Sandra BrettingBesprekingen

Each reading experience is a new adventure. I find it adds intrigue to the adventure and an extra spark of joy to either discover an author that I'm not yet familiar and/or on a subject that I have little or no knowledge. This novel stimulated enthusiasm in both ways.

I enjoyed the diversity of ages and backgrounds of the characters and their respective characterizations. The relationships of the characters at their homes and at work seemed true-to-life and the dialogue flowed naturally pertinent to the relationship or location. I was engaged learning some terms related to safecracking, skateboards, and the differences in buying locks.

I broke one of my own reading rules and read the back cover prior to reading the book. Reading the back cover of a book is now synonymous with watching a movie trailer. Back covers and trailers used to encapsulate the reader and filmgoer but there was a turn in marketing to reveal rather than entice. As marketing turned the corner I stopped reading the back covers of books and stopped watching movie trailers. However, on receipt of the book I read the back cover. So I was waiting and waiting and waiting for the reveal when the police would target Skye, the young protege as a chief suspect in their investigation. I thought I'd reach the end of the book before it occurred. Ignoring the back cover I feel I could have enjoyed the book more thoroughly even with the few loose ends that are never brought to conclusion. Loose ends sometimes begin the opening mystery of a new series but to my knowledge this was planned as a stand-alone.

My sincere appreciation to Sandra Bretting, Level Best Books, and The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the opportunity to read this title. The opinions about the novel within my review are my own.

cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, murder, amateur-sleuth, wedding-madness*****

Asked to be there for the wedding rehearsal by the bride, Missy happens upon the body of the groom the day of the wedding. Next up she finds out that the paddle wheeler booked for her own wedding in a few short weeks has burned. And that's just the beginning! Fortunately the state police detective is a friendly and at least she doesn't have to butt heads with the law. Lots of twists and red herrings in this bayou country whodunit that I read in one afternoon and even got to learn a bit about the pricing and conservation of antique lace. Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is my first time reading this author but it won't be the last! I loved this main character with all of her flaws and snoopiness. It was a fun read with a pretty good mystery and who doesn't love a book set in the South? Fabulous food, fabulous homes, fabulous characters. Doesn't get any better than that and Ms. Bretting captures all of them. Good job!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

This is a lovely little cozy. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting (Louisiana bayou), the occupation (hat maker) and the characters. Definitely some Southern eccentrics! I'm from the South so no haters, please. The book makes you want to experience the South for yourself. At least the wedding venues, maybe not the swamps. LOL! You can definitely read this as a standalone with no problem. The author does refer back to earlier books very well and it wets your appetite to read the rest of the series. I had never really considered what went into making fascinators and quite frankly, I'm fascinated. Sorry, I just had to!! All in all, a very good cozy.

I wanted to like All Hats on Deck more since I love books that take place down South and Ruby practices voodoo, but it was just okay.

The main characters were all enjoyable and people I would want to continue to get to know better. The descriptions of the town, bayou, and hats that Sandra Bretting writes about are all done very well. But the three biggest sticking points for me were the lack of suspects, that Missy was never at her shop, and the lack of consistency when it came to details.

In regards to suspects, it was pretty easy to guess who was in on it right away and even their motive. Often in cozy mysteries even if I think I know who the killer is early on, I’ll still not be sure of the motive until the big reveal. Unfortunately that was not the case here. I would be able to overlook that and give the book a higher score if that was the only thing.

Missy was never at her shop, constantly going back to the Bayou or her home. The character even comments at one point in the book on how when other business owners would leave their shops early she would still be there late into the evening, and now she was the one always leaving her shop for her employee, Beatrice, to contend with. Pointing this out doesn’t excuse her actions and it’s completely unbelievable that she’s able to maintain a business where she’s the only one creating the merchandise.

And if this would have been the only time where Missy points out a contradiction, that too could have been overlooked. But the contradictions continued throughout the book, starting with her telling her finance to tell Beatrice to go back to the shop instead of coming back, and then a bit later she’s wondering where Beatrice is. I should have marked the other instances but there were quite a few more.

The last thing that kept pulling me out of the story was whenever Missy referenced a past murder, she would say something like, “That’s a story for another day.” I have never had this happen in another cozy. Other cozy authors give you enough information to infer what had happened so you got the gist of it, either to be reminded of the event if you’re a long time reader of the series, or to clue you in if this is your first book in the series. By Bretting just having Missy say that it’s something for another day, I felt this was another cop out instead of editing the story better or adding more information.

But just because I didn’t enjoy this one, doesn’t mean you won’t, especially if you’ve read the previous Missy DuBois Mysteries. If you have read prior books in the series or this one, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Shameless Persistence is a "quick read" written with Christians in mind, yet recommended to anyone, regardless of his/her religious affiliation.
The author shares a devastating, near death experience which enlightened her understanding and perspective. Using, the Bible, plus other individuals experiences and statements, she gives evidence to the importance of "Shameless Persistence" in offering prayer to deity
In this inspirational book, the author presents three thought questions and a place to write answers, so each individual can use this as his/her spiritual journal.
One will , surely, view prayer and supplication with deity in new, more effective ways.
This book retains the reader's interest all the way through and is not cluttered with unnecessary words.

This book was gifted me with no pressure, whatsoever, for a positive review. This is my honest review.

The premise sounded promising: a hat designer for brides who lives in a small southern town and helps the police solve murders. So why didn't I like the book?

There were so many reasons, it's hard to know where to start. How about the disclaimer about the cover? There is a disclaimer on the copyright page that reads: "To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book." I guess this means don't get your hopes up that the book includes a Barbie doll-type construction worker.

This is the fourth book in the series, and told in the first person by Missy DuBois, the hat designer and amateur detective. She redundantly explains many details, but neglects to tell the reader that her platonic roommate and now boyfriend Ambrose is also nicknamed "Bo." For most of the book I thought it was an editing error and the author had changed the name from Bo to Ambrose but didn't make all the corrections. She goes back and forth between the two names even on the same page. Very confusing.

There are way too many references to the hot parking lot - like every time Missy gets into or out of a car. The use of stereotypical southern phrases is heavy-handed, such as "Bless her heart," "Sweet mother-of-pearl," "Lorda mercy" and probably the most unbelievable phrase coming from a young woman: "Dagnabit."

Regarding the story, there were several possible murder suspects, but the actual killer and murder weapon were letdowns for me. I found it hard to believe that the police detective of Bleu Bayou is also Missy's childhood friend AND depends on her to help solve these murders. The ending seemed to wrap up too quickly, yet the book was less than 200 pages.

I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Unholy Lies by Sandra Bretting is an intriquing story that takes the reader on a ride with unusual suspects. She weaves a story that keeps you wondering where it will lead next. A good read.

When the young church pianist goes missing and is found dead the secrets begin to be found out. The Pastor, the Pastor's wife, and the Pastor's secretary are not beyond the reach of Kelsey the report and her digging up their secrets, causing a dominoe effect as she goes. Can she find the answers to this mystery and get her story without making too many enemies? Will she be in danger too?

I enjoyed this book even though I didn't think I would. I figured it would just be a simple mystery easily figured out and no real interesting twists but I was wrong. Unholy Lies has good characters that are not your typical ones as well as a few twists that keep you reading. Kelsey is smart, inquisitive, brash and determined. She has an agenda to make it as a reporter and finding out who killed Becca Cooper the church pianist will be her catapult story to bigger things. The Pastor and his wife seems like reasonable suspects and truthfully I despised them both. I had no sympathy for them at all. Velma the secretary was controlling and protective of Reverend Holliday. So many things that add up to making suspects of the three of them but also for so many others, which is always good.

If I found anything I didn't like it would be that at times the book was predictable and wordy. I also found that Kelsey seemed to not care about the people of the town but was self centered thinking only of how she could make this murder and story benefit her. I would have liked to see her be a little more dimensional.

This was a faced paced, good book with a good plot with twists and more than one suspect.
I received this book for my honest opinion and review

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When it comes to southern mysteries, you are already thinking of Charlene Harris, but there is a new gal in town and she is bring the spice! Sandra Bretting is come in with the southern charm and sweet tea, in this charming book. Come travel down south and enter into Louisiana where, the gators aren’t the only ones biting.

Missy DuBois is a charming gal, making the hats of your wedding dreams. First of all, the imagery for the designs and the characters makes me feel as though I am flipping through my mental picture book. The charm doesn’t stop with Missy, but her friends and the other characters, are as charming and have the humor to have you laughing out loud!

The mystery is one that makes you think twice. I loved how there was the aspect of “Did I really just find a body?” and the quirky character that is assisting, well lets just say that there is some Bayou charm coming through and it makes the reader find this entire story to be five plus stars!

I really enjoyed Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting, Book 1 of the Missy DuBois Mysteries. The series has an original concept, revolving around murders committed at Southern plantations located along the Great River Road of Louisiana.

Missy, a fashion design major and maker of hats in college, has a hat shop in Bleu Bayou, on the Great River Road. Missy's shop, Crowning Glory, specializes in custom-made wedding veils and fascinator hats for brides. The shop next door, Allure Couture, is owned by wedding-gown designer Ambrose Jackson, who soon becomes Missy's best friend.

Missy and Ambrose are staying at Morningside Plantation for the wedding of Trinity Solomon and Sterling Brice. Missy created the bridal veil plus hats for the bridesmaids, and Ambrose designed the wedding gown and bridesmaids' dresses.

Missy meets the bride's stepmother, Ivy Solomon, the morning of the wedding, waiting for the plantation's hat competition to start, as they are complimenting each other's hat. They quickly bond as they get to talking, and realize just how many folks they have in common (Missy's neighbors / Ivy's family).

After the bride's body is found, Missy takes it upon herself to help Ivy solve the murder. As Missy puts it, "How could I ever look my new neighbor, that sweet Maribelle Girard, in the eye again unless I tried to help find the killer?"

Missy is aided in her sleuthing by the criminal-defense course she took at Vanderbilt University, before she changed her major from pre-law to fashion design. She questions a lot of people, getting witness statements and alibis. There are twists and turns in Missy's investigations, as she uncovers plausible explanations for several people to have committed the murder. Whodunit? Can you figure it out before Missy does, in the climactic ending to the murder storyline?

There is a subplot involving a fashion show, which comes about when Missy takes it upon herself to help, not just one person this time, but an entire congregation of people. Missy's just a very helpful sort of person, you know? (I guess she can't help herself.)

Murder at Morningside is a fun, quick read. It was hard for me to put it down, and I finished it in two days. The settings of Morningside Plantation and the other locations in Riversbend, LA are described realistically, and in depth enough that I can picture them in my mind.

The story is told from Missy's point of view, in first person. The characters are genuine, memorable, and likable, especially Missy and Ambrose (my favorites). Author Sandra Bretting's sense of humor shines through in her writing.

Some of my favorite parts include:
• Missy's encounter with a "Civil War Reenactor" outside her room, and the unexpected aftermath
• The behind-the-scenes action at the fashion show, and how all the plans come together at the last minute
• What happens when Ambrose asks for ketchup for his steak in a fine-dining establishment

Since I don't reveal spoilers, you'll have to read the book to find out the details!

Book 2 of the Missy DuBois Mysteries, Something Foul at Sweetwater, will be released in December 2016. I'm dying to read it! The first two chapters were included with my e-copy of Murder at Morningside from NetGalley.

I recommend Murder at Morningside to all fans of cozy mysteries. I think it will have special appeal to fans who like cozies set in the Southern US, and weddings, and fashion shows, and plantations, and....

I really enjoyed Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting, and grant it Four Kitties!


Note: I received a complimentary copy of Murder at Morningside from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

Originally published on my blog Jane Reads

Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting is the first A Missy DuBois Mystery novel. Melissa “Missy” DuBois and her friend, Ambrose are at the Morningside Plantation to assist with a wedding of Trinity and Sterling. Ambrose is doing the gown (owns Ambrose’s Allure Couture) and Missy the veil (owns Crowning Glory). Unfortunately, before the bride and groom so can say their I Do’s, the bride is found dead in the bathroom (what a horrible place to kick the bucket). Who would want to kill a pregnant woman about to be married (Missy noticed the baby bump earlier in the day)? Missy had met Ivy Solomon, step-mother of the bride, earlier at a tea (and hat contest) Missy now feels that they are friends and sets out to find the killer (friends after an hour). Trinity was well-liked, but her father Herbert Solomon was not because of his oil refinery (and cheapskate ways). Would someone kill Trinity to get back at her father? Then there is the strange “ghost” being seen around the hotel. Will Missy be able to find the killer? You will have to read Murder at Morningside to get the answer.

I found Murder at Morningside to be contrived (very fake). Missy DuBois is a true Southern woman (or what people believe a Southern woman to be) who keeps using various southern expressions like “bless her poor little heart” and “butter my biscuit” (I have yet to hear one southern person say any of these phrases. Maybe I live in the wrong state). I was not a fan of Missy (she was okay but no very believable as a real life character). How can you consider someone a friend after knowing them an hour? It seemed like a lame excuse to look into a murder (it would have been better if she had just admitted she was to curious for her own good). The characters were not developed. We get basic information on them, but they were not brought to life. There is quite a bit about a fashion show that Missy volunteers herself and Ambrose to organize and run (in a very short amount of time from scratch which is unlikely). The book is easy to read, but I just did not enjoy it. The mystery was child’s play to solve (the killer was extremely apparent). I give Murder at Morningside 2.5 out of 5 stars. I am not a fan of these silly mystery novels (which I do not know they are until I read them). I will not be reading the next book in the series (for which I am sure the author will grateful).

I received a complimentary copy of Murder at Morningside from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Murder at Morningside is the first book in a new series by Sandra Bretting. It is packed full of southern charm that is set in Louisiana. I think this series is one to watch! I loved it. Course I'm a southern gal at heart too. I suggest you sit back on your porch with a big old glass of sweet tea and enjoy.
Missy DuBois has opened a hat shop called Crowning Glory. She is dripping with southern charm and has landed a socialite wedding. She has designed a veil that would make any southern gal swoon as well as her friend who has designed a gorgeous dress. She loves the atmosphere at Morningside and is so excited to see the bride in her veil. Well that kinda goes down the toilet literally when the bride to be is found in the bathroom dead!
Now Missy is in the middle of a murder investigation with more suspects than there are mosquitos in the Louisiana bayou! She is in luck though when an old friend, Lance shows up and is the detective on the case. She is determined to help but Lance would rather have her on the sidelines. Missy isn't going to let that happen and helps anyway. She finds out some interesting things about the family as well as the house that could have gotten the bride to be murdered.
I loved the characters in this book and look forward to their development throughout the series.
I recieved this book from NetGalley