Inheriting Murder: A Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Tennessee
Independently Published (May 1, 2022)
Paperback : 287 pages
Synopsis
When Landry Burke’s favorite Aunt Tildie passes away, Landry inherits the entire estate. It includes a five story apartment building named Magnolia Place, as well as a bookstore across the street named Jasmine Bloom Books, both located in Bobwhite Mountain, Tennessee.
Landry packs up and leaves Bent Branch, SC for the hills of Tennessee. On her very first day there, she and her aunt’s attorney, Adam Wilcox, find the body of one of Magnolia Place’s employees. Between her panic attacks, anxiety and trying to adjust to her new surroundings, Landry wants this murder solved and fast.
Sheriff Wyatt Collins and his deputies are on the case. Now, if they can just keep Landry from trying to help and causing danger to herself.
And Jasmine Bloom’s manager, and late Aunt Tildie’s best friend, Ms. Millie, is convinced that Landry is trying to get her killed because of all the zany situations they find themselves in.
Take a visit to Bobwhite Mountain and find out what all of the fuss is about.
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Review
This debut cozy novel takes us to the mountains in Tennessee with some interesting characters, a murder or two, and good ol’ southern hospitality.
Landry is a complex yet simple character. She moved to Bobwhite after the passing of her Aunt, and she inherited everything from her. However, there are strings attached to that inheritance. The bookstore and apartment building have to show a profit at the end of her first year as owner. That shouldn’t be an issue since it is a small town, and both have been profitable to date. However, a murder in her building might shake things up. Landry suffers from severe anxiety, which causes some issues at various times. However, she is learning to cope, and her new friends recognize her disability and help her through various incidents. Landry also seems to be something of a klutz, and things happen to her that seem out of the ordinary. However, I can relate because sometimes I’m klutzy. I think we all can be at one time or another. I like that she has become good friends with several people in her circle – Adam, the lawyer; Lisa, her office manager; Wyatt, the sheriff, and several others.
Solving the murders is what Landry set out to do, but she somehow stumbles across clues. She at least shares that information with Wyatt so that he can help solve the case quicker. She recognizes that there is something that she knows that would solve this case, but she isn’t sure what. I didn’t figure out the murderer until right before all was revealed. There is a clue that will help point you in the right direction, but you must be on the lookout for that clue.
There is a dog that ends up in Landry’s possession, and he sounds like a cutie. Perhaps this little bundle of fur will help her overcome some of her anxiety.
There is also a potential romance between Landry and Adam. Right now, they are just friends, but I think there might be a few sparks there.
Most of the characters are likable and add some depth to the story. I love Ms. Millie; she is a hoot. And one of her teenage workers, Maisy, has a kind soul, and I look forward to reading more about her in future books.
There are some faith-based comments and beliefs sprinkled throughout the book. I think this adds dimension to the book.
This is a good start for a new author and series, and I look forward to what else happens in this sleepy little town.
We give it 4 paws up.
About the Author
Jamie Rutland Gillespie was born and raised in a tiny country town in South Carolina. At the age of 18, she moved to a slightly larger town in the same state and still lives there. She spent much of her youth visiting the beaches of the low country and taking trips to the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The mountains were always her “happy place,” and she still visits every chance she gets.
Jamie has always loved to read; she got her library card at the small library in her hometown at the young age of 6. She has a vivid imagination and has always made-up stories of places, people, and situations that only exist in her head.
She currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughter, and 17-year-old Yorkie Pom, who is her baby and shadow. She loves college football and has been a South Carolina Gamecock fan since birth. She also loves MLB and has been a Braves fan since she was a little girl, watching the games and going to games with her Dad. She is still an avid reader and enjoys writing, crossword puzzles, baking, and spending time with her family.
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