Rambles of a SAHM

Murder Comes by Mail

Hidden Springs Mystery #2

A.H. Gabhart

Mystery

DOING A GOOD DEED NEVER FELT SO BAD

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn't particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses--a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn't last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs' concerned citizens.

Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves--because the killer could be targeting one of them next.

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My Thoughts

Murder Comes by Mail brings us back to Hidden Springs and all of its quirky yet lovable characters. Since we last visited in Murder at the Courthouse life has gone on with the same daily happenings that the citizens have come to expect.

When we catch up with them Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is doing his christian duty by transporting the Senior Adult Ladies Sunday School Class from First Baptist over to Eagleton to see a play. Michael is less than thrilled but of course when his Aunt Lindy makes a request it is next to impossible to turn it down.

The trip is hot but uneventful. That is until they are about to cross the bridge. As they approach the bridge Michael spots a man that is obviously about to jump and take his life. Michael stops the bus and ultimately pulls the man from the ledge. Instead of being grateful the man leaves Michael with a parting comment. "You'll wish you'd pushed me."

As the mystery deepens and unfurls cryptic letters begin to arrive in Hidden Springs. Why is this happening? Who was the mysterious jumper? Even though the jurisdiction for the incident is in Eagleton more and more of the clues keep arriving in Hidden Springs.

The first book in the series read like a cozy mystery. This installment has more of a psychological thriller feel. I enjoyed the journey as the mystery is solved. I was led back and forth trying to figure out who exactly was behind everything. In the end it was a big surprise even though breadcrumbs of clues were left all along the path.

I'm really liking Ann Gabhart's writing in this genre. I've come to love her other novels so it is a great delight to have another type of storytelling to be entertained with. If you enjoy a cozy mystery that is clean but has depth you should give this series a try.

If you are considering this mystery for your book club there is an online Reading Group Guide that you can download for discussion starters.

Other Reviews For This Author

Murder at the Courthouse

The Innocent

Love Comes Home

Summer of Joy

Christmas at Harmony Hill

Connect With The Author

www.AnnHGabhart.com

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Murder at the Courthouse

A. H. Gabhart

Cozy Mystery

Michael Keane's stressful days as a Columbus police officer are done. He's ready to relax into his new position as deputy sheriff in his sleepy hometown. Nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky--and that's just fine with Michael.

Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. As Michael works to solve the case, it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

Bringing with her a knack for creating settings you want to visit and an uncanny ability to bring characters to life, A. H. Gabhart pens a whodunit that will keep you guessing.

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My Thoughts

Ann Gabhart's first foray into the cozy mystery category is fabulous! I've always enjoyed her writing so it was no surprise that this new genre was a great fit for her as well. She took all of the elements that I love in a cozy mystery and combined them to come up with an engaging and entertaining read.

The small town of Hidden Springs is a sleepy little place where nothing much happens. But things take a turn when eccentric Miss Willadean Dearmon comes upon a dead body on the courthouse steps. Believe it or not this part was kind of funny. Miss Willadean thought the man was just being rude to her by not acknowledging her greeting. When she mentioned the snub to Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane she speculates that he is possibly a drunken bum. Deputy Keane says he'll take care of it but soon discovers that the drunken bum is in fact a dead man and the investigation begins.

Murder at the Courthouse strikes a good balance with its humor and serious situations. I was delighted to slowly watch the mystery unfold and I was even more thrilled to not figure out the total scenario surrounding the murder until very late in the story.

If you are looking for a great read on a cold winter night get this one! There's a bit of everything thrown in with the mystery, humor, and romance so it should appeal to a wide audience.

Other Reviews For This Author

Christmas at Harmony Hill: A Shaker Story

Summer of Joy

Love Comes Home

The Innocent

Connect With The Author