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kitty101323's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
danadoesbooks's review
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC of Snow Place For Murder. All opinions in this review are my own.
I liked the setting of this cozy mystery but I unfortunately had to DNF it. I read to 22% and learned more about managing a lodge than solving a mystery. It felt like a lot of fluff, especially the chapters from the cat's point of view, when I was looking for a more fast-paced mystery.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
3.0
Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly takes us back to the Mountaintop Lodge in North Carolina owned by Misty Murphy. The locals are up in arms over a resort that Nigel Goodwin wishes to build on Beech Mountain. When Nigel is found dead, Misty’s curiosity has her searching for clues. The story is told from Misty and Yeti’s point of view (Misty’s cat). Yeti’s chapters did not add anything to the story, and I did not find them entertaining (they are not like Brigit’s chapters in the author’s A Paw Enforcement series). I found the story’s pace to be slow with the murder not occurring until I was about halfway through the story. It was obvious who would die from the beginning. I thought how the victim was found to be clever (I had to laugh at the “rock” Misty’s boys found). There are a handful of suspects. Misty searches for clues and asks questions. Misty listens to conversation and then we get to hear her thoughts (and doubts) about what she heard. The investigation was rushed. The killer can easily be identified. I wish the story had focused more on the mystery and less on Misty and Rocky’s relationship. This is supposed to be a cozy mystery not a romance novel. Misty and Rocky’s college aged kids come home for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Of course, they wish to spend time on the slopes. I thought the characters were realistic and developed. I did not enjoy Snow Place for Murder. It did not feel like it was written by the same author of The Paw Enforcement series with the slow pace, repetitive details, and the excessive romance. Snow Place for Murder is the third book in The Mountain Lodge Mysteries. While Snow Place for Murder can be read as a standalone, I believe it is helpful to read Getaway with Murder (it will allow you to get to know the main characters). The author captured the mountains of North Carolina as well as the chilly climate. It had me wanting to settle into a chair with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa where I could watch the snow fall (I have no desire to hit the slopes). Snow Place like Murder is a winter cozy with Thanksgiving turkey, ski slopes, a disruptive project, a peculiar rock, a dead developer, curious conversations, and a happy holiday.
lynguy1's review
4.0
Diane Kelly brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and conflict to the third book in her Mountain Lodge cozy mystery series, Snow Place for Murder. It features 50-year-old Misty Murphy who has recently signed her divorce papers and purchased a mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwestern North Carolina. International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has reserved her lodge for several days. He plans to pitch a new resort to several wealthy investors. The resort will be built on land he has purchased locally. Rocky Crowder is the lodge’s handyman and he does freelance work as well.
However, several locals are against the proposed resort and several of the investors have secrets. Then a blizzard hits the area. Misty’s sons, JJ and Mitch, are home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. When the boys find a funny looking rock while sledding at the lodge, chaos ensues.
The story is mainly told from Misty’s point of view, but there are a few chapters interspersed with thoughts from her cat, Baroness Blizzard, also known as Yeti. While Yeti’s chapters aren’t necessary, they provide some humor and I enjoyed them. Misty is independent, hardworking, resourceful, organized, listens to what is going on around her, inquisitive, and good with people. She is also supportive of others and has a natural curiosity. Rocky is reliable, hardworking, and fun. Nigel is charming, manipulative, clever, and cunning. The investor guests and other secondary characters are a mixed group of personalities with secrets to lend a sense of realism.
The setting was perfect for this novel and Ms. Kelly does a great job of transporting readers to the mountains of North Carolina. The winding roads, the fall color, the early blizzard, and even the southern foods were authentic. There are several plot twists along the way along with plenty of suspects. The dialogue and pacing were on target. The characters and humor enhance it with relatable characters like Misty and Rocky, some obnoxious ones, and a bit of everything else in between. I also liked the fact that Misty worked with the police rather than hiding her sleuthing activities. However, it seemed like the deputy shared more information with her than he should.
I was immediately drawn into Misty’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of friendships. The story captivated me from the beginning with a good plot, great world-building details, and characters that are emotionally rich. The author weaves another story involving family, friends, grief, murder, greed, wildlife protection, and holiday celebrations that keeps you entertained throughout the book. Relationships drive the narrative and keep it compelling.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like cozy mysteries with a more mature main character.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Diane Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 24, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------
My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
However, several locals are against the proposed resort and several of the investors have secrets. Then a blizzard hits the area. Misty’s sons, JJ and Mitch, are home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. When the boys find a funny looking rock while sledding at the lodge, chaos ensues.
The story is mainly told from Misty’s point of view, but there are a few chapters interspersed with thoughts from her cat, Baroness Blizzard, also known as Yeti. While Yeti’s chapters aren’t necessary, they provide some humor and I enjoyed them. Misty is independent, hardworking, resourceful, organized, listens to what is going on around her, inquisitive, and good with people. She is also supportive of others and has a natural curiosity. Rocky is reliable, hardworking, and fun. Nigel is charming, manipulative, clever, and cunning. The investor guests and other secondary characters are a mixed group of personalities with secrets to lend a sense of realism.
The setting was perfect for this novel and Ms. Kelly does a great job of transporting readers to the mountains of North Carolina. The winding roads, the fall color, the early blizzard, and even the southern foods were authentic. There are several plot twists along the way along with plenty of suspects. The dialogue and pacing were on target. The characters and humor enhance it with relatable characters like Misty and Rocky, some obnoxious ones, and a bit of everything else in between. I also liked the fact that Misty worked with the police rather than hiding her sleuthing activities. However, it seemed like the deputy shared more information with her than he should.
I was immediately drawn into Misty’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of friendships. The story captivated me from the beginning with a good plot, great world-building details, and characters that are emotionally rich. The author weaves another story involving family, friends, grief, murder, greed, wildlife protection, and holiday celebrations that keeps you entertained throughout the book. Relationships drive the narrative and keep it compelling.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like cozy mysteries with a more mature main character.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Diane Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 24, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------
My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
bookwoman37's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoy this series and this one did not disappoint. It is the holidays and Misty’s sons have joined her at her North Carolina lodge to work and enjoy the winter sports. Nigel, a real estate developer from England, has booked all the rooms to lure some investors for his resort. The locals are not very happy with plans. When he is found dead Misty sets out to solve the murder. I really enjoy the setting and the characters. It was nice to get to know her sons and Rocky’s daughter. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects. I was able to figure it out. This series should be read in order. I look foreword to the next book.
kimlb's review
5.0
I always look forward to a new entry in this series! I always wonder though why she gave the name of the diner next door such an unappetizing name though has good food etc.
bookhussy's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
sjholmes's review
5.0
A great holiday cozy read when you are ready for snow! Misty Murphy is still fairly new to owning the Mountaintop Lodge in North Carolina, but is preparing to be fully booked up for a whole week after Thanksgiving. But the boost in business goes bad when the would-be resort developer who brought a full house of potential investors along is found frozen dead outside her lodge.
The characters are down to earth and charming. Misty, along with her handyman love-interest. The plot has some unexpected twists along the, but the lodge stays cozy, warm, and inviting even while it seems a murderer may be living alongside them.
The characters are down to earth and charming. Misty, along with her handyman love-interest. The plot has some unexpected twists along the, but the lodge stays cozy, warm, and inviting even while it seems a murderer may be living alongside them.
booklovingmom_'s review
5.0
Snow Place for Murder is the third mystery in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. Lodge owner, Misty Murphy, is getting ready for the holidays with her sons in town and an English resort owner and his investors in residence. When a dead body shows up, everything is put on hold as the police, with the help of Misty, rush to find the killer before Misty’s guests check out and leave town.
I haven’t read and of the other books in this series, but I found this to be a good mystery that is able to be read as a standalone if you are okay with missing out on a little bit of Misty’s background info. The characters in this series are engaging and relatable. The mystery itself was captivating and fun to follow along with and the Mountain Lodge setting is inviting and quaint. I enjoyed this cozy mystery and I look forward to going back and reading the first two mysteries in this series. This is a great winter cozy to curl up with in a cold day!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book!
I haven’t read and of the other books in this series, but I found this to be a good mystery that is able to be read as a standalone if you are okay with missing out on a little bit of Misty’s background info. The characters in this series are engaging and relatable. The mystery itself was captivating and fun to follow along with and the Mountain Lodge setting is inviting and quaint. I enjoyed this cozy mystery and I look forward to going back and reading the first two mysteries in this series. This is a great winter cozy to curl up with in a cold day!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book!