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Appalachian Adventure Mystery #1
Murder at Blue Falls
Arson and murder disturb the Appalachian peace of the Triplett Valley's Blue Falls Dude Ranch. Jemma Chase, daughter of the ranch owners and trail-ride leader, becomes involved when her horse finds a body. Being an amateur SCI is fun until her meddling puts her life in danger. Detective Tucker's suspicions disturb and annoy Jemma, but in the end, he becomes the answer to her prayers. Escape to the North Carolina mountains for a week on a guest ranch.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 22, 2017
Jemma Chase was helping at her parent’s Blue Falls Dude Ranch – she was the trail leader and each week-long holiday for guests involved horse riding to many and varied places throughout the hilly ranch, with competitions and entertainment at the end of their week.
Midway through the week, Jemma was riding her favourite mare, Brandy at the front, with her off sider, Bo at the rear of the group, when Brandy spooked. The sight of the body in their path was a shock, but Jemma managed to send the rest of the group away from the area before taking photos of the body and surrounds. She was a fan of CSI so imagined she was able to search for clues and evidence.
But Detective Tucker wasn’t impressed with Jemma’s interference. He was determined to find the killer before he did more damage – but there were other crimes happening in the vicinity. Would he discover the culprit, or would Jemma find herself in a whole lot of trouble?
Murder at Blue Falls is the first in the Appalachian Adventure Mystery series by Maggie Bishop, and I enjoyed the entertainment, intrigue and mystery. The horses set the scene and the activities on the ranch sounded like loads of fun. A light cosy mystery, Murder at Blue Falls is my first by this author, and I recommend it – and will definitely read the next in the series.
Midway through the week, Jemma was riding her favourite mare, Brandy at the front, with her off sider, Bo at the rear of the group, when Brandy spooked. The sight of the body in their path was a shock, but Jemma managed to send the rest of the group away from the area before taking photos of the body and surrounds. She was a fan of CSI so imagined she was able to search for clues and evidence.
But Detective Tucker wasn’t impressed with Jemma’s interference. He was determined to find the killer before he did more damage – but there were other crimes happening in the vicinity. Would he discover the culprit, or would Jemma find herself in a whole lot of trouble?
Murder at Blue Falls is the first in the Appalachian Adventure Mystery series by Maggie Bishop, and I enjoyed the entertainment, intrigue and mystery. The horses set the scene and the activities on the ranch sounded like loads of fun. A light cosy mystery, Murder at Blue Falls is my first by this author, and I recommend it – and will definitely read the next in the series.
June 20, 2018
I read this book as part of my library's summer reading program as a novel set in the NC mountains. It was kind of exciting having locations referenced within an hour's drive, and also included photos in the story. The only part I found difficult to deal with was the barrage of "southern sayings." Yes we do have quite the way of putting things, but there seemed to be an overabundance of them considering the length of the story. Overall it was a nice read, and I now have places to explore that are practically in my backyard.
October 11, 2011
Murder at Blue Falls was a good, solid 3 Stars: I was in the mood for a somewhat romantic, undemanding murder mystery and Maggie Bishop's bill fit the bill exactly. I enjoyed the character of Jemma and was happily entertained by both her detecting and romantic efforts. The writing is smooth and vivid and the book is altogether and excellent read.
January 29, 2018
A interesting book. Jemma did the riding tours for the business. The neighbor kids road their 4 wheelers real close to the property line scaring the horses lots of times. Dogs were killed and Jemma was questioned . Jemma was a good carpenter, love taking photos and her horse Brandy.She started to do some investigator on her own after a cabin was burnt down , then a man murdered. Things got worse when her cabin was broken into. Who was doing all this . Is she in danger because she is getting close to finding out who did all this.
December 31, 2012
The mountains of North Carolina are the setting for "Murder at Blue Falls, the Horse Found the Body (Appalachian Adventure Mysteries)."
Jemma Chase, a trail guide at her parents' guest ranch, finds herself at the center of mysterious goings-on, beginning with some poisoned dogs. And when a body is discovered on the trail one day, Jemma is also front and center in this mystery, and snaps photos of the crime scene. The detective who first showed up to question her about the dog poisoning is not too keen on her interests, however, and, in many ways, seems antagonistic.
Jemma is an intriguing character with a number of unconventional talents, like carpentry, photography, and now a thirst for Crime Scene Investigating. But will her eagerness to help solve the crimes in the area put her at risk?
Will the conflicts between Detective Tucker and Jemma lead to trouble? What will turn things around for Jemma in her quest for answers? And, amongst all the possible suspects, who will turn out to be the perpetrator?
From the beginning I enjoyed the characters, the settings, as well as the red herrings that kept me from fully guessing the perpetrator. I liked the homey Southern dialogue that made me feel as if I were a guest at the ranch. I'm eager to read more about these characters. Five stars.
Jemma Chase, a trail guide at her parents' guest ranch, finds herself at the center of mysterious goings-on, beginning with some poisoned dogs. And when a body is discovered on the trail one day, Jemma is also front and center in this mystery, and snaps photos of the crime scene. The detective who first showed up to question her about the dog poisoning is not too keen on her interests, however, and, in many ways, seems antagonistic.
Jemma is an intriguing character with a number of unconventional talents, like carpentry, photography, and now a thirst for Crime Scene Investigating. But will her eagerness to help solve the crimes in the area put her at risk?
Will the conflicts between Detective Tucker and Jemma lead to trouble? What will turn things around for Jemma in her quest for answers? And, amongst all the possible suspects, who will turn out to be the perpetrator?
From the beginning I enjoyed the characters, the settings, as well as the red herrings that kept me from fully guessing the perpetrator. I liked the homey Southern dialogue that made me feel as if I were a guest at the ranch. I'm eager to read more about these characters. Five stars.
August 24, 2011
Jemma Chase lives with her parents in their guest ranch in Boone, North Carolina. When dogs are poisoned in the area, Jemma is interviewed by Detective Tucker when she becomes a suspect. Then, when there is an arson attack and several thefts in the area and Jemma and her horse discover a body when out on a trail ride. Jemma is determined to prove her innocence. She is a fan of the television show CSI so she decides to use her knowledge from watching the show to do some detecting on her own. She knows not to disturb the evidence and she is already a great photographer so she uses these skills to help herself. Can she solve the mystery to the escalating crime? Is it all connected? Can she change Detective Tucker’s mind about her being a suspect? Is she getting in too deep and putting herself at risk?
I really enjoyed reading this book even though Jemma is meddling and should be leaving it to the detectives. I wanted her to do well with her amateur sleuthing. A great mystery story by Maggie Bishop with some great characters.
I really enjoyed reading this book even though Jemma is meddling and should be leaving it to the detectives. I wanted her to do well with her amateur sleuthing. A great mystery story by Maggie Bishop with some great characters.
March 6, 2011
Courtesy of Maggie Bishop I have just had a cantor alongside Trail Leader Jemma Chase in the Appalachian mountains. Of course I don't ride and I have never been to that part of the United States (yet), but it was fun and I felt that I was really there. When someone starts poisoning dogs in this small community Detectives Tucker and Graves interview Jemma. Her one 'DUI' charge rubs an old wound with Tucker and he makes Jemma feel she really is a 'suspect'. She decides to start her own investigation CSI style and turns out to be pretty good at it! Looking for someone with the ability to poison dogs is one thing, but when Jemma is out riding on Brandy and finds a dead body things take a much more serious turn. From Bo, the Head Rangler at the Blue Falls Ranch, to cook Alma and her 'alien lights in the mountains' - I began to feel I knew them all and was a part of their community for a little while. I know I will be back there again in the not too distant future!
May 30, 2011
Jemma Chase leads tourists on trail rides and acts as carpenter and a photographer on the NC ranch where her aunt and uncle recently employ her. But, due to a DUI conviction from her youth she finds herself suspect in neighborhood dog poisonings. When her horse finds a body her fondness for CSI T.V. programs prompts her investigate, much to the chagrin of the local Sheriff.
The down home characters and setting wrap the reader in a cozy quilted mystery with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing until the end.
The down home characters and setting wrap the reader in a cozy quilted mystery with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing until the end.
June 24, 2009
Jemma returns to her family’s guest ranch in the Southern Appalachian Mountains in search of peace. Instead she becomes embroiled in the life of the area. First, it’s dogs being poisoned, mail stolen, mysterious shots fired and finally, on a trail ride she’s leading, her horse finds a body. Her interest in photography and passion for CSI TV shows lead her to become involved in the investigations beyond safety. Detective Tucker comes to the rescue, but not without a struggle.
February 9, 2016
Murder at Blue Falls was a good, solid 3 Stars: I was in the mood for a somewhat romantic, undemanding murder mystery and Maggie Bishop's bill fit the bill exactly. I enjoyed the character of Jemma and was happily entertained by both her detecting and romantic efforts. The writing is smooth and vivid and the book is altogether and excellent read.
May 5, 2008
Maggie Bishop nails Appalachian speak in Murder at Blue Falls. I learned a lot about horses and enjoyed the ride!
November 30, 2012
Good one! Would actually give this one 3.5. Think I would look forward to reading other Jemma and Detective Tucker mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews