Planning for Murder: Large Print Edition

North Dakota Library Mysteries #0.5

by Ellen Jacobson

Planners are great for to-do lists, keeping track of appointments and . . . scheduling a murder. When Thea Olson returned to her hometown of Why, North Dakota, for the Fourth of July, the last thing she expected was to add “investigate a murder” to her to-do list. But when her cousin is falsely accused of killing her business partner, Thea is drawn into solving the case. In between hunting down clues and interviewing suspects, Thea learns more than she wanted to know about creative planning, stickers, washi tape, and glitter pens. Can Thea clear her cousin’s name or will she become the murderer’s next victim? This novella was originally published as part of the Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders cozy mystery anthology.

This is the large print edition. Also available in ebook and paperback.

Genres: Mystery, Novella, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

151 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2022

About the author

Ellen Jacobson is a chocolate obsessed cat lover who writes cozy mysteries and romantic comedies. After living on a sailboat for many years, she now travels around in a teeny-tiny camper with her husband and an imaginary cat named Simon.

Her Mollie McGhie cozy mystery series, featuring a reluctant sailor turned amateur sleuth, is inspired by her own sailing adventures and misadventures living aboard sailboats in New Zealand and the States.

Her Smitten with Travel romantic comedy series is inspired by her life as an expat in Scotland and New Zealand and love of exploring new countries and learning about new cultures.

You can find out more about Ellen and her books at:
https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

Subscribe to her newsletter for updates on new releases, works in progress, sales / promos & live on the road in a teeny-tiny camper at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/m4g9m4

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful introduction to Why, North Dakota. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

I thought this mystery was a little bit simplistic, but like the author's husband, I got a kick out of the North Dakota setting. I've been a life-long resident of first Minnesota, then North Dakota. I've been to Bismarck many times and also to Williston (what a long drive from Fargo!). I did think Thea was a fun character, although I would not ever get that close to a buffalo, even if he was supposed to be "tame". It felt like the author was having a fun time writing this story, so I went along with that and had a good time reading it. I would read the next book, too.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Thea Olson returned to her hometown of Why, North Dakota, for the Fourth of July, the last thing she expected was to add “investigate a murder” to her to-do list. But when her cousin is falsely accused of killing her business partner, Thea is drawn into solving the case. In between hunting down clues and interviewing suspects, Thea learns more than she wanted to know about creative planning, stickers, washi tape, and glitter pens. [amazon synopsis]

Clear her cousin's name or be the next victim. Lots of suspects. Could be well understood by a MS student. Short, but then it's a prequel.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed meeting Thea and her grandma’s characters a lot as well as her brother and other various relatives and friends. The buffalo and his tons of names was pretty funny! Thea and her brother, who was off the case since it involved their cousin, seemed to sleuth pretty well together, as best he could without being on duty for it. The planned showdown was a good one along with how Thea came up with the solution. I was glad for her decision and I’m eager to read the next book.

[Jemi Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Jacobson's Planning For Murder is a great intro to a new series.
The sleuth, Thea, is back in her hometown of Why. The town is exactly as quirky as you would imagine with a fabulous cast of characters. This story is just what a cozy mystery should be - fun, fast-paced, intriguing, with terrific characters and a great mystery!
A terrific read!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Suspects!

It was hard to guess who the murderer was because there were so many great suspects. The investigating was earnest and very amateur, but it fit in perfectly with the story. It was just what was needed. The stationary theme was a unique touch, but so are North Dakota and a buffalo.
This was a quirky, fun mystery

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun. I only picked it for a challenge because it has an unusual location, but I'll probably keep reading them. The action was quick, the people were likeable, the mystery was fun, and there was even some fun Norwegian trivia.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this mystery novella. I liked Thea and her hometown of Why, North Dakota. Although there are quirky inhabitants, they are not over the top or annoying. The mystery wasn't super challenging, but I still liked the twists and turns. I will probably continue on in the series.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short, quick read. I liked the characters and the tone, so I'll definitely give the first book of the series a try.

[MA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun prequel to the new North Dakota Library mysteries. Loved meeting Thea, her grandparents and all of the quirky side characters to populate this new series.

[Janet Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read. The story was cute. If you like cozy mysteries check it out.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel to a new mystery series in Why, North Dakota. A small town where everyone knows your business. Looking forward to reading these books!