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Hometown Mystery #1
Welcome Home to Murder
Tessa Treslow never wanted a small town life. As soon as she graduated high school, she happily escaped her tiny town to join the U.S. Army, leaving New Oslo, Idaho, population 852, firmly behind her. Twenty years later, the hometown hero is finally ready to come back—even if she has just a visit with loved ones in mind while her family is hoping to convince her to stay for good.
With her fawn boxer dog, Vince, in tow, Tessa falls into the unsettlingly familiar small town life, helping out in her family's general store and her feisty Aunt Edna's auto body shop. But her peaceful homecoming is suddenly shattered when the dead body of a crooked con man turns up in her aunt's shop, and the police have some serious questions for the family. To make matters worse, the sheriff in charge just happens to be Tessa's ex-boyfriend... and things did not end well between them all those years ago. When it comes out that the con man was trying to get his hands on the family business, Tessa knows they're in trouble.
With her family in danger of being dragged away in handcuffs, Tessa becomes a woman on a mission to find the con man's killer. Between a slew of suspects, a meandering moose, and a handsome newcomer with his eye on Tessa, she has her work cut out for her. But when the killer changes tactics—putting everything her family holds dear in jeopardy—Tessa begins to realize what home really means to her. Can she be the hero for her hometown once again... before it's too late?
With her fawn boxer dog, Vince, in tow, Tessa falls into the unsettlingly familiar small town life, helping out in her family's general store and her feisty Aunt Edna's auto body shop. But her peaceful homecoming is suddenly shattered when the dead body of a crooked con man turns up in her aunt's shop, and the police have some serious questions for the family. To make matters worse, the sheriff in charge just happens to be Tessa's ex-boyfriend... and things did not end well between them all those years ago. When it comes out that the con man was trying to get his hands on the family business, Tessa knows they're in trouble.
With her family in danger of being dragged away in handcuffs, Tessa becomes a woman on a mission to find the con man's killer. Between a slew of suspects, a meandering moose, and a handsome newcomer with his eye on Tessa, she has her work cut out for her. But when the killer changes tactics—putting everything her family holds dear in jeopardy—Tessa begins to realize what home really means to her. Can she be the hero for her hometown once again... before it's too late?
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
About the author
Rosalie Spielman
23 books45 followersAs a military brat, veteran and military spouse (retired), I've moved more times than I have fingers to count on! I only recently broke my record of six consecutive years at one address.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered that I could make other people laugh with my writing. I enjoy reading to escape from the real world, and hope to give you the same with my stories.
Join my newsletter at www.Rosalie-Spielman-author.com or on Facebook at “Rosalie Spielman author” or my readers’ group, “You Know The Spiel.” I look forward to sharing my experiences with you!
I strive to provide you an escape...one page at a time.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered that I could make other people laugh with my writing. I enjoy reading to escape from the real world, and hope to give you the same with my stories.
Join my newsletter at www.Rosalie-Spielman-author.com or on Facebook at “Rosalie Spielman author” or my readers’ group, “You Know The Spiel.” I look forward to sharing my experiences with you!
I strive to provide you an escape...one page at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 22, 2022
I loved this story. Tessa Treslow just retired from the army and returned home to figure out what's next. The only thing she knew is that she did not want to stay in her hometown of New Oslo, Idaho. However, just hours after arriving home she finds a dead body and now her plans have temporarily changed.
I was intrigued with this story from the beginning. There are a lot of interesting characters of which I want to learn more about. Also, the struggle that veterans face with PTSD when returning was seemlessly woven into the storyline. I hope book #2 in the Hometown Mysteries comes out soon!
I was intrigued with this story from the beginning. There are a lot of interesting characters of which I want to learn more about. Also, the struggle that veterans face with PTSD when returning was seemlessly woven into the storyline. I hope book #2 in the Hometown Mysteries comes out soon!
May 1, 2022
When Tessa Treslow returns to her childhood hometown of New Oslo, Idaho, she's uncertain if she made the right decision in coming, and uncertain how long she'll stay. After twenty plus years in the army, and being out for only two weeks, it seems like there is more uncertain than certain. However she is happy to be with her aunt who taught her how to be a mechanic. Tessa intends to help Aunt Edna in her shop in town, but when they arrive there the next morning, they find a dead man under the vehicle in the repair bay. When fingers point to Edna, Tessa tries to find the real murderer.
This first book about Tessa and family is chock full of interesting characters of a wide variety of ages, some a lot friendlier than others. The author paints a clear picture of the scenery with plenty of detail to make it seem real to the reader. The beauty of the land and the magnificence of the wildlife (Magnus and Minnie) are superbly conveyed to readers. In short, it felt like you actually were immersed into New Oslo with Tessa. An excellent mystery with plenty of red herrings keeps you guessing until the shocking conclusion. This terrific book was almost impossible to put down before finishing!
This first book about Tessa and family is chock full of interesting characters of a wide variety of ages, some a lot friendlier than others. The author paints a clear picture of the scenery with plenty of detail to make it seem real to the reader. The beauty of the land and the magnificence of the wildlife (Magnus and Minnie) are superbly conveyed to readers. In short, it felt like you actually were immersed into New Oslo with Tessa. An excellent mystery with plenty of red herrings keeps you guessing until the shocking conclusion. This terrific book was almost impossible to put down before finishing!
July 1, 2022
Welcome Home to Murder Earns 5/5 Sheep-skinned Wolves…Engaging Cozy Gem!
Teresa Jane Treslow has retired from the Army and come home to New Oslo, Idaho, to be with family and toddling around with her Aunt Edna, being called “Nug,” is one thing Teresa enjoys. No matter how long in between visits, they always fall comfortably into conversation, with lots of gossip involved. However, today ended with a dead body and closely being scrutinized by the local police. After picking up some needed automotive parts Aunt Edna and Teresa headed back to Edna’s garage, they find the front door unlocked, but it’s the foul odor and a dead man that is most disturbing. Augustus “Auggie” Toat wasn’t the best of people, describe more of a shyster or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. However, Teresa learns that Auggie had found some papers indicating his grandmother LuAnne owned part of her family’s general store and garage, and through the right of inheritance, he expects to use his share and demands five-years of back earnings. That spelled bankruptcy for the family. So, now that he’s murdered in Edna’s garage with Edna’s wrench, there’s only one theory to consider...Aunt Edna’s being framed!
Rosalie Spielman started her new Hometown Mysteries series with a bang! She used a traditional cozy formula, my favorite, with a small town setting, multi-generational cast of characters, a crime discovered early, an investigation by amateurs, and a close connection with law enforcement both positive and frustrating. The victim seems to be a good karmic choice with several viable suspects from exes to business associates, but if the “I’m being framed” theory is to be considered, a closer look into Aunt Edna friends and foes is needed, and wow did she have some interesting issues. I enjoyed the dynamic between Teresa and her aunt as family, veterans, and tattoo buddies which offers a contrast with the relationship Teresa has with her parents, especially her mother. The mystery was clever, well-developed to a surprise ending, but it was the characters that had me hooked! Another hit for Rosalie Spielman!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Teresa Jane Treslow has retired from the Army and come home to New Oslo, Idaho, to be with family and toddling around with her Aunt Edna, being called “Nug,” is one thing Teresa enjoys. No matter how long in between visits, they always fall comfortably into conversation, with lots of gossip involved. However, today ended with a dead body and closely being scrutinized by the local police. After picking up some needed automotive parts Aunt Edna and Teresa headed back to Edna’s garage, they find the front door unlocked, but it’s the foul odor and a dead man that is most disturbing. Augustus “Auggie” Toat wasn’t the best of people, describe more of a shyster or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. However, Teresa learns that Auggie had found some papers indicating his grandmother LuAnne owned part of her family’s general store and garage, and through the right of inheritance, he expects to use his share and demands five-years of back earnings. That spelled bankruptcy for the family. So, now that he’s murdered in Edna’s garage with Edna’s wrench, there’s only one theory to consider...Aunt Edna’s being framed!
Rosalie Spielman started her new Hometown Mysteries series with a bang! She used a traditional cozy formula, my favorite, with a small town setting, multi-generational cast of characters, a crime discovered early, an investigation by amateurs, and a close connection with law enforcement both positive and frustrating. The victim seems to be a good karmic choice with several viable suspects from exes to business associates, but if the “I’m being framed” theory is to be considered, a closer look into Aunt Edna friends and foes is needed, and wow did she have some interesting issues. I enjoyed the dynamic between Teresa and her aunt as family, veterans, and tattoo buddies which offers a contrast with the relationship Teresa has with her parents, especially her mother. The mystery was clever, well-developed to a surprise ending, but it was the characters that had me hooked! Another hit for Rosalie Spielman!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
May 23, 2022
I love discovering new to me cozy authors and series. Small town settings are my favorite, like New Oslo, Idaho where Welcome Home to Murder takes place.
Tessa Treslow is newly retired from the U.S. Army, after 24 years of service. She heads home to visit with family when a man is found dead in her aunt's auto repair shop. Tessa and her aunt Edna decide to start an investigation on their own when it is clear that aunt Edna is the top suspect.
I enjoyed the small town feel of the story, and the author's description of life in New Oslo. The characters were down to earth and added lots of humor to the story. I especially liked the relationship between Tessa and her aunt Edna, they are both strong women and know how to take care of themselves.
The military experience was a central theme to the story as we learn more about Tessa, and the residents of New Oslo who are also Vets. There is a very touching scene where Tessa and her family attend an event to hear "cowboy poetry". Locals took the stage to share stories of their different life experiences. Listening to the stories had a profound effect on Tessa, and she learns of programs in her community that support struggling Vets.
This was a fast read for me, I had my suspicions as to who the killer was, but ended up being surprised at the end. I hope to read future books in this series!
Tessa Treslow is newly retired from the U.S. Army, after 24 years of service. She heads home to visit with family when a man is found dead in her aunt's auto repair shop. Tessa and her aunt Edna decide to start an investigation on their own when it is clear that aunt Edna is the top suspect.
I enjoyed the small town feel of the story, and the author's description of life in New Oslo. The characters were down to earth and added lots of humor to the story. I especially liked the relationship between Tessa and her aunt Edna, they are both strong women and know how to take care of themselves.
The military experience was a central theme to the story as we learn more about Tessa, and the residents of New Oslo who are also Vets. There is a very touching scene where Tessa and her family attend an event to hear "cowboy poetry". Locals took the stage to share stories of their different life experiences. Listening to the stories had a profound effect on Tessa, and she learns of programs in her community that support struggling Vets.
This was a fast read for me, I had my suspicions as to who the killer was, but ended up being surprised at the end. I hope to read future books in this series!
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February 19, 2024MWSA Review
If you want to immerse yourself in a captivating, quick read with unexpected plot twists and turns, pick up Welcome Home to Murder by Rosalie Spielman.
Her well-developed characters are colorful, credible, and refreshingly authentic. Despite genuine life issues of PTSD and the loss of loved ones, Spielman keeps the reader uplifted with down-to-earth humor that will have you laughing out loud. Her plot details are vivid and suspenseful, and her use of language is colorful.
The protagonist, Tessa Treslow, left home in rural Idaho after high school and joined the U.S. Army. After two decades, she returns with her dog, Vince, to her family and the small-town life she had left behind. Tessa’s homecoming takes a turn when a body turns up in her aunt’s auto shop, and it appears that someone has set sights on everything her family holds dear. To protect her family from unjust accusations, Tessa takes the investigation into her own hands—a challenging task with a long list of potential suspects.
Welcome Home to Murder is a mystery well worth the read. I recommend giving it a try!
Review by Sandi Cathcart (February 2024)
If you want to immerse yourself in a captivating, quick read with unexpected plot twists and turns, pick up Welcome Home to Murder by Rosalie Spielman.
Her well-developed characters are colorful, credible, and refreshingly authentic. Despite genuine life issues of PTSD and the loss of loved ones, Spielman keeps the reader uplifted with down-to-earth humor that will have you laughing out loud. Her plot details are vivid and suspenseful, and her use of language is colorful.
The protagonist, Tessa Treslow, left home in rural Idaho after high school and joined the U.S. Army. After two decades, she returns with her dog, Vince, to her family and the small-town life she had left behind. Tessa’s homecoming takes a turn when a body turns up in her aunt’s auto shop, and it appears that someone has set sights on everything her family holds dear. To protect her family from unjust accusations, Tessa takes the investigation into her own hands—a challenging task with a long list of potential suspects.
Welcome Home to Murder is a mystery well worth the read. I recommend giving it a try!
Review by Sandi Cathcart (February 2024)
June 10, 2022
I loved Welcome Home to Murder; I am already dying to get my hands on the second book of the Hometown Mysteries series. The realistic feel made me want to spend more time with the people of the community. Rosalie Spielman's excellent writing guarantees that I will be checking for any other books she has written. A wounded warrior, a realistic dog and a septuagenarian with endless energy are just a few of my favorite characters.
March 24, 2023
I liked this book that kept me guessing as to who the murderer was until the very end. The town of New Oslo in the book is really the town of Troy which is a neighboring town to mine, so it was fun to read about the lumberyard and the Lutheran church and the eating place converted from a gas station, and I could really picture it. Because it's from a small publisher, I was surprised at how well-written the book was. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good murder mystery. It's about a woman who has spent 20 years in the military who comes back to her small town only to find that her family has been accused of murdering a man trying to cheat them out of their property. The small publisher made it difficult to find to buy unless one purchased it from Amazon where it's available in both book and e-book form. By the way, one can truly expect that a moose might walk the streets of New Oslo, (Troy), or even the nearby big town of Moscow that is mentioned several times in the book.
June 2, 2025
Welcome Home to Murder is the amazing debut in Rosalie Spielman's Hometown Mystery series. It is an unique and exciting cozy mystery (a little more exciting than many cozy mysteries)! Tessa Treslow just retired from the Army after 20 years and came home to New Oslow, ID to.spend time with her Aunt Edna, her Mom and Dad, and her best friend Freddie while she decides what to do. Aunt Edna is a wonderful character who served during the Vietnam War and owns a repair garage and she restores old cars. Tessa's Mom and Dad run the local grocery.store. A dead body is found in Aunt Edna's garage and it was a local who was causing problems for the family. Tessa's former high school boyfriend Joe Eriksson is now Sheriff and Freddie is a Detective. Detective MacDonald is assigned to the case and he is suspicious and difficult to work with. There are only a few suspects and Tessa ends up on the murderer's radar and puts herself, her family and a friend in peril. This book is a cozy mystery (no bad language, no sex, small town, amateur sleuth) but the ending is exciting. I really liked Tessa and the realistic portrayal of military veterans and the obstacles they face especially after getting out of the service. It was a refreshing, original story with likable characters and a good mystery that kept me guessing. I'm going to binge read this series! #WelcomeHomeToMurder #HometownMysteries #GemmaHallidayPublishing #RosalieSpielman
June 3, 2022
Retiring from the army after 20 or so years, Tessa Treslow, returns to her small hometown of New Oslo, to reevaluate her life, and decide what to do next. She is staying with her Aunt Edna, who not only works on cars, as well as, restoring historic cars. Returning home brings back fond memories of times spent with her aunt; helping her out in her garage in town and working side by side on restoration projects, was one of her favorite things. Her parents work right next door in their General Store, keeping both businesses going. Nothing seemed to really change in her small town, a few new stores, but the familiar feeling was still there, until a murder happens. When Tessa and Aunt Edna find a body in the garage, a con man who has tried to lay claim to both the garage and the general store, Edna becomes the main suspect. Tessa may not head out of town as quickly as she thought.
This is an excellent start to a new series. The author started out strong and kept the story moving. I felt Tessa was relatable, one I look forward to reading more about. I appreciated the military background that shaped Tessa, into who she is today, and I valued the author’s insight as she shared some of the of the challenges a veteran may face, as they leave a branch of service. The introduction and background on the secondary characters was helpful, since these were the people, Tessa knew from childhood and added to the dynamics of the story. I enjoyed Aunt Edna’s perspective, as well as the support of her parents and members of the community. There are plenty of clues leading to several suspects that will keep you guessing until the end. This has all the elements of the perfect cozy without it being a “typical” cozy for me. Rosalie Spielman is a new author with a new series for me; one I look forward to reading more of.
I received this book as a gift. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is an excellent start to a new series. The author started out strong and kept the story moving. I felt Tessa was relatable, one I look forward to reading more about. I appreciated the military background that shaped Tessa, into who she is today, and I valued the author’s insight as she shared some of the of the challenges a veteran may face, as they leave a branch of service. The introduction and background on the secondary characters was helpful, since these were the people, Tessa knew from childhood and added to the dynamics of the story. I enjoyed Aunt Edna’s perspective, as well as the support of her parents and members of the community. There are plenty of clues leading to several suspects that will keep you guessing until the end. This has all the elements of the perfect cozy without it being a “typical” cozy for me. Rosalie Spielman is a new author with a new series for me; one I look forward to reading more of.
I received this book as a gift. All thoughts expressed are my own.
