Mishaps and Murder: A Coffee Shop Cozy Mystery (A Myrtle Lake Cozy Mystery Book 1)

by Barbara KelleyThis guyThis is the first book in the Myrtle Lake Mystery series. The characters were memorable, and some of them were absolutely marvelous, such as Glynnis (a mystic, seer, clairvoyant), Pequod (a mynah bird), and Kurt (a Bernese Mountain dog). Charlie, probably short for Charlotte or Charlene, is the main character, and the story is told in the first person narrative through her. When there are scenes where she is not in them, the story is in third person dialogue and narrative. This first episode was about the murder of a man who Charlie, her grandmother, and her friends thought was a nice old guy; however, after a few chapters, Charlie's group finds out that more than one person wanted the old guy dead. This was a great storyline and I gave it 5 stars. With that said, there were a few grammatical errors typographical errors. Charlie "sunk" into a sofa or chair should have been "sank" because it was in the present tense, not past tense. One if the chapters, I think it was Chapter 29, had several typographical errors, such as "SImon", instead of "Simon"; however, it was not distracting, so I didn't take away any stars.I also liked that there was not foul language or graphic sex scenes, just a good clean mystery.

I really enjoyed this first book in the author's newest series! The retirement village is a fun setting, and sometimes I got more of a Florida vibe and forgot it was taking place in New England. Probably because of the pool and it being summer in Myrtle Lake. My favorite two characters were Grandma Carla and retired detective Saylor. They're so stinking cute together that I wish Saylor finally would realize she's got it bad for him, lol.It wasn't too difficult to figure out whodunit, but it was lots of fun to follow Saylor, Captain jarvis, Charlie and Carla along to see what they'd turn up for the case. I thought it was cool that the sheriff wanted Saylor to help with the case since he's a retired detective, and she even took his friends' tips somewhat seriously. For a while, the sheriff was one scary lady to Charlie since she suspected her of killing the guy they found in the pool. But Charlie and her retiree friends proved that was wrong by setting up the killer in a very tempting way.I got this book and the second one on sale, but I'm definitely going to keep reading this series using KU. It's a winner!

I enjoyed this story. I found the characters interesting and funny. I’m looking forward to rest of series and will look for more books by this author

I enjoyed this book for the most part, it has some cute characters. But at about 73% in the author made a character mistake that for me was rather glaring and bothered me. I am going to read the next book in the series, and if similar mistakes happen I may not read anymore.

I enjoyed this book. The mystery was well written. The characters were a hoot and very likeable as well. Constance is one of my favorite authors.

This was such a nice read. Enough suspense you dont figure it out until toward end. I loved the characters.

Over the top law enforcement

Another great book by Barker! I'm liking this series — anything by Barker really. Always well-written, well-paced, likeable and complex characters, plus a great mystery. Every time I think it can’t get better, Barker proves us wrong. Can’t wait for the next book!I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Love the mynah bird the characters and the humour .Great story line .Plenty of potential for further stories