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lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
Absence of Alice by Sherry Harris brings murder, mystery and suspense to a cozy mystery set in Ellington, Massachusetts. This is the ninth book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series.
Our protagonist, Sarah started a business two years ago organizing on site and online garage sales. Her latest client, Alice Krandle, is sure she can make a lot of money from the antiques and art work that she owns. Meanwhile, Sarah’s landlady and friend, Stella is kidnapped. Unfortunately, the kidnapper has decided to make life difficult for Sarah as well. He contacts Sarah with a list of rules including “Don’t call the police” as well as having her run all other town doing tasks. Sarah can’t get questions out of her mind. Who has kidnapped Stella? Why are they contacting Sarah? Should she abide by the rules? Will Stella be rescued? Is Sarah’s life also in danger? While she jumps to meet the kidnapper’s demands, Sarah is having to continue to work with clients on their garage sales as well as her own upcoming anniversary garage sale on the town common.
This novel continues to feature many of the reoccurring characters that are Sarah’s friends that I have come to know and enjoy spending time with as well as a few new characters to bring variety and twists to the story. Sarah’s growth over the course of the series is clearly demonstrated as well as how she interacts with and feels about the other characters.
This story brought more suspense and anxiety to the table than previous novels and is therefore somewhat darker. However, it is still a cozy mystery without the gory details being explicitly shown. Sarah’s emotional state and her ability to “think on her feet” play a large role in this novel. So does her resilience, courage, hope and love. There was a fast pace from scene to scene and the subplots tied together well. The tension, stakes and action built up to an exciting ending. Themes include murder, kidnapping, friendship, relationships and trust.
Overall, this was an intense cozy mystery that quickly drew me into Sarah’s world. I felt like I was trying to help her find Stella and identify the kidnapper. It’s the seventh book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. This can be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters and their backgrounds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books and Sherry Harris via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 29, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Our protagonist, Sarah started a business two years ago organizing on site and online garage sales. Her latest client, Alice Krandle, is sure she can make a lot of money from the antiques and art work that she owns. Meanwhile, Sarah’s landlady and friend, Stella is kidnapped. Unfortunately, the kidnapper has decided to make life difficult for Sarah as well. He contacts Sarah with a list of rules including “Don’t call the police” as well as having her run all other town doing tasks. Sarah can’t get questions out of her mind. Who has kidnapped Stella? Why are they contacting Sarah? Should she abide by the rules? Will Stella be rescued? Is Sarah’s life also in danger? While she jumps to meet the kidnapper’s demands, Sarah is having to continue to work with clients on their garage sales as well as her own upcoming anniversary garage sale on the town common.
This novel continues to feature many of the reoccurring characters that are Sarah’s friends that I have come to know and enjoy spending time with as well as a few new characters to bring variety and twists to the story. Sarah’s growth over the course of the series is clearly demonstrated as well as how she interacts with and feels about the other characters.
This story brought more suspense and anxiety to the table than previous novels and is therefore somewhat darker. However, it is still a cozy mystery without the gory details being explicitly shown. Sarah’s emotional state and her ability to “think on her feet” play a large role in this novel. So does her resilience, courage, hope and love. There was a fast pace from scene to scene and the subplots tied together well. The tension, stakes and action built up to an exciting ending. Themes include murder, kidnapping, friendship, relationships and trust.
Overall, this was an intense cozy mystery that quickly drew me into Sarah’s world. I felt like I was trying to help her find Stella and identify the kidnapper. It’s the seventh book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. This can be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters and their backgrounds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books and Sherry Harris via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 29, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
shawn2024's review against another edition
5.0
I recommend the Sarah Winston Garage Sale series. The array of characters, friendships and storylines are good. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Sarah, Stella, Seth, Mike and the rest of the crew.
peggyemi's review against another edition
5.0
I have been a fan of this series from the beginning and know that anytime I pick up a book in the series I will be entertained. Absence of Alice is the 9th book in the series and for me, I thought this was the best one yet. It kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages to see how Sarah was going to dig her way out of trouble this time. Sarah Winston is a terrific main character. She definitely gets herself into trouble with her sleuthing but it is never deliberate or reckless. This time around, she finds herself unable to rely on the police or Seth as she is taunted by someone who is hurting those people close to her. This was a fast-paced read and if I hadn't accidentally fallen asleep at 1 a.m. while reading on my kindle, I probably would have read this in or sitting. The storyline was action-packed and the mystery was multilayered. As a reader, I had to pay close attention to all the twists and turns woven throughout the story. Historically, I have never been that great at figuring out "whodunit" before the end of the book. This was especially the case with Absence of Alice, as Ms. Harris crafted an engaging, puzzling, action-packed mystery full of twist and turns and a reveal that I did not see coming.
I will continue to read this series for as long as Ms. Harris continues to write these books. Each story is engaging and entertaining. The mysteries are always very well done and make the reader work to find the clues and piece them together to figure out the killer's identity. The characters are well written and likable. At the end of the day, as a reader, Sarah is the type of character that you could picture having as a friend in real life.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I will continue to read this series for as long as Ms. Harris continues to write these books. Each story is engaging and entertaining. The mysteries are always very well done and make the reader work to find the clues and piece them together to figure out the killer's identity. The characters are well written and likable. At the end of the day, as a reader, Sarah is the type of character that you could picture having as a friend in real life.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by Kensington, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
reader_cheryl's review against another edition
4.0
Sarah Winston’s business is organizing garage sales. Her business is generating enough money for Sarah to live on and her relationship with Seth is going well. Life in Ellington, Massachusetts is good. Then Sarah gets a phone call. A voice sounding like Jack Nicholson in The Shining informs Sarah that he has kidnapped Stella Wild, Sarah’s landlady and good friend. If she wants to see Stella alive again, the kidnapper has three rules Sarah must follow. She can’t tell anyone Stella has been kidnapped. She has to maintain a semblance of normalcy; no altering her daily routines. The last rule is Sarah has to do what the kidnapper tells her to do without breaking the first two rules. Sarah has a week to accomplish the tasks the kidnapper has for her if she wants to see Stella again.
Her first assignment is to visit an address the kidnapper gives her. When she arrives, she finds a body dressed in an Alice in Wonderland costume. Sarah doesn’t know the victim. In spite of the “no police” rule, she calls 911. Before the police arrive, the kidnapper calls Sarah. He already knows she’s broken rule number one. The result? He docks Sarah twelve hours; she now has six days and twelve hours to find Stella. Will Sarah be able to find Stella in time?
Recommendation
Harris does a great job increasing the tension throughout her novel. The killer’s identity is difficult to ascertain; I couldn’t figure it out before the reveal. Well-done! Recommended.
#absenceofalice #netgalley
Her first assignment is to visit an address the kidnapper gives her. When she arrives, she finds a body dressed in an Alice in Wonderland costume. Sarah doesn’t know the victim. In spite of the “no police” rule, she calls 911. Before the police arrive, the kidnapper calls Sarah. He already knows she’s broken rule number one. The result? He docks Sarah twelve hours; she now has six days and twelve hours to find Stella. Will Sarah be able to find Stella in time?
Recommendation
Harris does a great job increasing the tension throughout her novel. The killer’s identity is difficult to ascertain; I couldn’t figure it out before the reveal. Well-done! Recommended.
#absenceofalice #netgalley
debrajoreads's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of my most anticipated new releases for the new year. However, you may read that many times in my reviews, as this list is quite long. Turns out, book 8 was my first read of 2020, looks like I have started a tradition.
The plot, characters, and even the crimes are so relatable. The books in this series fly by, like a visit with old friends.
In this installment, there is some really creepy things going on. This one had me torn with supporting Sarah's decisions which I understand was the point, so good job Sherry.
If you like a murderous scavenger hunt in a small town, this book is for you.
Like I said, reading the new installment is like catching up with old friends, though I have missed so regulars the past few books.
I have both the digital and audio versions of this book. Hillary Huber, who is one of my most favorite narrators, does a phenomenal job with this series. I was awarded the digital ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Now to impatiently wait for the next book..... at least I know how I will be spending the early part of 2022 lol.
The plot, characters, and even the crimes are so relatable. The books in this series fly by, like a visit with old friends.
In this installment, there is some really creepy things going on. This one had me torn with supporting Sarah's decisions which I understand was the point, so good job Sherry.
If you like a murderous scavenger hunt in a small town, this book is for you.
Like I said, reading the new installment is like catching up with old friends, though I have missed so regulars the past few books.
I have both the digital and audio versions of this book. Hillary Huber, who is one of my most favorite narrators, does a phenomenal job with this series. I was awarded the digital ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Now to impatiently wait for the next book..... at least I know how I will be spending the early part of 2022 lol.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent mystery that kept me hooked till the end.
Great plot and character development, a strong and solid mystery that kept me hooked.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great plot and character development, a strong and solid mystery that kept me hooked.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Sarah Winston is busy with a huge sale, but that takes a backseat when she receives a very important phone call. A call where she learns her landlady and friend Stella Wild has been kidnapped. The caller informs her that she must follow their rules if she ever wants to see Stella again alive and well.
Rule #1 – You can’t go to the police, your friend Seth, or Mike “The Big Cheese” Titone for help.
Rule #2 – You have to go about your daily routine like nothing’s happened. And act natural.
Rule #3 – You’ll complete all the daily tasks I send you while following rules number one and two.
Thankful that the creepy kidnapper had not mentioned her friend Harriet because she just may need her help as a former FBI hostage negotiator to save Stella. The person seems to know all about her life, so now she just needs to figure out how. Keeping secrets from her friends could cost her in the end but she has to do everything she can to find Stella even if it means following the rules to the letter.
Sarah is a strong independent protagonist and she is going to need to be more alert than normal to catch every clue because the people she usually leans on are all off-limits if she wants to save her friend. All the characters were have come to love over the course of this story return but with the exception of Harriet, no one even knows Stella is missing. We do meet a new character too. His presence was questionable at times but I hope he sticks around. All these characters are well-crafted and while the depths of the friendships are tested all their interactions are realistic and believable.
Ms. Harris has written a very complicated mystery with a lot of moving parts. Twists and turns make this a challenging mystery to solve. It had an extra eerie feel as the kidnapper always knew everything. It was a true game of cat and mouse that leads up to an incredibly surprising and exciting reveal.
What I really like is the way the author infuses humor in all the right places to keep the story within the cozy realm. Without it, this could have been a dark heavy mystery.
Absence of Alice kept me totally entertained. I was amazed by how quickly the pages flipped. My visit with Sarah and her friends ended much too soon, I am anxiously awaiting book ten!
Sarah Winston is busy with a huge sale, but that takes a backseat when she receives a very important phone call. A call where she learns her landlady and friend Stella Wild has been kidnapped. The caller informs her that she must follow their rules if she ever wants to see Stella again alive and well.
Rule #1 – You can’t go to the police, your friend Seth, or Mike “The Big Cheese” Titone for help.
Rule #2 – You have to go about your daily routine like nothing’s happened. And act natural.
Rule #3 – You’ll complete all the daily tasks I send you while following rules number one and two.
Thankful that the creepy kidnapper had not mentioned her friend Harriet because she just may need her help as a former FBI hostage negotiator to save Stella. The person seems to know all about her life, so now she just needs to figure out how. Keeping secrets from her friends could cost her in the end but she has to do everything she can to find Stella even if it means following the rules to the letter.
Sarah is a strong independent protagonist and she is going to need to be more alert than normal to catch every clue because the people she usually leans on are all off-limits if she wants to save her friend. All the characters were have come to love over the course of this story return but with the exception of Harriet, no one even knows Stella is missing. We do meet a new character too. His presence was questionable at times but I hope he sticks around. All these characters are well-crafted and while the depths of the friendships are tested all their interactions are realistic and believable.
Ms. Harris has written a very complicated mystery with a lot of moving parts. Twists and turns make this a challenging mystery to solve. It had an extra eerie feel as the kidnapper always knew everything. It was a true game of cat and mouse that leads up to an incredibly surprising and exciting reveal.
What I really like is the way the author infuses humor in all the right places to keep the story within the cozy realm. Without it, this could have been a dark heavy mystery.
Absence of Alice kept me totally entertained. I was amazed by how quickly the pages flipped. My visit with Sarah and her friends ended much too soon, I am anxiously awaiting book ten!
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