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Leigh Koslow Mystery #3
Never Preach Past Noon
Leigh Koslow and her sleuthing partner, Aunt Bess, begin to suspect that the Reverend Humphrey is really a con man, but their case is turned upside down with the missing parson becomes the victim of foul play. Original.
264 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
79 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Edie Claire
41 books278 followersNo matter the genre, USA-Today bestselling novelist and playwright Edie Claire strives to infuse all her writing with both warmth and humor. Her family-friendly Leigh Koslow cozy mystery series, a favorite of animal lovers that was originally published in 1999, was reborn in 2012 to become a Kindle Top-10 bestseller. Her romantic novels range from women’s fiction with romantic elements to a blend of romance and mystery, beginning with her traditionally published contemporaries, the award-winning Long Time Coming and Meant To Be, and continuing with her USA-Today bestselling Pacific Horizons series, whose characters follow the migration of the humpback whales to some of the most gorgeous locations on earth. In any Edie Claire work, the reader may be assured that while intrigue may beckon and tensions rise, love and happiness will always triumph in the end!
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 2, 2017
It's really nice to have a series of books where you look forward to reading the next one.
Leigh Koslow's Aunt Bess is on the board of 'The New Millennium Church'. Leigh is summoned to hospital where her aunt is being treated for burns and an an ankle injury, having apparently saved the new pastor, Reginald Humphrey, from burning alive in his parsonage.
The truth is somewhat different since Aunt Bess has her suspicions about Humphrey and had sneaked in to the parsonage to look for evidence. Humphrey arrived back however and while Bess was in hiding, someone threw a Molotov cocktail through the window. Trying to escape she fell down the stairs and was carried out by the pastor.
Subsequently the pastor goes missing and Leigh finds herself dealing with yet another mystery while trying to keep secrets from practically everyone, as well as sorting out her complicated relationship with her neighbour.
Edie writes those novels that fit into the 'cosy murder' genre although labeling them thus would be doing her a disservice. She does pay close attention to plot, and I have so far always been surprised and blindsided by the subtlety of her clues and last minute revelations.
She almost stretches the boundaries of credibility here at one point but just about gets away with it.
Her strength is her characterisation, as she manages to deftly sketch even the minor characters into living breathing real people.
Got the next two lined up now.
Leigh Koslow's Aunt Bess is on the board of 'The New Millennium Church'. Leigh is summoned to hospital where her aunt is being treated for burns and an an ankle injury, having apparently saved the new pastor, Reginald Humphrey, from burning alive in his parsonage.
The truth is somewhat different since Aunt Bess has her suspicions about Humphrey and had sneaked in to the parsonage to look for evidence. Humphrey arrived back however and while Bess was in hiding, someone threw a Molotov cocktail through the window. Trying to escape she fell down the stairs and was carried out by the pastor.
Subsequently the pastor goes missing and Leigh finds herself dealing with yet another mystery while trying to keep secrets from practically everyone, as well as sorting out her complicated relationship with her neighbour.
Edie writes those novels that fit into the 'cosy murder' genre although labeling them thus would be doing her a disservice. She does pay close attention to plot, and I have so far always been surprised and blindsided by the subtlety of her clues and last minute revelations.
She almost stretches the boundaries of credibility here at one point but just about gets away with it.
Her strength is her characterisation, as she manages to deftly sketch even the minor characters into living breathing real people.
Got the next two lined up now.
Read
July 9, 2015I have mostly stopped reviewing these kinds of books, because I read them to switch off, and it doesn't seem fair to hold them to the same scrutiny and standards as I do other books. So I'm not giving it a rating, and if I were reviewing properly I would say that I mostly enjoyed this book, and I think each one (this is the third) has been better than the last. I will give the next one a try.
But. Argh! One thing that really put me off in this book was Leigh's attitude to the love interest. He is in a relationship, but that doesn't put her off; she spends most of the book mooning about him and wondering about how serious his relationship is. At one point, she even tells him that unless a man is married he's fair game! Ugh. Maybe that sort of attitude was acceptable (to me it's never acceptable) in the 1950s, but not now or in my living memory.
But. Argh! One thing that really put me off in this book was Leigh's attitude to the love interest. He is in a relationship, but that doesn't put her off; she spends most of the book mooning about him and wondering about how serious his relationship is. At one point, she even tells him that unless a man is married he's fair game! Ugh. Maybe that sort of attitude was acceptable (to me it's never acceptable) in the 1950s, but not now or in my living memory.
March 3, 2022
Not my favorite of all the Leigh koslow mysteries but still a great read. Still so much intrigue and suspense. What really happened to Bess? What happened to the preacher? Is it murder or is it accident? And what will Leigh do with her confused feelings over warren?
August 1, 2021
4.5 Stars
rounded up to 5 Stars.
April 28, 2018
This one was a bit of a switch - Leigh's aunt Bess was really the 'star' of the story. Leigh is staying with her after Bess damages her ankle during a fire at the parsonage of the First Church of the New Millenium (formerly Presbyterian!) The charismatic pastor was also in the parsonage at the time. Bess is convinced that the pastor is a con man, for various reasons, and talks Leigh into helping her with some slightly nefarious activities in an attempt to get evidence of it. Leigh's friend Warren's aunt and uncle are also members of the church, and his cousin is to be married there. When the pastor turns up dead in the freezer at Leigh's fathers animal hospital, things get much more complicated - was it murder or a natural death? The investigation eventually involves Warren, Leigh, Bess, and half the members of the church. When the pastor's widow who is supposedly a missionary in Africa turns up, Bess is even more convinced that a scam is going on. Note: You have to read the epilogue in this one to get the final answer to the mystery!
A very minor side plot is Leigh trying to decide whether to declare her love for Warren or not. Leigh and her propensity for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, saying the wrong thing, etc., was not quite as annoying in this book; perhaps because the plot was more interesting than her usual idiotic behavior (and she is also somewhat less of an idiot than in the previous books.)
A very minor side plot is Leigh trying to decide whether to declare her love for Warren or not. Leigh and her propensity for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, saying the wrong thing, etc., was not quite as annoying in this book; perhaps because the plot was more interesting than her usual idiotic behavior (and she is also somewhat less of an idiot than in the previous books.)
May 3, 2021
I had started this series years ago and forgot about it. This is a really well written cozy mystery series. Leigh Koslow is a pretty well rounded, if not eccentric main character and not overly dumb in her motives and decisions. the mystery was pretty good on this one. What makes this series especially interesting to me is that it is set like two communities over from where I live and the communities, landmarks and roads mentioned are right on! I do recommend this series - and especially anyone from in and around Pittsburgh too!
September 5, 2024
This is my second read through this series and I am liking it better the second time around.
Third reading
Leigh Koslow and her sleuthing partner, Aunt Bess, begin to suspect that the Reverend Humphrey is really a con man, but their case is turned upside down with the missing parson becomes the victim of foul play.
Third reading
Leigh Koslow and her sleuthing partner, Aunt Bess, begin to suspect that the Reverend Humphrey is really a con man, but their case is turned upside down with the missing parson becomes the victim of foul play.
May 21, 2013
This one kept me guessing.
August 29, 2013
If you like cozy mysteries you will like this series. This is my favorite so far.
May 15, 2020
Not sure why, but this book didn’t interest me as much as have previous books in this series. Brief Pittsburgh references were nice; the Pittsburgh location is partially why I was drawn to the series. The slight focus on animals also was of interest. However, for some unknown reason, the story itself - the murder(?) of a church reverend - didn’t grab me.
I have the next two books in this series, and do plan to read them eventually. I hope to re-engage in the story and character developments.
I have the next two books in this series, and do plan to read them eventually. I hope to re-engage in the story and character developments.
February 2, 2024
There's a new preacher at Leigh's aunt's church. Aunt Bess has a strong feeling he's a con. When he turns up dead under mysterious circumstances, Aunt Bess is up to her neck, dragging Leigh with her, in finding out what he was up to. Once his mysterious wife shows up, things get heated. Leigh also finds herself at a crossroad in her personal life.
July 2, 2017
This was a decent entry into this series. I don't really have a whole lot to say about it. Bess kind of annoyed me when she wouldn't tell the whole story to anyone. But other than that, this was fine.
March 21, 2020
I never get bored reading the Leigh Koslow books. You never know how one is going to start and you sure never know how they are going to end...just that you will be drawn in and entertained along the way
November 9, 2021
Book #3 in the Leigh Koslow Mysteries. A murder is committed at the church where Leigh's aunt is part of the church council. Numerous clues, however, another surprise to me as to the actual killer. Plan to read more of this series.
June 12, 2017
Leigh's Aunt Bess breaks her ankle whilst breaking into the parsonage which then burns. An adventure that starts from there and goes even wilder. An excellent read.
May 23, 2018
Not as interesting as the first two, and after three books I still don't really feel any connection to Leigh. The writing is fine and the mystery aspect is good, but Leigh is kind of...boring.
June 2, 2018
Third book in the series and it's so much different from the first two. I love the story lines in each and the progression of the characters.
March 16, 2019
My first book from this author. It was lighter than I prefer. While I might read another one, I am unlikely to go searching for the others by her.
August 16, 2019
Good Cozy Mystery. Well written, fun characters that you like. A few twists and turns that kept you guessing. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 21, 2020
Good read!!
Very good,like visiting old friends. Quick read .
Really like this series. Very good characters!! Can not wait to read next book.
Very good,like visiting old friends. Quick read .
Really like this series. Very good characters!! Can not wait to read next book.
April 9, 2020
The author is top-notch!
Very surprising ending in regards to the murderer. I loved the book. The author is top-notch and I will continue to read her books.
Very surprising ending in regards to the murderer. I loved the book. The author is top-notch and I will continue to read her books.
March 15, 2024
A fun read with quirky characters and red herrings.
December 21, 2022
leigh and warren finally anounce their feelings
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
The third Leigh Koslow mystery, Never Preach Past Noon, has Leigh investigating on behalf of her Aunt Bess and Warren's Uncle Ted. Both are members of the First Church of the New Millenium run by Reverend Reginald Humphrey who has a dazzling smile and kind eyes - and a terribly bad habit of conning people. Aunt Bess is positive he's a fraud but can't prove it and then Uncle Ted winds up on murder charges and Leigh finds herself right back in the middle.
This one was hilarious. The whole cast of characters had me in hysterics. From Aunt Bess, wh0's a better liar than Leigh had ever imagined, to Frances' mother-henning to Maura's patented disappointed Leigh turns up at a crime look, this had me giggling away. Poor Leigh. She tries so hard not to But does anyway.
The romance between Warren and Katherine carried over from the last book. Leigh's constant struggle with her feelings over it was very teenage-y. But it ended up sorting itself out without too much drama thankfully. I don't hate
The mystery was good - I worked out bits and pieces but it was a well plotted storyline. I guessed at the ending although the last chapter was a nice touch. I hated that Maura's confidence was shaken but I was glad she gets her own back with her
I adored that Frances I was sad that Randall or Cara didn't really make an appearance. But it was nice getting to know more about the rest of Leigh's family.
A very funny and interesting mystery. 4 stars.
This one was hilarious. The whole cast of characters had me in hysterics. From Aunt Bess, wh0's a better liar than Leigh had ever imagined, to Frances' mother-henning to Maura's patented disappointed Leigh turns up at a crime look, this had me giggling away. Poor Leigh. She tries so hard not to But does anyway.
The romance between Warren and Katherine carried over from the last book. Leigh's constant struggle with her feelings over it was very teenage-y. But it ended up sorting itself out without too much drama thankfully. I don't hate
The mystery was good - I worked out bits and pieces but it was a well plotted storyline. I guessed at the ending although the last chapter was a nice touch. I hated that Maura's confidence was shaken but I was glad she gets her own back with her
I adored that Frances I was sad that Randall or Cara didn't really make an appearance. But it was nice getting to know more about the rest of Leigh's family.
A very funny and interesting mystery. 4 stars.
March 19, 2019
I decided to re-read the beginning of this series, since it had been so long and I wanted to read the last couple of books. It was fun reading them all over again. I read a lot while traveling and these were the best books to do that with. I enjoy the two main characters Leigh Koslow and her cousin/"sister from another mister" Cara. Nice mix of humor, mystery and suspense.
(Another great story in the series. I did guess one of the twists, but the epilogue blew me away! - previous review)
(Another great story in the series. I did guess one of the twists, but the epilogue blew me away! - previous review)
April 12, 2015
Cute story. It's the third in the series about Leigh Koslow. This time, it's her aunt that draws her into the mystery surrounding the preacher in her church who apparently is a con man. When he ends up dead, there are a number of possible suspects. Let me just say, it's not as predictable as you might think at first. The plot is clever, sometimes humorous, and fun. The authors wraps everything up neatly in the end. There's a concept! The author's style is somewhat like Janet Evanovich, which I enjoy. I liked this book.
May 14, 2014
Not quite as good as the first two in the series. The mystery wasn’t as…um…well, mysterious. Yeah. Given that it is an older publication, I can’t really call it too cliché because it wasn’t at the time.
I enjoyed it for the most part, and hot dang was I glad that I still look forward to the rest of the series, though I hope the next one is a little better.
I enjoyed it for the most part, and hot dang was I glad that I still look forward to the rest of the series, though I hope the next one is a little better.
August 4, 2013
Book #3 in the Leigh Koslow series.
Leigh works in at an ad agency. Also helps her dad at his veterinary clinic.
In this book her aunt's preacher is found dead in a freezer. Was it murder? Of course. He didn't put himself there. But everything is not as it seems. Leigh investigates with her Aunt Bess. Side story is her relationship with her long time friend from college, Warren.
Leigh works in at an ad agency. Also helps her dad at his veterinary clinic.
In this book her aunt's preacher is found dead in a freezer. Was it murder? Of course. He didn't put himself there. But everything is not as it seems. Leigh investigates with her Aunt Bess. Side story is her relationship with her long time friend from college, Warren.
March 10, 2017
Nice 'cozy' mystery (and series). The characters and 'environment' started out well written and the plotting has gotten better with each book. I look for good detail and local color and this series delivers. Well worth the low cost (look for the 1, 2, 3 bundle).
Note: Three stars is as high as I'll go for a genre series.
Note: Three stars is as high as I'll go for a genre series.
December 12, 2018
The third book in the series, this book doesn’t have any twists or turns until the end, and most of it consists of discussions of different characters if the parson’s death is accidental or it is a murder. However, the story flows well, the characters are relatable, and the very end of the story blows you away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews