To Hell in a Handbasket (Claire Hanover, Gift Basket Designer, #2)

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To Hell in a Handbasket (Claire Hanover, Gift Basket Designer #2)

by Beth Groundwater (Goodreads Author)

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 78 ratings · 26 reviews

In this sequel to A Real Basket Case, Colorado Springs gift basket designer Claire Hanover takes a spring ski vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado, with her family. The vacation quickly goes to hell in a handbasket when the sister of her daughter’s boyfriend’ is killed on the ski slope. Others think an out-of-control snowboarder slammed into her, but just before the ski patr...more

Hardcover, 267 pages

Published May 1st 2009 by Five Star (ME)

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May 17, 2013 Patrick Balester rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET Is One Heck of A Good Read

I was a little hesitant to pick up this book, because I don't ski, and I thought it wouldn't keep my interest. I should have know better because Beth Groundwater, an Agatha Award finalist, is an excellent mystery writer, and she proves it again in this novel.

The second in the Claire Hanover series finds her on the ski slopes with her family. Whats starts as a nice domestic vacation turns dark when a family friend is killed while skiing in an app...more

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Apr 05, 2013 VJ rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: cozy-mysteries, authors-to-not-read-again

First of all, there is a lot of cursing in this book. While a couple words thrown in every once in awhile don't really bother me, cursing more than a couple damns or hells where realistic really bugs me. About halfway through, the f-bomb is dropped.

There is also quite a lot of sexual innuendo. Not just double entendres, which can be humorous without being crass...but full on innuendo that just doesn't seem appropriate for a cozy. "Even when they were doing well, like Roger, they always managed t...more

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Dec 09, 2012 A. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Claire Hanover, her husband, and her daughter Judy are in Breckenridge skiing. Judy has been away in France for college and this is an opportunity for the family to spend time together. Except Judy's new boyfriend, Nick Contino, and his family are also staying in Breckenridge. The book opens with Nick's sister, Stephanie, joining the Hanovers on the slope. The skiing turns tragic when Stephanie dies from hitting a tree, but Claire notices a few things that causes her to believe somebody purposel...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Eustacia Tan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

I'm getting to be a mystery addict (well, a cozy mystery addict anyway). After reading a lot of Lillian Jackson Braun (The Cat Who... mysteries), I saw this book relating to gift baskets. A gift basket mysetry. Makes me think of The Cat Who and Debbie Macomber already~

Although, giftbaskets don't make a very prominent appearance in the book.

This story follows Claire, who's on a family vacation at a ski hotel. But, at the start of their vacation, her daughter Judy's boyfriend's sister Stephanie d...more I'm getting to be a mystery addict (well, a cozy mystery addict anyway). After reading a lot of Lillian Jackson Braun (The Cat Who... mysteries), I saw this book relating to gift baskets. A gift basket mysetry. Makes me think of The Cat Who and Debbie Macomber already~

Although, giftbaskets don't make a very prominent appearance in the book.

This story follows Claire, who's on a family vacation at a ski hotel. But, at the start of their vacation, her daughter Judy's boyfriend's sister Stephanie dies. Or was killed. And it's to solve this question that Claire starts investigating. And the further she goes, the more dead bodies turn up. It looks like the danger is much greater than first expected.

Plot-wise, this story was decent. It's a very linear plot, so there's not much opportunity to figure out what's going on before Claire does. I think it's because the whole book is told through her perspective, the reader can only figure out things the same thing as her (which means we end up making the same mistakes in deduction too).

What really drew the book together would be the characters. Claire isn't a young attractive citizen-detective. She's a self-described "mama bear" who will do anything to protect her daugther. But yet, she has some really interesting friends, like the Leon crime lord (who may be my favourite character in the book. I'd like to read more about him) who help her gather information (even though she's somewhat of a pest to the local detective). In some way, it's not clear if her investigation helps or hinders the official one, seeing as she makes judgements based on what's best for her family rather than to find out the killer.

And like most stories, there were characters that annoyed me. Most notably, the daughter Judy. She's repeatedly described as stubborn/headstrong and while I'm like that, she just makes this virtue seem like a vice. Maybe it's because I'm not convinced of the love between her and her boyfriend, but she just seems like a disrespectful child to me. Maybe (ok, not maybe, I am) I'm conservative, but I don't think you should talk back to your mom like that and so often. But then again, most children do stuff like that, so I could understand (very little though...)

Altogether a pleasant read. If I see the first book in the series, I'd probably be tempted to buy it, since the few references to the first book make it seem interesting.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile (less)

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Oct 31, 2009 Martha Cheves rated it 5 of 5 stars

To Hell in a Handbasket - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

What will a wife do to protect her husband? In A Real Basket Case Claire sets out to prove that she didn't sleep with her physical trainer and her husband didn't kill him when he found him straddling her in bed. There was nothing she wouldn't do to prove her and his innocence.

What will a mother do to protect her only daughter? In To Hell in a Handbasket Claire again refuses to let anything nor anyone stand in her...more

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Jul 07, 2009 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cozy, mystery, relationships

I’ve just finished reading the second Claire Hanover mystery, and I’d have to say Beth Groundwater’s main character really is strong enough to keep my interest through a whole series. A fascinatingly resourceful amateur detective, with the cleverness of Miss Marple, the sore knees of the middle-aged, and the physical prowess of an empty-nester who plans to keep skiing forever, Claire has the confidence to believe what she sees and to tell it like she sees it. Just because no one else saw the ski...more

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Feb 23, 2009 Patricia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Claire Hanover was happy and excited about her ski vacation in Breckenridge. There was so much to look forward to during the vacation days. Claire was looking forward to romantic evenings with her husband Roger. This was Claire’s chance to reconnect with her daughter Judy who had been away at school.
Judy’s boyfriend Nickolas Contino was also in Breckenridge with his family. Nick’s sister Stephanie had accompanied Claire, Roger and Judy and everyone was having a good time until as the title stat...more

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Nov 24, 2012 LORI CASWELL rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2012

It’s snow accident when a young woman’s icy demise sends Claire’s vacation to hell in a handbasket

Skiing with her family in Breckenridge, Colorado, gift basket designer Claire Hanover hears a terrified scream cut the frigid mountain air. She is horror-stricken to find Stephanie Contino, the sister of her daughter’s boyfriend, dead on the slopes. While everyone else assumes the death was an accident, Claire is suspicious of the extra ski tracks that cross dangerously into Stephanie’s path. But th...more It’s snow accident when a young woman’s icy demise sends Claire’s vacation to hell in a handbasket

Skiing with her family in Breckenridge, Colorado, gift basket designer Claire Hanover hears a terrified scream cut the frigid mountain air. She is horror-stricken to find Stephanie Contino, the sister of her daughter’s boyfriend, dead on the slopes. While everyone else assumes the death was an accident, Claire is suspicious of the extra ski tracks that cross dangerously into Stephanie’s path. But the police are skeptical of foul play, even as more signs point to murder.

When incriminating clues put her daughter Judy in danger, Claire investigates and finds trouble around every mogul. Between interviewing a daredevil snowboarder and giving ski lessons to a drug boss, she uncovers a chilling conspiracy that could turn deadly for her family.

Dollycas's Thoughts
Hang on to your ski poles, this is a wild run!! Watch out for out of control snowboarders, flying bullets and families keeping secrets.

Claire finds herself right in the middle of the drama as she tries to protect her daughter while helping the police catch a killer. Any mom knows you do not get between a mom and her kids. We will lay down our lives to keep our children safe no matter if they are 5 or 25. Claire is a strong courageous woman and her daughter Judy is following in her footsteps. Of course not all of us have a friendly drug dealer we can call to help us get information and what he wants in return is hilarious. The picture that forms in your mind will have you laughing out loud.

Husband Roger touched my heart. He and Claire are trying to rejuvenate their love after the stress of incidents in the first book in the series, A Real Basket Case. He knows that he can't keep her from investigating so he helps her as much as he can. He also tries to squeeze in some romantic moments along the way.

I have learned my lesson about Beth Groundwater stories:

* When you start reading you will not stop until you reach the end.
* Her characters are real and constantly evolving and pull you right into their lives and hold on tight.
* They take place is wonderful scenic places.
* I use the word "wild" a lot when describing her books.
* These are not cozy mysteries! They are edgy mysteries full of suspense!
* Bits of humor and tries at romance keep the story with the right feel for cozy lovers.
* Think "cozy mystery on steroids"!
I love the way Beth writes and have loved every one of her stories. I highly recommend escaping into this book as soon as possible!(less)

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Nov 25, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-suspense, netgalley

In this follow-up to A Real Basket Case, part-time gift basket designer Claire Hanover hopes a ski trip with her husband Roger, daughter Judy, and Judy’s boyfriend’s sister Stephanie will yield some quality family time. However, when a mysterious skier barrels in and causes a tragic accident which kills Stephanie, Claire unearths some scary family secrets involving Stephanie’s family, especially her brother Nick, with whom Judy is in a serious relationship. As she gets closer to the truth, Clair...more

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Jun 20, 2009 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have a bone to pick with Beth Groundwater! I read the first book in the series and it was good and enjoyable and so I decided to read the next one. Dirty trick, this one is outstanding and so good that I started it after dinner and finished it about midnight the same night - thus making me very tired for work the next day.

It is such fun when a series just jumps up to the next level and this series did just that! Claire, her husband and her daughter are spending a week skiing as a family get to...more

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Oct 19, 2010 Patricia Rockwell rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first picked up "To Hell in a Handbasket," I thought it had all the requirements of a good cozy mystery--a great title, a protagonist with a quirky occupation (she makes gift baskets), and a synopsis that sounded like cozy mystery heaven. Now that I've finished the book, I believe that I would label it more a thriller than a cozy. Why? From the first page to the last, amateur sleuth and gift basket designer extraordinaire Claire Hanover is chasing and being chased by bad guys--really bad...more

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Jun 23, 2009 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-colorado, mystery-crafts

Gift basket designer Claire Hanover is on a skiing vacation with her husband and daughter Judy when Stephanie, the sister of Judy's new boyfriend Nick, is killed in an inexplicable accident. Claire is the first to suspect that foul play is involved, and fearing that Judy is in danger, she jumps into an investigation of the case. Some may find Claire's actions, and the plot behind the death, improbable.

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Apr 30, 2013 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy-mysteries, mysteries

Once again Beth Groundwater writes another fast paced and engaging cozy mystery in the Claire Hanover series! There is murder, intrigue, and danger when Claire, her husband Roger and their daughter Judy are on a ski-trip that turns deadly for a young woman on the slopes! Skiing, gift baskets, and a mother/daughter relationships come into play. Of course there is always a dash of humor and romance thrown in! I can't wait for the next one!

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Mar 16, 2013 Cathryn Ferrara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, mystery-cozy, series

I really enjoyed this mystery, the basket making thing was a bit of a stretch and didn't ring as true as feel forced to make this more of a cozy title, but the rest was good. I like the characters and the flavor of the skiing community.

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Nov 03, 2011 Tricia Douglas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-suspense

From our own Goodreads author!!! Great book, Beth! Your characters were so like-like I thought you pulled them from my own family. I'm glad I don't ski. I got cold just reading the book. Looking forward to more of your books.

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Aug 19, 2010 Colleen added it

I really enjoyed this book-the second in a series. Very fast-paced! I look forward to reading more from this author. Thanks for the recommendation Mom.

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Jun 21, 2010 Caroline rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Our own goodreads author, Beth Groundwater has done it again! I enjoyed her first in the Gift Basket Designer series (A Real Basket Case) but her second is even better than the last! This book is a true black diamond (hardest of ski trails) not because it's a difficult read but because it is expertly crafted and enjoyable from start to finish. Whether taking the moguls on the trail, zipping through the woods on a snowmobile or slogging for miles on snowshoes, this story will keep you interested...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Kayt18 rated it 5 of 5 stars

enjoyed this one more than the first one by far. exciting and fast paced. love that Leon. a fun and enticing read.

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May 17, 2011 Julie Lence rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who loves a good mystery

Shelves: author-friends

To Hell In A Handbasket is a fast paced mystery that grabs your attention from the beginning and never lets go. Ms. Groundwater has done a fabulous job taking her readers to the slopes and streets of Breckenridge, Colorado to join amateur sleuth, Claire Hanover, in solving a murder. At the same time, Claire must deal with an age old problem moms across the world struggle with daily--letting their children grow up. With an assortment of colorful characters and a list of suspects to choose from, T...more

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Dec 06, 2010 Shelley added it

A great book to snuggle up to a warm fire and read. Good mystery.

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Apr 03, 2011 Linda S. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic sequel to the first Claire Hanover mystery series! Highly recommended.

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Aug 06, 2010 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars

The library is trying to get this book for me, since they do not
own. Anxious to read it.

Book came in from Toledo, interLibrary loan . Going to start it this evening. Hope I enjoy it as much as the first one.

Definitely a page turner, good read.

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Jun 29, 2009 Dotty rated it 3 of 5 stars

Page turner of a book. Kept my interest. Good beach/vacation book. You will need a leap of faith to keep up with the twists and turns of the plot but worth every jump.

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Jan 16, 2011 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

To Hell in a Handbasket is my favorite saying. So, when I stumbled across a book with the same title - I had to read it. This was a fun; fast; entertaining murder mystery read. You find yourself sitting on the edge of your reading chair as the moments of danger occur. And, then at other times, you find yourself laughing out loud.

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Aug 20, 2010 Mich rated it 4 of 5 stars

finally! met beth at the festival of mystery in Pgh and she lives up to her promise in this book!! glad i found her!

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Mar 28, 2011 Carol Devaney rated it 5 of 5 stars

A well written story. I recommend it highly.

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Mar 09, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was ok. I am looking forward to the next one.

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May 17, 2013 Coco_Chanel Babe rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

May 06, 2013 M. Lee marked it as to-read

May 03, 2013 Olivia Burdon marked it as to-read

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Sisterhood of the...: To Hell in a Handbasket (Claire Hanover Book #2) by Beth Groundwater	7	17	Apr 17, 2013 09:26am
mystery lovers: Contest for a free copy of TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET	2	8	Dec 17, 2012 08:47pm
Constant Reader: To Hell in a Handbasket by Beth Groundwater	6	65	Dec 17, 2012 08:42pm
The Mystery, Crim...: To Hell in a Handbasket by Beth Groundwater	7	151	Dec 17, 2012 08:41pm
Cozy Mysteries : To Hell in a Handbasket by Beth Groundwater	7	118	Dec 17, 2012 08:40pm
The Mystery, Crim...: To Hell in a Handbasket Book Giveaway	1	5	Oct 15, 2012 02:13pm
Book Club Visits Available	1	3	Mar 29, 2009 03:21pm

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About Beth Groundwater

I write two mystery series, the Claire Hanover gift basket designer series and the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Adventures series starring whitewater river ranger Mandy Tanner. The first book in my Claire Hanover series, A REAL BASKET CASE, was released in hardcover in 2007 and re-released in trade paperback and ebook in November, 2011. It finaled for the 2007 Best First Novel Agatha Award. The second b...more

More about Beth Groundwater...

Books by Beth Groundwater

Deadly Currents (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery, #1)

A Real Basket Case (Claire Hanover, Gift Basket Designer, #1)

Wicked Eddies (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery #2)

Fatal Descent (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery, #3)

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Quotes from To Hell in a Handbasket

“That's a parents' job, isn't it? To raise a child strong enough to leave and break our hearts?” — 4 people liked it

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To Hell in a Handbasket (Claire Hanover, Gift Basket Designer #2)

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