Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is quirky. It has an interesting hook: it’s told from the point of view of an atheist who is experiencing life following her own death. The characters are delightfully wonky. They go on adventures, and have philosophical discussions. I think they could solve many of the world’s problems- if only they were alive to do so!
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Andrea found out she was dying of cancer and decided to die on her own terms so off she went into the Nevada desert and under the stars. Being an Atheist she expects nothing to happen after death, just gone forever, so when she wakes up as a ghost, Andrea is shocked.
After a bit, a wandering spirit with the face of a coyote and antlers stopped in front of her and asked if he can use her fire to make himself a coffee. From there starts a weird kinship between the two. Andrea starts to question everything, most in the spiritual aspect. While Coyote seems to be there to make her transition easier, letting her tell him all about her life. Stories from her childhood all the way into her seventies.
I tend to not like the slice of life genre but I really enjoy this author’s writing style. They always implement things from a supernatural element which interests me. I think the author does a really good job in describing their world and their characters.
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber is made up of a collection of 13 short stories. Ms. Koerber weaves tales that blend fact with fiction, anecdotes with magical realism, adding a touch of the paranormal, emotion, intrigue, and wit.
As expected, Ms. Koerber has crafted a highly original book- bringing us a touch of the unusual- and blending fantasy with some mystery, and magical realism- thereby capturing the imagination and pulling the reader into her ‘world’.
Each story is a very quick and easy read.
Encounters With Old Coyote is another interesting, original, and thought provoking read.
Happy reading…
Thank you, Laura Koerber!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 1/2 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I saw this beautifully covered book and decided to dive in and I just loved this journey. The story was very well written , unique, intriguing and it made me think of some “what ifs”. This story of Andrea, whom recently passed, questions what is next….she meets Coyote and short stories of her past come to light as Coyote wants to hear. Andrea has questions of the afterlife and wants answers…but Coyote does not have answers for her. As stories are shared, the journey continues and Andrea also meets other spirits as well…what does happen after you are gone….
I highly recommend this book, it is truly a wonderful read.
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Andrea is a woman at the end of her days, she has been an atheist all her life, however, when she dies, she is astounded to find that she becomes a ghost! She is even more confused after spending the night alone and desperately seeking answers to meet a being with the body of a man, the face of a coyote and antlers, especially when he begins to make coffee and introduces himself as Coyote.
Andrea immediately starts asking questions about God, the afterlife and why she is still there, however, the Coyote isn’t as forthcoming with the information she wants, but what he does do is share a story and that is where this story really begins. Andrea and Coyote begin a journey where they share stories from their lifetimes and these range from youthful adventures involving indulgence and vomit, to observations of the world including spiders in showers, losing a bra in a truck stop and the existential questions of existence.
In this story, filled with stories you will be inspired to think of your life and what you will leave behind, as well as the stories you will tell in the future, but most of all, it will make you think about what you can do to create more stories in the future, as you make your way through a gentle, yet thought provoking journey of reflection.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Encounters of Old Coyote by Laura Koerber is a unique and thought-provoking novel that explores the nature of life, death, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The story follows Andrea, a skeptic who finds herself as a ghost in the desert after her death. Confused and seeking answers about the existence of God, Andrea encounters a supernatural being in the form of a coyote.
Koerber’s writing style is engaging and conversational, allowing readers to easily connect with the characters and their experiences. The dynamic between Andrea and Coyote is particularly captivating, as they engage in discussions about spirituality, existence, and the role of storytelling.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is the way it weaves together different stories and anecdotes. Andrea and Coyote share tales about mundane experiences, such as finding spiders in the bathroom or losing a bra at a truck stop, as well as more profound subjects like dark matter and the fifth force. These stories serve a dual purpose, not only entertaining readers but also conveying deeper messages about life’s mysteries and the human experience.
The novel also touches upon themes of interconnectedness and the ways in which seemingly unrelated events can be linked. Through Andrea’s encounters with Coyote, she begins to understand that everything is connected in some way, and that stories are an essential tool for humans to make sense of the world around them.
While the book explores weighty topics, it maintains a light and humorous tone throughout (loved the line about ghosts being mostly cows or horses or pigs that have “fucked up” lives- coyote doesn’t think happy animals would become ghosts!). I would recommend reading it!
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Encounters With Old Coyote is a collection of 13 short stories of two wandering spirits. Laura is an emotive writer with different and eclectic genres making each book from her a surprise. This unique tale is a blend of paranormal elements and magical realism.
I was completely immersed in the writing, and I found myself easily entrenched in the world in which had been created. With its intricate layers and deftly woven threads throughout each tale was easy to read and had seamless ebbs and flows.
Laura is a gifted storyteller, and her stories are easily imagined and brought to life by her rich tones and vivid cinematic narrative.
Coyote is back sharing his knowledge and imparting his stories with other spirit-beings under the beautiful stars of the Nevada desert.
Grab a cuppa or a wine and relax whilst enjoying Coyote and Andrea’s tales.
This book is well worth read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. I enjoy her writing skills and her ability to pull me into the story with ease. This book is no different. It is a shorter story but it sure packs a punch. Coyote and Andrea are back with another adventure that has humor in parts and has a supernatural theme. I enjoy Andrea and what she brings to the story. She is a ghost that never believed until she became one. She is my favorite of the story for sure. This is a well written story that I read in one sitting. It is engaging and fast paced. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters as well as the plot throughout the story. You don’t want to miss out on this one. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was quite the interesting book. I love this author’s writing. It always leaves you thinking. This book leaves you wondering after reading these conversations between Old Coyote and Andrea. Andrea is a college professor that took her life in the Arizona desert. She and Coyote end up having some intriguing conversations about life and death, and some of the adventures Andrea had during her life. I found it thought provoking, interesting, sensitive, and even entertaining. This author has always written about Coyote in ways that tend to make you question and maybe even want to know more about Indigenous people and their culture. It’s an excellent book and one that I would definitely recommend.
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Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
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Genre – Supernatural, Literary Fiction
Page Count – 68
Cover Designer – Tamira Thayne
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Andrea, after her death becomes a ghost and wanders the desert of Nevada in the company of a coyote spirit and his strange friends. As they wander, the tell stories about about life and death, spiders in the bathroom and how Andrea lost her bra at a truck stop, enemy gods and pottery shards, adventures in vomit, what scientists say about dark matter and the fifth force, and other topics both sublime and ridiculous.
~ AMAZON ~
I live on a island in the Puget Sound with my husband and my dogs. I am a retired teacher, presently doing in -home care for disabled people while volunteering at a dog rescue
My degree is in art, and I am a painter, graphic artist, and ceramic sculptor. The writing started about five years ago, a surprise to me and everyone who knows me, since I had never written anything before.
The review for my first book in Kirkus Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re…
I think I learned to write by reading. I am a voracious omnivore of books.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
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.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
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!
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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!
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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!
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Review by @elishajohnson
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.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very quick read!
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.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Murder in a Gated Community was different. It was written from the point of view of a few people that could sometimes be confusing. The way the author wrote the characters at first I thought it was a retirement community. But then there was a family with a child. Even then the characters reminded me of the ones who always yelled at us when we were outside playing as kids. Because we were running around, our ball/frisbee ended up on their lawn, ect. Older grumpier people, hence why I initially thought it was a retirement community.
There’s a lot going on in such a short story. Jane is trying to deal with her ailing wife while moving on. Hazel is fighting for her garden plot, I wonder why? And Theresa is dealing with the backlash of it all.
So when the community is rocked it’s a question of how to move forward.
It’s not a basic whodunnit type story. It’s one with a lot of “Karen’s” people constantly complaining about little things to the community board of directors and how they handle the outcomes.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in a Gated community was the perfect short read to liven up my week. The cast of characters was a lot of fun and took me back to my days as a nurse in an assisted living community and silently watching the interactions between “neighbors”. This was a fun story with wit and a humor that kept me engaged from start to finish. I enjoyed the scattered communication with the BOD and that each chapter had a title. As mentioned, I really did enjoy this short read and I’m curious to see what else the author has for me to delve into.
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5718923175
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Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in a Gated Community is an entertaining short story about life after retirement. When all you have to worry about is which neighbor is doing what, there is bound to be some drama involved! The quirky characters match wits as they fight over things like community gardens, pets, and who does what behind closed doors. If you are looking for a quick but entertaining read, look no further and pick up this story!
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder in a Gated Community
By: Laura Koerber
This book reminds me a little of a real housewives series if the housewives were older. The story is about older people in a gated community dealing with each of their own very complicated issues. The friendships within this community definitely seem real and the fact that many of these characters seem to have no filter also makes it seem very realistic. This is filled with funny anecdotes and little stories of each of the neighbors. This is just a fun read of a neighborhood. I truly loved this story and the characters within it.
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder In A Gated Community
By: Laura Koerber
Review by: Susan Ratchford
4 Stars
Not at all what I was expecting but Murder In A Gated Community by Laura Koerber was a really good read and a unique look on suburbia. Koerber put such wit and humor into this book I couldn’t help but smile the whole way through! With moments that are tragic yet beautiful and also very relatable! I loved Hazel’s story and the meaning behind every word! This novella is definitely worth your time if you want a meaningful story full of laugh out loud moments. This book was definitely deep and made me think about growing older and how life changes. Please if you have the time check out this unexpected gem you will be glad you did!
Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy their writing style as well as their attention to details that make their stories pop. I found this book to be well written and engaging. The characters are creative, connectable and add so much to the story. They made the story easy to read and add some humor as well. This is a story about a gated community that is full of drama and secrets. This is a fast paced story that has great growth throughout which added to the entertainment value of this story. I really enjoyed reading this story about this community and the mystery the characters added to it. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner