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Mitten State Mystery #3
Isabel Puddles Abroad
Feisty senior sleuth Isabel Puddles--Lake Michigan's answer to Miss Marple--strikes out for new territory across the pond in the newest cozy mystery by veteran TV writer M.V. Byrne. Full of
charm, rich storytelling, and mellow humor, the Mitten State Mysteries are sure to delight fans of Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegone tales,
Jessica Fletcher and Lee Hollis's Poppy Harmon series.
Isabel has crafted a life she loves in her Lake Michigan hometown, but she's eager to use her golden years to make up for missed opportunities. That's why she's traveling to England for the first time to visit her pen pal, Teddy Mansfield, an acclaimed mystery writer who lives just outside the village of Mousehole, Cornwall. First impressions are charming--Isabel is staying in the guest cottage on the grounds of Teddy's beautiful country manor, and Mousehole is home to an assortment of characters as colorful as any in Teddy's books.
Teddy's housekeeper, Tuppence, is a dab hand at baking--her scones are regularly runner-up in the village bake-off, and this year she's determined to scoop top prize. But it appears that other, possibly more dangerous rivalries have been brewing in Mousehole. And when a resident is found pushing up daisies in a flowerbed, Isabel is drawn into an investigation that will require all of her newly honed skills to solve--and to survive . . .
Isabel has crafted a life she loves in her Lake Michigan hometown, but she's eager to use her golden years to make up for missed opportunities. That's why she's traveling to England for the first time to visit her pen pal, Teddy Mansfield, an acclaimed mystery writer who lives just outside the village of Mousehole, Cornwall. First impressions are charming--Isabel is staying in the guest cottage on the grounds of Teddy's beautiful country manor, and Mousehole is home to an assortment of characters as colorful as any in Teddy's books.
Teddy's housekeeper, Tuppence, is a dab hand at baking--her scones are regularly runner-up in the village bake-off, and this year she's determined to scoop top prize. But it appears that other, possibly more dangerous rivalries have been brewing in Mousehole. And when a resident is found pushing up daisies in a flowerbed, Isabel is drawn into an investigation that will require all of her newly honed skills to solve--and to survive . . .
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2022
17 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 28, 2022
EXCERPT: Fred and Ginger were nowhere to be seen by the time Isabel chugged her way up the drive and reached the house, completely out of breath. She called their names in between breaths, but nothing. She went up to the front door and knocked to see if there was any chance Hyacinth had let them inside, but there was no answer. Then she heard barking coming from behind the house. She rushed around the back and was overcome with relief when she saw Fred and Ginger in the garden. Unfortunately they were up to no good, both digging frantically in a freshly planted flower bed with dirt flying out behind their rumps. She yelled at them to stop as she rushed over, but they were oblivious to her pleas. When she finally grabbed their leashes and tried to pull them away, they refused to budge.
And then she noticed something strange in the flower bed, something the dogs were desperately trying to uncover. They began barking again as they dug, then kept looking back at her as though trying to bring something to her attention.
Isabel bent down for a closer look. She couldn't quite make it out at first, but when she did, she nearly fainted. An ashen-coloured, dirt-covered human hand.
ABOUT 'ISABEL PUDDLES ABROAD': Isabel has crafted a life she loves in her Lake Michigan hometown, but she's eager to use her golden years to make up for missed opportunities. That's why she's traveling to England for the first time to visit her pen pal, Teddy Mansfield, an acclaimed mystery writer who lives just outside the village of Mousehole, Cornwall. First impressions are charming--Isabel is staying in the guest cottage on the grounds of Teddy's beautiful country manor, and Mousehole is home to an assortment of characters as colorful as any in Teddy's books.
Teddy's housekeeper, Tuppence, is a dab hand at baking--her scones are regularly runner-up in the village bake-off, and this year she's determined to scoop top prize. But it appears that other, possibly more dangerous rivalries have been brewing in Mousehole. And when a resident is found pushing up daisies in a flowerbed, Isabel is drawn into an investigation that will require all of her newly honed skills to solve--and to survive . . .
MY THOUGHTS: This is my first outing with Isabel Puddles, and it was fun. But it is the characters I enjoyed far more than the actual mystery.
Isabel is delightful. She is kind, adventurous, and has a sense of humour that I can relate to. I do find Puddles such a strange surname though, and wonder about its origins. Something for me to follow up.
I also enjoyed the character of Tuppence, Teddy's housekeeper, who bakes magnificent scones and tells it like she sees it. Her observations are very astute. Teddy himself is a bit of a sweetie; not a bad or nasty bone in his body, but he does have a penchant for bad puns. He is diametrically the opposite of his sister Matilde, who is not only bitter, but downright nasty.
The mystery itself is a slow burn with the body not being discovered until almost halfway through the book. But don't let that put you off. Isabel is entertainment enough, as are the other characters. The village scone bake-off is another source of entertainment and sets the scene for the unexpected death. There is no shortage of suspects as the victim was not well liked. But who disliked her enough to actually kill her? And why now? Just like suspects, there is no shortage of motives.
Isabel Puddles Abroad, although one of a series, is perfectly able to be read as a stand-alone. The mystery within is complete and there are no references to previous books or mysteries.
An entertaining read. I look forward to more outings with Isabel.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#IsabelPuddlesAbroad #NetGalley
I: #authormvbyrnes @kensingtonbooks
T: #AuthorMVByrnes @KensingtonBooks
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #friendship #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: M.V. Byrne was born in East Lansing, Michigan and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, although he spent his summers on Lake Michigan with family. He later returned to East Lansing to attend Michigan State University. After years of living in both NYC and LA, he has settled in LA full time where he continues to work as a writer/producer in unscripted TV, though he can now add the job title of "Author" to his resume.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Isabel Puddles Abroad by M.V. Byrne for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
And then she noticed something strange in the flower bed, something the dogs were desperately trying to uncover. They began barking again as they dug, then kept looking back at her as though trying to bring something to her attention.
Isabel bent down for a closer look. She couldn't quite make it out at first, but when she did, she nearly fainted. An ashen-coloured, dirt-covered human hand.
