Reviews

What a delightful, cozy read! Deadly Summer Nights takes readers back to the Catskill mountains during the summer of 1953. Owned by former starlet, Olivia Peters, and run by her daughter, Elizabeth Grady, Haggerman's Resort in struggling to make its name among the big summer resorts in northern New York. Matters aren't helped when a guest is murdered on the property and rumors start swirling that Communists may be running rampant at Haggerman's.

I always love a good cozy, but Deadly Summer Nights goes above and beyond in providing a great mystery in addition to an amazing 1950s atmosphere. The details of a Catskills resort in its heyday was the ultimate comfort read during a tough pandemic year. I can't wait to read more from this series and see what Elizabeth and her mother get up to next!

lindstx84's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.0

bookwoman37's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-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 enjoyed reading this first book in a new cozy series. Elizabeth's mother has inherited a Catskill summer resort. She is managing the resort for mother and determined to keep everything running smoothly. When a guest is found dead and the Sheriff thinks there is a communist plot at the resort she sets out to solve the crime and protect the reputation of the resort. I really enjoyed the characters and the Resort setting. The mystery was good and the solution made sense. I look for word to reading the next book in the series. Enjoy

abookwormwithwine's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany is a historical cozy mystery that I have been putting off for far too long! I loved the setting of 1953 in the Catskills, and our leading lady Elizabeth was a wonderful character to have as the main and only point of view. There are lots of both witty and funny moments as Elizabeth finds herself wrapped up in the murder at the resort, and I really enjoyed the humor that permeated the book. I did get a little lost in all the Communist talk and wasn't a huge of that as a storyline, but otherwise, I enjoyed every moment down to the reveal of the killer. I was completely surprised by the end and getting there was an interesting journey (in a good way!).

I thought the audiobook was a great way to go for this one, and it is narrated by Jennifer Van Dyck who I haven't listened to before, but I enjoyed thoroughly. I'm not really sure what age I would picture Elizabeth as, but whatever it is, Van Dyck was perfect for it. She was really fun to listen to and brought such a brightness to the story and all of the characters. I really hope she will continue to be the narrator for this series and I loved how her voice fit for the time period as well. There was an adorable English bulldog named Winston who I hope will make appearances in every book to come, and Deadly Summer Nights was a great start to a new cozy series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

pussreboots's review

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

ajeenah_txt's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

magpie_books's review against another edition

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Not my cup of tea

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