Mistletoe Murder Audiobook by Karen Maclnerney (Review)

Posted by on Dec 24, 2018 in Reviews | 10 comments

Review of: Mistletoe Murder Audiobook
Audiobook:
Karen Maclnerney

Reviewed by:
Rating:
3.5
On December 24, 2018
Last modified:August 24, 2022

Summary:

Mistletoe Murder Audiobook

By: Karen Maclnerney

Narrated by: Karen White

Published by Tantor Audio 12/25/2018

Mistletoe Murder audiobook

3.5 Hearts Rating Image- Hot Listens

Dewberry Farm Series #4

5 hrs and 58 mins

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Mystletoe Murder Audiobook Sample

Mistletoe Mystery Audiobook

3.5 Hearts

I’ve seen a few book pals enjoying this series and thought I’d take the opportunity to jump right in with this latest release since I was still in the mood for holiday-themed reads.
I had no difficulty diving in with Mistletoe Murder even though it is book four. I enjoyed it so I will be going back for the earlier books when I get the chance.

It had the usual hallmarks of a cozy mystery, but also a bit of country charm all its own. The series takes us down on the farm where the main character and amateur sleuth, Lucy, has retired as an investigative journalist for a big Houston newspaper and now spends her days as a farmer and engaging in small town life. The author doesn’t stint on descriptions of Lucy’s farm activities and her small business of selling candles and other items she makes from her farm’s produce or her time with her knitting social group, activities around town, or stolen moments with her boyfriend, the town vet, Tobias.

The mystery is introduced in the opening pages when Lucy learns that her good friend’s sister is now arrested for killing her cheating ne’er do well husband. Most people are content to blame the wife, but Lucy tracks down other suspects with equally strong motives. The circumstantial evidence is strong so she has her work cut out for her.

I enjoyed following Lucy around for her investigations even as I rolled my eyes over the incompetent sheriff and the nearly absent deputies that left the field clear for Lucy to do her thing. Lucy’s strategy is to combine benevolent friendly neighbor with giving people a chance to talk about things. Eventually, they give her a tidbit that brings her one step closer to the truth.
The case had a few possible answers and suspects so I was left guessing until the reveal though I did figure out several smaller mysteries along the way including the cold case mystery that was also part of the plot.
The romance was only one of the background story elements, but I did like what there was. Tobias and Lucy are trying to awkwardly figure out what comes next when it comes to spending the holiday together and, blush blush, sleeping over. It was cute and sweet, but they do work it out without much fuss.

The holiday season was portrayed with the preparations for Christmas and the Christmas market, but this was offset by a murder’s tragic effects on the town and so many people so it was bittersweet.

Warning: Do not listen to or read this while hungry. I have the strongest craving for all the Mexican food and holiday sweets described in detail in this book.

All in all, I enjoyed this first outing with the Dewberry Farm Mysteries and look forward to more. Cozy Mystery fans should definitely give these a go.

Mistletoe Mystery Audiobook Narration

4.0 Hearts

 Karen White expertly narrated and I liked how she did Lucy and her circle’s middle aged voices, her genders, Texas twang, and told an all-round good story. I have listened to her work before and enjoyed the husky quality to her voice and the way she makes me see the story clearly as she tells it.

Karen MaclnerneyKaren Mclnerney author of the Agatha-nominated Gray Whale Inn mystery series, Tales of an Urban Werewolf. the Margie Peterson mysteries and the Dewberry Farm mysteries (plus a new fantasy in the works). My reading is like my writing: eclectic! 

I grew up in the Northeast, but I currently live in Austin with my husband, two kids, and a houserabbit named Bunny. Feel free to visit me online at www.karenmacinerney.com; I love connecting with readers.

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Karen WhiteKaren White has been creating audiobooks since 1999 and has more than 350 titles to her credit, recording for Audible Studios, Blackstone Audio, Books-on-Tape, Dreamscape, Harper Audio, Hachette Audio, Highbridge Audio, Penguin Random House Audio, Tantor Audio as well as indie authors and publishers. She’s a multiple winner of Earphones Awards, Publisher’s Weekly and Listening Journal Starred Reviews, and is a three-time Audie Finalist. She lives with her family and probably too many pets in coastal NC.

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My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by

Sophia Rose Signature

  • 3.5
    editor rating
Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.