Sunny Side Up

Lake Erie Mysteries #1

by Maureen K. Howard

humorous cozy mystery set on the Lake Erie Islands. Best friends, Francie and June find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. They need to find out who burnt down their friend's store, discover the identity of the charred corpse found in the wreckage, and clear Francie's husband, Hamm, before he is charged with the crime.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2014

About the author

Maureen K. Howard is the pen name of mother/daughter writing partners, Maureen Kovach and Brigette Howard. They both live in Findlay, Ohio.

Maureen recently retired from a long career as a high school English teacher and now focuses her time on spoiling her three granddaughters, spending long weekends at the lake with her husband and their golden doodle, and making friends with fellow mystery writers and readers across the globe via social media. Oh yeah, she also writes books.

Brigette works full time managing multiple national restaurant franchises. She enjoys taking her charcoal lab on running adventures and spends her free time reading, gardening with her husband, cooking, and planning the perfect murder.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased the Kindle version of this book some time ago because of its setting on Lake Erie. The writing itself was very good. However, I felt very rushed for a cozy mystery. I didn't feel like I really got to know the characters--it was going from one hurried scene to another to another. It felt more like reading a "regular" mystery or watching the news and that is not what I am looking when I sit down to read a cozy.

But given that it was so well-written, I may buy the next installment in the series at some time in the future. I won't cross this one off my list and if you like a fast-paced cozy, this one may be just right for you..

[Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out the complete review at Sunny Side Up (Lake Erie Mysteries Book 1) > Review

Sunny Side up is a Cozy mystery novel with two ladies as the lead who end up acting detectives with the flow of the story. Francie and June are best friends. June is a journalist who travels places for stories and Francie, more often than not, accompanies her dragging her husband along with both of them. Such a trip makes them end up in Kelleys Island which is where the main story begins.

This is the first Cozy Mystery novel I have read. It was totally different from what I have read so far. But it is a change I welcomed. The pace is slow. The crime gets committed after a lot of time into the story. But in the meanwhile we are taken through the relationships between the three main characters of the story - June, Francie and her husband. The friendship between the two ladies are really remarkable. The beautiful relationship between Francie and her husband is so much evolved and settled down into that comfortable friendship. Hamm is not so much fond of June but he understands their friendship and lets Francie go with June every single time. The relationships among the three of them is very endearing.

The mystery itself is very soft and does not exactly make you grip your seat. But it does give you the essential element of intrigue, suspense and a mild thrill. The way the ladies act as amateur detectives and go about "detecting" evidence to figure out the mystery and remove suspicion from Hamm is written in a very believable manner. There are scenes which are written in an unbelievable setting.

Overall, the story is a leisurely read.

[Alison Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the first mysterious chapter, and had me guessing the whole way through.
The characters are all different, but completely relatable in their own individual ways. I instinctively responded to each as I perceived them, rapidly connecting to those that became my favourites – always something I enjoy in a good book.
The story starts (after the first gripping chapter) with a leisurely weekend trip to Lake Erie, and gradually develops through a series of seemingly unconnected events, to a full on drama.
This book is not just about the mystery, but also friendship at many levels - spouses, close friends, acquaintances, ex-partners - and has a lovely community warmth to it.
I look forward to reading what they get up to in the next book!

[Lisa Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francie and June are best friends who would do anything for each other, even if it means following the other into danger. A quiet Memorial Day weekend trip to Lake Eerie turns into a nightmare of murder and mayhem. These two fashionistas muster all their good sense and gut instincts to try to untangle a mystery that centers on their friends and loved ones.

The twists and turns make this cozy mystery a page-turner that includes suspense, humor, and even a little romance. The plot unfolds a little bit at a time and grows in intensity much like the fine Pinot Grigio adored by the bumbling sleuths. The descriptive elements will carry you away and make you long for cool nights and hot beaches.

A fun read with memorable characters. Can’t wait to see what’s next in Francie’s bag of tricks.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read for me. Maureen K Howard (mother and daughter writing duo) have created characters Francie and June whose personalities just burst from the page. The story takes place on Kelley's Island in Lake Erie, Ohio for you who are unfamiliar, and a fire breaks out in the girls favorite place to shop with a body found in the rubble. Solving the murder is their way of making sure Francie's husband is cleared, after he complained about all the money she spends at the store and just maybe bringing some romance into June's life.

[Joyce Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a humorous cozy mystery that takes place in a small vacation village on Lake Erie. Friends Francie (the narrator) and June go about solving a murder mystery in ways that make the reader scream, "Stop! You're going to get yourselves killed!" And they almost do. The fun is that I wanted to read on and on to find out how they would get out of each of those scrapes. I'm looking forward to the next Lake Erie Mystery.

[Celesta Thiessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written mystery. The description was done well and the authors had an interesting tone. Her characters were unique and introduced well. However, I felt like I didn't click with the main character and I didn't really loved any of the characters in the story. But overall, an entertaining read.

[Diane Weiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The antics of the amateur sleuths reminded me of Lucy and Ethel:) the inflatable rafts made me laugh out loud...The descriptions of the characters and especially the setting were excellent. Perfect summer read

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

DESCRIPTION:

Francis and June are best friends that enjoy a relaxing Memerial Day weekend at Kelly's Island on Lake Erie. Hamm, Francie's husband goes too. This dynamite duo find themselves in a murder investigation and they try to figure out the mystery themselves. Lots of drama happens. Fires, thief, and murders oh my. Their favorite snacks are wine and cheese. These adventurous ladies manage to keep their eyes open for a bargain, come up with a plan, and even indulge in a bit of romance, all while dodging increasingly dangerous attemps to silence them for good..

MY THOUGHTS :REVIEW

4 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mysteries are my favorite genre. Add some humor makes it fun , but the drama is still there. The excitement didn't happen as soon as I wanted. I read many chapters before anything happened. Other mysteries I've read the excitement starts in the first chapter. As I got more in to the book, and the "mystery" started, it got more interesting. I have to point out, that when I read a book and I can't get in to it, I'll stop reading it. I read it all. I never even thought about not stopping even though It's a slow mystery. It needed more I think. The humor wasn't all that funny. I giggled 3 times, maybe 4 at the most. I would recommend to people. I'm going to read their third book, Deviled-location is at an amusement park.

🚓👍👭🚶📷📱👡👓👙👜🍷🚢🚔

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to love about a quirky mystery set in one of my favorite areas of the world---the islands of Lake Erie? Dynamic mother daughter duo Maureen Kovach and Brigette Howard teamed up to write a really fun cozy mystery series that made me giggle all the way through.

I found the series from a fellow beloved author Jena C Henry and downloaded them immediately after I read her blog post detailing the fun series. It was the perfect poolside read and as soon as I finished Sunny Side Up I went on to the next book in the series.

Francie and June are friends who seem to happen upon mysteries and mayhem every where they turn. Quirky and lovable these two characters along with their supporting characters had me at the first adventure and I found myself shaking my head at times wondering what mischief they were going to find next.

While the series is lighthearted and fun it is very well written and I loved getting to know this new author (or should I say authors) and am looking forward to following them as they publish more books. Perfect summer read for anyone who needs a little lighthearted and fun read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francie, Hamm (her husband) and June (her
best friend) are off to Kelley’s Island traveling
by boat for a weekend of sun, food, drinks and
lots of fun. Kelleys Island is located in the
western basin of Lake Erie.
June who is a free lance writer wants to feature
the beach boutiques on the Island in an article.
But what awaits them will involve them in anything
but a fun travel trip to Kelley’s Island.
Two fires, a charred unidentifiable body, knock off
merchandise, attempts on June and Francie’s lives,
a disappearing husband, a good looking Detective,
good food and drinks plus more exciting moments.
A well plotted mystery with plenty of twists and turns,
suspense and drama.
The characters were all creatively crafted, quirky and
interesting.
Spend Memorial Day with Francie, Hamm and June.
You will be glad you did.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded down

I can't tell you how many times I rolled my eyes while reading this book, but it was far too often. The two MCs part of the country club set and, unfortunately, live up to the stereotype. They care far too much about brand names and appearances, spend far too much money, drink far too much, have far too much leisure time and are far too clueless about life in general. It took them far too long to figure out what was going on and who the villain was, and they stupidly put themselves in danger far too many times. I do not plan to read book #2, the only remaining book in the series.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Paced Cozy Mystery
This book was a lot of fun. The mystery portion was great and mostly unpredictable. The characters were wonderful to get to know. There was not one aspect of the story that I didn’t enjoy. There was a lot of humor and witty banter throughout the story. It was like an adult version of a Nancy Drew Mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great mystery book. The characters remind me of Laverne & Shirley or Lucy and Ethel. The way they get along and get into crazy predicaments is great and lots of fun. I really enjoyed this book. It is full of twists and turns and it will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next.

[Inkedreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

thought this would be a fun book to read while on vacation and I was right! being from Ohio and having been to the islan, it makes it so much easier to picture everything as it's happening. I had to giggle a little when hocking hills was mentioned, since that was where I was at the time. great read! loved it!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read about Lake Erie islands.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fun reading. I was reminded of the classic "I Love Lucy" tv series - madcap gals with a talent for trouble and bad disguises.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots going on, you'll be surprised . Enjoyed

[Sheryl Hagan-The Book Conservatory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny Side up by Maureen K. Howard is a story of friendship, a story of mystery, a story that will make you wonder what in the world these two ladies are thinking. Francie and June are a modern day Lucy and Ethel on vacation together where everything goes wrong (dead body anyone?) as they face obstacles together that show how deep and how fun friendship can be.

Hammond Egge is Francie’s husband who constantly shakes his head at the over the top antics of the best friend and free-lance writer, June. When the couple of empty nesters meet up with the best friend at Beacon Pointe Resort, things start turning stranger than usual. A shopping trip and interview for June’s article turn into a murder investigation; one they didn’t see coming. They meet a mermaid, an ex-husband, a mysteries man with his over-protective dog and a handsome detective on their wild adventure of amateur sleuthing while trying to get to the bottom of the cause of a mysterious fire in their favorite shopping boutique where a body is found and Hammond is the prime suspect. As the story unfolds, people aren’t who they seem and the situations the women find themselves in gets sticky, making the reader shake their head and wonder how in the world the ladies will get out of this one. You go arm in arm with Francie and June as they trespass, escape showers of bullets and become Facebook celebrities from “borrowing” items around the island and snapping smiling pics of themselves. In the end, the mystery is solved and drinks are served.

Sunny Side Up was a fun read. The story was slow to start on the action due to needing to get to know the characters, but once it starts, is fantastic. Hang in there because it is worth it. There were so many times I burst out laughing at the crazy situations that June and Francie had gotten themselves in to. These ladies are such great characters and remind me of what good girlfriends should be. They drink together, they laugh together, they get in trouble with the law together. I loved how developed each of the characters were. I really felt like I knew them so well. As a mother myself, I could totally see being Francie after my kids are grown, hanging out with my best friend on vacation. It sounds just like us.

Maureen K. Howard did a fantastic job of character development. I do wish there had been “mystery” action closer to the beginning in the first few chapters. This might lose some readers who are looking for a quick start to action after the initial mention of a charred body in chapter one. Honestly though, the characters need to be explained because their personalities are so quirky and three dimensional. I can’t wait for Francie and June’s next adventure. Those ladies are crazy-fun.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hammond (Hamm) and his wife Francie own a condo at Beacon Pointe Resort. They have an old boat, and that's just what June, Francie's friend, needs to get to her destination for her next story that she is writing about for a magazine. They need it to get to the island because June never takes her houseboat out on the water. June and Francie check out Ruby's Treasure Chest-an adult store. June is doing a story on adult toys and things. While shopping Hamm is talking to some one they don't know, and they find out he is a new resident, and a police detective by the name of Jack Morgan. Then June's ex-husband arrives almost running them over. There is no love lost between June and Clifford Sterling. While going out to dinner that night Cliff shows up with Sirena, another shop owner on the island. Hamm goes out to smoke a cigar, and doesn't come back. Sirena gets a text and when she returns she isn't acting the same. Ruby's Treasure Chest gets burnt down to the ground, and Hamm leaves to go to work for a few days, but never returns or answers his phone. Hamm's lighter was found at the scene of the fire. What is going on with this small town? June and Francie start to investigate, and is told to stay out of it by Detective Morgan, but they don't listen. Now someone is trying to kill them. Why? What do they know that they shouldn't? Who started the fire? Who was the dead body found in the fire? This book is very well written and the pace is not lacking speed. It's funny and very entertaining. Highly recommend this book for mystery lovers. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat Stiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery isn’t something I read very often anymore, so this was a nice change of pace for me. The characters were interesting on the whole and the setting unusual and fun, with most of the action taking place on an island. The mystery itself was elaborate, with clues planted along the way.

Some other reviewers commented that this book is a leisurely read, which is the heart of the problem for me – the pacing was too slow. The first spark of a mystery didn’t appear until about chapter nine, a full quarter into the book. The beginning was filled with flashbacks that didn’t add that much to the story and some character development with scenes, but I was really craving more action.

Honestly, I didn’t connect with the main protagonist like I was supposed to. Francie let off a kind of hipster vibe in the way she was portrayed, like her whole life was preoccupied with being fashionable, shopping and drinking wine. There were glimpses of who I think she really is, when she was missing her kids, but the amount of frivolous thoughts outweighed that. I thought her friendship with June was genuine and written well though.

I wish the mystery is something I could’ve figured out, but the way it was constructed was a total surprise that was impossible to see coming. That, granted, may be more of a personal preference.

The ending was my favorite part, in the last couple of chapters there was a good amount of suspense and action. Overall, the writing was good, just a little verbose for my tastes. I think this is a good start to a promising series for fans of leisurely mysteries.

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All right, Aphrodite, cool your toga!"

I chose this book because the author (actually a mother-daughter team which is fun) writes about an area that is one of my favorite playgrounds. You may think that the Lake Erie Islands are quaint summer vacation places, where folks putter on their boats and jet skis, sun bathe and enjoy happy hour libations, and you would be correct, unless you are the characters of Sunny Side Up.

Hang on to you jet skis! Friends, Francie and June, meet up on Memorial Day weekend at Beacon Pointe and mystery and mayhem ensues. Francie is married to a patient and loving guy, Hammond Egge. Right away, when you hear that name, you know you are going to love this book. The three of them boat over to Kellys Island to relax, shop and eat. These tame activities are soon interrupted by fire, murder, robbery, and abduction. The two high-spirited (in more ways than one!) amateur detectives drink wine, ricochet from problem and disaster to another, and do their best to save their friends.

This is a light-hearted, humorous, yet captivating read. The various Lake Erie locales are vividly described and add to the zest of the story. Bonus points for a well-designed cover, I loved the sunny-side-up sun. I looked forward to reading their second book in the series, Deviled!: Lake Erie Mysteries Book 2

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the first line of Chapter 2 being "Did I leave my vibrator on ? Oh wait, I don't own a vibrator, " how can one NOT continue reading ?

There is so much that I could write about Suuny Side Up but I'm afraid I will spoil it for the readers. You will fall in love with the friendship of Francie and June immediately. You will most likely see some of yourself in one of them. They know how to have fun and unfortunately get into some trouble.

Francie, June and Francie's husband Hammond are starting the summer off with helping June collect research for her latest writing assignment. This takes them to Kelley's Island which is a short boat ride from their summer condo. After enjoying dinner with some old and new friends a fire on the island changes from a nice relaxing, wine induced holiday weekend to Francie and June investrigating to clear Hammond's name. As they investigate and obtain clues, they get deeper into a very dangerous postiton. Can they get out before its too late ?

There are a lot of twists and turns within the book but you have no trouble keeping up. If anything they make you want to read faster. This was a book that I almost skipped ahead to see what happened. But I was strong and just read faster. I can't wait to dig into Deviled, the second book in the Lake Erie Mysteries and see what trouble the girls get into.

[Gloria Antypowich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny Side up was a clean, fun read. It included an unusual relationship triangle—best friends June and Francie and Francie’s husband Hamm. Even though Hamm didn’t really appreciate Junes influence in their lives, Francie and June were best friends who stuck together through thick and thin, and got into trouble every time they turned around. I really appreciated the relationship between Francie and her husband Hamm and I got a kick out of June’s zany character.
I found myself smiling many times as I read it. Hamm Egge cringed whenever Francie hit the stores with his credit card in hand, and when she did that on Kelly”s Island she made a couple of seemingly innocuous purchases that end up saving her life.
Maureen K. Howard’s writing is descriptive and her characters are easy to feel connected to. It wasn’t a white knuckle mystery for me, but it was a nice easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not bad for a debut series. I found the plot rather slow, but the characters were well developed and the mystery stayed a mystery to the end. There were no unexpected plot twists and even when the reveal came my reaction was "Oh, okay". I am betting the author will become more adept at plot twists and surprises as she writes more.

The book was set mainly on Kelly's Island and involved arson and an unknown murder victim. A reporter (June) doing a story on what Kelly's Island has to offer vacationers gets sucked into investigating the murder and arson, and her best friend (Francie) can't let her go into danger alone. Francie's husband ends up being a suspect. The islands's new sheriff is a romance interest for June. There is a mystery man named Michael and his dog Gunner is thrown into the mix for good measure.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny Side Up (Book 1 in the Lake Erie Mysteries) Maureen K. Howard


Don’t try to rush through this book. The first 12 Chapters introduce you to the characters and Kelleys Island on Lake Erie. Just when you are feeling nice and relaxed, you start to understand what Chapter 1 was all about! Francesca and June never listen when they are told to stay out of police matters. Would you if you were a character in a book??? As some of the other reviewers have stated, I can’t tell you much more of what happened, who it happened to, how it happened, or why it happened or I will give too much of the story away. Sufficeth to say, I recommend this book to those who enjoy their cozy mystery with a little more zing!

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relaxing beach read- at least it's relaxing for the reader. For high-spirited friends, Francie and June, Memorial Day weekend begins with a shopping and dining excursion to a quaint resort island on Lake Erie. But the sunny day turns sinister and the friends must use their bumbling sleuth skills to help save their friends, and Francie's husband Hammond Egge (love that name!) Hold on to your jet ski and enjoy the wild and humorous ride with you new best friends. Looking forward to the second book in the series.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully charming whodunit with zany characters, humor, murder and mayhem, suspense, and just a touch of romance. I loved best friends Francie and June, who reminded me of Lucy and Ethel, as they get in the middle of a murder investigation while on Kelleys Island for Memorial Day. This is the first book I have read by Maureen K. Howard and now I look forward to more adventures with Francie and June in the Lake Erie Mysteries. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny & Quirky...An enjoyable book

I enjoyed spending time with Francie and June in this quirky story.
Counterfeit merchandise, a diabolical twin and two bumbling sleuths captivated my attention from the beginning.
Francie and June find themselves in deep water, literally, while trying to solve a murder. All the evidence points to Francie's husband Hamm, but she is not going to sit back enjoying wine and margaritas when there is a cold blooded killer on the loose.

[Christie M. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A RECOMMENDED 5 STAR READ!!!

After reading the second book in the series first, I couldn't wait to read this one too! It did not disappoint! Once again I enjoyed the story very much and I love Francie and June! They are likable and fun, as well as daring and devoted to the ones they care about...everyone should have such a great friendship in their life. I was thoroughly entertained and will definitely read more from this author!