Dreams about people from long ago, current reality in a town place called Murder Creek, and delicious food- what isn’t there to like? My favorite part of this “whodunnit” is the clever way the past is connected with the future and Eve attempts to solve a cold case. Even the minor characters are well-rounded and I enjoyed the snippets of Southern hospitality throughout.
Ultimately, this book explores whether friends or family have thicker ties, and how to relive a character’s remorse from a choice he made years ago. Well-written, quick read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-08-29 22:56:022023-09-09 12:23:52Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Jennifer Crain
Murder Creek was different. It kind of reminded me of the show Cold Case. The author presented the story in a different light. Instead of local police looking into a cold case, it was a student. Not only a student but one who is studying journalism. Eve came across a story of this missing girl who was never solved. She felt it was her need to dig and do this girl justice. So much so that she asked her professor to give her an incomplete, so she could use this story as her semester project. Not realizing what she would find by digging. People were reluctant, people really didn’t want her digging, and others told her what they knew. What was the question she was trying to answer, what happened to Lacey Walken? The author put together a wonderful investigative mystery that keeps the reader wondering. I’m typically really good at figuring things out early, but it even took me some time navigating before I got there. Which kept me interested, kept me intrigued, and made me want more. Which to me is exactly what the author is trying to do with their work. So if you like cold case mysteries, give this shorter story a try. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2023-08-29 21:32:542023-09-09 12:22:57Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Beverly Finnie
If you are nosey like me you’ll keep reading this book regardless of how much you aren’t sure about how it is told. The story line was real quick. It does feel like there is a lack of detail but it is a good story. A lot of twists and turns that are unexpected but they hit you all at once. It was worth reading to the end and learning what happened at Murder Creek.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-08-29 19:42:192023-09-09 12:22:29Murder Creek by Jane Suen- Review by Tonya Merritt
A quick, easy cozy mystery. The author puts together nice little story that is week developed, even in its short fashion. It is an easy read with very straight-forward writing and is engaging enough to finish in one sitting.
While I enjoyed this story, it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I would have enjoyed a bit more depth to the story and characters, but understand if the author was trying to write a simple cozy mystery. It was at least enjoyable and I’d pick up another by the author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Condrahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Condra2023-08-28 20:11:162023-09-05 14:56:43Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Jess Engel
This was a quick mystery read that focused on main character Eve and her investigation for her journalism class. She is drawn to a twenty year old cold case. The small town has dark secrets that she is uncovering and as a result someone doesn’t want her to keep digging. Will she solve the case? Or will she be the next victim? It is well written and keeps you turning the pages. For being a shorter book it was a good read. I would recommend it and cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Eddyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Eddy2023-08-28 17:42:112023-09-05 14:55:08Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Ayla Eddy
This book was a quick read. It was inviting and sucked me into the story quickly. Eve Sawyer is in college and becomes fascinated with a road sign about Murder Creek. She decides to write a paper about the disappearance and assumed murder is Lacey Walken. I struggled a little bit with the large amount of characters and keeping them all straight. But it didn’t keep me from wanting to know what happened with Lacey! There was a twist towards the end of the book, and I absolutely couldn’t put the book down then. Great story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2023-08-28 17:02:032023-09-05 14:47:01Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Rebecca Hill
If you are nosey like me you’ll keep reading this book regardless of how much you aren’t sure about how it is told. The story line was real quick. It does feel like there is a lack of detail but it is a good story. A lot of twists and turns that are unexpected but they hit you all at once. It was worth reading to the end and learning what happened at Murder Creek.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-08-28 05:45:132023-09-05 14:43:45Murder Creek by Jane Suen- Review by Tonya Merritt
This isn’t my first book by this author and certainly won’t be the last! I found this book surprising me as it wasn’t what I had initially expected. The cover drew me in at first, and then the synopsis sold me, so I gave it a chance. I loved the way the author told the story because it felt like I was there right along with Neferet and Bener-ib. The only thing that gave me any issue at all with this book was that I had other things to do, but I could NOT put this down! I had to finish it as it was such an addictive mystery with so much adventure tied in. I loved the Egyptian background and the depth of the characters as it made the world real for me. I highly recommend taking a chance on this book so you can go on this marvelous mysterious adventure too!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-08-09 21:19:132023-08-16 14:11:53Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shannen Kern
Ancient Egypt. Hook line and sinker. This is the first book I have read by N.L. Holmes and my oh my, I look forward to the next one. The cover pulled me in, I have been obsessed with ancient Egypt since I was about eight years old so coming across this historical mystery was a dream come true. Two of my favorite things Egypt and mystery, yes please. Immediately I loved the map of ancient Egypt, the character list and the glossary at the beginning as a refresher and to prepare me for what was to come. Neferet and Bener-ib are sunets (doctors), while only twenty-four their credentials are great, having trained under the physician of the Royal Ornaments, and were royal physicians themselves before Neferet’s dream was given a chance. She had always wanted to offer all proper medical care. Unfortunately, they have a local rival sunu, Djed-har. Quickly after officially meeting him Neferet can piece together that he is a fraud that feels women should not be physicians and that their credentials are only in their dreams. Not being one to back down the women are determined to gain the favor of the people to come to them in times of need. Finally, a patient, while initially happy they have a patient, things turn somber and mysterious too fast. The man dies, his last words “Sekhat. Rabbit.”, confused the women are determined to find out who murdered the Bearer of the Devine Offerings. A man that made such beautiful things targeted and murdered, for a reason. But why? Two mysteries. How to sway the people to trust them? Who killed an innocent man who made beautiful bouquets for Amen? The chills that crawled my spine at the level of details the author includes made me so excited to keep going. Not only is the mystery well thought out, but the lives of the characters are beyond relatable even if there is a stark time difference. They are everyday people in their time trying to do their best, make a living and set keep the world balanced. I must go back and read the original Hani mysteries while waiting for book two of the Hani’s Daughters Mysteries. I cannot get enough of this author’s blend of historical ancient Egypt and mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2023-08-09 20:10:112023-08-16 14:01:59Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Ayla Phipps
A dying man turns up in the medical dispensary in ancient Egypt that has been opened by Neferet and Bener-ib. After they are unable to save the man’s life , they decide to embark on the adventure of finding out who murdered this man. This is an enjoyable historical fiction cozy mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paula Sayershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaula Sayers2023-08-09 18:54:092023-08-16 14:00:53Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Paula R Sayers
Neferet and Bener-ib are two young ladies with a very unusual occupation, they are medical professionals and is Egypt, this is practically unheard of, they have trained for half their lives so that they could open up their own practice, the only issue is that people are very wary of them and tend to steer clear. This infuriates Neferet, but Bener-ib just becomes disheartened, neither of them however, are going to give up on their dream, so Neferet takes matters into her own hands and looks for the reason why they are not receiving any patients.
Neferet is stubborn and once she has her mind set on something, nothing will sway her from the path she has decided to take and this path is no other, she has decided to pay a visit to the other medical professional in the area and see if they can’t come to some kind of arrangement. It soon becomes clear that this will be an impossibility as soon as she speaks to them, the terms of endearment used and the manner of which she is spoken to raises her hackles and she soon decides that it isn’t worth any more of her time, so she heads back to the practice.
This was not to be a peaceful morning because there is a frantic banging on the gate and frenzied shouts for aid, do they spring into action and see the patient, however, they ultimately realise that they will not be able to save him and offer their condolences to his wife when he does pass. As the story of the injuries unfolds, it becomes clear that this was a murder and of a high class person at that, it turns out that they were the head florist at the temple of the Aten and therefore, not someone with many enemies, this is something the two ladies ponder as the clean up the building ready for lunch.
This lunch turns out to be a family gathering of the most joyful sort, but they have an ulterior motive, they want to speak to Neferet’s father about the murder and see if they can get any pointers as how to go about solving it, but they are warned away from for good reason, especially when the danger starts to follow them. Will the two medical professionals be able to solve the crime with the help of their family, or will they be stopped before they can? This is a historical mystery where danger lies in the shadows and discoveries are made which could make or break fates and lives as this tangled web is sorted through.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-08-09 18:34:092023-08-16 14:00:41Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Flowers of Evil is the first book in the new Hani’s daughter mysteries series by N.L. Holmes. It follows Neferet and Bener-ib – two young Egyptian sunets (or physicians) as they try to untangle the mystery of the brutal stabbing of a local florist. It includes a rowdy cast of characters and rival sunu intent on driving our heroines out if business.
I’ve never read any of the original mystery series by Holmes but found this to be a solid read without the context provided there. It was a well-written with many renderings of Ancient Egypt that were both imaginative and shaped by real knowledge of the culture. If you like mysteries and diving into Ancient society then this is definitely for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whisper Hymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhisper Hymer2023-08-08 22:26:062023-08-16 13:56:15Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Whisper Hymer
I have always had an obsession with history, particularly Ancient Egypt. I find knowledge of ancient times fascinating, and I jumped when I saw the description of what this book entails – not to mention, the author. I have read this author’s work before and have fallen deep, deep down into the story without much trying. I read a lot of historical fiction – it’s my thing – and I can wholeheartedly admit that this author is one of the best at it. It is evident that this author is not only a talented storyteller, but quite knowledgeable about the subjects of her stories. She is a professional archaeologist who has done excavations and taught ancient history, just to name a few things, so this book is dripping with vibrant details and nuances that pull you right in. I also gravitate towards strong female leads, and Neferet and Bener-ib are fantastic. Holmes’ experience as an educator is also evident in the Historical Notes and lists of terms, characters, and gods offered at the beginning of the book, which sets the reader right into the place and time. I can’t recommend this book, and author, enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2023-08-08 14:04:182023-08-16 13:52:21Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Chrissy Spulak
The characters in this book are likely all people that people can imagine from within their own lives. You get a glimpse of what they all think of one another as well as why they are the way they are. Mostly widows or dealing with major changes in their lives in other ways.
As they do in real life, the questions and complaints arising around them are colored by their own experiences, and otherwise minor incidents are causing a lot of discontent in Oaken Hills.
I really expected something totally different and more suspenseful, but it was a short, interesting read even though the murder had taken place far in the past. Good description and world building, each character has a bit of their own arc and there is a bit of new relationship before all is said and done. Fun, quick read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2023-08-08 10:12:022023-08-16 13:50:02Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Shea Gilkerson 8/8/23
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber was hilarious. As a caregiver, I can feel a connection to how these elderly characters react to one another and I have experienced similar encounters (without violence) in my day-to-day life. This book had me intrigued right from the opening paragraph, I couldn’t wait to read about the outcome between these fantastic characters. They all just had the best dynamics, I didn’t want the short novel to end. The environment is so realistic, I felt attached to these characters like my own clients whom I have the privilege to care for on a regular basis. The stories I got to follow along with in this tale, were just so heartwarming, and the hilarity of how such small acts can cause such dramatic reactions, was one of my favorite parts. I look forward to reading more of Laura Koerber’s works because this was such a refreshing, enjoyment for me to read. @Brandy Rymer 08/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-08-08 01:15:512023-08-16 13:44:38Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Brandy Rymer
This is an interesting story full of peculiar characters and their lives. Each of the characters has a story to tell. As we see the way their lives intertwine, we also get to see the problems with the HOA of the community. From garden spots to barking dogs this story has many things that will grab your attention. I enjoyed seeing the characters interact and all the problems with the HOA. It was fun to see the different personalities and how they deal with all that goes on in the community. I enjoyed getting to meet the characters living in this community and getting a glimpse into their lives.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gabrielle Leehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGabrielle Lee2023-08-07 22:11:242023-08-16 13:48:47Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Gabrielle
This is the first book in the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries series and my first time reading this Amazing authors creations. To say I am hooked would be an understatement. This may be my first read but it definitely will not be my last. Set in Ancient Egypt this story truly comes to life in your minds eye as you read thanks to such vivid descriptions that have you feeling like you are really there. Full of mystery and intrigue….I think that is the word I am after… you will be kept turning page after page as you follow Neferet and Berer-ib as they try to find a killer. Of course this means danger follows and you will be kept captivated from start to finish.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2023-08-06 22:53:192023-08-16 13:42:05Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jules Herbert
This is my first book by this author, and I gotta say, I’m impressed. The amount of details she poured into this book is phenomenal. This book is a clear labor of love, and it was a very good book as well. I loved the story line of it all, and I also really enjoyed the ending and the book as a whole. It’s a shorter book to my standards, which is fine, but the writing on it is so detailed that I still had to take my time with it and observe everything the author wrote. If you love history and mystery, I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2023-08-06 22:52:082023-08-16 13:41:59Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Lucy Machard
Drama. My oh my where to begin. I love mystery and suspense books and this book seemed to fit into that, but it was so much more. This is the first book I have read by Laura Koerber, and I will certainly be looking into more of her work after this little treat. While this book wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be it was a fun little read for a rainy Sunday. Told from several perspectives of the Oaken Acres community we get a well-rounded look at life in the quiet little gated retirement community in Washington state. Instantly I was drawn not only to Jane and Leslie but in some ways truly felt an understanding towards Hazel. Yes, I know things are tense where Hazel is concerned especially when it comes to the garden that she found. That said also have an understanding to how Theresa feels, though I initially strongly disliked her when first starting the book. So many interesting characters and so many different stories and substories that make it easy to envision and feel like you’re there with a bag of popcorn watching the chaos play out. Will Hazel be able to keep her garden plot and the secrets it hides? Can Jane succeed in helping Andrea’s dog not be so lonely? While the world the author places her story is fiction it is reality all over the world. The “gated communities” look appealing, but they are no different than any other neighborhood. With drama, arguing, vengeful dreams played out in our heads, and broken hearts over lonely pets locked alone in garages for days. Not only could I picture this community existing in my own small mountain town, but I could see the characters’ traits in my neighbors. If you like a little mystery, some suspense, a lot of drama and some humor sprinkled in while watching friendships form to get through the pains of being alone this is the book for you. Now I’m off to take a stroll through the rest of this talented author’s work.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2023-08-06 21:48:572023-08-16 13:40:51Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Ayla Phipps
I thought the book was going to be a Cozy Mystery, it’s not, you find out who the murderer is instantly. That’s not a bad thing, I really enjoyed the book. I wish things with Hazel would have ended differently, I feel it would have been funny if she was taken to jail. Anyone in a nosey HOA would have loved seeing that. At first I didn’t care for Jane and Leslie but I’m glad to see their friendship, along with Andrea, grow.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarian2023-08-06 17:21:592023-08-16 13:34:00Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Darian Vester
Murder in a Gated Community was alright but not great. There were a lot of characters and I didn’t get invested in any of them. I was hoping for a bit more suspense, but instead felt it was just a bunch of busybodies… The murder was not very exciting to me, and I felt like there should have been more depth into Hazel. Or really any of the characters. I didn’t feel they were very developed or complex enough to make me care about any of them. The writing style was very unique. With the meeting notes and letters to the board. Unlike anything I’ve read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-08-06 15:29:412023-08-16 13:33:19Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
While a fairly short, quick novella, Murder in a Gated Community is quite entertaining. The title, however, is slightly misleading. Many of the residents in the gated community of Oaken Acres are older, retired individuals. The community is quiet, less than kid friendly, and filled with nosey neighbors. While ideal for some, I found the idea of being so close to neighbors a little unpleasant. The HOA has lots of rules and regulations to follow as well. It seems as if many of the community members have no problems following these rules and regulations. But, just as in life, there is always a few willing to stretch and bend the rules. Overall, Laura Koerber delivers oddly realistic, believable characters and the differing points of view along the way make this story one of a kind!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2023-08-06 15:17:242023-08-16 13:33:10Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Mandy Ott
I didn’t really know what to expect from this fairly short novella, as the blurb was a little vague, however I was hooked from page one. I thought it was going to be a typical cozy mystery, but the fairly lighthearted storyline about the residents of an upscale gated community, Oaken Acres, has a quirky and unique plot. The characters are all well defined and I felt like I knew them all by the end of the story, the majority of the narrative is centred on the community garden and it’s politics. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting of Oaken Acres and its residents vividly to life, and I felt immersed in their world, of dog barking, gardening plot disputes, drones and golfers. This darkly funny story definitely kept me turning the pages, the meetings from the BOD meetings in particular providing some laugh out loud moments. The list of characters at the beginning was very useful, and I enjoyed the authors writing style, whilst the unpredictable plot kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. A quick read which had me captivated throughout.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-08-05 17:46:492023-08-16 13:29:14Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This book was one that I just simply could not put down! From the note from the author on the first page I knew this would be an extremely entertaining book. There were silly moments and moments that made me upset in this book and the author took the time to be able to produce a book in this manner! I know one thing, I’m extremely happy my mom never had to live in a place like this!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Phillips2023-08-04 04:48:372023-08-04 12:28:52Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Ashley McMillon
Flowers of Evil is the first book in the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries series, a spin-off from the Lord Hani series of historical mysteries. I really enjoyed the Lord Hani books so was excited to see the story expanding! I’ve particularly liked the times in the past that Neferet has had a substantial role in Lord Hani books, such as Lake of Flowers, so it’s great that she now has her own series!
Like other books by this author, Flowers of Evil presents a vibrant and informative historical world, clearly informed by significant research. It’s so immersive and sensory, with plenty of details about everyday life in Ancient Egypt.
This story combines a murder mystery with Neferet and Bener-ib’s struggles to make it as independent medical practitioners. They are facing prejudice and mistrust, but are desperate to use their skills to help people.
Flowers of Evil gets five stars from me! For fans of the Lord Hani books, this is more of the things you’ve loved and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! This is also a good starting place for readers who are new to the author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2023-08-03 08:42:052023-08-04 12:20:43Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
This was such a fun book, not something you would necessarily expect from the title, but I greatly enjoyed it. I thought the author did a great job of creating multi-dimensional characters and the very deliberate way she brought them all together was fantastic. Clearly Barney the dog was hands down my favorite character, but I loved the friendship that blossomed between the characters. She did a great job of building the suspense about the murder and how it happened. I loved the interludes that had the HOA notes and correspondence as it really helped paint a picture of the HOA and the member in it. It was a very amusing book with a lot of heart in it. I absolutely recommend people give it a whirl!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2023-08-02 21:14:582023-08-04 12:14:40Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber- 4 out of 5 stars
I was surprised by this read to say the least. At times I was laughing, I never would have expected that from a book with Murder in the title. The author brings life to this gated retirement community of seniors. Each senior has their own back story with love, secrets, and heartache. I love how well rounded the character development is throughout the book. I do wish the author would have brought everything to a solid end but maybe she has more in-store for us in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elisha Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElisha Johnson2023-08-02 10:30:242023-08-04 12:13:22Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Elisha Johnson
Different type of story The first book in the Hani’s Daughter Mystery series, Flowers of Evil is an engaging tale. Set in ancient Egypt the author takes the reader on a mysterious adventure. There’s murder, danger, drama and secrets all centred around a crime. The writing was engaging, with well developed characters and imagery that painted pictures of the past. I am interested to see what the next book entails. Recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-08-02 04:15:062023-08-04 12:12:19Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East
Regardless of the size of a neighborhood, do we ever really know our neighbors? Retirement communities typically have a slow-going pace with committees and activities to help with socializing. Yet, keeping to one’s self can sound very appealing to many. Retirement, aging and end of life can cause some struggles to deal with, both physically and emotionally. Jane, Leslie, Andrea and Hazel are all at different stages of finding where they belong in this world after recent changes in their lives. Jane, Leslie & Andrea find one another and forge their own friendship while Hazel deals with her life changes on her own. A quick but good read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessie Hopkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessie Hopkins2023-08-01 18:43:272023-08-04 12:00:53Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Jessie Hopkins
In the community of Oaken Acres, these retirees are living their day-to-day lives while dealing with the struggles that come with a retirement community…HOAs that won’t budge on their rules, yapping dogs, nosy neighbors, neighbors moving, and…murder?!?
I don’t want to give anything away because it is a shorter book and you really should just jump right in. The author does give a little index of characters at the beginning that helps when figuring out who holds what position and does what in the community. It tends to go back and forth between characters rather quickly.
While each of the characters has their own story that will remind you of someone you know in real life…there seems to be a bigger picture at play here. It’s a snapshot of any elderly community in the country (maybe a little exaggerated) and that’s what really drew me in. It was a good story that I enjoyed reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rosanna Ingramhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRosanna Ingram2023-08-01 16:20:372023-08-04 12:00:06Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Rosanna Ingram
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