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Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery #1
Murder on Devil's Pond
A quaint Vermont inn offers idyllic peace–until a body is found on the property.
When 33-year-old Hannah Solace returns to her hometown to renovate and reopen the inn she co-owns with her sister Reggie, her mission is to give the old Victorian hotel an entirely new life. She’s even planting pollinator gardens around the inn–native flowers and fruit trees to lure honeybees and houseguests alike. Hannah’s fresh start is stymied by Reggie’s continual interference, unreliable contractors, a check-the-couch-for-coins budget, and townspeople Hannah left behind fifteen years ago. Her main source of camaraderie is Ezra Grayson, an 80-year-old recluse who lives nearby. After an unsettling conversation with a disgruntled Ezra, Hannah is horrified to discover him dead on her property later that day. Ezra had always had plenty of people to complain about, especially locals trying to force him out of his property for its prime real estate. As buzz around town grows after his death, Hannah finds herself on the short list of suspects. Hannah starts digging and quickly discovers that secrets lurk beneath the charming surface of the town she once again calls home.
When 33-year-old Hannah Solace returns to her hometown to renovate and reopen the inn she co-owns with her sister Reggie, her mission is to give the old Victorian hotel an entirely new life. She’s even planting pollinator gardens around the inn–native flowers and fruit trees to lure honeybees and houseguests alike. Hannah’s fresh start is stymied by Reggie’s continual interference, unreliable contractors, a check-the-couch-for-coins budget, and townspeople Hannah left behind fifteen years ago. Her main source of camaraderie is Ezra Grayson, an 80-year-old recluse who lives nearby. After an unsettling conversation with a disgruntled Ezra, Hannah is horrified to discover him dead on her property later that day. Ezra had always had plenty of people to complain about, especially locals trying to force him out of his property for its prime real estate. As buzz around town grows after his death, Hannah finds herself on the short list of suspects. Hannah starts digging and quickly discovers that secrets lurk beneath the charming surface of the town she once again calls home.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2024
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451 people want to read
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July 8, 2024
First book in the Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series.
Hannah Solace is back in her old home town, renovating the inn she owns with her sister Reggie. She develops a friendship with 8o year old Ezra and is devastated when he is found dead, probably murdered. For a few good reasons Hannah is a suspect and she has to investigate to clear her own name.
This is a very nicely written cozy with some excellent characters. Ezra's dog Moose is up there with the best of them! I enjoyed the setting and the mystery. There were lots of possible suspects and it was an intriguing path to follow to get to the real culprit. I will look out for more in the series as they appear.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Hannah Solace is back in her old home town, renovating the inn she owns with her sister Reggie. She develops a friendship with 8o year old Ezra and is devastated when he is found dead, probably murdered. For a few good reasons Hannah is a suspect and she has to investigate to clear her own name.
This is a very nicely written cozy with some excellent characters. Ezra's dog Moose is up there with the best of them! I enjoyed the setting and the mystery. There were lots of possible suspects and it was an intriguing path to follow to get to the real culprit. I will look out for more in the series as they appear.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 4, 2024
Hannah Solace had befriended Ezra Grayson in the two years since she'd returned to her hometown to run the inn with her sister Reggie; Ezra was eighty, Hannah thirty three, but they grew close, more a father/daughter relationship than anything. Ezra was a grumpy old fellow, always talking about "the vultures" who wanted him to sell his rundown old home because of the land value. So many wanted to turn it into apartments - Ezra was determined not to sell. But when Hannah discovered Ezra's body in the pond on her property, she was shattered. And with Noah leading the local police, and Hannah a suspect, she decided it was up to her to find the answers to Ezra's death.
A niece and two nephews of Ezra's were staying at Hannah's inn and she didn't feel comfortable around them. As Hannah began her deep dig into Ezra's past she found some unsettling facts; her conjecture about what happened was making her nervous. While Noah was insisting she leave it alone, Ezra's lawyer told her something that shocked her to her core. Would Hannah unearth the secrets of Ezra's past and find his killer? Was it all connected in some way?
Murder on Devil's Pond is the first in the Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series by Ayla Rose and I enjoyed it very much! Hannah is a wonderful character and her niece, Peach, is a delight. I also loved Moose, Ezra's dog and Turnip the cat! A great start to a series, I'll be looking for #2 when it is released. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
A niece and two nephews of Ezra's were staying at Hannah's inn and she didn't feel comfortable around them. As Hannah began her deep dig into Ezra's past she found some unsettling facts; her conjecture about what happened was making her nervous. While Noah was insisting she leave it alone, Ezra's lawyer told her something that shocked her to her core. Would Hannah unearth the secrets of Ezra's past and find his killer? Was it all connected in some way?
Murder on Devil's Pond is the first in the Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series by Ayla Rose and I enjoyed it very much! Hannah is a wonderful character and her niece, Peach, is a delight. I also loved Moose, Ezra's dog and Turnip the cat! A great start to a series, I'll be looking for #2 when it is released. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2024
Murder on Devil's Pond I think is the first in the Hummingbird Hollow B&B mysteries. It takes place in the town of Jasper, Vermont. Hannah Solace is the main character with a great supporting characters to make the story a fun read. Hannah has moved back to the town where she grew up to work as a part owner of Hummingbird Hollow B&B, formally The Jasper Inn with her sister, Regina (Reggie) Solace who got the victorian house in her divorce from her ex Chad. Hannah is redoing the back yard into a special natural garden. Ash Kade, a landscaper is helping her. Hannah is a friend of Ezra Grayson an elderly man in his 80's whose property backs up to hers. He lives in a rundown victorian in the middle of town with his elderly dog, Moose. When she is out on Devil's pond she sees Moose on the shore line upset. She goes over and discovers the body of Ezra and calls the police. Noah Booker a detective is working on the case. To avoid sending Moose the a shelter Hannah takes him home with her.
Maura Hamilton Saunders is staying at the B&B. She is Ezra's niece. Her brother, Rob Long and his wife, Simone are staying at the B&B in the airstream on the property, Waylen, his brother is also there. They are Ezra's nephews. They have been trying to get their uncle to sell the house and move into a retirement home. Now that Ezra is dead they think they are his heirs. The property is very valuable and several people have been trying to get Ezra to sell to them. One is his neighbor, Brian Lewis, Henry Yarrow who brought Devil's Mountain abandoned ski resort. His property abuts Ezra's property to expand, Chad is a realtor and property developer.
Reggie and Hannah are estranged from their father, John Solence, who brought a large amount of land from Ezra which he developed. He lives in a large beautiful house which he built and developed land around him. Ezra was not happy that John had developed the land. Thought the property was not going to be developed. John became very wealthy because of the purchase.
Hannah is determined to find out who killed Ezra. This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure with lots of twists and turns. There is so much going on in the story that it would be hard to put all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting end.
I really enjoyed this story and all the characters that make up the town. I look forward to read the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Maura Hamilton Saunders is staying at the B&B. She is Ezra's niece. Her brother, Rob Long and his wife, Simone are staying at the B&B in the airstream on the property, Waylen, his brother is also there. They are Ezra's nephews. They have been trying to get their uncle to sell the house and move into a retirement home. Now that Ezra is dead they think they are his heirs. The property is very valuable and several people have been trying to get Ezra to sell to them. One is his neighbor, Brian Lewis, Henry Yarrow who brought Devil's Mountain abandoned ski resort. His property abuts Ezra's property to expand, Chad is a realtor and property developer.
Reggie and Hannah are estranged from their father, John Solence, who brought a large amount of land from Ezra which he developed. He lives in a large beautiful house which he built and developed land around him. Ezra was not happy that John had developed the land. Thought the property was not going to be developed. John became very wealthy because of the purchase.
Hannah is determined to find out who killed Ezra. This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure with lots of twists and turns. There is so much going on in the story that it would be hard to put all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting end.
I really enjoyed this story and all the characters that make up the town. I look forward to read the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
October 30, 2024
Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose is the first book in the new cozy Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book of the Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery will contain it’s own mystery that will be fully solved within the book so they could be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There will be some character development that will carry over from book to book for those who wish to read the series in order from the beginning.
Hannah Solace returned to her hometown of Jasper, Vermont with the goal of to renovating and reopening the inn in an old Victorian that she owns with her sister, Reggie. During the time spent getting the inn up and running Hannah made friends with her neighbor, eighty year old Ezra Grayson despite their being a fifty year age gape between them.
When Hannah discovers Ezra’s body after he’s murdered she is devastated to lose her friend but matters turn worse when she becomes a suspect in his death too. Hannah then vows that she will find who actually killed her friend clearing her own name while getting him justice.
The Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series did have many of the things that I ask for when it comes to cozy mysteries such as a charming small town location, some quirky and interesting characters, possibly some cute critters to steal the show and a fun mystery to follow and try to solve. With all of that in the mix I did enjoy this first book of the series but with just getting to know the cast of characters and setting I rated this one at three and half stars and hope to get to know them all even more in the second book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Hannah Solace returned to her hometown of Jasper, Vermont with the goal of to renovating and reopening the inn in an old Victorian that she owns with her sister, Reggie. During the time spent getting the inn up and running Hannah made friends with her neighbor, eighty year old Ezra Grayson despite their being a fifty year age gape between them.
When Hannah discovers Ezra’s body after he’s murdered she is devastated to lose her friend but matters turn worse when she becomes a suspect in his death too. Hannah then vows that she will find who actually killed her friend clearing her own name while getting him justice.
The Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series did have many of the things that I ask for when it comes to cozy mysteries such as a charming small town location, some quirky and interesting characters, possibly some cute critters to steal the show and a fun mystery to follow and try to solve. With all of that in the mix I did enjoy this first book of the series but with just getting to know the cast of characters and setting I rated this one at three and half stars and hope to get to know them all even more in the second book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 30, 2024
It's billed and marketed as a cozy mystery. Cute cover, B&B setting, sister relationship. The crime happens and then the mystery gets going for good--at such a pace that I was flipping pages quite quickly. However, the language kept getting worse and worse until there were four letter bombs several times near the ending, and the profanity never lets up. (Even the preacher lady, who "hates cursing," takes pleasure in bandying about the more minor cuss of "hell.")
As far as crime solving, the procedural part from Hannah is pretty decent, but more than once the police pop out with a convenient fact that there's no way they could have known. For example, a man is put through a chipper and pulverized, but he's positively identified in less than 24 hours. No way can a small town police force get a DNA result that fast. Also the police repeatedly blab confidential case knowledge to several other characters.
Overall, it would have been a fairly solid story if I'd been expecting a hard-boiled mystery. As it was, the over the top language and the gory turn the murders took was not what I expected as a cozy mystery reader and I won't be continuing this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
As far as crime solving, the procedural part from Hannah is pretty decent, but more than once the police pop out with a convenient fact that there's no way they could have known. For example, a man is put through a chipper and pulverized, but he's positively identified in less than 24 hours. No way can a small town police force get a DNA result that fast. Also the police repeatedly blab confidential case knowledge to several other characters.
Overall, it would have been a fairly solid story if I'd been expecting a hard-boiled mystery. As it was, the over the top language and the gory turn the murders took was not what I expected as a cozy mystery reader and I won't be continuing this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
August 16, 2024
I received a free copy of, Murder on Devil's Pond, by Ayla Rose, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is part of A Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series. Hannah moves back home to help her sister Reggie with the inn they own together. When a senior citizen is murdered Hannah has a mystery to solve. This book had a lot of twists and turns, it kept me guessing until the end. A good mystery.
February 7, 2024
I liked the idea of a bed and breakfast series. Hannah, the protagonist, is a likeable character, despite all the turmoil going on around her. I didn’t care as much for her sister, Reggie, who has a sterner personality. I never could find much sympathy for the victim’s family—they each had their own agendas. The story is led by the murder mystery, so the characters aren’t that deeply cored out. The mystery is very good; yet, to me it had a darker tone than most cozies. The murderer killed too violently for my taste. Pet lovers will enjoy Moose, the dog, and Turnip, the cat.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2024
Narrated by Maria Ru-Djen
Presented by Dreamscape Media
This was a sweet lil cosy mystery!
Hannah Solace runs a sweet lil inn with her sister Reggie, until one of her close friends - an 80yr old recluse - is murdered. Now she has to solve the mystery in order to clear her name.
This whole story felt very wholesome.
Hannah strikes me as an old lady at heart - her bond with Ezra forms over birds and bees, plants and gardening. Their relationship is sweet, and there was certainly no harm in a dog being involved, too. I really liked the setup.
Ezra naturally has a greedy family, greedy neighbours, and a secret past, so there's plenty to keep you guessing. Most of the characters beyond Hannah and Ash are frustrating and shallow, helping us sympathise with Hannah and what she's going through.
I thought the characters were well-written, and brought to life well by the narrator. Not too many pauses, and a lively voice helped the story to flourish and kept me entertained.
The mystery didn't suck me in too much, but at the same time it was just pleasant to listen to the story flow along. I enjoyed travelling along with it and the conclusion was satisfying. A little bit of a stretch in places, but ultimately sweet enough to be entertaining throughout.
I'd recommend this easily to fans of cosy mysteries. It's the first in the series, too, so we can look forward to more of Hannah and her delightful little inn.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by Dreamscape Media
This was a sweet lil cosy mystery!
Hannah Solace runs a sweet lil inn with her sister Reggie, until one of her close friends - an 80yr old recluse - is murdered. Now she has to solve the mystery in order to clear her name.
This whole story felt very wholesome.
Hannah strikes me as an old lady at heart - her bond with Ezra forms over birds and bees, plants and gardening. Their relationship is sweet, and there was certainly no harm in a dog being involved, too. I really liked the setup.
Ezra naturally has a greedy family, greedy neighbours, and a secret past, so there's plenty to keep you guessing. Most of the characters beyond Hannah and Ash are frustrating and shallow, helping us sympathise with Hannah and what she's going through.
I thought the characters were well-written, and brought to life well by the narrator. Not too many pauses, and a lively voice helped the story to flourish and kept me entertained.
The mystery didn't suck me in too much, but at the same time it was just pleasant to listen to the story flow along. I enjoyed travelling along with it and the conclusion was satisfying. A little bit of a stretch in places, but ultimately sweet enough to be entertaining throughout.
I'd recommend this easily to fans of cosy mysteries. It's the first in the series, too, so we can look forward to more of Hannah and her delightful little inn.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
July 14, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Hannah Solace needs a new start so she comes home to Jasper, Vermont to renovate and reopen an old Victorian hotel she owns with her sister as the Hummingbird Hollow B&B complete with pollinator gardens to draw bees, birds, and hopefully plenty of guests. She is on a tight budget and her sister Reggie has her own ideas about the B&B. She is also at odds with the landscaper working on her newest garden project. Hannah finds her eighty-year-old neighbor Ezra Grayson to be a fount of information regarding any plant, tree, or flower. Ezra can be cantankerous but she has a soft spot for him and his brown mastiff mix, Moose.
Ezra’s wife, Molly, passed away a while ago and he feels her presence in the home he has lived in his entire life and 40-plus years with her. But he has not kept up the maintenance and a recent fire has made it barely inhabitable. Yet he has no plans to leave no matter how much his two nephews and niece want him to, or how much money developers offer him for the prime piece of real estate.
Then Hannah finds Ezra dead on her property. She is devastated and is determined to find out who killed her friend. Could it be his own relatives? Or was a developer sick of waiting? She starts to discover that the people of the cozy town of Jasper have secrets. Secrets that may have led to Ezra Grayson’s murder.
I enjoyed meeting Hannah Solace and I admire what she wants to do with the Hummingbird Hollow B&B and the land. Her sister Reggie came across to me as harsh but I loved her six-year-old daughter Peach. She is a little spitfire. I felt for Ezra but the man did have some secrets. His friendship with Hannah was genuine and his life was cut short before he could confide in her fully. Hannah left Jasper 15 years ago leaving behind some complicated relationships. There was some insight into them in this story as we meet several residents of Jasper, but we have just scratched the surface of these characters.
We are also introduced to Ezra’s family. They are all staying at Hannah’s Bee & Bee. Maura is Ezra’s niece, and Waylen and Rob are his nephews. Rob is joined by his wife Simone. They all encouraged Ezra to sell his land before his death and now believe they are his heirs. They all were complex and had their quirks and agendas making them easy to dislike.
The murders in this mystery are horrific, that and the explicit language take this story out of the cozy realm for me but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like the story because I did. The mystery was very well-plotted with many stellar twists and turns. Hannah takes a deep dive into Ezra’s life to find the answers she needs. Then she really had to think on her feet and fight to survive. I was out of breath following along with her and all she went through. The author had one more twist though and it broke my heart.
Murder on Devil’s Pond is a gripping mystery and a strong start for this series. Secrets and greed ring supreme and keep those pages flying. I am excited to return to the Hummingbird Hollow B&B. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Hannah Solace needs a new start so she comes home to Jasper, Vermont to renovate and reopen an old Victorian hotel she owns with her sister as the Hummingbird Hollow B&B complete with pollinator gardens to draw bees, birds, and hopefully plenty of guests. She is on a tight budget and her sister Reggie has her own ideas about the B&B. She is also at odds with the landscaper working on her newest garden project. Hannah finds her eighty-year-old neighbor Ezra Grayson to be a fount of information regarding any plant, tree, or flower. Ezra can be cantankerous but she has a soft spot for him and his brown mastiff mix, Moose.
Ezra’s wife, Molly, passed away a while ago and he feels her presence in the home he has lived in his entire life and 40-plus years with her. But he has not kept up the maintenance and a recent fire has made it barely inhabitable. Yet he has no plans to leave no matter how much his two nephews and niece want him to, or how much money developers offer him for the prime piece of real estate.
Then Hannah finds Ezra dead on her property. She is devastated and is determined to find out who killed her friend. Could it be his own relatives? Or was a developer sick of waiting? She starts to discover that the people of the cozy town of Jasper have secrets. Secrets that may have led to Ezra Grayson’s murder.
I enjoyed meeting Hannah Solace and I admire what she wants to do with the Hummingbird Hollow B&B and the land. Her sister Reggie came across to me as harsh but I loved her six-year-old daughter Peach. She is a little spitfire. I felt for Ezra but the man did have some secrets. His friendship with Hannah was genuine and his life was cut short before he could confide in her fully. Hannah left Jasper 15 years ago leaving behind some complicated relationships. There was some insight into them in this story as we meet several residents of Jasper, but we have just scratched the surface of these characters.
We are also introduced to Ezra’s family. They are all staying at Hannah’s Bee & Bee. Maura is Ezra’s niece, and Waylen and Rob are his nephews. Rob is joined by his wife Simone. They all encouraged Ezra to sell his land before his death and now believe they are his heirs. They all were complex and had their quirks and agendas making them easy to dislike.
The murders in this mystery are horrific, that and the explicit language take this story out of the cozy realm for me but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like the story because I did. The mystery was very well-plotted with many stellar twists and turns. Hannah takes a deep dive into Ezra’s life to find the answers she needs. Then she really had to think on her feet and fight to survive. I was out of breath following along with her and all she went through. The author had one more twist though and it broke my heart.
Murder on Devil’s Pond is a gripping mystery and a strong start for this series. Secrets and greed ring supreme and keep those pages flying. I am excited to return to the Hummingbird Hollow B&B. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 25, 2024
Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose is a cozy mystery and the first in Hummingbird Hollow B&B mystery series. It follows Hannah Solace, co-owner of the inn, as she tries to solve the mystery behind the death of her neighbor and friend Ezra Grayson, an 80 year old recluse. It has a typical small town setting and the plot is quite engaging to begin with. It's pretty atmospheric and if you love nature, you are in for a treat. Hannah's property borders a water body and that adds to the quaintness of the setting. I think that the book kind of unravels in the middle and I wish that the side characters were developed better. Still, I had a nice time reading it and it was a fun experience.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a review copy.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a review copy.
July 10, 2024
Great start to a new series! I enjoyed the setting and the characters (except for Hannah’s sister), especially Hannah, who is smart and savvy enough to keep herself out of trouble for the most part, and Moose, who quickly learns who he should be loyal to. This is much darker than your typical cozy and has more mature language than I’m used to in them but overall, this was a good read and I look forward to more adventures in the future.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #Dreamscape_Media, and #CrookedLaneBooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #Dreamscape_Media, and #CrookedLaneBooks for an honest review.
January 8, 2024
#MurderonDevilsPond #NetGalley is the start to a new cozy mystery series and this first book is fantastic.
Hannah Solace has returned home to Vermont, to take on the role as manager and co-owner of a small inn, with her sister, Reggie.
Reggie is a hard character, she's determined, independent, and seems to forget Hannah is an adult. Hannah and Reggie have their own opinions, but the author did a great job with the family conflicts.
Hannah doesn't have a lot of time while she's renovating the inn, but she's struck up a friendship with Ezra Grayson, an eighty-year-old recluse who lives nearby.
He may appear prickly, but he and Hannah have a unique relationship and it really adds to the story.
It seems Ezra may have some secrets, but before he has a chance to confide in Hannah, his life is cut short, in fact he's murdered, and Hannah is the one to find his body.
Hannah is devastated, and she's determined to find out who killed her friend, especially when she realizes she can be considered a suspect.
Ezra's family is determined to get their hands on his property, but that won't happen, especially if Hannah has anything to say about it.
This is exactly the type of cozy mystery I love. It has a wonderful cast of supporting characters, the main character is immediately likeable and the mystery was well done.
I had some parts figured out, but the reveal was shocking.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
I'm looking forward to reading more and I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
Hannah Solace has returned home to Vermont, to take on the role as manager and co-owner of a small inn, with her sister, Reggie.
Reggie is a hard character, she's determined, independent, and seems to forget Hannah is an adult. Hannah and Reggie have their own opinions, but the author did a great job with the family conflicts.
Hannah doesn't have a lot of time while she's renovating the inn, but she's struck up a friendship with Ezra Grayson, an eighty-year-old recluse who lives nearby.
He may appear prickly, but he and Hannah have a unique relationship and it really adds to the story.
It seems Ezra may have some secrets, but before he has a chance to confide in Hannah, his life is cut short, in fact he's murdered, and Hannah is the one to find his body.
Hannah is devastated, and she's determined to find out who killed her friend, especially when she realizes she can be considered a suspect.
Ezra's family is determined to get their hands on his property, but that won't happen, especially if Hannah has anything to say about it.
This is exactly the type of cozy mystery I love. It has a wonderful cast of supporting characters, the main character is immediately likeable and the mystery was well done.
I had some parts figured out, but the reveal was shocking.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
I'm looking forward to reading more and I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
July 7, 2024
Hannah Solace has decided to renovate an old Victorian hotel and turn it into an inn. She has a weird interaction with her friend Ezra Grayson and wouldn't you know it, he turns up dead. Hannah has inherited everything from Ezra and people are starting to suspect her, so she has one thing to do to get out of the limelight: solve the case!
I had really high hopes for this one and I think I might have ruined it for myself. It was slower than I was expecting, and I know it is a cozy mystery so it should be slow but I thought the pacing was a little bit off. There were too many characters introduced and too many plot lines. The book felt a little confusing at times. I am sure I'm going to enjoy the second book more as long as we keep the characters from the same book.
The absolute highlight of the book was the narration. I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the narration was excellent. I would recommend to people who enjoy lots of characters and multiple plot lines that sometimes don't get resolved and people who like good narrations.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Ayla Rose for giving me the opportunity to review this advanced reader audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I had really high hopes for this one and I think I might have ruined it for myself. It was slower than I was expecting, and I know it is a cozy mystery so it should be slow but I thought the pacing was a little bit off. There were too many characters introduced and too many plot lines. The book felt a little confusing at times. I am sure I'm going to enjoy the second book more as long as we keep the characters from the same book.
The absolute highlight of the book was the narration. I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the narration was excellent. I would recommend to people who enjoy lots of characters and multiple plot lines that sometimes don't get resolved and people who like good narrations.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Ayla Rose for giving me the opportunity to review this advanced reader audiobook. All opinions are my own.
May 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this story - I am looking forward to continuing this series.
Hannah Solace comes back to her small Vermont town to run a B & B and befriends the town curmudgeon, Ezra Grayson. Ezra and Hannah bond over their love of plants and when Ezra ends up dead, Hannah is horrified.
Hannah vows to get to the bottom of Ezra's death, but learns some long-standing secrets along the way. Secrets about Ezra and his wife, his former career, and how these secrets intertwine with Hannah's estranged father, her deceased mother's friends, and how Ezra's niece and nephews are circling like vultures (Ezra's nickname for them) to get his historic estate.
All in all, this was a fun read; there were a few parts that were a little slow on the buildup, but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. Oh, of course, there is a dog named Moose who is big and lovable, plus the beginnings of a love triangle, so a cozy mystery through and through.
4 stars
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hannah Solace comes back to her small Vermont town to run a B & B and befriends the town curmudgeon, Ezra Grayson. Ezra and Hannah bond over their love of plants and when Ezra ends up dead, Hannah is horrified.
Hannah vows to get to the bottom of Ezra's death, but learns some long-standing secrets along the way. Secrets about Ezra and his wife, his former career, and how these secrets intertwine with Hannah's estranged father, her deceased mother's friends, and how Ezra's niece and nephews are circling like vultures (Ezra's nickname for them) to get his historic estate.
All in all, this was a fun read; there were a few parts that were a little slow on the buildup, but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. Oh, of course, there is a dog named Moose who is big and lovable, plus the beginnings of a love triangle, so a cozy mystery through and through.
4 stars
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
Hannah returns to her hometown to help her sister renovate the inn they co-own and befriends her reclusive elderly neighbor Ezra. When she discovers his body shortly after an unsettling conversation with the cranky man and learns that her name is on the police’s list of suspects, she begins her own investigation to learn who is the real culprit.
This appears to be the author’s first novel, but I enjoyed it as much as first-in-series books by established authors. I loved reading about Hannah’s efforts to turn the inn’s backyard into a sustainable garden, and hope we get more of that as the series progresses. I’m not as enamored by Hannah’s relationship with her sister, Reggie – or Reggie’s relationship with her young daughter, Peach. Reggie needs to loosen up a little with her sister, but be an actual *parent to Peach. I love Moose, the mastiff, and Turnip, the cat, and can easily see Moose playing a bigger role in future books.
The body was found rather early on, so the rest of the book was spent trying to solve the crime. While I wondered a few times about some of what the police shared with Hannah, I liked that she took the information she learned to the police rather than keeping it to herself. There were a lot of suspects to think about, and I was sure I’d worked out who the killer was, although I couldn’t figure out a motive for that person. Given my track record for coming to the wrong conclusion, I wasn’t as surprised by the identity of the killer as I might otherwise have been, but at least this person had a strong, logical motive.
I look forward to reading more of this series, and have made a note to look for the next book to keep up with Hannah, Reggie and the rest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Hannah returns to her hometown to help her sister renovate the inn they co-own and befriends her reclusive elderly neighbor Ezra. When she discovers his body shortly after an unsettling conversation with the cranky man and learns that her name is on the police’s list of suspects, she begins her own investigation to learn who is the real culprit.
This appears to be the author’s first novel, but I enjoyed it as much as first-in-series books by established authors. I loved reading about Hannah’s efforts to turn the inn’s backyard into a sustainable garden, and hope we get more of that as the series progresses. I’m not as enamored by Hannah’s relationship with her sister, Reggie – or Reggie’s relationship with her young daughter, Peach. Reggie needs to loosen up a little with her sister, but be an actual *parent to Peach. I love Moose, the mastiff, and Turnip, the cat, and can easily see Moose playing a bigger role in future books.
The body was found rather early on, so the rest of the book was spent trying to solve the crime. While I wondered a few times about some of what the police shared with Hannah, I liked that she took the information she learned to the police rather than keeping it to herself. There were a lot of suspects to think about, and I was sure I’d worked out who the killer was, although I couldn’t figure out a motive for that person. Given my track record for coming to the wrong conclusion, I wasn’t as surprised by the identity of the killer as I might otherwise have been, but at least this person had a strong, logical motive.
I look forward to reading more of this series, and have made a note to look for the next book to keep up with Hannah, Reggie and the rest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 17, 2024
Thanks for the ARC from Netgalley! Its a page turner story and i loved it!
Can you imagine, you inherit properties and million dollar from someone you who is pretend like they have nothing in this world and down to earth? Beside, you are non of their family; just a friend. Why would they pass their property to you if there is no reasons? Of course! They have a reasons to do it.
Ezra was killed. The killer must have been among his family members where they knew that Ezra had a lot of property but did not want to discuss passing it on to his family for some reason.
Hannah who is Ezra's friend inherits all his property and at the same time, Hannah has to find out who is Ezra's killer. She was accused of killing Ezra and with this accusation had made Hannah to unravel one thing after another. The events of the last 20 years lead Hannah to research each of Ezra's contacts to unravel this murder case if there is any connection.
Plot after plot goes well. Although the reader wonders 'who' the killer is and seems to be able to guess who he is, the guess is wrong. At the end of the story, an unexpected unraveling.
One of the books that must be read this year. I'm waiting for this author to write more stories in this genre and will definitely read it. Im fell in love with the author's work. Keep going!
Can you imagine, you inherit properties and million dollar from someone you who is pretend like they have nothing in this world and down to earth? Beside, you are non of their family; just a friend. Why would they pass their property to you if there is no reasons? Of course! They have a reasons to do it.
Ezra was killed. The killer must have been among his family members where they knew that Ezra had a lot of property but did not want to discuss passing it on to his family for some reason.
Hannah who is Ezra's friend inherits all his property and at the same time, Hannah has to find out who is Ezra's killer. She was accused of killing Ezra and with this accusation had made Hannah to unravel one thing after another. The events of the last 20 years lead Hannah to research each of Ezra's contacts to unravel this murder case if there is any connection.
Plot after plot goes well. Although the reader wonders 'who' the killer is and seems to be able to guess who he is, the guess is wrong. At the end of the story, an unexpected unraveling.
One of the books that must be read this year. I'm waiting for this author to write more stories in this genre and will definitely read it. Im fell in love with the author's work. Keep going!
February 3, 2025
I've been spending some time exploring Vermont & north-eastern New York recently through books and Murder on Devil's Pond seemed a good way to continue down this particular rabbit hole.
I enjoy cozy mysteries as a good change of pace and this book did the trick. We have a native, Hannah returning after heartbreak and running a B&B which highlights good local natural foods, the environment and local recreation.
Hannah has developed a friendship with an curmudgeonly, elderly neighbor who advises her on native plants for her garden. Things are looking up for Hannah, until they aren't.
I found this a fun read, although it went to a bit gruesome territory for a cozy.
I enjoy cozy mysteries as a good change of pace and this book did the trick. We have a native, Hannah returning after heartbreak and running a B&B which highlights good local natural foods, the environment and local recreation.
Hannah has developed a friendship with an curmudgeonly, elderly neighbor who advises her on native plants for her garden. Things are looking up for Hannah, until they aren't.
I found this a fun read, although it went to a bit gruesome territory for a cozy.
May 30, 2024
I am usually a person who has to love the characters to love the story. However, this book! Thinking back, I’m not entirely a huge fan of any of the characters. They are all very real and raw and flawed. Yet somehow, I ended up really feeling for them.
The story kept twisting and turning with plenty of backstory that you don’t see coming. The pace kept you itching to read just one more chapter (with every chapter lol). I cannot wait for the second book and to see where the story and characters go from here. Definitely an author I will be reading again!
The story kept twisting and turning with plenty of backstory that you don’t see coming. The pace kept you itching to read just one more chapter (with every chapter lol). I cannot wait for the second book and to see where the story and characters go from here. Definitely an author I will be reading again!
October 24, 2024
This was a very enjoyable, cozy mystery with a good mystery at its core. I loved the setting of the B&B in a small town, and the characters were likable and engaging. Throughout the story, there were multiple scenarios set up that could have easily been the solution. This made for an entertaining read that kept me guessing until the very end. I will undoubtedly be returning for the next book in this new series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 3, 2024
This was a wonderful start to a new series. I really like Hannah, her B & B, the small town Vermont setting, and what she is trying to do with her property. Hannah had returned to her hometown to run the B & B she co-owns with her sister, after her old life crumbled around her. She has been working hard to refurbish the Inn, but more importantly, the gardens and property around it, creating a healthy ecosystem for bees, butterflies and birds, and growing the produce she uses at the Inn. She is also trying to find peace and joy in her life again. She has befriended a cantankerous old man who was a botanist, he helps her with her gardens and gives her advice on how to proceed while she brings him food and tries to elevate his situation, as his home is falling down around him and he just doesn't seem to care. When her friend is found murdered on her property, and she learns what he had planned for the future, she becomes a suspect in his murder. This information opens a whole world of history that Hannah starts peeling away layer by layer to try and find out what happened to her friend and why his plans for the future were what they were. This history forces her to look at all kinds of people in the town, including her parents, their friends, and relatives of Ezra. How did what happened in the past get them to this current situation? This mystery is a little deeper them most cozies, the characters are real with flaws and strengths, the motives are many and life altering and the atmosphere is so real you can hear the bees buzzing and smell the flowers. I can't wait to read more.
April 3, 2024
Murder on Devil's Pond is the first in a new cozy mystery series about a Vermont B & B, filled with charming people and a beautiful location. Hannah returned back to her small hometown to run a B & B, newly owned by her sister, a few years ago. In that time, she befriended the local curmudgeon, Ezra. But when Hannah finds Ezra's body at the small pond on her property, the suspects are many, including the niece and nephews who are currently staying in her inn. But when Hannah becomes one of the suspects, she decides she has to clear her name.
This was...fine. The mystery was good, but some of the character decisions were iffy, at best. No spoilers, so no details. But the town didn't make a lot of sense to me. Hannah describes the town as having very few paved roads. And that Vermont has a muddy season where the mud is sometimes a foot thick. And somehow this town gets enough traffic to support a B&B? 🤷♀️ Anyway, overall, this was fine, but I'm not sure I'll read more.
Release Date: 7/9/2024
This was...fine. The mystery was good, but some of the character decisions were iffy, at best. No spoilers, so no details. But the town didn't make a lot of sense to me. Hannah describes the town as having very few paved roads. And that Vermont has a muddy season where the mud is sometimes a foot thick. And somehow this town gets enough traffic to support a B&B? 🤷♀️ Anyway, overall, this was fine, but I'm not sure I'll read more.
Release Date: 7/9/2024
July 7, 2024
"Murder on Devil's Pond (A Hummingbird Hallow B&B Mystery #1)" by Ayla Rose reads both like a first book in a series and a book a bit further into a series. Lots of things make it seem very standalone/first book. While, at times, information is given a bit like it's been an established piece of information. More specifically the coming to run the B&B for Hannah. Hannah has been in town now for a few years and after the standard reasons a cozy mystery main character shows up. This is instead of it being a fresh event for the main character. It's not a bad thing, just a bit different.
The mystery was a bit predictable to start with. I had a bit of a feel for who the victim would be since we didn't get an outright annoying/mean person it was really only one other option. A little sad it was them though. It wrapped up a smidge differently than I was thinking, but not far off. The clues were starting to get me there at the reveal point.
The mystery was a bit predictable to start with. I had a bit of a feel for who the victim would be since we didn't get an outright annoying/mean person it was really only one other option. A little sad it was them though. It wrapped up a smidge differently than I was thinking, but not far off. The clues were starting to get me there at the reveal point.
July 9, 2024
A cozy mystery with an adorable dog in beautiful Vermont? 100% sold!
Murder on Devil’s Pond is the first installment of the Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series and it was absolutely fantastic! I loved the complex family dynamics, buried secrets, unexpected twists, beautiful gardens, wonderful friendships, small town drama and of course - a perfect pup named Moose!
📚 Series Debut
🍁 Vermont
🫎 Loyal Pup
🔨 Inn Renovations
🏘️ Land Developers
🔍 Cozy Mystery
🔐 Secrets
🏡 Small Town
Ayla Rose kept me guessing until the very last page and I honestly didn’t see the big reveal coming! This was such an enjoyable series debut and I’m so excited to see where the series will go from here!
Method Read: 📖 & 🎧
Thank you so much Ayla Rose for the gifted ARC (and maple syrup!) and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
Murder on Devil’s Pond is the first installment of the Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery series and it was absolutely fantastic! I loved the complex family dynamics, buried secrets, unexpected twists, beautiful gardens, wonderful friendships, small town drama and of course - a perfect pup named Moose!
📚 Series Debut
🍁 Vermont
🫎 Loyal Pup
🔨 Inn Renovations
🏘️ Land Developers
🔍 Cozy Mystery
🔐 Secrets
🏡 Small Town
Ayla Rose kept me guessing until the very last page and I honestly didn’t see the big reveal coming! This was such an enjoyable series debut and I’m so excited to see where the series will go from here!
Method Read: 📖 & 🎧
Thank you so much Ayla Rose for the gifted ARC (and maple syrup!) and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
February 5, 2024
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I like cozy mysteries, so I always keep an eye out for those in Netgalley and the fact the owner runs an inn caught my attention for this one. While I had expected the inn to be one of the things I would enjoy most about this book, I actually ended up enjoying the mystery the most. The rest of the elements fell flat for me, but the mystery was a solid one and was what kept me reading.
Let's talk about the mystery first. I thought this book had a really well written mystery. The focus strongly is on the mystery and way less on the daily life events, and most of those still tie back to the mystery in some way. When Hannah's 80 year old friend Ezra is murdered she gets involved trying to solve his murder. There are three of Ezra's cousins staying at her inn who are all suspects, but the more she digs into the murder and Ezra's life the more she uncovers. The mystery kept me reading and I was curious to find out who had killed Ezra and why.
Hannah keeps uncovering new pieces of information about Ezra's life, his past and those around him. Multiple strange events have happened and I like how Hannah digs deep into everything and slowly uncovers more piece by piece. I thought the mystery ended up being quite sad in a way, not only how Hannah lost a friend, but also some of Ezra's past that comes to light. It did make for an engaging mystery and I was coming up with the weirdest theories about who the murderer was and why they killed Ezra. I thought the actual reveal was a bit of a disappointment as I had expected something different.
Besides the mystery this book fell a bit flat to me. While I liked Hannah's dedication and determination in finding who killed Ezra, I felt like I didn't really get to know her as well as I wanted. There's the work she did with the inn and her passion for gardening, but besides that there isn't much.
The side characters weren't really likeable or interesting, they were mostly there to fulfill a role in the story and a lot of them felt very manipulative and only out for their own gain. It sure gave a lot of them motive for murder, but it didn't make for a very enjoyable read. I liked how Reggie, Hannah's sister, becomes a bit warmer to her toward the end of the book, but for most of the book I didn't really like her either or her relationship with Hannah. There is a hint of romance and even almost a love triangle, but neither gets a lot of attention so it's hard to even call it that. There's a not quite date, one kiss and then at the end Hannah seems to pick one of the guys and agrees on a date with him. So maybe there will be more romance in the next book.
I also thought this book kinda missed the cozy vibe, with so many unlikable or even manipulative side characters and not a lot of focus on the small town vibe, it just didn't have that cozy vibe I look for in a cozy mystery. This didn't feel like a cozy town, but one with lots of secrets and people out for their own interest. I also had hoped for more about the inn Hannah runs, but there really is only the basics and the inn felt more like a plot device for Hannah to talk to the cousins as they were staying at her inn.
To summarize: Murder on Devil's Pond had a well written mystery, but that was the only thing that kept me reading. The book didn't have that cozy vibe I expected and there wasn't as much about Hannah's job at the inn. Most of the side characters weren't really likable or interesting and a bunch of them come across as manipulative and out for their own gain. I liked Hannah's dedication and determination in solving the mystery, but felt I didn't really get to know much about her besides that and her passion for sustainable gardening. The mystery was a good one though, it kept me reading and I was curious to find out what had happened. There is a lot of secrets and facts about Ezra's past that Hannah uncovers during her investigation. I was coming up with the wildest theories about who the murderer was and the actual reveal was a bit disappointing as it wasn't what I had expected at all. This book has an engaging mystery, but fell flat where it came to the characters, theme and cozy vibe.
I like cozy mysteries, so I always keep an eye out for those in Netgalley and the fact the owner runs an inn caught my attention for this one. While I had expected the inn to be one of the things I would enjoy most about this book, I actually ended up enjoying the mystery the most. The rest of the elements fell flat for me, but the mystery was a solid one and was what kept me reading.
Let's talk about the mystery first. I thought this book had a really well written mystery. The focus strongly is on the mystery and way less on the daily life events, and most of those still tie back to the mystery in some way. When Hannah's 80 year old friend Ezra is murdered she gets involved trying to solve his murder. There are three of Ezra's cousins staying at her inn who are all suspects, but the more she digs into the murder and Ezra's life the more she uncovers. The mystery kept me reading and I was curious to find out who had killed Ezra and why.
Hannah keeps uncovering new pieces of information about Ezra's life, his past and those around him. Multiple strange events have happened and I like how Hannah digs deep into everything and slowly uncovers more piece by piece. I thought the mystery ended up being quite sad in a way, not only how Hannah lost a friend, but also some of Ezra's past that comes to light. It did make for an engaging mystery and I was coming up with the weirdest theories about who the murderer was and why they killed Ezra. I thought the actual reveal was a bit of a disappointment as I had expected something different.
Besides the mystery this book fell a bit flat to me. While I liked Hannah's dedication and determination in finding who killed Ezra, I felt like I didn't really get to know her as well as I wanted. There's the work she did with the inn and her passion for gardening, but besides that there isn't much.
The side characters weren't really likeable or interesting, they were mostly there to fulfill a role in the story and a lot of them felt very manipulative and only out for their own gain. It sure gave a lot of them motive for murder, but it didn't make for a very enjoyable read. I liked how Reggie, Hannah's sister, becomes a bit warmer to her toward the end of the book, but for most of the book I didn't really like her either or her relationship with Hannah. There is a hint of romance and even almost a love triangle, but neither gets a lot of attention so it's hard to even call it that. There's a not quite date, one kiss and then at the end Hannah seems to pick one of the guys and agrees on a date with him. So maybe there will be more romance in the next book.
I also thought this book kinda missed the cozy vibe, with so many unlikable or even manipulative side characters and not a lot of focus on the small town vibe, it just didn't have that cozy vibe I look for in a cozy mystery. This didn't feel like a cozy town, but one with lots of secrets and people out for their own interest. I also had hoped for more about the inn Hannah runs, but there really is only the basics and the inn felt more like a plot device for Hannah to talk to the cousins as they were staying at her inn.
To summarize: Murder on Devil's Pond had a well written mystery, but that was the only thing that kept me reading. The book didn't have that cozy vibe I expected and there wasn't as much about Hannah's job at the inn. Most of the side characters weren't really likable or interesting and a bunch of them come across as manipulative and out for their own gain. I liked Hannah's dedication and determination in solving the mystery, but felt I didn't really get to know much about her besides that and her passion for sustainable gardening. The mystery was a good one though, it kept me reading and I was curious to find out what had happened. There is a lot of secrets and facts about Ezra's past that Hannah uncovers during her investigation. I was coming up with the wildest theories about who the murderer was and the actual reveal was a bit disappointing as it wasn't what I had expected at all. This book has an engaging mystery, but fell flat where it came to the characters, theme and cozy vibe.
May 5, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose questions if what we do in our past determines our future.
Will Hannah Solace find the truth?
Hannah Solace
Our sleuth is Hannah Solace, who returned to Jasper, Vermont, two, almost three years ago now. Hannah is tasked by her older sister to run and manage the bed and breakfast however she wants. Well, Hannah is making it a pretty awesome bed and breakfast. She is also bringing out a lot of wildlife, and she wants to preserve that type of thinking. Hannah is an amazing character, and I love how she tries to make the bed and breakfast a whole lot different than any other bed and breakfast. She is growing her own produce, has an amazing garden, and has access to the lake. Another thing that I like about Hannah is that as she’s trying to solve her friend’s death, we find out more about her, how she ended up back in Jasper, and why she left in the first place.
Hannah has a kind heart and an old soul that loves animals and nature. I truly enjoyed being with Hannah and seeing how her mind works.
The Mystery
Hannah Solace found her friend’s body, Ezra Grayson, in the last place that she would have thought to see him. Since she is suspected of killing him by the police, he decides to find out who the murderer actually is. As Hannah looks not only in the present but in the past, she finds out more than she was bargaining for and wonders how that relates to Ezra’s death. I had three suspects the entire time but kept writing each off since they all seemed like red herrings. Surprisingly, I was right about one of the suspects but not the motive. That motive was quite the doozy.
Five Stars
Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose’s rating is five stars, and I truly recommend it to all the cozy mystery readers out there. You won’t be disappointed as this is a fantastic book. I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Rose brings to Hannah’s doorstep.
The back of this book contains recipes, but since I have an ARC copy, it doesn’t have them.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose questions if what we do in our past determines our future.
Will Hannah Solace find the truth?
Hannah Solace
Our sleuth is Hannah Solace, who returned to Jasper, Vermont, two, almost three years ago now. Hannah is tasked by her older sister to run and manage the bed and breakfast however she wants. Well, Hannah is making it a pretty awesome bed and breakfast. She is also bringing out a lot of wildlife, and she wants to preserve that type of thinking. Hannah is an amazing character, and I love how she tries to make the bed and breakfast a whole lot different than any other bed and breakfast. She is growing her own produce, has an amazing garden, and has access to the lake. Another thing that I like about Hannah is that as she’s trying to solve her friend’s death, we find out more about her, how she ended up back in Jasper, and why she left in the first place.
Hannah has a kind heart and an old soul that loves animals and nature. I truly enjoyed being with Hannah and seeing how her mind works.
The Mystery
Hannah Solace found her friend’s body, Ezra Grayson, in the last place that she would have thought to see him. Since she is suspected of killing him by the police, he decides to find out who the murderer actually is. As Hannah looks not only in the present but in the past, she finds out more than she was bargaining for and wonders how that relates to Ezra’s death. I had three suspects the entire time but kept writing each off since they all seemed like red herrings. Surprisingly, I was right about one of the suspects but not the motive. That motive was quite the doozy.
Five Stars
Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose’s rating is five stars, and I truly recommend it to all the cozy mystery readers out there. You won’t be disappointed as this is a fantastic book. I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Rose brings to Hannah’s doorstep.
The back of this book contains recipes, but since I have an ARC copy, it doesn’t have them.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
February 26, 2024
Hannah Solace has returned to her hometown to renovate an inn she owns with her sister – and to build a new life for herself. It’s been a struggle – the inn is losing money – and it becomes even worse when she finds the murdered body of one of her friends on her property and most of the suspects are staying at her inn. Hannah wants to find out what happened to her friend but soon discovers that she will uncover secrets from the past – some that will involve her family. Is she ready to deal with the truth?
“Murder on Devil's Pond” is the very nicely done first book in Ayla Rose’s Hummingbird Hollow B&B cozy mystery series. There is a lot to like about this book starting with the setting –not only the B & B, but the property it is on and other property including the house belonging to the murder victim. Also well done are the characters, starting with Hannah, her sister, her niece, the murder victim, his dog, and so many more. The mystery is very well done and serves as a way for readers to get to know the characters better and for Hannah herself to learn about the past – there are many secrets unraveled including some very sad ones. The mystery is well plotted – I did figure out some plot points but not others – with plenty of suspects and a few surprises along the way. All in all, well done, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
“Murder on Devil's Pond” is the very nicely done first book in Ayla Rose’s Hummingbird Hollow B&B cozy mystery series. There is a lot to like about this book starting with the setting –not only the B & B, but the property it is on and other property including the house belonging to the murder victim. Also well done are the characters, starting with Hannah, her sister, her niece, the murder victim, his dog, and so many more. The mystery is very well done and serves as a way for readers to get to know the characters better and for Hannah herself to learn about the past – there are many secrets unraveled including some very sad ones. The mystery is well plotted – I did figure out some plot points but not others – with plenty of suspects and a few surprises along the way. All in all, well done, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
July 3, 2024
4⭐️
Ever since returning to her hometown, Hannah Solace had been trying to fix up the old Victorian hotel in town. It was a difficult job with many hold ups, including financial issues, unreliable contractors, and Hannah's own reputation from when she left town fifteen years ago. Her main friend in the town turned out to be an 80 year old recluse named Ezra that lived nearby. The old man was spry which was why she was surprised to find Ezra dead on her property one afternoon. It turned out that Ezra had been murdered and with Ezra's property being prime real estate for many business in town there were many suspects who had a reason to want Ezra dead. Hannah included.
This was a nice cute and cozy mystery that. I judge basically all cozy mysteries against Murder, She Wrote and this met those expectations. I loved Hannah returning to town for a second chance, even though most of the towns people knew her as a wild child. It really showed how small towns can be both supportive but also super judgey. I loved the friendship between her and Ezra and especially loved Ezra's dog, Moose. Ezra was such a cranky old man, but the more Hannah dug into the mystery of his death, the more we got to see the sweeter side of him that he kept hidden. I also liked learning about Ezra's relationship with Luis and how grief and grudges effect a person differently.
My biggest issue with this was the timeline. This is supposed to be the first book in a series but there was a lot of discussion about things that happened off paper that it felt like the author expected us to know. A lot of it was based around Hannah's family history, like her relationship with her father and the downfall of her sister's former relationship. Both of those things were important, but they were so nonchalantly thrown into the story like a reminder that these things happened that just made things hard to follow. I also have an issue with any story that has a character being friends with a cop and then is offended when they clearly have a motive and their cop friend does their job. Hannah was so offended that her cop friend was investigating her even though she had one of the biggest motives and if anything she made herself more suspicious.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC to me!
Ever since returning to her hometown, Hannah Solace had been trying to fix up the old Victorian hotel in town. It was a difficult job with many hold ups, including financial issues, unreliable contractors, and Hannah's own reputation from when she left town fifteen years ago. Her main friend in the town turned out to be an 80 year old recluse named Ezra that lived nearby. The old man was spry which was why she was surprised to find Ezra dead on her property one afternoon. It turned out that Ezra had been murdered and with Ezra's property being prime real estate for many business in town there were many suspects who had a reason to want Ezra dead. Hannah included.
This was a nice cute and cozy mystery that. I judge basically all cozy mysteries against Murder, She Wrote and this met those expectations. I loved Hannah returning to town for a second chance, even though most of the towns people knew her as a wild child. It really showed how small towns can be both supportive but also super judgey. I loved the friendship between her and Ezra and especially loved Ezra's dog, Moose. Ezra was such a cranky old man, but the more Hannah dug into the mystery of his death, the more we got to see the sweeter side of him that he kept hidden. I also liked learning about Ezra's relationship with Luis and how grief and grudges effect a person differently.
My biggest issue with this was the timeline. This is supposed to be the first book in a series but there was a lot of discussion about things that happened off paper that it felt like the author expected us to know. A lot of it was based around Hannah's family history, like her relationship with her father and the downfall of her sister's former relationship. Both of those things were important, but they were so nonchalantly thrown into the story like a reminder that these things happened that just made things hard to follow. I also have an issue with any story that has a character being friends with a cop and then is offended when they clearly have a motive and their cop friend does their job. Hannah was so offended that her cop friend was investigating her even though she had one of the biggest motives and if anything she made herself more suspicious.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC to me!
March 24, 2024
Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose
Who doesn’t love a good cozy mystery especially in the winter?!
Meet Hannah. A hard-working manager of a charming Victorian bed and breakfast in Vermont. Hannah has a vision for the house and grounds. When she finds her neighbour’s body on her property, her focus quickly shifts to sleuthing out what or who caused the death. Hannah’s list of suspects is long, but the police keep on circling back to her.
There are many interesting characters including 80-year-old Ezra, hard-as-nails Reggie, swoony Ash , and of course the dog Moose and Turnip the cat.
This is a little dark and there is a lot of family drama. If you’re looking for a light-hearted cozy mystery this might not be the one for you.
I’ll be back though to read more about Hannah and see what she can get done in her yard!
Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for an opportunity to read this ARC
Who doesn’t love a good cozy mystery especially in the winter?!
Meet Hannah. A hard-working manager of a charming Victorian bed and breakfast in Vermont. Hannah has a vision for the house and grounds. When she finds her neighbour’s body on her property, her focus quickly shifts to sleuthing out what or who caused the death. Hannah’s list of suspects is long, but the police keep on circling back to her.
There are many interesting characters including 80-year-old Ezra, hard-as-nails Reggie, swoony Ash , and of course the dog Moose and Turnip the cat.
This is a little dark and there is a lot of family drama. If you’re looking for a light-hearted cozy mystery this might not be the one for you.
I’ll be back though to read more about Hannah and see what she can get done in her yard!
Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for an opportunity to read this ARC
January 3, 2025
A fun read and a promising start to a new series.
I was pleasantly surprised by this because I was expecting something akin to a more traditional cozy, and while this lacks the atmosphere and humor that sometimes make those fun reads, this is a far better structured story and a much more high quality mystery.
I do wish these had a bit more focus on setting and atmosphere, but I was impressed by the mystery itself, and the characters are likable enough to hold down a continuing series.
This is on the long side for a book like this and probably could have used a bit of humor, but otherwise it was a solid read, and I’ll certainly look for the next in the series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I was pleasantly surprised by this because I was expecting something akin to a more traditional cozy, and while this lacks the atmosphere and humor that sometimes make those fun reads, this is a far better structured story and a much more high quality mystery.
I do wish these had a bit more focus on setting and atmosphere, but I was impressed by the mystery itself, and the characters are likable enough to hold down a continuing series.
This is on the long side for a book like this and probably could have used a bit of humor, but otherwise it was a solid read, and I’ll certainly look for the next in the series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 27, 2025
Hannah runs her sister's inn on ecological principles, encouraging pollinators, and befriending local curmudgeon Ezra, whose property is in much demand, although the old man doesn't want to sell. When his two nephews and niece move into the inn and try to persuade him to leave them the property, the old man is enraged. When Hannah finds Ezra's body in her little kayaking pond, she becomes a suspect, especially when the detectives learn that he has left her his entire estate--which is considerably larger than anyone realized. As she finds herself finding out more about Ezra's death--and life--Hannah also gets closer and closer to danger.
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