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Clucks and Clues Cozy Mysteries #7
A Liar and a Layer
Leona Davis has always hated surprises…even of the party variety. So when her boyfriend, retired sheriff Eli Ramirez, tips her off that a big one is coming her way, she braces herself for some “unexpected” fifty-ninth-birthday fun.
But no amount of preparation keeps her from being bowled over when someone turns up at her party who was definitely not on the guest list—a dead body! At first, it looks like a tragic accident that the bowling team captain got stuck in the Lane Four pinsetter. But it quickly becomes apparent that he was murdered just days before the first bowling match of the season!
Leona can’t help being a little curious about who had it out for the ambitious young man. Was it the captain of the rival team? His disgruntled former teammate? His bowling alley boss? It seems there are suspects to spare!
But her casual hunt for clues turns dead serious when someone close to her is badly hurt during the investigation. Now there’s far more at stake than bragging rights and a bowling trophy.
Can Leona pin down the killer before they strike again? Surprise! It won’t be easy…
A Liar & A Layer is the seventh book in the quirky small-town Clucks and Clues Cozy Mysteries series that is packed with chuckles and chickens!
But no amount of preparation keeps her from being bowled over when someone turns up at her party who was definitely not on the guest list—a dead body! At first, it looks like a tragic accident that the bowling team captain got stuck in the Lane Four pinsetter. But it quickly becomes apparent that he was murdered just days before the first bowling match of the season!
Leona can’t help being a little curious about who had it out for the ambitious young man. Was it the captain of the rival team? His disgruntled former teammate? His bowling alley boss? It seems there are suspects to spare!
But her casual hunt for clues turns dead serious when someone close to her is badly hurt during the investigation. Now there’s far more at stake than bragging rights and a bowling trophy.
Can Leona pin down the killer before they strike again? Surprise! It won’t be easy…
A Liar & A Layer is the seventh book in the quirky small-town Clucks and Clues Cozy Mysteries series that is packed with chuckles and chickens!
202 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2022
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51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 25, 2022
Book 7. This book in the series has surpises in store. This one is of a Bowling Alley murder. And the teams of the bowling leagues were all guilty. Great 7th story. I guess this is the last in the series
February 1, 2025
This was such a great 7-book series! Every book had me wondering just what would happen next and I couldn’t always put it down. “I’ll read just one more page…” and then go do my chores. Lol.
This seventh was - I suppose - the grand finale. Well, unless Avis is in the process of writing book 8. Oh that would be awesome! I’m definitely going to need to check out other books by Avis and I hope those are also on a farm. 😊
Like I mentioned in one of my previous reviews, a dog was finally brought into the mix. The dog, Cider is awesome and smart. I’ll continue to hope a book 8 is released.
By the way, Avis released a novella on October 5, 2023 that is connected to this series that is called, “No Spring Chicken”.
Taken off Amazon:
“‘No Spring Chicken’ is a zany, fast-paced cozy mystery novella connected to the Clucks & Clues series, with a fresh cast of characters and a whole new attitude. Recipe included!
This book was previously published under the title ‘No Egg to Stand On’ as part of the USA Today–bestselling cozy mystery anthology Mysteries, Midsummer Sun & Murders.”
The only problem with the novella for me is that it isn’t available through Kindle Unlimited and instead it’s available in paperback form.
The next book I’m going to read is Book 15 from the Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery series: “Better Luck Hex Time” by Amanda M Lee. It’s a supernatural cozy mystery series.
This seventh was - I suppose - the grand finale. Well, unless Avis is in the process of writing book 8. Oh that would be awesome! I’m definitely going to need to check out other books by Avis and I hope those are also on a farm. 😊
Like I mentioned in one of my previous reviews, a dog was finally brought into the mix. The dog, Cider is awesome and smart. I’ll continue to hope a book 8 is released.
By the way, Avis released a novella on October 5, 2023 that is connected to this series that is called, “No Spring Chicken”.
Taken off Amazon:
“‘No Spring Chicken’ is a zany, fast-paced cozy mystery novella connected to the Clucks & Clues series, with a fresh cast of characters and a whole new attitude. Recipe included!
This book was previously published under the title ‘No Egg to Stand On’ as part of the USA Today–bestselling cozy mystery anthology Mysteries, Midsummer Sun & Murders.”
The only problem with the novella for me is that it isn’t available through Kindle Unlimited and instead it’s available in paperback form.
The next book I’m going to read is Book 15 from the Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery series: “Better Luck Hex Time” by Amanda M Lee. It’s a supernatural cozy mystery series.
September 27, 2022
A genuinely "feel-good" Cozy Mystery that immediately lifts Spirits with its quirky delight, chickens, and dogs, A LIAR AND A LAYER is CLUCKS AND CLUES Book 7. Amateur sleuth and chicken devotee Leona turns 59 to a surprise birthday party, with an extra added surprise: an unexpected corpse!
