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(The Woodhead & Becker Mysteries, #1) #1
The Winterstone Murder: A Hardboiled Mystery where Poison Meets Biotech
This book was originally published under the title Ceremony in August 2021.
Dr. Kep Woodhead is a brilliant, irascible forensic toxicologist with a dark past. Bernadette Becker is a disgraced federal investigator with one last chance. They're both assigned to a strange poisoning case: a graduate student has been found dead in a 15th-century chapel, a needle filled with a controversial hallucinogen sticking out of his arm. Many suspects emerge, all with a motive to stop the research project the victim worked on. But can Becker and Woodhead find the truth as events continue to unnerve them--and the killer has them in their sights?
Dr. Kep Woodhead is a brilliant, irascible forensic toxicologist with a dark past. Bernadette Becker is a disgraced federal investigator with one last chance. They're both assigned to a strange poisoning case: a graduate student has been found dead in a 15th-century chapel, a needle filled with a controversial hallucinogen sticking out of his arm. Many suspects emerge, all with a motive to stop the research project the victim worked on. But can Becker and Woodhead find the truth as events continue to unnerve them--and the killer has them in their sights?
346 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2021
742 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Paul Austin Ardoin
33 books126 followersPaul Austin Ardoin is the author of the Fenway Stevenson Mysteries. A California native with a degree in creative writing from UC Santa Barbara, Ardoin has also published short fiction and humorous essays in Bottomfish and Sweet Fancy Moses. His non-fiction articles about computer security have appeared in California Computer News and European Communications. He lives in the Sacramento area with his wife, two teenagers, and a menagerie of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 2, 2021
Intelligent and intricately plotted, CEREMONY is a fascinating read filled with surprises and guaranteed to keep readers on their toes. Dr. Kep Woodhead is wonderfully quirky and endearing. Bernadette Becker, a case analyst for the CSAB, is the perfect foil for Kep with her no-nonsense attitude and dry wit. Both are an absolute delight. The banter between the two characters will charm readers. This is an intriguing, fast-paced, imaginative novel that will offer long-time readers of the genre something new, fun, and exciting.
August 23, 2021
When a graduate student is found dead at the centre of a 15th century chapel on a college campus, with a syringe close by and his body ritualistically posed, case analyst Bernadette Becker knows this will not be an easy solve. Her new partner, Dr Kep Woodhead, is becoming more irritating by the day, and with the bodies piling up, Bernadette starts to question her own capabilities…
Ceremony is a really promising beginning to a murder series with enjoyably intriguing ingredients; the involvement of a shadowy religious outfit, hallucinogens, sinister goings-on at a research facility, and the gruesomely primeval lamprey eels to add an extra layer of the macabre.
The novel opens straight into the chapel murder scene for which Mr Ardoin deftly sets up more questions than answers, all the while weaving a touch of context in respect of Bernadette Becker, the newly demoted Federal Agent. The reader is then introduced to Dr Kep Woodhead, who like Bernadette, also has his personal issues. However, due to his exceptional olfactory gift which enables him to literally sniff out the culprits, his unpredictable behaviour has been tolerated, despite the complaints of previous case partners.
At times, Woodhead is a little too frustrating but his ‘super smelling’ is incredibly interesting. The level of research and consequent detail that Mr Ardoin brings in relation to his fantastic sense is not to be under-estimated. It’s fascinating stuff that never stretches credulity and equal weight is given to the fact that this extraordinary talent is both a blessing and a curse.
Occasionally, Ceremony is overly preoccupied with laying the foundations for further cases; a few more backstory hints and/or personal details in respect of Becker and Woodhead would have been beneficial in the early stages of the novel. This is corrected as the book progresses and both characters become nicely developed and investable for future instalments. There are enough differences between them to spark conflict, but also the clear beginnings of a common bond.
The supporting cast are well-realised and, as with all good murder mysteries, each fall under suspicion at various stages as most are hiding something that may or may not be to do with the murder investigation. Controlling and sinister, Vivian Roundhouse, priest of the Agios Delphi organisation, was a particular standout and could have been utilised more.
The narrative gives the reader enough dead-ends and mini-reveals to keep the pages turning and there are a couple of side angles to provoke additional interest. The plot is neatly crafted, thoroughly believable and the pace never becomes too frantic; gripping but maintaining a steady, readable momentum.
Ceremony is an intelligently wrought, involving and accomplished thriller. Highly recommended.
Ceremony is a really promising beginning to a murder series with enjoyably intriguing ingredients; the involvement of a shadowy religious outfit, hallucinogens, sinister goings-on at a research facility, and the gruesomely primeval lamprey eels to add an extra layer of the macabre.
The novel opens straight into the chapel murder scene for which Mr Ardoin deftly sets up more questions than answers, all the while weaving a touch of context in respect of Bernadette Becker, the newly demoted Federal Agent. The reader is then introduced to Dr Kep Woodhead, who like Bernadette, also has his personal issues. However, due to his exceptional olfactory gift which enables him to literally sniff out the culprits, his unpredictable behaviour has been tolerated, despite the complaints of previous case partners.
At times, Woodhead is a little too frustrating but his ‘super smelling’ is incredibly interesting. The level of research and consequent detail that Mr Ardoin brings in relation to his fantastic sense is not to be under-estimated. It’s fascinating stuff that never stretches credulity and equal weight is given to the fact that this extraordinary talent is both a blessing and a curse.
Occasionally, Ceremony is overly preoccupied with laying the foundations for further cases; a few more backstory hints and/or personal details in respect of Becker and Woodhead would have been beneficial in the early stages of the novel. This is corrected as the book progresses and both characters become nicely developed and investable for future instalments. There are enough differences between them to spark conflict, but also the clear beginnings of a common bond.
The supporting cast are well-realised and, as with all good murder mysteries, each fall under suspicion at various stages as most are hiding something that may or may not be to do with the murder investigation. Controlling and sinister, Vivian Roundhouse, priest of the Agios Delphi organisation, was a particular standout and could have been utilised more.
The narrative gives the reader enough dead-ends and mini-reveals to keep the pages turning and there are a couple of side angles to provoke additional interest. The plot is neatly crafted, thoroughly believable and the pace never becomes too frantic; gripping but maintaining a steady, readable momentum.
Ceremony is an intelligently wrought, involving and accomplished thriller. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2021
Gripping Read
This new series by Paul Austin Ardoin is a definite winner. Darker and grittier than his Fenway Stevenson series, it features two very flawed protagonists, an on the brink of divorce and recently demoted Federal agent and a professor consultant with a supersnozz and few social services skills. I couldn't stop reading and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
This new series by Paul Austin Ardoin is a definite winner. Darker and grittier than his Fenway Stevenson series, it features two very flawed protagonists, an on the brink of divorce and recently demoted Federal agent and a professor consultant with a supersnozz and few social services skills. I couldn't stop reading and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
April 9, 2022
“Ceremony: Murders of Substance Book One”: introduces Bernadette Becker, a case analyst for the Controlled Substance Analysis Bureau who has recently run across some difficulties in both her professional and personal life. She’s assigned to a murder case that also happens to have a tie to a little-known illegal substance. She’s also assigned a co-investigator, Dr. Kep Woodhead, a celebrity forensic toxicologist with an unusual approach to investigation- using his sense of smell to enhance his observations.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The mystery of it was intriguing and the backgrounds of the main characters were alluded to in a way that left it interesting but also open for future stories. The pacing of the tale was good with occasional repeat of plot during the police procedural parts, but not enough to be frustrating. The full blog review can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this review in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The mystery of it was intriguing and the backgrounds of the main characters were alluded to in a way that left it interesting but also open for future stories. The pacing of the tale was good with occasional repeat of plot during the police procedural parts, but not enough to be frustrating. The full blog review can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this review in exchange of a fair and honest review.
August 7, 2021
Binge-worthy❣️You are hooked as soon as you start reading...
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please🐿️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please🐿️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
October 22, 2024
A fun read, likeable characters, plot good-ish. I would consider reading other books in the series.
July 17, 2024
Called to a crime scene in a chapel, newly demoted and newly divorced, Bernadette Becker must make the most of her last last chance as a federal investigator. Paired with an obnoxious toxicologist, Bernadette must wade through a labyrinth of motives to uncover the real reason for the murder of a grad student.
When a book holds my attention the way this one did, I know there's a good story with strong plotting and great character creation. And all this imaginative goodness kept me going even though lampreys are one of my least favourite things to think about - a fact I didn't realise until I was well into the story.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
When a book holds my attention the way this one did, I know there's a good story with strong plotting and great character creation. And all this imaginative goodness kept me going even though lampreys are one of my least favourite things to think about - a fact I didn't realise until I was well into the story.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 6, 2021
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This is the start of a new series by this author. In this story, Bernadette has been assigned to Dr. Woodhead as his Handler. They have been brought in by CASB to assist with the the death of an individual that has died of a "controlled substance". Dr. Woodhead consults with CASB because he has a sensitive sniffer and can detect things other individuals can't. In this instance, Bernadette has identified at leat 4 or 5 as possible suspects. As she and the Dr. interview these individuals, they start to narrow the list down. At the same time that this is occurring, more people are dying.
As they finally lay out a plan to identify the killer when they attend a death ceremony, another death occuurs and an individual disappears that they were protecting.
To discover what the controlled substance was and how it played into the story, who the suspects were and why they were on the list, what individuals were killed and finally who the killer was, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed and it looks like another winner for this author.
This is the start of a new series by this author. In this story, Bernadette has been assigned to Dr. Woodhead as his Handler. They have been brought in by CASB to assist with the the death of an individual that has died of a "controlled substance". Dr. Woodhead consults with CASB because he has a sensitive sniffer and can detect things other individuals can't. In this instance, Bernadette has identified at leat 4 or 5 as possible suspects. As she and the Dr. interview these individuals, they start to narrow the list down. At the same time that this is occurring, more people are dying.
As they finally lay out a plan to identify the killer when they attend a death ceremony, another death occuurs and an individual disappears that they were protecting.
To discover what the controlled substance was and how it played into the story, who the suspects were and why they were on the list, what individuals were killed and finally who the killer was, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed and it looks like another winner for this author.
August 14, 2021
Murders of people connected to development of a breakthrough cancer medicine - 5 stars
Two Federal investigators arrive in Milwaukee to determine how a potent drug was used to kill a researcher: Bernadette Becker is trying to restart her career while Kip Woodhead is trying to come to terms with what life has given him beyond a spectacularly keen sense of smell.
The interplay between hard-to-get-along-with characters is portrayed brilliantly. Each of the scientists, police people and religious sect believers comes up for consideration. The most outlandish expert, Kip, is able to detect odors but not able to connect with other people. Ms Becker keeps trying to stay focused while fending off insults from co-workers and calls from her teenaged daughter clamoring for attention.
The interplay of snowy, cold weather and people's feelings adds realism to the drama. After being presented with inconclusive evidence, the options are reviewed and possible solutions are discussed and discarded. You have to wait to get to the very end (98% of the book) to get the breakthrough. It's an adventure worth your while.
Two Federal investigators arrive in Milwaukee to determine how a potent drug was used to kill a researcher: Bernadette Becker is trying to restart her career while Kip Woodhead is trying to come to terms with what life has given him beyond a spectacularly keen sense of smell.
The interplay between hard-to-get-along-with characters is portrayed brilliantly. Each of the scientists, police people and religious sect believers comes up for consideration. The most outlandish expert, Kip, is able to detect odors but not able to connect with other people. Ms Becker keeps trying to stay focused while fending off insults from co-workers and calls from her teenaged daughter clamoring for attention.
The interplay of snowy, cold weather and people's feelings adds realism to the drama. After being presented with inconclusive evidence, the options are reviewed and possible solutions are discussed and discarded. You have to wait to get to the very end (98% of the book) to get the breakthrough. It's an adventure worth your while.
September 28, 2021
Too Much Information And Suspects And Too Little Evidence
When Bernadette Decker and Dr. Kep Woodhead get their case there is instant animosity. Bernadette has been demoted and is now partnered with Dr. Woodhead as his "keeper" of sorts. Their case is a murdered scientist moved to a chapel on a college campus, the meeting site of a cult-like religion, of which the deceased is a member. As the review title indicates there is no shortage of facts, though not evidence. The number of connected (possible) suspects is in the double digits but there's very little of what could be considered as evidence. What you do know is that the freshwater lab at the university is working on research with lampreys that may be the key to a cure for cancer. But will the money behind the research from different companies be the undoing of said research? Can Bernadette figure out how to manage the good doctor? And can Bernadette figure how to manage her anger about her demotion and focus on the case?
When Bernadette Decker and Dr. Kep Woodhead get their case there is instant animosity. Bernadette has been demoted and is now partnered with Dr. Woodhead as his "keeper" of sorts. Their case is a murdered scientist moved to a chapel on a college campus, the meeting site of a cult-like religion, of which the deceased is a member. As the review title indicates there is no shortage of facts, though not evidence. The number of connected (possible) suspects is in the double digits but there's very little of what could be considered as evidence. What you do know is that the freshwater lab at the university is working on research with lampreys that may be the key to a cure for cancer. But will the money behind the research from different companies be the undoing of said research? Can Bernadette figure out how to manage the good doctor? And can Bernadette figure how to manage her anger about her demotion and focus on the case?
July 19, 2022
I really love the Coroner series; this one is a little different for me and didn’t hold my interest as well. However, Ceremony aka The Winterstone Murder is an entertaining story with two new and interesting characters, Case Analyst Bernadette Becker and Investigative Consultant Dr. Kep Woodhead, sniffer extraordinaire. The murder mystery is nicely complex with a few fairly obvious clues and lots of red herrings.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
August 17, 2021
I was worried I wouldn't like the new character as much as I had like Fenway Stevenson in the previous series, but I loved Bernadette! She had a bad spot in her career and ended up being the handler for an agent with a super-sensitive nose who is able to smell certain aspects of crime. They are investigating a murder at a college, which turns into even more murders. A page-turning book that delivered the reading I've come to expect from this author. I look forward to the next in the series!
August 17, 2021
It was a great book.
Who killed Kymer and why? Was it related to his religious sect? His co-workers at the research institute? The protesters? Big Pharma?
There's the investigator who examines the scene for odours - that's his specialty - AND his legal liaison partner - recently divorced, recently demoted, and the latest agent unhappy to be working with the Superschnozz.
Well developed story
Who killed Kymer and why? Was it related to his religious sect? His co-workers at the research institute? The protesters? Big Pharma?
There's the investigator who examines the scene for odours - that's his specialty - AND his legal liaison partner - recently divorced, recently demoted, and the latest agent unhappy to be working with the Superschnozz.
Well developed story
September 7, 2021
3.5 Stars
Ceremony, the first book in this new series, is sure to catch your attention. There are lots of twists and turns, and it won’t be long before you’re sniffing out clues along with one of the two leading characters in this book.
Dr. Kep Woodhead and Bernadette Becker are assigned the poisoning case of a graduate student found dead in a 15th-century chapel. Oddly, there is a needle sticking out of his arm and the body seems to be staged. But will these two investigators with some skeletons in their past be able to follow the leads?
Here’s where the unconventional Dr. Woodhead steps in. His extraordinary sense of smell helps him sniff out information that’s crucial to solving cases. His female partner, Bernadette, is extraordinarily good at analyzing clues. However, there are times she finds herself needing to keep an eye on Dr. Woodhead, who occasionally runs rogue.
I liked that the novel started with action that quickly drew me in. Almost immediately the major characters were introduced, as well as a portion of their background. We learn that Bernadette Becker was recently demoted from Federal Agent. Dr. Kep Woodhead, on the other hand, seems to display unique behaviors and has something from the past bothering him.
It’s a good start to a promising new series.
My Concerns
Though this book was made up of lots of dialogue, it was weaved into the story seamlessly and didn’t distract with what normally bothers me: he said, she said, she said with a laugh, etc. What did concern me, however, was the lack of descriptions, since weaving both dialogue and descriptions can make a story easier to visualize.
I also wish Dr. Woodhead had come across as more unique, even humorous. Especially if he wasn’t aware of his, at times faux pas. I kept thinking of Adrian Monk or even Barney Fife (yes, you’ll have to pull up some old reruns). He just didn’t impress me to the degree I felt he could.
Final Thoughts
This is a series that, for the most part, worked for me. It certainly kept me turning pages and guessing, and it all came together in a satisfying conclusion.
Personally, I wouldn’t call this story suspenseful or a thriller, but rather an intriguing whodunit murder mystery. One that was interesting enough, and left just the right amount of unfinished business, to have me sniffing out the next book in this series!
My thanks to RABT Book Tours and the author for an ebook and the ability to post an honest opinion.
Ceremony, the first book in this new series, is sure to catch your attention. There are lots of twists and turns, and it won’t be long before you’re sniffing out clues along with one of the two leading characters in this book.
Dr. Kep Woodhead and Bernadette Becker are assigned the poisoning case of a graduate student found dead in a 15th-century chapel. Oddly, there is a needle sticking out of his arm and the body seems to be staged. But will these two investigators with some skeletons in their past be able to follow the leads?
Here’s where the unconventional Dr. Woodhead steps in. His extraordinary sense of smell helps him sniff out information that’s crucial to solving cases. His female partner, Bernadette, is extraordinarily good at analyzing clues. However, there are times she finds herself needing to keep an eye on Dr. Woodhead, who occasionally runs rogue.
I liked that the novel started with action that quickly drew me in. Almost immediately the major characters were introduced, as well as a portion of their background. We learn that Bernadette Becker was recently demoted from Federal Agent. Dr. Kep Woodhead, on the other hand, seems to display unique behaviors and has something from the past bothering him.
It’s a good start to a promising new series.
My Concerns
Though this book was made up of lots of dialogue, it was weaved into the story seamlessly and didn’t distract with what normally bothers me: he said, she said, she said with a laugh, etc. What did concern me, however, was the lack of descriptions, since weaving both dialogue and descriptions can make a story easier to visualize.
I also wish Dr. Woodhead had come across as more unique, even humorous. Especially if he wasn’t aware of his, at times faux pas. I kept thinking of Adrian Monk or even Barney Fife (yes, you’ll have to pull up some old reruns). He just didn’t impress me to the degree I felt he could.
Final Thoughts
This is a series that, for the most part, worked for me. It certainly kept me turning pages and guessing, and it all came together in a satisfying conclusion.
Personally, I wouldn’t call this story suspenseful or a thriller, but rather an intriguing whodunit murder mystery. One that was interesting enough, and left just the right amount of unfinished business, to have me sniffing out the next book in this series!
My thanks to RABT Book Tours and the author for an ebook and the ability to post an honest opinion.
June 2, 2025
I loved Paul Austin Ardoin’s series about the Coroner so I was excited to obtain “The Winterstone Murder”. Mr Ardoin is an excellent writer. His stories are fast-paced with great characters and the plots are well-researched and intriguing. His research about Professor Woodhead, one of the main character’s abilities, was interesting and detailed. Bernadette Becker, a case analyst for the Controlled Substance Analysis Bureau, was a mentor for Kep Woodhead, and they needed to combine their talents to solve the murder of a graduate student. All the characters were believable and there were many suspects, more murders, and twists and turns in the plot.
The story involved Kep’s incredible sense of smell, a suspected religious group, a research laboratory and the breeding of lampreys for the possible cure for cancer.
I was disappointed at the cliffhanger ending because it is unfair to entice the reader to purchase the next in the series. If the book is one you cannot put down, you will purchase the next one and you will not need a cliffhanger. Of course, I purchased the next book and would recommend this series to fans of mysteries.
The story involved Kep’s incredible sense of smell, a suspected religious group, a research laboratory and the breeding of lampreys for the possible cure for cancer.
I was disappointed at the cliffhanger ending because it is unfair to entice the reader to purchase the next in the series. If the book is one you cannot put down, you will purchase the next one and you will not need a cliffhanger. Of course, I purchased the next book and would recommend this series to fans of mysteries.
August 9, 2021
While Ceremony is certainly interesting and the subject matter very unusual, I found myself struggling at times to keep up with the investigation and the various characters. It would have helped to have the cast of characters at the front of the book instead of after the final chapter.
The main character, Bernadette, is an angst ridden mother and case analyst, who is struggling to maintain her career in the midst of an acrimonious divorce. Her counterpoint, Kep, is a marvelously drawn character with an overly developed nose, his claim to fame and his career. Together the two form a mismatched partnership that often seems to take one step forward and two backward in their quest to find the killer.
Ardoin, as always, kept me fascinated with his attention to detail, and following a fascinating plot in reference to Lampreys’ (disgusting fish?) livers and the cure for lung cancer. But his characters are strong and kept my interest. I will definitely read more!
The main character, Bernadette, is an angst ridden mother and case analyst, who is struggling to maintain her career in the midst of an acrimonious divorce. Her counterpoint, Kep, is a marvelously drawn character with an overly developed nose, his claim to fame and his career. Together the two form a mismatched partnership that often seems to take one step forward and two backward in their quest to find the killer.
Ardoin, as always, kept me fascinated with his attention to detail, and following a fascinating plot in reference to Lampreys’ (disgusting fish?) livers and the cure for lung cancer. But his characters are strong and kept my interest. I will definitely read more!
August 16, 2021
An odd pairing on edge to oddly solve crime…
An interesting interplay between investigative partners – each with much on the line. Will they adapt and stay the course? This is the first of a new series with intriguing characters with keen skill sets utilized to solve crimes. A staged murder scene leads to several suspects and a more involved plot that will hold your interest and keep you guessing. If you think that you have figured it out, the real question is, “what was the motive?”. Different turns of events move the action forward. As the reading progresses, we learn more and more of the background story of the lead characters. I feel this is a good beginning to more mysteries to come with a challenging duo to embark on their trail while thoroughly entertaining the reader…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
An interesting interplay between investigative partners – each with much on the line. Will they adapt and stay the course? This is the first of a new series with intriguing characters with keen skill sets utilized to solve crimes. A staged murder scene leads to several suspects and a more involved plot that will hold your interest and keep you guessing. If you think that you have figured it out, the real question is, “what was the motive?”. Different turns of events move the action forward. As the reading progresses, we learn more and more of the background story of the lead characters. I feel this is a good beginning to more mysteries to come with a challenging duo to embark on their trail while thoroughly entertaining the reader…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 28, 2021
Great start to a new series with all the essential elements of a wonderfully written murder mystery. I must admit (in a good way) that since I've read other books by this author (and if you haven't, you should too), I went into this book with expectations of enjoying it, and I was not let down. No spoilers, just know that it grabs your attention from the beginning and makes it hard to find a stopping place because you just want to keep reading a little bit more! Dark and gritty in content but with believable characters which make the story even more appealing, with interesting baggage which just adds to a great story. Twists and turns as the protagonists search for a killer among a laundry list of suspects. All this and more lead up to a satisfying ending that will surprise you! Completely recommend this book!
May 19, 2024
Bernadette Becker, an analyst with the U.S. Controlled Substance Analysis Bureau, is sent to Milwaukee for a murder case where the weapon is an illegal drug. The victim, Kymer Thompson, is a science graduate student and an active member of an unusual religious sect. Becker works with Dr. Kep Woodhead, an investigator known for his keen sense of smell and his inability to get along with others, to try to sniff out a motive and murderer. Since Thompson's body has been placed in a chapel on campus, it's not clear if the murder is related to his research, his religion, or both.
This novel has a distinctive setting, plot, and characters. There's just one tired cliche--Becker is yet one more fictional detective whose marriage has broken up.
This novel has a distinctive setting, plot, and characters. There's just one tired cliche--Becker is yet one more fictional detective whose marriage has broken up.
August 5, 2021
Paul Austin Ardoin has done it again! The first book in the Murders of Substance series has wonderful characters, just as good as the main character in the Fenway Stevenson books. The two main investigators in Ceremony are smart, quirky, and interesting. I’m thrilled to have had an opportunity to meet them. The other characters were also interesting, even if they are not as quirky. There are more than a couple of victims and even more possible suspects and motives. I recommend this book to all readers/sleuths. It is a fun read that will keep you guessing!
I read Ceremony as an Advanced Review Copy. This review is written voluntarily.
I read Ceremony as an Advanced Review Copy. This review is written voluntarily.
August 19, 2021
This book is a brilliant start to a new series. The first few chapters were a slow build where I got an insight into the main characters. But from then on the plot to discover the murderer was fast paced with intriguing and unexpected twists which made the book difficult to put down. Loved the surprise at the very end which obviously will lead into the next book of this series.
I can never fathom how an author can work out such a complicated plot in their mind and turn it into a brilliant book for us readers.
Thoroughly recommend this book and looking forward to the next in the series as well as the next Fenway story.
I can never fathom how an author can work out such a complicated plot in their mind and turn it into a brilliant book for us readers.
Thoroughly recommend this book and looking forward to the next in the series as well as the next Fenway story.
February 13, 2025
The Winterstone Murder (previously published as "Ceremony") is a well written, attention holding book with developed characters, making for on intense, nonstop action book. I found it hard to put down.
Bernadette ("don't call me Bernie") Becker has been demoted to a case analyst whose main responsibility is to work with/babysit Kep Woodhead from disappearing while working on cases. Kep has a unique talent as far as discovering different pieces of cases.
How they go about resolving the case that brought them together was inventive, intriguing and interesting.
A very solid book in my opinion.
Bernadette ("don't call me Bernie") Becker has been demoted to a case analyst whose main responsibility is to work with/babysit Kep Woodhead from disappearing while working on cases. Kep has a unique talent as far as discovering different pieces of cases.
How they go about resolving the case that brought them together was inventive, intriguing and interesting.
A very solid book in my opinion.
August 8, 2021
CEREMONY jumps right into the story and grabs your attention immediately. With a new and extremely interesting cast of characters in this first of a series, the author of the Fenway Stevenson Mysteries hits another home run. Knowing there are more to come makes me quite happy and ready to take them on. Every spare moment I had was spent reading this one. Well written, with straight up smooth story telling. Definite two thumbs up.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.
August 14, 2021
Great series starter! Ardoin is a master at creating fascinating characters and relationships, introducing a brand-new world, and orchestrating a compelling mystery.
Bernadette Becker is likeably flawed and struggles to find balance as an almost-divorced single working mother. Dr. Woodhead is a humorously frustrating blend of Sheldon Cooper and Temperance Brennan - brilliant, but socially inept.
The mystery itself was rooted in factual events and meticulously researched so that every step was incontrovertibly believable.
I am eager to see where the series goes from here!
Bernadette Becker is likeably flawed and struggles to find balance as an almost-divorced single working mother. Dr. Woodhead is a humorously frustrating blend of Sheldon Cooper and Temperance Brennan - brilliant, but socially inept.
The mystery itself was rooted in factual events and meticulously researched so that every step was incontrovertibly believable.
I am eager to see where the series goes from here!
October 27, 2023
I was going to rate this book with three stars but I went back and checked the bookmarks magazine and it states that two star books should be approached with caution and that certainly applies to this one. The main protagonist had a job title that didn’t mesh with what she was doing and even I was able to figure out who the guilty party was long before the characters in the story. It wasn’t terrible and I didn’t quit, just wanted to be done with it and move on to another book that was almost certainly going to be more interesting.
May 2, 2024
Predictable
This book is filled with dialog that didn't seem all that necessary. The characters we shallow and didn't relate well as a team. The academic research made at least a reason for the narrative. Overall the story took on a "Nancy Drew" flare.
Outside my above description, the tale was worth reading to kill some time which made the book a three star. I'm not really sure how the ancient religious aspects and the Winterstone added any value to the story much less the "high priestess."
After you read the story, compare my thoughts with yours.
Farewell for now
This book is filled with dialog that didn't seem all that necessary. The characters we shallow and didn't relate well as a team. The academic research made at least a reason for the narrative. Overall the story took on a "Nancy Drew" flare.
Outside my above description, the tale was worth reading to kill some time which made the book a three star. I'm not really sure how the ancient religious aspects and the Winterstone added any value to the story much less the "high priestess."
After you read the story, compare my thoughts with yours.
Farewell for now
September 4, 2024
I'm surprised at the positive reviews for this book. This is the first book by this author that I've attempted to read, and I was disappointed. The dialog is terribly tedious and never rings true. The characters are poorly developed and unconvincing. Much of the dialog seems pointless, and contributes nothing to advancing the plot.
The basic plot has some promise, but it's sabotaged by the plodding, amateurish writing. I hate to abandon a book, but I finally gave up about two-thirds of the way through.
The basic plot has some promise, but it's sabotaged by the plodding, amateurish writing. I hate to abandon a book, but I finally gave up about two-thirds of the way through.
August 26, 2021
BERNADETTE IS A KICK ASS WOMAN, THE KIND YOU’D WANT TO BE AROUND IF THERES ANY TROUBLE. KEP IS AMAZING, CAN’T CALL HIM A BLOODHOUND CAUSE I THINK HE’S EVEN BETTER THAN THAT. HE MAY BE EXCELLENT AT WHAT HE DOES BUT HE CAN BE A BUTTHOLE. I’VE READ OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR AND LOVE HOW HE HAS VARIOUS KINDS OF UNSUAL CHARACTERS IN HIS BOOKS (Fenway series). HIS CHARACTERS ARE UNLIKELY PARTNERS AND DON’T SEEM AS IF THEY BELONG TOGETHER, BUT IT WORKS. ;D
September 21, 2021
A twisty case!
Some good characters emerging, a plot of many elements and a villain that I predicted - the corporate why, was obvious, the villain's why, was not.
The police seemed to be chasing the wrong leads for most of this book, I thought that by the half way point, it had become obvious.
I'm not warming to the lead characters, just yet but more books in this series may turn that around.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Some good characters emerging, a plot of many elements and a villain that I predicted - the corporate why, was obvious, the villain's why, was not.
The police seemed to be chasing the wrong leads for most of this book, I thought that by the half way point, it had become obvious.
I'm not warming to the lead characters, just yet but more books in this series may turn that around.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 30, 2021
This story captured my attention from the beginning and never let go. I loved how the mystery pulls in the many people around the main characters. There are a lot of secondary characters who stood out to me.
A definite page-turner. The writer set his hook fairly early and was reeling me in early on.
I found the main characters quite likable, the predicaments less than predictable, and the story in general quite exciting.
A definite page-turner. The writer set his hook fairly early and was reeling me in early on.
I found the main characters quite likable, the predicaments less than predictable, and the story in general quite exciting.
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