When the life she thought she knew is suddenly taken away, Ella Hunt is determined to make a new life for herself and her faithful companion, Boris the Bulldog. She finds a new purpose in the form of a small, failed hotel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
With her expertise in designing and upgrading hotel properties, Ella is determined to restore the hotel back to its former glory. But when she finds out the former hotel owner was found murdered in the hotel cellar, Ella teams up with the lead detective on the case, Luke Falconer, to uncover the truth and clear the hotel's name.
If you enjoyed Agatha Christie's classic mystery novels, you'll love this debut book in the Gabriella Hunt Cozy Mystery Series.
This is a brand new series by Dianne Harman and it looks and reads like it will be another excellent one!
Ella Hunt, a recent widow, decides to purchase a hotel in Coeur d'Arlene, Idaho. She had learned a lot from her husband who had a string of world famous hotels plus she was an expert designer and was more then proficient at upgrading hotels! This hotel was in horrible shape but she thought--I can do this. One small problem--the owner had been murdered in the basement. She did not want that hanging over the hotel so went to the policeman who headed up the original murder scene. He admitted to her that they hadn't really gotten too far and then his boss had shut the case down. They decided to try and figure it all out by themselves!
There were lots of suspects-most could verify where they were at the time--but in case it was one of the employees who Ella was hiring-she sure did not want anyone working there who was not trustworthy! They kept following up clues. The one thing that never was found was the murder weapon.
Boris, Ella's bulldog was a sweet lovable dog who got along with everyone! Could he help them locate the murder weapon? Read this book to find out who done it and how little Boris helped!!
This is the first book of the series. Gabriella Hunt is a recent widow. Her husband was a successful businessman who handled a line of a top notch hotels. Gabriella has a business of her own. She decorates hotels. Conurbation d’Alene was her husband’s hometown and where her sister in law lives. Gabriella calls herself Ella for short and had a bulldog named Boris. Ella decides to buy a small hotel/restaurant/bar recently closed down due to the death of its owner and failing business. The story comprises of Ella hiring staff and getting the hotel up to her standards and reopen. She is also curious as to how the hotel owner died. His death was claimed o be an accident, but she finds out it had not been thoroughly investigated. Ella meets the detective in charge and together they try to find evidence. Murder or accident. There is a little excitement at the end of the book. Ella and the detective, Luke Falconer solver the case and murderer confesses. There’s a book #2 and at the end of book #1, Ella tells of her next adventure which includes her sis Rose and the detective Luke. This book is very enjoyable and very easy reading. It keeps you engaged as you try to figure out “who done it”?
So of course I chose to read this because it was in based in my town, but other than being in the title there was nothing in this book that depicted being in Coeur d’Alene - no mention of landscape, streets, history - nothing. What was the point of putting a real town in the title if you aren’t even going to attempt to describe it?
Now, to the story - it was very disappointing and lackluster. It is a “cozy mystery” so maybe I have too high expectations but there wasn’t anything in this book that entertained me. It was just a quick mystery book with nothing too surprising or engaging.
This author has written over 100 books so there are those that must enjoy the “cozy mystery” but it’s not for me.
I just loved this book especially only living 30 minutes from Coeur d’Alene Idaho! I fell in love with all of the characters, especially Boris! The adventure and mystery surrounding the hotel that was purchased by Ella, kept me turning the pages to find out who killed the previous owner of the hotel! I can now see Ella, Luke and Rose heading to Belize to find out what happened to Ella’s husband who drowned with no explanation as to why! I can’t wait to read more of Dianne Hartman and Andrew Thomas books!
Murder in Coeur d'Alene A Gabriella Hunt Cozy Mystery Series
The first in this series I enjoyed!..Dianne Harman and her Co-author Andrew Thomas. Ella with the Detective Luke solve a murder of the former owner. A great intro to Ella, Luke, her sister Rose and her staff of the former hotel. The reader will discover after beginning to read this that it can't be put aside until it's done.
I enjoyed reading this books as I alway love how Dianne writes about her characters. I love the twist and turns in the stories. She know how to keep you insterested the the story so that you can not put it down til you are finished. The main Character Gabriella Hunt is very good at see what she what some to look like and does not shy away from any work that has to be done. If you enjoy murder mysteries this is another very good series to read.
I've read Diane Harman's books, but not with Andrew Thomas. A very entertaining collaboration. The characters in this story are likable and realistic, especially Ella and Luke and of course the dog. Solving the mystery was not easy, although very exciting and unexpected. I love surprise endings and then there's the added bonus of a new adventure for the newly formed team, Belize.
It was a nice easy read with enjoyable characters. Hopefully, characters will be built up in he future. The ending did leave me wondering who was going to manage running the hotel with Elle and Rose both on vacation. I can't wait to read the next book.
Most enjoyable with good plot and sub plots, recently widowed Ella buys hotel where previous owner was murdered. So the main plot is the murder mystery, the sub plots cover the renovation of hotel and getting to know t?he characters of the staff who all worked there previously. The story is engaging and flows well to a nicely rounds conclusion.
I have read several Harman cozy mystery series and this is the first in this Gabriela Hunt series. Ella has just acquired a new hotel in Idaho but soon learns the previous owner dies mysteriously in the basement. As she works to open the hotel she works with a local detective, Luke, to ultimately find the murderer - a quick little read that I enjoyed!
Very good start to a new series. I love a clean, cozy mystery and this series promises to be a good series of them. I like the twists this takes to keep you guessing till the end. If you're looking for a good mystery without a romantic entanglement but leaves you wanting the next read,this is the one to start with! You won't be disappointed!
Another fantastic story by Dianne Harman, along with Andrew Thomas. Ella bought a closed hotel where the owner was murdered she believes and now wants to find out who did it!
I would like to know when the next book in Series will appear . I don't understand how a detective can ask a civilian that he just met to help him. Not really y realistic. But I like the characters, and would like the next installment of the series.
Great beginning of a new series. Looking forward to reading the next book. Great and Interesting characters. Another can't put down book by one of my favorite authors.
I liked Ella from the start. I could relate to how brave she was making a new journey in life, her love for her dog! Didn't put it down til I finished. Made me want to read the story next in the series.
I was enthralled with this book from the very beginning. Why? Because I had read the previous one and needed some answers. This book gave those answers to me and continued to surprise me, page after page.
This is the first book in what looks to be an amazing series by Andrew Thomas and Dianne Harman. I love all of the characters and can't wait for the next book
Was reading some mediocre stories, so really enjoyed this professionally written one. It makes such a difference!! Dianne and Andrew are a great team! Thanx guys!
This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!