St. Patrick's Fray

Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery #7

by Amy M. Reade

Lilly could use a little luck o’ the Irish... When a business tycoon winds up dead shortly after unleashing a scathing and humiliating criticism of Lilly and her jewelry designs, Lilly finds herself under suspicion of committing murder. And though she has an alibi, the only person who can confirm it is a two-month-old baby. To make matters worse, Lilly’s shop is the target of a shocking St. Patrick’s Day smash-and-grab robbery by an unlikely and frightful assailant. The real horror, though, comes after the robbery, when Lilly and her husband become the targets of an extortionist who’s willing to go to frightening lengths to get what he wants. Can Lilly turn her luck around before the killer strikes again and she loses the people most dear to her?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

322 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

Amy M. Reade is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling mystery author who practiced law until she realized it was way more fun writing fiction.

She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.

If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.

To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.

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Reviews

[Veronica Barton]

Jewelry shopkeeper, Lilly Ashraf has hit the St. Patrick's Day pot of gold when she receives a supersized order for wedding keepsakes from a young couple who soon will be tying the knot. Her design plans hit a snag when the future mother-in-law barges in wanting to know the details. She holds the purse strings and wants control, placing Lilly in an awkward position.

When the meddling soon to be in-law meets a deadly end, Lilly is on the case, although one or more people may want her sleuthing to stop since she's a suspect herself. In addition to solving this mystery, she also must contend with the upcoming adoption proceedings for her husband, Hassan's and her new baby, Leith. Life's dealing the couple some tough obstacles when the baby's biological grandparents arrive on the scene and a deadly virus runs rampant at the care home where her dementia riddled mother resides. Will Lilly be able to juggle her sleuthing and family demands before more tragedy strikes?

Author Reade adds another baffling whodunit to the Juniper Junction holiday mystery series. I've thoroughly enjoyed the characters, settings, and family and friend dramas offered in this series. Sit back, grab your green libation, and let the clues unfold. A great read for cozy mystery fans!

[Pamela]

A Cozy that is Contemporary, Complex, and Captivating. What makes Amy Reade's cozy mysteries different from all the other cozy mysteries I've read? Let's start with "contemporary." Reade's Juniper Junction series follows Lilly and her family, friends, and lover through our complex times with insight and truth. Reade - through her character Lilly - does not shy away from "real life" as Lilly solves murders and mysteries in her charming village. I've loved each (seasonal) book in this series, but this latest one gets the highest marks because of the "Complexity" of the characters, their passions and troubles, all interwoven so well into the solving of the St. Patrick Day murder. Lastly, Lilly and her family/friends are "Captivating" throughout the book as they deal with teenage pregnancy, adoption, new marriage, troubling friendships, and dementia. These subjects may seem dark for a cozy, but it's the opposite. Reade shows how her characters learn to cope with their issues and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and, well, cozier in their lives.

[Cathleen Maza]

I'm already a fan of author Amy Reade's work, but I hadn't read any of her Juniper Junction stories before. After reading a review of "St. Patrick's Fray" however, I had to read it...even though it was book number 7 in the series. I'm happy to report that the book read wonderfully as a stand-alone and I was completely charmed by the main characters, without feeling as if I had missed anything. In this particular holiday caper, main character Lilly finds herself the victim of a robbery to her own jewelry store on St. Patrick's Day. Amid the ensuing mayhem, there is also an ongoing murder investigation, a threatened adoption proceeding, and nursing home virus restrictions all adding to the whirlwind of Lilly's life. Author Reade does a fantastic job of juggling all of these elements into a fun, interesting tale that doesn't become confusing to readers, even those not yet familiar with Juniper Junction. And though I started with Book 7, something tells me I'll be finding my way through at least a few of the other installments! Highly recommended for fans of entertaining cozy mystery.

[Thomas]

Lilly is a jewelry designer and artist.

When a friend ask her to design several high end pieces, she is overjoyed.

When the Uber rich person paying for them gives a horrid review and who’s body is found shortly later.

Guess who is the #1 suspect.

With a series of attacks against her and her store happening, Lilly may be losing the job she loves forever.

Pro’s:

A good story with developed characters and a good bit of intrigue.

Con’s:

There was a virus in the story that was similar to the recent pandemic in the story.

Although it was not labeled as a pandemic in the story, there were many similarities which that drew me out of the story.

This is an overall good story, and I would recommend it.

[Cynthia Raleigh]

I'm always happy to catch up with Lilly and her family and friends in the Juniper Junction series. The blend of small town goings-on, food and drinks, and mystery are things I like best about this series (including the recipes at the end of the book!). Juniper Junction has the type of village intrigue and grapevine news that I enjoy in mysteries. There were plenty of suspects fermenting their own possible motives for the crimes that it kept me changing my mind about whodunnit. The story lines were interwoven and presented a good case for different suspects. If you're looking for a cozy mystery, I highly recommend Amy Reade's Juniper Junction series.

[Jenn Vancaille]

Another Juniper Junction Cozy Mystery I could not put down. The writer has a way of making you feel like you are part of the family, like you have watched them grow and been an actual part of there lives it is an amazing feeling! These books bring me right to Juniper Junction and I feel like I am part of the town and cannot wait to read another one! St patricks fray had more twists and turns which i really enjoyed and kept me guessing till the very end! As always St. Patrick's Fray is an excellent feel good book that will make you happy you read it!

[Pat Wahler]

A murder in Juniper Junction lands Lilly straight in the hot seat. She must find a way to clear her name, protect her family, and help find the real killer before it’s too late. I found this St. Patrick’s-themed story to be a well-paced page turner with enough red herrings to prevent readers from easily figuring out whodunnit. I also enjoyed the quirky but endearing characters who aren’t only wrapped up in a murder investigation, but have relatable issues to deal with aside from the crime. Mystery lovers, I strongly suggest you grab this one now!

[Millicent Eidson]

You’ll never see the end coming, and it’s satisfying. The murder plot is wonderfully creative and the amateur sleuth, jewelry designer Lilly Ashraf, is compelling. Toss in a two-month-old-baby who needs Lilly as a foster mother and the story tugs at your heart strings. Lilly’s got a lot on her plate, including a college-aged daughter, a mother with Alzheimer’s disease, and a cop brother who tries to help her navigate potential murder charges. I love that the characters handle real-life challenges with courage.

[Rhonda Cutts]

Lilly is a murder magnet. She doesn’t mean to attract mayhem, but as another holiday approaches her life is disrupted once again. This time there is a wretched wealthy woman, a leering leprechaun, and the usual cast of Juniper Junction regulars who show up as suspects or supporters. Is Lilly able to mind her own business and keep her family out of the fray this March? Not likely. Enjoy this mystery with a cozy cup of tea.

[Joyce]

I enjoy cozy mysteries and this one is no exception. The writer makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. I did not want to put the book down. Couldn’t wait to see the progression of each chapter. If you enjoy quick reads, this is definitely one to read.

[Ellen Buikema]

A Fun Blend of Mystery and Relationships!

Lilly Ashraf, a talented jeweler, is not having a good year. She's suspected of murder. Again!
Amy Reade does a fantastic job of weaving the good, bad, and ugly of human nature within a murder mystery.
St. Patrick's Fray is well worth reading.

[Linda]

Another wonderful book in the series. Lilly's jewelry shop was a scene of a Smash and Grab. The virus is going around Bev's assisted living center. Oh, and a murder of a wealthy, mean woman. These books are just so fun to read. I sure hope there will be more in this series.

[Kaycee King]

Love the series

This was the third book I've read in the series and I love it. I hope Amy Reade continues to write this series because I can't put them down. They are a good fast read when you need a palette cleanser or just a fun read around the holidays

[Charlene]

A very entertaining read! Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem, umpredictable story. Interesting complex and quirky characters, faced paced story. A real page turner and a must read!

[Jackie]

What an awesome story. Lily is under suspicion for a murder she might not have committed. Who will believe her. Intriguing with great characters. Will the truth come out on time to save her.