Death By Poison: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

Josiah Reynolds Mysteries #17

by Abigail Keam

"Well-written with descriptive language, entertaining wit, engaging mystery!" Kathleen Costa, Kings River Life Magazine

Josiah Reynolds is hitching Morning Glory, her American Paint Horse, to an antique pony cart when horse whisperer, Velvet Maddox, hurries over to them. Pointing a thin, crooked finger at Josiah, she announces that Josiah can’t participate in the annual Shawnee Trace Horse Parade. “I see death standing next to your horse. Beware, Josiah. Beware.”

Startled, Josiah is worried as Miss Velvet is never wrong about such things, but decides to plunge ahead. Surely this time Velvet is mistaken. No one can see death. The event goes off without a hitch until spectators surge forward onto the parade route and surround the horses, causing them to spook. Morning Glory rears up and the pony cart runs over something. Josiah stops her horse immediately and peers over the side of her cart.

There is a shoeless leg sticking out from underneath the cart. Josiah realizes that Miss Velvet was correct. Death was, indeed, hovering near her horse.

The Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series
Death By A HoneyBee
Death By Drowning
Death By Bridle
Death By Bourbon
Death By Lotto
Death by Chocolate
Death by Haunting
Death By Derby
Death By Design
Death By Malice
Death By Drama
Death By Stalking
Death By Deceit
Death By Magic
Death By Shock
Death By Chance
Death By Poison
Death By Greed
Death By Theft


AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Top 10 Mystery Novels from Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Blue Moon
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery - Death By Stalking
2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery

179 pages, ebook

First published April 18, 2022

About the author

Hello Gentle Reader,

I am Abigail Keam, the award-winning author of the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series and the 1930s Mona Moon Mystery Series.

I am a professional beekeeper and have won 16 awards for my honey. I live in a metal house overlooking the Kentucky River. I have the great fortune to live near some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Bluegrass.

In addition to the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, I also write the Princess Maura Tales (Epic Fantasy) and the Last Chance Motel Series (Sweet Romance).

I love animals, Kentucky bourbon, and chocolate. Now if they could combine bourbon and chocolate together, I would be in heaven.

I come from a family of storytellers, so it was only natural I would put my stories to paper. I do so hope my tales give you some pleasure and enjoyment. I would certainly love to hear from you. Signing off now to get back to writing. Yours truly,
Miss Abigail

AWARDS
2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2017 Finalist from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Design: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery

2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine

2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking

2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon

2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon

2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery

Reviews

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone tells me that , "all cozy mysteries are alike", I have to laugh. Out loud. And for a long time. Then I tell them about many characters, including Josiah Reynolds, the wonderfully unique main character created by Abigail Keam. Josiah is a retired art history professor, beekeeper, owns a racehorse boarding farm and much more.

In the latest book, Josiah and friends find themselves in the cross hairs of a bitter new neighbor named Bitsy Beamer, who is out to destroy anyone who crosses her. When the Bitsy is murdered, at the parade where Josiah and Morning Glory, her rescue horse are performing, Josiah quickly realizes her survival will depend on the sleuthing skills she has learned over the years. The twists and turns of this distinctly Southern cozy are so much fun, that I hated for the book to end!

The setting of the book, the Bluegrass land of Kentucky, comes alive in the author's lush descriptions of the area and horse farms. Supporting characters such as Shaneika (her long-time best friend and lawyer) and Shaneika's young son Linc, Lady Elsmore (senior next-door neighbor who is a force of nature), Hunter Wickliffe (her forensic expert boyfriend) and the quirky characters who inhabit Josiah's world are so well written, that they could have their own series. Of course, one of my favorite "characters" is Baby, her English Mastiff that has been by Josiah's side through many dangerous situations. I promise you'll love Baby!

Grab a comfy seat and an iced tea and sit back and enjoy a Southern mystery with "red herrings" galore and one of the most entertaining and original characters you'll meet!

I received an ARC as a gift from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well really that rocked

How delightful another excellent instalment now gagging for the next one cant wait love this series woo hoo hope you enjoy them as much as i do

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Poison Earns 5/5 Cherry Trees…Engaging & Clever Favorite!

Josiah Reynolds is in court and not as a witness or plaintiff in a lawsuit…No, she’s being sued by neighbor Hildegard Elizabeth Beamer, nicknamed Bitsy, for chopping down her cherry trees. Of course, to her lawyer’s frustration, Josiah can not tell a lie! If you destroy something you know will one day be a menace before it is a menace, will you be charged or heralded? Bitsy has been a thorn in many a neighbor’s side, and when she planted several stone-pitted fruit trees, Josiah knew those trees, when mature, would hang over onto her property, dropping their fruit, and poisoning her livestock, especially some very pricey thoroughbreds. Josiah explains the pips contain cyanide, and the prospect of poisoning her animals is real. So, will the judge accept her “preemptive” actions as a legitimate defense? No, the judge’s decree does, however, make both women accountable for their actions: Josiah pays restitution and Bitsy has planting restrictions. When Bitsy makes comments rubbing in the financial restitution along with a zinger about the woman involved with Josiah’s late husband, Josiah can’t help but respond, but will she regret her “Someone ought to put that woman out of her misery.” comeback? When Bitsy creates a new uproar by announcing she’s sponsoring the annual international skeet shooting competition on her property, someone has had enough. At the local horse parade, Bitsy ends up under the oncoming parade, Josiah’s horse cart to be exact. Later, she succumbs to her injuries in the hospital where they discover it wasn’t the cart or horse that caused her death, but poison.

TREE-mendous! Abigail Keam has added the seventeenth creative way by which death can be caused: Agatha Christie’s favorite…poison. Karma has a major hand in the this drama, and “She started it,” could be anyone’s defense. Can rumors, gossip, and one’s claim of “self preservation” be trusted? Suspects are a plenty with motives ranging from long ago affairs and ruined marriages to parentage and even the question why Bitsy moved into this area in the first place. Add incidents of sabotage and it really gets muddy, challenging Josiah’s inquiries, and making it hard for me to put the book down. Hooked, all the way to the end with an “Oh, my!” surprise.

Abigail’s writing has always been a favorite: well-written with descriptive language, entertaining wit, engaging mystery, and an informative narrative with details on horses, horse whispering, and honey! But, it’s Keam’s cast of characters that I really enjoy. I personally identify with middle-aged Josiah with realistic physical flaws, snarky retorts, feisty manner, and a good sense about what’s fair and unfair, even if her methods are questionable. Favorites, too, are Velvet Maddox, as a water witch and horse whisperer, and Lady Elsmere, the Grand Dame of the local area. Highly recommend!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Jesse Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death By Poison just might be the cure to the COVID blues!


The latest in A Josiah Reynolds Mystery is undoubtedly the best of the series. But then I say that with every book, and quite frankly, I mean it too. These books get more and more intricate, the plotting gets more and more involved, and Josiah keeps me endlessly intrigued with her life as an amateur sleuth.

In Death by Poison, Josiah has entered her American Paint horse, Morning Glory, in a parade to celebrate Kentucky’s Horse Capital of the World title. But just as she’s gotten the rambunctious pony hitched up and in the queue, infamous local horse whisperer, Velvet Maddox gives her a very grave pronouncement. “I see death around this horse.” What to do. It’s either pull the horse out of the line up or ignore all the hard work Josiah and boyfriend, Hunter Wickliffe, have put into the outing.

Josiah decides, this time, Velvet is wrong and nudges the pony along. Which is when it all goes to hell and then something drops down just in time for the horse and cart to run over it. When Jo sees a leg protruding from beneath the cart—a human leg—the realization of Velvet’s assessment being right on the money comes too late.When the realization hits that the leg belongs to the bane of Josiah’s existence, it’s a matter of self-preservation that sets her on the path to finding out who killed the victim.

These characters are so real, so vivid, that they should be walking about in front of me. My own private movie and I sit with popcorn, reading until I’ve finished. The pacing is right on, keeping me drawn in but never slow enough to lose my attention. Twists and turns are a fact of the game but sometimes can be contrived. Not in the hands of a skilled author like Abigail Keam. Things happen organically, naturally, and the red herrings are plentiful and just as possible. When I say I couldn’t put this down, it’s not hyperbole. I had to know. I had to know what was coming next and how the hell she was going to piece this together. And when she finally did, the ending was very satisfying and I felt as if I’d been put through the ringer.

Another five star reading from an amazing and talented author. A definite must read, as is the rest of the series.

[Mary Ann Olsztyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed this series but the books are too short. It would be nice if the stories were 350-460 pages. Love the characters. I look forward to the next story in this series.

[Carol Eubank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

As always before, Ms. Keam gave us again a wonderful mystery with all kinds of twists. Truly enjoyed her book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many many plot twists and interesting details fill these pages.
Josiah Reynolds herself is an interesting character but the people she is surrounded by run the gamut of complicated and unexpected.
She can not help herself, when trouble finds her, Josiah does not shy away. You might say she moves herself smack into the middle. It's not that she feels the officials can't do their job, but she knows she can find the truth faster and perhaps more efficiently.
Putting the pieces together to form a believable course of events takes concentration.
One thing I liked best about this story is how loyal Josiah is to those she cares about and her determination to protect what is most important to her.

[Patricia Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing wrong is

The only thing wrong with her books is that I can't put them down! This one was no exception. "Oh, I'll read the first chapter, then do the dishes." Nope. 100+ pages before they got done. 😁 🤷 Her books are like that. 😻 Love this series!!! Very interesting and easy to get sucked right into the story where I have to know what happened. Highly recommend and between my Kindle and the library, I usually read 20 books a month, so if I say she's probably my favorite author, that's saying a lot!

[Valerie Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josiah is at it again!

I love this series!!! Each book grabs your attention and keeps you guessing to the last chapter. You can be sure that DEATH BY POISON is the same way. I have missed the situations Josiah finds herself in and this book is no exception! Old familiar characters mingle wit several newcomers to create a story that is difficult to put down until the last page is turned!!!!!!

[Gail Mathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poison

Fantastic. Went to fast but was very enjoyable. Plot twists galore leaving me wondering who and why. Was a bit surprised but I loved it thoroughly enjoyed and a nice easy read. Wish the story lasted longer. Loved the book Jo was reading. Great time.

[Beth Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoyable

I love this series and have from the first. I love the characters connections and the history woven into each story. Great mystery woven into it all and it's a perfect fit for me. No worries about sex scenes or heavy language. I really appreciate that.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josiah does it again. .

Josiah Reynolds does it again.
In this new book a death is always close to home. Josiah always is there to get in trouble and solve the mystery. These books never fail to entertain and give rich Kentucky history.

[Lisa Norvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

I love this series. Josiah Reynolds is a wonderful character and the Bluegrass setting is a bonus for the clever plots.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Josiah Reynolds mystery!!! A must read!!! Love the way Abigail Keam weaves her stories!!!

[No-Genre-Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

🛞Boy, did this one make my head spin❣️
The murder mystery part didn't exactly blow my mind. I was able to pick out the killer right away, due to being familiar with a certain type of story formula. And for me, The reason for the murder was a little anti-climactic. Other than that, The rest of this book was 💥WOW💥
OMG, did I Love the twisty, naughty, dark and disturbing, scandalous back stories about those crazy rich people. They should have a book series of their own! It was one holy-shit Discovery after another with them. So compelling. Abigail Keam would sure give Live Constantine a run for their money, if she started writing books about crazy rich people.
I also loved how much the author made me hate the villain, Bitsy Beamer🖤 Giving her an annoying name to go with her horrible personality, which made me hate her all the more, was brilliant!

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josiah comes out on top again

Josiah’s neighborhood turns into Peyton Place when Bitsy, a vengeful, psychopathic woman moves, next door with her equally crazy daughter. Josiah and Bitsy immediately lock horns. When Bitsy dies under the wheels of Josiah’s pony cart during a parade, Josiah first needs to extricate herself as a suspect and then find who really killed Bitsy Beamer. The suspects are legion, but Josiah is a feisty, witty, persevering detective.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, What a Situation

Everyone hated the victim. Everyone! Even Josiah and Lady Elsmere. What do you do when there are too many suspects and everyone could have done it. If you are Josiah, you piece it together like a thousand piece puzzle until the final piece shows the full picture. This was a great mystery!