What do you think?
Rate this book
A Mom Zone Mystery #6
Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder
While in Smarr, Alabama, to visit her husband Mitch's family, Ellie Avery is immersed in a murder investigation when Mitch's Grandpa Franklin dies under mysterious circumstances in a place where genteel Southern tradition collides with greed and deadly passion.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2011
102 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
49 books1,667 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 23, 2018
Very fun book. Dragged a tad in areas, but I love the southern hospitality, love of family & support, and I was not able to guess the last of the story. Good read, and how this is the first I've read in the series I now need to go back and read Sara's earlier books in this series.
November 9, 2012
I tried really hard when reading book #5 to not be so critical but now #6 has me going again.
Chapter 2. Ellie is stuck behind the crime scene tape at Mitch's grandfather's house while Mitch is allowed to go inside - despite the fact that the sheriff basically took his word that he was a relative without bringing another family memeber outside to substantiate that. when Mitch returns with aunt Christine, they immediately move into the van and take her home without Ellie asking what was going on. Even if she had asked and gotten a "We'll talk later", from Mitch, that would make more sense than Ellie not even asking anything.
Normal. That is what Ms. Rosett lacks in her writing. Normal.
Why Ellie Avery, you are a star! You are so well known that even small town police and investigators in other states know about your investigative skills! Your ability to tie things together is immeasurable - I say laughingly. Ellie, you are the author's pawn in her own mixed up misdirected world and nothing more than a figment of anyone's best imagination. Ellie, why haven't I seen you on Nancy Grace? After reading chapter 4, all I can say is OMG! Really????
$75,000 or a set of photo albums? $75,000 or a figurine? An entire house with most of the belongings or a computer? And the only one upset is Felicity? No one else in the family feels slighted? Mitch's grandfather leaves his house to his grandson (Mitch) who is in the Air Force and moves every couple years? I know this is an attempt for Ellie to "discover" something but Ms. Rosett, this is a far-fetched way to go about it. And Ellie seems overwhelmed at everything in the garage which appears to be WELL ORGANIZED. All I can do is shake my head with disgust over this poor attempt at writing.
Thankfully I am finished reading this novel. Ms. Rosett cannot keep her own story straight. The premise of this one is ridiculous.
Chapter 2. Ellie is stuck behind the crime scene tape at Mitch's grandfather's house while Mitch is allowed to go inside - despite the fact that the sheriff basically took his word that he was a relative without bringing another family memeber outside to substantiate that. when Mitch returns with aunt Christine, they immediately move into the van and take her home without Ellie asking what was going on. Even if she had asked and gotten a "We'll talk later", from Mitch, that would make more sense than Ellie not even asking anything.
Normal. That is what Ms. Rosett lacks in her writing. Normal.
Why Ellie Avery, you are a star! You are so well known that even small town police and investigators in other states know about your investigative skills! Your ability to tie things together is immeasurable - I say laughingly. Ellie, you are the author's pawn in her own mixed up misdirected world and nothing more than a figment of anyone's best imagination. Ellie, why haven't I seen you on Nancy Grace? After reading chapter 4, all I can say is OMG! Really????
$75,000 or a set of photo albums? $75,000 or a figurine? An entire house with most of the belongings or a computer? And the only one upset is Felicity? No one else in the family feels slighted? Mitch's grandfather leaves his house to his grandson (Mitch) who is in the Air Force and moves every couple years? I know this is an attempt for Ellie to "discover" something but Ms. Rosett, this is a far-fetched way to go about it. And Ellie seems overwhelmed at everything in the garage which appears to be WELL ORGANIZED. All I can do is shake my head with disgust over this poor attempt at writing.
Thankfully I am finished reading this novel. Ms. Rosett cannot keep her own story straight. The premise of this one is ridiculous.
June 14, 2014
Ellie Avery and her husband plan for a visit with his family. Mitch is a military pilot with something on his mind. The kids, Nathan and Livvy, play like any kids on a long trip in the back seat. Upon arriving, they are surprised to hear that Grandpa Avery had just died. He was found, under suspicious circumstances, in his home. The family had planned for a week vacation and would now deal with a funeral instead. As the week progresses, strange things happen which lends more proof that Grandpa Avery had something to hide. There are a number of possibilities as family and neighbors are caught up with mischief. Meanwhile, the Book Daze book festival is about to start. It seems the family is dazed enough as they try to unravel the mystery.
