This book has exceeded my expectations, as well as surprised and delighted me. I love the character development and the way the relationships have evolved. The story is engaging and I was swept away and kept guessing until the end. I really love Cynthia’s writing style and love every book I’ve ever read by her. I seriously can’t get enough. In Girl Trap we read of human sex trafficking and mental illness, and we’re reminded of those sobering, complex issues in our real world. A very good read. It keeps you on your toes and wanting to keep reading to find out what happens.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Meg Tyrrellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMeg Tyrrell2020-06-12 18:24:412020-06-12 22:14:07Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Meg Tyrrell
This is a cozy mystery book which is fast paced and has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Beck O’Rourke and her Grammy, Miss Alice own a bookstore and coffee shop, Beach Reads in Manatee Beach, Florida. The place acts as a gathering place for both locals and tourists as well as being home to Beck, her Grammy and Lizzie, Beck’s younger sister. Beck is excited about an upcoming event, to host bestselling cozy mystery writer Marcia Graybill for a book signing at Beach Reads. When a member of the audience turns up dead, Beck decides to pursue her lifelong dream and becomes an amateur sleuth to discover who the murderer is. However the town’s new police detective, Devon Mathis is not too happy when she starts investigating suspects, and to complicate things further Beck has a history with the handsome detective. I loved the characters, they were likeable and realistic and I liked how the relationship between Beck and Devon developed. The authors descriptions of the setting of Beach Reads really bought the place to life and I could picture the surroundings clearly. The murder mystery storyline had me gripped from the start and I enjoyed following Beck on her investigations to find the killer. This is an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading other books by this author, who is new to me.
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 Gordon2020-06-12 16:19:142020-06-12 22:12:34A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Girl Trap by Cynthia Hamilton. This is the third book in the Madeline Dawkins Series. This book kept me in the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. This book could easily be made into a television series and you would absolutely love it. I am glad that I read the previous books so I know the characters and plot. It was filled with mystery. I can not wait for the next book!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Bersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Berson2020-06-11 20:54:392020-06-11 20:54:39Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Lucy Berson
A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore
5 Stars
This is my 4th book by this author. It has become clear to me that she is a definite go to for my mystery cravings. I’ve loved all of them so far and I want to say that this one is a definite favorite.
I loved everything about this story, I think I have to point out though first that one of my favorites in Somebody in the Neighborhood played a really awesome part in this one which made me really happy!! He remains a favorite of mine. I loved the community and all of the characters. A few were a little sketchy but they were supposed to be to make this book a success. I want to walk into Beach Reads, grab a book, find a table and just spend a whole day reading and hoping Coquina will walk by a few times 🙂
Just like any of the other books I’ve read by Judy Moore, I think I have it all figured out about 90 times while reading, then talking myself out of it 90 times, never getting a firm grasp on the answer till the end. I Loved Loved Loved Beck. I loved that even though something happened in her past that led her on the course she was on that she didn’t let that stop her from following her instincts. She believed, therefore she never gave up! I truly truly hope there is more to come for all of these people. I could read a whole series with all of them and still want more! There was no cliffhanger but it ended with definite room for more, and I just can’t get enough of Scratchoff running around on his beach bike!
I truly hope Beck gets to explore more of what she always wanted to be and I think her doing that would make for some awesome storylines between her and Devon!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2020-06-11 09:57:472020-06-11 09:57:47A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Debi Kircher
Girl Trap by Cynthia Hamilton a four-star read that will trap you between the pages. This is number three in the Madeline Dawkins series and they can be read as stand-alone, but I have read them and loved them as a series, as they do each focus on a different story, but I have loved the build of the characters. Madeline and Mike are working together but focusing on different cases and what will happen in those will keep you hooked, but what will happen? Will they race against time and manage to solve the mysteries in time? Or will history come a knocking and knock something loose. I enjoyed this one, not as much as the first two, but I am glad I read it, as it does have some good drama and suspense and has left me awaiting number four.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Oxtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Oxton2020-06-10 01:54:142020-06-10 15:04:34Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Sara Oxton
Beck O’Roarke owns a beachside bookshop, Beach Reads, with her feisty, yet lovable, Grandmother. Beck has always loved books, mysteries in particular, and when a murder takes place on her doorstep she can’t help but get involved. As she gets started in her investigation, Beck not only digs up clues but also starts to piece together answers. It doesn’t hurt that this also allows her to hopefully impress the towns new, very handsome, detective. But as she gets closer to the answers she also gets closer to danger, and when it comes down to it things aren’t as they seem at all.
A Book Signing to Die For is an easy to read cosy mystery. The plot is well thought out and I enjoyed that there were a few surprises along the way. The author has created a wonderful set of characters which really bring the story to life. If you are looking for a cosy book to get stuck into I would definitely recommend this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lianne Proberthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLianne Probert2020-06-10 01:47:372020-06-10 15:03:59A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Lianne Probert
A Book Signing to Die For by Judy Moore is a fun, fast paced story that has been very well written. For me the highlight of this book is Beck. I found her to be such a lovable and interesting character. The book itself was well developed. The author through in just enough twists and turns to make it interesting without making it too complicated. It was an intriguing story and definitely kept my interest. This is an overall good story and one I would certainly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2020-06-09 12:57:072020-06-09 15:07:42A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Kerry Baker
A Book Signing to Die For: Beach Reads is a fabulous cosy mystery by Judy Moore. I have read many of Ms. Moore’s books now- so I know what I’m in for with one of her stories. I really enjoy a great mystery, and this definitely fits that bill and is one of my favourite reads of hers. Jumping into the story, there’s interesting and somewhat quirky characters, murder, intriguing mystery, danger, suspense, drama, discovery, and some surprising developments. And as usual with one of Judy Moore’s books I spent much of the time trying to predict the outcome before anything was revealed. But Ms. Moore once again twisted and turned the plot and kept me guessing the whole way through. ‘A Book Signing to Die For’ is an incredibly detailed, descriptive, and really well-woven. Ms. Moore had no problem building the suspense and tension- and had me anticipating what was yet to come. I loved the bookstore setting, it really added to the atmosphere of the whole story. I’m pretty sure we met some of these characters in one of Ms. Moore’s previous books- ‘Somebody in the Neighborhood’. I wonder what Judy Moore has planned for us next?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2020-06-09 10:01:212020-06-09 15:03:33A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Angela Hayes
When your book store becomes the hub for murder will Becky be able to solve the crime without getting to deep.
Becky and her grandmother, Miss Alice own a quiet book store near the beach front every so often they host a book reading/signings from the most popular author this month, but when they become entangled with a murder they will have to put all there deductive skills to use to find out whodunit.
I enjoyed this story greatly the characters where warm and welcoming and had you engrossed in the story from the first chapter. I especially love Miss Alice, Becky and Lizzy’s grandmother she was a typical sassy, independent woman who knows her mind. With the twists and turns in this book it will have you reading long into the night to work with them to try and solve the crime.
Although I had worked out who the murderer was the story guided you brilliantly to the conclusion with out making it too obvious which is always great in a story, making the read work for the answer.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to anyone looking for a escape. I will be looking at reading more by this author in the future.
Reviewed by Angela Shirley
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2020-06-06 04:22:192020-06-06 08:35:40A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Angela Shirley
Girl Trap is the third book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. WOW- Cynthia Hamilton certainly puts Madeline and Mike through their paces (and the wringer) in this book and has once again produced a clever and engrossing mystery for us to enjoy. Cynthia Hamilton and the Madeline Dawkins series have quickly become my go-to reads as I can always count on her to deliver an exciting story. The Madeline Dawkins books would make a fantastic television series, and in fact, they remind me a lot of the old Moonlighting series with Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis- but with more danger, excitement, and a more modern ‘feel’. This story takes place three months after the ending of the previous book. Madeline and Mike take on two missing person cases that turn out to be anything but simple. They split the cases and begin their investigation, being drawn out of Santa Barbara in the process. For Madeline, a simple inquiry in an old missing persons case quickly turns deadly. Things are definitely not as they seem. Mike’s missing persons case quickly turns into a very dangerous sex/human trafficking investigation. With missing women, suspicious circumstances, a spate of murders, two investigations, challenges, riddles, danger, sinister adversaries, and plenty of action- this story really took off. I found it to be a little more intense than the previous two, with more emotion and depth than I had expected. I was on the edge of my seat, with bated breath for parts of the book, while in other parts my heart ached for what the character/s were going through. Ms. Hamilton certainly didn’t hold back, putting her characters (and me) through the wringer. Poor Madeline can’t seem to catch a break, and I was left wondering how much more she can take. But she is one tough, and resilient cookie- who always finds her way through these difficult situations. She’s classy, sexy, intelligent, determined, and skilful- a perfect character for this series. This is another cleverly crafted story in the Madeline Dawkins series. I have already read book four as I could not wait to find out what Maddie and Mike would get up to next- especially after the way this book ended! So, bring on Book #5!!! I cannot wait!!! Wonderfully gripping reading!!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2020-06-05 23:06:382020-06-06 08:34:20Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Angela Hayes
Bookworm Beck O’Rourke and her grandmother live a picturesque life above a bookstore/coffee shop in Manatee Beach, Florida. Lizzie, Beck’s younger lifeguard sister, lives with the two. As Beck is set to host a book signing with one of the finest mystery book writers, an audience member is murdered. Beck is thrown in the forefront to pursue her detective chops to the test as she’s on a trail to catch that murderer. As she’s got her suspects lined up, the murderer is none too pleased about Beck’s involvement but neither is an old flame of Beck’s, a new police detective. This is a book with wonderful characters, great scenic detail for great world building, a pinch of romance with Beck and her ex plus the suspense of the mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Faith Jacksonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFaith Jackson2020-06-04 22:58:192020-06-05 09:22:51A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Faith Jackson
Appearances can be deceiving. And in Southern California, where the sun shines almost every day and make-believe has its own industry, it’s hard to tell what is real and what is merely illusion. Two inquiries come to MDPI on the same day that seem like fairly straight-forward missing person cases. But it doesn’t take long to discover there’s nothing ordinary about the disappearance of two beautiful sisters from Minnesota and an estranged heiress who has never touched her eight-figure fortune.
While Madeline’s partner, Mike Delaney, heads down to Los Angeles to search for his cousin’s vanished girlfriend and her sister, Madeline heads to San Luis Obispo in hopes of picking up a twelve-year-old trail at a Catholic boarding school. Their separate pursuits lead them into a world where a frightening reality hides behind a glossy veneer. With several lives hanging in the balance, Mike and Madeline are faced with daunting odds and ruthless criminals who will kill to keep what they have taken.
Cynthia Hamilton turned to writing while fighting a mystery illness that went misdiagnosed for nine years. Forgetting that she couldn’t write if her life depended on it, she wrote her first book in secret, just in case it didn’t amount to anything. Nineteen years later, she has written twelve books and published ten of them. She writes general fiction and mystery-suspense novels, as well as some non-fiction. “Once Upon A Lyme…A Tale of Two Journey” documents her harrowing odyssey through late-stage Lyme disease and the unexpected upside of becoming a writer. The Patience of Karma—her latest novel—is the fifth book in her Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Girl-Trap-from-Amazon.jpg500333itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2020-06-04 00:01:042020-07-08 14:27:34Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton
I loved A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore. A great little who-done-it. Kept me guessing almost till the very end. A little romance, (good clean reading), intriguing mystery and I really liked that it was a family affair. Really great characters, and the beach town was marvelous. Made me want to go to the beach. I look forward to seeing Beck and her family in more stories like this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2020-06-03 22:56:242020-06-04 12:25:51A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Jonell Collins
This cozy mystery had everything I hoped it would. This is the perfect book for an afternoon relaxing with a good book. Because this definitely qualifies as a really good book. Moore does a brilliant job setting up the characters and storyline. There is a wonderful ebb and flow. And the reader is kept engaged from beginning to end. Loved every page. Hope there is more with these characters coming soon!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2020-06-02 20:40:122020-06-02 20:40:12A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Heather Lovelace
A Book Signing to Die For by Judy Moore is a cozy mystery set in a small beachside town in Florida. Beck, her Grandmother, and younger sister all live over the family bookstore. When a murder occurs close to the store after a book signing, Beck jumps in to try to solve the mystery. This is a very fast and enjoyable read. I really enjoy Beck because she is quick, witty, and kind, but has some insecurities from her younger days. She loves herself a good mystery and is pulled into the recent murder of a customer. Can she use what she has learned from her love of books to solve the murder? The characters are fun and work well together to drive the story along. What a beautiful, idyllic setting to have for a murder mystery. I have read other books by this author but this is one of my favorites so far. I look forward to reading more in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2020-06-02 17:43:552020-06-02 18:02:24A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Sheri Schrader
A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore
4-Stars
A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore was a cozy read. It took me a bit to really get into the story but I couldn’t put it down afterward. I loved Beck’s character and found that I could easily relate to her. She had a fun personality. The storyline was easy to follow and my curiosity piqued upon Devon’s introduction at the crime scene. I enjoyed the other characters in this novel and I adored the setting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Madison Degraffenreidhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMadison Degraffenreid2020-06-02 14:21:592020-06-02 14:36:13A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Madison Degraffenreid
A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads By Judy Moore 5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore. It is a cozy mystery that hooked me in from the beginning and I found myself not wanted to put it down until I had finished the last page. I loved the character of Beck O’Rourke. She and her grandmother own a bookstore. Beck has always wanted to be a detective so when a member of the audience at a book signing event ends up murdered, she becomes determined to investigate. Beck soon finds herself with a bunch of suspects. However, someone doesn’t want Beck to find out the truth. Will Beck solve the case before the murderer can stop her interference? There is a new police detective in town. He is both handsome and someone with whom Beck has had a history. What does the future hold for Beck? Read this book to find out. Beck is intelligent, kind, and tenacious. She is not someone who backs down. I also enjoyed reading about Beck’s younger sister Lizzie. While Beck sometimes only sees the differences between them, at times Beck finds that she and Lizzie think alike. This story has mystery, an investigation, danger, and a bit of romance. It is a story that I would highly recommend reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2020-06-01 17:42:122020-06-01 19:45:53A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Laura Furuta
I enjoyed this book. It is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is an engaging story that pulled me in right from the beginning. It is fast paced which made it enjoyable right along with the characters. I had no problems connecting with the characters. They are strong and supportive which kept me turning pages. This is a story about a bookstore that has an author signing where one of the attendees turns up dead. Beck and her grandmother own the bookstore and they live above it with her sister. Beck decides to turn into a detective to help solve this mystery. I don’t normally read this type of book but I am so happy I picked it up. I think you would enjoy it as well. I highly recommend this book and this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2020-06-01 15:45:252020-06-01 15:45:25A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Beck O’Rourke and her grandmother own Beach Reads bookstore and coffee shop, a gathering place for locals and tourists, a block off the ocean in Manatee Beach, Florida.
They live above the bookstore with Beck’s feisty younger sister, Lizzie, a lifeguard. Beck is excited to host the country’s bestselling cozy mystery writer for a book signing event until a member of the audience turns up dead later that night.
Afterward, Beck decides to pursue her lifelong dream of being a detective to try to catch the killer. The amateur sleuth finds a slew of suspects, but the murderer isn’t happy about her interference.
Neither is the town’s handsome new police detective who has a history with Beck.
Judy Moore is the author of the popular thriller, “The Mother-in-Law,” as well as three mystery novels: “Somebody in the Neighborhood,” “Murder in Vail,” and “Murder at the Country Club.” She has also written numerous novellas, including the Christmas anthology “Christmas Interrupted,” which contains three novellas: “Airport Christmas,” “The Holiday House Sitter,” and “The Hitchhiker on Christmas Eve.” She has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida and worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine feature writer, and publications editor for several years. A former tennis pro, Ms. Moore’s writing background also includes sports writing, and athletes from various sports are sprinkled throughout some of her novels. A lifelong resident of Florida, she currently resides in Vero Beach.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/A-Book-Signing-to-Die-For-Cover-Final.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2020-06-01 00:01:262021-02-15 12:48:05A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore
Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis was a fun book that I really enjoyed reading. I enjoyed the characters and plot. I really like reading cozy mysteries and trying to figure out who did it. I liked Gennys Granny Bert and got a real kick out of her. It was my first book by the author and I would definitely read others. 4 star rating!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber R Langehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber R Lange2019-11-02 20:42:522019-11-02 20:58:47Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Amber Lange
Chicken Scratch The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1 By Becki Willis ☆☆☆☆☆ This is a full length novel. The beginning of a great series. Of which I will be reading this as soon as I can. Mild, clean, and funny. This is the way a mystery story should read, as far as I’m concerned.
Maddy and her twins have moved to make a new start. They will move in with her Grandmother, in her hometown. That is just the beginning of this story. Maddy is stronger than she thought as she wades through her new journey. That is where I leave you. As you will have to read Maddy story to believe it. So much action!
I love how Becki Willis has written her fast paced mystery. The characters she has created make me wonder if they were her neighbors. She gives that much into her book. I also enjoyed how the focus was solving the mystery and just the right amount of the budding romance. This is a no spoiler review. Becki Willis I am looking forward to reading your complete series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2019-11-02 16:07:472019-11-02 16:18:36Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1 ) by Becki Willis – Review by Cindy Mayberry
Chicken Scratch by Becki Willis is the first book in The Sisters, Texas Mystery series. This is a cozy, fun mystery to read. What happens when you have gotten used to the big city and have to move back to small-town life with your children. Madison finds herself in this position and tries to make the most of it. When she starts her new job she finds a dead body. Now to find the killer! I enjoyed the characters and how they were developed to be individuals. Each plays a part in the story. I also like the small-town setting. It takes it from being a gritty, detective novel to something a bit lighter. I will definitely be picking up the next book to see where the story goes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2019-11-02 11:35:132019-11-02 12:21:08Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Sheri Schrader
Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis
5 Stars
Becki Willis is a new to me author and I can’t figure out why it has taken me so long to find her books. Chicken Scratch looks to be the 1st of many books in this series and I can not wait to read every one of them. This is my favorite genre and this author filled this book with everything I love. I think my favorite part is that the relationship that is just touched on here and there is still completely up in the air. Not sure why I like that so much but the build up is my favorite part and that was perfection.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and my mind jumped around a bit because every time I had it figured out something else would get thrown in the mix and I’d be completely wrong. Again just another favorite part of this genre and this book. I also appreciated the clean story, dont get me wrong I love the grit as well but it was refreshing reading an entire book without the sex scenes.
Granny Bert was my favorite, I loved Maddie and her best friend and the interaction between them all was spot on. I laughed quite a bit and I just can not recommend this book high enough. I can not wait to read the rest. There was no major cliffhanger but there are unanswered questions.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2019-11-01 15:33:482019-11-01 15:33:48Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Debi Kircher
I give Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) Becki Willis, 5 stars.
This is an author I have not read before, but I quite enjoy cozy mysteries and the story looked interesting so I thought I would give it a try. I enjoyed it from the very beginning. Having it set around chicken house/chicken farming is unique and not something I have seen in a cozy mystery before. That is big here in Southern Delaware and a coworker of mine actually has some chicken houses, so I was pleasantly surprised that I could easily follow along. The author has obviously either had experience with this or has done lots of research. That speaks highly to me of the author.
But there is much more to this book than that. We have a gruesome death discovered, a family relocation from the city to a very small town, and former love interests thrown in to boot. This book has something for everyone. The characters are great, they feel like people I would want to know in the real world. Madison herself struggles with trying to make ends meet while also making sure her kids are happy. When she is thrown into the middle of a murder investigation, she feels like she has to help. But she doesn’t realize the danger she is putting herself into.
A cozy mystery with a compelling, unique story and very lovable characters, this is a book I highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Wolfhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Wolf2019-10-31 09:59:262019-10-31 10:38:10Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Erin Wolf
Chicken Scratch is the first book in Becki Willis’ mystery suspense series The Sisters, Texas! The writer makes you sit up straight and take notice from Chapter One when the heroine of the story finds a body in a chicken house! Just try NOT to picture and smell it in your head! It was my first read by the writer and I can promise you that you will want to go back to The Sisters again and again after finishing this mystery story about a dead chicken farmer! The story takes place in Texas so the writer could have given us loads of stereotypes but instead she gives us a bunch of delightful characters that you will want to go back to and spend more time with! Madison, her spunky grandmother Bert, best friend Genesis, her former crush aka chief of police Brash, her two kids and let’s not forget about the fireman Cutter! I can just imagine what the writer might come up with; she has given herself a bottomless cast of characters and we’d be lucky to read any of their story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jana Teppihhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJana Teppih2019-10-30 06:13:442019-10-30 07:11:30Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Jana Teppih
Becki Willis is a new author to me and her book Chicken Scratch the first book in The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series looked interesting. Becki Willis has a great plotline and complex complicated characters for me makes the best stories. This story is about Madison Reynolds. She has had a lot of misfortune come into her life before 40. She is a widowed and does not have a penny to her name. So she did what anyone who do is to pack up her twins (teenage girls) and moves back to The Sisters Texas and moved in with her grandma. She is not looking forward to small town living especially moving from Dallas. She finds herself in a pickle. She is not an investigator but needs to become one to help someone out. Madison needs to figure things out and quickly. I highly recommend this story to see what Madison is capable of and how her life in The Sisters pan out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2019-10-28 15:59:552019-10-28 16:18:42Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Erica Fish
Chicken Scratch is Book One in a new series by Becki Willis, this is my first read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. It isn’t usually a genre of book I would pick but I can’t lie I thoroughly enjoyed it! It has mystery, suspense and it had you hooked right from the start. The storyline picked up straight away giving you details that had you mentally visualising the read as though you were there. This author has created brilliant characters that really help tell the story and help you connect more to the read! Great Read Becki Willis I can’t wait to read more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Chantelle Smithhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChantelle Smith2019-10-27 16:46:172019-10-27 17:00:05Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Chantelle Smith
Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis. This is a new to me author and honestly I’m wondering how I went so long without her. This story had me hooked start to finish. I love a good mystery story and this one has definitely been added to my list of top mystery reads. Each character brings something different to a storyline that pulled me in. I like being able to figure out the end before I get there but this one definitely had me guessing and trying to read faster to see what was going to happen. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking. I’m excited to see where this author takes readers next! Four stars and highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2019-10-26 23:30:122019-10-27 06:12:00Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Katie Kearney
When I saw that this was a copy mystery, I was expecting something similar to “Murder She Wrote” or something as sweet. Within the first 10 pages we learned the gruesome way someone died. BLECH I have never been in, nor will I now ever go into a chicken house. Come to think of it, I’m not sure I want to ever eat chicken after reading the workings of a chicken (slaughter) house. Has anyone ever survived on chocolate alone? I digress…
CHICKEN SCRATCH is the first book in “The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series” and it is a full set up on who Madison is and how she has found herself in the precarious position she is in. Madison ends up back in Juliet, Texas “the most boring town in the state of Texas” to live with her grandmother after a few life events left Madison and her children to fend for themselves in life.
The book has a mystery, some humor, great friends and familiar relationships. Madison and her best friend Genny definitely have a “Laverne and Shirley” vibe to them. “I always envisioned (personal shopping) as being a bit glitzier. I thought when you were a personal shopping, you got to buy things like fur coats and plush furnishings… So far, you’ve been stuck buying hearing aids supplies and bladder control pads.”
There is a lot that goes on in the story and the protagonist certainly finds herself in some interesting, death defying situations. I didn’t “bond” with her for some reason but it could be the space I am in.
Not everything is wrapped in a bow at the end, so I’m sure there is more high-jinx to come in the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maura Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaura Harper2019-10-26 19:19:262019-10-26 20:36:32Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Maura Harper
I really just couldn’t get Into this. I liked the beginning. It was snappy and easily drew me into the story. After that, things seemed to fall apart and i just couldn’t care about the characters or the story. Well I was Inretested in the murder but it seemed to veer away and too much other stuff became important. History of the town..I understand why they needed to tell about it. It got better closer to the end but I really struggled With this as a whole. I’m not sure what is wrong but I seemed to get bored and was easily distracted while reading. Just not for me.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2019-10-25 05:25:232019-10-25 08:19:25Chicken Scratch (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 1) by Becki Willis – Review by Lisa Helmick
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