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Tori Winters Mystery #1
Deadly Keepsakes: A Tori Winters Mystery
The past becomes a deadly future.
Stalked and nearly killed for her role in a murder trial, Tori Winters isn’t giving the killer a second chance. On the run, she’s desperate to find a place where she can’t be found. A puzzling phone call about a vague inheritance seems to be the answer. After all, who would look for her in a Granbury, a small, quaint Texas town?
Instead, Tori’s life is about to spin into an existence where nothing is as it seems. The historic house she inherits is steeped in secrets from the past. Secrets that could prove deadly. There is the disinherited step-grandson, and the lawyer and his son. What are they hiding?
When a killer strikes again, who can she trust? Tori’s newfound wealth may not be a blessing. It could be her death warrant.
Stalked and nearly killed for her role in a murder trial, Tori Winters isn’t giving the killer a second chance. On the run, she’s desperate to find a place where she can’t be found. A puzzling phone call about a vague inheritance seems to be the answer. After all, who would look for her in a Granbury, a small, quaint Texas town?
Instead, Tori’s life is about to spin into an existence where nothing is as it seems. The historic house she inherits is steeped in secrets from the past. Secrets that could prove deadly. There is the disinherited step-grandson, and the lawyer and his son. What are they hiding?
When a killer strikes again, who can she trust? Tori’s newfound wealth may not be a blessing. It could be her death warrant.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
8 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Anita Dickason
13 books244 followersI write about what I know, cops and crime. After twenty-two years with the Dallas Police Department, I have an unending source of inspiration for my plots. Many incidents and characters are based on my experiences. My characters are what is truly fun about writing. I never know where they will take me. There is always something out of the ordinary in my stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 8, 2022
I have loved all the books I have read by Anita Dickason, but Deadly Keepsakes is my FAVORITE. It all starts with the lovely cover, add in an historic house with hidden secrets, some wonderful characters that stole my heart, and I am hooked.
Alone. A hospice nurse. A mysterious death. A vicious dog. Sure did get me going, from the opening pages and I love when an author hooks me so quickly I am unable to look away.
It was the beginning of her descent into a living hell of fear
She knew the police couldn’t protect her. It was up to her to protect herself. Like her, I had thought danger would be over after the trial, but the story would have been over too soon and Anita Dickason wouldn’t have it. Now I know why. Thrills and chills coming up.
Anita Dickason didn’t take the story where I thought it would go. Well done, Anita. I do love when an author can throw a surprise my way and I should have known better than to leap to conclusions with an author like Anita.
The best thing that ever happened to Tori Winters was meeting MIa…and Cammie, Heidi and Tina. I loved watching Tori grow, along with her friendship with these amazing characters, so well fleshed out I wanted them for my friends too. I laughed and cried with them.
I was swept up in the intrigue that became Tori’s life. Who to trust? What the heck is going on? How much danger is she in? Where is it coming from?
I have to come back to the characters, so richly developed. I love the ladies. The more I read of them, the more I came to love them, their generosity, their desire to help a newcomer to their town, their selflessness, doing something good for someone and expecting nothing in return…but Tori will show them how much she appreciates and loves them.
The suspense is not in your face, fast paced danger and thrills, but an underlying current of menace and intrigue flows through the entire novel. I didn’t want to put the book down, but sleep was calling to me.
I love the historical elements, Benny Binion, Top O’Hill Terrace, Granbury, Texas. I love when an author adds elements that make the book special to me, touching on familiar things and introducing me to new things that make me want more.
WOW! I am blown away and super excited about more to come. I can’t say much more or I may include spoilers that are worth discovering for yourself, but I will repeat myself, WOW. I want more of these characters and I can hardly wait to see what is in store for them next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deadly Keepsakes by Anita Dickason.
Alone. A hospice nurse. A mysterious death. A vicious dog. Sure did get me going, from the opening pages and I love when an author hooks me so quickly I am unable to look away.
It was the beginning of her descent into a living hell of fear
She knew the police couldn’t protect her. It was up to her to protect herself. Like her, I had thought danger would be over after the trial, but the story would have been over too soon and Anita Dickason wouldn’t have it. Now I know why. Thrills and chills coming up.
Anita Dickason didn’t take the story where I thought it would go. Well done, Anita. I do love when an author can throw a surprise my way and I should have known better than to leap to conclusions with an author like Anita.
The best thing that ever happened to Tori Winters was meeting MIa…and Cammie, Heidi and Tina. I loved watching Tori grow, along with her friendship with these amazing characters, so well fleshed out I wanted them for my friends too. I laughed and cried with them.
I was swept up in the intrigue that became Tori’s life. Who to trust? What the heck is going on? How much danger is she in? Where is it coming from?
I have to come back to the characters, so richly developed. I love the ladies. The more I read of them, the more I came to love them, their generosity, their desire to help a newcomer to their town, their selflessness, doing something good for someone and expecting nothing in return…but Tori will show them how much she appreciates and loves them.
The suspense is not in your face, fast paced danger and thrills, but an underlying current of menace and intrigue flows through the entire novel. I didn’t want to put the book down, but sleep was calling to me.
I love the historical elements, Benny Binion, Top O’Hill Terrace, Granbury, Texas. I love when an author adds elements that make the book special to me, touching on familiar things and introducing me to new things that make me want more.
WOW! I am blown away and super excited about more to come. I can’t say much more or I may include spoilers that are worth discovering for yourself, but I will repeat myself, WOW. I want more of these characters and I can hardly wait to see what is in store for them next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deadly Keepsakes by Anita Dickason.
July 16, 2022
The setting for this book intrigued me as I have visited the small Texas town of Granbury multiple times. Then the book blurb sucked me right in. And I was not disappointed.
The author takes the reader straight into the action from the first page when hospice nurse, Tori Winters, is faced with the suspicious death of an elderly patient. Right away, I saw her strength and determination as she held her ground. She didn’t back down from the adversary, even after he sicced his pit bull on her. I loved her tenacity.
The author did a fabulous job of unfolding this story from the first inciting incident to the last page. An unexpected phone call that ultimately sent Tori to the small Texas town surprised me. Can you imagine learning you’ve inherited a massive estate from a grandmother you never knew you had? Neither could Tori.
Then, take that a step farther, and not only is it Tori’s estranged grandmother’s estate, but one built by a notorious mobster (Tori’s great grandfather) in the 1930s. The house holds secrets piled on top of secrets, and Tori must unravel the sparse clues to find them, all while fighting to stay alive.
Situations and people are not always as they first seem. Everyone is hiding something. The tension and conflict in this murder mystery escalate with each chapter, lining up a long list of suspects. And to be completely honest, I did not figure out who the antagonist was until the very last part of the story when he came forward with a vengeance.
This is a book with a mixture of fun and discovery for Tori, as well as life-threatening situations. I loved the story and devoured it! If you enjoy a good mystery with lots of layers and surprises that keep you guessing, you will enjoy this book by Anita Dickason!
The author takes the reader straight into the action from the first page when hospice nurse, Tori Winters, is faced with the suspicious death of an elderly patient. Right away, I saw her strength and determination as she held her ground. She didn’t back down from the adversary, even after he sicced his pit bull on her. I loved her tenacity.
The author did a fabulous job of unfolding this story from the first inciting incident to the last page. An unexpected phone call that ultimately sent Tori to the small Texas town surprised me. Can you imagine learning you’ve inherited a massive estate from a grandmother you never knew you had? Neither could Tori.
Then, take that a step farther, and not only is it Tori’s estranged grandmother’s estate, but one built by a notorious mobster (Tori’s great grandfather) in the 1930s. The house holds secrets piled on top of secrets, and Tori must unravel the sparse clues to find them, all while fighting to stay alive.
Situations and people are not always as they first seem. Everyone is hiding something. The tension and conflict in this murder mystery escalate with each chapter, lining up a long list of suspects. And to be completely honest, I did not figure out who the antagonist was until the very last part of the story when he came forward with a vengeance.
This is a book with a mixture of fun and discovery for Tori, as well as life-threatening situations. I loved the story and devoured it! If you enjoy a good mystery with lots of layers and surprises that keep you guessing, you will enjoy this book by Anita Dickason!
July 6, 2022
fabulous
I am from Granbury and was so excited about this book. It was great. I read it in one sitting. The name of one of the characters is actually the name of a friend of mine that I went to school with . The story was fast paced and the people were about right. News gets around fast.
I am from Granbury and was so excited about this book. It was great. I read it in one sitting. The name of one of the characters is actually the name of a friend of mine that I went to school with . The story was fast paced and the people were about right. News gets around fast.
July 26, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read so far this year! I don't even know where to start, but if you love mysteries and a little suspense, then pick up this book and be swept away by the characters, mystery, and this small Texas town.
Living in the DFW area, I always love finding books that are set here to see if they get the details right and can recognize different locations noted in the book. Anita does her research, and I had recently taken a trip to Granbury, I could picture the town square and the shops in my mind while following along.
Tori is one kick-ass character. When I first started reading this novel where Tori is doing her job as a hospice nurse, it took me back to last summer when I saw this firsthand after the passing of a family member. The counting of pills, destroying the medications, and so much more. Despite that certain situation throwing her in the middle of a hornet's nest, she didn't back down from those harassing her. Tori has a lot of gumption but also realizes that she might be safer in another town. A random call from a lawyer in Granbury draws her to this town to find out why he is calling her about an inheritance since she doesn't have any remaining family, or so she believes. Tori's trip to Texas turns out to be a permanent one once she discovers what she has inherited.
The book is ripe with amazing characters, from the truly despicable to new best friends for Tori. Multiple characters set off red flags for me, but the true killer was a surprise. Maybe it shouldn't have been once certain facts were disclosed, but it didn't click with me to suspect this character. Perhaps because it was also 1 in the morning, and I couldn't put this book down.
I had suspicions about noises Tori heard in her house but had nothing to back it up until the author shared additional details based on Tori's observations. I marveled at what was uncovered, like a secret wine cellar and the home's history. There were definitely secrets kept in that house, and it took Tori and her team to uncover them. I don't think that we know all of the secrets since this will be a series, and you must leave something for the next book(s).
I had to chuckle at the small-town politics and the antics of some citizens who thought they were better than everyone else. That mentality is 100% accurate!
I'll be interested to see what sort of romantic interest Tori will have in future books. There are a couple of men vying for her attention, but who will come out the winner? Or will either of them?
So, the only thing I can't get on board with regarding Tori is her sandwich choice - peanut butter and mayonnaise. Yuck! But I guess not every character can be perfect, and I'm sure someone out there likes that combination.
This is an outstanding book, and if I could give it more paws, I would, but it gets a 5 paw rating, and the series will be on my "must read" list.
Living in the DFW area, I always love finding books that are set here to see if they get the details right and can recognize different locations noted in the book. Anita does her research, and I had recently taken a trip to Granbury, I could picture the town square and the shops in my mind while following along.
Tori is one kick-ass character. When I first started reading this novel where Tori is doing her job as a hospice nurse, it took me back to last summer when I saw this firsthand after the passing of a family member. The counting of pills, destroying the medications, and so much more. Despite that certain situation throwing her in the middle of a hornet's nest, she didn't back down from those harassing her. Tori has a lot of gumption but also realizes that she might be safer in another town. A random call from a lawyer in Granbury draws her to this town to find out why he is calling her about an inheritance since she doesn't have any remaining family, or so she believes. Tori's trip to Texas turns out to be a permanent one once she discovers what she has inherited.
The book is ripe with amazing characters, from the truly despicable to new best friends for Tori. Multiple characters set off red flags for me, but the true killer was a surprise. Maybe it shouldn't have been once certain facts were disclosed, but it didn't click with me to suspect this character. Perhaps because it was also 1 in the morning, and I couldn't put this book down.
I had suspicions about noises Tori heard in her house but had nothing to back it up until the author shared additional details based on Tori's observations. I marveled at what was uncovered, like a secret wine cellar and the home's history. There were definitely secrets kept in that house, and it took Tori and her team to uncover them. I don't think that we know all of the secrets since this will be a series, and you must leave something for the next book(s).
I had to chuckle at the small-town politics and the antics of some citizens who thought they were better than everyone else. That mentality is 100% accurate!
I'll be interested to see what sort of romantic interest Tori will have in future books. There are a couple of men vying for her attention, but who will come out the winner? Or will either of them?
So, the only thing I can't get on board with regarding Tori is her sandwich choice - peanut butter and mayonnaise. Yuck! But I guess not every character can be perfect, and I'm sure someone out there likes that combination.
This is an outstanding book, and if I could give it more paws, I would, but it gets a 5 paw rating, and the series will be on my "must read" list.
July 10, 2022
I don't usually read novels that fall in the category of "cozy mystery", but because I've read several other Dickason books and enjoyed them, I decided to give this new one a try. It was a nice break from my usual diet of either educational or dark and angsty reads. As such, it was like having angel food cake with strawberries, a light and enjoyable way to spend a few hours (if only the cake would last that long!).
I say "light" because it had humor and friendship and kindness at the core, but it also offered a thread of tension and mystery with some moments of actual danger that propelled the protagonist and reader through unknown waters until the conclusion. Nurse Tori is forced to leave all she knows when her life is threatened. Landing in a new town with a mystery inheritance offers her a new beginning, but one rife with curiosities and unsettling events. I have always liked the female characters Dickason creates, as they are strong and independent women, and Tori is no exception. Despite multiple males attempting to assert their will over her, she pushes back and stands her ground as she attempts to connect the dots appearing around her.
The "clues" appearing kept me interested in finding out what was behind all the mystery and secrets. Those who enjoy this kind of story should enjoy this well-written mystery with likeable women at its core. This is perfect summer relaxation reading.
I say "light" because it had humor and friendship and kindness at the core, but it also offered a thread of tension and mystery with some moments of actual danger that propelled the protagonist and reader through unknown waters until the conclusion. Nurse Tori is forced to leave all she knows when her life is threatened. Landing in a new town with a mystery inheritance offers her a new beginning, but one rife with curiosities and unsettling events. I have always liked the female characters Dickason creates, as they are strong and independent women, and Tori is no exception. Despite multiple males attempting to assert their will over her, she pushes back and stands her ground as she attempts to connect the dots appearing around her.
The "clues" appearing kept me interested in finding out what was behind all the mystery and secrets. Those who enjoy this kind of story should enjoy this well-written mystery with likeable women at its core. This is perfect summer relaxation reading.
July 25, 2022
A modern reimagining of the Gothic romantic suspense novel in the vein of authors such as Phyllis A. Whitney or Daphne du Maurier.
Deadly Keepsakes is a modern recreation of the Gothic romantic suspense novel in the vein of such great authors as Phyllis A. Whitney or Daphne du Maurier. Rather than the setting of the big house on the dark, remote, craggy-cliffed island, author Anita Dickason has reimagined the genre by placing the story smack in the middle of hot and sunny, small-town Texas.
Dickason amps up the suspense from the very start with Tori fleeing her home in Springfield, only months after her mother's death, to escape the intimidation and revenge of the Russell family. But thankfully, Tori is a bright, capable, and determined heroine (unlike some of the fragile, helpless females of old), and she takes matters into her own hands to keep herself safe.When she reaches her new town in Texas, she is immediately surrounded by the influential, successful people at the core of Granbury society: men who seem to feel they know more about what's in her best interests than she does. I was so glad to see her set them straight quick, fast, and in a hurry. Two handsome men are also personally interested in the new heiress, and both are deliciously suspicious. But our girl keeps a wary eye on them both, though. Even as she feels attracted to one, she doesn't let this blind her to his possible participation in the strange goings on. She keeps them both at arm's length as she figures things out.
Deviating from the Gothic romantic suspense formula, though, is the presence of Mia O'Brien and her posse of friends/employees. I enjoyed this group of young women so much with their camaraderie, witty banter, and we-got-your-back attitude. I loved how Mia knew everyone in town and all their business and background. She always "knew a guy" who could do whatever needed doing. She and the other women were a fun and entertaining support network and just what Tori needed.I especially enjoyed the secrets the house held and Grandmother Elly's backstory with her family history of gambling, gunrunning, and liquor. Readers should be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book giving the story behind the fiction and its roots in the life and times of a real, local gangster from the area. I also felt the sadness of the tragic reasons Tori and her grandmother never met. In the end, Elly had everything but what she wanted most: her family.
With its fresh setting, strong heroine, excellent support characters, and solid, relentlessly evolving mystery, I recommend DEADLY KEEPSAKES to mystery readers, especially those who enjoy their stories with a lot of suspense and a touch of romantic suspense as well.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.
July 19, 2022
Secrets Can Be Killer!
Tori Winters was already running for her life after a tragedy and her attention to details turned her world upside-down. When a lawyer reached out to her regarding a legal matter from another state, she decided a move to Texas for a fresh start that may be exactly what she needs…or is it?
Upon arriving to Granbury, Texas, she finds out she is an heiress to a fortune from a grandmother she did not even know existed! Thinking her world was turning out for the good, she made plans…big plans! However, the movers and shakers of the town had different ones. After multiple attempts on her life, can she figure out who is trying to kill her? Is it someone from her past, or is it someone in her new town? In a small town, everyone knows everything about everyone. This can be a good thing, or in her case, it may create e a deadly situation. Can she figure out who to trust before it’s too late?
Anita Dickason created a edge-of-your-seat mystery that I literally devoured in a day and a half! While I had my suspicions on the who, it was the motive I was not clear on until it was almost too late for Tori! I love how she wove in the history of the real town of Granbury, with the fictional aspect of this story, but kept it all believable! In the back of the book, Dickason also was courteous enough to share the real-life stories she drew from, giving you a bit of history to go with the storyline. Being a history buff, I loved that aspect. I will definitely be looking out for the next Tori Winters Mystery! I loved the characters and the style of writing!
Tori Winters was already running for her life after a tragedy and her attention to details turned her world upside-down. When a lawyer reached out to her regarding a legal matter from another state, she decided a move to Texas for a fresh start that may be exactly what she needs…or is it?
Upon arriving to Granbury, Texas, she finds out she is an heiress to a fortune from a grandmother she did not even know existed! Thinking her world was turning out for the good, she made plans…big plans! However, the movers and shakers of the town had different ones. After multiple attempts on her life, can she figure out who is trying to kill her? Is it someone from her past, or is it someone in her new town? In a small town, everyone knows everything about everyone. This can be a good thing, or in her case, it may create e a deadly situation. Can she figure out who to trust before it’s too late?
Anita Dickason created a edge-of-your-seat mystery that I literally devoured in a day and a half! While I had my suspicions on the who, it was the motive I was not clear on until it was almost too late for Tori! I love how she wove in the history of the real town of Granbury, with the fictional aspect of this story, but kept it all believable! In the back of the book, Dickason also was courteous enough to share the real-life stories she drew from, giving you a bit of history to go with the storyline. Being a history buff, I loved that aspect. I will definitely be looking out for the next Tori Winters Mystery! I loved the characters and the style of writing!
July 27, 2022
I love cozy mysteries but at times wish for a little something more – Dickason provided just that. With her usual well-developed characters, she creates a world filled with small town Texas charm and big city intensity. The main character is literally running for her life when a strange call takes her to a small town with the hope of disappearing. Little does she realize that appearing in Granbury puts her back in the crosshairs. The supporting cast is just as entertaining as the main character Tori. Even the old house and its furnishings are a character all on their own.
I was guessing at every page to figure out the 'who done it' (I was wrong!). I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I was guessing at every page to figure out the 'who done it' (I was wrong!). I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
June 21, 2022
I received an advance copy, but this review is my own opinion.
What do you have when a thriller writer turns her sights on a small town murder mystery? You have Deadly Keepsakes, the type of book you will want to finish in one sitting.
There seems to be no end to Tori Winters' new ability to attract bad luck and bad guys. It even follows her across state lines. But once she arrives in Granbury, Texas, she isn't alone in fighting them. Yet are all of her new 'friends' really there for her?
Without giving away too much, this mystery is as much about the past as it is the present. Tori's newfound family includes a deceased Dallas gangster who ran the city's premiere speakeasy back in the 1930s.
Old fashioned snobbery is alive and well in Granbury, as is jealousy and greed. Thank god there is a little romance too. Tori finds it all surprising, since until a few days ago, she led such a normal uneventful life.......
What do you have when a thriller writer turns her sights on a small town murder mystery? You have Deadly Keepsakes, the type of book you will want to finish in one sitting.
There seems to be no end to Tori Winters' new ability to attract bad luck and bad guys. It even follows her across state lines. But once she arrives in Granbury, Texas, she isn't alone in fighting them. Yet are all of her new 'friends' really there for her?
Without giving away too much, this mystery is as much about the past as it is the present. Tori's newfound family includes a deceased Dallas gangster who ran the city's premiere speakeasy back in the 1930s.
Old fashioned snobbery is alive and well in Granbury, as is jealousy and greed. Thank god there is a little romance too. Tori finds it all surprising, since until a few days ago, she led such a normal uneventful life.......
July 25, 2022
"A real rags to riches kind of story, mixed with murder, a missing treasure, and Texas-sized skullduggery."
Deadly Keepsakes by Anita Dickason is book one in the Tori Winters Mystery series, and it is an absolutely turbulent beginning. Tori Winters is a nurse, specifically with hospice patients, in Springfield, Missouri, but she finds herself in quite the pickle when she lands in someone’s crosshairs after testifying in a murder trial. With a timely, albeit mysterious, notification of an inheritance, Tori hightails it out of town and heads to the small town of Granbury, Texas, disguising her trail by declaring Colorado as her final destination until the police can figure out who wants her dead. Granbury is the perfect spot to find some much-needed peace and tranquility, far away from killers and constant danger. Or so she thought.
Tori’s inheritance opens the door to new beginnings, new friends, a newfound family legacy, and an enormous mansion that holds many mysteries and requires a deep cleaning and major renovation. This inheritance also opens up a hazardous coffer of treasures, secrets, small-town hijinks, and mystifying “accidents.”
Deadly Keepsakes is an exceptionally well-written mystery with a strong female protagonist who is not afraid to stand her ground in Texas when necessary, which is apparently quite often. Pressured from many sides to sell her mansion and the valuable property on which it stands, Tori digs in her heels and hires the best cleaning crew ever to help her get the mansion in ship shape. Mia and her housecleaning team are the best at their jobs and the best at giving Tori a Texas-sized welcome to Granbury. The friendship that blossoms, especially between Mia and Tori, provide Tori with some much-needed camaraderie and a safe circle of trusted allies who have her back.
The overall mystery in Deadly Keepsakes truly makes the story, so no spoilers allowed. David Tucker, who was the original heir to Tori’s grandmother Elly’s estate, throws Tori for a loop when she feels an immediate attraction, but is David angry that Elly changed her will so recently and left everything to Tori? If something happens to Tori within 90 days of inheriting, David stands to gain everything. When Tori hears strange sounds at night, and when other odd and even frightening things start to happen, the mystery expands and becomes downright deadly. Tori's guard is now way up, and trust has become a scarce commodity. Is David a friend or a foe? Will changing the locks and hiring a private investigator keep her safe? Did her past troubles in Springfield find her in Granbury?
Anita Dickason nails this new series right out of the gate. The pacing of Deadly Keepsakes evidently runs on rocket fuel, propelling the reader through the story at top speed, especially when Tori starts digging into her grandmother’s death and financial affairs and discovering that some things just don't add up. Someone obviously wants Tori out of the way and out of the mansion, but will murder be the answer if she continues to refuse to sell? Unravelling all the answers right along with the characters is exhilarating, but this story is more than only non-stop action and deadly games. True-blue friendships, lots of coffee, and a fabulous mansion with an incredible wine cellar, hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and poker chips with a message round everything out and make Deadly Keepsakes a top-notch, must-read suspense.
You know you have just read a Texas-sized winner when reaching the last page sends you crashing back into reality, wanting just a little bit more. Good news! More is on the way since this is just the beginning of a remarkable mystery series. Can't wait for Tori's next caper.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Deadly Keepsakes by Anita Dickason is book one in the Tori Winters Mystery series, and it is an absolutely turbulent beginning. Tori Winters is a nurse, specifically with hospice patients, in Springfield, Missouri, but she finds herself in quite the pickle when she lands in someone’s crosshairs after testifying in a murder trial. With a timely, albeit mysterious, notification of an inheritance, Tori hightails it out of town and heads to the small town of Granbury, Texas, disguising her trail by declaring Colorado as her final destination until the police can figure out who wants her dead. Granbury is the perfect spot to find some much-needed peace and tranquility, far away from killers and constant danger. Or so she thought.
Tori’s inheritance opens the door to new beginnings, new friends, a newfound family legacy, and an enormous mansion that holds many mysteries and requires a deep cleaning and major renovation. This inheritance also opens up a hazardous coffer of treasures, secrets, small-town hijinks, and mystifying “accidents.”
Deadly Keepsakes is an exceptionally well-written mystery with a strong female protagonist who is not afraid to stand her ground in Texas when necessary, which is apparently quite often. Pressured from many sides to sell her mansion and the valuable property on which it stands, Tori digs in her heels and hires the best cleaning crew ever to help her get the mansion in ship shape. Mia and her housecleaning team are the best at their jobs and the best at giving Tori a Texas-sized welcome to Granbury. The friendship that blossoms, especially between Mia and Tori, provide Tori with some much-needed camaraderie and a safe circle of trusted allies who have her back.
The overall mystery in Deadly Keepsakes truly makes the story, so no spoilers allowed. David Tucker, who was the original heir to Tori’s grandmother Elly’s estate, throws Tori for a loop when she feels an immediate attraction, but is David angry that Elly changed her will so recently and left everything to Tori? If something happens to Tori within 90 days of inheriting, David stands to gain everything. When Tori hears strange sounds at night, and when other odd and even frightening things start to happen, the mystery expands and becomes downright deadly. Tori's guard is now way up, and trust has become a scarce commodity. Is David a friend or a foe? Will changing the locks and hiring a private investigator keep her safe? Did her past troubles in Springfield find her in Granbury?
Anita Dickason nails this new series right out of the gate. The pacing of Deadly Keepsakes evidently runs on rocket fuel, propelling the reader through the story at top speed, especially when Tori starts digging into her grandmother’s death and financial affairs and discovering that some things just don't add up. Someone obviously wants Tori out of the way and out of the mansion, but will murder be the answer if she continues to refuse to sell? Unravelling all the answers right along with the characters is exhilarating, but this story is more than only non-stop action and deadly games. True-blue friendships, lots of coffee, and a fabulous mansion with an incredible wine cellar, hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and poker chips with a message round everything out and make Deadly Keepsakes a top-notch, must-read suspense.
You know you have just read a Texas-sized winner when reaching the last page sends you crashing back into reality, wanting just a little bit more. Good news! More is on the way since this is just the beginning of a remarkable mystery series. Can't wait for Tori's next caper.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2022
Deadly Keepsakes is a riveting mystery that will have readers perched on the edge of their seats. Author Anita Dickason has perfected the keep-looking-over-your-shoulder trope in this well-written, underdog adventure.
The story follows Tori Winters, who moves to Granbury, Texas, fleeing a killer in Missouri. She learns that she is the heir to a fortune from her paternal grandmother, who she never knew. Her inheritance incudes a grand, old house that has secrets. When people begin to pressure her to sell the house, there is a race for Tori to discover the house’s secrets before someone takes her refusal to sell to the next level.
My simplistic description of the storyline really doesn’t do it justice, but I don’t want to take anything away from the reader’s excitement at discovering all the parts that turn that simplistic synopsis into a wonderfully fun, exciting and engaging read!
There are so many things I enjoyed about this story, I don’t really know where to start. Let’s start with the characters and their relationships.
Tori, seemingly a loner, hires Mia and her team to clean the house and make it livable. Unaccustomed with the hospitality of these Texas women, a strong bond begins to form between Tori, Mia, and even the three women in Mia’s employ. Mia becomes like the sister Tori never had, as well as her close friend and confidant.
Tori also has to deal with a number of people urging her to sell the house. It made me wonder why there was so much pressure, and I was soon trying to guess whether any of these folks had an ulterior motive. (I won’t mention if they did, but I will say it was an intriguing guessing game for me.)
I think the best way to describe the author’s wonderful description is just to give you a snippet of her describing the house: “Despite the dirt and stains, she stared at the large entryway in awe. Blue and white cream-colored wallpaper accented mahogany walls. Stairs rose to a landing where sunlight gleamed through a stained glass portal, casting a mellow glow before sweeping upward. Base and crown moldings were carved in an intricate pattern, and the parquet floor extended into a long hallway. But it was the etched glass chandelier that held her gaze. All she could do was gawk.”
The pacing in this story is off the charts! The pacing starts off pretty quick in Missouri, and it even includes a mini-climax. Once Tori arrives in Texas the pace appears to slow down, but the reader is still on seat edge because Tori is always looking over her shoulder and could experience danger at any moment.
The characters pressuring Tori into selling the house create some great tension in the story. Author Anita Dickason did a superb job of steadily building this tension throughout the Texas part of the story.
The build to the main climax is paced very well. Actually, I’ll go on the record and say this is one of the best climaxes I’ve ever read! It’s well-written, and it keeps the reader hanging for a number of pages. I enjoyed the excitement very much!
This is one of those books that you want to clear your schedule for, because you won’t want to put it down. You’ve been warned!
After the end of the story, the author provides a little history on a part of the story that’s based on fact. I’m sure this would be a wonderful surprise to any history buff. It took me by surprise.
I could gush for several pages about this book, but perhaps the best part is that it’s the beginning of a series. I can’t wait to see what adventures the author has in store for this group of feisty women.
The story follows Tori Winters, who moves to Granbury, Texas, fleeing a killer in Missouri. She learns that she is the heir to a fortune from her paternal grandmother, who she never knew. Her inheritance incudes a grand, old house that has secrets. When people begin to pressure her to sell the house, there is a race for Tori to discover the house’s secrets before someone takes her refusal to sell to the next level.
My simplistic description of the storyline really doesn’t do it justice, but I don’t want to take anything away from the reader’s excitement at discovering all the parts that turn that simplistic synopsis into a wonderfully fun, exciting and engaging read!
There are so many things I enjoyed about this story, I don’t really know where to start. Let’s start with the characters and their relationships.
Tori, seemingly a loner, hires Mia and her team to clean the house and make it livable. Unaccustomed with the hospitality of these Texas women, a strong bond begins to form between Tori, Mia, and even the three women in Mia’s employ. Mia becomes like the sister Tori never had, as well as her close friend and confidant.
Tori also has to deal with a number of people urging her to sell the house. It made me wonder why there was so much pressure, and I was soon trying to guess whether any of these folks had an ulterior motive. (I won’t mention if they did, but I will say it was an intriguing guessing game for me.)
I think the best way to describe the author’s wonderful description is just to give you a snippet of her describing the house: “Despite the dirt and stains, she stared at the large entryway in awe. Blue and white cream-colored wallpaper accented mahogany walls. Stairs rose to a landing where sunlight gleamed through a stained glass portal, casting a mellow glow before sweeping upward. Base and crown moldings were carved in an intricate pattern, and the parquet floor extended into a long hallway. But it was the etched glass chandelier that held her gaze. All she could do was gawk.”
The pacing in this story is off the charts! The pacing starts off pretty quick in Missouri, and it even includes a mini-climax. Once Tori arrives in Texas the pace appears to slow down, but the reader is still on seat edge because Tori is always looking over her shoulder and could experience danger at any moment.
The characters pressuring Tori into selling the house create some great tension in the story. Author Anita Dickason did a superb job of steadily building this tension throughout the Texas part of the story.
The build to the main climax is paced very well. Actually, I’ll go on the record and say this is one of the best climaxes I’ve ever read! It’s well-written, and it keeps the reader hanging for a number of pages. I enjoyed the excitement very much!
This is one of those books that you want to clear your schedule for, because you won’t want to put it down. You’ve been warned!
After the end of the story, the author provides a little history on a part of the story that’s based on fact. I’m sure this would be a wonderful surprise to any history buff. It took me by surprise.
I could gush for several pages about this book, but perhaps the best part is that it’s the beginning of a series. I can’t wait to see what adventures the author has in store for this group of feisty women.
January 12, 2026
4.5 stars. What a fun book! A mysterious mansion full of secrets, an unexpected inheritance, a finding of hidden treasures ( what,more treasure?!), multiple murder attempts with a plethora of suspects ( who can you trust? Can you trust anyone??!) and girl power- new found friends who’ll always have your back. Outlandish, intriguing and adventurous, I loved it to the end.
Though I know it’s not a deep book or even plausible, I gave it high marks for sheer entertainment.
Though I know it’s not a deep book or even plausible, I gave it high marks for sheer entertainment.
July 30, 2022
Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 4.85.
January 12, 2023
The first thing I do when I start a print copy of a book is to take a piece of notebook paper, fold it into fourths, and slip it in the cover so I can take notes as I read -- in order to produce a meticulously written, fact-filled book review. When I finished Deadly Keepsakes, my paper was blank.
Why? Because I was immediately so engrossed in the story that I never even thought to pause and make commentary on the outstanding story development, richly-written world building, or fully fleshed-out characters that gave me gut-reactions from the get-go. This is probably the highest compliment I can give an author, but the downside is that my memory stinkles, so I can't come up with too many specifics to support how dazzled I was by this series starter by Anita Dickason.
I adore the Granbury, Texas setting, and since it's a town I'm familiar with, it made the story even more realistic. Clearly, Dickason knows the town, the vibe, and the variety of people you'll find there (the range is from the snoot-snootiest to the down-to-earth peeps that you want at your kitchen table sharing a few cuppas.
And speaking of cuppas -- DANG! Main character Tori and her crew know how to drink the java! I need to know what kind of coffeemaker she owns to be able to do the brew at a level that surely rivals any Starbucks. Their coffee consumption makes me look like a novice. The coffee angle was just one of many aspects I enjoyed.
I'm going to call this book a gritty cozy mystery. Given the author's expertise and experience in law enforcement, she gives readers a little more description in violent scenes than you'd get in a traditional cozy, but it's never gratuitous or gross. There's a hint of developing romance, but it always takes a back seat to the unfolding mystery and high action. And DANG is about as strong a curse word as you'll find in the pages.
Deadly Keepsakes is the first of Anita's (many) books I've read, and I'm smitten with it! Now, I anxiously awaiti the next book in the series (coming February, 2023! yippee!). I can see why the LSBBT Review Team gave this book so many 5-Stars ratings. Highly recommend
Why? Because I was immediately so engrossed in the story that I never even thought to pause and make commentary on the outstanding story development, richly-written world building, or fully fleshed-out characters that gave me gut-reactions from the get-go. This is probably the highest compliment I can give an author, but the downside is that my memory stinkles, so I can't come up with too many specifics to support how dazzled I was by this series starter by Anita Dickason.
I adore the Granbury, Texas setting, and since it's a town I'm familiar with, it made the story even more realistic. Clearly, Dickason knows the town, the vibe, and the variety of people you'll find there (the range is from the snoot-snootiest to the down-to-earth peeps that you want at your kitchen table sharing a few cuppas.
And speaking of cuppas -- DANG! Main character Tori and her crew know how to drink the java! I need to know what kind of coffeemaker she owns to be able to do the brew at a level that surely rivals any Starbucks. Their coffee consumption makes me look like a novice. The coffee angle was just one of many aspects I enjoyed.
I'm going to call this book a gritty cozy mystery. Given the author's expertise and experience in law enforcement, she gives readers a little more description in violent scenes than you'd get in a traditional cozy, but it's never gratuitous or gross. There's a hint of developing romance, but it always takes a back seat to the unfolding mystery and high action. And DANG is about as strong a curse word as you'll find in the pages.
Deadly Keepsakes is the first of Anita's (many) books I've read, and I'm smitten with it! Now, I anxiously awaiti the next book in the series (coming February, 2023! yippee!). I can see why the LSBBT Review Team gave this book so many 5-Stars ratings. Highly recommend
July 6, 2022
Award-winning author Anita Dickason’s latest book is “Deadly Keepsakes”, subtitled “A Tori Winters Mystery”. Author Dickason has previously published seven popular books- crime thrillers. “Deadly Keepsakes” sounds like a thriller, but it is a cozy mystery, the first book in a planned series. I have not (yet!) read any of Ms. Dickason’s earlier books. I thoroughly enjoyed “Deadly Keepsakes” and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I loved the cover, showing an historical home, and I was intrigued by the title of the book. “Keepsakes” calls up pleasant thoughts of family, pretty objects, and pleasant memories. We don’t expect keepsakes to be deadly! Grandmother Elly lived in the family home, the house shown on the book cover. Grandmother Elly was afraid of the house and it’s secrets. It killed her. Now her granddaughter Tori Winters is afraid that someone is out to kill her, too.
Tori is a nurse. As the book begins, Tori is fleeing for her life to Granbury, Texas. There she learns that she has inherited the house (the one on the book’s cover) as well as a large estate from a grandmother she had never known. At first Tori is overwhelmed by her new wealth. But Tori is a level-headed young woman and she begins to get organized, and make friends. However, she soon she becomes suspicious, especially when it seems that someone wants her dead. Is it one of her new friends or professional acquaintances?
I was delighted with “Deadly Keepsakes”. It is very well-written, clear, descriptive, and well-paced. I enjoyed learning about Granbury and Fort Worth. The variety of characters and suspects made for a fun read. Tori Winters is an interesting character- definitely her own person. The history of the house, it’s secrets and its prior owner was fascinating. At the end of the book, the author shares “The Story Behind the Fiction.”
I highly recommend this book. Tori Winters plans to turn her house into a bed and breakfast, so that should make for many more entertaining books in the series. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I loved the cover, showing an historical home, and I was intrigued by the title of the book. “Keepsakes” calls up pleasant thoughts of family, pretty objects, and pleasant memories. We don’t expect keepsakes to be deadly! Grandmother Elly lived in the family home, the house shown on the book cover. Grandmother Elly was afraid of the house and it’s secrets. It killed her. Now her granddaughter Tori Winters is afraid that someone is out to kill her, too.
Tori is a nurse. As the book begins, Tori is fleeing for her life to Granbury, Texas. There she learns that she has inherited the house (the one on the book’s cover) as well as a large estate from a grandmother she had never known. At first Tori is overwhelmed by her new wealth. But Tori is a level-headed young woman and she begins to get organized, and make friends. However, she soon she becomes suspicious, especially when it seems that someone wants her dead. Is it one of her new friends or professional acquaintances?
I was delighted with “Deadly Keepsakes”. It is very well-written, clear, descriptive, and well-paced. I enjoyed learning about Granbury and Fort Worth. The variety of characters and suspects made for a fun read. Tori Winters is an interesting character- definitely her own person. The history of the house, it’s secrets and its prior owner was fascinating. At the end of the book, the author shares “The Story Behind the Fiction.”
I highly recommend this book. Tori Winters plans to turn her house into a bed and breakfast, so that should make for many more entertaining books in the series. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
July 5, 2022
I was first introduced to Anita Dickason's writing through her Tracker series, which features FBI agents in suspense-filled action. When I heard that the new Tori Winters series would be more in the cozy mystery line, I was curious. After all, if Anita does the FBI stories so well, what would a mystery with more "everyday" characters be like from her pen?
Tori is a hospice nurse who decides to leave town after involvement in a court case costs her any sense of safety. Learning that she has a surprise inheritance in the town of Granbury, Texas, she packs up and hits the road. She is surprised to learn that she is the new owner of an historic home and property, as well as a healthy bank account. What is even more of a shock is the determination from her lawyers and accountant to push her to sell the house before she has even spent a night in it. Why is everyone so set on her making a real estate deal instead of fixing up the house and living there?
The characters are a lot of fun - whether the reader chooses to love or hate them. Tori is a resilient and determined woman who has been through some tough times lately, but still has plenty of backbone when it is needed. The female friends she begins to make in town are helpful, warm, and supportive - just what a gal with a mystery on her hands needs. The snooty real estate family, the accountant who seems reluctant to let a woman handle her own finances, and the father and son lawyer team all seem to know something that Tori doesn't - but they aren't sharing any information. And what about the step-cousin she has never heard of?
The setting with the small town gossip mill, the wealthy family which tries to lord it over everyone else, and the checkered past of Tori's family all provide a great sense of location, both geographical and historical. If you enjoy stories with family secrets, spooky noises in the middle of the night, a few close calls, and a surprising ending - then grab a copy of Deadly Keepsakes. You will probably wind up reading it in one sitting - just as I did.
Tori is a hospice nurse who decides to leave town after involvement in a court case costs her any sense of safety. Learning that she has a surprise inheritance in the town of Granbury, Texas, she packs up and hits the road. She is surprised to learn that she is the new owner of an historic home and property, as well as a healthy bank account. What is even more of a shock is the determination from her lawyers and accountant to push her to sell the house before she has even spent a night in it. Why is everyone so set on her making a real estate deal instead of fixing up the house and living there?
The characters are a lot of fun - whether the reader chooses to love or hate them. Tori is a resilient and determined woman who has been through some tough times lately, but still has plenty of backbone when it is needed. The female friends she begins to make in town are helpful, warm, and supportive - just what a gal with a mystery on her hands needs. The snooty real estate family, the accountant who seems reluctant to let a woman handle her own finances, and the father and son lawyer team all seem to know something that Tori doesn't - but they aren't sharing any information. And what about the step-cousin she has never heard of?
The setting with the small town gossip mill, the wealthy family which tries to lord it over everyone else, and the checkered past of Tori's family all provide a great sense of location, both geographical and historical. If you enjoy stories with family secrets, spooky noises in the middle of the night, a few close calls, and a surprising ending - then grab a copy of Deadly Keepsakes. You will probably wind up reading it in one sitting - just as I did.
April 4, 2023
A fascinating read
It was easy to get caught up in the story line. The lead is a strong female character more than capable of running her own life. The ending wasn't a total surprise but also wasn't entirely predictable. I can't wait to read book 2to see what else happens.
It was easy to get caught up in the story line. The lead is a strong female character more than capable of running her own life. The ending wasn't a total surprise but also wasn't entirely predictable. I can't wait to read book 2to see what else happens.
July 4, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 18, 2022
Anita has done it again. She takes you to high plateaus, and then lets enjoy the view and then again another plateau. Throw into the mix crimes and a list of characters each with their own agenda, and secrets best kept private. What a ride.
Tori Winters is a hospice nurse in Springfield, Missouri. A crime, trial, harassment isn’t enough, now she gets shot at too. Question is who wants her dead and why?
A letter from an attorney about an inheritance provides an excellent departure. Tori ends up in a small town in west Texas called Granbury. Her grandmother, Elly Leichter, left her entire estate and fortune to Tori. So many characters all wanting her to sell the property. Elly’s attorney, CPA, her grandmother’s stepson, all pressuring her to sell. Each person has a reason. Her question is why?
Unexplained noises in the house. Then the accidents begin…twice she survived. The Leichter estate has mysteries of its own. Stories that give her pause, questions about her grandfather, and a missing treasure.
So many questions…will she survive more attempts… will she solve the mystery? Can she figure out who is after her, or will someone’s greed get her killed?
Tori Winters is a hospice nurse in Springfield, Missouri. A crime, trial, harassment isn’t enough, now she gets shot at too. Question is who wants her dead and why?
A letter from an attorney about an inheritance provides an excellent departure. Tori ends up in a small town in west Texas called Granbury. Her grandmother, Elly Leichter, left her entire estate and fortune to Tori. So many characters all wanting her to sell the property. Elly’s attorney, CPA, her grandmother’s stepson, all pressuring her to sell. Each person has a reason. Her question is why?
Unexplained noises in the house. Then the accidents begin…twice she survived. The Leichter estate has mysteries of its own. Stories that give her pause, questions about her grandfather, and a missing treasure.
So many questions…will she survive more attempts… will she solve the mystery? Can she figure out who is after her, or will someone’s greed get her killed?
July 1, 2022
a really wonderful book! I was captured on the very first page! this unpredictable story is filled with complex interesting and quirky characters. I love Tori Winters and hope to read more about her. The story is intense at times and is haunting and realistic. I stayed up into the wee hours to finish! Oh my gosh, this is a real page turner and a must must read!
May 29, 2025
Tori was running away from killers, and then phone call about a vague inheritance seems to be the answer. She had a grandma who left her a mansion, but who is trying to kill her now.
January 11, 2026
My plan was to read the first chapter, and pick it up again later. Instead, I read the entire book in one afternoon/evening. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down until I'd finished.
August 17, 2022
Fantastic story! Couldn't put it down! A Tori Winters Mystery. The story is set in Dallas, TX area and although the story is fiction, the original character in the book that started it all is based on a real-life figure - Benny Binion - the mob boss who actually had gambling and boot-legging operations in the 1920-30's in the area of Dallas, TX and later moved on to Las Vegas and opened Horseshoe Casino in the 1940's.
That character wasn't "alive" in the book, but it was Tori's great grandfather, father to Tori's grandmother - that Toris never knew she had until the grandmother died (Read the story to find out what that was all about!) and her attorney contacted Tori about her inheritance - the house and all the money and treasures in the house! Very well written with all the intrigue and events - not a single dull moment! The writing was very good with all the descriptions of facial expressions and other mentions of reactions from the various characters to make you think something odd is going on with that character and while reading mysteries, you always start to form your own conclusion of "who-dun-it". I was sure it was this one person, all the little quips and oddities of this person suggested it quite often.....but it wasn't!
I truly enjoyed this story and will read it again in a few months.
That character wasn't "alive" in the book, but it was Tori's great grandfather, father to Tori's grandmother - that Toris never knew she had until the grandmother died (Read the story to find out what that was all about!) and her attorney contacted Tori about her inheritance - the house and all the money and treasures in the house! Very well written with all the intrigue and events - not a single dull moment! The writing was very good with all the descriptions of facial expressions and other mentions of reactions from the various characters to make you think something odd is going on with that character and while reading mysteries, you always start to form your own conclusion of "who-dun-it". I was sure it was this one person, all the little quips and oddities of this person suggested it quite often.....but it wasn't!
I truly enjoyed this story and will read it again in a few months.
July 28, 2022
When I first started reading Deadly Keepsakes I knew I was going to love Tori, and I wasn’t disappointed. She’s a strong, engaging character with a lot of grit, and she needs that to stand up to the people who are pressuring her to sell the beautiful old house she inherited that is in serious disrepair. But she fell in love with the house the minute she saw it, and her heart says to stay.
The best thing she does when she first gets to town is to hire Mia who has a cleaning business in addition to being the manager of the small grocery store where Tori meets her. The two women quickly form a strong bond, creating a fun familiarity that’s a pleasure to share vicariously.
As the story progresses, and the cleaning progresses, the four women that make up the cleaning crew, Mia, Heidi, Tina, and Cammie become Tori’s tribe. At one point in the story they pull together to outfit her for a formal dinner party she doesn’t want to go to. “It’s just not me.” She says at one point, and I could relate. Like Tori, I’m more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt than a fancy dress and heels. The women also protect Tori when they can, letting her know she’s not alone in this strange new town with all the strange things happening around her.
As for the mystery, there are plenty of people that want Tori to be gone; either highly encouraged to sell her property or be gone by other means. The author does a good job throwing the proverbial red herrings into the mix, so the reader doesn’t know who’s the one going beyond the encouragement stage to actual force. There are plenty of people to dislike and suspect. The attorney who resents Tori wanting to manage the estate herself. The head of the development company that wants the land the old house sits on. The CPA who really, really, wants Tori to let him handle the financial affairs for her, hinting that what could she, a nurse, know about millions of dollars in investments.
Her response to him is priceless.
Then there’s David, The step-grandson who had been in line to inherit the estate from the grandmother that Tori didn’t even know she had until she gets the call from the attorney in Granbury. Could David be the one that wants her out of the way? If anything happens to Tori the will left by her grandmother states that everything will then go to David. That certainly is motive enough, but then David is so sweet, so charming… too charming?
If you like a mystery that has a little more edge than a strict cozy but with humorous elements you’d find in a cozy, as well as a great cast of characters, this is the book for you.
The best thing she does when she first gets to town is to hire Mia who has a cleaning business in addition to being the manager of the small grocery store where Tori meets her. The two women quickly form a strong bond, creating a fun familiarity that’s a pleasure to share vicariously.
As the story progresses, and the cleaning progresses, the four women that make up the cleaning crew, Mia, Heidi, Tina, and Cammie become Tori’s tribe. At one point in the story they pull together to outfit her for a formal dinner party she doesn’t want to go to. “It’s just not me.” She says at one point, and I could relate. Like Tori, I’m more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt than a fancy dress and heels. The women also protect Tori when they can, letting her know she’s not alone in this strange new town with all the strange things happening around her.
As for the mystery, there are plenty of people that want Tori to be gone; either highly encouraged to sell her property or be gone by other means. The author does a good job throwing the proverbial red herrings into the mix, so the reader doesn’t know who’s the one going beyond the encouragement stage to actual force. There are plenty of people to dislike and suspect. The attorney who resents Tori wanting to manage the estate herself. The head of the development company that wants the land the old house sits on. The CPA who really, really, wants Tori to let him handle the financial affairs for her, hinting that what could she, a nurse, know about millions of dollars in investments.
Her response to him is priceless.
Then there’s David, The step-grandson who had been in line to inherit the estate from the grandmother that Tori didn’t even know she had until she gets the call from the attorney in Granbury. Could David be the one that wants her out of the way? If anything happens to Tori the will left by her grandmother states that everything will then go to David. That certainly is motive enough, but then David is so sweet, so charming… too charming?
If you like a mystery that has a little more edge than a strict cozy but with humorous elements you’d find in a cozy, as well as a great cast of characters, this is the book for you.
June 30, 2022
A stunning new mystery novel!
Texas author Anita Dickason is a retired police officer with twenty-seven years of experience, twenty-two with the Dallas Police Department having served as a patrol officer, undercover narcotics officer, advanced accident investigator, tactical officer and the first female sniper on the Dallas SWAT Team. She is a Past President of Texas Women in Law Enforcement, and Past Treasurer for the International Association of Women in Police. She has published eight suspense thriller novels to date.
With every new book Anita’s publishes her gifts as a creative writer blossoms more fully. In creating a new character for a series she subtly introduces the tone of persona by creating the atmosphere into which the story soars; ‘The dead had no fears, worries or timetables. Yet, the dead had triggered the cold, spiderlike fingers of anxiety racing up and down Tori Winter’s spine. Nothing was as dangerous as a lonely, fog-laden, narrow, winding county road on a pitch-black night in the middle of nowhere. Hidden within the tendrils of swirling mist, the curves and ditches became the enemy. Her back rigid, Tori leaned forward, her gaze probing the barely visible road…She’d already missed the turn to the Russell farm.’ In those brief lines Tori and the mystery to come become visual. Quality prose such as this is Anita Dickason’s trademark!
The new series with a heroine is summarized - ’When Tori Winters becomes the star witness in a murder trial, someone tries to kill her. Terrified, she’s not giving the killer a second chance. With all her worldly possessions packed in her car, Tori is on the run. A mysterious phone call about an inheritance leads her to Granbury. After all, who would look for her in a small, quaint Texas town? Instead, Tori’s life is about to spin into an existence where nothing is as it seems. The historic house she inherits is steeped in secrets from the past. Secrets that may prove deadly. There is the disinherited step-grandson, and the lawyer and his son. What are they hiding? When a killer strikes again, who can she trust? Tori’s inheritance may not be a blessing. It could be her death warrant.’
As is her trait, Anita adds significant history at book’s end on the town of Granbury, Texas, and the Dallas crime lord on whom the fictional character of Frankie Leichter is based. Anita Dickason has established her place among fine suspense authors. She is an author of authority and great talent, Very Highly Recommended
Texas author Anita Dickason is a retired police officer with twenty-seven years of experience, twenty-two with the Dallas Police Department having served as a patrol officer, undercover narcotics officer, advanced accident investigator, tactical officer and the first female sniper on the Dallas SWAT Team. She is a Past President of Texas Women in Law Enforcement, and Past Treasurer for the International Association of Women in Police. She has published eight suspense thriller novels to date.
With every new book Anita’s publishes her gifts as a creative writer blossoms more fully. In creating a new character for a series she subtly introduces the tone of persona by creating the atmosphere into which the story soars; ‘The dead had no fears, worries or timetables. Yet, the dead had triggered the cold, spiderlike fingers of anxiety racing up and down Tori Winter’s spine. Nothing was as dangerous as a lonely, fog-laden, narrow, winding county road on a pitch-black night in the middle of nowhere. Hidden within the tendrils of swirling mist, the curves and ditches became the enemy. Her back rigid, Tori leaned forward, her gaze probing the barely visible road…She’d already missed the turn to the Russell farm.’ In those brief lines Tori and the mystery to come become visual. Quality prose such as this is Anita Dickason’s trademark!
The new series with a heroine is summarized - ’When Tori Winters becomes the star witness in a murder trial, someone tries to kill her. Terrified, she’s not giving the killer a second chance. With all her worldly possessions packed in her car, Tori is on the run. A mysterious phone call about an inheritance leads her to Granbury. After all, who would look for her in a small, quaint Texas town? Instead, Tori’s life is about to spin into an existence where nothing is as it seems. The historic house she inherits is steeped in secrets from the past. Secrets that may prove deadly. There is the disinherited step-grandson, and the lawyer and his son. What are they hiding? When a killer strikes again, who can she trust? Tori’s inheritance may not be a blessing. It could be her death warrant.’
As is her trait, Anita adds significant history at book’s end on the town of Granbury, Texas, and the Dallas crime lord on whom the fictional character of Frankie Leichter is based. Anita Dickason has established her place among fine suspense authors. She is an author of authority and great talent, Very Highly Recommended
July 26, 2022
To say I’m a fan of Anita Dickason’s work would be an understatement. With Deadly Business, she established herself firmly as one of my favorite authors. So I had high hopes for Deadly Keepsakes, the first in Dickason’s Tori Winters series. Boy, did she deliver!
In Deadly Keepsakes, we meet Tori Winters, a hospice nurse. She’s in hot water with some questionable characters after she reports the death of one of her patients as suspicious. So when she receives a call from an attorney in Texas, wanting to meet with her, she decides to pull up stakes and meet him in person. Tori leaves town expecting to stay in Granbury, Texas for a few days at most.
Imagine her surprise when she learns about a grandmother she never knew. Even more surprising, this grandmother has left Tori a massive inheritance. The inheritance includes a mansion, built by Tori’s mobster great-grandfather. Word travels fast in small towns, and it soon gets out that Tori may want to stay in Granbury. Suddenly a whole lot of people seem to be trying to persuade her that maybe she should sell.
Tori’s grandmother has left her a message indicating that the house holds secrets. Tori has to figure out what the secrets are and unravel their meaning while dodging ever-escalating attempts to run her off - or just get her out of the way for good.
The cozy mystery may not be Dickason’s usual genre, but she has written a bang-up good story here. The characters are people you love, hate, or love to hate. Tori hires Mia, Cammie, Tina, and Heidi to help her clean up her new home, but they soon become her girl gang. I love how Mia knows everybody and can hook Tori up with a solution to just about every problem she faces, because isn’t that exactly how small towns are? Can Jonah Greer, Tori’s local legal counsel, be trusted? Is he really advising her to do what he thinks is best, or does he have an ulterior motive? And snobby socialite Myra and her equally snobby daughter, well, my fingers just itched to slap them as I was reading.
And while the story has lighthearted moments, it also hooks you from the start and pulls you along. The action starts in chapter one and doesn’t let up until the big reveal. There was never a moment in this book when I thought, gosh, this story is lagging. To the contrary. I could barely tear myself away from it!
The historical notes at the end of the book were a nice finishing touch. I had never heard of Benny Binion and the Top O’Hill Terrace, and it’s always interesting to learn a little bit about Texas’ colorful characters!
Found family, danger, intrigue, a wonderful cast of characters, and an engaging mystery – sounds like a five-star read to me!
In Deadly Keepsakes, we meet Tori Winters, a hospice nurse. She’s in hot water with some questionable characters after she reports the death of one of her patients as suspicious. So when she receives a call from an attorney in Texas, wanting to meet with her, she decides to pull up stakes and meet him in person. Tori leaves town expecting to stay in Granbury, Texas for a few days at most.
Imagine her surprise when she learns about a grandmother she never knew. Even more surprising, this grandmother has left Tori a massive inheritance. The inheritance includes a mansion, built by Tori’s mobster great-grandfather. Word travels fast in small towns, and it soon gets out that Tori may want to stay in Granbury. Suddenly a whole lot of people seem to be trying to persuade her that maybe she should sell.
Tori’s grandmother has left her a message indicating that the house holds secrets. Tori has to figure out what the secrets are and unravel their meaning while dodging ever-escalating attempts to run her off - or just get her out of the way for good.
The cozy mystery may not be Dickason’s usual genre, but she has written a bang-up good story here. The characters are people you love, hate, or love to hate. Tori hires Mia, Cammie, Tina, and Heidi to help her clean up her new home, but they soon become her girl gang. I love how Mia knows everybody and can hook Tori up with a solution to just about every problem she faces, because isn’t that exactly how small towns are? Can Jonah Greer, Tori’s local legal counsel, be trusted? Is he really advising her to do what he thinks is best, or does he have an ulterior motive? And snobby socialite Myra and her equally snobby daughter, well, my fingers just itched to slap them as I was reading.
And while the story has lighthearted moments, it also hooks you from the start and pulls you along. The action starts in chapter one and doesn’t let up until the big reveal. There was never a moment in this book when I thought, gosh, this story is lagging. To the contrary. I could barely tear myself away from it!
The historical notes at the end of the book were a nice finishing touch. I had never heard of Benny Binion and the Top O’Hill Terrace, and it’s always interesting to learn a little bit about Texas’ colorful characters!
Found family, danger, intrigue, a wonderful cast of characters, and an engaging mystery – sounds like a five-star read to me!
July 28, 2022
A patient’s suspicious death sets hospice nurse Tori Winters on a collision course with a murderer, one who wants her dead. But all is not as it seems. A surprise inheritance from an unknown relative draws her to the small Texas town of Granbury. As she uncovers the secrets her family’s past, she must use her instincts to judge who is friend and who is foe.
I enjoyed Deadly Keepsakes, the first in what appears will be a series. Tori is a character readers can cheer for. She’s vulnerable but strong, smart but pigheaded, but what I liked best about her was, she relied on herself and not the handsome eligible men circling her. Instead, Tori forges a strong friendship with a core group of females who she leans on for support. Yay for girl power!
The mystery at the heart of the story is intriguing and well-plotted. I didn’t guess the killer until very close to the end! I enjoyed the snippets of Texas history woven into the story. My only issue with the book is the brief times when a second point of view suddenly pops into the narrative which I found startling and distracting.
I look forward to reading more about Tori Winters and her new life in Granbury! I recommend this book to readers who enjoy well executed mysteries with a strong female protagonist.
I enjoyed Deadly Keepsakes, the first in what appears will be a series. Tori is a character readers can cheer for. She’s vulnerable but strong, smart but pigheaded, but what I liked best about her was, she relied on herself and not the handsome eligible men circling her. Instead, Tori forges a strong friendship with a core group of females who she leans on for support. Yay for girl power!
The mystery at the heart of the story is intriguing and well-plotted. I didn’t guess the killer until very close to the end! I enjoyed the snippets of Texas history woven into the story. My only issue with the book is the brief times when a second point of view suddenly pops into the narrative which I found startling and distracting.
I look forward to reading more about Tori Winters and her new life in Granbury! I recommend this book to readers who enjoy well executed mysteries with a strong female protagonist.
January 29, 2023
Suspense and drama in a small town…
After reading a friend’s review and recommendation, I had this book on my TBR list for a while. From the start, the setting intrigued me—the town of Granbury, Texas.
When Tori Winters, a hospice nurse, testifies in a murder trial, she faces threats from the killer’s family. Around the same time, she receives a call from a lawyer in Texas saying that she has inherited her grandmother’s estate. Tori never knew this woman as her own parents are both deceased. When she fears for her life, she decides to leave Missouri for Texas.
When she meets with the lawyer, she learns she’s not only inherited a 1930s mansion, but also millions of dollars. She decides to stay in Granbury and move into the old house. She also discovers her great-grandfather, who built the house, was a notorious gangster.
She soon makes new friends, but as the new person in town, Tori is the subject of much talk and gossip. Several people, including the lawyer and her grandmother’s CPA, advise her to sell the home.
It’s not long before Tori is in danger. Who and why? There are several suspects, and the author did a good job of throwing in red herrings. The plot was well-placed. The lead character, Tori, was a strong and determined woman, a characteristic I like. Deadly Keepsakes wraps up in a satisfying conclusion.
This was my first time reading any of Anita Dickason’s works, but it won’t be the last.
After reading a friend’s review and recommendation, I had this book on my TBR list for a while. From the start, the setting intrigued me—the town of Granbury, Texas.
When Tori Winters, a hospice nurse, testifies in a murder trial, she faces threats from the killer’s family. Around the same time, she receives a call from a lawyer in Texas saying that she has inherited her grandmother’s estate. Tori never knew this woman as her own parents are both deceased. When she fears for her life, she decides to leave Missouri for Texas.
When she meets with the lawyer, she learns she’s not only inherited a 1930s mansion, but also millions of dollars. She decides to stay in Granbury and move into the old house. She also discovers her great-grandfather, who built the house, was a notorious gangster.
She soon makes new friends, but as the new person in town, Tori is the subject of much talk and gossip. Several people, including the lawyer and her grandmother’s CPA, advise her to sell the home.
It’s not long before Tori is in danger. Who and why? There are several suspects, and the author did a good job of throwing in red herrings. The plot was well-placed. The lead character, Tori, was a strong and determined woman, a characteristic I like. Deadly Keepsakes wraps up in a satisfying conclusion.
This was my first time reading any of Anita Dickason’s works, but it won’t be the last.
January 22, 2026
This was All. The. Things! Part Hallmark Mystery (but well-crafted), part HGTV, with just a touch of romance (could do with a bit more of that, actually) and all the best bits of Texas, I was thrilled with this find. I was visiting the tiny town of Granbury when, as is my custom, I visited the local bookshop to see what was on offer. This series was amongst the "local authors" collection. I asked the clerk about them, but he knew nothing. That wasn't surprising, seeing that he was a nerdy guy more interested in sci-fi than cozy mysteries, but he did say the author was local, and it was a signed copy, so I figured it would be worth a shot. I'm happy to have found a new favorite author. Halfway through, I bought the ebooks for the next two in the series. Highly recommended!
May 10, 2025
Fantastic Read
First time reader for this author and let me tell you she grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. The MC Tori is a hard headed stubborn woman who really has to make a path for herself. This is going to be a great series and I can't wait for the next book. Well done Ms. Dickason. Fan kudos to you.
First time reader for this author and let me tell you she grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. The MC Tori is a hard headed stubborn woman who really has to make a path for herself. This is going to be a great series and I can't wait for the next book. Well done Ms. Dickason. Fan kudos to you.
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