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Massachusetts Cozy #1
Murder on Boston Common
She's rich and bored. This homicide has no motive. Determined to get to the truth, can a socialite solve the murder before she's next?
Boston, 1933. Amanda Burnside yearns for more. Dutifully hitting the social scene and volunteering for charity, the young former debutante is delighted to be dating a doctor yet wishes for excitement. But she wasn't expecting a stroll on Boston Common with her beau to end with the discovery of a dead body.
Shocked by the experience, Amanda ignores her parents' wishes and resolves to follow the clues to uncover the perpetrator. But with shady characters, ruthless bootleggers and wily politicians all fighting to keep the details buried, the plucky amateur sleuth fears the answers may land her in the morgue.
Can Amanda unmask a murderer without becoming the next victim?
MURDER ON BOSTON COMMON is the fast-paced, first book in the Massachusetts Cozy mystery series. If you like strong female characters, feel-good stories and plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing, then you'll love Andrea Kress's page-turning whodunnit.
Boston, 1933. Amanda Burnside yearns for more. Dutifully hitting the social scene and volunteering for charity, the young former debutante is delighted to be dating a doctor yet wishes for excitement. But she wasn't expecting a stroll on Boston Common with her beau to end with the discovery of a dead body.
Shocked by the experience, Amanda ignores her parents' wishes and resolves to follow the clues to uncover the perpetrator. But with shady characters, ruthless bootleggers and wily politicians all fighting to keep the details buried, the plucky amateur sleuth fears the answers may land her in the morgue.
Can Amanda unmask a murderer without becoming the next victim?
MURDER ON BOSTON COMMON is the fast-paced, first book in the Massachusetts Cozy mystery series. If you like strong female characters, feel-good stories and plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing, then you'll love Andrea Kress's page-turning whodunnit.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2023
210 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
ANDREA KRESS
57 books16 followersHooked on mysteries at an early age by Nancy Drew, Andrea blasted her way through all the Golden Age authors. Her work is reminiscent of that genre with an inquisitive amateur sleuth, a puzzling murder, a slew of suspects, multiple motives, a few red herrings and a surprise ending.
The BERKSHIRES COZY MYSTERY Series features Aggie Burnside, a young nurse and amateur sleuth trying to figure out whodunnit in 1930s small town Massachusetts. There are 9 books.
The MASSACHUSETTS COZY MYSTERY series has Amanda, Aggie's cousin, solving mysteries in the neighborhoods of Boston. There are 9 books.
The CAROLINA COZY MYSTERY series is a contemporary collection of 3 books.
The BERKSHIRES COZY MYSTERY Series features Aggie Burnside, a young nurse and amateur sleuth trying to figure out whodunnit in 1930s small town Massachusetts. There are 9 books.
The MASSACHUSETTS COZY MYSTERY series has Amanda, Aggie's cousin, solving mysteries in the neighborhoods of Boston. There are 9 books.
The CAROLINA COZY MYSTERY series is a contemporary collection of 3 books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 3, 2024
An intriguing idea and setting but a rushed and lacklustre mystery, 2.5 stars.
I don’t know what to make of this book. The mystery wasn’t even really solved and ended on a cliff hanger *maybe* to be continued in the next book. I can’t tell you how much I dislike that and I’m not yet sold on this series or this author.
Let me elaborate: the mystery in this book was the third storyline at most, much overshadowed by the heroine’s search for her purpose and her love triangle with Dr. Browne and Detective Halloran.
The first part of this book had the feel of a continuing storyline, referring to events like the Valentine’s Ball and speaking of and to characters but not mentioning how they are known. I had to do some digging into the author’s catalogue to find out that this series is a crossover from her Berkshire Cozy Mysteries series and these characters were introduced in a previous book there.
How annoying! This put me off the book right away and things only improved slightly from there.
This was an extremely slow moving mystery with way too much time spent on Amanda’s volunteer work and interior design project. The murder didn’t happen until a third of the way into the book and then nothing was developed in it until near the end. This resulted in a rushed reveal by the criminal, which is the laziest way to write mystery imo.
For a 200 page murder mystery there isn’t any room to have all this side plot, character building and meandering descriptions of board meetings. I was not engaged with this read and though it had moments I enjoyed, overall the execution was off. I need a tighter beginning with a grounding in who the characters are and previous events without having to have read a previous book, and I needed more time spent in the mystery, with the detective and on the relationship between Amanda and her doctor. The love triangle was interesting, the murder mystery had potential but the focus of this book was off. This was more about a woman finding her way in her volunteer work and presenting herself as a professional there than about any kind of murder investigation. The ending was terrible and rushed and left me completely disappointed. I would like to try out the next one to see if it builds and improves upon this one, however I do not love having to read two short books like a magazine serial instead of one fully flushed out full length mystery.
This had some solid writing and interesting ideas and I loved that it was set in depression era Boston during prohibition, but I couldn’t thoroughly enjoy it because it was very poorly planned and plotted. What a shame!
I don’t know what to make of this book. The mystery wasn’t even really solved and ended on a cliff hanger *maybe* to be continued in the next book. I can’t tell you how much I dislike that and I’m not yet sold on this series or this author.
Let me elaborate: the mystery in this book was the third storyline at most, much overshadowed by the heroine’s search for her purpose and her love triangle with Dr. Browne and Detective Halloran.
The first part of this book had the feel of a continuing storyline, referring to events like the Valentine’s Ball and speaking of and to characters but not mentioning how they are known. I had to do some digging into the author’s catalogue to find out that this series is a crossover from her Berkshire Cozy Mysteries series and these characters were introduced in a previous book there.
How annoying! This put me off the book right away and things only improved slightly from there.
This was an extremely slow moving mystery with way too much time spent on Amanda’s volunteer work and interior design project. The murder didn’t happen until a third of the way into the book and then nothing was developed in it until near the end. This resulted in a rushed reveal by the criminal, which is the laziest way to write mystery imo.
For a 200 page murder mystery there isn’t any room to have all this side plot, character building and meandering descriptions of board meetings. I was not engaged with this read and though it had moments I enjoyed, overall the execution was off. I need a tighter beginning with a grounding in who the characters are and previous events without having to have read a previous book, and I needed more time spent in the mystery, with the detective and on the relationship between Amanda and her doctor. The love triangle was interesting, the murder mystery had potential but the focus of this book was off. This was more about a woman finding her way in her volunteer work and presenting herself as a professional there than about any kind of murder investigation. The ending was terrible and rushed and left me completely disappointed. I would like to try out the next one to see if it builds and improves upon this one, however I do not love having to read two short books like a magazine serial instead of one fully flushed out full length mystery.
This had some solid writing and interesting ideas and I loved that it was set in depression era Boston during prohibition, but I couldn’t thoroughly enjoy it because it was very poorly planned and plotted. What a shame!
August 31, 2024
There was no real resolution, they just talked about what they think the conclusion of the mystery is but you s don’t actually see the implementation or the killer actually revealed. The book just ends. Why????
October 12, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🏙🎎✨
This kindle novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of seven
I picked this series because we lived in the Boston, New Hampshire area for many years.
She is a volunteer at the hospital. She has a boyfriend who is a doctor. Then they find a dead body in Boston Common and everything changes. She gets involved in the investigation leading to a relationship with the detective.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels🎉🏠 2024 👒😋
This kindle novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of seven
I picked this series because we lived in the Boston, New Hampshire area for many years.
She is a volunteer at the hospital. She has a boyfriend who is a doctor. Then they find a dead body in Boston Common and everything changes. She gets involved in the investigation leading to a relationship with the detective.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels🎉🏠 2024 👒😋
September 17, 2025
So many mysteries...
First of all, the murder of Mr. Harris, the Director of Building Department. Amanda Burnside and her beau, Dr. Fred Browne, found his body while walking back home from theater. He was shot while walking his dog, but what was he doing so far from home? Who shot him? Why? And is the missing construction permit linked to his death? Mercy Hospital need the permit to go on with the renovation for the Indigent Children's Clinic, which Amanda is in charge of furnishing and it appears to have been left with a stack of other unsigned permits on the deceased desk. Last but not least, what is a truck with no lights doing in the hospital parking lot at nights? What are the men in the truck moving from and into the construction shed? Detective Halloran suspects bootleggers, but is he right?
On top of it all, Amanda is worried for her sister, who spends all her time with her beau, the owner of a club (an maybe a speakeasy or two) and not at school where she should be. And she has to fend off her beau's matrimonial ambitions and prove she's good at her job.
The story is well written, the plots well interwoven and the resolution is satisfying even if a bit abrupt (we never see the culprits arrested). A few more pages to bring the villains to justice wouldn't have been amiss.
The characters are interesting even if they lack a little growth, but that's ok in the first book of a new series.
Amanda is a strong woman who manages to balance her family's traditional expectations with her own desire of independence.
Her sister Louisa is a bit more risqué in her bid for independence and might find herself in trouble in the future books (just my prediction, the author may have other ideas).
Fred is a stuffy, boring do-gooder and not at all the right man for Amanda. Thank goodness she seems to know it. Halloran, on the other hand, would be perfect for her. I'll keep my fingers crossed for their story to move that way...
This is the first historical novel set in the US Depression era I've read. I highly recommended it for all those readers who, like me, have only read historical mysteries set in Europe and want to enlarge their horizon.
First of all, the murder of Mr. Harris, the Director of Building Department. Amanda Burnside and her beau, Dr. Fred Browne, found his body while walking back home from theater. He was shot while walking his dog, but what was he doing so far from home? Who shot him? Why? And is the missing construction permit linked to his death? Mercy Hospital need the permit to go on with the renovation for the Indigent Children's Clinic, which Amanda is in charge of furnishing and it appears to have been left with a stack of other unsigned permits on the deceased desk. Last but not least, what is a truck with no lights doing in the hospital parking lot at nights? What are the men in the truck moving from and into the construction shed? Detective Halloran suspects bootleggers, but is he right?
On top of it all, Amanda is worried for her sister, who spends all her time with her beau, the owner of a club (an maybe a speakeasy or two) and not at school where she should be. And she has to fend off her beau's matrimonial ambitions and prove she's good at her job.
The story is well written, the plots well interwoven and the resolution is satisfying even if a bit abrupt (we never see the culprits arrested). A few more pages to bring the villains to justice wouldn't have been amiss.
The characters are interesting even if they lack a little growth, but that's ok in the first book of a new series.
Amanda is a strong woman who manages to balance her family's traditional expectations with her own desire of independence.
Her sister Louisa is a bit more risqué in her bid for independence and might find herself in trouble in the future books (just my prediction, the author may have other ideas).
Fred is a stuffy, boring do-gooder and not at all the right man for Amanda. Thank goodness she seems to know it. Halloran, on the other hand, would be perfect for her. I'll keep my fingers crossed for their story to move that way...
This is the first historical novel set in the US Depression era I've read. I highly recommended it for all those readers who, like me, have only read historical mysteries set in Europe and want to enlarge their horizon.
January 19, 2023
In October 2021, a good friend of mine, who is also a friend of the author, gifted me with Andrea Kress’s first ever book, wanting to support her in the publishing of her first cozy mystery. I read it and enjoyed it very much and then went on to other things. Then I discovered that that book had been the first in a series and thanks to Kindle Unlimited, I devoured the entire series of books in about four or five days. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written series with interesting characters, relationships, and plot developments. When I heard that Ms. Press was going to start a new series with books set in Boston, where I spent a lot of my growing up years, I was eager to start them. The first one, Murder on Boston Common, starring a protagonist who is a cousin of the protagonist of the first series was again, an excellent book, well written, wonderful characters, interesting plot twists, and even though it was set in a time period earlier than my sojourn in Boston’s West End, Ms. Kress captured the essential character of the period and the people, so it really it timeless. Especially interesting was that the main character volunteered at a local hospital complex, not an ordinary thing in those days, which resulted in her being employed and making suggestions for improvement in health care for poorer patients and some of those ideas were still in force when I was living there. So it’s mystery and history, romance, general information, and a thoroughly good read. I recommend all of Ms. Kress’s books wholeheartedly.
July 9, 2024
I usually love a good mystery. This was not it.
The writing was a 3 star. Though I'm finding more and more that publications I find on Amazon aren't edited exceptionally like I'm used to. My two biggest issues with this is first... it wasn't really a mystery and ended with an accidental finding of a potential bad guy. Second issue. You spend most of the time reading about an ex debutant and her "indipendance", more like floundering with commitment and direction. There are half a dozen loose ends that don't even mater to the story. And the sister is focused on but literally nothing happens with it. It's all lead up to nothing so it can be used as a ramp to this Amanda chick and the detective to meet the mayor and Amanda to see the face of the bad guy. Literally nothing else happens. I spent 60% of the book trying to talk myself into puting it down and never picking it up again. The writing is just fine. But it's not a cozy mystery. Highly disappointed.
The writing was a 3 star. Though I'm finding more and more that publications I find on Amazon aren't edited exceptionally like I'm used to. My two biggest issues with this is first... it wasn't really a mystery and ended with an accidental finding of a potential bad guy. Second issue. You spend most of the time reading about an ex debutant and her "indipendance", more like floundering with commitment and direction. There are half a dozen loose ends that don't even mater to the story. And the sister is focused on but literally nothing happens with it. It's all lead up to nothing so it can be used as a ramp to this Amanda chick and the detective to meet the mayor and Amanda to see the face of the bad guy. Literally nothing else happens. I spent 60% of the book trying to talk myself into puting it down and never picking it up again. The writing is just fine. But it's not a cozy mystery. Highly disappointed.
January 11, 2023
A new historical mystery amature sleuth.
4.5 stars
Amanda Burnside is the eldest daughter of a well to do family in 1933 Boston. She volunteers at a hospital and dates a doctor. But she wonders if there is something more to life than her boring daily routine.
After attending a concert with Dr, Browne they stumble across a dead body. While frightening this also leads her to question how and why the murder occured. It also seems linked to her new job designing the waiting area in the children's hospital.
With the help of her friend Inspector Halloran she inserts herself into the investigation. The story shows a bit of the life and times of depression era Boston. A good story and I look forward to the further adventures for Amanda.
4.5 stars
Amanda Burnside is the eldest daughter of a well to do family in 1933 Boston. She volunteers at a hospital and dates a doctor. But she wonders if there is something more to life than her boring daily routine.
After attending a concert with Dr, Browne they stumble across a dead body. While frightening this also leads her to question how and why the murder occured. It also seems linked to her new job designing the waiting area in the children's hospital.
With the help of her friend Inspector Halloran she inserts herself into the investigation. The story shows a bit of the life and times of depression era Boston. A good story and I look forward to the further adventures for Amanda.
May 31, 2024
The Massachusetts Cozy Mystery series featuring elite Boston resident Amanda Burnside takes place in 1933.
Book #1 introduces Amanda and her family - parents and sister, Louisa. They are Beacon Hill upper class Bostonians, but Amanda isn't sure she likes the life of a society deb. Yet, she is dating a doctor who would expect and provide a life like her mother's. Amanda has taken a volunteer position at a nearby hospital where he works. While walking home with Dr. Fred Browne, the come across a dead body in the park. During the investigation, she also becomes acquainted with Irish Detective Brenden Halloran.
This book definitely needed better proofreading. There are several mistakes and issues with formatting.
Book #1 introduces Amanda and her family - parents and sister, Louisa. They are Beacon Hill upper class Bostonians, but Amanda isn't sure she likes the life of a society deb. Yet, she is dating a doctor who would expect and provide a life like her mother's. Amanda has taken a volunteer position at a nearby hospital where he works. While walking home with Dr. Fred Browne, the come across a dead body in the park. During the investigation, she also becomes acquainted with Irish Detective Brenden Halloran.
This book definitely needed better proofreading. There are several mistakes and issues with formatting.
July 31, 2023
good start to series
I think this is going to be a good series especially if the following stories are as good as this one. I really like the characters. Amanda is really wanting to help those in need and her sister Louise really wants to have a good time. Amanda is stepping out with Fred, but he wants more like marriage, Amanda not so much, she’s not interested in him that way. Detective Halloran that’s a different story, Amanda isn’t only interested in helping him solve murders she’s also interested in him and I’m sure the feeling is mutual. So onto the next book to see what happens not only with the next murder but also what happens between Amanda and Brendan.
I think this is going to be a good series especially if the following stories are as good as this one. I really like the characters. Amanda is really wanting to help those in need and her sister Louise really wants to have a good time. Amanda is stepping out with Fred, but he wants more like marriage, Amanda not so much, she’s not interested in him that way. Detective Halloran that’s a different story, Amanda isn’t only interested in helping him solve murders she’s also interested in him and I’m sure the feeling is mutual. So onto the next book to see what happens not only with the next murder but also what happens between Amanda and Brendan.
October 13, 2024
Story's ok, characterisation ok, bit overboard on explaining things when nothing's happening, but that's a minor niggle, and I'll continue the series. But it just stops. It feels like it needs an epilogue, or even just a neat couple of paragraphs rounding things out and tidying loose ends. This one reads like either the author was bored with it all, or wrote a much much longer book and split it into chunks without editing it at all. Weird, it's like you pick up a book from a jumble sale and only realise the last page is missing when you read that far!
July 7, 2025
Murder on Boston Common
By Andrea Kress
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I literally only bought this book because I planned on visiting Boston on vacation.
I didn’t even get to read the book while in Boston… but as with all things, it was probably for the best.
This book wasn’t what I was expecting. It was SLOW.
It wasn’t gripping or particularly mysterious and the ending was very dull. No actual resolution.
I’d call this book average.
By Andrea Kress
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I literally only bought this book because I planned on visiting Boston on vacation.
I didn’t even get to read the book while in Boston… but as with all things, it was probably for the best.
This book wasn’t what I was expecting. It was SLOW.
It wasn’t gripping or particularly mysterious and the ending was very dull. No actual resolution.
I’d call this book average.
September 16, 2024
2.5 stars. There’s no official wrap up at the end, just speculation on what happened. Story also alludes to situation that must have happened in the author’s other series but there’s no note at beginning to tell reader that so it was confusing. Not sure I’ll continue with the series though I do think author paints a good picture of Boston at the time.
December 2, 2025
Good story
Its a period setting story with p progressive female characters. Actually most of the younger women were progressive. It takes place during prohibition and the depression so for women to act independent was quite the feat. Some interesting challenges to accomplish. The story starts out slow but don't get discouraged, keep reading. Enjoy!
Its a period setting story with p progressive female characters. Actually most of the younger women were progressive. It takes place during prohibition and the depression so for women to act independent was quite the feat. Some interesting challenges to accomplish. The story starts out slow but don't get discouraged, keep reading. Enjoy!
February 8, 2023
Amanda and Brendan mystery
Good characters and plot, set during the prohibition in America. I enjoyed the previous books with her cousin Aggie and hope this series will be as good. Got off to a good start.
Good characters and plot, set during the prohibition in America. I enjoyed the previous books with her cousin Aggie and hope this series will be as good. Got off to a good start.
April 22, 2024
I was excited to delve into this cozy mystery since I grew up outside of Boston. The main character was annoying. I found the last third of the book more exciting. I might try the next book in the series.
June 27, 2024
This is one book of a serial
I had not realized this “Massachusetts Cozy Mystery” was simply the first book of a series with the story “to be continued.”
I’m not impressed so far, and this will be all I read. (Thus the three stars indicating my indifference.)
I had not realized this “Massachusetts Cozy Mystery” was simply the first book of a series with the story “to be continued.”
I’m not impressed so far, and this will be all I read. (Thus the three stars indicating my indifference.)
July 8, 2025
wait! is there a book 2?!
I went into this thinking it was a stand-alone, so was a little confused when it just ended (I listened to it).
Good pallet cleanser, but now I’ll have to go see about book 2…
I went into this thinking it was a stand-alone, so was a little confused when it just ended (I listened to it).
Good pallet cleanser, but now I’ll have to go see about book 2…
August 23, 2025
Boston & Booze
This start to the Massachusetts Cosy Mysteries was certainly an enjoyable read. A lot of interesting characters and definitely a series I shall continue to enjoy reading!
This start to the Massachusetts Cosy Mysteries was certainly an enjoyable read. A lot of interesting characters and definitely a series I shall continue to enjoy reading!
December 18, 2025
This was difficult to rate. I liked the story line and writing, but the story ended horribly. There was no real conclusion, no real end. It was incredibly lackluster. So- that’s why I gave it 2. I would have done 2.5 if that’s an option but well.
September 1, 2023
Who killed Patrick Harris and why??? Bootlegging??? Amanda will figure things out though, won't she??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Read
February 18, 2024Easy to read
Great book...easy to read/follow. The characters are believable. The author describes Bostonians well. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
Great book...easy to read/follow. The characters are believable. The author describes Bostonians well. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
February 23, 2024
This book was so slow. It took forever to solve the murder.....the very end of the book. There's really no plot twist. No suspense. Just boring.
February 24, 2024
Amazing
April 29, 2024
great read
Great read interesting book set in 30’s but I can’t get the entire book to display so that I can read it. Not good. What’s wrong?
Great read interesting book set in 30’s but I can’t get the entire book to display so that I can read it. Not good. What’s wrong?
June 3, 2024
i liked the historical nature of it, however the last part of the book i found to be a bit rushed
September 2, 2024
Interesting story and concept. I enjoyed the charactes and the mystery.
October 5, 2024
Murder on Boston Common
Very good story by MS Kress, based in the 30's. It was engaging from start to finish. I am looking forward to her next book.
Very good story by MS Kress, based in the 30's. It was engaging from start to finish. I am looking forward to her next book.
November 13, 2024
A 1930's era cozy mystery involving a Beacon Hill socialite who is resisting her family's pressure to settle down and marry. The story begins fine, but then ends extremely abruptly.
December 31, 2024
The storyline is just meh, and the book is riddled with grammatical errors and awkwardly constructed sentences.
January 8, 2025
I liked that this easy to read mystery takes place in Boston, during Prohibition. It was light, yet still a mystery as to who and why. Quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews