Freelance book editor Mikki Lincoln knows the makings of a well-written story. But she’ll need to choose her words wisely when a new assignment introduces a deadly plot twist . . . Forgotten on the outskirts of quaint Lenape Hollow, Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel has outlasted its heyday as a popular tourist destination and now awaits demolition. But once Mikki is hired to edit a revealing … Mikki is hired to edit a revealing memoir by Sunny Feldman, the last living relative of its original owners, the doomed resort quickly ends up back in the spotlight . . .
Unfortunately, everyone’s attention shifts to Mikki when a body is discovered at the demolition site. Seen arguing with deceptive entrepreneur Greg Onslow right before his shocking death, the editor has no choice but to spell out exactly why she isn’t guilty of murdering him . . .
Mikki’s dash for answers brings Greg’s shady dealings into focus, along with an unsettling list of potential culprits. As false leads and dead ends force her to revise theories on who really did it, can Mikki judge fact from fiction before the investigation reaches a terrifying conclusion?
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A FATAL FICTION was the first story I’ve read in the Deadly Edits Cozy Series. It was a great read! The protagonist, Mikki ‘Michelle’ Lincoln is a freelance book editor, a smart character, and good at putting clues together to solve the mystery. Fans of this series will be pleased with this new installment. I’m eager to read Books 1 and 2 now.
I honestly reviewed a galley provided by Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
This is the 3rd book in the series. I normally only like to read in order but didn’t realize this was the 3rd book in the series. Other than some references to the past two murders she helps to solve, this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Mikki Lincoln is a spunky and tough woman that has enough energy for someone half her age. She is also confident and doesn’t need anyone to watch over her, as her nephew, Nick, soon finds out when sent to visit by his mother, Mikki’s sister-in-law. Nick was a little too overprotective for my liking. Mikki wasn’t a feeble minded old woman, she could well enough take care of herself. However, Mikki compares Nick to her deceased husband and that they were both bull headed and it took a while to bring them around to the right way of thinking….her way!
There is a varied cast of characters and while many might have a motive to kill Greg Onslow, there was only one murderer in the lot. I will have to admit that I didn’t suspect this character and probably should have looking back. There weren’t a lot of clues to point the reader in this person’s direction, but when you look at the possibilities, this person was definitely one of the ones to consider.
I really liked the writing and grammar tips at the end. Some great tips for me to put into effect.
A very enjoyable book and a series I would suggest checking out. We give this 4 paws up.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this 3rd installment of the Deadly Edits Series, professional editor, Mikki Lincoln finds herself in the middle of a dispute between Sunny Feldman who is writing a memoir of times at her family’s Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel which is now owned by entrepreneur Greg Onslow who believes the book will hurt his chances to revitalize the area.
When Onslow’s body is found dead on the property Mikki becomes a prime suspect due to a verbal altercation witnessed by many and videotaped. She knows she is going to need facts to solve this murder and she may need to edit her thoughts on more than one of her suspects. One thing for sure, there is more to this death than first meets the eye and Mikki is determined to get to the truth.
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The thing I love most about this series is Mikki herself. A mature woman, set in her ways, strong, smart, savvy, comfortable in her own skin. A retired schoolteacher she is methodical which makes her a great amateur sleuth and so much fun to follow along with. She is very direct which at times works to her determent but at her age, it may be hard to learn to soften her approach.
One thing I didn’t like about this story was the arrival of Mikki’s nephew Nick. Mikki’s family is worried about her getting involved in these murders and sends in the calvary. I found him very off-putting. He didn’t listen to his aunt, jumped to conclusions, and basically drove me to his distraction. I realize his heart was in the right place but Mikki is clearly in control of her life and faculties and he should have realized it right away.
The mystery itself is very well-plotted and written. There are plenty of suspects and some nice twists and red herrings to keep readers intrigued and tuned in. The story has an excellent flow and humor in all the right places.
While I did hone in on the culprit before the big reveal I found A Fatal Fiction entertaining and a great addition to this series. I am looking forward to book #4.
This is the first book in the “Deadly Edits” series. But I don’t think that took away from my enjoyment of the book. I believe this could be read as a standalone.
I really liked getting to know the main character, Mikki. She is a feisty 70-year-old hoot! I loved this cozy mystery that the author wrote with NO ROMANCE! Thank you, Kaitlyn Dunnett!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This is an old-fashioned mystery, of the best kind! I thought of the old Mrs. Pollifax mysteries as I read this book, thoroughly enjoying the feisty main character Mikki. Mikki is seventy years old and is not just sitting in her rocking chair waiting for the inevitable. She is making ends meet during her retirement by editing books. One of her clients is Sunny Feldman, a lady who used to own the inn that is now about to be demolished. The demolition is headed by the town bad boy, Grant Onslow, and of course before he can go ahead with the work, he ends up dead. The cast of characters is numerous, but they all add to the story and mean that the list of culprits that Mikki has to wade through is interesting and kept me guessing. Mikki is a suspect herself, so she needs to solve the mystery herself before she is charged with Onslow’s murder. I loved the fast pace, the humor and the whole character of Mikki and how independent she was. Although this is a series and I have not read the other books, this one can definitely be read as a standalone. The author did a fantastic job of weaving an entertaining tale that kept me engaged from beginning to end. Fans of mystery told with humor will enjoy this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This was a cute cozy. Mikki freelances as an editor when she chooses to work. She is a retired English teacher. She has been hired to edit Sunny Feldman’s book at a resort her family used to own. Greg Onslow has purchased the property and he doesn’t like the idea of Sunny’s book. He accosts Mikki at the gas station and starts an argument. Mikki takes him down a notch and it is all caught on video. Now the video has gone viral.
When Greg is found murdered, Mikki is suspect number 1. It seems someone is trying to frame her. This means Mikki must find the murderer before she or some other innocent is charged.
I enjoyed the story, Mikki is a hoot and sharp as well. There were many suspects and some twists. This was easy to read, but I didn’t figure out the murderer until the end. Great fun.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and offer my honest opinion of this book.
Mikki is excited about her new assignment, she has been asked to edit a quite revealing memoir by Sunny Feldman. Sunny is the last of her family, a family who owned the once illustrious Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel. In it’s time it was a popular destination for tourist but now it is getting ready to be demolished. It’s soon back on the map when the body of Greg Onslow is found in the demolition site. To make matters worse Mikki seems to be the top suspect, you see the two didn’t get all and had been seen arguing or that long ago. Mikki soon learns that Greg was even more corrupt than she thought all sorts of bad dealings are coming to light. Now she must figure out who among all those dealings.wanted the man dead. Follow along as Mikki does her best to keep herself out of jail and in.doing so find the real killer!
A FATAL FICTION is the third book in the Deadly Edits cozy series. I enjoyed this book as a stand alone without having read the first two books and still really enjoyed the fun and mysterious story line.
In this book, Mikki Lincoln is working on a memoir by Sunny Feldman – out in a small town of Lenape Hallow where Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel is awaiting demolition – and of course, now the spotlight is on the Hotel, on Mikki and the dead body.
I enjoyed the writing very much especially with a great main character – an older feisty woman who seems to get into heaps of trouble but great enough to get out of it.
This was really a fun read I enjoyed a lot. I am now in search for the first two books.
A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett is a mysterious tale of gold-digging, opportunity, and revenge.
Will Mikki find out who killed Onslow before she catches the blame, or is the next one gone?
Mikki Lincoln
Mikki is an older woman, who returns to her home town after the death of her husband. She is living in her childhood home and hanging with her childhood friends. However, to make a little extra money, Mikki is an independent editor for authors of all sorts of publications.
I like Mikki’s spunk, independence, and her work ethic. She does what she says that she is going to do, and that is admirable. However, she is not perfect, and it seems that at times she can have quite a temper. Here is a quote from Mikki in A Fatal Fiction:
When I lose control, I really lose control. I don’t care who’s listening. I yell. I tell the object of my ire exactly what I think of whatever it was that set me off. I’m not proud of this. It’s a character flaw, but that’s not to say that the tirade is undeserved.
The Mystery
So, the night after Mikki tells off Onslow in front of quite a few people, he is murdered. Of course, Mikki is questioned about his death, especially since a video of Mikki giving Onslow the what for is released on the internet. However, Mikki isn’t the only person that is questioned as many people in town didn’t like Mr. Onslow. One of the suspects is Luke, a cousin of Mikki’s that is relatively new to town.
As Mikki is trying to clear herself and Luke, her nephew from her husband’s side is in town to assess his aunt’s mental facilities and protect her. Although Mikki isn’t happy about this addition, she respects her nephew and plays along.
Four Stars
I enjoyed the mystery, characters, and the location (Catskills mountain town, New York). I would like to hear more of Sunny’s stories from her youth. The mystery is excellently written, as I immediately thought it was the culprit but dismissed the person due to a lack of motive. However, the way that was revealed was ingenious. Therefore, I am giving A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett four stars. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers out there.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett.
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the 3rd A Deadly Edits Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to this series (or skipped a book). The author has a casual writing style which makes the story easy to read. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and the surrounding area. The pacing varies throughout the story. Mikki Lincoln is seventy years old and a widow. After her husband’s death, she moved back to her hometown of Lenape Hollow. Mikki also purchased her childhood home and spent most of her retirement money fixing it up. Mikki is a retired English teacher. She takes those skills to begin a manuscript editing business out of her home. Grammar is a theme featured throughout the series with helpful tips at the end of the book. Mikki rarely loses her temper, but Greg Onslow pushed her buttons when she was filling up the tank of her car. Unfortunately, the whole scene was caught by someone wielding a cell phone and posted online. When Onslow ends up murdered, Mikki along with her cousin, Luke find themselves suspects. When the detective seems to focus on the cousins, Mikki sets out to find the true culprit. I like that Mikki is an older protagonist who brings a mature viewpoint to the cases she investigates. The mystery had multiple suspects courtesy of Onslow’s swindling ways. There is a red herring or two to distract the reader. Devoted cozy mystery readers will have no problem pinpointing the guilty party. I would have liked a better wrap up of the case. I was left with a couple of unanswered questions. Mikki needs to work on her questioning technique. She is too direct which can come across as rude. Mikki also feels the need to use her “teacher” voice to put people in their place too often. Nick, Mikki’s nephew, pays a visit and I found him an annoying individual. I know he was trying to protect his aunt, but his behavior bordered on boorish. Nick and Mikki clashed frequently. I have trouble liking the characters in this series. I want them to be more like those in the author’s A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series. My favorite line in A Fatal Fiction came from Sunny when she said, “Good riddance to bad rubbish” when she learned Onslow was dead. A Fatal Fiction is a blithesome cozy mystery with one dead developer, a reckless writer, magnified memoirs, a nagging nephew, and an annoyed aunt.
Out now from Kensington Books is the third installment in the “Deadly Edits” literary centered series by Kaitlyn Dunnett, A Fatal Fiction.
Mikki is at it again. She can’t seem to stay out of a murder investigation. This time she is the prime suspect due to losing her temper with the victim. He is a complete con man. There is nothing good to say about him. This literary centered series is perfect for those of advanced age, especially if they are tired of people treating them as if they are out of their minds and belong in a nursing home, or need to be watched at all times if they express their opinion or lose their temper. Mikki’s nephew, Nick, is worried about her safety, but his condescending attitude, assuming she is losing her marbles, puts Mikki and readers on edge who have kids or relatives who think they know what’s best for them because their over fifty.
Other characters are enjoyable and have quarks or secrets that make them great suspects. Mikki’s best friend and her arch-nemesis make another appearance in book three but do not play as significant a role as most fans would like. Mikki doesn’t get as much editing done as she would like, and her literary client is hiding things from her. The killer can be a challenge to figure out with all the twists and turns, but if readers follow the evidence, it should become apparent quickly.
I have a fondness for this series but advise readers who are just starting with this series to go back and start at the beginning. The previous books, although not necessary, explain a great deal about who Mikki and friends are as well as their motivations. It would go a long way in helping new readers understand the part and personality of each of the reoccurring characters. For those who love books, editing, writing, and have a general literary bent; this is a wonderful series to sink your teeth into. A Fatal Fiction is an enjoyable, quick read with colorful characters and an easy to understand plot. I am happy to recommend this book and the entire series to readers of all ages.
A Fatal Fiction is the third book in A Deadly Edits Mystery series.
Once again, the deceptive developer Greg Onslow is out to cause trouble. Onslow is still upset that Mikki Lincoln refuses to edit his lat wife’s manuscript. So when he notices her at the local gas station he begins talking to her and before long it turns into a loud shouting match. Somebody has recorded the melee and the video has gone viral and before long most everyone in Lenape Hollow has seen the video. The next afternoon while researching with Sunny Feldman, when Pam Ingram, the librarian, informs them that Onslow’s dead body has been found at the old Feldman resort that he was in the process of tearing down. Mikki knows that is just a matter of time until the police come to question her whereabouts when Onslow had died.
After her initial police interview, Mikki realizes that she will have to start her investigation to clear her name. As she is getting to a good start to looking for possible suspects, out of the blue her nephew Nicky shows up. Claiming that he wants a vacation and decided to come to see his favorite aunt, never mind she is his only aunt. He soon admits that he is there to protect her. She knows that this will put a damper on her sleuthing. Then her cousin, Luke, is questioned by the police and will become a suspect. Mikki hopes he’s not involved, but he is unwilling to explain why he is under suspicion. She’s hoping that the killer will be found before they might also become victims.
A wonderful addition to this interesting series. It’s well-plotted and written and moves at a nice even pace. The characters were well-developed and believable.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
Who says you’re too old? As you’ll find out in this story, age is just a number. I loved Mikki and Donna. Step by step and they don’t give up, even when they say they will. The story line is good and the characters play off each other well. You may be shaking your head or chuckling at some of their antics. This is my first book by this author, but I hope to read many more. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
A Fatal Fiction is the 3rd book in the Deadly Edits cozy mystery series and stars Mikki Lincoln who is 70, wears hearing aids and has a lot of spunk and common sense! This was a very enjoyable addition to the series! Mikki is a retired teacher but currently is a book editor to earn a little extra money. She is currently editing a book for Sunny whose family owned a large and famous resort, Sunny is writing a memoir about all the famous people who frequented the resort a long time ago. The resort is decrepit and the remaining buildings are being torn down. A local businessman ends up dead there. Mikki and her cousin are both suspects. On top of all that, Mikki’s nephew shows up unexpectedly. The characters are likable and interesting. This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery! I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Kensingon Books for an honest review. #NetGalley #AFatalFiction #KensingtonBooks
The Best Cozy I Have Read All Year!
This book is just aces. The main character also narrates the story. She is a 70-year-old retired High School English teacher. Her story-telling sounds exactly perfect! I could swear that was my perfectionist, nearing retirement high school English teacher speaking! The story setup is perfect. The characters, the cats, the location are all delightful. The mystery was complicated with so many likely suspects with great motivation. I was pleased and surprised by the denouement. The story can be read and enjoyed without having read the earlier episodes, however, I am going to go read the first two books in the series. I am also going to check this author’s other series’ to read, too.
I loved the grammar tips at the end. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
Visiting Mikki in Lenape Hollow, NY, was a delight! I enjoy Mikki and her current career as a copy editor. Her work is fascinating to me. Mikki continues to show there is much life to enjoy in the decade I am fast approaching. I appreciate sleuths who are mature in outlook, temperament, and life experience. The setting sounds beautiful, it and the characters are defined very well. The mystery kept me guessing until the end.
Mikki is a retired English teacher who returned to her hometown after her husband passed away. She purchased the home she grew up in and updated it to suit her preferences. She works at home as a copy editor. She is currently working on Sunny Feldman’s novel about the history of her family’s Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel that is no longer in business. Sunny is a feisty 86-year-old woman who is accustomed to getting her way.
Mikki is putting gas in her car when Greg, a local real estate developer and investment scam artist, shouts at her about the book Sunny is writing. He wants Mikki to persuade Sunny to not publish it as she is trying to ruin his project. He purchased the property the former resort hotel was built on and claims she is trying to get the site listed as a historical landmark. Mikki lost her temper big time, which rarely happens. Bystanders filmed her on their phones to post online.
The next morning Mikki meets Sunny at the library to review what Sunny needs to research for her novel. Pam, the research librarian, told them she just heard Greg died in a terrible accident at his jobsite at the former resort. He was murdered. Mikki, after that very publicized fight, is the main suspect.
Mikki begins to ask questions of people at the historical society, around town, and his employees at Mongaup Valley Ventures, where his now-widowed trophy wife is taking over the company. Mikki has helped solve other murders since returning to her hometown; this time she has to prove herself innocent.
Allie, the sister of Mikki’s late husband, called from Maine, very concerned about Mikki. Without her knowledge, Allie sent Nick, her son and Mikki’s adored nephew, to check on her. They were unaware that Mikki had helped police with other recent murders, and he is surprised to see Mikki has a security system in this quiet little town. He thinks she might be getting a little confused and will stay until she is no longer a suspect. Even if it means following her every second of the day!
Nick, who is now a husband and father, is almost like Mikki having another parent! I had to laugh at ways that she found to get out of her own house without being seen! He sincerely is looking out for her best interests, but it is hard for her to investigate with him there!
I loved this novel! The pace is even, and the plot twists keep it interesting. There were several possible suspects, and watching Mikki try to eliminate any of them was exciting. When her cousin Luke is the next likely suspect, she has to work on his behalf, too. The real whodunit was someone on my pet suspect list even though I didn’t have a motive and almost crossed the person off. The final resolution was perfect and satisfying. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries with mature sleuths who are not in a romance, enjoy their friends, and have second career.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a review was not required.
This is book three in this series. This one is about Mikki a freelance book editor who has to edit a manuscript about a memoir when problems start accuring and bodies are found . Poor Mikki must try to clear herself of the crime and find the real culprit before it is too late I found this book to be very enjoyable to read loved the characters and story plot looking forward to reading more of this series
small-business, small-town, amateur-sleuth, retirees, murder-investigation, cozy-mystery
It really didn’t take long to figure out who the murder victim would be and the list of suspects seemed endless, especially if you believed the police consideration of the protagonist. The victim was known for swindling investors in his alleged construction projects, so it was probably fitting that his body was found on the latest job site. Mikki is a retired teacher and currently a freelance proofreader/editor to augment her pension. Although she is an unlikely suspect, the police do have reasons to continue questioning her even as she begins her own sleuthing. I liked it a lot, and the characters are very well done, as is the sleuthing.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!