Sara Rosett is a new author to me. I enjoyed this mystery. I felt the plot was fresh and unique. Her main character, Ellie Avery, is an organizational expert with a consulting business on the side who often asks questions and helps solve murders. That talent certainly helped with a few things in the book. However, it wasn't necessary for most of the story. Each chapter ends with organizational tips. For the most part, I found those tips distracted from the story as some of them did not really align with the plot. I would put them at the end of the story so not to choke the flow. But overall, I enjoyed this book from a fresh new author.
Sara Rosett is a new author to me. I enjoyed this mystery. I felt the plot was fresh and unique. Her main character, Ellie Avery, is an organizational expert with a consulting business on the side who often asks questions and helps solve murders. That talent certainly helped with a few things in the book. However, it wasn't necessary for most of the story. Each chapter ends with organizational tips. For the most part, I found those tips distracted from the story as some of them did not really align with the plot. I would put them at the end of the story so not to choke the flow. But overall, I enjoyed this book from a fresh new author.
August 25, 2011
This book was neither great nor awful. I don’t really know what to say about it, it kind of dragged at the start and I almost gave up on it but seeing as how it was only 262 pages I just used it for a light read for a day to relax. I love to read but the author almost pushed how important reading is a little too much bringing it up all the time, and the main character just seem to find trouble everywhere she went and I found it all to be a little farfetched.
July 18, 2023
This series is hitting all the right notes for me - a smart likable sleuth, good mystery, interesting setting and side characters, I like Ellie's relationship with Mitch - nothing bugging me with over the top silliness. Very enjoyable.
August 5, 2020
Ellie Avery and her husband Mitch, travel to his hometown of Smarr Alabama to attend the funeral of Mitch's grandfather. Almost upon arriving, strange things begin to happen, making it seem like his grandfather's death wasn't from natural causes. As each strange thing unfolds, Ellie puts her sleuthing techniques to good use, hoping to find the truth behind these mysterious occurrences.
Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder belongs to a series of mysteries with Ellie Avery as the lead character who acts as a Sherlock Holmes type character. If you've read any type of cozy mystery before, Ellie fits the bill as the typical seemingly know-it-all person who happens to get the right information at the right time. And just like any hero vs. villain story, in the end, the guilty party conveniently spills it all.
Don't get me wrong, I liked this story a lot. Rosett's way of writing pulls the reader in and it's a hard book to put down. She makes Ellie Avery very likable with a personality you would expect, as I said, from a cozy mystery lead character. The Avery family themselves, also lend a lot to the book and each shine through in the story. Any reader could find a resemblance to someone from their own family when reading this book.
Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder is a great summertime read while you're at the beach or pool. If you have a weekend free and want to read something fun, this book is a great choice.
Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder belongs to a series of mysteries with Ellie Avery as the lead character who acts as a Sherlock Holmes type character. If you've read any type of cozy mystery before, Ellie fits the bill as the typical seemingly know-it-all person who happens to get the right information at the right time. And just like any hero vs. villain story, in the end, the guilty party conveniently spills it all.
Don't get me wrong, I liked this story a lot. Rosett's way of writing pulls the reader in and it's a hard book to put down. She makes Ellie Avery very likable with a personality you would expect, as I said, from a cozy mystery lead character. The Avery family themselves, also lend a lot to the book and each shine through in the story. Any reader could find a resemblance to someone from their own family when reading this book.
Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder is a great summertime read while you're at the beach or pool. If you have a weekend free and want to read something fun, this book is a great choice.
August 8, 2020
Got this book for $4.95 so I took a chance. I like mysteries set in the South and especially those with female characters or by female authors. But this is not a mystery. Read the first three chapters and gave up trying to wade through the syrupy "Southern" stuff. As well as the far too detailed descriptions of peoples clothing, houses, furniture, accents and so forth.
I can trace my Southern heritage back to the Revolution and currently stretching from the Carolinas to Arkansas and Louisiana. No one I know talks such as they do in this book nor have the characteristics of these people.
There are many other female authors who write very good mystery oriented books.
I can trace my Southern heritage back to the Revolution and currently stretching from the Carolinas to Arkansas and Louisiana. No one I know talks such as they do in this book nor have the characteristics of these people.
There are many other female authors who write very good mystery oriented books.
September 15, 2020
Fun addition to the series
I've enjoyed the books in this series, so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this one just as much.
Ellie and her family are on the way to visit her in-laws, and when they arrive, they are saddened to hear about the death of Mitch's grandpa.
Things take an odd turn when random pranks start happening, and when another death occurs, Ellie tries to use her organizing skills to unravel the clues.
I've enjoyed the books in this series, so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this one just as much.
Ellie and her family are on the way to visit her in-laws, and when they arrive, they are saddened to hear about the death of Mitch's grandpa.
Things take an odd turn when random pranks start happening, and when another death occurs, Ellie tries to use her organizing skills to unravel the clues.
November 13, 2020
When Ellie and Mitch and the children arrive at his parents home in Alabama, they learn that his grandfather, Franklin had passed away. An investigation begins to find out what happened and if it was a natural death or murder. Many would profit from his death and Eillie sets out sleuthing to find out who did it.....lots of mystery regarding a reclusive author and megabucks. A good read to enjoy with lots of secrets and mystery.
May 28, 2019
I haven't read a mystery book in a long time and I'm glad I chose this one. I picked it up on a whim from a library display and I really enjoyed it. I liked that the main character is a wife and a mother that loves being around her family. I enjoyed the conversations between the characters and had a good time trying to figure out "who done it". I will definitely be reading more from this author.
July 16, 2019
It was a decent book, but the series seems like it's starting to wither. The dialogue started to get repetitive, the plots became less believable, and it's not quite as good as the first five. Here's hoping this is only a mid series slump, but if the next book is like this, I'm not likely to keep going.
April 18, 2021
This is the first book in this series that I’ve read, which is a bit of a bummer because I didn’t get to see Ellie do her organizing thing. I found Ellie’s behavior kind of hard to stomach, especially when she interrogated her husband’s grieving aunt. I liked the element of the letters and rumors in the small town, but this wasn’t one of my favorite cozies.
November 7, 2018
really enjoyed this book. like other books by this author too. the story keeps you guessing until the last 20 or so pages of the book. then you the clue you need to solve the mystery. since reading other books in the series the characters are familiar and you feel vested in them.
September 1, 2019
I found this to be a very well put together plot, with good writing and fun to read! It held my attention from page one to the very end! I even learned a couple of things about organizing your house and life!
December 25, 2019
The writing in this book was decent and I really liked how they didn’t have the usual stupid, useless male counterpart to the female “detective”. It was a quick, light read. My only complaint is they waited too long to bring the real mystery in and as a result it felt very rushed.
March 5, 2020
Another precious book from Sara Rosett in her Mom Zone Mystery Series.
Each book is so good & interesting. Keeps you glued to the pages. You want to follow Ellie & Mitch & in this book you get to meet Mitch’s family.
Each book is so good & interesting. Keeps you glued to the pages. You want to follow Ellie & Mitch & in this book you get to meet Mitch’s family.
September 26, 2020
Excitement in Smarr
This was a great cozy read. Engaging characters and a murder; what more could you ask for? If you like an engrossing story with a wonderful heroine, this book is for you.
This was a great cozy read. Engaging characters and a murder; what more could you ask for? If you like an engrossing story with a wonderful heroine, this book is for you.
December 16, 2020
I really enjoy seeing what trouble Ellie gets into. She's either the luckiest or unluckiest person; I haven't figured out which. It's also nice to see Livvy and Nathan growing up and love the dynamics of the family relationship.
December 28, 2025
I rated this 3.5 stars. Ellie is visiting the in-laws to find out that Grandpa Franklin has died. The death is labeled suspicious and Ellie is on the case. Is the motive inheritance or something more obscure? There are times that Ellie is TSTL in the book
February 24, 2018
another fun book to read!
April 30, 2018
Ever a good read. This is a favorite author and a favorite series
July 15, 2018
I gave this a one because I couldn't get interested in it. Therefore I didn't finish reading it.
July 30, 2019
Very cute. Pass along to your grandmother when you're done.
April 27, 2020
I liked the book overall. It just dragged a bit.
March 23, 2021
Enjoyable! Light easy to read.
December 9, 2021
An easy little cozy mystery that helped me pass the time on my lengthy commute.
December 22, 2021
Not great nor terrible. Picked it up for a cozy-mystery read this year end, dragged a bit in some places, but ok otherwise.
April 15, 2022
Another good one. This one did have me puzzled. I'm glad that it wasn't who I thought it might be. Strange goings on throughout. A good look at some of Mitch's family.
June 29, 2022
This was a decent read. Some fun surprises and twists and turns. Liked the setting and characters. Would check out other works by the author!
July 22, 2022
I really enjoy these series, where mums are not simply brainless breeders.
I did want Felicity to be guilty though; she was such a bitch.
I did want Felicity to be guilty though; she was such a bitch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews