When quirky Eunice Toadvine is found dead in a desolate Central California oil town, a young autistic man is suspected of the spinster’s murder. Mary Carol Satterlee, who is home from college, doesn’t believe the accusation for a minute. Everybody in Roughneck, California knew that Eunice had been flirting with danger for years. Just weeks before her death, she’d placed an advertisement in the … local newspaper for a witch to cast spells. Sergeant Rodney Gullett isn’t of a mind to listen to Mary Carol’s arguments in defense of the accused young man. The officer just wants a quick and dirty trial. After all, there are so many young ladies to chase in Roughneck. Including Mary Carol.
Each of the books in the Mystic California Cozies series can be read as a standalone, however, readers will find the stories more enjoyable if read in order.
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Miss Toadvine, an unmarried, bitter old woman, looking to put a spell on someone for wronging her. But, was she murdered or did her heart finally give out? Poor Mary Carol is sucked into the whole mess, stuck in a town she hates, with a mother who smothers her.
The book grabs hold and makes it hard to put down until you can finally reach the end. Wonderful!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This cozy mystery is slightly different to other mystery books that I have read. This is not a bad thing since I like books that are different. It still has things that you would expect in a cozy mystery.
The Murder of Miss Toadvine
A Dark Paranormal Cozy Mystery Novel
Mystic California Cozies Book 2
Dovie Ruth
This was wonderful. I loved the story. The mystery was fun, and the characters were great. I loved the twists in the book. It was full of adventure and thrills. Loved it!!
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I loved the storyline and characters. I found the book well written and kept my interest. I highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Murder of Miss Toadvine is the second book in the Mystic California Cozies series. This dark paranormal mystery is a real page-turner as the author draws you into the story on the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. The characters are well developed, quirky, and interesting. The storyline is well written, with murder, intrigue, prejudice, a simpleminded police sergeant, and lots of humour. A truly entertaining read!
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
This is a fascinating mystery with fabulous characters. I love the fact that this author involves an innocent autistic person. As a mom of an autistic child, I appreciate this and support the author in this, as well as being a great read. This book is well-written with plenty of twists to keep me guessing to the end. I am looking forward to the next book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mary Carol begins her adventure in the diner with her friends and her overbearing mother. An array of townspeople are introduced, except for Miss Toadvine. Dovie Ruth has written a solid mystery with rich characterization and plenty of humor. I definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Roughneck is a place that reads like an historical boom town crashed into an oil boom in the 1990s.
Old school manners, roles and gossip meet more contemporary technology.
A young woman struggles to come into her own after a devastating traffic accident. An older woman in failing health is aided and seeks to aid others in creative ways that help to set the stage for her own victimization.
In the end, some clever women are of invaluable aid to a somewhat challenged detective during his rather bigoted investigation into a murder.
Intriguing KU whodunnit .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some books start out giving you lots of background and dragging on until several chapters in to the story you finally get action. Murder of Miss Toadvine is not one of those books. The author, Dovie Ruth, has done an excellent job of getting you right into the action and characters. From the first page you are hooked. Intrigue begins at a local diner with most of the major players in the story. Mary Carol Satterlee is the main character of the story. Along with investigating her neighbor’s murder, she also has too deal with a controlling mother, a somewhat dimwitted local police officer, and a will that leaves her the deceased’s house, dog, and money. There is no lack of intrigue or action in this story. It is definitely a page turner. Most of the characters are likeable, all though at times there are a couple that might make you want to slap them. I really enjoyed getting the chance to read this book and look forward to reading more of this author’s books in the future.