What do you think?
Rate this book
Aurora Teagarden #5-8
The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Omnibus 2
Lawrenceton, Georgia, was once a small town; now many people see it only as a growing suburb of Atlanta - but it's still a small town at heart, where people wander in and out of each other's homes, and everybody knows everybody's business. Librarian Aurora Teagarden - Roe to her friends - grew up there, and she should know. She's always been interested in the darker side of human nature, ever since her True Crime book club led to a real murder ...
This omnibus edition contains the last four Dead Over Heals (book 5); A Fool and his Honey (book 6); Last Scene Alive (book 7 ); Poppy Done to Death (book 8)
This omnibus edition contains the last four Dead Over Heals (book 5); A Fool and his Honey (book 6); Last Scene Alive (book 7 ); Poppy Done to Death (book 8)
712 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Charlaine Harris
205 books37.1k followersCharlaine Harris has been a published writer for over forty years. Her first two books were standalones, followed by a long sabbatical when she was having children. Then she began the Aurora Teagarden book, mysteries featuring a short librarian (eventually adapted for Hallmark movies). The darker Lily Bard books came next, about a house cleaner with a dark past and considerable fighting skills.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 9, 2011
Once again Charlaine has a thoroughly ordinary female protagonist repeatedly thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Aurora is perhaps the most outwardly hum-drum of all of Charlaine’s protagonists; she is a librarian, complete with modest cardigans and horn-rimmed glasses. But don’t let appearances (or occupation) fool you. Aurora is just as interesting and lovable as Charlaine’s other leading ladies, maybe even more so because she is aware and makes fun of her outwardly plain-Jane appearances. Like Lily, Sookie and Harper, Aurora is an appealing protagonist because despite self-doubt, when push-comes-to-shove Aurora becomes a brave and ballsy heroine.
There is a lot of suspended belief in the Aurora series – throughout 8 books we are expected to believe that Aurora just keeps stumbling and unwittingly becoming involved in all the murders around town. But because Charlaine beautifully incorporates the bizarre with the mundane of Aurora’s everyday life, and because she constantly makes a joke of the coincidences, you really don’t mind the improbability inherent in the series.
“Two murders,” he repeated. He took his turn at head shaking. I would have to find someone at whom I could shake my head incredulously. “She just confessed two murders to you. How do you do it?”
‘Aurora’ is a fascinating series if you’re coming to them after reading Harris’s ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ books. Aurora is surprisingly similar to Sookie; both are women whom, at the start of their respective series, are really unaware of their femininity and have lived fairly sheltered lives. Sookie has been a loner because of her telepathic ‘handy-cap’, and Aurora because of low self-confidence and a focus on her work. Throughout their series both Aurora and Sookie are put through trials and tribulations that force them to come out of their shells and measure their mettle. But perhaps the ladies biggest connection lies in their romantic lives. As you compare both series you can pinpoint certain consistencies between the romantic entanglements. In both series Charlaine prefers multiple possible partners for her leading ladies, and enjoys keeping readers guessing as to whom they will ultimately end up with. In the ‘Aurora’ and ‘Sookie’ books Charlaine also puts her heroines through the romantic ringer – be warned, there are up’s and down’s that will tug at your heartstrings as you live vicariously through Aurora.
Unlike Sookie, Aurora has a tight family unit. This is really Charlaine’s only series that explores family dynamics and it is refreshing to read Charlaine’s funny take on family matters.
Once again, the ‘Aurora’ books are definitely murder-mystery. Charlaine has a very devious mind when it comes to writing crime, and it is a tricky pleasure to try and figure out the ‘whodunnit’ along with Aurora. But ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ fans should once again be warned that there is no element of urban fantasy in Charlaine’s debut series.
With a whopping 8 books in the series, Charlaine Harris has said in interviews that she has more ideas for Aurora Teagarden, but can’t see herself finding the time between Sookie books to pen a 9th novel. This is a shame. The eighth ‘Aurora’ book (‘Poppy done to Death’) did have a certain open-endedness to it – not so that it frustrates and leaves readers hanging, but just enough that you’ll wish Charlaine would continue with the series.
I don’t love the ‘Aurora Teagarden’ books as much as Harris’s ‘Lily Bard’, ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ or ‘Harper Connelly’ series’. But I do love them. I love Aurora, I love her leading men and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves Charlaine’s writing and a good murder-mystery.
There is a lot of suspended belief in the Aurora series – throughout 8 books we are expected to believe that Aurora just keeps stumbling and unwittingly becoming involved in all the murders around town. But because Charlaine beautifully incorporates the bizarre with the mundane of Aurora’s everyday life, and because she constantly makes a joke of the coincidences, you really don’t mind the improbability inherent in the series.
“Two murders,” he repeated. He took his turn at head shaking. I would have to find someone at whom I could shake my head incredulously. “She just confessed two murders to you. How do you do it?”
‘Aurora’ is a fascinating series if you’re coming to them after reading Harris’s ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ books. Aurora is surprisingly similar to Sookie; both are women whom, at the start of their respective series, are really unaware of their femininity and have lived fairly sheltered lives. Sookie has been a loner because of her telepathic ‘handy-cap’, and Aurora because of low self-confidence and a focus on her work. Throughout their series both Aurora and Sookie are put through trials and tribulations that force them to come out of their shells and measure their mettle. But perhaps the ladies biggest connection lies in their romantic lives. As you compare both series you can pinpoint certain consistencies between the romantic entanglements. In both series Charlaine prefers multiple possible partners for her leading ladies, and enjoys keeping readers guessing as to whom they will ultimately end up with. In the ‘Aurora’ and ‘Sookie’ books Charlaine also puts her heroines through the romantic ringer – be warned, there are up’s and down’s that will tug at your heartstrings as you live vicariously through Aurora.
Unlike Sookie, Aurora has a tight family unit. This is really Charlaine’s only series that explores family dynamics and it is refreshing to read Charlaine’s funny take on family matters.
Once again, the ‘Aurora’ books are definitely murder-mystery. Charlaine has a very devious mind when it comes to writing crime, and it is a tricky pleasure to try and figure out the ‘whodunnit’ along with Aurora. But ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ fans should once again be warned that there is no element of urban fantasy in Charlaine’s debut series.
With a whopping 8 books in the series, Charlaine Harris has said in interviews that she has more ideas for Aurora Teagarden, but can’t see herself finding the time between Sookie books to pen a 9th novel. This is a shame. The eighth ‘Aurora’ book (‘Poppy done to Death’) did have a certain open-endedness to it – not so that it frustrates and leaves readers hanging, but just enough that you’ll wish Charlaine would continue with the series.
I don’t love the ‘Aurora Teagarden’ books as much as Harris’s ‘Lily Bard’, ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ or ‘Harper Connelly’ series’. But I do love them. I love Aurora, I love her leading men and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves Charlaine’s writing and a good murder-mystery.
November 5, 2016
5. Dead Over Heels
Read August 1 - 2, 2016
much more somber than the previous stories
========================
6. A Fool and His Honey
Read Sept 12 - 14 2016
well ... this one takes an interesting turn ...
========================
7. Last Scene Alive
Read Oct 10 - 11, 2016
much lighter tone throughout -- touch of humor returns
"...I could say I knew her when.
That would be more fun than knowing her now. "
― Charlaine Harris, Last Scene Alive
========================
8. Poppy Done to Death
Read Nov 2 - 5, 2016
Read August 1 - 2, 2016
much more somber than the previous stories
========================
6. A Fool and His Honey
Read Sept 12 - 14 2016
well ... this one takes an interesting turn ...
========================
7. Last Scene Alive
Read Oct 10 - 11, 2016
much lighter tone throughout -- touch of humor returns
"...I could say I knew her when.
That would be more fun than knowing her now. "
― Charlaine Harris, Last Scene Alive
========================
8. Poppy Done to Death
Read Nov 2 - 5, 2016
February 17, 2012
I think most people know Charlaine Harris due to her vampire series, which is the basis of the Tru Blood TV series. Although I have read her vampire books, I enjoy her crime novels just as much, if not more. Evidentally, I would recommend you start with the first book in the series, as this omnibus contains the last 4 books.
They follow a lady named Aurora Teagarden, who lives in the South of the USA and seems to have an extraordinary amount of murders occur near her. She is a very relatable character, and very well depicted by the author. These books are described as "cosy crime" by my local Waterstones, and I think that fits them perfectly. They are a typical mystery novel set up, and very easy reading. However, the stories are approached with black humour, and are well written enough to stand out from the crowd. I can definitely recommend them for a bit of light reading on a Sunday afternoon.
They follow a lady named Aurora Teagarden, who lives in the South of the USA and seems to have an extraordinary amount of murders occur near her. She is a very relatable character, and very well depicted by the author. These books are described as "cosy crime" by my local Waterstones, and I think that fits them perfectly. They are a typical mystery novel set up, and very easy reading. However, the stories are approached with black humour, and are well written enough to stand out from the crowd. I can definitely recommend them for a bit of light reading on a Sunday afternoon.
March 17, 2012
Oh my. I liked these four much better than the first four. I don't know if it was because Roe was more developed as a character, or the plots got more complicated, or that there was an absolute shocker at the end of "A Fool and his Honey" (I'm not going to say what it is, because I don't like spoilering, but be warned - make sure you're sitting down and not holding on to anything that might spill when you reach the last 20 or so pages of that one). But these were definitely even more unputdownable than the first volume was, which I didn't think would be possible. My only complaint, which proably goes for all of Charlaine Harris' books, is I just wish they lasted longer! No hint of supernatural in these again, though mention of the Grabbit Kwik here and there makes me wonder if these are, like the Lily Bard series, set in the same universe as Sookie.
April 12, 2011
Ah, what else is there to say but AMAZING? Harris yet again makes me love her and her characters!
May 20, 2011
Fantastic!
I've actually added my reviews for the four books in this omnibus under their individual listings.
I loved them all. :)
I've actually added my reviews for the four books in this omnibus under their individual listings.
I loved them all. :)
October 3, 2018
A solid 3-stars, a half-star up from the first Omnibus of Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. Very much polite murder, a gentle series that strolls along, plucking of victims left and right but in a fairly orderly fashion.
This set of 4 novels (or perhaps novellas describes them better) moves Aurora's personal life along, and in quite unexpected ways (she seemed all 'set' in the previous couple of novels, the last two of Omnibus 1, but alas, no).
We hear a lot about the everyday aspects of Roe's life: the getting up process, the making coffee process, the washing hair process, the getting dressed process, the driving to work/Mother's house/the market process... you get the idea. There's a lot of "fill" in these stories, but they give it it's pace, and lull the reader into a sense of ordinariness which is then shaken up when someone is unexpectedly murdered.
Which Roe then goes on to solve. What the police are still doing in that town is the real mystery, as they are clearly surplus to requirements, given that Roe is solving all the crime and they don't seem to know anything.
Roe herself is quite an unobtrusive leading lady, you'd glance past her on the street I'm sure, or in conversation possibly. She is so utterly ordinary it's hard to have any feelings for her, she doesn't evoke anything except a sense of quiet appropriateness. Her "work" as a librarian seems very low-level for someone trained, educated and qualified in this field, she seems to spend her days re-shelving books and reading to toddlers, I'm not sure if that's all the activities the author knows that vaguely relate to work in a library. I mention it because throughout the 8 stories Roe never does much work of substance in the library, and it is a field that has more depth, skill and interest to it than Roe ever seems to be involved in.
So I'm over Roe, all books read and I can say I enjoyed them in a vague and light way. I happily sent the two Omnibus' onto another reader, one whose attention is being pulled in many directions - a perfect reader for this series of stories, not requiring much in the way of attention themselves. Nice, quiet, polite, gentle murder.
This set of 4 novels (or perhaps novellas describes them better) moves Aurora's personal life along, and in quite unexpected ways (she seemed all 'set' in the previous couple of novels, the last two of Omnibus 1, but alas, no).
We hear a lot about the everyday aspects of Roe's life: the getting up process, the making coffee process, the washing hair process, the getting dressed process, the driving to work/Mother's house/the market process... you get the idea. There's a lot of "fill" in these stories, but they give it it's pace, and lull the reader into a sense of ordinariness which is then shaken up when someone is unexpectedly murdered.
Which Roe then goes on to solve. What the police are still doing in that town is the real mystery, as they are clearly surplus to requirements, given that Roe is solving all the crime and they don't seem to know anything.
Roe herself is quite an unobtrusive leading lady, you'd glance past her on the street I'm sure, or in conversation possibly. She is so utterly ordinary it's hard to have any feelings for her, she doesn't evoke anything except a sense of quiet appropriateness. Her "work" as a librarian seems very low-level for someone trained, educated and qualified in this field, she seems to spend her days re-shelving books and reading to toddlers, I'm not sure if that's all the activities the author knows that vaguely relate to work in a library. I mention it because throughout the 8 stories Roe never does much work of substance in the library, and it is a field that has more depth, skill and interest to it than Roe ever seems to be involved in.
So I'm over Roe, all books read and I can say I enjoyed them in a vague and light way. I happily sent the two Omnibus' onto another reader, one whose attention is being pulled in many directions - a perfect reader for this series of stories, not requiring much in the way of attention themselves. Nice, quiet, polite, gentle murder.
March 31, 2021
This was a nice, light hearted read. The main character is very likeable and I enjoyed reading about her adventures.
April 3, 2021
So exciting!
December 27, 2021
I love this character!
October 2, 2012
Dead Over Heals.
A man falls out of the sky to land squarely in Aurora's, or Roe's, back yard and questions are raised, besides the obvious that is. But Roe is distracted by other matters. Now fully settled into married life the honeymoon is definitely over and Roe has found herself a little bored, restless and to be honest a little lonely, what with all the travel her husband does for business. But others too have noticed her husband's absence and are taking advantage of the situation to declare there own feelings. Of cause all this has nothing to do with the body that fell out the sky to land in her yard. Or does it?
A Fool And His Honey.
Roe was having the worst day of her life and things were only going to get worse. When an unexpected guest drops in leaving an unwelcomed burden on Roe's shoulders, they also leave behind a murder to solve and a missing person to find. But as its family that has landed trouble on Roe's door step she can hardly walk away. So as the lies and deceptions unfold into a twisted family feud, this misadventure will turn out to be the worst Roe will ever have to face. And a murderous plan will only end in blood and tears leaving Roe alone to pick up the pieces.
Last Scene Alive.
It has been almost a year since Roe's world was shattered, and in that time her life has come to a complete stand still. Unable to move on Roe is stuck, living in the past with only her grief for company. That is until she is visited by an old flame from the past. But with him comes a reminder of a dark and murderous past the size of a Hollywood film crew. Although the movie crew is entirely unwelcomed, Roe does find something worthwhile to hold on to, despite her stepsons visit, an actress's murder and the dangerous threats to her own life.
Poppy Done To Death.
It was no secret that Poppy, Roe's stepsister in law, was cheating on her husband, nor was it any great secret that the husband was also stepping out. So Roe, despite her fondness for Poppy, always kind of knew the marriage wouldn't last. What Roe didn't expect, however, was for the marriage to end in murder. But with so many possibilities of scorned lovers and enraged spouses, as many of Poppy's lovers were married, Poppy's murder could only be a result of her cheating ways. Right?
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries Omnibus 2 is an engaging collection of the last four books in this murder mystery series. Aurora, or Roe as she is known, is still a librarian; however she is no longer shy about expressing who she is or what she wants. Shrewd and determined, Roe's interest in murder and mystery is still as strong as ever, as is her perchance for finding herself in awkward and perilous situations. Entertaining as ever, these crafty and intelligent murder mysteries are the perfect way to spend the day.
A man falls out of the sky to land squarely in Aurora's, or Roe's, back yard and questions are raised, besides the obvious that is. But Roe is distracted by other matters. Now fully settled into married life the honeymoon is definitely over and Roe has found herself a little bored, restless and to be honest a little lonely, what with all the travel her husband does for business. But others too have noticed her husband's absence and are taking advantage of the situation to declare there own feelings. Of cause all this has nothing to do with the body that fell out the sky to land in her yard. Or does it?
A Fool And His Honey.
Roe was having the worst day of her life and things were only going to get worse. When an unexpected guest drops in leaving an unwelcomed burden on Roe's shoulders, they also leave behind a murder to solve and a missing person to find. But as its family that has landed trouble on Roe's door step she can hardly walk away. So as the lies and deceptions unfold into a twisted family feud, this misadventure will turn out to be the worst Roe will ever have to face. And a murderous plan will only end in blood and tears leaving Roe alone to pick up the pieces.
Last Scene Alive.
It has been almost a year since Roe's world was shattered, and in that time her life has come to a complete stand still. Unable to move on Roe is stuck, living in the past with only her grief for company. That is until she is visited by an old flame from the past. But with him comes a reminder of a dark and murderous past the size of a Hollywood film crew. Although the movie crew is entirely unwelcomed, Roe does find something worthwhile to hold on to, despite her stepsons visit, an actress's murder and the dangerous threats to her own life.
Poppy Done To Death.
It was no secret that Poppy, Roe's stepsister in law, was cheating on her husband, nor was it any great secret that the husband was also stepping out. So Roe, despite her fondness for Poppy, always kind of knew the marriage wouldn't last. What Roe didn't expect, however, was for the marriage to end in murder. But with so many possibilities of scorned lovers and enraged spouses, as many of Poppy's lovers were married, Poppy's murder could only be a result of her cheating ways. Right?
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries Omnibus 2 is an engaging collection of the last four books in this murder mystery series. Aurora, or Roe as she is known, is still a librarian; however she is no longer shy about expressing who she is or what she wants. Shrewd and determined, Roe's interest in murder and mystery is still as strong as ever, as is her perchance for finding herself in awkward and perilous situations. Entertaining as ever, these crafty and intelligent murder mysteries are the perfect way to spend the day.
December 15, 2011
The problem with omnibus collections is you end up reading short books back to back, when normally they'd be months apart at least. The plot is basically the same each time - unexpected dead body, odd cast of characters, lots of men in love with Roe (just like Sookie) and twist at the end to reveal the killer. They are gently charming and sometimes funny but I didn't like this collection as much as the first, probably because it's too much of the same and I've really gone off Aurora as a character - so judgemental!
August 5, 2011
Just love the way Charlaine writes her books. The suspense it leaves me in. I think I spent yesterday more hours @work reading instead of working. Just couldn't put it down :)
Aurora is still finding corpses, everywhere. I love the way Charlaine wraps up her books, I keep thinking it's so obvious, just to find out I was miles away :)Except for the last one, finaly I had 1 right. One of the 8 ain't that bad right?
Aurora is still finding corpses, everywhere. I love the way Charlaine wraps up her books, I keep thinking it's so obvious, just to find out I was miles away :)Except for the last one, finaly I had 1 right. One of the 8 ain't that bad right?
August 29, 2011
Charlaine Harris is a story teller par excellence. Whomever or what ever she writes about is engrossing and captivating. I am very sad to see this series end. The omnibus editions are the way to read these books because they are so much more comfortable that the mass markets.
Want to read
December 3, 2011I finished the first omnibus some weeks ago and I liked the last two stories a lot! so I am actually looking forward to this one...I love Harri's characters.
April 17, 2012
Loved them!
July 19, 2012
Much better than the first four
July 26, 2013
AT is me, just writing these has reminded me I need to re-read them
September 9, 2013
Full review here: http://www.thelibrarian.co.uk/2013/07...
November 13, 2014
Super cute and mysterious.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews