Book Review: Murder at the PTA (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #1) by Lee Hollis

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Murder at the PTA (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #1) by Lee Hollis is the first installment in the Maya and Sandra Mystery series, a cozy mystery series centered on private investigators. The story follows Sandra Wallage , the wife of a U.S. senator and the newly elected president of Portland High School’s PTA, who becomes the latest target of a vicious gossip website called Dirty Laundry . After a heated PTA meeting, Sandra crosses paths with Maya Kendrick , a private investigator who has uncovered the identity of the person behind the gossip site. When the two women attempt to confront the culprit, they instead discover a dead body. Was it really a suicide, or did someone have a motive for murder? I’m a longtime fan of books by Lee Hollis , which is actually the pen name for sibling writing duo Rick Copp and Holly Simason . They’ve written several cozy mystery series, and what I appreciate most about their books is that they aren’t overly kitschy, unlike some other cozy mysteries I’ve ...
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Book Review: Murder In The Book Lover's Loft (Book Retreat Mysteries, #9) by Ellery Adams

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book review murder in the book lovers loft book retreat mystery 9 ellery adams

Murder In The Book Lover's Loft (Book Retreat Mysteries, #9) by Ellery Adams opens with resort manager Jane Steward and her fiance Edwin planning a getaway from Storyton Hall in Virginia to the coast of North Carolina.  Things almost immediately go awry when Edwin is stung by stingrays and Jane finds a dead body.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Murder In The Book Lover's Loft (Book Retreat Mysteries, #9) by Ellery Adams.  The cover of this cozy mystery was super cute and the synopsis intriguing.  When I got the notification that I was approved to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review, I was excited.

This book was an easy read as well as super cute and fun.  It reminded me a bit of a Nancy Drew book.  Although Murder In The Book Lover's Loft was a bit predictable at times, it was thoroughly enjoyable.  I really enjoyed the characters of Jane, Edwin, and Olivia.  I even liked Mr. Butterworth . . . he reminded me of the butler in the 1998 version of The Parent Trap.  There were plenty of suspects throughout the story and plenty of clues pointing to the murderer.  However, I couldn't quite figure out who it was because so many of the people had such good motives.

I look forward to reading all the preceding books in the Book Retreat Mystery series and all that come after this installment.  Five out of five stars is what I gave Murder In The Book Lover's Loft (Book Retreat Mysteries, #9) by Ellery Adams.

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