Dipped To Death
- Author: Kelly Lane
- Publisher: Berkley
- Print Length: 368 pages
- Release Date: March 6, 2018
- I Rate it:
- Genre: Cozy
- Purchase on Amazon
Book Summary
On her family’s South Georgia olive plantation, Eva Knox is on the hook for murder in the third delightful Olive Grove Mystery from the author of One Foot in the Grove and Cold Pressed Murder.
On a sizzling-hot September day, Eva Knox’s ex-boyfriend, Dudley Dexter Codman the Third, along with a bunch of his corporate cronies from Boston, arrive at Eva’s family’s guest inn and olive farm, Knox Plantation. Maps and binoculars in hand, the New Englanders claim they’re on a bird-watching holiday. Only, Eva knows that her ex doesn’t know the first thing about birds. Nor does he care.
Eva can’t fathom why he’d show up after all these years in her off-the-beaten-path hometown–nearly 1,200 miles from Boston. When Dudley’s body is found drowned in the pond, Eva starts fishing for answers. But she doesn’t have much time after authorities determine that her ex was poisoned by one of Eva’s family’s olive oils. She’ll have to find the real killer before her family is caught for murder.
Book Review by Bree Herron
A past love turns up dead and that is just the icing on Eva’s cake that day. This mystery has all the elements of a wonderful cozy mystery story. The humor, charming characters, adorable pet and beautiful setting. It is a win in my book to solve this crime!
Characters
Welcome friends, let me introduce you to Eva. Eva is the protagonist that not only makes you laugh with her mental thoughts, but will also have you feeling like friends by the end of the story. Now Eva was having a rough day, see her “Southern Belle” of a sister Daphne was making her do all the work around the plantation B&B. Yes, there were suppose to be these attractive twins that wore ridiculously funny outfits while working, but they didn’t come in. Eva also had her ex-love, boyfriend, toad in the water show up unannounced on a trip to stay at her place… awkward. Even worse Dex just sounded like a creep. Thank goodness for Dolly the faithful pup, well faithful till Sheriff Buck is around, then she will choose him, every time, unlike Eva.
Now, these are just a few of the many colorful and delightful characters that grace these pages. I was highly enjoying meeting them all, even the rude Boston cronies. Trust me, you won’t want to stop hearing their story at the end, making Eva a female sleuth to watch, love, stalk… whatever you choose to do when you like a character, I won’t judge.
Cover
I haven’t judged a book on here by the cover for a bit, but I am going to now. This is by far one of the prettiest cozy mystery covers out this year. I love Dolly getting to shine here at the murder scene with a really yummy picnic. But as a reader you also get to see the vast olive grove that the family owns. It is warm and inviting, and if you hadn’t read the back cover yet, you would certainly think warm and cozy thoughts about this story. It really fits the mystery of this book.
Enjoyable Moments
Okay, this book starts the reader off right. You begin right in the mind of Eva, and her frustration on cleaning (something I can relate to). I love when I get to start off with a smile and laugh in any story, but then you get to other funny parts like when Daphne is attempting a southern accent, and let me just say it sounds as good inside your head as it does read aloud.
Then there is Eva and Pepper leaving Debi in a tree, there is no boy up there with her. And come to think of it the ladder left Debi there too. Humor jumps from the pages of this book and I personally can’t find a problem with that.
Setting
I mentioned it another review but the South is having its year as a setting for cozy mysteries. I am adoring it, the accents, the charming people and in this case a plantation B&B. I also love the olive grove idea, it is different and one that made me stop and think if it was possible to have there. Yes, it is in case you were wondering but see it does give you a moment of consideration. That right there will hook you into this mystery.
Synoptic
Third in the series, but a first for me. This book was top olive on the tree. I could see why people would not only love this book as a stand alone but also want to read the entire series. I have hopes for more Eva and Dolly body finding, plus I am wanting to see the love comin’ Eva’s way (Buck that is your cue). I’ll admit Daphne is also a big reason to return to this series, just for her way of talking. Well, charm my socks off, I am off to find the first two books to see if I can laugh as hard as I did in this one.
What type of animal would you have as your sidekick?
**DISCLAIMER: I was provided an opportunity to read this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in return for a fair and honest review.
Want to take a dip into this mystery? Comment on the post for a chance to win!
Giveaway ends 3/21/18
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I would have a cat as a side kick because they are smart and cunning. Plus they are fast and could fit in small spaces easily.
My cat agrees with this! Except he is too fluffy he says for small areas.
I would choose a personable and mischievous beagle! Not too big, not too small, a perfect sleuthing companion. I am looking forward to reading this, thanks for the chance to win!
I would have an otter as a sidekick because I love otters, they are playful and inquisitive, and they could find clues and/or distract people with their mischief. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
Now this is a unique one! Hmm, I could see a mystery series that maybe has a river theme for this sidekick.
I’d have to choose a cat because mine would protest otherwise! [email protected]
Marla, my cat would also protest!
I would have to choose a chihuahua like my Snickerdoodle. Folks thing because of their size they can’t accomplish much. However, as the movie says “we are Chihuahua – small but mighty” definitely describes our furbaby. They are loyal, fierce and protective bringing out the best in people. Their cuteness and size will get into places and conversations that you might not get in otherwise which would be an awesome trait for a sidekick I think.
Thank you for your review and information on “Dipped To Death” by Kelly Lane. This is a book that I’d definitely love to have the opportunity to read.
Small but mighty! I love it!
I would have a cat as my sidekick. Love this series and cannot wait to read this installment!
Lori, the cat seems to be winning the sidekick comments. This was a great book to the series!
A new author to me but sounds fun!
Thanks for stopping by! I am sure you would love the series.
I would have a chicken as my sidekick. I love my girls. Haha Thank you for the chance. Blessings!
I would love to see this! Chickens are adorable!
Congrats Lucy! You and the ladies get to enjoy a copy of this book!
Oh, I’d love to read this–my kind of mystery! [email protected]
Thanks for stopping by Kara!
I would have to choose a cat, like my cat, Hamilton. He is so curious and into everything. If there was something to be found, he would find it.
I think Ernest and Hamilton would be a great pair of cats to sleuth with.
I would choose a bright_eyed imp like my Chihuahua Harley!!! Never a full moment and very smart!!!
Animals bring excitement to our lives!
I would have to choose my real life side-kick, my little pom, Peanut
We have a pom as well, she just turned 17 and is still doing wonderful. She gives hugs to us when we see her.
I’d have to take two, my cats. One of them would go along, the other would fight to stay away, lol.
I love it! Envisioning them has me laughing!
Giveaway is now closed, winner will be contacted via email. Thank you everyone!