Death Takes a Bath

A Cotswold Crimes Mystery #1

by Sharon Lynn

In this series debut, a college sophomore discovers a severed human ear on her doorstep while on an international internship in England. She must solve its meaning before she becomes the next victim or, worse, gets deported.

When Maddie McGuire gets an archeology internship at the Roman Baths in England, she assumes everything will go her way. After all, it always has. But her first week turns from a princess fairytale into a nightmare when a human ear lands on her doorstep. The only bonus of the ordeal is meeting young constable Edward Bailey. Their budding friendship is a source of comfort, except when rules get in the way.

Throwing her attention into her internship, she vows to forget anything ear related. The Roman Baths are the perfect escape, except for her aristocratic coworker Simon Pacock who sabotages her every move. And he only becomes more aggressive when she discovers a dead body at the Baths, both ears intact.

As the danger ratchets higher, Maddie must use her wits and knowledge to come out of this ordeal alive.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Cozy

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2022

About the author

Sharon Lynn was raised in Arizona, but it was living in England as a teenager, and every return trip since that inspired the setting of her first novel. As a professor of theater, film, and writing she coaches and mentors aspiring artists. Her short stories can be found in anthologies from Malice Domestic and Desert Sleuths. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Author’s Guild. Please sign up for her news updates at www.sharonlwrites.com.

Death Takes a Bath, Sharon Lynn’s debut novel, was released in 2022 by Level Best Books. Sharon’s mystery short stories in anthologies by Malice Domestic include The Professor’s Lesson (2022), Final Curtain (2020); Carne Diem (2019) in the Anthony Award-winning Mystery Most Edible. Also, Death on Tap (2017) is featured in Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths’ anthology SoWest: Killer Nights. Sharon also has recipes and writing tips included in Recipes to Kill For.
Death on Tap and Carne Diem are available as standalone short stories on Kindle.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐rounded up

I enjoyed:
✔️setting; Bath, England
✔️unpredictable plot twists
✔️race to discover the villain
✔️sense of humour
✔️gorgeous cover
✔️intriguing premise
✔️history
✔️mention of places I’ve been
✔️each character was unique
✔️the hook in chapter one!

I struggled:
✔️YA

A great debut novel and a great first addition to a series! I would recommend this to my high school students and all lovers of YA fiction.

I was gifted this copy by Level Best Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Margaret Mizushima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn. Lynn delivers a delightful protagonist in Maddie McGuire, whose witty dialogue and thoughts kept me entertained. This setting in England at the Roman Baths provided bits of history, archeology, and interesting sites. Lynn kept the plot twisty while challenging Maddie throughout the tale, and I especially enjoyed the developing relationship between Maddie and Constable Bailey. I highly recommend this book for teens, young adults, and adults alike. Clever and engaging!

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Questo libro è stato una piacevole sorpresa e non sono quasi riuscita a metterlo giù (in realtà a spengere l'eraeder) fino a quando non lo ho finito. È un miscuglio fra un mystery, forse anche un cozy mystery, e un young adult. La protagonista fa degli errori a causa della sua giovane età, però devo dire che riesce a cavarsela bene. Mi è piaciuta l'ambientazione a Bath, fra l'altro ho avuto la fortuna di visitare gli antichi bagni romani dove si svolge gran parte della storia.

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.6/4

Review: All within the first couple of chapters our heroine hoists the drama Queen trophy with constant bouts of queasiness, dizziness, and homesickness. But the “I’ll show you” vim and vinegar spirit will suddenly appear with clenched fists and gritted teeth. A real renaissance woman who finds the time between murders to flirt with hunky men. She loves rabbits too.
Not only is she brilliant but hotter than a Pharaohs sun god and every bit as privileged and wealthy. She wants to make it on her own without relying on her parents’ wealth and influence but always has the option.

Did I like this? I didn’t want to as it has everything I hate about YA, in that authors pander to those shitwits by infusing romance into every genre. Mystery being no exception. The world building is extremely finite and some of the scenes lacked continuity. Dumbass is really annoying with her constant narcissistic flouncing and lack of expediting important information as it suits her. Her friend is even dumber but manages to make brilliant assessments a la deus ex. Within the first few pages you should already know whom the killer is, so that area needs some work.

This is not my story to tell, but why not make a good impression on the YA by developing a character that is believable. Make her smart, tough and vulnerable without the tembling, queasy, puking hunky man drama dependence.

So yeah, I still liked it.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maddie McGuire lands an archaeology internship at the Roman Baths in England, she assumes everything will go her way. But when this college sophomore discovers a severed human ear on her doorstep, she must solve its meaning before she becomes the next victim, or worse, gets deported. Her tentative friendship with young constable Edward Bailey and the beauty of the Bath Abbey are no comfort as her aristocratic co-worker Simon Pacock sabotages her every move.
A well written interesting mystery. I liked Maddie & enjoyed the dynamics between her & Edward. There are twists & turns before all is revealed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could go wrong with Maddie McGuire's archeology internship? As it turns out, lots! But Maddie's knowledge of putlogs, block and tackle systems, and her bright red bra help save the day. With perfect pacing and clever plot twists, I especially enjoyed the burgeoning relationship between Maddie and Constable Bailey and look forward to more of their adventures.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different

A different type of mystery. Both lead characters are likeable, fun. A good mystery although I was pretty sure who-done-it early on. Nothing real deep, but good vacation read. Clean.

[Nicholas George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy with a nice sense of place (the Roman baths in Bath, England), an appealing heroine, and plenty of suspense mixed with romance.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut novel this was surprisingly delightful. I’m not sure what I enjoyed more - Maddie’s growth or her exciting but scary adventures, the mystery which took numerous turns and twists, the pacing, the writing, or the identity of the villain. Maddie was an ingenious heroine. Ready to start the next book in the series.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted with Death Takes a Bath from the very beginning, and I chuckled my way through the first three chapters. The banter and comedic timing in this book is spot on, particularly whenever Maddie and Edward are together. Although there’s a lot of simmering romantic tension between them too, and the book definitely isn’t a comedy. The humorous bits and scenes, however, lighten the mood at just the right moments and keep the story moving along between the investigative scenes.

Maddie, bless her, is a bit of a hot mess, albeit a completely endearing one, and I found her to be very likable and relatable. I could easily spend more time with her in fiction, so I’m thrilled that this is just the first in a series. She’s only nineteen, so at times she makes decisions born out of inexperience, but overall she handles herself in a way that makes her seem much older. Thankfully for her, she makes friends right off with a constable named Edward who is equal parts protective of her and perplexed by her. Their easy affection for each other had me rooting for something more than friendship between them (because of course I was), and I really enjoyed getting to know both characters. Also… Edward lapses into a Scottish brogue from time to time and oh swoon!

The mystery is cleverly plotted, and the unique setting of the Roman baths in Bath, England, gave it a bit of archeological flair as well. I’ve read plenty of stories set in Bath, but these are mostly Regency romances so I enjoyed visiting it in a contemporary setting too. Plenty of suspects cross Maddie’s path, including some unexpected twists that throw a wrench in both her plans and her investigation – basically, Maddie can’t let her guard down and neither can the reader. I didn’t see some of those twists coming, and while I suspected the culprit just ahead of Maddie I couldn’t put together the whys or wherefores until all was revealed.

Bottom Line: Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn was an enjoyable escape to the Cotswolds, complete with a charming cottage, an adorable pet bunny, an endearing American in Bath, a lovable Scottish constable, the Roman baths, and a layered mystery. The tone of the story itself is an engaging mix of British and American, and I enjoyed Maddie’s quirky first person narrative. There’s also an important subplot with Maddie’s friend Tori that I hope will be addressed in later installments, not to mention my continued rooting for Maddie & Edward to fall hopelessly in love. In short, the author has a really enjoyable style – I’m looking forward to following this series and reading more books by Sharon Lynn.

Reviewer’s Note: Readers of my blog may want to be aware that there are a few mild curse words scattered throughout this novel.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death Takes a Bath" by Sharon Lynn is a thrilling mystery that seamlessly intertwines the fascinating world of archaeology with a suspenseful tale of danger and intrigue. As Maddie McGuire, a college sophomore, embarks on an archaeology internship at the Roman Baths in England, little does she know that her journey will take an unexpected turn into the realm of crime and suspense.

The novel kicks off with a chilling discovery – a severed human ear on Maddie's doorstep, setting the stage for a gripping mystery. Lynn skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Maddie, fueled by determination and curiosity, dives into solving the mystery behind the gruesome find. The stakes are high, with the looming threat of becoming the next victim or facing deportation, adding a layer of urgency to the plot.

The characters in "Death Takes a Bath" are well-developed and contribute to the richness of the story. Maddie's tentative friendship with young constable Edward Bailey provides both emotional depth and a dynamic partnership in the investigation. The backdrop of the historic Roman Baths and the Bath Abbey adds a unique and atmospheric quality to the narrative, creating a vivid setting that enhances the overall reading experience.

The antagonist, Simon Pacock, introduces an element of rivalry and sabotage, intensifying the suspense as Maddie navigates the challenges of her internship. Lynn skillfully weaves a web of deception and danger, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The discovery of a dead body with both ears intact raises the stakes, unraveling a complex plot that unfolds with well-paced twists and turns.

One notable aspect of the novel is Lynn's ability to balance the archaeological elements with the mystery plot. The incorporation of historical details and the exploration of the Roman Baths provide a unique backdrop that sets "Death Takes a Bath" apart in the mystery genre.

In conclusion, "Death Takes a Bath" earns its four stars for delivering a riveting blend of mystery, archaeology, and danger. Sharon Lynn's storytelling is compelling, and her ability to create a suspenseful atmosphere makes this novel a standout in the genre. Fans of mysteries with a historical twist will find themselves immersed in Maddie McGuire's quest for truth in the ancient city of Bath.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

•Written in first person
•American Archeological Student
•Terrifying beginning
•Ordeal and Investigation
•Anonymous Mail
•Murder Mystery

The book is compelling and unputdownable. It has such a terrifying beginning and many unexpected things happens in the plot. Madeline McGuire wanted to do an archeology internship at the Roman Baths in England but when an anonymous mail arrives at her door step, it not only terrifies her but it’s like a beginning of mishaps. She discovers a freshly severed human ear in the box. There is a suspicion behaviour of her landlords as they left before she got there. There are so many unthinkable things happens in the plot like mysterious donation, mysterious death, mysterious person, receiving a body part and discovering grotesque things. The only good thing happen with her, is that she meets young constable Edward Bailey. Will she be able to figure out the mystery of Knife-wielding Ear-maniac? Or she is next? The mystery seems bizarre like The Adventure of the Cardboard Box

There is a history of Bath historical places and unfortunate things that happens around the Female main character. There is a story of her best friend as well. Fondness grows between Edward and Maddie. At museum she thinks, coworker Simon Pacock is sabotaging her moves. Fear grips her and her journey becomes perilous. But the revelations at end surprised me.

Thanks to the Publisher and Author

[Valerie Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This is described as a 'Cotswold crimes mystery book' and I see that there are no reviews from the UK on Amazon at present. I suggest the good ratings are because no-one from the UK has read it yet. I think the descriptions of the Roman Baths and Abbey go a good way to creating the scene, but that is where the 'British' feel ends. Whilst I know the main female character is American, and there are inevitably comedy moments where she struggles to understand English terminology (wellies, for example) all the spellings are American which was intensely irritating, and Lily would not have told Maddie how long a journey was in kilometres. I thought some of the writing style was odd (how can a 'stream', which is a word for running water be described as 'still'?), including the sections of the tale where the spray and the cream are detailed - is the spray a disinfectant or an antiseptic because she would not swallow a disinfectant, is the cream an antiseptic or a prescribed antibiotic? The final part of the story relating to the hospital is completely unbelievable. Whilst cosy mysteries do not have to be fully researched I think this book falls way below the standard of credibility to make a good story. I struggled through it and wish I hadn't bothered.
I would not read this author again.

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was keen to read the book because I have lived near Bath and know the city well. Unfortunately, I soon found out that this was not really my book.

Briefly, it is about an American archaeology student doing research in Roman Bath.
Soon after arriving, there turns out to be a severed ear on the doormat.
The start of all sorts of madness, which Maddie McGuire knows how to deal with.
I enjoy reading cosy crimes, as a form of escapism. What bothers me a little about this story are the clichés, and the lame jokes, which are mostly meant to be funny. It doesn't stop there. The differences between American and British English, the jokes about first floor and ground floor, the differences in pronunciation, different words for the same things, making fun of everything British.

I found it all a bit too contrived. It was fun at first, but eventually it started to become distracting. Tiring, and eventually very annoying. All the cliches about loud-mouthed Americans unfortunately turn out to be order of the day in this book. Childish humour and wasted on me.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy. I leave this revies voluntarily.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Takes a Bath is a clever new mystery by Sharon Lynn. Arizona transplant Maddie McGuire is on a dream internship. She's an archaeology student on an internship in the Roman Baths in England. Her excitement is short-lived, however, when she discovers a human ear in a package on her porch. Things go down from there as she encounters a co-worker bent on sabotaging her at every turn, discord between Maddie and her friends, and the discovery of a dead body. Maddie has her hands full as she navigates her new home, but her new friend, Constable Edward Bailey is helping to make things bearable.

I really enjoyed Death Takes a Bath. Maddie is a fun and witty character. I loved her personality and snark. She's the typical amateur sleuth, making mistakes and putting herself in danger, but she's not clueless to the point of ridiculousness.

The setting is well-described and I enjoyed the world-building. The plot was constructed well and the mystery filled with twists and turns. Maddie's budding relationship with Edward has its own twists and turns and I enjoyed their journey and look forward to seeing where these two end up in the future.

[Jan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous cozy with a charming main character in the wonderful setting of Bath.
Maddie is a student of archeology, anxious to gain experience in the field. She leaves Arizona to take an internship but encounters a severed human ear left on her doorstep. Since she’s renting a room with a family gone abroad for vacation, she wonders if it was intended for them and not her. But she’s determined to continue giving tours and learning all she can while she’s here. A series of odd coincidences and eventually the discovery of a dead body put her in imminent danger.
Maddie starts a romance with the Scottish policeman who comes to her aid when she makes her 999 call about the ear. The romance is braided deftly through the plot, making for a very interesting read.
I loved the setting, the inner workings of the archeology department giving tours and handling donations. This one kept me guessing all the way through with a very satisfying ending.
I don’t usually read cozies—I don’t always like the tone, I guess. But I loved this one, which makes me very happy, and this is the beginning of an interesting series.
Thank you PIC tours for a copy to review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novel gets off to a good start with character interaction. Maddie is an interesting heroine. She is over reactive, frequently feeling faint or hyperventilating or being a little clumsy. That brings more drama to scenes than we would see with a stronger woman. Edward is certainly and interesting hero too. He is as reserved as Maddie is the opposite. The possible romance between the two was a good additional element.

The setting is written well. I liked learning some about English archaeology and Roman influence in the area. Lynn described well the places Maddie visits. I learned how cheddar cheese got its name too. The mystery was fine and I did not anticipate the villain among the suspects.

This is a good cozy mystery with interesting characters and location. Maddie grew stronger through her adventures in this novel and I look forward to seeing her and Edward in another.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful beginning to a new series!
American student Maddie McGuire arrives in Bath, England ready to take on her archaeology internship at the Roman Baths and immediately things do not go as planned. From the first chapter, we’re treated to a fast-paced mystery that’s a delight to read. Wonderful characters, suspicious behavior, and a dead body (of course) create a perfect murder mystery. There are plenty of potential villains to keep you guessing until the end! Mixed in are Maddie’s amusing confusions that result from being plunked down in a foreign country, even where you speak the same language, but find out there are so many more differences than anticipated. A special treat is the budding romantic relationship between Maddie and a local constable (who is often coming to her rescue.) I cannot wait to hang out with this cast of characters again. Page-turning action mixed with witty dialogue, intriguing characters, and a perfectly executed premise make this book a winner!

[Tim Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Maddie McGuire, author Sharon Lynn has given us a unique protagonist. Maddie is a college sophomore from Arizona who travels to England for an archaeology internship at the Roman baths. She’s immediately embroiled in a mystery, a romance, and a contentious relationship with a coworker. What makes Maddie unique is her almost crippling lack of self-confidence. She’s nervous and jumpy. She second guesses her decisions. She worries about what people think of her. The story is told from Maddie’s point of view, and we get full, uncensored access to her thoughts. There were times I wanted to smack her and say, “Come on, Maddie. Get it together.” But I didn’t have to. Despite herself, she’s smart, observant, and resourceful. No spoilers here, but Maddie turns out to be a young woman who’s got it together. If, like me, you start out being frustrated with Maddie, keep reading. You’ll be glad you did.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of boxes ticked here for fans of cozy British mysteries. There’s an appealing protagonist, an attractive police officer, an annoying aristocrat, an unusual and clever mystery, and a lovely setting. Lynn makes an auspicious debut with the first in her Cotswold Crimes series.

Maddie is a fun protagonist whose youth and modern maturity will appeal to teen mystery fans looking to make the transition to adult mystery novels. She is smart, independent, and unafraid to stand up for what’s right. I hope to see her in future entries in this series.

Peppered with historical facts about the Roman Baths and the Abbey, the narrative is well-constructed and balanced. The characters are nicely developed and the plot moves along to a twisted ending.

Fans of Paige Shelton’s Scottish Bookstore mysteries and M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series will certainly enjoy this lively debut. I’ll be recommending this to mystery readers.

[Susan Van Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Takes a Bath is a wonderful first entry in Sharon Lynn's Cotswold Crime series. Shy Maddie McGuire wins an archeology internship to Bath, England, and over the course of the novel this plucky heroine comes into her own. A twisty plot has her dealing with a dead body, a difficult co-worker planning to show her up, and a bit of romance with a constable who's called in to investigate a murder. Maddie, unfortunately, finds the body. The humor is perfect as she struggles with a language that might be called "English" but doesn't always resemble her American idioms. The dialogue is witty, the descriptions of Bath and the countryside are delightful, and the reader is treated to interesting history of the town and region. I'd recommend this cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns, a heroine who finds her voice, and an atmosphere that will please anglophiles.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique book for me because I met the author before I met the book. I love England and recently visited Bath so I knew this would be a great book to read. If you like a little history with your crime, you will love this book. Maddie is starting an internship at the Roman Baths coming all the way from Chicago, Illinois. She is originally from Arizona which is fitting because that is where I met the author. What I love most about the book is that it is the first in a series so I’ll get to read more! This book is very well written and is the authors debut. There are stray ears, dead bodies, handsome police officers, and a very witty protagonist. I felt like Maddie was a friend and I wanted to keep reading. The book also includes some history about the Roman Baths that adds to the story. A very good book!

[Kim Herdman Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death takes a Bath, the title of Sharon Lynn's first book in her Cotswold Crimes Mysteries series, has a double meaning. Not only does a death take place in the English city of Bath in Somerset, but the victim is actually drowned in one of the city's famous Roman baths. I really enjoyed following young archeology student Maddie as she tries to accustom herself to her new internship in England while at the same time trying to uncover a killer. The setting was spot on, and I loved the opportunity to revisit some of the fascinating Roman history of this place. If you're looking for a taste of the English countryside, some interesting history, and perhaps a severed ear or a dead body, then this is a fun series for you to try out.

[Mac Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've just landed your dream job as an intern at the Roman Baths in England, and you get to stay at a charming and historic cottage, and you have an adorable bunny as a roommate. Life is perfect, right? At least that's what Maddie Maguire thinks for about thirty seconds. She begins to have second thoughts when a package with a severed ear arrives on her doorstep. That's just the beginning of a mystery that will tempt her to pack up and run back to Arizona.

Lucky for us, she soldiers on, even after discovering a dead body. Of course, the cute constable doesn't hurt. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Maddie and her UK adventure and I'm happy that this is just the first in a series that I hope includes many books.

[Joy Ribar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bubble, bubble, Maddie McGuire has nothing but trouble at her internship in Bath, England. In Sharon Lynn’s first in the Cotswold Crimes series, Maddie must combine American spirit with an English stiff upper lip to prevail over the pitfalls awaiting her in every dark corner. Lynn’s characters bring the right ingredients to the story: Maddie’s spunk, Tori’s sass, Simon’s arrogance, and Edward’s toughness keep the mystery moving along the narrow brick streets of Bath. I enjoyed Lynn’s depiction of the history of the baths and loveliness of the English countryside that left me yearning for afternoon tea and cakes and anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely worth a read. First of all, I love the cover, and, in this case, you can judge a book by its cover because the contents inside are specular. what you will get is an intriguing murder mystery, and you will quite enjoy the ride! This book is fast paced and will keep you guessing! You definitely won't see it coming! The characters are well written and there are many twists and turns within the plot. I loved learning all about Bath through the intricate details; it made me feel as if I was transported there. It has everything, a great plot, suspense, great atmosphere, lovable characters and love story.

[Nanette Fandino-Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie McGuire is an entertaining college sophomore who while studying abroad in England finds first, a severed ear, and then, a dead body. Her landlords went out of town abruptly right before she arrived in England and her coworker at her internship at the Roman Baths may be sabotaging her at every turn. Because of all these strange occurrences Maddie meets the handsome Constable Edward Bailey.

The novel has mystery, chemistry, likeable and unlikeable characters, an amazingly beautiful setting, and a surprise ending.

After reading this one I want to revisit Bath England.

I would categorize this novel as YA. I would recommend it to my students.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I take a bath it doesn’t kill me, but I take my baths at home. Not at the Roman Baths in England.

When one thinks about archeology one thinks of things long buried. It involves so much more in this book.

From day one Maddie’s internship at the Baths was one thing after another. Life seemed to be imitating fiction.

It was difficult to decide who were the good guys and who were not. It could be life threatening for Maddie if she didn’t figure it out. But there was that hunky constable. Too bad he went from friendly to not so friendly.

Thank you, Ms Lynn. I would like to see more of Maddie, Simon and Constable Bailey.

***Book received from PICT at no charge.***

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 4 out of 5]

contemporary murder mystery set in Bath.
Maddie is a nineteen-year-old archaeology student from America on a coveted internship at the Roman Baths in Bath.
Things take a suddenly sinister turn almost as soon as she arrives in England with a severed ear being sent to her new address followed by a murder and numerous 'accidents.'
Constable Edward Bailey is a friendly pal to help her through the ordeal but he blows hot and cold and I couldn't quite get a handle on their romance.
Maddie's co-worker, Simon made life very difficult for Maddie but becomes more likeable by the end and I hope he and Maddie remain friends.
There was a lot of suspenseful drama in this book and the final section was very exciting.
I'm looking forward to reading book two soon.

[Jacqueline Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Takes a Bath is a fun new mystery from author Sharon Lynn. A mixture of mystery, romance and intrigue, the story contains characters I’ll want to see again. As a history buff, I loved the tidbits of information about historic Bath, England, and the excavation sites and old churches and museums added an element of moody suspense. The story delighted me as an adult, but it would be appropriate for teens as well. It’s the kind of book I would have loved as a teenage girl or young adult. I look forward to the next book in the series.