The Devil is in the details . . .Cletus Byron Winston wishes to marry Jennifer Anne Donner-Sylvester (aka The Banana Cake Queen) posthaste! He’s spent the last year wanting nothing more than for the celebrations to be brief, libations flowing, and BYOB (bring your own blueberries). His future mother-in-law has other plans, plans his intended has been willing to indulge, much to Cletus’s chagrin. … chagrin. Therefore, so must he. To a point. But truth be told, he wouldn’t mind if the meddlesome matriarch disappeared, at least until the nuptials are over.On the night of Cletus and Jenn’s long-awaited engagement party, just when the surly schemer is of a mind to take matters into his own hands, a shocking event upends everyone’s best laid plans and sends the small hamlet of Green Valley into complete disarray. The final months leading up to Cletus and Jenn’s matrimonial bliss are plagued with chaos and uncertainty. Will Cletus and Jenn finally make it to the altar? Or will murder and mayhem derail their happily-ever-after?And most importantly, who done it? ‘Marriage and Murder’ is the second book in the cozy mystery series Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries. It is best read after Winston Brothers #3, ‘Beard Science’ (which can be read as a standalone) and Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1, ‘Engagement and Espionage.’
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5 stars!
It is so good to be back with Cletus and Jenn! I didn’t think I could love them more than I already did but with each new story we get, I fall all over again. Cletus is Cletus. He is the sexy, broody, smart guy we love and he gives us more swoon, more romance, and more of his fierce love for Jenn that made my heart overflow. I loved getting into his head because he continues to open his heart completely to Jenn and it’s truly heartwarming to see a love like that.
“To me, she existed as a multi-dimensional angel and devil, owner of my heart, my joy and my pain, light-years beyond beautiful, or celestial, or exquisite. Because when I saw Jenn, I saw all of her, all versions of her, and all our history, and all the wonderous and frightening possibilities of our future.”
Jenn is her wonderful, smart, loving self but she grows so much and finally comes into her own in a way that allows her to truly accept herself and love herself. And I loved that she has support every step of the way even when she is strong enough on her own.
These two are wonderful together and I love that they are there for each other no matter what. They don’t invite drama into their lives and they listen to each other and trust each other. I couldn’t help but swoon each time Cletus or Jenn showed the love they had for the other because it felt real as can be.
“Our love story might’ve been a little mixed up. Some folks might even call it weird. I’d threatened and blackmailed him. We’d become friends. We’d fallen in love…
But that was us. This story was ours. We were weird.
I was so glad I’d stayed away from the normals, because I wouldn’t have traded being weird with Cletus for being normal with absolutely anyone else.”
This is so much more than a romance and we get a wonderfully crafted murder mystery that leaves you questioning the way things went down and how it will all play out. It’s exciting to see how the mystery unfolds while the love story continues. Everything comes together perfectly and even though it isn’t all happy times, I love how it turns out.
I also loved that we get so much of the Winston clan in this book. The relationships between Cletus and his siblings are sensational and I loved that they accepted Jenn wholeheartedly. They had each other’s backs all the time and I just fall harder for the entire group each time I get more of them.
I am hoping Jackson James gets his book or at least finds his love in the upcoming books in the series because he deservers not just a beautiful woman but the beautiful woman meant for him.
Gah, I can’t get enough of this amazing group of characters. I loved Marriage and Murder and can’t wait for Home and Heist!
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I adored this neighbors to to lovers story. Both Bay and Dare were good, layered characters and I liked that apart from romance, the focus was also on their individual arcs as well as their relationships outside of them as a couple.
The final conflict was obvious but all in all, this was cute, angsty and full of feels so exactly the way I like it. Also, I needs second book right now.
*3 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I was quite hesitant about even reading this book, because I wasn’t overly fond of the first in this series, which disappointed me because I loved Cletus and Jenn so much in the Winston Brothers series.
This was better than the last one, but I still wasn’t completely taken by it. It had a much better mystery this time around, and I did find it interesting following along with Cletus and his ways of gaining information. I also loved having the other Winston siblings around of course, and I also found I quite like Jackson James in this one.
I possibly be interested in reading more from this series, I wouldn’t rule it out. Just not a complete fave of mine from Penny Reid.
I will never get enough Cletus in my life!! And the way he loves Jen – well it just warms my heart
This was packed with witty dialogue, intrigue and the kind of humour I expect from a Penny Reid book. I loved it!
There are three things I know will happen whenever I read this author:
1. I will learn something new, often obscure but always interesting.
2. I will be reminded why I enjoy character based storytelling.
3. I will smile.
Definitely recommend.
Marriage and Murder is the second Cletus and Jenn cozy mystery. We get to hang out with the Winstons while Cletus tries to get Jenn to the altar amidst murder, mystery and mayhem.
“That’s right. Just relax. Everything has been done. You don’t need to do a single thing but show up and smile.”
“I am not accustomed to sitting back and enjoying myself. Nor smiling.”
The first book in this series brought swoony romance to the mystery mix. M&M has that swoon but I love the way this book kicks the heat up a few notches.
Sweet, heat, swoon and a suspenseful storyline, this story pulled me right in and kept me entertained and guessing throughout.
-5 Stars!-
5 JUST WOW STARS!! All I can say is wow, just wow STARS!! I freaking loved this book. Cletus and Jenn were amazing through this story….they had it all humor, suspense and love. You must read this book.
My favourite book couple have been Cletus and Jen for a few years now and Marriage and Murder just makes me love them even more.
They really felt like Soulmates from the beginning and everything they had to go through to get that well deserved happily ever after just had my heart beat faster and faster, especially in this story.
I also want to high five Jen for being so open and talk about herself and her desires with the other heroines.
Another must read story by a favourite author.
Here are some facts:
— Penny Reid is my favorite author.
— Cletus and Jenn are one of my favorite ships.
— The Winston brothers are my favorite fictional family and I want them to adopt me!!
— If for some reason you haven’t read any of these series, let me say you are missing a LOT.
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After all the misadventures Cletus and Jenn experienced in Engagement and Espionage, these two characters are ready to exchange the “I do’s.”. It’s their engagement party, everything is going according to the plans of Jenn’s mother and they’re just ready to end the show and move forward in their future together, but a few “POW! POW!” after someone is dead, the party hasn’t even started, and Cletus and Jenn are in the middle of an investigation… AGAIN.
Following the same vibes from the previous book, this was a VERY CletusJenn book. We have mystery, a sweet and fun romance (but also steamy? much more than what we are used to in this series I think), an incredible family dynamics, a small town with a lot of gossipy characters, and I could go on all day…
This entire series is actually a big gift for Cletus and Jenn fans, but I love how these characters manage to maintain that essence since “Beard Science”, but we still see them grow over time. Cletus and Jenn are still their odd selves, but now Jenn is more independent and determined, being the only one who makes decisions for her. Cletus is still selfish and conspiratorial, keeping things to himself that could help him later, but now with Jenn in his life, he’s more than ready to listen to her opinions and spend every minute if possible with her, always anticipating her needs. Same with his family.
AND THE WINSTON FAMILY! Seriously, I can remember every little detail of this series and its characters, but I’m still gonna enjoy reading it from different POVs. I loved that we saw so much more of Ashley and Drew, and Shelly and Beau (my underrated babies), the girls’ relationship with Jenn, how they so openly accepted her into the family and were ready to help her with whatever it was. And also those little crumbs from Billy and Claire… I can literally recite their story backwards and forwards, but every time they were mentioned I squealed a little. Even the mentions of Jethro, one of my least liked characters, made me happy seeing how far he went since he was with the Iron Wraiths and how willing he is always to help his brothers and repair that relationship.
And I can see how Penny Reid is paving the way for that new spin-off There are many side characters that have already been mentioned in the other books, but they had a great time on page here, like Jackson James and Boone. Honestly, I’m more than ready to spend my life reading books located in Green Valley and I love that Penny seems to have material for a long time. I can’t wait to get back to this universe soon!
ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
Do you know what sucks? Getting an ARC of the new Penny Read book on the busiest week of your life!! What does not suck at all is getting to read Marriage and Murder.
While I finish up a proper review, let me just say what you’ll find:
Mystery? You’ll get it –> Who did it???!!!
Jenn going all Naughty Banana Queen –> *nudge*nudge*wink*wink* (you’ll see what I mean)
Cletus going all sexy, alpha male –> *wiggling-eyebrows* *fanning-self* *using-water-spray*
All the Winstons in all their family glory being there for each other in the best of ways.
All the sweetest romance you can handle and then some. Whoever thought Cletus wasn’t a romantic can eat dirt right this second.
I absolutely loved spending time with these people and I hope Ms. Reid never gets tired of writing about them. I can’t wait to go back and re-read Marriage and Murder to discover what I missed in the first frantic read and savor every single word of it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Someone’s headed to the chapel, but things aren’t going as planned. Cletus and Jenn are finally ready to tie-the-knot. What Cletus didn’t expect was the over the top prewedding festivities. In the midst of the engagement party, Cletus and Jenn find themselves facing an unusual set of circumstances.
A wedding wouldn’t be complete without a little Winston mayhem. The engagement party undoubtedly became one for the books. Who would forget a party where a dead body was found? Murder, mayhem and a good ‘ole mystery have landed right in Celtus’ path. Who is to blame for the chaos that erupts?? Cletus is one the case and this is one mystery he plans to solve.
Marriage and Murder is the second book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries by Penny Reid. This story takes us back to meet our favorite Winston sibling and the Banana Queen herself. This duo has their sites set on walking down the aisle, but are met with a shock that is sure to set tongues wagging. All of the Winston’s will reconverge to help solve the mystery that is plaguing the path for Cletus and Jenn’s ‘I dos.’
Another wonderful Cletus and Jenn story to cosy up with under a blanket!
Penny brings her A-game with this latest addition for the series. This time though, there’s been a murder!!
And it’s down to Cletus to solve it. But with external factors affecting his concentration and normal problem-solving abilities it takes some time.
I love how the story came together and wrapped up as you discover more about the characters’ and their lives.
But most of all, I absolutely adore Cletus and Jenn together. With all of his idiosyncrasies and quirks, Cletus deeply loves Jenn and would do anything for her. And boy oh boy, did he have me swooning at the end of the book.
As always, it was fabulous to see all of the Winston clan and their kin seeing how they’re evolving. And a special mention to Jackson James – I love how his book is being set up in Marriage and Murder. Can’t wait for it!!
Penny Reid is back with another book about the Winston Brothers’ couple that is tied for first as my favorite couple… Jenn and Cletus. Marriage and Murder is Jenn and Cletus’ third story, I highly recommend that you make sure you read Beard Science, Engagement and Espionage (in that order) before you read Marriage and Murder. Also, just so you are aware, timeline wise, Marriage and Murder occurs after Beau and Shelly’s book, Beard in Mind, and Roscoe and Simone’s book Dr. Strange Beard, so don’t be confused when Billy and Roscoe are still single.
Marriage and Murder opens with the night of Jenn and Cletus’ engagement party, the entire town is there, all their friends and beloved family members. But soon there is chaos when Jenn’s estranged father shows up, uninvited, throwing the entire night into chaos. When someone is murdered outside the party there is only one main suspect… Jenn’s mother. With all the uncertainty can Jenn and Cletus make it down the aisle?
I really enjoyed reading Marriage and Murder, so much so that I finished it in one afternoon. As usual Cletus was a delight with all of his schemes, I was seriously impressed with all of the schemes that he has going at one time. Jenn was just so awesome, she’s so selfless, always wanting to help others even when she doesn’t necessarily want to or if the person she’s helping doesn’t want her help. I find that Jenn and Cletus just complement one another perfectly, both are intelligent and would do anything for their family, and where Cletus is analytical and cunning Jenn is compassionate and caring. It was also nice because we got to see all of our favorite characters from the Winston Brothers Series in addition to Jenn and Cletus. I really hope to see another book in this Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries series but if there isn’t this book is an excellent end to Jenn and Cletus’ love story.
More Cletus and Jenn? Count me in!
After Engagement and Espionage, which took place right after Beard Science, and still featured a lot of the same problems, plus a somewhat hilarious mystery, this time, it’s all progressed a bit further. Cletus and Jenn have grown, and the mystery is.. ramped up! No spoilers, but boy, it is intriguing and kept me hooked so much more than book 1.
Getting to see C and J approach their engagement party with her mom’s planning, no matter who actually wanted it that way, was fun. They are all over each other – further progress was made, and is made throughout the book, in surprising and fun ways. Seeing Cletus explore his feelings in regards to family, his sister, his future mother in law, more people of GV and Jenn was just pure fun – and I know I say that a lot. This book isn’t all swoon – of course not, it isn’t supposed to be – it’s not all mystery and drama, it’s got a good hearty mix, which made it FUN. There. Said it again.
Everything gelled better here, and I just enjoyed reading it, wanting to keep going at all times, which is not a given in my reading habits as of late. I cannot wait for what happens in the next instalment.
If you are looking for a book with all the feels, injected with some humor, then this is the book for you! I love being back in Green Valley and with the Winston Clan.
Cletus and Jenn are set to have their engagement party and it’s everything Cletus doesn’t want. But then mayhem ensues and someone is murdered.
Cletus, Jenn and Jenn’s mom are prime suspects in the murder and now they are set on figuring out who is the actual murderer. Here we see Cletus and Jenn’s bond strengthen more than ever and affirms their feeling and sureness in the relationship. But also proves that life and time is too short.
It was endearing watching this family rally together and see how much love and compassion they all have for eachother. These characters are quirky and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Marriage and Murder is quintessentially Penny Reid. Sharp humor. Effervescent romance. With added shade of cozy mystery. Once again, the Winstons has won my heart. Fair and square.
Marriage and Murder is the second book in this series starting with the engagement party as Jenn and Cletus take another step towards getting married. An unwanted guest. Few gunshots. And we have a murder in our hand. As Jenn and Cletus find their loved ones getting entangled in this crime, their love reaches new heights everyday.
The credit goes to Penny Reid for creating a world of amazing and unforgettable characters with their very own stamps. The Winstons are a complicated bunch and kudos to the author for maintaining their camaraderie and chemistry through so many books. I also feel she deserves accolades for making a couple more and more fascinating with each book. Be it the dry wit and genius of Cletus. Be it the softness and bright soul of Jenn. And above all, their dreamy love story. The ultimate romance with soulmates. This story recreated the magic of swoon and burn of passion successfully. The author filled this story with Winston love and choas. Something that makes me come back to them without fail every single time. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery too. Though it was getting overwhelming occasionally and distracting me a bit.
Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid made me feel warm and happy inside. It also took me on an adventurous ride and I never wanted to get down.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Oh, Cletus and Jenn—just when I didn’t think I could love y’all more than Beard Science, y’all do this. Marriage and Murder is so much more than a cozy mystery. Yes, it is a mystery. And yes, Cletus is the east Tennessee Sherlock Holmes. But it’s so much more. Add in all the Green Valley people we have come to know and love. Here are all the beloved Winstons with more than just shadowy cameo appearances but real meaty (like boar sausage meaty) parts to play in solving the mystery.
Cletus and Jenn’s love is refined and polished to a high shine in this book; their total devotion to each other is beautiful to behold. Jenn understands Cletus better than anyone, and she loves every inch of him. Cletus, who has always kept himself somewhat aloof, succumbs to his reality that his life is bound up in Jenn. What you, the reader, get to experience is the growth of their love and the absolute beauty of it. But it’s still juxtaposed to Cletus’ shenanigans, quirks, and run-ins with fellow Winstons.
Filled with beautiful characters and memorable scenes, Marriage and Murder is an exhilarating ride from page one. It includes one of the best lines I think I have read in a long time is, “he said it with all the chill of a sea turtle. That is to say, very chill.” I think I need that on a shirt. We get to know some characters a bit more; it’s just all so much and so much fun to read. And the mystery is like the icing on a multi-layer banana cake of goodness. If you love the Winston family, you need this book in your life.
I am always down for more stories that contain Cletus and Jenn, my OTP. M&M begins months after the end of E&E and we’re coming closer and closer to Cletus and Jenn’s wedding. It’s at their engagement party that the mystery continues when a MURDER occurs.
My only issue with E&E previously was that the mystery felt unsettled. I’ve now realized that I have to consider each book to be a part of the mystery. Each book so far has answered some of my questions, but more issues pop up and the “mystery” is not totally solved. And I am totally here for it.
Cletus and Jenn’s story was a primary focus, and I loved seeing their relationship grow. Truly, seeing the romantic and sappy side of Cletus is one of the sweetest things to read. And Jenn is coming to accept herself more and grow into herself. They complement and match the other so well.
M&M was full of unexpected twists and more suspense than I had anticipated. It was a great mix of romance and cozy mystery and I love that the world of the Winston’s is here to stay.
It’s SO GREAT to have these characters back, and I will probably never get tired of CletusJenn and the Winstons!! I don’t know how Penny Reid does it, but with every book, I fall more and more in love with this incredible family.
After the events of Engagement and Espionage, Cletus and Jenn are more than ready to tie the knot, and Marriage and Murder opens up with their engagement party. The Winstons and the entire town of Green Valley gather to celebrate the happy couple… until someone ends up dead, and Cletus and Jenn are among the suspects.
Like the previous book, I enjoyed this one so much! The murder mystery plot was very entertaining and riveting, and once again it was amazing to see the whole family rally behind Cletus and Jenn to solve it. The romance and the mystery were well balanced, there were also lots of funny moments between the Winstons, and once more Cletus stole the show with his sassy comments and jokes. The series in general also provided more information about what happened in between books of the Winston Brothers series and what some of the Smartypants books hinted at. You feel like you know these characters by heart, but you still learn so much about them, and that’s something that I like a lot about this series!
There are no other couples like Cletus and Jenn. These two are so perfect and adorable together, and I will never get tired of them. I’m still in awe of how supportive of each other they are, and how they complete each other so well. You learn even more about them and their relationship, they also evolve as a couple, and it’s great to follow them as they go through all these steps together. Their love is so pure, and I ONLY want what they have.
I know I keep saying this, but I need the Winston family to adopt me!! Ever since I read Truth or Beard I have fallen in love with this big family, they are my favorites, and their interactions always make me the happiest. In this book, I particularly liked those between Jenn, the Winstons, and their loved ones, especially the moments between Billy and Jenn. I need more of these two!! Also, the BillyScarlet crumbs!!! I hope we’ll see them together in this series because I love them so much. We got to see more of Isaac, Boone, and Jackson too, I’m getting more and more curious about them, so I can’t wait for them to get their book. Alex has also been mentioned several times, and it has made me so happy, my precious baby <3
Overall, I have nothing negative to say about this book, I loved everything about it. It was entertaining, funny, sweet, and the epilogue made me so emotional. Cletus and Jenn are happily married and are resting a little bit until a new mystery shakes them up. I'm excited to see what's next for Cletus and Jenn, and my all-time favorite family!
Where do I even start?! I read this entire book in one day, that’s how excited I was to finally be back in the phenomenal world of the Winston family! I seriously couldn’t put it down!
From the moment I discovered the Winston Brothers series I have had a special place in my heart for Cletus. I love the whole family but I admit he’s my favourite. Then Jenn was added into the dynamic and I immediately loved her quirkiness. Definitely lots of people’s favourite Winston couple. So I think I speak for many Penny Reid fans when I say that I was incredibly excited to find out I didn’t have to say goodbye to Cletus, Jenn, and all the shenanigans yet! Jumping back into this world and this series is always something I look forward to.
I know this is more a mystery story than a romance but, Penny has delivered a perfect mix of the two genres that leaves people guessing after every chapter as well as satisfies our desire for romance and connection. (The way Cletus and Jenn feel about each other… So many feels! ) You can truly experience every tension-filled moment and all the emotional upheaval in each word that Penny writes. Not to mention that the obstacles the two faced in this story were so well developed! It’s not a thrown together mystery, it’s incredibly well thought out writing.
Penny has once again proven her superior writing skills and added twists and turns and surprises around every corner of this story. Basically, she kept a perfect balance of mystery storyline and romantic edge just like every Reider loves. Plus, I’ll be honest, any story book Penny writes will automatically be absolutely fantastic in my mind.
I truly enjoyed every word and couldn’t put this story down from the second I received it. It has absolutely lived up to the utter perfection that encompasses all the other connected Winston related stories that came before it! This entire family is undoubtedly the best!
Long story short, Penny Reid did such a fantastic job with this book and I cannot wait for more Winston related stories in the future! “Marriage and Murder” and Penny Reid both deserve all the stars and more! “Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries,” book three here we come!
I think we can all agree, the man is distracting
I’m a huge fan of Penny Reid and of the Winston Brothers series which is when we first meet Cletus Winston.
If you haven’t read any of the Winston Brothers series, you should read Winston Brothers #3 Beard Science (which can be read as a standalone) and Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1 Engagement and Espionage first.
This second book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries is, as the title implies, Cletus and Jenn are finally getting hitched! How inconvenient they have a murder to deal with and will it stop them from getting married.
Cletus and Jenn are so well matched that they seem to act as one without realizing it sometimes. Their demeanor may differ but they’re very well suited, they’re witty, interesting, intelligent and can’t seem to get enough of each other. The Winston family of course all are superb in their roles in this book. You may not see all the twists and turns but you’ll be in stitches laughing. I was very excited to read this book and I loved it! I didn’t want it to end!