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Franklin Warren and Alice Bellows Mystery #0.5
Mud Season: A Bethany, Vermont Story
Enter the world of 1960s Bethany, Vermont in this suspenseful short story featuring characters from the forthcoming Agony Hill.
It's mud season in Bethany, Vermont. As spring nears, the thawing ground and melting snow-pack has created muddy, impassable roads. It's not unusual to see a driver pushing their car or going for help. But a car with Pennsylvania plates has been completely abandoned, still stuck in the mud.
Alice Bellows, an inquisitive widow who seems to know everything going on in town, can't help but wonder what would lead someone to abandon their car like that. All that's left in the car are two suitcases sitting in the trunk, no registration or keys. The police aren't too concerned about the abandoned car, but Alice thinks there's more to the story. Not sure what she'll find or who may get hurt, she takes it upon herself to find the car's owner and what they're hiding in her small town.
It's mud season in Bethany, Vermont. As spring nears, the thawing ground and melting snow-pack has created muddy, impassable roads. It's not unusual to see a driver pushing their car or going for help. But a car with Pennsylvania plates has been completely abandoned, still stuck in the mud.
Alice Bellows, an inquisitive widow who seems to know everything going on in town, can't help but wonder what would lead someone to abandon their car like that. All that's left in the car are two suitcases sitting in the trunk, no registration or keys. The police aren't too concerned about the abandoned car, but Alice thinks there's more to the story. Not sure what she'll find or who may get hurt, she takes it upon herself to find the car's owner and what they're hiding in her small town.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2024
156 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Stewart Taylor
19 books762 followersSarah Stewart Taylor lives with her husband and three children on a farm in Vermont where they raise sheep and grow blueberries.
Sarah is the author of the Sweeney St. George series and the Maggie D'arcy series. The first Maggie D'arcy mystery, THE MOUNTAINS WILD, was nominated for the Dashiell Hammett Prize and was on numerous Best of 2020 lists. The new Maggie D'arcy novel, A STOLEN CHILD, is out now. AGONY HILL, the first installment in her new series set in Vermont in 1965, will be out in 2024.
Sarah is the author of the Sweeney St. George series and the Maggie D'arcy series. The first Maggie D'arcy mystery, THE MOUNTAINS WILD, was nominated for the Dashiell Hammett Prize and was on numerous Best of 2020 lists. The new Maggie D'arcy novel, A STOLEN CHILD, is out now. AGONY HILL, the first installment in her new series set in Vermont in 1965, will be out in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 12, 2025
This is a little prequel to this mystery series. A short story to whet your appetite.
The setting is Bethany, Vermont in the 1960’s. The mystery? Well, it all begins during mud season when the local pastor is delayed in getting to mass because of a car stranded in the mud crossways so that he cannot drive by. Not an uncommon occurrence. Well, except that the car has Pennsylvania plates, is on a rural road, and is abandoned.
This mystery does not sit right with Alice who is a widow who has moved back to her hometown since her husband died. Alice makes it her business to know what is going on in Bethany, and she is determined to get to the bottom of things. She elicits help from Pinky (a local state policeman she went to high school with), the chief of police, her friends who run the General Gossip Mill - OOOPS I mean General Store, and her housekeeper. What a bunch of characters ~ all in on the action.
Et viola! A cozy mystery!
This was okay. Good enough that I will probably try the first book in this series.
The setting is Bethany, Vermont in the 1960’s. The mystery? Well, it all begins during mud season when the local pastor is delayed in getting to mass because of a car stranded in the mud crossways so that he cannot drive by. Not an uncommon occurrence. Well, except that the car has Pennsylvania plates, is on a rural road, and is abandoned.
This mystery does not sit right with Alice who is a widow who has moved back to her hometown since her husband died. Alice makes it her business to know what is going on in Bethany, and she is determined to get to the bottom of things. She elicits help from Pinky (a local state policeman she went to high school with), the chief of police, her friends who run the General Gossip Mill - OOOPS I mean General Store, and her housekeeper. What a bunch of characters ~ all in on the action.
Et viola! A cozy mystery!
This was okay. Good enough that I will probably try the first book in this series.
April 29, 2025
I discovered this series last year and didn’t realize there was a prequel until I read the first installment. That story focused on former Boston cop, Frank Warren, moving to Bethany, VT for a fresh start and is a detective in the Bethany police department. The story also introduced Alice, who ends up being Frank’s neighbor. Alice is a HUGE town busybody, who runs around sticking her nose in everyone’s business while keeping a tight lid on her own life and secrets.
This prequel is in the days before Frank’s arrival and is just more of Alice running around town invading other people’s privacy in an effort to find out who owns the abandoned car that got stuck in the mud and what happened to them. While no one, not even the police chief, makes any attempt to reign in this nosy body’s nonsense. I do recall that Frank had a way of keeping her at arm’s length to protect his own privacy. Good thing too because he’s going to need it.
For the record, I’m not a fan of Alice; she’s an unlikeable character. She’s not at all like those elderly, widow characters in cozies that are cute and funny; she’s judgmental and annoying and a terrible character. At the time I read Agony Hill, the series was named Frank Warren Mysteries and now the publisher’s have added Alice to the title. Uuuggghhh!!! I REALLY hope the stories focus more on Frank than Alice. Guess I’ll see soon enough because I have the second installment coming up soon.
The story was all about Alice and the character development was well done. If Taylor set out to portray Alice in a very unflattering light as the annoying woman that she is, she absolutely succeeded. The pacing for this short story was steady to fast. The storyline and writing were good. I'm looking at an overall rating of 3.5 that I'm not really feeling compelled to round up. My 3star review is pretty generous.
This prequel is in the days before Frank’s arrival and is just more of Alice running around town invading other people’s privacy in an effort to find out who owns the abandoned car that got stuck in the mud and what happened to them. While no one, not even the police chief, makes any attempt to reign in this nosy body’s nonsense. I do recall that Frank had a way of keeping her at arm’s length to protect his own privacy. Good thing too because he’s going to need it.
For the record, I’m not a fan of Alice; she’s an unlikeable character. She’s not at all like those elderly, widow characters in cozies that are cute and funny; she’s judgmental and annoying and a terrible character. At the time I read Agony Hill, the series was named Frank Warren Mysteries and now the publisher’s have added Alice to the title. Uuuggghhh!!! I REALLY hope the stories focus more on Frank than Alice. Guess I’ll see soon enough because I have the second installment coming up soon.
The story was all about Alice and the character development was well done. If Taylor set out to portray Alice in a very unflattering light as the annoying woman that she is, she absolutely succeeded. The pacing for this short story was steady to fast. The storyline and writing were good. I'm looking at an overall rating of 3.5 that I'm not really feeling compelled to round up. My 3star review is pretty generous.
February 11, 2025
Mud Season is a short and sweet prequel to this Bethany, Vermont series by Sarah Stewart Taylor. We get a little introduction to the town and its inhabitants. I really do like small town rural mysteries and the characters we get to follow. This author and series is a pleasant surprise for me and I already secured an advance copy of book two and am really looking forward to reading it. I can really recommend this series.
August 1, 2024
3.5 Stars
I'm intrigued! Will definitely read Agony Hill next!
I'm intrigued! Will definitely read Agony Hill next!
July 20, 2024
Enjoyed this short story prequel to Sarah Stewart Taylor's new Historical Crime Fiction series. I enjoyed getting to know the citizens of Bethany Vermont who will be front and center of Agony Hill Detective Frank Warren's first book. Especially amateur sleuth Alice Bellows and how she strings together bits of gossip and clues to solve the mystery of the abandoned car from Pennsylvania! One sharp cookie, good luck Detective Warren!
June 12, 2024
Really short story Alice Bellows, one of the characters from Agony Hill. I like how it set up the town and informed the reader of the character's backstories. I want to read more of Alice and her adventures!
December 20, 2024
Quick Read
Felt this was too rushed. Would have liked it a bit longer with a few more details, but either way, not bad for a short one
Felt this was too rushed. Would have liked it a bit longer with a few more details, but either way, not bad for a short one
June 11, 2024
Sarah Stewart Taylor is a writer from Vermont.
She wrote the Sweeney St. George series which features a young art historian who specializes in gravestone and funerary art - the art of death. The first book in the series, O Artful Death, was nominated for an Agatha award for best first novel.
Ms. Taylor’s second series is the Maggie D’arcy series. Mysteries about family, survival, and the meaning of home with locations in Long Island and Ireland.
A new series begins with the publication (in 2024) of Agony Hill, a historical series with vivid New England atmosphere. It is set in rural Vermont in the 1960s.
Mud Season: a Bethany, Vermont story is a short story which features characters from Ms. Taylor’s new book/series Agony Hill.
It’s mud season in Bethany, Vermont. A car with Pennsylvania plates is found abandoned, still stuck in the mud on a remote back road. Alice Bellows, a very inquisitive widow, sets out to find the car’s owner and what he/she is hiding.
The short story, Mud Season: a Bethany, Vermont story is highly recommended, as are Ms. Taylor’s earlier series, especially Maggie D’arcy. The locations, the writing and the very developed characters and plots are excellent.
She wrote the Sweeney St. George series which features a young art historian who specializes in gravestone and funerary art - the art of death. The first book in the series, O Artful Death, was nominated for an Agatha award for best first novel.
Ms. Taylor’s second series is the Maggie D’arcy series. Mysteries about family, survival, and the meaning of home with locations in Long Island and Ireland.
A new series begins with the publication (in 2024) of Agony Hill, a historical series with vivid New England atmosphere. It is set in rural Vermont in the 1960s.
Mud Season: a Bethany, Vermont story is a short story which features characters from Ms. Taylor’s new book/series Agony Hill.
It’s mud season in Bethany, Vermont. A car with Pennsylvania plates is found abandoned, still stuck in the mud on a remote back road. Alice Bellows, a very inquisitive widow, sets out to find the car’s owner and what he/she is hiding.
The short story, Mud Season: a Bethany, Vermont story is highly recommended, as are Ms. Taylor’s earlier series, especially Maggie D’arcy. The locations, the writing and the very developed characters and plots are excellent.
June 18, 2024
A nice prequel to see if I will like the series. The timing is the 1960s with the Civil Rights movement. We have a curious, and well connected woman who figures out most everything in town.
June 1, 2025
Nice little short story setup for the series, really get a feel for the town & what the new detective will be walking into - also I always enjoy when there’s a map included!
March 25, 2025
Great intro to a new to me author.. already checking out more in series..
July 27, 2024
It’s Mud Season in Bethany, Vermont in the 1960s and a mysterious car was found abandoned in the mud on a rural road. Alice Bellows is sure there is more to the story and uses her relationship with the townspeople to find out more.
This is a short story prequel to the historical mystery in “Agony Hill” that introduces the townspeople and envelops us on the Vermont atmosphere in the 1960s. Give the short length, Alice is a meddling character that I quickly loved and look forward to seeing her in the longer format book.
This is a short story prequel to the historical mystery in “Agony Hill” that introduces the townspeople and envelops us on the Vermont atmosphere in the 1960s. Give the short length, Alice is a meddling character that I quickly loved and look forward to seeing her in the longer format book.
January 4, 2026
An interesting short story that made me want to explore the Bethany, Vermont series.
This book takes place during mud season in Vermont: a car with Pennsylvania plates has been abandoned, still stuck in the mud. The police doesn't seem so concerned about it, but Alice Bellows, an inquisitive widow, has a lot of questions. Who would abandon a car? Where did they go? There must be more to the story.
Okay, this was a nice little short story. I felt like I was transported to Vermont (which was nice having lived on the NH-VT border and miss it dearly). This book really reads Vermont and I loved it. I loved the Mud Season component being responsible for a bit of the mystery. I found Alice to be quite charming and I loved her little trips to the general store to get the scoop. The writing is strong and I really loved seeing the mystery coming together.
I will definitely read more.
This book takes place during mud season in Vermont: a car with Pennsylvania plates has been abandoned, still stuck in the mud. The police doesn't seem so concerned about it, but Alice Bellows, an inquisitive widow, has a lot of questions. Who would abandon a car? Where did they go? There must be more to the story.
Okay, this was a nice little short story. I felt like I was transported to Vermont (which was nice having lived on the NH-VT border and miss it dearly). This book really reads Vermont and I loved it. I loved the Mud Season component being responsible for a bit of the mystery. I found Alice to be quite charming and I loved her little trips to the general store to get the scoop. The writing is strong and I really loved seeing the mystery coming together.
I will definitely read more.
June 30, 2024
"Mud Season: A Bethany, Vermont Story" by Sarah Stewart Taylor.
"Enter the world of 1960s Bethany, Vermont in this suspenseful short story featuring characters from the forthcoming Agony Hill.
It's mud season in Bethany, Vermont. As spring nears, the thawing ground and melting snow-pack has created muddy, impassable roads. It's not unusual to see a driver pushing their car or going for help. But a car with Pennsylvania plates has been completely abandoned, still stuck in the mud.
Alice Bellows, an inquisitive widow who seems to know everything going on in town, can't help but wonder what would lead someone to abandon their car like that. All that's left in the car are two suitcases sitting in the trunk, no registration or keys. The police aren't too concerned about the abandoned car, but Alice thinks there's more to the story. Not sure what she'll find or who may get hurt, she takes it upon herself to find the car's owner and what they're hiding in her small town."
My thoughts:
The first half of this 82 page Kindle novella is the short story of the abandoned car on the muddy road and how Alice gathers info to figure out just what happened. It was a fairly simple story with interesting deductions that led Alice to the truth and helped the police close the case.
The second half of this book was given over to the first few chapters of the forthcoming full length novel in the series. A twist on the locked room murder scenario. A grim introduction to the town for the new detective Franklin Warren. Warren does seem to be a solid detective but will be the typical fish out of water for awhile. The near constant blushing of Pinky gets tired very quickly. The family of the victim is a bit of an odd bunch and there is clearly more to them but even after several chapters and 40 pages, I just couldn't get into the story.
I honestly did not enjoy the introductory chapters of "Agony Hill" nearly as much as I did "Mud Season". If I do eventually read the book, it will only be after a deep discount on the Kindle edition. JMO.
"Enter the world of 1960s Bethany, Vermont in this suspenseful short story featuring characters from the forthcoming Agony Hill.
It's mud season in Bethany, Vermont. As spring nears, the thawing ground and melting snow-pack has created muddy, impassable roads. It's not unusual to see a driver pushing their car or going for help. But a car with Pennsylvania plates has been completely abandoned, still stuck in the mud.
Alice Bellows, an inquisitive widow who seems to know everything going on in town, can't help but wonder what would lead someone to abandon their car like that. All that's left in the car are two suitcases sitting in the trunk, no registration or keys. The police aren't too concerned about the abandoned car, but Alice thinks there's more to the story. Not sure what she'll find or who may get hurt, she takes it upon herself to find the car's owner and what they're hiding in her small town."
My thoughts:
The first half of this 82 page Kindle novella is the short story of the abandoned car on the muddy road and how Alice gathers info to figure out just what happened. It was a fairly simple story with interesting deductions that led Alice to the truth and helped the police close the case.
The second half of this book was given over to the first few chapters of the forthcoming full length novel in the series. A twist on the locked room murder scenario. A grim introduction to the town for the new detective Franklin Warren. Warren does seem to be a solid detective but will be the typical fish out of water for awhile. The near constant blushing of Pinky gets tired very quickly. The family of the victim is a bit of an odd bunch and there is clearly more to them but even after several chapters and 40 pages, I just couldn't get into the story.
I honestly did not enjoy the introductory chapters of "Agony Hill" nearly as much as I did "Mud Season". If I do eventually read the book, it will only be after a deep discount on the Kindle edition. JMO.
September 29, 2024
I obtained this e-book through my Kindle Unlimited Subscription.
I am so excited about Sarah Stewart Taylor’s upcoming new series and was quite thrilled to discover this novella that introduces some of the characters that we will be meeting in the series as well as the town where the series takes place. This short story acts as a prequel to the series and I think it is the perfect introduction.
I loved getting to know Alice, who seems to be the amateur sleuth of the town. I have a feeling there is so much more to her than we have seen here and I cannot wait to find out all that is uncovered as the series progresses. We get glimpses of the townsfolk and they seem to be a quirky bunch that I am quite eager to know more about.
This novella also allows us to get a feel for the time period and setting, which unlike the other series I’ve read by this author, is historical in nature. I’m so excited to see how this all plays out. I haven’t read much set in the 1960s, especially anything set in rural Vermont and am eager to see what the author does with that.
This is gearing up to be one of my most anticipated series!
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com
I am so excited about Sarah Stewart Taylor’s upcoming new series and was quite thrilled to discover this novella that introduces some of the characters that we will be meeting in the series as well as the town where the series takes place. This short story acts as a prequel to the series and I think it is the perfect introduction.
I loved getting to know Alice, who seems to be the amateur sleuth of the town. I have a feeling there is so much more to her than we have seen here and I cannot wait to find out all that is uncovered as the series progresses. We get glimpses of the townsfolk and they seem to be a quirky bunch that I am quite eager to know more about.
This novella also allows us to get a feel for the time period and setting, which unlike the other series I’ve read by this author, is historical in nature. I’m so excited to see how this all plays out. I haven’t read much set in the 1960s, especially anything set in rural Vermont and am eager to see what the author does with that.
This is gearing up to be one of my most anticipated series!
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com
September 6, 2025
interesting short story
I just read the author’s book “Agony Hill” that takes place a few months after this story. Many of the same characters are in both. I will read the second book in the series called “Hunter’s Heart Ridge” because I like this author. I also ordered the first book in her Irish series “The Mountains Wild.” I love being able to read this short story on my phone through kindle.
I just read the author’s book “Agony Hill” that takes place a few months after this story. Many of the same characters are in both. I will read the second book in the series called “Hunter’s Heart Ridge” because I like this author. I also ordered the first book in her Irish series “The Mountains Wild.” I love being able to read this short story on my phone through kindle.
July 12, 2024
Muddy and dirty
Reverend Call appeared at the pulpit caked in mud telling of his misadventure on the muddy road while attempting to visit an ailing parishioner. An out of state car was mired in the mud, blocking the road. And thus begins the tale of how Alice gets involved with a theft, a murder, and a prodigal son's love for his dying father.
Reverend Call appeared at the pulpit caked in mud telling of his misadventure on the muddy road while attempting to visit an ailing parishioner. An out of state car was mired in the mud, blocking the road. And thus begins the tale of how Alice gets involved with a theft, a murder, and a prodigal son's love for his dying father.
July 9, 2024
I liked this well enough to try the 1st one in the new series. I think the author did a good job setting up the scenario for the new cop in town and nosy older woman amateur sleuth in this short story.
June 8, 2025
A cozy mystery
This is a very good story. I enjoyed the writing style and the way the story unfolded. The way the town and town folk were written kept me entertained. I'd recommend it.
This is a very good story. I enjoyed the writing style and the way the story unfolded. The way the town and town folk were written kept me entertained. I'd recommend it.
January 7, 2026
I got this free Kindle novella (I thought) from one of my favorite authors, but it turned out to be a short story followed by the first few chapters of her book Agony Hill, which I have already read. The story was fine, but it was less than half the length of the "book."
August 5, 2024
3.5 stars. Short story, prequel to Agony Hill, the first book in a new series by Sarah Stewart Taylor
November 3, 2024
3.75/5 stars
A prequel for the series so basically a short story.
A prequel for the series so basically a short story.
November 30, 2024
Just a good short story.
March 21, 2025
Good short story but really rushed. Great sleuthing skills - but the last part when she reveals the murderer who wasn’t mentioned at all up until this point just wasn’t how I expected it to end.
Read
April 22, 2025Read 4/25
September 29, 2025
Mud
A great short story that takes place before Agony Hill and introduces the characters of Bethany VT and the fifth season of the state…MUD!
A great short story that takes place before Agony Hill and introduces the characters of Bethany VT and the fifth season of the state…MUD!
October 2, 2025
Captivating
This was an excellent, clean mystery. It's a short story just long enough to fill an afternoon and too good to put down.
This was an excellent, clean mystery. It's a short story just long enough to fill an afternoon and too good to put down.
November 3, 2025
Prequel to first novel in series.
February 11, 2026
Not sure if I want to continue into the main series.
September 15, 2025
Great short novella! I’d previously read Agony Hill by Ms. Taylor and enjoyed it immensely. This was a quick solve for our heroine, former CIA operative Alice Farnham Bellows, but still a good one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews