Loch Ness Murder

by Michele Pariza Wacek

Redemption wouldn’t be Redemption without something weird going on in one of its lakes.

In this case, residents are torn between it being a Loch Ness Monster (named “Locky”) or some other water-based supernatural creature.

So, to set the record straight, two scientists come to investigate.

But then one of them is found dead.

Specifically, drowned.

In the lake.

There are teeth marks on the body … and they appear to be from an actual Loch Ness Monster.

Charlie has no choice but to dive headfirst into this investigation, before another victim surfaces.

Meet Charlie. Better known as “Aunt Charlie” from the award-winning Secrets of Redemption series. She's back, making teas and solving cases in this funny, twisty, cozy mystery series set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Novella, Ebooks

92 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2022

About the author

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They're clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn't enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet cozy mystery that can be read in two hours top. Does it have to do with Loch Ness monster? No. And this can be misleading for someone who wants to actually read about Loch Ness. I myself didn't mind and I enjoyed it quite much.

[Jann Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, twist-filled mystery with heart, humor, and just enough monster lore to keep you guessing. Pour yourself a cup of tea and dive in—just maybe not into the lake.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

out on September 21, 2022. two-hour mystery, thriller & suspense short reads. two-hour literature & fiction short reads. amateur sleuth mysteries. i will say that there are multiple people with similar names ...author wise ...hope i am following the right person??! lol!! new to this author. will hope to read more from her soon. check this one out! read through my local library leaning program. fun times. read on. laters.

[Lauren Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a short book that it left me wanting more. It's a murder mystery that could easily have thrown in a romantic aspect. it was far too short and felt a little rushed but was really good. Could have even thrown in a nice mystery twist at the end, where she sees a glowing pair of eyes that disappear under the water when she gets close.

[Michele Wacek]

Redemption wouldn’t be Redemption without something weird going on in one of its lakes.

A Charlie Kingsley cozy mystery novella. Available on audio, ebook and paperback on all major retailers.

https://mpwnovels.com/book/loch-ness-...

[Cidney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Charlie Kingsley runs an inn in Redemption, Wisconsin, which is probably why I got confused, because I was thinking this book sounds odd, the Loch Ness monster turning up in some other lake called Angel Lake? I thought it was set in Scotland but the language should have given it away, clearly I was not on the ball from the start.

Anyway this is a tale of two mismatched scientists coming to stay at the inn because they were gathering the final bit of evidence for the Loch Ness monster, I think they called it the Lake Angel monster, as they were writing some great paper which would put both their names on the map. Until they both go out in a boat in the dark (would they see the monster in the dark, was he in dayglo colours?), and one of them turns up on the shoreline, or rock line with concussion and the other is not in the boat. Now I don't know anything about lochs or rather lakes in America but am sure they wouldn't have massive waves toppling boats, ours are quite calm really. So the hunt begins for the missing man, who finally turns up in the water, with bite marks on his body looking like a hungry monster fancied him for dinner, a few days later. Then Charlie Kingsley, remember the owner of the inn, decides to look into the mystery of why the man fell out of the boat, why were they out in the dark, why was his fellow scientist now saying he isn't going to publish their findings (because the whole reason they came there in the first place was to get the final figures they needed for their paper), and a whole lot more reasons she could think of, bites being another of those.

The ending was a bit of a disappointment but it was a very quick read, I'm beginning to think it's taken me longer to write this review than it was to read the whole book, all 87 pages of it.

[CHud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short read. Two investigators arrive at a lake in Scottland looking for proof of the existence of a remnant of an ancient water creature in the lake. Then one of the researchers ends up dead in the lake, and the other is pulled from the lake with a concussion. When the deceased researcher is finally found his body is riddled with strange bites. No one understands why any creature would kill and mangle the man's body, and not actually consume at least part of it. As the story progresses,, it is revealed that there were tensions between the two researchers and the living researchers confesses to having killed the deceased man. However, he says he did not put the bites on the body, and that the bites were traced to those of an ancient water creature.

[J.M. Northup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Short Read

What a good mystery with a great paranormal twist. Truly, a fun read for the beach or poolside. Though I didn't read it as a summer book, it gave me a warm sunshine feel. That's probably odd with Angle Lake being so cold.

I liked how the author presented the story. I'm not sure it's realistic (a cop being so open about an active investigation with the local tea dealer simply because she was a witness of sorts). Still, it was well thought out. I enjoyed it and how the story unfolded in character conversations.

I recommend this title. I ended up liking it more than I expected, so I'll be looking into the other books in the collection. Good job!!

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two scientists show up at the local inn stating that they are sure that there is a "monster" in the nearby lake. That's been the local lore for years, after all. And when people go missing on the lake, their bodies never show up again.

When one of the scientists goes missing after a boating trip on the lake, the other is found in a shallow part of the lake searching for him, and then frantically searching for their research. Charlie helps the local authorities with evidence collection and theory generation.

This novella is a fun cozy mystery. I listened to the audio and I really enjoyed the narrator. I loved her voice.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author through BookFunnel. I have read a few of the Charlie Kingsley mysteries and enjoyed them. The town of Redemption has many secrets. I found this story a little harder to get into. Things seemed to be a little far fetched, with a Loch Ness monster in Angel Lake. The characters seemed like they were bumbling scientists, yet professors that are looking to publish their research. I would read more Charlie Kingsley mysteries. This just wasn’t the strongest storyline to me.

[Kat Montemayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella that I breezed through quickly. The who in the who-dun-it is fairly obvious in this one. It's still interesting because the murderer is such an odd duck. He is an academic and a scientist, but he's so in love with his own theories that he will commit murder to continue the illusion. Arguments about Nyads and Plesiosaurs by cryptid zoologists trying to open a whole new area of academia. The narrator was great. Kristin James had a unique voice for every character and really brought the nerdy, overwrought characters to light.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the title may suggest a focus on the infamous Loch Ness and its mysterious monster, this story takes a unique twist by placing the action in Redemption, Wisconsin.

The novel is a five-star read that will leave mystery fans craving more. It’s very well written and highly entertaining.

Whether you’re a fan of clean, twisty mysteries or just looking for a fun and engaging read, this book will satisfy. I highly recommend it!

[Renée Gendron]

This is an interesting mystery wrapped up nicely in a novella form. The book has the backdrop of the Loch Ness monster mystery and the characters are crytpo-zoologists.

The pacing was nice, though I found there was needless repetition around the definition of a loch. Like the author was belabouring the point, but it didn't advance the plot or character development.

Clean writing, with an interesting setting, has definitely piqued my interest in the series.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting paranormal mystery
In Redemption, paranormal things are very normal, including ‘Lockie’, the monster in the lake near town. Two people come to Redemption Inn to investigate Lockie and the town when Charlie sees them.
After the sudden mysterious death of one of the men, the blame falls on Lockie, it does not help that the bite marks on the dead body were not natural.
Enjoyable world building and nice mystery. Enjoyed Charlie and her friends too. Good read.

[fred jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and enjoyable short cozy mystery with great characters and an intriguing twist but I was not aware that Loch Ness had moved to Wisconsin. When a scientist searching for the local lake monster turns up dead and a bit chewed, Charlie investigates. I enjoyed this one. Short and sweet.I received a complimentary copy of the audio which was excellent. I would be happy to read more of these stories.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good not great but good. It was a bit hard getting into it at first for me but once I did I liked it a lot. It was believable(not the Loch Ness Monster part) but I could see intelligent people changing character when their lively hood is at stake. I will look for more titles from Michele Pariza Wacek in the future.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redemption Inn's newest guests are a couple of scientists out to prove the existence of a lake monster. When one goes missing, the other rows into the middle of the water and nearly drowns. Luckily, Charlie Kingsley is on the scene and ready to track down the missing person.

There was a definite lovely twist to this tale and I absolutely enjoyed it. This book is a quick read, but so very fun!

[Chili Diane Evance · Rating 4 out of 5]

The town of Redemption is a town of strange people and happenings. Does the lake really have a prehistoric monster in it? No one’s ever been able to get a photo but many say they’ve seen it. Can the two visiting professors prove it exists? You’ll have to read this to find out.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an audible copy from the author through BookFunnel. The murder / disappearance wasn’t hard to figure out. The rationale behind it was convoluted.

It was a quick listen. I’ll be looking for creatures in lakes deep lakes such as Lake Superior where I will be this summer.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: audiobook
Narrator: Kristen James

I’m not a big fan of cozy mysteries (read too many bad ones) but this one is quite a fun and easy read/listen. It’s worth picking up.

This narrator has a very pleasant voice and a great delivery.

[Denise Figueroa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished listening to this Eaudiobook on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 1:16 p.m. I listened to it while I went for my daily after dinner walks. I thought that it was short and fun. I got for free on the Google Play Store.

[Mary Roya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loch Ness Murder

This story is really short. It was intriguing at most. There wasn't a lot of action. Over all, the story was entertaining and made want to check out the story in this series.

[Špela Zupančič · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy Mystery

I really don’t read murder mysterys but this one was really quite good. Short but i like the story and the plot twist:)
And it happens in a small city with a lot of mysterys

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 'simple' murder mystery where the investigation is just by talking to the possible suspects. Little in the way of evidence required.

Reasonable read

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, short mystery. About a subject on which mysteries are not usually based.

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and interesting story about a murder in a loch. Not Loch Ness. If you want a quick read this is for you.

[Suzan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea for a mystery. The book was a little slow for me.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the redemption series is great!! This story is about obsession which is a dangerous state of mind. The story is more of a short story, very entertaining and I enjoyed it a lot.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This starts out very slow. It is also a bit confusing as to who is speaking. Then it picks up a bit towards the middle . The ending solves the murder but is kind of anticlimactic.

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a quick and easy read! The book caught my attention from the first few pages, and I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to reading more about Redemption and it’s wonderful characters.