ABOUT 'ISABEL PUDDLES ABROAD': Isabel has crafted a life she loves in her Lake Michigan hometown, but she's eager to use her golden years to make up for missed opportunities. That's why she's traveling to England for the first time to visit her pen pal, Teddy Mansfield, an acclaimed mystery writer who lives just outside the village of Mousehole, Cornwall. First impressions are charming--Isabel is staying in the guest cottage on the grounds of Teddy's beautiful country manor, and Mousehole is home to an assortment of characters as colorful as any in Teddy's books.
Teddy's housekeeper, Tuppence, is a dab hand at baking--her scones are regularly runner-up in the village bake-off, and this year she's determined to scoop top prize. But it appears that other, possibly more dangerous rivalries have been brewing in Mousehole. And when a resident is found pushing up daisies in a flowerbed, Isabel is drawn into an investigation that will require all of her newly honed skills to solve--and to survive . . .
MY THOUGHTS: This is my first outing with Isabel Puddles, and it was fun. But it is the characters I enjoyed far more than the actual mystery.
Isabel is delightful. She is kind, adventurous, and has a sense of humour that I can relate to. I do find Puddles such a strange surname though, and wonder about its origins. Something for me to follow up.
I also enjoyed the character of Tuppence, Teddy's housekeeper, who bakes magnificent scones and tells it like she sees it. Her observations are very astute. Teddy himself is a bit of a sweetie; not a bad or nasty bone in his body, but he does have a penchant for bad puns. He is diametrically the opposite of his sister Matilde, who is not only bitter, but downright nasty.
The mystery itself is a slow burn with the body not being discovered until almost halfway through the book. But don't let that put you off. Isabel is entertainment enough, as are the other characters. The village scone bake-off is another source of entertainment and sets the scene for the unexpected death. There is no shortage of suspects as the victim was not well liked. But who disliked her enough to actually kill her? And why now? Just like suspects, there is no shortage of motives.
Isabel Puddles Abroad, although one of a series, is perfectly able to be read as a stand-alone. The mystery within is complete and there are no references to previous books or mysteries.
An entertaining read. I look forward to more outings with Isabel.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#IsabelPuddlesAbroad #NetGalley
I: #authormvbyrnes @kensingtonbooks
T: #AuthorMVByrnes @KensingtonBooks
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #friendship #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: M.V. Byrne was born in East Lansing, Michigan and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, although he spent his summers on Lake Michigan with family. He later returned to East Lansing to attend Michigan State University. After years of living in both NYC and LA, he has settled in LA full time where he continues to work as a writer/producer in unscripted TV, though he can now add the job title of "Author" to his resume.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Isabel Puddles Abroad by M.V. Byrne for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 31, 2022
Such a delightful cozy mystery with an adorable character! I will certainly be looking for more of the books in this series. I truly enjoyed my time spent following Isabel Puddles on her first trip to England from her native Michigan. This is the first book I've read in this series, but had no trouble reading it as a stand alone.
Apparently, Isabel Puddles is in her sixties and has solved several murders previously as an investigator. Isabel has been invited by her friend Teddy Mansfield aka Archie Cavendish, a mystery writer, to visit him in his home in Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul) Cornwall. Of course there's a murder in Cornwall and Isabel's expertise is called upon to help solve it.
There were some great characters in the book and my favorite, of course, was Isabel Puddles. I also really enjoy Tuppence, Mr. Mansfield's maid. The murder victim seemed to be a despicable person and was disliked by many making it difficult to determine who had the best motive to kill her. It was intriguing to follow the investigation's path. I enjoyed the controversy over the cooking contest. The town of Mousehole seemed like a great community.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 29, 2022.
Apparently, Isabel Puddles is in her sixties and has solved several murders previously as an investigator. Isabel has been invited by her friend Teddy Mansfield aka Archie Cavendish, a mystery writer, to visit him in his home in Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul) Cornwall. Of course there's a murder in Cornwall and Isabel's expertise is called upon to help solve it.
There were some great characters in the book and my favorite, of course, was Isabel Puddles. I also really enjoy Tuppence, Mr. Mansfield's maid. The murder victim seemed to be a despicable person and was disliked by many making it difficult to determine who had the best motive to kill her. It was intriguing to follow the investigation's path. I enjoyed the controversy over the cooking contest. The town of Mousehole seemed like a great community.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 29, 2022.
December 9, 2022
Isabel Puddles is a Michigan senior citizen who also has had success as a private investigator. But it's time to go on vacation after she accepts an invitation to visit her pen pal, mystery writer Teddy Mansfield, who lives in Mousehole, Cornwall. What neither Isabel or Teddy is expecting is a murder investigation, but when a long-time resident of the town is found buried in her own garden, they are on the case.
I loved all the references to British food and customs, and Teddy's housekeeper, Tuppence, absolutely stole the show with her outspoken ways and delicious scones, which have never won the top prize in the town's bake-off.. The whole cast of characters was fantastic. Matilde, Teddy's sister, is delightfully nasty, and Teddy's Corgis, Fred and Ginger, are a fun addition to the story. The mystery was very well done. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I hadn't, and just when I thought the mystery was over, it wasn't. The book moves slightly slowly in the beginning, but it's well worth the wait. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book from Kensington Books via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
I loved all the references to British food and customs, and Teddy's housekeeper, Tuppence, absolutely stole the show with her outspoken ways and delicious scones, which have never won the top prize in the town's bake-off.. The whole cast of characters was fantastic. Matilde, Teddy's sister, is delightfully nasty, and Teddy's Corgis, Fred and Ginger, are a fun addition to the story. The mystery was very well done. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I hadn't, and just when I thought the mystery was over, it wasn't. The book moves slightly slowly in the beginning, but it's well worth the wait. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book from Kensington Books via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 9, 2022
What a delight it has been getting to know Isabel Puddles. I'm new to this series but found it a solid stand-alone. A trip to England, Isabel's first, good friends, scones, sightseeing, and, oh, yeah, murder.
This one has a slow build, however, so we don't stumble across the body until nearly halfway in, but much to enjoy as we get to that point. Isabel is a delight, as are her family and friends, and I found myself warming to her British friend Teddy and Tuppence, his housekeeper, immediately. Tuppence's scone recipe is included at the end, btw, an extra treat. And, hey, there are even corgis in the book. I gave my corgi mix and extra ear scratch after discovering them on the cover.
So, who buried the body in the flower bed? Who would have wanted to kill Hyacinth? Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few likely suspects. Isabel, who was walking the corgis when they got loose and started digging in the flower bed, of course, becomes involved. Being new to the series, I don't know her relationship with the police in America but since this is the new constable's first murder case, she feels she may be helpful. But, does he feel the same? Why doesn't Teddy's sister like Isabel? Could someone have been jealous enough over a baking contest to want revenge? How seriously do people take these contests? Who is harboring secrets?
There are lots of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings, that make Isabel's first visit to England rather memorable. I mean, I've never discovered a dead body, thank goodness, while dog walking. So, how will it all turn out? Will we see more of Tuppence and Teddy in future books? I mean, there will be an ocean between them.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me along on Isabel's overseas trip. It was great fun with interesting characters met along the way. Now that I've met Isabel, I'm looking forward to joining her on future adventures.
This one has a slow build, however, so we don't stumble across the body until nearly halfway in, but much to enjoy as we get to that point. Isabel is a delight, as are her family and friends, and I found myself warming to her British friend Teddy and Tuppence, his housekeeper, immediately. Tuppence's scone recipe is included at the end, btw, an extra treat. And, hey, there are even corgis in the book. I gave my corgi mix and extra ear scratch after discovering them on the cover.
So, who buried the body in the flower bed? Who would have wanted to kill Hyacinth? Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few likely suspects. Isabel, who was walking the corgis when they got loose and started digging in the flower bed, of course, becomes involved. Being new to the series, I don't know her relationship with the police in America but since this is the new constable's first murder case, she feels she may be helpful. But, does he feel the same? Why doesn't Teddy's sister like Isabel? Could someone have been jealous enough over a baking contest to want revenge? How seriously do people take these contests? Who is harboring secrets?
There are lots of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings, that make Isabel's first visit to England rather memorable. I mean, I've never discovered a dead body, thank goodness, while dog walking. So, how will it all turn out? Will we see more of Tuppence and Teddy in future books? I mean, there will be an ocean between them.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me along on Isabel's overseas trip. It was great fun with interesting characters met along the way. Now that I've met Isabel, I'm looking forward to joining her on future adventures.
December 31, 2022
M.V. Byrne's Mitten State Mystery series focuses on Isabel Puddles who lives on the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan. The recently licensed PI had been doing a college degree she didn't finish when she was younger and is now travelling to England to visit her pen pal, Teddy Mansfield in the village of Mousehole, Cornwall. Teddy’s housekeeper, Tuppence is an excellent baker and there's a competition taking place in Mousehole in which Tuppence takes part. When Isabel walks Teddy's Corgis, they dig up a body in a neighbour's garden...
There is a lot to like about Isabel; she lives an exceptionally fulfilling life, everything is done on her terms, she has her knitting, she works part-time at a hardware store, her family visits and she has her private investigator job if she intends to continue with it. This mystery with its different location is well written; the setting is fabulous and the characters are winsome. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
There is a lot to like about Isabel; she lives an exceptionally fulfilling life, everything is done on her terms, she has her knitting, she works part-time at a hardware store, her family visits and she has her private investigator job if she intends to continue with it. This mystery with its different location is well written; the setting is fabulous and the characters are winsome. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 28, 2022
I fell in love with this series and Isabel Puddle since I read the first book in this series and they never disappoints: well plotted, entertaining, and well written.
Isabel is a lovely character and I was happy to follow her in her travel to UK. The mystery is solid and kept me guessing, the characters are fleshed out and the setting viviv.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Isabel is a lovely character and I was happy to follow her in her travel to UK. The mystery is solid and kept me guessing, the characters are fleshed out and the setting viviv.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
September 21, 2022
I want to start off by saying that there are very few male cozy writers out there (or male writers of any genre) who can write an authentic female main character. M. V. Byrne is one of the few. Even if I didn't like the books in this series I would give them respect for that alone. But it just so happens I also really like these books.
Isabel is at a bit of a crossroads. She's decided to give up her criminal justice studies and her private investigator business is at a bit of a standstill. Instead of lollygagging about, Isabel heads out to visit her new friend Teddy in Cornwall. We see a bit of her life changes in the beginning, some of her trip planning, her voyage and arrival. The mystery itself doesn't get started until we're about halfway through the book. Normally I would complain about that, but it works here. There's so much going on and there's a bit of suspense as you wait for the body count to start.
I've really enjoyed this series. It's not typical of a cozy series, the main character is going through some pretty major life changes and each book is a completely different setting and premise and Isabel herself is a very different person as she is finding her way in life. I think that's really refreshing considering that Isabel is a "senior sleuth" (though not elderly by any means she's over the age of 60 and at the stage in life where she's semi-retired and her children are grown) and yet her approach to life is what you might expect from someone in their early 20's, starting out and trying to find their way.
Though this series isn't typical of cozies in general, it's not so different that it's not enjoyable as a cozy. I've really enjoyed all three book and I had the privilege of attending a webinar where M. V. Byrne spoke and he seems like he's a super nice guy (he was there along with Rick Copp - aka Lee Hollis, another author who writes a fantastic female main character - and I think the two of them are friends). I would highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Isabel is at a bit of a crossroads. She's decided to give up her criminal justice studies and her private investigator business is at a bit of a standstill. Instead of lollygagging about, Isabel heads out to visit her new friend Teddy in Cornwall. We see a bit of her life changes in the beginning, some of her trip planning, her voyage and arrival. The mystery itself doesn't get started until we're about halfway through the book. Normally I would complain about that, but it works here. There's so much going on and there's a bit of suspense as you wait for the body count to start.
I've really enjoyed this series. It's not typical of a cozy series, the main character is going through some pretty major life changes and each book is a completely different setting and premise and Isabel herself is a very different person as she is finding her way in life. I think that's really refreshing considering that Isabel is a "senior sleuth" (though not elderly by any means she's over the age of 60 and at the stage in life where she's semi-retired and her children are grown) and yet her approach to life is what you might expect from someone in their early 20's, starting out and trying to find their way.
Though this series isn't typical of cozies in general, it's not so different that it's not enjoyable as a cozy. I've really enjoyed all three book and I had the privilege of attending a webinar where M. V. Byrne spoke and he seems like he's a super nice guy (he was there along with Rick Copp - aka Lee Hollis, another author who writes a fantastic female main character - and I think the two of them are friends). I would highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 3, 2022
I adore Isabel Puddles and this book kept me reading straight from beginning to end.
I was thrilled that Isabel decides to go to England and visit Teddy.
Tuppence is an absolutely wonderful character, and I hope we get to see more of her in future books.
We know Isabel cannot help but find herself wrapped up in a murder investigation, and this one had some great twists and turns.
The story and mystery were woven together so well, I had to remind myself that I wasn’t really in the book, investigating with them all.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#IsabelPuddlesAbroad #NetGalley
I was thrilled that Isabel decides to go to England and visit Teddy.
Tuppence is an absolutely wonderful character, and I hope we get to see more of her in future books.
We know Isabel cannot help but find herself wrapped up in a murder investigation, and this one had some great twists and turns.
The story and mystery were woven together so well, I had to remind myself that I wasn’t really in the book, investigating with them all.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#IsabelPuddlesAbroad #NetGalley
November 27, 2022
Isabel Puddles has a reputation as Lake Michigan’s Miss Marple. Set in Cornwall, England Isabel has taken up her friend Teddy Mansfield’s invitation to visit with him.
The first half of the story is a slow sedate pace with a lovely view of London and the village of Mousehole, Cornwall. There is plenty of background on our main characters and you feel that you have been well versed in chocolate box village life when a murder is committed. This is a cozy mystery that you can curl up with on a cold afternoon and be very happy.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Kensington Books) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The first half of the story is a slow sedate pace with a lovely view of London and the village of Mousehole, Cornwall. There is plenty of background on our main characters and you feel that you have been well versed in chocolate box village life when a murder is committed. This is a cozy mystery that you can curl up with on a cold afternoon and be very happy.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Kensington Books) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2023
I always feel a little odd about saying a murder mystery is a "light read" but this is one of those. This series with these characters is fun. I love books that feature older characters. And as we baby boomers get older, authors realize we like reading about folks our age being productive, having a life!
Isabel goes to England to visit her mystery-author friend and becomes involved with another murder.
Isabel goes to England to visit her mystery-author friend and becomes involved with another murder.
July 19, 2022
A book that is part of a series, but could be started alone- has the charm of books you just want to snuggle up and read with.
The real mystery happens almost halfway through.
Perfect for middle-aged or elderly American women who like the idea of traveling and think that if they would travel, they’d bump into royalty.
Gave it 4 stars because it was well written.
The real mystery happens almost halfway through.
Perfect for middle-aged or elderly American women who like the idea of traveling and think that if they would travel, they’d bump into royalty.
Gave it 4 stars because it was well written.
January 7, 2023
Isabel travels to England to visit with a friend and gets involved in solving a murder.
July 14, 2022
I received an ARC of, Isabel Puddles Abroad, by M.V. Byrne. Isabel Puddles is going to England to stay at her pen pal, Teddy's house. Though Isabel is on vacation, she still has murders to solve.
October 5, 2022
Isabel Puddles decides to leave her cozy hometown of Gulf Harbor, Michigan for an adventure in jolly old England. Widowed Isabel has struck up a friendship with the English detective novelist Teddy Mansfield and is thrilled to take her first trip outside the country to visit Teddy in Cornwall. Is there a chance of a romance? Well, Isabel isn't entirely opposed to the idea. Isabel has had some previous experience solving murders and working as a private detective, so she's hoping this trip will give her some well-earned relaxation (as if!).
Once in England, Isabel is introduced to many people in Teddy's village of Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul). There's his allegedly taciturn but in reality friendly housekeeper Tuppence, his unmarried and somewhat aloof sister Matilde, the town busybody Hyacinth, and of course, the corgis, Fred and Ginger. The book meanders along and the only thing that really happens in the first part of the book is the village scone bakeoff, judged this year by that TV personality Raul Bollywood and with a winning trophy presented by the Duchess of Cornwall (as she was then) Camilla. Tuppence is tired of constantly losing to Hyacinth, but this year she has a secret recipe that is sure to win over Mr. Bollywood and get her a handshake from Camilla.
Eventually, though, there is a diabolical murder and of course Isabel is on the front lines in trying to find the murderer and make sure none of her friends gets the blame. It's especially helpful that the local police officer in charge, Inspector Carlyle, keeps Isabel informed of all developments in the case and allows her to come in and be present whenever a potential suspect is detained and questioned. Since he doesn't have much experience with murders and Isabel does, I suppose it's only natural. Eventually Isabel is able to sort out the motive and lead the police to the truth, so her record of solving murders is unblemished.
The story is very leisurely paced and gentle, and Isabel's true love of the culture and landscape of the England she visits shines through. There do seem to be a few odd things that are sort of belabored -- mainly, alleged Anglophile Isabel's complete and utter bafflement whenever anyone uses a British idiom. If someone mentions her "jumper" or says "Bob's your uncle," you'd think the locals had suddenly lapsed into speaking Swahili. Aside from the meaning being fairly evident from the context, surely someone who claimed to be a fan of British literature and TV shows would have encountered these expressions repeatedly. I was also somewhat skeptical of the British people using so many old US TV references -- Mr. Magoo, Macmillan and Wife, Hart to Hart, etc. If they had thrown out some British TV references, Isabel would have been within her rights to be confused. Still, the story was interesting and I enjoyed Isabel's jaunt abroad!
I received a copy of Isabel Puddles Abroad from NetGalley.
Once in England, Isabel is introduced to many people in Teddy's village of Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul). There's his allegedly taciturn but in reality friendly housekeeper Tuppence, his unmarried and somewhat aloof sister Matilde, the town busybody Hyacinth, and of course, the corgis, Fred and Ginger. The book meanders along and the only thing that really happens in the first part of the book is the village scone bakeoff, judged this year by that TV personality Raul Bollywood and with a winning trophy presented by the Duchess of Cornwall (as she was then) Camilla. Tuppence is tired of constantly losing to Hyacinth, but this year she has a secret recipe that is sure to win over Mr. Bollywood and get her a handshake from Camilla.
Eventually, though, there is a diabolical murder and of course Isabel is on the front lines in trying to find the murderer and make sure none of her friends gets the blame. It's especially helpful that the local police officer in charge, Inspector Carlyle, keeps Isabel informed of all developments in the case and allows her to come in and be present whenever a potential suspect is detained and questioned. Since he doesn't have much experience with murders and Isabel does, I suppose it's only natural. Eventually Isabel is able to sort out the motive and lead the police to the truth, so her record of solving murders is unblemished.
The story is very leisurely paced and gentle, and Isabel's true love of the culture and landscape of the England she visits shines through. There do seem to be a few odd things that are sort of belabored -- mainly, alleged Anglophile Isabel's complete and utter bafflement whenever anyone uses a British idiom. If someone mentions her "jumper" or says "Bob's your uncle," you'd think the locals had suddenly lapsed into speaking Swahili. Aside from the meaning being fairly evident from the context, surely someone who claimed to be a fan of British literature and TV shows would have encountered these expressions repeatedly. I was also somewhat skeptical of the British people using so many old US TV references -- Mr. Magoo, Macmillan and Wife, Hart to Hart, etc. If they had thrown out some British TV references, Isabel would have been within her rights to be confused. Still, the story was interesting and I enjoyed Isabel's jaunt abroad!
I received a copy of Isabel Puddles Abroad from NetGalley.
December 6, 2022
This fabulous cozy mystery is charming and engaging, and I enjoyed it so much that I want to read more of the series! It has elements that I especially appreciate, including humor, a mystery that kept me guessing, an eclectic variety of primarily mature characters, and even a trip across the pond!
Isabel lives in Gull Harbor, on the western side of Michigan. She met and has been corresponding with Teddy Mansfield, a best-selling author of an excellent series of detective novels. He lives in a little village in Cornwall, England. Both are widowed, but neither seem to be interested in anything beyond being very good friends. Isabel decided to take him up on his offer of going to visit him, quite a surprising move for someone who has travelled only a little.
Isabel liked everything she saw in England, from London to the village of Mousehole, from amazing architecture to scones. She enjoys Teddy and his friends and seeing what springtime looks like there. One morning when Teddy was working, she took his pups for a walk. The Corgis were usually very well behaved, but for some reason they began to act out, got away from Isabel when she was almost hit by a car, and she found them frantically digging in a neighbor’s yard. They found the homeowner planted under the primroses, and the homeowner’s adult son was missing.
Back home, Isabel had been gaining a reputation for solving murders, but it wasn’t something she wanted to pursue, especially while across the pond. The police inspector had no experience with murders, and Teddy, who wrote detective mysteries for a living, talked him through various scenarios, motives, and means. When Teddy had to make an urgent trip out of town, Isabel became a sounding board, and a very wise one. At least until the fingerprints on a piece of evidence matched those of someone close to Teddy.
This is a series that I hope will be around for a while! While I thought I knew whodunit, there were still surprises for me at the end, which is good! I enjoy a mystery that is challenging, whether I get the right answer or not. I also like how the author brought the countryside to life with descriptions of the area. This novel could be read as a standalone, as I have not yet read the first two in the series and found sufficient backstory to enjoy it. I highly recommend this to fans of well-written cozy mysteries set in the English countryside with quirky people, humor, and intrigue throughout.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Isabel lives in Gull Harbor, on the western side of Michigan. She met and has been corresponding with Teddy Mansfield, a best-selling author of an excellent series of detective novels. He lives in a little village in Cornwall, England. Both are widowed, but neither seem to be interested in anything beyond being very good friends. Isabel decided to take him up on his offer of going to visit him, quite a surprising move for someone who has travelled only a little.
Isabel liked everything she saw in England, from London to the village of Mousehole, from amazing architecture to scones. She enjoys Teddy and his friends and seeing what springtime looks like there. One morning when Teddy was working, she took his pups for a walk. The Corgis were usually very well behaved, but for some reason they began to act out, got away from Isabel when she was almost hit by a car, and she found them frantically digging in a neighbor’s yard. They found the homeowner planted under the primroses, and the homeowner’s adult son was missing.
Back home, Isabel had been gaining a reputation for solving murders, but it wasn’t something she wanted to pursue, especially while across the pond. The police inspector had no experience with murders, and Teddy, who wrote detective mysteries for a living, talked him through various scenarios, motives, and means. When Teddy had to make an urgent trip out of town, Isabel became a sounding board, and a very wise one. At least until the fingerprints on a piece of evidence matched those of someone close to Teddy.
This is a series that I hope will be around for a while! While I thought I knew whodunit, there were still surprises for me at the end, which is good! I enjoy a mystery that is challenging, whether I get the right answer or not. I also like how the author brought the countryside to life with descriptions of the area. This novel could be read as a standalone, as I have not yet read the first two in the series and found sufficient backstory to enjoy it. I highly recommend this to fans of well-written cozy mysteries set in the English countryside with quirky people, humor, and intrigue throughout.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
November 26, 2022
Isabel lives in a small town in Michigan and, until recently, she has been a PI. When she gets an invite from her famous mystery writer penpal, Teddy Mansfield, to come to Mousehole, Cornwall, she packs her bags and hops across the pond. This alone was enough to get my attention as Mousehole is one of my favorite places in England - lovely scenery, good food and fantastic ice cream. When I went the "dead body" was an actor in a mystery weekend who took his bows at the end of the weekend. Isabel got the real deal when the Corgis, Fred and Ginger, dug up poor very dead Hyacinth - planted in the flower bed. Attention turns to Teddy's housekeeper, Tuppence, as a suspect. Tuppence has been beaten over and over again by Hyacinth in the bake off contest and Tuppence so wants to be the winner and to get the winners handshake from Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall. (Yes, that Camilla, married to the King) Her scones might just do the trick. The local copper thinks it might have been a motive for murder and that means Isabel has to go into PI mode and flush out the real killer.
This is a well crafted mystery with the perfect pace and delightful characters. Don't expect poor dead and buried Hyacinth to be found much before halfway and that's a good thing as the reader follows along with Isabel as she plans, packs, and travels to England for the first time. What follows that is full of twists, turns and red herrings. Plus it works fine as a stand alone. I read them as they came out and I'm holding a spot on my "must not miss the next book in series" shelf, eager to find out out what's next for Isabel.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a well crafted mystery with the perfect pace and delightful characters. Don't expect poor dead and buried Hyacinth to be found much before halfway and that's a good thing as the reader follows along with Isabel as she plans, packs, and travels to England for the first time. What follows that is full of twists, turns and red herrings. Plus it works fine as a stand alone. I read them as they came out and I'm holding a spot on my "must not miss the next book in series" shelf, eager to find out out what's next for Isabel.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2022
Now and again, a reader needs a respite with a cozy mystery. The generally accepted definition has these mysteries with a woman sleuthing around as an amateur who is probably dismissed by the professional detectives and police. Usually, the murder takes place only to be discovered after the fact in a small village or community with lots of gossips. I would add to the definition that the murder often doesn’t happen until the book is halfway finished in order to draw all the characters who may be suspects. That gives time to establish that the victim is someone who “deserved” to die.
Isabel Puddles Abroad by M.V. Byrne fits that description, including my addition to the definition. It furnished me a breather from some heavier reading I had been doing. Isabel finds herself across the pond in England in the village of Mousehole, Cornwall visiting her pen pal Teddy Mansfield. She arrives in time for the annual village scone bake-off with Teddy’s housekeeper Tuppence determined to win.
The contest appears to be the biggest thing on the calendar for the visit until a body is found in a neighboring flower bed. The victim is the person who most needs to die, and Isabel’s reputation for recent detective work in her home on Lake Michigan catches up with her as she is drawn into the investigation. She is a kindred spirit to Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote and comes from a similar community with eccentric characters. She sorts through various red herrings and clues that lead nowhere until she finds the killer as this reader knew she would.
The book will give some lighthearted diversion and teach you absolutely nothing ¬– perfect for holiday season reading. I loved it!
Isabel Puddles Abroad by M.V. Byrne fits that description, including my addition to the definition. It furnished me a breather from some heavier reading I had been doing. Isabel finds herself across the pond in England in the village of Mousehole, Cornwall visiting her pen pal Teddy Mansfield. She arrives in time for the annual village scone bake-off with Teddy’s housekeeper Tuppence determined to win.
The contest appears to be the biggest thing on the calendar for the visit until a body is found in a neighboring flower bed. The victim is the person who most needs to die, and Isabel’s reputation for recent detective work in her home on Lake Michigan catches up with her as she is drawn into the investigation. She is a kindred spirit to Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote and comes from a similar community with eccentric characters. She sorts through various red herrings and clues that lead nowhere until she finds the killer as this reader knew she would.
The book will give some lighthearted diversion and teach you absolutely nothing ¬– perfect for holiday season reading. I loved it!
November 10, 2022
Isabel's back with a bang! Isabel Puddles has been invited to her mystery author friend Teddy Mansfield's home in Mousehole, Cornwall. She leaves Lake Michigan behind for two weeks and flies to London, her dream city, then is driven to Teddy's chocolate box village where she eventually shakes off jetlag and is quickly immersed and enveloped into strangers' (not for long!) lives. Teddy's housekeeper Tuppence quickly initiates her. Isabel had decided to give up her private investigating business so this break was exactly what she needed. Until family drama, village gossip and murder come knocking. She uses her investigative skills to inveigle and sniff out the murderer with Teddy's help. She also sniffs out delicious foods along the way.
The use of British idioms and foods should not have befuddled Isabel, however. They are well known abroad, especially to readers as she is. Evocative descriptions of England always give me goosebumps and take me back in an instant. But you needn't be a traveler to enjoy the beautiful landscape and food descriptions. The mystery for me is secondary to the eclectic characters and lovely setting.
Cozy mystery fans who enjoy sprightly sixty-something sleuths with life experience ought to get to know Isabel Puddles, humorous sleuth extraordinaire and comfy friend.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this delightful book and for introducing me to the series.
The use of British idioms and foods should not have befuddled Isabel, however. They are well known abroad, especially to readers as she is. Evocative descriptions of England always give me goosebumps and take me back in an instant. But you needn't be a traveler to enjoy the beautiful landscape and food descriptions. The mystery for me is secondary to the eclectic characters and lovely setting.
Cozy mystery fans who enjoy sprightly sixty-something sleuths with life experience ought to get to know Isabel Puddles, humorous sleuth extraordinaire and comfy friend.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this delightful book and for introducing me to the series.
January 9, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: Charming. That is probably the best word to describe this book. Isabel Puddles is a wonderful character who is living her best life in her senior years. When we first see her she is about to embark on a bucket list trip to England, where she is going to stay with her friend Teddy in the idyllic seaside town of Mousehole. Whether she is on the big red bus travelling through London or walking the Cornish lanes, the reader gets a sense of being there with her that only increases the enjoyment of the story. She meets fascinating characters including Teddy’s housekeeper, Tuppence. Tuppence is competing in the local scone competition but her nemesis has perpetrated a dirty trick on her, shattering her hope to win the prize that the Duchess of Cornwall will present.
When the evil Hyacinth is murdered it not a far stretch for Isabel to wonder if Tuppence has had her revenge. Quickly she realizes how wrong she is but as she and the local DC investigate, the magnitude of the nefarious deeds she committed makes the possible suspect lists almost endless. It turns out one of the primary suspects is much closer to home than even Tuppence. There is a great story with lots of dead ends and twists but when it comes down to two suspects, Isabel is the one who traps the killer. It is entertaining and enjoyable beginning to end. I truly love this series. Five purrs and two paws up.
When the evil Hyacinth is murdered it not a far stretch for Isabel to wonder if Tuppence has had her revenge. Quickly she realizes how wrong she is but as she and the local DC investigate, the magnitude of the nefarious deeds she committed makes the possible suspect lists almost endless. It turns out one of the primary suspects is much closer to home than even Tuppence. There is a great story with lots of dead ends and twists but when it comes down to two suspects, Isabel is the one who traps the killer. It is entertaining and enjoyable beginning to end. I truly love this series. Five purrs and two paws up.
November 27, 2022
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After reading and enjoying the first Isabel Puddles book, I was excited to read this second in the series. Our intrepid heroine ventures out of small-town Michigan and travels to London and Cornwall upon the invitation of
her penpal Teddy Mansfield, an acclaimed mystery writer. Of course there's a death, and there's no lack of people delighted by the demise of what sounds like a thoroughly unpleasant woman - but there are no viable suspects. Isabel and Teddy are asked by the local police Inspector to assist in the investigations (certainly a bit unusual, but then this is definitely not a police procedural and so the rules are cheerfully bent).
Small-town Cornwall and small-town Michigan don*t seem all that different and Isabel gets along wonderfully with the locals - I especially enjoyed Teddy's housekeeper Tuppence and the great scone baking kerfuffle. The story proceeds at a leisurely pace, and time is given to show Isabel's love of the culture and landscape of England. However, I did find it a bit curious that for an Anglophile, she's completely flustered by any hint of a British idiom. Overall an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next in the series.
After reading and enjoying the first Isabel Puddles book, I was excited to read this second in the series. Our intrepid heroine ventures out of small-town Michigan and travels to London and Cornwall upon the invitation of
her penpal Teddy Mansfield, an acclaimed mystery writer. Of course there's a death, and there's no lack of people delighted by the demise of what sounds like a thoroughly unpleasant woman - but there are no viable suspects. Isabel and Teddy are asked by the local police Inspector to assist in the investigations (certainly a bit unusual, but then this is definitely not a police procedural and so the rules are cheerfully bent).
Small-town Cornwall and small-town Michigan don*t seem all that different and Isabel gets along wonderfully with the locals - I especially enjoyed Teddy's housekeeper Tuppence and the great scone baking kerfuffle. The story proceeds at a leisurely pace, and time is given to show Isabel's love of the culture and landscape of England. However, I did find it a bit curious that for an Anglophile, she's completely flustered by any hint of a British idiom. Overall an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next in the series.
July 10, 2022
Senior slueth Isabel Puddles travels to England for the first time to visit her friend Teddy. a successful mystery writer. Teddy's housekeeper Tuppence has entered the annual village scone contest and hopes to finally beat her nemesis Hyacinth. During the bake off Tuppence's scones fail to rise and Hyacinth wins again. Tuppence is steamed when she learns Hyacinth had her son Alby replace her baking soda with something else. A few days later Isabel is out walking Teddy's Corgis when they get loose in front of Hyacinth's house and begin digging in the flower bed, where they unearth a body. The inspector on the case is a friend of Teddy's who has never investigated a murder before so Isabel puts her sleuthing skills to use to help him unearth a killer. Hyacinth was a mean spirited woman who mistreated her son and had a few enemies. Including Teddy's snobby sister, Miltilde. This was an enjoyable book with cokorful characters, a good plot, and lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing til the end. This is the first book I've read in this series and I am hooked, so it won't be the last! Thank you to the publisher and to netgalley for letting me read this advance copy.
April 17, 2023
Isabel has the opportunity to travel to England. A long-time wish. Teddy, a mystery author, has invited Isabel to visit him at his home in Cornwall. The village is small and filled with quirky characters including Tuppence, Teddy's housekeeper, his sister who is a lush, and many others. The local meanie is named Hyacinth. She is a sometimes friend to Teddy's sister. She has also won the local Scone Baking Competition for several years. Tuppence thinks she is cheating and thinks that she might be the won to beat her! However, that is not to be and Hyacinth wins once again.
Shortly after the event, Hyacinth is found murdered. Isabel was walking Teddy's Corgis, Fred and Ginger when the dogs dig up the corpse. There is no dearth of suspects including Teddy's sister and Tuppence.
This is a fun cozy with cute Corgis and an English setting. The blurb calls Isabel Michigan's own Miss Marple which seems right. The story is cute with plenty of red herrings and suspects. The writing style is easy-to-read and quite enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.
Shortly after the event, Hyacinth is found murdered. Isabel was walking Teddy's Corgis, Fred and Ginger when the dogs dig up the corpse. There is no dearth of suspects including Teddy's sister and Tuppence.
This is a fun cozy with cute Corgis and an English setting. The blurb calls Isabel Michigan's own Miss Marple which seems right. The story is cute with plenty of red herrings and suspects. The writing style is easy-to-read and quite enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.
November 18, 2022
Isabel Puddles Abroad is an enjoyable cozy mystery. It's the perfect read for when you feel like taking a little trip to another destination in your reading life.
Isabel is in her 60's. Her children are grown, and now it is time for Isabel to take on new challenges. She's decided to return to college to finish the degree she'd meant to do when she had children. However, as a break, Isabel takes up her new friend Teddy Mansfield's offer to visit him in England. Ultimately, like Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin and Jessica Fletcher, Isabel gets herself tangled up in a murder mystery and aims to solve the crime.
While I have yet to read the first in this series, it is on my library wishlist. I am happy to report that not having read the first book had absolutely no impact on reading enjoyment or being able to follow the characters. The narrative of this book flows exceptionally well. It's a joy to read.
I look forward to going back to read the rest of the series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the review e-book.
Isabel is in her 60's. Her children are grown, and now it is time for Isabel to take on new challenges. She's decided to return to college to finish the degree she'd meant to do when she had children. However, as a break, Isabel takes up her new friend Teddy Mansfield's offer to visit him in England. Ultimately, like Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin and Jessica Fletcher, Isabel gets herself tangled up in a murder mystery and aims to solve the crime.
While I have yet to read the first in this series, it is on my library wishlist. I am happy to report that not having read the first book had absolutely no impact on reading enjoyment or being able to follow the characters. The narrative of this book flows exceptionally well. It's a joy to read.
I look forward to going back to read the rest of the series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the review e-book.
November 22, 2022
When Isabel Puddles decides to accept the invitation from her friend (and famous author) Teddy Mansfield, she doesn’t realize that, on her first trip abroad, she’ll find not only the same sort of quirky characters that she sees in Gull Harbor, Michigan. She’ll also find murder. Isabel hasn’t been in Cornwall long when the body of Hyacinth Amesbury is discovered, buried in her own garden. Since she was the least liked resident in all of Cornwall, there is a long list of suspects. Naturally, Isabel becomes involved and combines sleuthing with sightseeing.
Isabel Puddles Abroad is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. This cozy mystery stands out from the genre because of the well developed characters, the evocative description of the Cornish countryside and the deliberately slow-paced plot, leading to a surprising conclusion. M.V. Byrne is a former television writer and his talent shines in this delightful mystery. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and M.V. Byrne for this ARC.
Isabel Puddles Abroad is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. This cozy mystery stands out from the genre because of the well developed characters, the evocative description of the Cornish countryside and the deliberately slow-paced plot, leading to a surprising conclusion. M.V. Byrne is a former television writer and his talent shines in this delightful mystery. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and M.V. Byrne for this ARC.
August 26, 2022
To start with, the writing in the Isabel Puddles books is some of the strongest I’ve ever read. It flows in a way that is tremendously descriptive but still easy to read. I feel like if you had the perfect narrator it would be a wonderful audiobook. The history & connections Isabel has to so many people in her hometown, make it feel like a real town, full of eccentric characters. Isabel is off to England this time around & trouble goes where she goes. I like the change of locale & adding Isabel into it makes this book even more up my alley! The village of Mousehole has all the British quirkiness & charm you could want in the characters & such. Byrne tends to build up to the mystery for longer than some cozies but I quite like it. The stories are really lived in & the endings never rushed. Simply put, I loved the book & I adore the series.
Thank you Netgalley & Kensington Books for the ARC of this book to review.
Thank you Netgalley & Kensington Books for the ARC of this book to review.
November 29, 2022
The Mitten State Mystery series is new to me, which means I have two books I need to catch up on. This cozy mystery features Isabel Puddles, a woman of a certain age from Michigan, who is venturing abroad to meet Teddy, a mystery writer and potential love interest. Decked out in a yellow tracksuit, Isabel meets a charming woman on her flight and sightsees in London before meeting Teddy in Cornwall. His village, Mousehole, is filled with delightful, eccentric residents, with one of the more eccentric and less delightful residents Teddy's sister, Matilde. When another resident turns up dead, Isabel cannot avoid getting involved.
This is a charming, cozy mystery. There are a lot of potentially extraneous details about food, scenery, and dogs, which I believe added to the atmosphere. There's even some chaste kissing. Fans of cozy mysteries will love this series. #IsabelPuddlesAbroad #NetGalley
This is a charming, cozy mystery. There are a lot of potentially extraneous details about food, scenery, and dogs, which I believe added to the atmosphere. There's even some chaste kissing. Fans of cozy mysteries will love this series. #IsabelPuddlesAbroad #NetGalley
August 11, 2022
Isabel is a widow (and amateur sleuth) with grown children who live on opposite coasts while she chooses to stay in her hometown in downstate Michigan with all her friends and cousins. But she's always wanted to see London. Now she has been invited by her friend/mystery author/professor for a visit. Her family makes arrangements and off she goes. But friend has a mix-up with his work schedule, so she spends most of the visit in beautiful Cornwall with Teddy's friends and family. It's all so different (that line about two countries separated by a common language comes to mind) with squabbles and such. But then an obnoxious neighbor is found planted in her own garden and Isabel's prowess as a sleuth is proven once again! Loved this laugh riot!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!
August 7, 2022
The third entry in the Isabel Puddles cozy mystery series finds Isabel finally heading to Cornwall to visit her pen pal, Teddy. Of course there is a murder and Isabel is soon in the middle of things and assisting the local police to find the killer. The investigation is complicated by Teddy's family drama and a scone baking competition that has its own dramatic aspects. Isabel is a great character and I felt she was channeling Jessica Fletcher/Murder She Wrote in sorting out the case. Very low key, no graphic violence, just a nice cozy mystery. I enjoyed the book and can't wait for some of these characters to show up in Michigan as the series continues. I received a copy of the book for review.
July 20, 2022
I love Isabel Puddles and couldn't wait to read about her adventures in England with her friend Teddy. I expected her to do some sleuthing and I expected, and received, quirky characters, a lovely setting, and a murder.
This book seemed a bit slower paced than the previous books. I found the plot a little loose, with a lot of repetition and review. I loved some of the characters and hope to see them again. However, some were not as well defined and not believable to me.
All told, it was a fun read and I look forward to more Isabel in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for the ARC of Isabel Puddles Abroad.
This book seemed a bit slower paced than the previous books. I found the plot a little loose, with a lot of repetition and review. I loved some of the characters and hope to see them again. However, some were not as well defined and not believable to me.
All told, it was a fun read and I look forward to more Isabel in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for the ARC of Isabel Puddles Abroad.
July 25, 2022
Isabel is finally going to be visit her longtime pen pal, Mystery writer Teddy Mansfield. While staying in Teddy’s guesthouse, Isabel finds the locals to be as interesting as his characters. But when the local winner of the annual town bake off is found dead in her garden, Isabel helps the new constable solve his first murder case.
While I love Isabel, I think I love her even more in Cornwall…what a hoot! The whodunit is solid with enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the end. What I love most is seeing a senior living life to the fullest and taking on what comes her way, while also going out of her way at times too. I want to be Isabel when I get older!
While I love Isabel, I think I love her even more in Cornwall…what a hoot! The whodunit is solid with enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the end. What I love most is seeing a senior living life to the fullest and taking on what comes her way, while also going out of her way at times too. I want to be Isabel when I get older!
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