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The Idyllwild Mystery Series #1
The Great Loveda Brown: The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book One
Loveda Brown thinks she's running from her hot-tempered husband, but a hidden killer in the tiny town of Idyllwild has other plans for her.
When Loveda Brown arrives in the tiny mountainside town of Idyllwild, California, as yet the Wild West of 1912, she is running from her husband. But when a body turns up the next day, she realizes she might have worse things following her… That cold, clenched fist holds something that forces Loveda to stay in Idyllwild and use all of her wits to stop another murder from happening. Probably her own.
When Loveda Brown arrives in the tiny mountainside town of Idyllwild, California, as yet the Wild West of 1912, she is running from her husband. But when a body turns up the next day, she realizes she might have worse things following her… That cold, clenched fist holds something that forces Loveda to stay in Idyllwild and use all of her wits to stop another murder from happening. Probably her own.
262 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2020
86 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Jolie Tunnell
18 books55 followersAward-winning author Jolie Tunnell brings the past to life in suspenseful historical mysteries. Bringing the flavor of the turn-of-the-century Wild West to the isolated mountain town of Idyllwild and the writhing underbelly of Old San Francisco, her books gallop to the last page.
A Southern California native, she loves on her sprawling family, forces her freeloading tomcat to cuddle, and can drink her weight in Yorkshire Gold tea.
Sign up for her extraordinary newsletter, get a free book, and settle in for a visit at JolieTunnell.com.
A Southern California native, she loves on her sprawling family, forces her freeloading tomcat to cuddle, and can drink her weight in Yorkshire Gold tea.
Sign up for her extraordinary newsletter, get a free book, and settle in for a visit at JolieTunnell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 14, 2025
Loveda Brown arrived in the small town of Idyllwild, California, as a last minute detour because her ex-husband Billy was after her. She'd escaped his clutches from her ranch in Texas but somehow he was behind her. Checking into a hotel, telling the owner to keep her arrival quiet because of the person following her, and leaving the next day was her plan. But plans were made to be broken, and when a dead body was found on the outskirts of town, the sheriff visited Loveda. After all, she was the only new person in town. The body was Billy, which gave her some relief, but what he had clutched in his cold, dead hand rattled Loveda. Suddenly she needed to stay; there was a murderer on the loose and she had to discover who it was...
The Great Loveda Brown is the 1st in The Idyllwild Mystery series by Jolie Tunnell and I quite enjoyed it. Set in 1912 California, Loveda was an unusual woman, happy to travel on her own, loved her horse, Blue, and didn't need a man to rely on. She was courageous, prepared to face trouble head on, but never a gun. A different kind of cosy mystery, but fun and entertaining all the same. Recommended.
The Great Loveda Brown is the 1st in The Idyllwild Mystery series by Jolie Tunnell and I quite enjoyed it. Set in 1912 California, Loveda was an unusual woman, happy to travel on her own, loved her horse, Blue, and didn't need a man to rely on. She was courageous, prepared to face trouble head on, but never a gun. A different kind of cosy mystery, but fun and entertaining all the same. Recommended.
December 5, 2024
History, Mystery and Poppycock
Jolie Tunnell spins a fantastic tale of a spunky woman who fleas from her exhusband only to find even more trouble. When he turns up murdered, she sets put to find the culprit. Tunnel describes turn of the century Idyllwild with enchanting detail and the characters are well rounded, The plot is well planned and the story had me guessing. I read this fun book in one sitting. This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last. As the author mentions in the afterward, the story is a combination of Mystery history and poppycock and she clarifies the fact from the fiction.
Jolie Tunnell spins a fantastic tale of a spunky woman who fleas from her exhusband only to find even more trouble. When he turns up murdered, she sets put to find the culprit. Tunnel describes turn of the century Idyllwild with enchanting detail and the characters are well rounded, The plot is well planned and the story had me guessing. I read this fun book in one sitting. This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last. As the author mentions in the afterward, the story is a combination of Mystery history and poppycock and she clarifies the fact from the fiction.
March 14, 2021
I enjoyed this story of a spunky woman running from her husband. Her trip gets derailed when his body is found near the town where she is hiding. Loveda Brown sets out to solve her husband's murder and ends up discovering a town secret. The main character is very well written, and the setting is well detailed. I really like this character, and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!
February 18, 2023
Shoes, gunshots, and confusion
I was amazed as I started to get into this story. There's nothing but excitement and unexpected turns. There's A hint of the West, but definitely not a western. On to the next book.
I was amazed as I started to get into this story. There's nothing but excitement and unexpected turns. There's A hint of the West, but definitely not a western. On to the next book.
November 4, 2024
The Great Loveda Brown whisks readers away to the charming yet treacherous town of Idyllwild, California, in 1912. Loveda’s flight from her hot-tempered husband quickly turns into a gripping mystery when a body turns up the very next day. Tunnell crafts an engaging tale filled with suspense and a sprinkle of humor, making for an enjoyable read!
While I appreciated Loveda's cleverness and resilience, I found the plot a bit predictable at times. The timeline had a few hiccups, and certain moments felt a touch too modern for the era, which pulled me out of the story. These quirks kept me from giving it a higher rating, but the delightful characters and the intriguing mystery kept me turning pages.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with a dash of sass, The Great Loveda Brown is a fun choice—just don’t mind the occasional plot twist that bends time a bit!
While I appreciated Loveda's cleverness and resilience, I found the plot a bit predictable at times. The timeline had a few hiccups, and certain moments felt a touch too modern for the era, which pulled me out of the story. These quirks kept me from giving it a higher rating, but the delightful characters and the intriguing mystery kept me turning pages.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with a dash of sass, The Great Loveda Brown is a fun choice—just don’t mind the occasional plot twist that bends time a bit!
October 2, 2021
If you're a fan of Phrynie Fischer and Miss Scarlett, you will adore Loveda Brown.
When Loveda Brown arrives on a stagecoach she only has one goal, to escape Billy Dunn, her nare-do-well ex-husband. With one she missing she runs into trouble right away and things only get worse. With the help of a few locals and a hunky mountain man Loveda befriends the town outcast, thwarts a local occultist, and unveils the killers. Our gun-toting, horse riding heroine does it all with her unbeatable spirit and sheer determination. This is a great read for those interested in feisty female sleuths making their way at the turn of the 20th century in a small California mountain town.
When Loveda Brown arrives on a stagecoach she only has one goal, to escape Billy Dunn, her nare-do-well ex-husband. With one she missing she runs into trouble right away and things only get worse. With the help of a few locals and a hunky mountain man Loveda befriends the town outcast, thwarts a local occultist, and unveils the killers. Our gun-toting, horse riding heroine does it all with her unbeatable spirit and sheer determination. This is a great read for those interested in feisty female sleuths making their way at the turn of the 20th century in a small California mountain town.
February 3, 2025
What a beautiful, unexpected romp through the wild west!
Equal parts "Dr Quinn: Medicine Woman" and "Murder, She Wrote", this story is perfect for fans of California history and cozy murder mysteries.
When feisty New Englander Loveda Brown finds herself pursued by an abusive ex-husband, she hides in Idyllwild, California... A quiet Western mining town in the infancy of its fabulousness. While there, Loveda crosses paths with a rag tag group of townsfolk... From the overly suspicious sheriff to the local mad woman. But not everything in Idyllwild is as it seems. And in her quest to discover how her no good ex turned up dead, Loveda may find herself on the business end of a bullet.
Equal parts "Dr Quinn: Medicine Woman" and "Murder, She Wrote", this story is perfect for fans of California history and cozy murder mysteries.
When feisty New Englander Loveda Brown finds herself pursued by an abusive ex-husband, she hides in Idyllwild, California... A quiet Western mining town in the infancy of its fabulousness. While there, Loveda crosses paths with a rag tag group of townsfolk... From the overly suspicious sheriff to the local mad woman. But not everything in Idyllwild is as it seems. And in her quest to discover how her no good ex turned up dead, Loveda may find herself on the business end of a bullet.
December 18, 2020
This murder mystery book was a real treat to read. It’s the perfect length to easily read in one sitting. The plot easily held my attention and has the right number of twists and turns in it to go along with the mystery and drama. The author has a wonderful command of descriptive writing that really enhanced the reading and made the scenes and characters jump from the page. This is my first time reading this author and I’m delighted that I chose to read the book after being drawn in via the blurb.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2021
This introductory novel to The Idyllwild Mystery Series is intriguing, suspenseful and quick-paced. It is filled with an assortment of interesting characters as well as beautiful settings. As courageous Loveda flees from Texas to California, she thinks she’s escaping trouble. Instead, she encounters more peril than she ever could have imagined. I look forward to reading what happens to her next in Book 2 of the series.
May 3, 2025
I've read the first two books in the series and have found them to be entertaining, easy reads. Loveda finds herself in a rural community with secrets and murder. During the first book she is escaping from a bad marriage and in the second is starting to put down roots in her new home. Providing a historic backstory when automobiles and independent women were a novelties, the mysteries have unpredictable endings that keep the reader engaged in the story from beginning to end.
October 22, 2021
Idyllwild, California, 1912 Loveda Brown is travelling to LA to stay with family but she believes she is being followed by her ex-husband, Billy Dunn. The sheriff suspicions are raised when he is found dead. Can Loveda discover the guilty party or will there be more deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to a new series.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to a new series.
February 18, 2022
Tough and Tender
Loveda Brown attracts the worst kind of people because she is so tender and accepting. She survives because she is tough and resilient.
You’ll bounce back and forth as Loveda herself does. A whirlwind of death and danger, a group of interesting characters and many surprises move the story along.
Loveda Brown attracts the worst kind of people because she is so tender and accepting. She survives because she is tough and resilient.
You’ll bounce back and forth as Loveda herself does. A whirlwind of death and danger, a group of interesting characters and many surprises move the story along.
August 7, 2022
Cozy mystery
For fans of cozy mystery. The plot moves at an irregular pace, and Loveda is an unlikely heroine. The ending doesn’t quite wrap all the details. The author does a good job pointing the blame here and there, though not giving a plausible reason for Penny’s murder. A good read of uneven quality.
For fans of cozy mystery. The plot moves at an irregular pace, and Loveda is an unlikely heroine. The ending doesn’t quite wrap all the details. The author does a good job pointing the blame here and there, though not giving a plausible reason for Penny’s murder. A good read of uneven quality.
November 10, 2024
A cosy mystery set in Idllwyld Caliifornia in 1912. Loveda iss escaping from an exhusband who thinks he is still her husband.She is worried that he will find her but the next day he is found dead. Loveda is a suspect and must stay in town until the matter is cleared up
I look forward to reading the rest if the series
I look forward to reading the rest if the series
May 8, 2025
I loved the book. I found it at the right time when I needed a lift. This is a fun to read mystery with interesting and quirky characters. Loveda Brown is a woman with a mind of her own but sometimes she is confused about who to believe. I thank Jolie Tunnell for a well written book about a reluctant heroine who will land on her feet.
July 8, 2021
Interesting
This is the story of a woman escaping from an evil abusive man only to land in a community where strange events happen. There is murder, mystery and voodoo with a touch of madness.
This is the story of a woman escaping from an evil abusive man only to land in a community where strange events happen. There is murder, mystery and voodoo with a touch of madness.
July 9, 2021
Western Cozy Mystety
This novel really didn't resonate with me. It is like a Western cozy mystery with too many characters. Felt contrived. The main character was not so great, more annoying. Not my cup of sasparilla.
This novel really didn't resonate with me. It is like a Western cozy mystery with too many characters. Felt contrived. The main character was not so great, more annoying. Not my cup of sasparilla.
July 30, 2021
Chapter set up
Wonderful storytelling. The first part follows the main character but then you find each chapter starts with each character in the book and its relationship to main character and the mystery. Really liked it
Wonderful storytelling. The first part follows the main character but then you find each chapter starts with each character in the book and its relationship to main character and the mystery. Really liked it
August 20, 2021
Wild West Meets the Roaring Twenties
Multiple murders perpetrated by one insane person are finally solved in the end, but Loveda barely makes it out alive. Definitely finishes as a page-turner.
Multiple murders perpetrated by one insane person are finally solved in the end, but Loveda barely makes it out alive. Definitely finishes as a page-turner.
February 20, 2022
Good book
I liked the story in this book. At first I was unsure about it. But after I read some more I started to like the main character. I felt like this book would make a good old fashioned Western movie.
I liked the story in this book. At first I was unsure about it. But after I read some more I started to like the main character. I felt like this book would make a good old fashioned Western movie.
June 9, 2022
Charming
A fun romp in the San Bernardino mountains in 1912.
The characters are well developed and sympathetic.
Plot lines are intricate enough to keep you from putting the book down until you are done.
A fun romp in the San Bernardino mountains in 1912.
The characters are well developed and sympathetic.
Plot lines are intricate enough to keep you from putting the book down until you are done.
April 26, 2024
Great Read!
Really enjoyable book. I really liked this book. I felt like I easily slipped into a historical town I've been too! And yes, that mountain climb is tough.. I liked the story line.
Really enjoyable book. I really liked this book. I felt like I easily slipped into a historical town I've been too! And yes, that mountain climb is tough.. I liked the story line.
January 7, 2021
A very fun and exciting murder mystery. I am a big fan of a good who-done-it mystery so this was right up my alley. The characters are well hashed out and each with just enough to have you thinking that they are the guilty party. A good weekend read.
June 19, 2021
Cute. I figured it out when the picture surfaced.
June 25, 2021
Interesting, but lacking enough character development to draw me into a series. Some good action. Plot is well developed, although almost unbelievable.
November 28, 2023
Great little mystery.
May 19, 2024
Loveda
I really enjoyed this book. It kept my attention till the end. I love to read historical novels especially when they are well researched.
I really enjoyed this book. It kept my attention till the end. I love to read historical novels especially when they are well researched.
July 20, 2024
I thought this was going to be a decent cozy mystery, but it got kind of weird at the end.
November 15, 2024
Not sure why but it didn't really grab me. The characters generally worked and the plot was fine.
November 25, 2024
Great start to a series. Really enjoyed all the twists in this. Great characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews