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Moms Weekend Mysteries #1
The Dells
Even murder can't interfere with a good time.
They're smart, they're funny, and they are one hundred percent dedicated to having a good time during the annual moms weekend trip.
When a serial killer horns in on their plans, eight of the gutsiest, funniest women you will ever meet take him on in a fight that even the meanest of criminals can't hope to win.
They're smart, they're funny, and they are one hundred percent dedicated to having a good time during the annual moms weekend trip.
When a serial killer horns in on their plans, eight of the gutsiest, funniest women you will ever meet take him on in a fight that even the meanest of criminals can't hope to win.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2014
6 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Barnes
13 books8 followersK.L. Barnes is the author of three novels in the psychic suspense Pay Series, Including Pay Attention, Pay the Piper, and Pay Penance featuring Maeve Tidewell and Ben Drake, as well as the stand-alone psychic suspense novella, Up Roan Creek. Her brand new release, The Dells, ventures into the humorous world of chick-lit suspense and, like all of her books, is based on her own life experiences and relationships.
Having always had a vivid imagination and the fantasy of someday becoming a real life hero, she puts her characters in situations with elements of excitement and danger. You never can tell where a hero might emerge.
Barnes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, and combines her fondness for mystery and suspense with her love of writing. Born and raised in Colorado, she now lives happily in Phoenix Arizona.
Barnes always loves hearing from readers and fans!
Visit her website at http://k-l-barnes.com/index/
Sign up to hear about new releases at http://k-l-barnes.com/books/
Follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/KL-Barnes
Follow her on Twitter @_KLBarnes https://twitter.com/_KLBarnes
WHAT READERS AND REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT K.L. BARNES BOOKS:
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining but won't dull your mind October 31, 2014
By Irene Riot
When I came across this book, I was looking for a light chick-lit read. What I got was a suspense thriller with a chick-lit feel. Instead of a 20 something heroine whose main dilemma is to decide which credit card to use to pay her Jimmy Choos with, I came across a book whose heroine is a kick butt cougar momma who will claw the life out of anyone who dares to mess with her cubs.
5.0 out of 5 stars Pay attention
By Willow
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. Had a good hook and a few chapters in you just have to see what happens next. Can't wait for the next one.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
By Alex06
"Pay Attention" is an exceptional book. Whenever I look for a good book to read I want something that will keep me interested all the way through to the point of never putting it down. This book really does grab your attention, keeps you on your toes and is exciting from start to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait to read the next one!, May 4, 2014
By Terry Hardin
I’m an avid reader, mostly of suspense, and I’m always looking for something new and different. I was out of reading material so I picked this up – then blew off a lunch date with my mother! I was so enthralled with Pay Attention that I just couldn’t stop reading. Maeve Tidewell is my kind of heroine for sure. This isn’t my first suspense novel by a long shot, so when I say it’s worth reading, I mean it!
- See more at: http://k-l-barnes.com/press/#sthash.i...
Having always had a vivid imagination and the fantasy of someday becoming a real life hero, she puts her characters in situations with elements of excitement and danger. You never can tell where a hero might emerge.
Barnes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, and combines her fondness for mystery and suspense with her love of writing. Born and raised in Colorado, she now lives happily in Phoenix Arizona.
Barnes always loves hearing from readers and fans!
Visit her website at http://k-l-barnes.com/index/
Sign up to hear about new releases at http://k-l-barnes.com/books/
Follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/KL-Barnes
Follow her on Twitter @_KLBarnes https://twitter.com/_KLBarnes
WHAT READERS AND REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT K.L. BARNES BOOKS:
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining but won't dull your mind October 31, 2014
By Irene Riot
When I came across this book, I was looking for a light chick-lit read. What I got was a suspense thriller with a chick-lit feel. Instead of a 20 something heroine whose main dilemma is to decide which credit card to use to pay her Jimmy Choos with, I came across a book whose heroine is a kick butt cougar momma who will claw the life out of anyone who dares to mess with her cubs.
5.0 out of 5 stars Pay attention
By Willow
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. Had a good hook and a few chapters in you just have to see what happens next. Can't wait for the next one.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
By Alex06
"Pay Attention" is an exceptional book. Whenever I look for a good book to read I want something that will keep me interested all the way through to the point of never putting it down. This book really does grab your attention, keeps you on your toes and is exciting from start to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait to read the next one!, May 4, 2014
By Terry Hardin
I’m an avid reader, mostly of suspense, and I’m always looking for something new and different. I was out of reading material so I picked this up – then blew off a lunch date with my mother! I was so enthralled with Pay Attention that I just couldn’t stop reading. Maeve Tidewell is my kind of heroine for sure. This isn’t my first suspense novel by a long shot, so when I say it’s worth reading, I mean it!
- See more at: http://k-l-barnes.com/press/#sthash.i...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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December 17, 2025The Dells is an absolute gem that balances humor, heart, and suspense in a way that few books can pull off. K.L. Barnes has crafted a cast of women who are not only brave and clever but also incredibly relatable. Their camaraderie shines through every page, and the way they navigate danger with wit and determination had me laughing out loud one moment and holding my breath the next.
The plot is a masterclass in tension and timing. The blend of murder mystery and the spirited energy of a friends’ getaway creates an irresistible narrative that keeps readers hooked from the first chapter to the last. K.L. Barnes’ writing is sharp, engaging, and consistently entertaining, making this book a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling yet lighthearted story with unforgettable characters.
The plot is a masterclass in tension and timing. The blend of murder mystery and the spirited energy of a friends’ getaway creates an irresistible narrative that keeps readers hooked from the first chapter to the last. K.L. Barnes’ writing is sharp, engaging, and consistently entertaining, making this book a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling yet lighthearted story with unforgettable characters.
August 8, 2022
A girls getaway weekend is more than they bargained for. Relaxation from their significant others, the single’s we’re having fun and a trip they will never forget. I was hanging on ever page to see what would happen next. I can’t imagine how the rest of the series will be, but I’m sure it’s going to be exciting. I highly recommend this book for all the thrills and chills.
November 19, 2014
The Dells: A Moms Weekend Mystery by K. L. Barnes is a mystery/suspense with humor thrown in. It is the story of a group of moms who go away for a long weekend and the trouble they get in.
While on their weekend getaway to Prescott, Arizona, one of the friends joins a stranger, who she has just met, for a picnic lunch. When she does not return, the remaining friends set out to find their friend at all costs. When she is kidnapped, not once but twice, they will do whatever it takes to bring her back safely, even if it means risking their own safety in the process.
Detective Butch Cameron is pursuing a serial killer and really does not have time to deal with the women. But after meeting them and becoming intrigued with Camille, he is willing to help them out as much as he can. And who knows, maybe this case is related to his serial killer case. If that is the case, their friend could be in grave danger.
I was not sure how much I was going to like this book while reading the first couple of chapters. This was a group of women that I felt like I could not relate to. They seemed to only care about drinking and having a good time and seemed very shallow to me. But I kept reading, and I am sure glad I did. Everything changed for me after their friend went missing. They changed from shallow women to women who had a deep love for their friend and who would do anything to bring her home safely. They all had their own personalities and used their individual abilities to help in the search. They were all strong women in their own ways and I enjoyed getting to know them better. If I ever found myself in big trouble, I would want these women on my side, watching my back. Their love for each other and commitment to each other seemed honest and true.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author has an ability to build suspense while interspersing humor to lighten the mood. There are many twists and turns and a gradual build-up of tension that kept me swiping pages to see what would happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction or those who enjoy suspense. I have not read any other books from this author but I plan to read more of her books. And I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While on their weekend getaway to Prescott, Arizona, one of the friends joins a stranger, who she has just met, for a picnic lunch. When she does not return, the remaining friends set out to find their friend at all costs. When she is kidnapped, not once but twice, they will do whatever it takes to bring her back safely, even if it means risking their own safety in the process.
Detective Butch Cameron is pursuing a serial killer and really does not have time to deal with the women. But after meeting them and becoming intrigued with Camille, he is willing to help them out as much as he can. And who knows, maybe this case is related to his serial killer case. If that is the case, their friend could be in grave danger.
I was not sure how much I was going to like this book while reading the first couple of chapters. This was a group of women that I felt like I could not relate to. They seemed to only care about drinking and having a good time and seemed very shallow to me. But I kept reading, and I am sure glad I did. Everything changed for me after their friend went missing. They changed from shallow women to women who had a deep love for their friend and who would do anything to bring her home safely. They all had their own personalities and used their individual abilities to help in the search. They were all strong women in their own ways and I enjoyed getting to know them better. If I ever found myself in big trouble, I would want these women on my side, watching my back. Their love for each other and commitment to each other seemed honest and true.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author has an ability to build suspense while interspersing humor to lighten the mood. There are many twists and turns and a gradual build-up of tension that kept me swiping pages to see what would happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction or those who enjoy suspense. I have not read any other books from this author but I plan to read more of her books. And I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2014
Ginger Penmore (real estate agent), Cynthia Concanon (DoD), Lucille Welborn (military supply chain manager), Crystal Lobrien (high maintenance), Tara Harbin (hottie), Cecilia Camille Wainwright (writer), & Anca Monroe (scientist) were on their 7th annual moms weekend trip from Phoenix headed for Prescott AZ.
Marvin had been hired to keep & eye on the MILF's. The group dabbled in mystery & suspense.
The moms were all drinking & lounging around & up walks Carrie (former addict).
The bodies of Lorraine Wilson (Navajo Lake NM) & Carla Mayhew (Gunnison Reservoir Utah) had been found/identified.
6 months later Laura Pinkton (Willow Lake Park).
Detective Butch Cameron (Prescott P/D) was doing the investigations. FBI Special Agent Ralph Blocker, Chief of Detectives Leroy Hammer (Phoenix) & Sergeant Walker were also involved. Add to the list 1 more in NM, Utah & Arizona.
In the morning the girls meet Marvin Levine & Dale.
They were all going kayaking at the Dells (Watson Lake Park, Granite Mountains).
Tara Harbin & Marvin Levine were kinda on a lunch date. The 2 got attacked by an unknown assailant.
The P/D questioned her & an APB was put out on Randy.
Will Tara be found safe/sound?
Will the serial killings get solved & the perpetrator(s) be brought to justice?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mysterious who-dun-it book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great mysterious who-dun-it movie, or paid-per-view mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Story Cartel)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Marvin had been hired to keep & eye on the MILF's. The group dabbled in mystery & suspense.
The moms were all drinking & lounging around & up walks Carrie (former addict).
The bodies of Lorraine Wilson (Navajo Lake NM) & Carla Mayhew (Gunnison Reservoir Utah) had been found/identified.
6 months later Laura Pinkton (Willow Lake Park).
Detective Butch Cameron (Prescott P/D) was doing the investigations. FBI Special Agent Ralph Blocker, Chief of Detectives Leroy Hammer (Phoenix) & Sergeant Walker were also involved. Add to the list 1 more in NM, Utah & Arizona.
In the morning the girls meet Marvin Levine & Dale.
They were all going kayaking at the Dells (Watson Lake Park, Granite Mountains).
Tara Harbin & Marvin Levine were kinda on a lunch date. The 2 got attacked by an unknown assailant.
The P/D questioned her & an APB was put out on Randy.
Will Tara be found safe/sound?
Will the serial killings get solved & the perpetrator(s) be brought to justice?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mysterious who-dun-it book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great mysterious who-dun-it movie, or paid-per-view mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Story Cartel)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 5, 2014
Who doesn't love a weekend getaway with the girls? 8 friends from Arizona, spend one weekend a year together for a getaway. They leave the husbands and kids and worries behind and enjoy their time, eating, drinking and being very merry. But, this weekend is a little different. When one of the ladies, meets a handsome stranger their weekend is about to take a turn for the worse.
This was a very enjoyable book to read. The only drawback was that there were too many characters. 8 different women and I could probably only remember 2-3 names. This made for not very good character development. It could probably take 1/4 of the book to describe these ladies in a way where you felt you knew them personally. Add on their husbands(6) and the police force that helps them, and that's a lot of people to worry about.
The thing I did like about this story was about how resilient these women are. They let nothing or no one stand in their way of doing what they want and how they want. No matter if it means interfering in a police investigation or dividing rooms for those who sleep and those who don't.
There were a few grammatical errors in the book. A name not being capitalized and wrong usage of words(here instead of hear), but overall this book held my attention and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It would have been just as good or maybe better if the focus was on just 4 friends instead of 8, but still a book I will recommend to others.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
This was a very enjoyable book to read. The only drawback was that there were too many characters. 8 different women and I could probably only remember 2-3 names. This made for not very good character development. It could probably take 1/4 of the book to describe these ladies in a way where you felt you knew them personally. Add on their husbands(6) and the police force that helps them, and that's a lot of people to worry about.
The thing I did like about this story was about how resilient these women are. They let nothing or no one stand in their way of doing what they want and how they want. No matter if it means interfering in a police investigation or dividing rooms for those who sleep and those who don't.
There were a few grammatical errors in the book. A name not being capitalized and wrong usage of words(here instead of hear), but overall this book held my attention and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It would have been just as good or maybe better if the focus was on just 4 friends instead of 8, but still a book I will recommend to others.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
January 6, 2015
When I started the The Dells by K.L. Barnes I thought , " Oh no what have I gotten myself into promising to do an honest review in exchange for a copy of this book? I hate flashbacks!" and that was about the last thought I had of my own. I was up all night on a roller coaster ride of emotions manipulated by this authors words. Do I need to tell you that the one small flashback that started the book did not interfere with me being able to stay absorbed in the story?
The large bank of characters worked the story like a con man works his mark and I was mesmerized. I had no problems remembering one from another after the short time it took to get to know them. They were well written, likable and distinct from one another and I can't wait to meet them again!
I would have liked the reveal of the practical joke portion to have been delayed just a tiny bit longer to add to the overall suspense but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story.
All in all the cast of characters was well written and likable; the plot was believable, interesting and stimulating; and the ending pulled everything together with a satisfying sigh of relief but left you knowing these women are not going to stay out of trouble in the future.
Will I buy more books from this author? A resounding ,YES!
The large bank of characters worked the story like a con man works his mark and I was mesmerized. I had no problems remembering one from another after the short time it took to get to know them. They were well written, likable and distinct from one another and I can't wait to meet them again!
I would have liked the reveal of the practical joke portion to have been delayed just a tiny bit longer to add to the overall suspense but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story.
All in all the cast of characters was well written and likable; the plot was believable, interesting and stimulating; and the ending pulled everything together with a satisfying sigh of relief but left you knowing these women are not going to stay out of trouble in the future.
Will I buy more books from this author? A resounding ,YES!
November 26, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
The Dells by K.L. Barnes is a must read. It starts off a bit slow but before you know it, it grabs you, holds you down and keeps you there until the end. You will find yourself turning page, after page, after page and then keep on turning more pages until you finish reading it. Be sure to hold on, it has lots of twists and turns. It is about a group of "moms" that decide to go away for a long weekend and the trouble they get into. One of the moms goes out for a picnic lunch with a stranger that she meets but she then disappears. When she doesn't return the other moms decide that they are going to go and find her no matter what. There is also a serial killer on the loose. What will happen with their missing mom? Will they find her? Will they all make it back home together? Hhhmmm ... you will have to read this sometimes funny, suspenseful book. I loved it. If you want a good suspense novel to add to your bookshelf this is the one for you. I gave it 5 stars but it deserves more. I highly recommend it to every one. I look for more from K.L. Barnes.
The Dells by K.L. Barnes is a must read. It starts off a bit slow but before you know it, it grabs you, holds you down and keeps you there until the end. You will find yourself turning page, after page, after page and then keep on turning more pages until you finish reading it. Be sure to hold on, it has lots of twists and turns. It is about a group of "moms" that decide to go away for a long weekend and the trouble they get into. One of the moms goes out for a picnic lunch with a stranger that she meets but she then disappears. When she doesn't return the other moms decide that they are going to go and find her no matter what. There is also a serial killer on the loose. What will happen with their missing mom? Will they find her? Will they all make it back home together? Hhhmmm ... you will have to read this sometimes funny, suspenseful book. I loved it. If you want a good suspense novel to add to your bookshelf this is the one for you. I gave it 5 stars but it deserves more. I highly recommend it to every one. I look for more from K.L. Barnes.
January 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! I got it free from the author for an honest review. I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was cheering for the ladies the whole way through! I hope there are more books from this series because I am definitely going to get them. I highly recommend!
December 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A fun read. An all girl's weekend with some mystery and romance thrown in. Smart, successful women taking matters into their own hands. I hope there's more. Soon.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews