Reviews

A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon

rellebellereads's review against another edition

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4.0

Rating: 3.5
For Aspen Hills Warm Springs Resort, it is Writers Retreat week. Owners Cat and Shauna, along with handyman/driver Seth, are hoping for a quiet, calm retreat, unlike their prior ones that included murders. The retreat happens to coincide with a military reunion for Seth and his friends. Also, Seth has added a hiking trip to the retreat schedule. During their first outing, they stumble across a dead body.

Uncle Pete, the town’s sheriff, had hoped to spend some time with his long-distance ex-cop girlfriend, who flew in from Alaska for the week. Since the body was found in the woods and not near the retreat, Uncle Pete thinks Cat won’t have a need to get involved. That is until the victim turns out to be a friend of Seth’s, thought to have been killed 10 years prior while they were stationed in Germany.

This was the best one in the series for me. As some of the gaps in the history between Cat and Seth are filled. Shauna’s history starts to trickle in and relationships start becoming fully formed. All of this while solving a murder and a mystery.

While I hope that there are more in the series if it does end here, I’m ok with it (sorta).

Happy Reading!

maddandroid's review against another edition

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4.0

I just got an ARC copy from NetGalley, and plan to start reading this later tonight.

Finished Short Review, great book get it on the publishing date 28 Jan 2020, a little more detailed below.

4 1/2 stars
The Cat Latimer Mystery series is currently one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I was lucky enough to get an ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for a fair review. In the first five books I rated four of the books 4 star, one 3 1/2 stars and now this latest 4 1/2 stars. Why the slight bump? The book I rated 3 1/2 was rated as to fears I had for the series moving forward and a character I don't care for. This book is rated higher because everyone of my favorite characters, the reason the series is one of my favorites all have prominent roles in the book. Cat the main character, Seth, Shauna, Uncle Pete and Shirley and they all act like intelligent adults. None run off doing something stupid or keeping information from each other, two things that make me cringe in a cozy mystery even Mrs. Rice the snooping side character. Took off 1/2 star because one of my favorite things about the writers retreat is when they actually talk about the process of writing or the business side of being an author and that didn't happen until 1/4 to 1/3 of the way in. But it does happen, I just had to wait awhile to get there.

The series wide story moves along nicely in this book, with some old problems getting resolved and new issues opening up. I'd highly recommend this book with the caveat that if you enjoy cozies you read the series in order, not that you have to this stands on it's own just fine but you'll get more enjoyment from the book if you get to know the characters across the series.

Cozies Reading Challenge

wellactjoally's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

Hiking. Writing. Secrets. People from the past. 

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

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4.0

A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon is the 6th A Cat Latimer Mystery. Cat Latimer and the group from her current writer’s retreat are on a hike led by Seth, Cat’s boyfriend. The reach a resting place when Cat notices a foot sticking out of a huckleberry bush across the way. The body belongs to a recluse who lived in the mountains near his gold claim. The victim is identified as Chance McAllister which Seth says is impossible. Seth served with Chance who supposedly died in Germany over ten years ago. Cat’s curiosity is aroused. It is lucky that Seth’s unit is having a reunion this week so Cat can do a little snooping around. I thought A Field Guide to Homicide contained good writing and the story moved along quickly which made this cozy mystery easy to read. This book can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. All the necessary background information is included. The characters are developed and realistic. The mystery was unusual for a cozy in that the reader finds out information along with Cat. We follow her along as she searches for clues and asks questions. I thought the mystery could have used a little oomph. I liked how the whodunit all tied together in the end. I did feel that there was a question or two left unanswered at the end. There were a couple side stories happening at the same time. Shauna has returned from visiting her brother, Jake and it was not the visit she had hoped it would be. Shauna must figure out how she will handle Jake’s persistent pestering for money. Seth is very closemouthed about his time in the army. He will not answer Cat’s questions and his mood has taken a downswing. Uncle Pete’s girlfriend, Shirley Mann is visiting from Alaska. Their relationship is progressing nicely and there might be wedding bells in their future. The current student from Coventry, Brodie wants to take his writing in a new direction. He could use a little guidance. It was interesting to learn more about the publishing industry. Cat shares her knowledge with her writer’s retreat group to help them decide whether to self-publish or go the traditional route. I find Cat and Seth’s relationship to be realistic. They have their ups and downs as do any couple. A Field Guide to Homicide has charming cozy moments with writing, chatting, cooking, and eating Shauna’s tasty food along with a special ending. A Field Guide to Homicide has a calamitous climb, a solitary stiff, a selfish sibling, a wistful writer, scrumptious cuisine, and a perplexing puzzle.

katreader's review against another edition

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4.0

A FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDE by Lynn Cahoon
The Sixth Cat Latimer Mystery

A hike with Cat Latimer's latest retreat writers leads to the discovery of a dead body. It's no accident and it's not just any body. It turns out to be an old army buddy of Seth's, a buddy who had supposedly died in Germany. Why was Chance living off grid? Why did he stage his own death all those years ago? Seth has never talked about his time in Germany and seems reluctant to say anything now. But is it a coincidence that there's a reunion in town for Seth's platoon?

Comprised of couples, Cat's retreat has a different vibe and so does this book. While there is a mystery here, and an interesting one at that, most of the book deals with the business and art of writing as well as secrets between the main characters. I like that Cat doesn't go hurling herself into a police investigation, but quietly uncovers information, some even at the request of her uncle. I was surprised that there were so few pages left before the mystery was suddenly resolved. Like Cat's retreat, the different vibe doesn't mean bad, just different.

The characters are the heart of the Cat Latimer series. There is also a lot of character growth and development in this sixth entry to the series. Watching them grow and adapt is just as interesting as contemplating the mystery. While I enjoy reading all the inside information about writing as a career, I wonder if the books are becoming more a primer for would be writers than a puzzle for mystery readers.

A FIELD GUIDE FOR HOMICIDE is a character driven mystery that takes a look at secrets and questions just how well we know those we call friends.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.

hugbandit7's review against another edition

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4.0

It's time for another journey back to Colorado and Cat's writer's retreat.  This retreat is different than others since there are two couples plus the college student from the local college.  It is an interesting bunch and while they are featured in the book, I don't think that they were the main focus.  The main characters were tied to Seth's past in the military and those that were in town for a reunion of sorts.  I'm not sure we learned much about Seth's military buddies but that didn't stop me from thinking something was off about the deceased and those he served with all those years ago.  I feel like there is so much more that Seth hasn't revealed yet about his time in the military and I wonder if more will be revealed in future books.

We discover a little bit more about Cat's deceased husband, Michael.  The author has a way of keeping me engaged in this series because I want to know what he was involved with and how it will affect Cat.  Especially since the dead body from Seth's unit has notes about Michael and others in his cabin.  What is the secret?  When will we learn more?

The mystery and the interactions between the various characters (Cat, Seth, Shauna, Uncle Pete, and Shirley) kept me engaged and made it hard for me to put the book down.  I had my suspicions about the killer but there was more to the story than I ever expected.  Shauna has some family issues that she hides from Cat for most of the book, but I'm glad she trusts their friendship and opens up about what is happening with her family.

Overall we give this book 4 paws up.

thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition

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5.0

A Field Guide to Homicide Is the 6th instalment in the Cat Latimer mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. As always I found this story to be a quick and enjoyable read. I love this series and was super happy to get an Advanced Readers Copy.

Cat Latimer and her writer’s retreat group go on a hiking trip—but a murderer has been lurking off the beaten path . . .

Cat’s sweetheart, Seth, is going all out on an outing into the local mountains—for the benefit of the writing group Cat’s hosting at her Colorado B&B. But when they try to identify some plant and animal life, they find death instead. The body belongs to a man with a gold claim a few miles away. Instead of striking it rich, he’s been struck down.

To his surprise, Seth recognizes the victim from his military days—and up to now believed he’d already died during his last tour of duty. Now Cat has to solve this mystery before the killer takes a hike . . .

I love the main set of characters Cat, Shauna, Seth and Uncle Pete they feel like family/friends. The characters are well developed and interesting. One thing I like about this series is that we get a look at writing as a profession and what authors have to do to get published.

I was pulled in from the very beginning and didn’t stop till the end. The mystery was well plotted and moved along at an even pace. There are only a few suspects for the murder and you find yourself second guessing on who the murder can be. Overall I found this to be a great story.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

cradlow's review against another edition

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mysterious

4.5

peggyemi's review against another edition

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4.0

This is the sixth book in the Cat Latimer Mystery series and a very enjoyable read. By this point in the series, the characters are well developed, realistic and with the cast of secondary characters a diverse group. I enjoy the writing retreat aspect of the series because it allows Ms. Cahoon to introduce us to new characters that contribute to the diversity and keeping the series fresh. This time around, I thought the story was different from the rest in that the attendees of the retreat were not such a focus as in past books and didn't really play a role in solving the mystery. This book focused more on Seth's past in the army and how it is still impacting his relationship with Cat today. The two of them still have a bit of baggage to unpack, and there were times throughout the book that wondered if their relationship was grounded in the present or an attempt to recapture the past. I also love the growth we are seeing with Shauna. I like where the author is taking her character and hope to see that continue.

The mystery was interesting. As usual, Cat has the misfortune to find another dead body. This time, however, it is someone from Seth's past that he and his army buddies thought had been killed. The mystery proved interesting in that there was no really viable murder weapon or motive, give that everyone thought the victim was already dead. As the story unfolds, the reader gets introduced to some army buddies of Seth's and potential suspects come into focus. The identity of the killer is not completely obvious but it is not a complete surprise either. The motive, however, is not really known until the killer's identity is revealed and then the story crystalizes.

I enjoy this series and look forward to reading each new book The characters are well developed and have a natural, realistic feel to them. The author's writing flows and she knows how to engage her readers in a mystery that will capture their attention, providing them with a few hours of fun entertainment.

I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. This book is currently scheduled for release in January 2020.

achoward's review against another edition

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3.0

In this cozy mystery from Lynn Cahoon, Cat Latimer, her business partner Shauna, and Cat's boyfriend Seth host a writer's retreat at the bed and breakfast run. While the group is out hiking, Cat takes a photo of one of the couples. While looking at the photo to ensure she hasn't committed any stranger photo faux pas, she notices a leg sticking out of a huckleberry bush behind the couple. The unfortunate owner of the leg is an old Army buddy of Seth's, Chance. The problem is that Chance supposedly died in Germany years ago.

Cat's uncle Pete leads the investigation, and his girlfriend, Shirley (formerly law enforcement herself) is down from Alaska visiting. Both Shirley and Cat put themselves into the investigation. Seth also has some of his former Army buddies in town for a reunion. It's a little busy in this small Colorado town. The dead man was sitting on a gold claim, and according to his bank records, was receiving two grand a month into his bank account. Since he was living under an assumed name, was completely off the grid, and rarely visited town, who killed him, and why?

I'll admit that cozies are not really my jam these days. It isn't that they don't have gore or explicit scenes. It's just that I like more detail than often is given about crime scenes and procedures. For instance, we don't find out much of anything about the initial crime scene here. Chance's body is just kind of found and it kicks off the investigation. A journal the dead man kept and that Cat reads a couple of times doesn't really yield much to push the story forward (except the romance part, as the dead man writes about how Seth, Cat's high school sweetheart, bought a ring and was going to ask her to marry him back in the day, before she married another man).

The writer's retreat aspect of the book could easily have been left out or swapped for anything else. We rarely see the two couples and the young man who make up the five people at the B&B. One of the characters even makes a comment about how little interaction there is between Cat, who is presumably running the thing, as a published writer, and the others. What we do get an awful lot of, though, is talking. Pete shows up now and again to fill Cat in, Seth tells Cat a teeny bit about his Army past, Shirley shows up to tell Cat about something she has gleaned by hanging out with Pete - you get the idea.

We also get a ton of food: breakfast, lunch, dinner at the B&B, restaurant food, people eating, people talking about eating, and so on. Shauna, it turns out, is writing a cookbook, with Mrs. Rice, the next door neighbor Cat doesn't particularly like, as her beta eater.

There is a little bit of chat from Cat about publishing and how it works, and a pep talk to the young man about writing what he loves, a few scenes where Cat goes off to write, but again, all of this could have been left out, as it really adds nothing to the story. It's as if the retreat group was simply a box to tick because the series demands it. Yes, the series is about a writer running a writing retreat; however, there's nothing in this book that requires they be there.

The "who" in the whodunnit comes a bit out of nowhere, with an ending that wraps things up nicely with a bow, although a bit improbably.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the advance copy.