supposed to be a vibe or familiar friend with the MC as she giggles and laughs her way through her murder solving. The MC was also consistently making some questionable choices that put her and everyone else in danger which is odd for this experienced police officer and detective. Like “I think this person is a suspect for a string of murders so let me tell them exactly who gave me all of information on them and accuse them of abuse or murder”. Then the whole thing was solved on the basis that schizophrenics can’t talk and give cryptic messages apparently

It kept me engaged all the way through though!

[Stephen Clynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former Detective Georgiana Germaine is preparing a gazebo in a park for her brother Paul’s wedding, when she finds a girl lying dead. That is quite a shock which is doubled as she knows the victim. Can Georgiana - known as Gigi to her friends, family and readers, find out why she was murdered and who did it?


Although this is the 5th book in this series, I believe it can be read as a standalone. Any back story the reader needs to know is briefly given. This is a mystery rather than a crime thriller, even though there is more than one death. I found Little Tangled Webs to be an OKAY 3 star read and nothing to write home about. Much play is made of family dynamics and troubled adult relationships. The plot is mediocre and the story is more about how people are, rather than what they do. The personalities of all the characters are explored, so forgetting the deaths, this is quite a cosy family and friends drama. My overall feeling on finishing this book is like when your home has been ambushed by visitors, they stay a while, tell many stories and thankfully leave you in peace. I did not get the urge to read the next book in this series, which sums it up for me.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising finish

I'm enjoying Georgiana's growth throughout the series. The loss of her daughter Is a painful topic, but she is moving forward. I also enjoyed the emphasis in this book on domestic abuse as a social issue.
The author introduces many characters in every book. But I feel like the character development Is not sufficient to help establish
the personalities of each character. I find myself asking, "Now who was that again?" It could be my fault because I enjoy the books so much that I read them too quickly. Despite this small mention, I enjoy Bradshaw's writing and will continue to follow this series. I highly recommend Georgiana Germaine and the Sloane Monroe series as well.

[Lucy Appadoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about a young girl investigating her aunt's death, believing her death wasn't an accident.

When the girl dies and is left on a beach, private investigator Georgiana explores her death and the murder of her aunt. More bodies are found in the belief that the killer is murdering witnesses and tying up loose ends.

Georgiana struggles to work with the police, given she doesn't follow their rules and develops a gut feeling as to who the murderer is. Her mother helps her to figure out the identity of the murderer.

But Georgiana puts herself in a dangerous situation and finds she is totally out of her depth.

An entertaining, gripping and witty story that made it hard for me to figure out the identity of the murderer. Well worth the read.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi is busy the morning of her brother Paul and friend’s Simone’s wedding. She is responsible for decorating the gazebo at the park for the ceremony while everyone else is at her family’s home getting ready. Much to her horror, she finds a dead young woman in the gazebo. Even worse, the young woman had asked for her help in finding out the cause of death for her aunt. The death had been classified as an accident, but Harper was convinced that it was murder. Gigi is determined to figure out both deaths, much to the dismay of her former boss in the police department. This is a fascinating book that you will want to read straight through to the flabbergasting ending!

[JoEllen DeVitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Does it have…
😳 Some
😢 Some
😂 Some
😱 Sone
🌶️ No
🎭 Murder Mystery

Review Notes: I found this in a free little library in Florida last month, and it happens to be signed by the author!! It’s part of a series but I felt like I didn’t need any background to enjoy the story. It reminded me of an old school murder mystery and kept me guessing til the end. It took awhile to read and I kept forgetting characters, but it would have been a quicker read if it wasn’t December! I had a goal of 52 books this yeah so I am shocked to say I read 80! I had a big help with using audiobooks for the first time this year!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a grabber as it's hard to put down once started. It's a fast paced story about a young lady who believes her aunt was murdered and that she didn't die from an accidental fall down the stairs as the police had determined. As she delves further into the investigation, she believes she has all the proof she needs to meet with the perp. She has hired a detective, Georgiana Germaine. Such an excellent story, with much activity going on including a wedding for a family member of Georgiana. Very great story and a must for mystery readers.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW!! Cheryl Bradshaw blew me away with Little Tangled Webs! I haven't read a book this good, this grabbing, this thorough in quite some time. She wrote great, well developed characters, started the book off immediately with a murder and never slowed down!! Her characters are believable but fallible, including the character, Georgiana Germaine. Ms. Bradshaw grabs your attention and doesn't let it go till after the murderer is revealed. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Bradshaw and I will read more by her!!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced mystery

3.5⭐️

I got this off of bookbub without really knowing anything about the book or author. I purchased based on the title and cover. I enjoyed the story--LOVED the ending. I really like how Bradshaw writes strong and intelligent female characters.

I liked the pacing and that it wasn't a super long book.

I would like to read the first of the series so I can get a better understanding of Gigi and learn the full story of how and why she left the police department.

I'd definitely recommend this series!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the premise of the book but I am struggling to see her as a heroine that’s strong with Giovanni always around. I’m not a fan of macho take charge men and I feel like it lessens her character. As far as the story or plot of this book I predicted the young girl would have witnessed it. I did not predict other events involving her. I also am not sure I really saw the ending coming. It’s a good read. I just need to get over my prejudicial dislike of macho men!

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new series for me and it did not disappoint....I will have to go back and find the rest of the stories. I enjoyed the characters, and the plot was good enough to keep me guessing. I do prefer to be surprised at the end and not figure it out at the beginning. Who was killing all the women and how are they connected to Frida's accident? The ending was a bigger surprise....I would never have guessed who would step up and become the hero.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gets 3 stars because I finished it. I found the main character to be unlikable. It wasn't just her overblown ego but that other characters seemed in awe of her. Although I had figured out who the murder would be before the ending, there was no clear path showing how Georgiana had figured it out. The ending was a little too contrived. I do have other books in this series; perhaps Georgiana will get a dash of humility or get smart enough to work with others!

[Galit Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything by Cheryl Bradshaw before and bought this on a whim.

The book was ok. An easy read but not especially gripping. An easy plot to follow and generally ok characters but didn’t keep me too engaged - read it so quick not because it was a page turner but because I found myself with time to read.

I’m not likely to actively seek out pre books by this author but it wouldn’t put me off reading others either.

Just an ok read.

[Yvonne Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Awesome book! I am a huge Gigi fan and so excited to read this book. I could not imagine feeling like a dear aunt was murdered and no one was listening. I started reading this book and could not put down. It had lots of twists and turns and I did not figure out who was the murderer till the very end. I highly recommend this series but this book is the best year!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper does not believe her aunt's death is an accident. She goes to Georgiana for help to figure out who murdered her aunt. Sadly, Harper is murdered. With determination and a great mind for solving cases Georgiana discovered who the murderer is. I was shocked at learning who it was!
Thanks for another great Georgiana series!!

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Guacamole…

What an OUTSTANDING read! It wasn’t fast paced…it was whiplash worthy fast. Holy Smokes, what a ride.

I really enjoy this series and boy did this amp up the WOW. I can’t say more because I won’t spoil. But Gigi is a total badass! I need more. What an ending.

Boom 💥

PS…her mom cracked me up.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgiana Germaine books just keep getting better. There were many murders and even more suspects for Georgiana to sift through. The topic is always relevant as well, in the case abuse. These are always great plot twits and interesting characters. I didn’t guess the culprit until she pulled in front of the house.,Cheryl Bradshaw always keeps me in suspense.,Another must read.,

[Mandi Newbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not see that ending coming, but oh, it was sweet!

This mystery book was full of the twist and turns you hope. Tugged at my heartstrings with extra murders, not just one. But I LOVE Cheryl Bradshaw's books and how she writes! You never want to stop reading hey books once you start!! You want to read this book, and the others in the series!

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi was a masterful detective, gaining trust from those she needed to question. She came alive in the story, not always by the book, but an honorable character that has made me want to read all the stories. I love how she handled the estranged dad, and I’m shocked to say I never figured out the bad guy. Her mother’s role in the story was great too.