February 6, 2024
This was a new author and new series for me and I am very glad I found them. Tessa is a 20+ year Army veteran who has just retired and returned home to rural Idaho to her hometown and family. Not quite sure what she wants to do and where she wants to settle she figures she will help out her parents and her Aunt Edna in their businesses while she figures it out. One her second day back she goes to her Aunt's garage to work with her and upon opening the doors find a dead body. From there we have quite an interesting mystery, Tessa feels her Aunt is being set up, she had had a relationship with the Sherrif that didn't end well and her best friend is an officer but none of that helps so Tessa decides to take matters into her own hands. This is definitely a good twist and turn mystery, we learn a lot about veterans and what they go through coming home, and we get a good sense of hope as our mystery is solved. I will definitely look for more from this author!
June 1, 2022
More than 5 stars. Very good. Well written story with original main characters. Had a hard time putting it down. I hope there will be many more in this series.
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December 30, 2023To be finished later
January 2, 2025
I loved this mystery of a young woman coming back home to help out her family. Upon arrival in town there is a murder of a very unlikable character. The small town sheriff focuses on her family as suspects. She investigates to clear her Aunt Edna's name. Despite several attempts to stop investigating she persists. There is a lot of focus on family and veterans in the story as well which I liked.
January 5, 2023
Welcome Home to Murder is not your average cozy. Author Rosalie Spielman has developed a great sense of place. I could tell the characters that inhabit her small Idaho town are not from anywhere, USA. It truly feels like a long-standing community in just the first book. It was refreshing to see such a flawed protagonist in Tessa Treslow, albeit one who is vulnerable and strong and who I was really rooting for. Tessa's family feels relatable yet unique--Aunt Edna, a mechanic, is a standout. Spielman's personal history in the military brings a lot of depth to veterans' issues discussed in the book. However, a well-chosen word or a turn of a phrase also imbues humor into this well-written mystery. I can't end this review without mentioning Magnus the Moose, who may be the star of the series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
May 4, 2026
3.5 stars!! This was such a unique cozy mystery because it managed to blend lighter cozy elements with some surprisingly meaningful themes around military service, reintegration into civilian life, and figuring out who you are after a career built around service to others.
Our main character has recently left the military and returned home while trying to figure out what comes next—and I really appreciated how honest that journey felt. Her interactions with fellow veterans, particularly those navigating physical injuries and life after service, added a layer of depth that made this stand out from your typical cozy mystery.
I also loved the strong family dynamics here. Her relationship with her aunt was one of my favorite parts of the book—honestly even more compelling than her relationship with her parents. Add in multiple family-run businesses and it created such a warm small-town atmosphere.
And can we discuss the real stars here?
Vincent the dog.
The random town moose.
Both were iconic additions and somehow worked perfectly.
The mystery itself was clever and well thought out, and I loved that someone close to the main character became a suspect—which raised the emotional stakes in a really sweet way.
The ending also had a bit of irony that made me smile: after an entire military career where she never had to go into combat mode… she suddenly finds herself doing exactly that while solving a murder back home.
My only disconnect was that I listened on audio, and while the narrator did a solid job, I think I may have connected more deeply with the characters if I had physically read this one.
Our main character has recently left the military and returned home while trying to figure out what comes next—and I really appreciated how honest that journey felt. Her interactions with fellow veterans, particularly those navigating physical injuries and life after service, added a layer of depth that made this stand out from your typical cozy mystery.
I also loved the strong family dynamics here. Her relationship with her aunt was one of my favorite parts of the book—honestly even more compelling than her relationship with her parents. Add in multiple family-run businesses and it created such a warm small-town atmosphere.
And can we discuss the real stars here?
Vincent the dog.
The random town moose.
Both were iconic additions and somehow worked perfectly.
The mystery itself was clever and well thought out, and I loved that someone close to the main character became a suspect—which raised the emotional stakes in a really sweet way.
The ending also had a bit of irony that made me smile: after an entire military career where she never had to go into combat mode… she suddenly finds herself doing exactly that while solving a murder back home.
My only disconnect was that I listened on audio, and while the narrator did a solid job, I think I may have connected more deeply with the characters if I had physically read this one.
September 21, 2022
This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. The writing is sooo good. I was drawn into the story from the beginning with Tessa just out of the Army after 22 years and trying to find herself. I really loved Aunt Edna, she was spunky and hilarious, I could see myself in her (except the working on cars part).
I appreciated how there were women playing key roles, Freddie the police officer, Aunt Edna the mechanic and of course Tessa - all strong independent women in charge!
So, Tessa gets in town just time for a murder at the garage her Aunt Edna owns. What a great way to start the book!
My only complaint is that detective and how arrogant he was and how he was interrogating Tessa for no reason. By the time he shows up in the story, it’s clear to everyone that Tessa and Aunt Edna had nothing to do with the murder. Especially since things were happening to them. It was never explained why he was so brash to her. I really didn’t care for him and then at very end when Aunt Edna wraps her arm in his to go upstairs to check on her sister, I wanted to spit on him. I just didn’t care for him and how he treated Tessa. I do hope he’s not in the next book and if he is in the next book can he apologize or explain why and what he was doing?
I understand why Joe brought him on to the case, obviously Joe’s still in love with Tessa but he also needed help in solving the murder.
Overall I honestly enjoyed the book and will be reading the next book in this series!
I appreciated how there were women playing key roles, Freddie the police officer, Aunt Edna the mechanic and of course Tessa - all strong independent women in charge!
So, Tessa gets in town just time for a murder at the garage her Aunt Edna owns. What a great way to start the book!
My only complaint is that detective and how arrogant he was and how he was interrogating Tessa for no reason. By the time he shows up in the story, it’s clear to everyone that Tessa and Aunt Edna had nothing to do with the murder. Especially since things were happening to them. It was never explained why he was so brash to her. I really didn’t care for him and then at very end when Aunt Edna wraps her arm in his to go upstairs to check on her sister, I wanted to spit on him. I just didn’t care for him and how he treated Tessa. I do hope he’s not in the next book and if he is in the next book can he apologize or explain why and what he was doing?
I understand why Joe brought him on to the case, obviously Joe’s still in love with Tessa but he also needed help in solving the murder.
Overall I honestly enjoyed the book and will be reading the next book in this series!
November 9, 2022
In Rosalie Spielman's Welcome Home to Murder, army veteran Tessa Treslow has just retired from active duty and arrived back in her tiny hometown of New Oslo, Idaho with boxer, Vince, in tow. Tessa hasn't decided if she's staying yet, or if she wants to put her roots down somewhere else. In the meantime, she's happy to mechanic next to her Aunt Edna in Edna's garage that is attached to the family business, a good old fashioned mercantile store. But when a man is murdered inside Aunt Edna's garage on the same night Tessa arrived in town, it looks like someone is framing Edna for the murder. Tessa isn't about to let her aunt take the fall, so she begins investigating, putting her family in more danger than they already were.
I loved this first book in Spielman's Hometown Mystery series. Tessa, her Aunt Edna, and her best friend Freddie are great characters who I can't wait to get to know better as the series progresses. The story is told with touches of humor, what feels like a bit of real family drama, and a cast of quirky characters. Did I mention Magnus the moose, who's wandering around town looking for a girlfriend? I've had my own moose encounter, and loved this part of the story. The mystery had plenty of suspects and twists to keep me engaged and turning pages. I'm very much looking forward to book two!
I loved this first book in Spielman's Hometown Mystery series. Tessa, her Aunt Edna, and her best friend Freddie are great characters who I can't wait to get to know better as the series progresses. The story is told with touches of humor, what feels like a bit of real family drama, and a cast of quirky characters. Did I mention Magnus the moose, who's wandering around town looking for a girlfriend? I've had my own moose encounter, and loved this part of the story. The mystery had plenty of suspects and twists to keep me engaged and turning pages. I'm very much looking forward to book two!
January 17, 2025
Tessa Treslow left her hometown in Idaho as soon as she graduated from high school. She’s now spent over twenty years in the army and is ready to retire. Since she still doesn’t know what she is going to do with the rest of her life, she agrees to return to New Oslo for an extended visit. While reuniting with her parents and aunt, she senses that there is something they are keeping from her. But she learns more in the more horrific way when she and her aunt find a dead body in the garage her aunt runs. The police, in the form of Tessa’s high school boyfriend, feel that her family has the perfect motive. Can Tessa figure out what really happened?
This series debut has been on my radar for a while, and I’m glad I finally got to pick it up. It has some twists on the familiar cozy tropes, and I enjoyed those. There is a depth to the characters I appreciated, and I also liked that we got details about Tessa and the others over the course of the book without any data dumps. The mystery had a few pacing issues in the middle, but overall, it was good with plenty of red herrings and a logical climax. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Tessa can find in her hometown.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This series debut has been on my radar for a while, and I’m glad I finally got to pick it up. It has some twists on the familiar cozy tropes, and I enjoyed those. There is a depth to the characters I appreciated, and I also liked that we got details about Tessa and the others over the course of the book without any data dumps. The mystery had a few pacing issues in the middle, but overall, it was good with plenty of red herrings and a logical climax. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Tessa can find in her hometown.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 18, 2025
Murder Comes Home
Having read some of the other books in this series, I was happy to be able to go back and read this first one. It gave me a lot of insights into the characters, especially Tessa and her aunt, Edna. And the background between Tessa and several of the local “gents”. I love that Tessa is retired military (Army) and that she’s a mechanic. I appreciate the author pointing out PTSD issues and that there is help available for veterans.
In this story, someone definitely has it out for Tessa and her family. First, a man is murdered in Edna’s garage, then Tessa’s favorite truck is damaged, then their house trashed, and finally, their business - the local emporium and garage - is burnt down. Yes, Tessa has been asking questions, mostly because the perp was trying to frame Edna, but also because she didn’t feel the cops were doing enough to clear her and Edna. But when the real murderer comes close to killing Tessa, it’s not the cops who save her, but the local bull moose! LOL Yay for Magnus!
Definitely a cozy worth reading and I may have to go back and re-read the others now too!
Recommended!
Having read some of the other books in this series, I was happy to be able to go back and read this first one. It gave me a lot of insights into the characters, especially Tessa and her aunt, Edna. And the background between Tessa and several of the local “gents”. I love that Tessa is retired military (Army) and that she’s a mechanic. I appreciate the author pointing out PTSD issues and that there is help available for veterans.
In this story, someone definitely has it out for Tessa and her family. First, a man is murdered in Edna’s garage, then Tessa’s favorite truck is damaged, then their house trashed, and finally, their business - the local emporium and garage - is burnt down. Yes, Tessa has been asking questions, mostly because the perp was trying to frame Edna, but also because she didn’t feel the cops were doing enough to clear her and Edna. But when the real murderer comes close to killing Tessa, it’s not the cops who save her, but the local bull moose! LOL Yay for Magnus!
Definitely a cozy worth reading and I may have to go back and re-read the others now too!
Recommended!
May 23, 2025
How have I not seen this series before? Great first entry. LTC (USA, Ret) Tessa Treslow returns home on terminal leave and feels her life is in flux. She's transitioning out of the mil life she's lived for two decades, and she's unsure if home is really home anymore. She moves in with Aunt Edna, right down the street from her parents, while they sort through her grandma's house full of taxidermy creations shortly after grandma's death. Vince, her boxer, tags along for the ride pretty much every she goes in small-town America. When a dead body is found in the family body shop, she and Aunt Edna are prime suspects, which makes her amateur sleuth gene kick in. After quite a bit of intrigue and adversity, she solves the mystery and decides to stick around while the family recovers.
Spielman has a way with descriptions, giving you a substantial amount of information with few words via comparative examples. The characters are colorful and well fleshed out for so early in the series, without beating you over the head with minutiae.
Spielman has a way with descriptions, giving you a substantial amount of information with few words via comparative examples. The characters are colorful and well fleshed out for so early in the series, without beating you over the head with minutiae.
August 30, 2023
Author Rosalie Speilman and her Hometown Mysteries are new to me. In Welcome Home to Murder, forty-two year old Tessa had been an officer in the United States Army. She retired after twenty-four years and went back home to New Oslo, Idaho where her parents and Aunt Edna live. Her fiance was killed in Iraq but she still has her beloved boxer dog, Vince, with her. Her best friend, Petunia "Freddie" Fredrickson, is the local sheriff deputy. Trouble begins for her and her family when Auggie Toat is found dead in Aunt Edna's garage. Tessa starts asking questions to help figure out who tried to frame Aunt Edna for murder. Her actions just seem to make the killer mad. This story has small town characters with interesting personalities, a mystery to solve, danger, the hint of a romance for Tessa, and the occasional moose sighting. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading book 2.
November 24, 2023
This is the first book in this series. It caught my attention because it is set in Idaho. Tessa Treslow left New Oslo, Idaho as soon as she graduated high school. She joined the Army. She wanted more than what she thought New Oslo could offer. Once home, things start to happen. First a dead body is found in her Aunt's mechanic garage. Second, her Aunt is the top suspect. Especially when it is revealed that the victim said that he actually was part owner in the business. Tessa can't let anything happen to her family. In the process of trying to protect her Mom and Aunt, she starts to re-establish old relationships as well as new ones.
This is a fun series. I like reading about Idaho and Tessa's journey as she adjusts to life out of the Army. It is easy-to-read and a nice break.
This is a fun series. I like reading about Idaho and Tessa's journey as she adjusts to life out of the Army. It is easy-to-read and a nice break.
February 5, 2024
This is not my typical genre, but as a denizen of the real-life “New Oslo” I wanted to give it a shot. I am so glad I did! This book was delightful. It was fun to read about places I can picture in detail because I’ve been there. The story was well-written and very well-edited; I thought the craftsmanship was significantly superior to several big-name best-sellers I’ve read recently. I’m a female veteran, too, so it was refreshing to read something accurate and relatable. (In my opinion she also does a great job providing context for the military/veteran aspects of the story for those who are not military-connected.) I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
January 5, 2026
I bought the first 3 audio books in the series, which sounded interesting since it takes place in a small town and the protagonist was an Army veteran.
Since this is the first book, one has to get acquainted with the characters...Tess is likeable, but her aunt seemed to be too harsh and I generally did not like her attitude. Some of the other characters were quirky and more likeable.
The plot was enjoyable, and enticed me to continue listening to the other books in this series.
I must say that the narrator was not a "performer", and she did not make the book come alive.
This book was mildly entertaining, and I hope that by book #2 I become more of a fan of the series.
Since this is the first book, one has to get acquainted with the characters...Tess is likeable, but her aunt seemed to be too harsh and I generally did not like her attitude. Some of the other characters were quirky and more likeable.
The plot was enjoyable, and enticed me to continue listening to the other books in this series.
I must say that the narrator was not a "performer", and she did not make the book come alive.
This book was mildly entertaining, and I hope that by book #2 I become more of a fan of the series.
May 4, 2026
Fun and Lively Characters
As with most cozy mysteries, this one has a group of fun and lively characters. Tessa and her Aunt Edna have a bit of sass, especially toward the Detective that takes over the case from Tessa’s ex-boyfriend of 20 years ago. The small town dynamics create some unexpected twists in this mystery that kept me guessing until the murderer was caught. The potential budding romance and romantic tension from the past are just one of the many reasons I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
As with most cozy mysteries, this one has a group of fun and lively characters. Tessa and her Aunt Edna have a bit of sass, especially toward the Detective that takes over the case from Tessa’s ex-boyfriend of 20 years ago. The small town dynamics create some unexpected twists in this mystery that kept me guessing until the murderer was caught. The potential budding romance and romantic tension from the past are just one of the many reasons I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 6, 2024
Great series start
Retiring from the military is scary at any time, but when you go home to a rural town where your old boyfriend is sheriff, your beastie is a deputy the pressure builds. When Tessie arrives and stays at her aunts the next morning, they discover a murder in the family garage shop. The number 1 suspect is her family, so she begins asking questions. Exciting mystery with a little humor thrown in.
Retiring from the military is scary at any time, but when you go home to a rural town where your old boyfriend is sheriff, your beastie is a deputy the pressure builds. When Tessie arrives and stays at her aunts the next morning, they discover a murder in the family garage shop. The number 1 suspect is her family, so she begins asking questions. Exciting mystery with a little humor thrown in.
May 25, 2023
A Very Exciting Adventure
Another new author for me, Rosalie Spielman, and she can certainly write a exciting adventure. Some of it was a little twisted, but this was a lot different than most mysteries I've read lately. Kept my attention and kept me guessing throughout the entire story. Great book.
Another new author for me, Rosalie Spielman, and she can certainly write a exciting adventure. Some of it was a little twisted, but this was a lot different than most mysteries I've read lately. Kept my attention and kept me guessing throughout the entire story. Great book.
April 21, 2024
What an enjoyable start of a new series! I love the fact that the main character, Tessa, is a veteran, as well as so many others in the story! Bonus- the author is, too!
The small town coziness and family connections pull you in and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. I’m so excited for book two!
The small town coziness and family connections pull you in and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. I’m so excited for book two!
August 12, 2024
MC thick as a plank, needed it explicitly spelled out that June was a lesbian and Joe & Jessie were a thing. Seemed to dismiss the villain as a suspect since she was young and female.
The most interesting thing in the book was how Aunt Edna's grammatical skills ebbed & flowed from chapter to chapter.
The most interesting thing in the book was how Aunt Edna's grammatical skills ebbed & flowed from chapter to chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are great. I knew the killer early, it was an inkling. I did yell at the main character once for not seeing something in front of her face, which shows that I was invested. Great writing, good mystery and a few surprises. Definitely a great start to a series
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