September 28, 2022
This is one of the most fun murder mystery series there is! With great characters and their interactions to their pets, Leona's pet house hen, Boots and her boyfriend and neighbor, Eli's pet a farm do, Cider who help in the mystery, especially since Cider is going through K9 training with Eli, a retired town sheriff. We begin with Leona turning 59 and Eli with a little help prepared a surprise party for her. But she Hates surprises so he has to spill the beans. The party is held in the bowling alley with a lot of Leona's friends. All goes well until the pin setter on one of the alleys is broken and one of the workers goes in the back to fix it. When he doesn't return, he is discovered and he is dead. Was it an accident with the pin setter or was it murder. Being a retired sheriff he apologizes to Leona and stays back to help the new sheriff. But he isn't asked for help and feels down and irrelevant. But Leona has a way of making it better. As they drive out for an ice cream and movie date, they see one of the bowlers dumping a large box furtively in the dumpster at the back of the bowling alley and gets Eli to stop and check it out. When he doesn't return to the car, Leona gets worried and goes to find him. He is bleeding and knocked out on the ground. Now we have Eli in the hospital with a huge concussion and in order for Leona to get in to see him in the ICU she pretends they are married. It seems to have worked because Eli has amnesia and doesn't remember anything. And now, we have a real mystery with Leona in the lead to discover who the murderer was and who knocked out Eli. With so many suspects since the competing teams in bowling competition could be involved as well as others in this small quiet little town and it is up to Leona to sort it out. Of course, Eli is in major protection mode and along with the pets and Eli, Leona forges ahead. I love this series, although it is a murder mystery there is a lot of romance and relationship in such a sweet way. Can Leona finally get closer to Eli, without her feeling so gun shy after she had a horrible ex-husband? I can't wait to see what the author has in store for Leona and Eli and the mystery that will follow them next! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 28, 2022
This series is one of my favorite to read - it’s sweet clean romance, not too gruesome murder, animal interests and the richness of small town all put together into these lovely reads. Even with a murder I consider this series to be among my feel good reads. Leona and Eli have such a sweet relationship and it’s really fun to watch the evolution of their relationship! I love how the author further creatively developed their relationship in this book. I’d love to say more about this but don’t want to give anything away - you won’t be disappointed!! Boots, the house chicken is still laying eggs in the laundry! And Boots has quite the personality - which I never knew chickens had until I started reading about Leona’s chicken and egg farm. Cinder is learning how to be a search and rescue dog in this book and as a dog lover I enjoy reading about this wonderful and smart dog, who can get into mischief. The author does such a great work weaving the total storyline into the little country town of Honeytree and its community - she describes such great characters - some nice and some not so nice - which adds a whole different dimension to the storyline. I highly recommend this book!
I received a free review copy of this book for an independent review.
I received a free review copy of this book for an independent review.
September 25, 2022
Leona is celebrating her fifty-ninth birthday and a big surprise is planned at the bowling alley. Unfortunately, before her party can really take off, a dead body if found and they party is not happening. Apparently, a bowling match was to occur and competition was tough. They all wanted to win the grand prize. Who killed the member of the bowling team? Was it a member from one of the other teams? As Leona starts to investigate, someone very close to her gets seriously hurt. Will Leona identify the killer before someone else is murdered? Join Leona, Boots and Cider as they track down the culprit. After all is said and done, Leona gets some fantastic news.
What a delightful read! I would give it more than 5 stars since I enjoyed immensely. The mystery was interesting, the characters were well-developed and I really enjoyed the humor of Boots. This is one of the most adorable cozy mysteries. If you enjoy animals, quirky small-towns and family togetherness, then I recommend not only this book, but the whole series. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a delightful read! I would give it more than 5 stars since I enjoyed immensely. The mystery was interesting, the characters were well-developed and I really enjoyed the humor of Boots. This is one of the most adorable cozy mysteries. If you enjoy animals, quirky small-towns and family togetherness, then I recommend not only this book, but the whole series. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2022
Hiliary Avis returns with her latest in the charming and clever Clucks and Clues Cozy Mystery series. Leona is celebrating her birthday at the local bowling alley and it will be a very memorable one. One of the employees is found dead and Leona as usual can’t keep herself from searching for the killer. When she enlists her boyfriend and former sheriff to check out the bowling alley dumpster for evidence, Eli is assaulted and left unconscious. In the emergency room, Leona is assumed to be Eli’s wife and she confirms the lie so that she can be with him. When word circulates that the former high school sweethearts have finally tied the knot, the town is thrilled, and congratulations and wedding gifts begin to arrive. Now what? Do they admit the lie or wait and follow the fake marriage with a fake divorce? There is also a murder to solve and Eli needs rest and quiet to recover. The author weaves her trademark humor and lovable characters into a tapestry of clues, with Boots, the house hen, and Cider, Eli’s dog, playing vital rolls in discovering the perpetrator. Now, what will Eli and Leona do about their matrimonial conundrum? Fans of these books will not want to miss this one. This is my honest review of an ARC I received from the author.
September 28, 2022
Hillary Avis has been writing this great cozey mystery murder series " Clucks and Clues " for a while now each one better than the last with the first mystery in this series being really well written so it says a lot about this series and the writing of Hillary Avis. The characters that have stayed center stage from the beginning are like welcome old friends and the new are vibrant, colorful and interesting, while there is also the sneaky schemer 's character to discover or this mystery wouldn't exist. The characters are what initially what draws you in the mystery entices you further while the plot so keeps you wanting to turn page after page until you reach its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " A Liar and a Layer " today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. Kat
September 27, 2022
Leona has another birthday, one she would like to celebrate quietly, but there are others that have different ideas. Eli lets the 'cat out of the bag' sorta, so it isn't such a big surprise when she gets to the party at the bowling alley. What was a surprise was finding a dead body in the pin setter! Later, on a date with Eli, Leona has him check out the dumpster outback of the bowling alley. They saw someone put something in there, and Eli gets attacked and ends up in the hospital. The only way Leona who is feeling guilty about him checking the dumpster out, lies to the nurse so she can go see him. The rumors really take flight then! How will things ever get straightened out? Another superb story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 30, 2022
This book caught and held my interest from the start. I have enjoyed all of the various characters, but Leona and Eli have been my favorites. They are so real and so likable. This is a great mystery with all kinds of twists, plus a touch of romance. Leona can't help investigating murders and getting into dangerous situations. Eli, the former sheriff has his hands full trying to protect her. This book is for anyone who enjoys clean cozy mysteries. Try it, you'll like it. The books in this series can be read as stand-alone novels, since the author provides a bit of back story on the characters.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
October 17, 2022
I'm a mutherclucker mystery fan and Hilary Avis is my go to best read. In her latest book, A LIAR AND A LAYER, A Clucks and Clues Cozy Mystery Book 7, she takes her readers on a twisting, turning dangerous journey. After a body is discovered at the bowling alley, Leona along with her trusty chicken, Boots, checks out possible suspects. Eli, her high school sweetheart, gets in over his head, literally. How far will Leona go to make sure Eli is safe and can she find the killer or killers? With the help of her best friend, Ruth, and Eli's incredible dog, Cider, can they sniff out what really happened? This is a fun cozy mystery. Read the series, A Clucks and Clues Cozy Mystery! Great read. A clucking good time! Congrats Hilary.
September 29, 2022
One of my top three series. Love the fact that Leona & Eli have finally had the wedding we all knew would eventually come. Love that Boots & Cider have continued to be an integral part of each book. The only thing that keeps me from a five star is that the refusal of Leona into the ICU was so unrealistic & then carried way too far. Doctors. Nurses & other staff either let someone visit a patient or they don’t. The demands for verification of marriage etc just doesn’t happen. It would have worked much better if she had just said it was her husband & take the misunderstanding & humorous assumptions of friends & family to the end. Still a great read & great series.
October 14, 2022
Hillary Avis has given us another wonderful addition to the Clucks and Clues series. Leona is turning 59! Her friends have planned a surprise party for her but Eli, her boyfriend, has tipped her off since she hates surprises. There was one surprise though that she could have done without ... the dead body! There’s one thing Leona can’t resist and that’s a murder investigation! The stakes get even higher when someone close to her is injured. Lots of suspects and lots of laughs to keep you interested! What do you expect when Leona has a pet chicken who lives in the house with her! This one ends with a surprise so don’t miss this one!
September 29, 2022
This was a splendid story, enhanced by the wonderful world building, characters and don’t forget the animals. Both Boots the house chicken and Cider the soon to be wonder K9 dog are stars of all the stories in this series. Can Leona enjoy her birthday party, solve a murder and nurse Eli back to health without losing her mind? The best surprise was that Leona and Eli have come to an agreement about their lives. You have to read this book, it has so many twists and suspects that you will be unable to put it down. Love this series and cannot wait to read more.
September 27, 2022
As usual the author brings us another great story. I love Leona and Eli as a couple. With Boots (Leona's indoor pet chicken) and Cider (Eli's farm dog that he is doing K9 training with) joining the couple, nothing is going to get by them. Living in a small town, Leona finds how easy one small lie turns into a big town affair. If you want to find out what the lie was, read this delightful book and find out for yourself.
I volunteered a honest review for a free copy of this book.
I volunteered a honest review for a free copy of this book.
September 28, 2022
After Eli suffers a serious injury, a white lie Leona tells in order to get info and see Eli in hospital develops epic proportions
will this change the dynamics of their real life relationship ?
loyalties and friendships go awry for more than one person- people really do get crazy over bowling!
is an enlargement of the hen collection in store?
changes and transitions as some relationships grow and change, and others come to a swift end
will this change the dynamics of their real life relationship ?
loyalties and friendships go awry for more than one person- people really do get crazy over bowling!
is an enlargement of the hen collection in store?
changes and transitions as some relationships grow and change, and others come to a swift end
September 25, 2022
Sooo good!
I love reading Leona and Eli stories. There is so much love and emotions in this book, there's also a murder, a lot of suspects and a few surprises along the way! As soon as I finish one of these books, I can't wait to read the next, knowing that I will not be disappointed.
I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.
I love reading Leona and Eli stories. There is so much love and emotions in this book, there's also a murder, a lot of suspects and a few surprises along the way! As soon as I finish one of these books, I can't wait to read the next, knowing that I will not be disappointed.
I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.
September 25, 2022
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I loved this book. Avis just keeps getting better and better. Leona tells a fib so she can visit Eli in the hospital, and before she can turn around, the whole town is talking about what she said. I really recommend this book.
October 2, 2022
Leona has gotten herself into a real pickle this time. There is a dead body and she cannot help but investigate, but she didn't plan on Eli getting hurt. One little lie can mushroom into something really big. The usual characters are back and there are some new zany ones too. There are lots of laughs with this one and you will love how it turns out.
October 15, 2022
Simply perfect!
What a great weave of possible outcomes! I am sad though, to think this maybe the final book in the series. Leona, Eli, Boots, and Cider need to continue. I recommend this wonderful series to all who enjoy lovable characters, great animals, really creepy bad guys wrapped up in a lovely little town filled with great characters ... and muuuurder!
What a great weave of possible outcomes! I am sad though, to think this maybe the final book in the series. Leona, Eli, Boots, and Cider need to continue. I recommend this wonderful series to all who enjoy lovable characters, great animals, really creepy bad guys wrapped up in a lovely little town filled with great characters ... and muuuurder!
March 17, 2023
Excellent Series
These books grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I had gobbled up every word. Hopefully Hillary Avis will write more with these same characters. I can see Tamara story coming to life, or more about Ruth. Thora is a great character and I would love to learn more about her life. Love your books!! Thank you!
These books grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I had gobbled up every word. Hopefully Hillary Avis will write more with these same characters. I can see Tamara story coming to life, or more about Ruth. Thora is a great character and I would love to learn more about her life. Love your books!! Thank you!
July 2, 2023
So Cute
All of this series is a pleasant read. Although this is also a mystery series there is no gore or terrible images. So if you have read something with something that disturbs your mind or you need something to lighten your mood, this is a good antidote. And you will learn a few things about chickens.
All of this series is a pleasant read. Although this is also a mystery series there is no gore or terrible images. So if you have read something with something that disturbs your mind or you need something to lighten your mood, this is a good antidote. And you will learn a few things about chickens.
January 20, 2025
another fun light read
I love this series. I felt Leona was a bit too bitter in the first book or two, but glad I stuck with it. The characters are fun and the stories, light and enjoyable.
I especially love her “Hens before Men’s” and other funny quips and Boots the house hen. I would love to see a book 8 on the future.
I love this series. I felt Leona was a bit too bitter in the first book or two, but glad I stuck with it. The characters are fun and the stories, light and enjoyable.
I especially love her “Hens before Men’s” and other funny quips and Boots the house hen. I would love to see a book 8 on the future.
October 31, 2023
A delightful series.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and read them one after another to see how Eli and Leona worked things out. This cozy mysteries had everything including chickens. I highly recommend this series.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and read them one after another to see how Eli and Leona worked things out. This cozy mysteries had everything including chickens. I highly recommend this series.
September 26, 2022
Will there be 59th birthday fun for Leona? Murder and mayhem for sure! Bowling team rivalry, lots of twists and turns and interesting complex characters make this a real page turner! A must read!
October 1, 2022
Exceptional! I loved the mystery and the lies. Lol! Cider is such an awesome dog, so smart! Wish I had one like him.
January 27, 2023
Sweet Read
What a sweet read, Yes, there's murder and mystery, but what a lovely ending...and what a fun way to get there.
I hope there will be more Leona and Eli adventures!
What a sweet read, Yes, there's murder and mystery, but what a lovely ending...and what a fun way to get there.
I hope there will be more Leona and Eli adventures!
October 23, 2023
I have read all seven of the little novels in this series and find them entertaining but a bit too brief.
November 1, 2023
Saga terminada 😍
November 26, 2023
Who killed Yegg and why??? A shirt??? Thank you, Cider!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews