Swans Nest Inn is about to open, and Kathy Grant solicits her BFF, Tori Cannon, to help spruce up her property at the marshy end of Lotus Bay, only they didn’t count on finding a body. Who was he? What’s his connection to their friend Paul Darcy? Meanwhile, two entrepreneurs with vast business ties are interested in helping Tori reopen the Lotus Lodge, and their real motives are as murky as the … the bay after a storm. Will Swans Nest open on time? Will the Lotus Lodge reopen at all?
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
Kathy Grant and Tori Cannon are roommates working on opening up their new businesses. Kathy’s Swans Nest Inn is opening soon. She has asked her Tori to help her clean up brush and shrubs on the property. Thinking they had found an old jacket they are stunned to find it on a body. Pending identification and a cause of death Tori and Kathy go back to readying the inn for guests.
Tori plans to reopen her family’s Lotus Lodge have stalled out a bit until she can find more money for renovations. Strange that at this time she gets not one but two partnership offers. To add craziness to the mix, Tori’s cousin Amber blusters onto the scene with her own bit of drama.
The ladies have their hands full because the case of the body they found has now been declared a murder. Can they catch a killer and get the Seans Nest Inn opened on time? or will they be the killers next victims?
I am late to the party on this series and was confused because some reviewers call this the second book in the series while Amazon lists at as book #4. A little research has shown the first book in the series, Panty Raid is a short 26-page prequel, followed by Book #2, With Baited Breath, the first full-length book in the series. The third book in the series is again, a mini-mystery, 46 pages, entitled Christmas at Swans Nest. That brings us to A Reel Catch, the second full-length book in the series.
By jumping in at this point I felt I would lose some of the character development and the journey of the characters to this point, but the author included enough history to make me feel comfortable. I do need to go back and read to get more info on Tori’s grandfather and his big lottery win though. What the little bit I have seen he sounds like quite a gentleman and the close relationship he has with Tori is very clear.
As I got to know the characters I was quickly drawn into their lives. Finding this body started to put some chaotic events in motion and it seemed everyone they came in contact with became a suspect. Kathy, Tori and their friend Anissa really tackle everything thrown at them head-on. I enjoyed following through each vital and sometimes very scary moment.
This author also writes the Booktown Mysteries under the name Lorna Barrett, a series that I love. Like those stories, this story features strong women with a strong bond. The mystery she has entangled them is complex with a variety of suspects. She sets a pace that ramps up as the story continues. Her descriptive talents bring Lotus Bay to life.
My first literary escape to Lotus Bay was quite enjoyable. I hope to return again soon.
What an adventure, to return to Lotus Bay in the spring! Kathy is a breath away from realizing her dream, running a Bed and Breakfast, Swan’s Nest, that luxurious and hopefully will be a popular wedding destination. Kathy and Tori’s friend, Anissa, who is a contractor, worked on it all winter to make it everything Kathy wants and more. Within days of opening, however, two events occur that could change how well-received it will be.
Tori will soon open the bait and tackle shop for the season; during the winter she has taken jobs as a substitute teacher. She has the family’s Cannon Compound, which she bought from her grandfather for a dollar after he won the lottery and retired to a warmer location. Her grandmother lovingly ran the Lotus Lodge until she could no longer do so, and Tori’s dream is to one day get it remodeled and opened to a different crowd, possibly those on fishing trips or families. Getting the money to start the work, after updating the bait shop, will take some time.
When Tori and Kathy labor at cleaning up the edge of the Swan’s Nest property at the marsh, they see something in the water that simply has to go. Unfortunately, remains of somebody is inside the heavy coat Tori drags in. It will be some time before the remains are identified, especially since nobody has been noted missing for quite some time. When the body is identified as a man who was thought to have died many years ago after disappearing without a trace, folks in the area have differing opinions.
Kathy takes in a couple stay at the B&B prior to their official opening date, and that favor will cost. A lot. Two people approach Tori for business deals that would allow her to remodel and reopen her grandma’s beloved lodge, but it seems they will make the money while she does the work. One even threatens her!
I like Tori, Kathy, and Anissa. They work well together, are close friends, and put in the sweat equity to work for their dreams. Many things are happening to the young women in a short time, even as they want to know who the person was in the marsh and how he died. Conversations are realistic, as is the way stuff happens to and around them. It seems that the key to the present mystery may be found in the past, and those who know what happened then are unwilling to discuss it. I highly recommend A Reel Catch! It is a challenge to solve, the characters are likable, and the setting is a springtime delight.
I haven’t read any of her books I have’t liked
Reel Catch, by Lorraine Bartlett, is the second installment of the Lotus Bay Mystery series. Tori is helping Kathy clear some brush on her property to get it ready for the opening of Swan’s Nest, Kathy’s new Bed and Breakfast. Tori sees a coat in the water. When she tries to pull it out, she discovers it’s not just an empty coat. Tori and Kathy want to find the answers to who the dead man is, his past and who may have wanted him dead.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Tori and Kathy, along with the whole cast of characters, really drew me into the story. They are so funny, likable and very relatable. I found myself wanting to know more about them.
The mystery of this book pulled me in right from the first page. I wanted to know who the victim was, what happened and why. I could not put this book down. It held me hostage until I found out how all the pieces of this puzzle fit together.
I would recommend this book to any reader who likes fun, relatable characters with a mystery that will hold you and keep you guessing until the every end.
I received an ARC copy of this book for review from the author. This is an honest review.
This is another great book by the talented Lorraine Bartlett. She is one of my must read authors. She hit it out of the park with this continuation of the Lotus Bay Mystery series. She always keeps me guessing and I never figure out the whodonit until the end with is always a plus to me. Like her other books she kept me on my toes the whole time. I cant not wait for the next one.
A Reel Catch is the next book in the Lotus Bay mystery series. For me this was the first one to read in the series, so I had a little catch-up to do. But these characters are so well written that I was on board with what was happening within 15 pages. That’s a sign of a well written book. Even though it’s part of a series it could stand on its own and the reader will not be lost.
I love the fact that this is set in Lotus Point, NY area. I totally get the whole lake Ontario scenarios that is laid out in the book. I expect in the future she will include some reference to Lake Effect Snow. If you have ever been in that part of NY or any state on one of the great lakes, then you will know what that is all about.
Anyhow, this book has 3 central characters, Kathy Grant who is opening the Swans Nest B & B, Tori Cannon who has the Cannon Compound consisting of docks, a boat house, bait and tackle shop and the Lotus Lodge. Of that the docks and bait and tackle are the only parts up and running. The Lodge is in needs of repairs to get operational again. And their friend Anissa Jackson who is a general contractor and Tori’s childhood friend.
We open with Kathy and Tori clearing some brush near the marsh on the Swans Nest property. Kathy is just weeks away from her big opening of her beloved Bed and Breakfast. While working on clearing the brush Tori notices a plaid jacket in the water. She goes to the boat shed to get an oar to help fish it out and dons a pair of waders while she is there. But that jacket isn’t coming out as easy as she thought and when Kathy screams and Tori falls in, she discovers it’s not an empty jacket but a body. And the story is off and running.
Between wondering who the dead man was, and how he ended up in the water, they are also dealing with a smarmy character who tries to hustle Tori for the Lodge, and the richest woman in the county, Lucinda Bloomfield, makes her bid also for the property. It gets pretty crazy and rocky at points for the women, but they are strong and determined gals who don’t fade away at the first sign of adversity. They tackle things head on. And they show many talents, not just for their businesses which they are determined to make work.
This is a book series I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery and wants to see strong women working together to solve any crisis thrown at them.
A Reel Catch starts out with a bang, when Tori and Kathy are working outside and discover something. . . or maybe someone. The setting for this book is great – right on the south shore of Lake Ontario, near Rochester, NY – and the characters are so real and friendly and people I would hang out with. Except for some of the scary situations they get involved in. But that is what makes this book even more exciting. The Swans Nest is about to reopen, and the description of each room makes me want to stay there. I’d like to find a place like this on Lake Ontario, with similar people. I’m excited not only about this book, but within this book the author sets up part of what will be happening in the next books in the series. I enjoyed going home after work every night and reading this book. It’s one of those books that made me feel really good!
In this next book of the series Swans Nest Inn is getting ready to open, and Kathy Grant asks her best friend, Tori Cannon, to help clean up her yard, especially around the marshy side. Friend Anissa has been working very hard to get the B & B in shape and ready for the opening. While cleaning they see a coat in the water that happens to still have a body in it. Neither recognize the man and can’t tell how long he has been in the water but by the looks of him it has been a while. Who was he? How did he end up in the water? While all this is happening Tori gets interest in her property from two different sources, both want to become partners and help her reopen the Lotus Lodge. Tori doesn’t know what she wants to do and is suspicious of both people. Can she trust either? Should she take one of the up on their offer? Will she ever get the Lodge open? Follow along as the ladies become more enticed into figuring out who the dead man was and how he ended up floating in the marsh. Will the ladies be able to come up with some answers or be left out in the cold? I love the relationship between the three ladies and enjoyed following their friendship chapter after chapter. The author truly developed some great women. I loved how they worked together on each of their separate projects and always had time for one another. I look forward to seeing where they go from here.
Kathy and Tori are busy working on clearing out some of the unsightly brush on the property closest to Lotus Bay, but the dead guy floating near the debris quickly put a damper in their efforts. With the opening of Kathy’s Swans Nest quickly approaching, and Tori’s own efforts to manage Cannon Bait and Tackle, they simply don’t have the time or energy to meet with Detective Osborn about what they could only hope was a simple drowning. Tori is also getting frustrated about her own financial situation, trying to eke out a living with substitute teaching and the bait shop, all the while dreaming of reopening The Lotus Lodge. So when she is approached by not one but two financial partnership offers for her property, she finds herself in a quandary. And then there is the intrusive visit by her cousin Amber. But the drowning mystery soon draws both women into their own investigation, once again possibly putting them directly in the killer’s sights. This story, book 2 in the series, helps solidify the relationship between Kathy, Tori and Anissa. It also has helped flesh out two central characters of Paul and Noreen, as well as introducing wealthy Lucinda Bloomfield and her servant, Mr. Collins…characters that I hope will make future appearances. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reading copy of this book.
Kathy, Tori, and Anissa are working to get everything ready for Swan’s Nest Grand Opening. While clearing some brush Kathy and Tori find what they thought was an old jacket. That is until they saw a hand sticking out of the sleeve while trying to fish the jacket out of the water. As they make this discovery, Anissa’s carpentry jobs pick up and then some unexpected repairs need to be made at the Swan’s Nest as well as Tori’s house. With everything that needs to be done and Anissa’s free time limited, will Kathy open her Bed and Breakfast on time?
This is my first book in The Lotus Bay Mystery Series. I found the characters to be realistic. I really enjoyed the comradery between Kathy, Tori, and Anissa. The three friends will help one another no matter what. I like how they are determined to make their dreams come true with hard work and determination. Mrs.Bartlett describes the setting in such a way that I can see the scenes as if I were there. The mystery has great pace with a few red herrings to keep you guessing who the killer is. As a bonus for those who enjoy cooking, some of Kathy’s recipes from the story are included. I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading the first one.
I recommend this book to mystery fans. For character development I can see reading the first book first but “A Reel Catch” can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are that of my own and in no way been influenced.
The opening of Swans Nest is coming up soon and there is still work to be done inside and outside. While clearing out some brush Tori and Kathy come upon a dead body floating in Lotus Bay.
Tori also has her own frustrations as she does not have the finances to update the The Lotus Lodge. She does get two offers of financial partnership, but how much control would she really lose?
I really love the friendship between Tori, Kathy and Anissa. The way they are always there for each other, helping one another and sharing in the good as well as bad times.
Found the story interesting with more history being given on some of the characters we were introduced to in the first book. Hoping they continue to be part of stories to come.