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Val & Kit Mystery Series #1
The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock
This first book in The Val & Kit Mystery Series introduces Realtor Valerie Pankowski and her best friend since childhood, Kit James. Val, who has just signed her divorce papers and a lease on a new apartment, receives a call from a prospective client, Mavis Woodstock (a vaguely familiar name). Mavis insists she has to sell her house as quickly as possible, but then doesn't keep her scheduled appointment. Kit, whose glamour belies her bold and often brash ways, remembers Mavis from their school days, an unattractive girl who was ignored when she was lucky, ridiculed when she was not. She also remembers Mavis being the only daughter in a large family that was as frugal as it was wealthy. When Val and Kit cannot locate Mavis, they begin an investigation, encountering along the way a little romance, a lot of deception, and more than one unsavory character. Val & Kit and their shenanigans can also be found in No. 2 and No. 3 of The Val & Kit Mystery Series, THE MURDER OF SUSAN REED and DEATH IN DOOR COUNTY.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2011
40 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Burgess
10 books13 followersCo-authors Rosalind Burgess and Patricia Obermeier Neuman, aka Roz and Patty, met in Minneapolis through mutual friend Lee (a REAL character, in the best sense of the word).
Now a proud and patriotic U.S. citizen and Texan, Roz grew up in London and currently calls Houston home. She has also lived in Germany, Iowa, and Minnesota. Roz retired from the airline industry to devote all her working hours to writing (although it seems more like fun than work).
Patty spent her childhood and early adulthood moving around the Midwest (Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana), as a trailing child and then as a trailing spouse (inspiring her first book, Moving: The What, When, Where & How of it). A former reporter and editor, Patty lives with her husband in Door County, Wisconsin. They have three children and twelve grandchildren.
With five books in The Val & Kit Mystery Series now published, Roz and Patty--along with characters Val and Kit--have another mystery up their sleeves (and on their computers). All four women agree that friendship, humor, and love are as compelling as solving murders.
Roz and Patty are also the authors of DRESSING MYSELF, a contemporary women’s novel that explores the mystery of marriage. They write a blog, Roz and Patty Write, at rozandpattywrite.blogspot.com.
Contact Roz and Patty at roz-patty.com. We write back :)
Now a proud and patriotic U.S. citizen and Texan, Roz grew up in London and currently calls Houston home. She has also lived in Germany, Iowa, and Minnesota. Roz retired from the airline industry to devote all her working hours to writing (although it seems more like fun than work).
Patty spent her childhood and early adulthood moving around the Midwest (Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana), as a trailing child and then as a trailing spouse (inspiring her first book, Moving: The What, When, Where & How of it). A former reporter and editor, Patty lives with her husband in Door County, Wisconsin. They have three children and twelve grandchildren.
With five books in The Val & Kit Mystery Series now published, Roz and Patty--along with characters Val and Kit--have another mystery up their sleeves (and on their computers). All four women agree that friendship, humor, and love are as compelling as solving murders.
Roz and Patty are also the authors of DRESSING MYSELF, a contemporary women’s novel that explores the mystery of marriage. They write a blog, Roz and Patty Write, at rozandpattywrite.blogspot.com.
Contact Roz and Patty at roz-patty.com. We write back :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 19, 2014
"The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock" by Rosalind Burgess and Patricia Obermaier Neuman was a real surprise find for me. It's been on my kindle for ages and I cannot even remember when I got it.
I was very pleased to find a hugely entertaining story about two women investigating said disappearance of the title. Only, they are realtors and are initially after the listing of the property.
Great takes on the world of realtors, a bit of chicklit and a very smooth flow make this a very enjoyable and recommendable read. The ending is denouement are excellent.
The first in a promising series.
I was very pleased to find a hugely entertaining story about two women investigating said disappearance of the title. Only, they are realtors and are initially after the listing of the property.
Great takes on the world of realtors, a bit of chicklit and a very smooth flow make this a very enjoyable and recommendable read. The ending is denouement are excellent.
The first in a promising series.
March 16, 2012
Rarely are two polar opposites as well suited for lasting friendship as Val and Kit, but the combo is dynamic. What one doesn’t research, the other imagines … they could have been the love children of Erin Brockovich and Columbo!
Their day to day lives couldn’t be more different, but that’s the foam in their lattes as they mix their fun-loving, diverse personalities with a by-the-seat-of-your-pants investigation into the strange disappearance of a former classmate.
“The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock” is the lifetime friends’ first case, but it won’t be their last adventurous journey behind closed doors where misconceptions may be the only clues, and truths trade places with well told lies.
Val and Kit are a couple of sometimes serious, wise-cracking hometown gals who have adapted an adage that many adult children around the world live by: growing old is mandatory; maturing is optional!
Congratulations to authors, Roz (Val) and Patty (Kit), on this funny, well done, mysterious and often comical first edition of “The Val & Kit Mystery Series,” and it’s good to know that edition two is in the works.
Thank goodness none of have to don our armchair detective hats and investigate the location of the nearest place where “The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock” is available for purchase! Because you do that now in Amazon's Kindle Store!
Their day to day lives couldn’t be more different, but that’s the foam in their lattes as they mix their fun-loving, diverse personalities with a by-the-seat-of-your-pants investigation into the strange disappearance of a former classmate.
“The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock” is the lifetime friends’ first case, but it won’t be their last adventurous journey behind closed doors where misconceptions may be the only clues, and truths trade places with well told lies.
Val and Kit are a couple of sometimes serious, wise-cracking hometown gals who have adapted an adage that many adult children around the world live by: growing old is mandatory; maturing is optional!
Congratulations to authors, Roz (Val) and Patty (Kit), on this funny, well done, mysterious and often comical first edition of “The Val & Kit Mystery Series,” and it’s good to know that edition two is in the works.
Thank goodness none of have to don our armchair detective hats and investigate the location of the nearest place where “The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock” is available for purchase! Because you do that now in Amazon's Kindle Store!
March 10, 2012
THE TWISTED WOODSTOCKS
I highly recommend this novel and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I was kept guessing throughout the entire novel and I like that.
The analogies throughout are priceless and often made me laugh.
A mysterious email and Mavis’ disappearance drives Valerie, a real estate agent forward to find answers. Her best friend, Kit can’t resist the temptation to play detective right along with Val.
You will continually wonder, as I did: Why did Mavis suddenly change her mind about selling her home? Who is Sean Fletcher? Did Mavis give birth to a son? What is Lionel, Mavis’ brother hiding? Was Mavis murdered or did she commit suicide, as the authorities believe? Well, all my questions were answered and it was a thrilling ride!
I found myself on the edge of my seat when Val’s life is threatened and the person holding the gun will shock you.
The Woodstock family consists of some very disturbed and twisted relatives. I enjoyed sorting them all out and the ending to this very well written novel is brilliant!
Rebecca Scarberry
I highly recommend this novel and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I was kept guessing throughout the entire novel and I like that.
The analogies throughout are priceless and often made me laugh.
A mysterious email and Mavis’ disappearance drives Valerie, a real estate agent forward to find answers. Her best friend, Kit can’t resist the temptation to play detective right along with Val.
You will continually wonder, as I did: Why did Mavis suddenly change her mind about selling her home? Who is Sean Fletcher? Did Mavis give birth to a son? What is Lionel, Mavis’ brother hiding? Was Mavis murdered or did she commit suicide, as the authorities believe? Well, all my questions were answered and it was a thrilling ride!
I found myself on the edge of my seat when Val’s life is threatened and the person holding the gun will shock you.
The Woodstock family consists of some very disturbed and twisted relatives. I enjoyed sorting them all out and the ending to this very well written novel is brilliant!
Rebecca Scarberry
January 19, 2013
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MAVIS WOODSTOCK is a great mystery and an entertaining read. I've fallen in love with Val and Kit. Seriously. They're great gals, working their way toward middle age and dealing with all the hassles that life brings. And along comes a mystery, one that Val just can't drop. A high school friend (Mavis) wants Val to sell her home, and then suddenly she doesn't. Not long after, Mavis is found dead in her garage, an apparent suicide.
Is Val driven by guilt over the fact that neither she nor Kit took time to befriend Mavis in high school? Or is it just Val's curious nature? Regardless, once Kit is on board, the women dig, exposing the unsavory side of the thoroughly weird Woodstock family layer by layer. Despite being warned off their unofficial investigation by husbands, bosses, the police, and the Woodstock family, Val and Kit persist until they uncover the creepy truth about Mavis's death.
A fast-paced read with interesting characters. I'm looking forward to the next Kit and Val mystery!
Is Val driven by guilt over the fact that neither she nor Kit took time to befriend Mavis in high school? Or is it just Val's curious nature? Regardless, once Kit is on board, the women dig, exposing the unsavory side of the thoroughly weird Woodstock family layer by layer. Despite being warned off their unofficial investigation by husbands, bosses, the police, and the Woodstock family, Val and Kit persist until they uncover the creepy truth about Mavis's death.
A fast-paced read with interesting characters. I'm looking forward to the next Kit and Val mystery!
August 6, 2013
I probably would never have come across this book if I hadn't been introduced to these ladies via Twitter. After reading some of their blog posts and having a few discussions with them online, it was a no-brainer for me to download this book during one of their free days and give it a try. I'm so glad I did.
For anyone who is hesitant about reading this because it's written by two authors - and I'll admit I was skeptical on how that would work out - don't be. It's impressive how the writing flows and it truly sounds like it is written by one person. Very cohesive and easy to read.
This book has a little bit of everything: friendship, mystery, romance and a lot of humor. The authors have a knack with their descriptions and are really good at character development, both with the characters specific to this novel and with the ones that will continue throughout the series. The mystery aspect was well developed and kept me guessing.
This was a very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to Val and Kit's next adventure.
For anyone who is hesitant about reading this because it's written by two authors - and I'll admit I was skeptical on how that would work out - don't be. It's impressive how the writing flows and it truly sounds like it is written by one person. Very cohesive and easy to read.
This book has a little bit of everything: friendship, mystery, romance and a lot of humor. The authors have a knack with their descriptions and are really good at character development, both with the characters specific to this novel and with the ones that will continue throughout the series. The mystery aspect was well developed and kept me guessing.
This was a very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to Val and Kit's next adventure.
June 18, 2012
Val, a real estate salesperson, is recently divorced, settling into her new apartment, and celebrating her 50th birthday when she stumbles onto a mystery involving a quiet and homely girl she barely remembers from high school. The girl, Mavis Woodstock, mysteriously disappears and then later is discovered dead. Val, who does not believe the official ruling of suicide, gets her friend Kit to help her find out what really happened to Mavis. A very fun read and apparently there are other Val and Kit mysteries on the way.
January 16, 2013
This a super cute, fast read. Perfect for the gym (if you read on the elliptical as I do) I love that the characters are older than most these days. Val and Kit are hilarious! I love a good girlfriend silly caper. I can not wait till the next book comes out. I see a big fan base growing here.
Check out it out at http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Check out it out at http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/
March 8, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It's well-written, humorous in places, a good plot and a bit of a surprise ending. An easy read, that is paced well, with enough twists and turns to keep you reading to the end.
September 22, 2012
If you enjoy zany characters and friendships that are all about doing together what neither would ever do alone, then you’ll like these ladies. The story itself is totally twisted and gives the amateur sleuth plenty of chances to pick the villain. I really look forward to the next in this series.
October 25, 2013
I found this to be an enjoyable book. There is some mystery and intrigue, who-dunnit, mysterious characters, all w/o the book taking itself too seriously. The main characters are entertaining but not over the top goofy. I would read more from this series.
June 9, 2012
Easy read, enjoyed it.
reminiscent of Sue Grafton mysteries
reminiscent of Sue Grafton mysteries
July 3, 2012
The best book I have read from the Kindle Lending Library.
Read
August 29, 2012super cute story about a middle aged realtor, recently divorced and trying to solve a mystery.
September 4, 2012
This was an enjoyable read that kept my attention. I plan to read more books in the Val & Kit Mystery Series.
September 13, 2012
I have to say, I wasn't sure if the book would keep my interest, but, did so. Enjoyable, fun book to read!
May 16, 2013
Fun mystery. Another Kindle freebie.
July 8, 2013
It was a good mystery. I look forward to these lively girls adventures continuing!
February 16, 2014
Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read more
May 13, 2013
Recommended
February 26, 2024
Not your typical crime investigators !
Very funny and interesting investigation of a murder of a woman called Mavis Woodstock. Two friends decide to take it upon themselves to solve a murder without previous experience! One works for a real state agency and the other is very wealthy. The real state agent Val is called the day before the murder to sell Mavis Woodstock's home immediately! Valerie's best friend Kit, the wealthy friend becomes involved with Val to solve the murder of Mavis but, with no experience of their own. The book details all the adventures the two friends go through to catch the murderer while they suspect a family member did the murder! It's a easy read and interesting . It would make a great summer read and the friendship between the two women is wonderful and funny. It's more of a comfort mystery. I enjoyed it and was able to read it quickly.
Very funny and interesting investigation of a murder of a woman called Mavis Woodstock. Two friends decide to take it upon themselves to solve a murder without previous experience! One works for a real state agency and the other is very wealthy. The real state agent Val is called the day before the murder to sell Mavis Woodstock's home immediately! Valerie's best friend Kit, the wealthy friend becomes involved with Val to solve the murder of Mavis but, with no experience of their own. The book details all the adventures the two friends go through to catch the murderer while they suspect a family member did the murder! It's a easy read and interesting . It would make a great summer read and the friendship between the two women is wonderful and funny. It's more of a comfort mystery. I enjoyed it and was able to read it quickly.
May 3, 2018
Different genre for me. The h is the key character, recently and happily divorced. Her good friend is fun, and together they resolve a mystery quickly and with some frivolity, slightly weird considering the tragedy. Good writing drew me in to make sure I wanted to know what happened. The story is told in a way that is light-hearted, but it was actually had tormented characters. I thought this was very clever writing.
February 6, 2021
Quick, easy read. I like that the MC's are middle aged women that aren't bakers...
March 24, 2023
Interesting mystery and enjoyable characters.
January 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
It had a twisty mystery and made me laugh a lot too. Loved Val and Kit. Boss Tom was something else.
It had a twisty mystery and made me laugh a lot too. Loved Val and Kit. Boss Tom was something else.
March 16, 2020
This book was a pleasant surprise, better than I expected. The Val and Kit characters are hilarious and the writing is amusing. If it wasn't for misspellings, wrong punctuation, and some loose ends, I would have given the book 5 stars. Still, I am willing to read another book in the Val and Kit series.
September 3, 2015
This is book one of the "Val and Kit Mystery Series". It's a strong beginning to a series. The book was written by two women; the protagonists are two women; the mystery is a cozy.
I think if you like cozy mysteries by Peggy Webb, then you will like this story as well.
It involves childhood friends Val and Kit as they work to solve a missing client of Val (a realtor.)
The story was well developed and the characters felt true to life. It read fast and kept me engaged. I didn't find myself wandering.
Three and 1/2 stars.
I think if you like cozy mysteries by Peggy Webb, then you will like this story as well.
It involves childhood friends Val and Kit as they work to solve a missing client of Val (a realtor.)
The story was well developed and the characters felt true to life. It read fast and kept me engaged. I didn't find myself wandering.
Three and 1/2 stars.
February 8, 2016
The one good thing about the book is that you really don't have a clue who "did it" until the end. However, Kit and Val's rationale for searching for the truth behind Mavis's death was unbelievable, some of the things they did just didn't make sense. The ending was quite abrupt and a bit of a let down. At times the main characters are likable and did like it kept me guessing -otherwise would have gotten a 2.
August 2, 2014
Decent book for a freebie. Characters could have been more developed (or less predictable.) I was annoyed at some of the editing. (Authors PLEASE! Have someone proof read for timeline continuity!) I don't think I would buy another book in the series hut it was an enjoyable fast and mostly cute read.
November 22, 2014
Good
the many strange evil people in the family of the murder victim.the twin brother is a mental case.the ending is a surprise.
the many strange evil people in the family of the murder victim.the twin brother is a mental case.the ending is a surprise.
July 4, 2015
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews