Vikki Walton

Viviane Masters is a delightful "senior sleuth" who has traveled to England for an upcoming house / pet sitting assignment in London. Prior to the assignment she is taking the time to enjoy a week's stay in Devon. With an interest in mysteries (especially enjoying Agatha Christie's books) and history, Viviane plans visits to two (2) special locations owned by the National Trust. One of her excursions will be to Greenway, former home of the author Agatha Christie, and another excursion will show more be to visit Coleton Fishacre, former country home and gardens on 24 acres.

I loved Viviane from the first moments of description especially the conversations she had with her daughter prior to departure. A widow moving forward after the loss of a beloved husband she has an adventurous spirit and has discovered a lovely and safe way to travel alone.

"You get to live in a home instead of paying for a hotel which can save you hundreds, if not thousands in cost. It's nice to have a kitchen and you are living in the area you're staying in, so it's less touristy and more of a cultural visit. You get to meet great people and the animals are nice too, especially as a solo traveler. So it's a win, win, for you, the pets, and the homeowner."

As with many novels I've read I highly recommend reading the "Author's Note" as it's wonderful to learn how an author's own life experiences have contributed to the story in combination with actual locations, historical events, and imagination to create a very entertaining cozy mystery.

I hope the series continues as Viviane's had quite an adventure already without even reaching her house / pet sitting assignment in London. show less

This is such a nice book. It's been a while since I read a good mystery that didn't have a trusted character turning out to be some creepy psychopath. I'm a farm girl, so I enjoyed the homesteading, the chickens, the fresh veggies, the home-made foods, and especially the close-knit family-like community. I liked the characters, especially Sherrif Carson. I think I liked him a tad more than popcorn-fragrant Sam Powers. Sherrif Carson's cold demeanour and self-satisfied smirk are what make him show more attractive. I want to know more about him!

There were some really sad moments, mostly connected with the pasts of some of the townspeople. And the end was just so sweet, I actually teared up. I think I felt it more keenly because we get to see a little of what Anne had to go through with her dumb husband, may he slip into a compost pile. I can't believe what a jerk he is.

One thing that I really, really liked was that things, in the end, turn out such that you're still left with this feeling that good people do exist and that you can let your guard down. Normally, after reading a mystery, I feel like I can never trust anyone again. But this time, I felt safe. I felt that life is good, that the world is not all bad and dangerous, and that things like true love, friendship, and great communities still exist. I'm really happy that I read this book.

There are a few minor errors in the book, and initially, the number of "like" that Kandi says in one sentence is very annoying. However, once you get to know her, you kinda learn to accept that as a part of who she is and it is less irritating. I really enjoyed reading this and I finished it in one sitting. I shall be reading the 2nd book soon. show less

What a wonderful story. Set in Colorado, it felt like a Beatrice Potter story in the beginning. Then switched gears and then again. I don't want to ruin anything or give away the story because I really enjoyed every word. I love the main character Anne who is very down to earth, and Kandi who is so sweet. A suspected murder turns these small Colorado towns people into detectives and almost everyone is a suspect. I was left guessing until the very end. The extra closure at the end is very, show more very touching. I also didn't see that coming. I highly recommend this book! I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I received a copy in exchange for my opinion. A fun mystery read. Had me playing the guessing game of who dunit the whole time. show less

I loved the small town atmosphere and how all the people looked out for each other. It is a refreshing story that had me loving all the characters. I love apples and it was so intriguing to read how they used the apples to make their own apple cider. Carolan Springs is the perfect place to relax, refresh and perhaps hide from the media. Anne is hoping she can blend in as she decides to buy a quaint Victorian house .

I really liked Anne and thought she had the patience of a saint when she bet show more her neighbor Kandi. If Kandi was my neighbor, I would lock my doors and keep the binds closed at all times. I know she means well, but if she said "like" one more time I was going to have to yank her hair out. Oh small town living is filled with friendly well meaning people so Anne seems to welcome Kandi into her life. Even though Kandi annoyed me, she kinda grew on me. I have to say the author wrote the perfect character to become friends with Anne.

As luck would have it, Anne's not so nice older neighbor is found dead. Could Kandi have killed him because he threatened to kill her chicken? The local cops sure do think its the perfect motive for murder and off Kandi goes to jail. There are so many laughs during the story that I found myself really getting comfortable in Carolan Springs. Poor Kandi has to call Anne to pick her up from jail since her husband is busy. Did I mention how much I dislike Kandi's husband? He is a jerk, a snob, a sneak and overall horrible person and husband. I think I will add him to the list of suspects.

The author writes a great story with fun characters and some surprises about a few that I was not prepared for. This is a first in a new series and i know readers will love the way the story flows and how caught up you can get with the town and its people. yes i was surprised at the ending and it makes me want to read the next in the series. Well done for a great storyline about homesteading and the town that watches out for each other.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion. show less