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The Paint Slinging Sleuth
My Colorful Conundrum
A Magical Mystery with Imaginary Sidekicks Come to Life
Following a freak electrical storm, Lisa Lewis’s vibrant paintings of fairytale creatures have started coming to life. Unfortunately, only she can see and communicate with them. And when her mentor turns up dead, this aspiring artist must turn amateur sleuth to clear her name and save the day with only these “pigments” of her imagination to help her.
Following a freak electrical storm, Lisa Lewis’s vibrant paintings of fairytale creatures have started coming to life. Unfortunately, only she can see and communicate with them. And when her mentor turns up dead, this aspiring artist must turn amateur sleuth to clear her name and save the day with only these “pigments” of her imagination to help her.
- GenresParanormalMystery
244 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2021
40 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Molly Fitz
68 books2,047 followersMolly Fitz is the quirky, cozy mystery pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Storm. And while she can't technically talk to animals, she and her doggie best friend, Sky Princess, have deep and very animated conversations as they navigate their days. Add to that, five more dogs, a snarky feline, comedian husband, and diva daughter, and you can pretty much imagine how life looks in the Casa de Fitz.
Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.
Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 12, 2021
I enjoyed this cute mystery. I think this book is aimed at the younger reader, with all it cuteness but I still enjoyed it. The author continues to come up with new, quirky and interesting plot ideas, backed up with cute loveable characters. The mystery was good, it was obviously who the killer was right from the start but I was hooked and kept reading until the end. I think just to see what the pandacoons were going to get up to next. I think this is going to be a fun and colourful mystery that you can escape from reality with for a few hours and solve a mystery.
Lisa is upset that her mentor didn't help her get the internship she wanted and she might have accidentally sent her a nasty email. But when purple lightning hits her and she wakes up with no memory of what happened, She is certain she never went anywhere near the college or the dead art professor. The problem, is Lisa likes to draw imaginary creatures and the purple light caused something strange to happen and the purple paw prints are all over the crime scene. No body else can see the two pandacoons and with them being the only witness to the murder, it is up to Lisa to find the killer. Or she could end up either behind bars or in a striaght jacket.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
Lisa is upset that her mentor didn't help her get the internship she wanted and she might have accidentally sent her a nasty email. But when purple lightning hits her and she wakes up with no memory of what happened, She is certain she never went anywhere near the college or the dead art professor. The problem, is Lisa likes to draw imaginary creatures and the purple light caused something strange to happen and the purple paw prints are all over the crime scene. No body else can see the two pandacoons and with them being the only witness to the murder, it is up to Lisa to find the killer. Or she could end up either behind bars or in a striaght jacket.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
August 26, 2021
MY COLORFUL CONUNDRUM is the first book in the Paint-Slinging Sleuth series. These will need to be read in the order of release.
This was a fun, colorful, cute, and quirky cozy mystery that could be enjoyed as a family read. I absolutely loved the pandacoons and there was even mention of a catacorn. Purple lightning, colorful animals, and eccentric art majors brought me back to my own university days (even though I was a staid math major). It was fun living Lisa’s life with her bohemian landladies as they all adjusted to her new magic in stride.
I loved this story and I’m looking forward to more hijinks and colorful imaginative creatures as Lisa and an unexpected friend solve more cozy mysteries in the future.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: MY COLORFUL CONUNDRUM
Series: Paint-Slinging Sleuth #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused .
Received from: Melissa Storm
This was a fun, colorful, cute, and quirky cozy mystery that could be enjoyed as a family read. I absolutely loved the pandacoons and there was even mention of a catacorn. Purple lightning, colorful animals, and eccentric art majors brought me back to my own university days (even though I was a staid math major). It was fun living Lisa’s life with her bohemian landladies as they all adjusted to her new magic in stride.
I loved this story and I’m looking forward to more hijinks and colorful imaginative creatures as Lisa and an unexpected friend solve more cozy mysteries in the future.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: MY COLORFUL CONUNDRUM
Series: Paint-Slinging Sleuth #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused .
Received from: Melissa Storm
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August 9, 2021While magic and the paranormal aren’t my usual reads, this one caught my eye! And I have to say it’s quite unique! Artist Lisa Lewis is in her senior year at college about to graduate and is waiting to hear about an internships she applied for. She’s on her rooftop putting finishing touches on her final piece when she’s struck by purple lightning(yes, purple) and somehow the colorful pandacoons she painted, come to life! I said it was unique and is definitely whimsical! When her art professor is murdered, she and the pandacoons begin the process of trying to figure out the murderer, to get suspicion off of Lisa. Lisa is quite likable but her pandacoons are delightful (even though no one else can see them)! A fun, light mystery to read! I received an ARC from the author and write this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2021
"Sometimes I felt like I was the only straight man in a world full of clowns."
When you were a kid did you ever dream that you could create something that you could wish into life? That might be the basis for Lisa Lewis, a gifted art student about to graduate from Pembroke College new ability after being struck by lightning during a storm. Now what can she do?
On top of this, her mentor has been killed and she's a suspect! Can the pandacoons help her figure it out before she gets a jail cell instead of an internship?
Take a bit of dreamer, add an animal lover with a great sense of style and humor who must have grown up hooked on mysteries and a very colorful world view and you have Molly Fitz, who along with Linnie Rose has introduced us to a quirky artist detective that will fit in well with the rest of the characters in the Whiskered Mystery family. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
When you were a kid did you ever dream that you could create something that you could wish into life? That might be the basis for Lisa Lewis, a gifted art student about to graduate from Pembroke College new ability after being struck by lightning during a storm. Now what can she do?
On top of this, her mentor has been killed and she's a suspect! Can the pandacoons help her figure it out before she gets a jail cell instead of an internship?
Take a bit of dreamer, add an animal lover with a great sense of style and humor who must have grown up hooked on mysteries and a very colorful world view and you have Molly Fitz, who along with Linnie Rose has introduced us to a quirky artist detective that will fit in well with the rest of the characters in the Whiskered Mystery family. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
August 13, 2021
Lisa is an art student about to graduate. While painting on the roof of her building one night, Lisa is struck by purple lightning and the creatures she painted have come to life although she's the only one who can see them. When her art school mentor is found dead, Lisa is questioned and it's looking like she may be the prime suspect. Can she and her new companions find the real killer?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review. First in a new series, this quick, fun book was well-written with engaging characters. This quirky, imaginative read captured my attention from start to finish. Full of everything a cozy needs, this book's a must-read for cozy lovers especially those who love a paranormal twist and touch of magic in their books. I'm really looking forward to a second book and highly recommend this one.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review. First in a new series, this quick, fun book was well-written with engaging characters. This quirky, imaginative read captured my attention from start to finish. Full of everything a cozy needs, this book's a must-read for cozy lovers especially those who love a paranormal twist and touch of magic in their books. I'm really looking forward to a second book and highly recommend this one.
August 12, 2021
MY COLORFUL CONUNDRUM by Molly Fitz is a fast, light read that brings some fun and humor into our lives and is suitable for the whole family. If you enjoy good and cute murder mysteries, you'll enjoy this one.
Lisa is devastated to learn she didn't receive the art internship she worked so hard for. Deciding to finish her last class project, she retreats to her building's roof and starts painting. She is soon struck by purple lightening and wakes up to find the Pandacoons she just painted are alive and talking. When a murder happens, Lisa's pandacoons help her solve the murder.
While this story may lack depth or a strong plot, you are sure to be smiling all the way through.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. This is my freely given and honest review.
Lisa is devastated to learn she didn't receive the art internship she worked so hard for. Deciding to finish her last class project, she retreats to her building's roof and starts painting. She is soon struck by purple lightening and wakes up to find the Pandacoons she just painted are alive and talking. When a murder happens, Lisa's pandacoons help her solve the murder.
While this story may lack depth or a strong plot, you are sure to be smiling all the way through.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. This is my freely given and honest review.
April 6, 2022
Fun, quick read. Art student Lisa Lewis is turned down for an internship with the Modern Art Studios that she was promised by her professor and mentor that she would win. When she is struck by a flash of purple lightening, the wimsical pandacoons in her paintings come to life.
When Lisa's favourite professor is murdered in her office, Lisa is suspected. She and the pandacoons set out to find the real killer and why she did not get the internship she was told she had in the bag.
She quickly solves the issue of the internship and becomes friends with the girl who tried to steal the position from her, Cassy Reed, when she is forced to reveal her secret about the pandacoons. It doesn't hurt that Cassy's father is the police chief and her godfather is head of security on campus.
When Lisa's favourite professor is murdered in her office, Lisa is suspected. She and the pandacoons set out to find the real killer and why she did not get the internship she was told she had in the bag.
She quickly solves the issue of the internship and becomes friends with the girl who tried to steal the position from her, Cassy Reed, when she is forced to reveal her secret about the pandacoons. It doesn't hurt that Cassy's father is the police chief and her godfather is head of security on campus.
August 12, 2021
Lisa Lewis is an art student hoping for an internship which will extend her stay at school and keep her away from her parents’ accounting firm. She lives above a bookstore that she works at parttime. She paints whimsical paintings which include colorful combo animals. One night while outside painting she paints a pair of purple pandacoons while she’s sees purple lightning strike close by. When she awakes, the pandacoons have come to life. They are able to become welcome companions in solving the murder of Lisa’s art mentor while being generally annoying.
This was a fun mystery with great possibilities for more stories. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
This was a fun mystery with great possibilities for more stories. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
August 19, 2021
This is a delightfully zany story about an art student who is hit by purple lightning. Then all her characters jump out of her paintings. They are rancoons and can they ever get in trouble. Of course she is the only one who can see and speak to them (except her cat who is none too pleased!)
Her college mentor is found murdered and Lisa and rancoons go about finding out who did it. They really were quite helpful. All the characters are lovable and quirky-about what you would expect from one of Molly Fitz books!
This is a light and airy book, even though it is a murder mystery--you are going to laugh-no doubt in my mind.
Her college mentor is found murdered and Lisa and rancoons go about finding out who did it. They really were quite helpful. All the characters are lovable and quirky-about what you would expect from one of Molly Fitz books!
This is a light and airy book, even though it is a murder mystery--you are going to laugh-no doubt in my mind.
January 26, 2023
My Colorful Conundrum by Molly Fitz is a quirky, unique, cozy mystery that will bring a smile to your face every page that you read. I loved the pandacoons painting that came to life after Lisa was struck by purple lightening! Can Lisa solve the murder mystery of her mentor before she gets locked up in a mental hospital for seemingly talking to herself and acting strange?
This is such a different premise for a story and I loved reading it. It is sure to please and entertain young and old alike. I received an advance reader copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. I highly recommend this one.
This is such a different premise for a story and I loved reading it. It is sure to please and entertain young and old alike. I received an advance reader copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. I highly recommend this one.
August 12, 2021
I want a pandacoon. Lisa has a lot of talent and paints very colorful pictures. She almost has her degree and is waiting to hear about an internship. As she is doing a painting for her final, she is struck by purple lightening. When she wakes up, the pandacoons in her painting are gone. When she gets to the school, her mentor has been murdered, she is accused of the murder and her pandacoons have been locked in a closet. It's a lot for a girl to deal with. Can she find the murderer and clear her name before her graduation? What will she do if she can't?
August 13, 2021
I kind of don’t even know what I just read, but it was so much fun. This book has a cuteness overload designed specifically for the young at heart and mixed with that are a couple of interlacing mysteries. While I didn’t think their solutions were a great surprise, the way they tied together made me keep reading to see what wholly unbelievable thing would happen next. I have no idea what the authors have in store for Lisa in the future, but I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
August 14, 2021
This is mystery for younger people like tweens or teens, some adults may like it.
Lisa is a senior in college. She gets struck by purple lightening. Then the things she draws comes to life. Her professor is murdered and she is a suspect.
Can her pandacoons and her figure out who the real killer is? Grab the book to find out.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Lisa is a senior in college. She gets struck by purple lightening. Then the things she draws comes to life. Her professor is murdered and she is a suspect.
Can her pandacoons and her figure out who the real killer is? Grab the book to find out.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
August 15, 2021
Molly Fitz (aka Melissa Storm) has one of the most colorful, creative, outlandish imaginations of any of the authors whose works I have read. “My Colorful Conundrum” is a crazy, sweet, humorous and at times tense murder mystery. The characters range from kooky to artsy to mean to cute and cuddly and they blend beautifully to make an almost believable story!
I received a free copy of this book for my voluntary, honest review. This book is a delightful read from start to finish and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book for my voluntary, honest review. This book is a delightful read from start to finish and I look forward to the next book in this series.
August 16, 2021
Murder, Mysteries and Pandacorns oh my
A brilliant new series by Molly Fitzgerald and Linnie Rose. I wasn't able to put it put. Lisa world has been turned upside down first she doesn't get the internship she was expecting, then a magical bolt of purple lightning causes the creatures in her paintings to come to life. To top it of her mentor has been murdered and she's suspected number one. Can she and her new magical friends find the real killer before some else goes wrong. Can't wait for the next book
A brilliant new series by Molly Fitzgerald and Linnie Rose. I wasn't able to put it put. Lisa world has been turned upside down first she doesn't get the internship she was expecting, then a magical bolt of purple lightning causes the creatures in her paintings to come to life. To top it of her mentor has been murdered and she's suspected number one. Can she and her new magical friends find the real killer before some else goes wrong. Can't wait for the next book
August 10, 2021
My Colorful Conundrum is a vivid, over the top, mystical cozy mystery. I love the ouns and alliterations! I enjoy reading something where the authors had so much fun with language. This is also a well written mystery (although I did figure out most of it) with interesting characters. Suspend reality and enter this new world. You just may enjoy it more than you think. I am looking forward to book two!
August 13, 2021
I absolutely loved this new book! It is very funny: being struck by purple lightning, unusual animals in a painting that come to life & murder. What more can you ask for? Just one thing for me: I want a "Pandacoon"!!! The ending is not a cliffhanger but the way the story ends I can't wait for the next adventure. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary opinion.
August 16, 2021
Cuteness overload!
I love quirky stories, quirky characters, quirky ideas. And this book certainly has that! I love the lighthearted tone, and this book is certainly also suited for younger readers. Hey, I’m young at heart, so I really enjoyed it! Well written and such fun! And now my goal in life is to have my own pandacoon LOL! This is just the beginning… and I can’t wait to read more!
I love quirky stories, quirky characters, quirky ideas. And this book certainly has that! I love the lighthearted tone, and this book is certainly also suited for younger readers. Hey, I’m young at heart, so I really enjoyed it! Well written and such fun! And now my goal in life is to have my own pandacoon LOL! This is just the beginning… and I can’t wait to read more!
September 18, 2021
Another new favorite!
I love this new series and can't wait to read more. I fell in love with the Pet Whisperer books and didn't think Molly could write a book as cute Octo Cat. But, oh my goodness, Pandacoons!!! Molly makes her characters come alive and a whole new creature is hard to believe in but she makes it work.
I love this new series and can't wait to read more. I fell in love with the Pet Whisperer books and didn't think Molly could write a book as cute Octo Cat. But, oh my goodness, Pandacoons!!! Molly makes her characters come alive and a whole new creature is hard to believe in but she makes it work.
August 9, 2021
Uniquely weird with an intriguing side of suspense. An entertaining blend of over the top and unpredictable madness. My Colorful Conundrum uses paranormal and mystery to entrance the mind and heart. Lewis and company dares to be different and that's what is the most captivating of all.
August 12, 2021
This is definitely a different type of book. I recalled loved it because it was totally different than anything I had read before. A purple lightening storm causes Lisa’s art to come to life. Her fantasy creatures, pandacoons help her solve the mystery of her murdered professor.
August 12, 2021
Great story with a mystery to solve that blends nicely with a while host of quirky characters and unique magical creatures. I love the way that Lisa got her powers and has to grow into them while solving a murder at the same time.
August 13, 2021
That was awesome. I loved the story. Of course it had a mystery with some danger and a lot of fun with some mystical creatures. Also made a new friend. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 15, 2021
What an amazing start to this series! I totally fell in love with these characters. I was so sad that it ended…plus the ending had me shedding a few tears too. I can’t wait to read more about Lisa, Cassy, George, Axel and Oscar! Plus LouLou and Gigi, those are funny sisters!
August 18, 2021
This is A fun magical mystery! Hooked from the very start this exciting story is entertaining and I love the way the paintings come to life! Add in some murder, suspense and awesome characters and you have a fantastic read!
August 23, 2021
Cute cozy
I liked the premise of the cozy. I felt the execution was a bit lackluster. The mystery itself was not bad. Some of the characters were too simplistic and childish. I liked the pandacoons. Overall quick and easy but I am not sure I would read more in the series.
I liked the premise of the cozy. I felt the execution was a bit lackluster. The mystery itself was not bad. Some of the characters were too simplistic and childish. I liked the pandacoons. Overall quick and easy but I am not sure I would read more in the series.
August 24, 2021
A quirky artist and some panda ions
A young artist is struck by lightening and the magical creatures begin to step out of her paintings. She is accused of murder and scrambles to prove her innocence. A very entertaining mystery, can’t wait for the next in series.
A young artist is struck by lightening and the magical creatures begin to step out of her paintings. She is accused of murder and scrambles to prove her innocence. A very entertaining mystery, can’t wait for the next in series.
August 10, 2021
I love this book,it was well written and, with brilliant characters.
I would tell everyone to read and buy this book.
I give this book 5 stars.
I would tell everyone to read and buy this book.
I give this book 5 stars.
August 12, 2021
I absolutely loved this story once again. A sleuth that has you wanting to help out if you could. I definitely can’t wait for the next.
August 13, 2021
This was an entertaining book. It was a cute, quirky, quick read. I enjoyed this book and would read more books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews