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Old Maids of Mercer Island #2
A Candidate For Murder
Someone is out to kill the detestable Dana Finkle, and she wants Julia to help save her!Dana Finkle is running for mayor of Mercer Island. When someone tries to kill her, they kill her campaign assistant instead.Dana wants Julia Applegate’s help in finding the murderer before he hits his mark. But these two women hate each other. When Julia succeeds in getting Dana to drop her mayoral campaign (because who would want Dana as their mayor?) she agrees. As she fights to save her budding romance with Detective Franks, Julia teams up once again with her book club (Yes, Doe, Rudy, and Blair are back!) to solve the crime. All hell breaks loose, however, as the girls almost get arrested, steal Dana's trash, engage in a public food fight, confront the killer on a rainy night in a graveyard as he's trying to bury Dana. But with the help of Julia's dead mother and the resident ghosts, they do whatever it takes to bring the doer of the dastardly deed to justice.What people are saying about A Candidate for Murder."Despite never having written a review before, I felt compelled to stop and share my thoughts about this book. The characters really leap out of the page to me, their humor and development are some of the best that I've ever read. The suspense was exceptionally well-paced, so much so that I found my suspicions flying from one character to the next.""The characters in the Old Maids of Mercer Island books are just exactly that - characters. They are well developed and described and their antics lead them into endless situations which are funny and on occasion, hazardous.""The story holds a lot of appeal as all the main gals are just normal women with keen wits and minds. Put them all together and they are a powerhouse." Join Julia's two Dachshunds, her talking parrot, and the resident ghosts as they once again solve a murder.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2015
69 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Bohart
17 books27 followersLynn Bohart holds a master’s degree in theater and has taught writing through Green River College for 10+ years. She has self-published ten popular paranormal mystery novels, two short story books, and two nonfiction books on Amazon.com, including the Detective Giorgio Salvatori mystery series and the Old Maids of Mercer Island mystery series. She is currently working on her first YA book following Julia and her brother Ben from the Old Maids books when they were teens. She is also the founder of Lil Dog Communications, a freelance writing and consulting company.
If you like true crime, visit her website at www.lynnbohart-author.com and sign up to receive her newsletter "Let's Talk About Murder" for free where she interviews authors, law enforcement, journalists and forensic technicians to talk about the ultimate crime. She also writes The Murder Brief Blog to explore topics like The Body Farm, The Serial Killer Gene, and more.
Lynn will be a presenter for the Crime/Thriller Summit in October.
If you like true crime, visit her website at www.lynnbohart-author.com and sign up to receive her newsletter "Let's Talk About Murder" for free where she interviews authors, law enforcement, journalists and forensic technicians to talk about the ultimate crime. She also writes The Murder Brief Blog to explore topics like The Body Farm, The Serial Killer Gene, and more.
Lynn will be a presenter for the Crime/Thriller Summit in October.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 7, 2020
A delicate subject
A funny book although it delved into the serious subject of child abuse. The ladies humble through an investigation with the help of pets of all kinds and the ghosts of the haunted bed and breakfast.
A funny book although it delved into the serious subject of child abuse. The ladies humble through an investigation with the help of pets of all kinds and the ghosts of the haunted bed and breakfast.
September 6, 2016
It was a good night for a murder.
Julia Applegate is running for mayor against her nemesis, Dana Finkle. Dana holds a very low opinion from most people on Mercer Island. Dana's campaign assistant is collateral damage when someone goes gunning for Dana. She swallows her pride and asks Julia for her help catching the murderer. Julia and the ladies of the book club get involved and Julia becomes a target too.
What's not to like? A group of fiesty women of a certain age that throw themselves whole heartedly into the thick of things. Adorable dachshunds(Mickey and Minnie), a movie quoting parrot, various ghosts and Julia's deceased mom's phone calls make this quite a romp. I enjoy the setting of the inn and its ghostly occupants. The animals make it seem more real and cozy. I dont even get irritated with the love interest. I did figure out the culprit fairly early but it in no way distracted from the story. I enjoyed it enough to read it straight through into the early hours of the morning. Bring on the next adventure!
Julia Applegate is running for mayor against her nemesis, Dana Finkle. Dana holds a very low opinion from most people on Mercer Island. Dana's campaign assistant is collateral damage when someone goes gunning for Dana. She swallows her pride and asks Julia for her help catching the murderer. Julia and the ladies of the book club get involved and Julia becomes a target too.
What's not to like? A group of fiesty women of a certain age that throw themselves whole heartedly into the thick of things. Adorable dachshunds(Mickey and Minnie), a movie quoting parrot, various ghosts and Julia's deceased mom's phone calls make this quite a romp. I enjoy the setting of the inn and its ghostly occupants. The animals make it seem more real and cozy. I dont even get irritated with the love interest. I did figure out the culprit fairly early but it in no way distracted from the story. I enjoyed it enough to read it straight through into the early hours of the morning. Bring on the next adventure!
August 18, 2015
This was really good. I enjoyed the plot of them trying to discover who is trying to kill Julia's arch enemy. Lots of twists and turns in this one, and this time, the underlying issue had to do with child abuse, sort of (at least it was one of the issues mentioned). I enjoyed the antics of all the spirits associated with the Inn. This is one you will enjoy reading.
July 15, 2016
Another Great Read!
The second in the Old Maids of Mercer Island series was just as entertaining as the first one! It contained several laugh out loud moments along with the mystery story. I hope to see a book 3 in this series.
The second in the Old Maids of Mercer Island series was just as entertaining as the first one! It contained several laugh out loud moments along with the mystery story. I hope to see a book 3 in this series.
October 2, 2015
I like how this author keeps me thinking with lots of twists and turns. Easy read but has good suspense and I don't want to put the book down
November 8, 2015
This was a great cozy mystery. I hope everyone reads this book. They will really enjoy the characters and the story.
September 16, 2016
3,5 / 5
August 14, 2020
Lynn Bohart’s A CANDIDATE FOR MURDER is book two in the series that began with Inn Keeping With Murder. Book one was a lot of fun so I thought I would give this continuing saga of Julie Applegate and her fellow old maids another whirl. This time around Julia’s friends have convinced her to run for the office of Mayor of Mercer Island but Julia is much more interested in cultivating her promising romance with the local Police Detective.
Her opponent in the race is Dana Finkle, an abrasive woman who enjoys collecting dirt on people and filing law suits. Needless to say Dana is not likely to win a popularity contest but she’s running for Mayor anyway…….that is until someone kills her campaign assistant. It was a case of mistaken identity……they were really after Dana. Now Dana is running scared and enlists the help of Julia and her friends to find out who is trying to “bump her off”. There is no lack of potential suspects so Julia and the gang have their work cut out for them.
In addition to untangling the murder there is also the case of the stolen parrot, not to mention a cadre of guests currently staying at the inn. The odd assortment of personalities includes everything from ghost hunters to a family named Kohl whose young son is not above pranking other guests by pretending to be a ghost. Of course the young prankster and his skeptical father get their just deserts when confronted by the actual ghosts who call the INN home. The ghost of Julia’s mother also makes a most opportune return appearance in this delightful tale of malice and murder.
If during your teen years you, like I, were hooked on the likes of Nancy Drew, Judy Bolton and Trixie Belden it is entirely possible that “grown up you” will find the old maids of Mercer Island equally delightful.
Her opponent in the race is Dana Finkle, an abrasive woman who enjoys collecting dirt on people and filing law suits. Needless to say Dana is not likely to win a popularity contest but she’s running for Mayor anyway…….that is until someone kills her campaign assistant. It was a case of mistaken identity……they were really after Dana. Now Dana is running scared and enlists the help of Julia and her friends to find out who is trying to “bump her off”. There is no lack of potential suspects so Julia and the gang have their work cut out for them.
In addition to untangling the murder there is also the case of the stolen parrot, not to mention a cadre of guests currently staying at the inn. The odd assortment of personalities includes everything from ghost hunters to a family named Kohl whose young son is not above pranking other guests by pretending to be a ghost. Of course the young prankster and his skeptical father get their just deserts when confronted by the actual ghosts who call the INN home. The ghost of Julia’s mother also makes a most opportune return appearance in this delightful tale of malice and murder.
If during your teen years you, like I, were hooked on the likes of Nancy Drew, Judy Bolton and Trixie Belden it is entirely possible that “grown up you” will find the old maids of Mercer Island equally delightful.
March 14, 2020
I did not particularly care for this story. I found it harsh and the subject matter made the book not entertaining or something I could curl up with and relax and read.
It also came across in parts as a little juvenile, which I sometimes enjoy, depending upon how it's done, but this was also not to my taste. The writing itself was okay, not too much wrong with it, but I had trouble keeping the main characters apart and that along with other things affected my rating.
It also came across in parts as a little juvenile, which I sometimes enjoy, depending upon how it's done, but this was also not to my taste. The writing itself was okay, not too much wrong with it, but I had trouble keeping the main characters apart and that along with other things affected my rating.
January 5, 2026
The Candidate for Murder
Ms Bohart has a way with murder. The backdrop of the haunted Inn is perfectly crafted. I can see the furniture and fixtures, smell the air, feel the temperature. The sightings of ghosts and other strange things just adds to the charm. The actual culprit was a surprise and the ending has me ready for the next installment of The Old Maid series. I’m pretty sure I know what Julia’s next adventure entails.
Ms Bohart has a way with murder. The backdrop of the haunted Inn is perfectly crafted. I can see the furniture and fixtures, smell the air, feel the temperature. The sightings of ghosts and other strange things just adds to the charm. The actual culprit was a surprise and the ending has me ready for the next installment of The Old Maid series. I’m pretty sure I know what Julia’s next adventure entails.
January 23, 2019
Another excellent read
I have read what I think are all Lynn Boharts' novels and my favourites are the Old maids of Mercer Island. They are entertaining, humerous and thoroughly good mystery novels with extremely engaging and likeable characters. I have read all the books several times, and wish she would write some more of their escapades.
I have read what I think are all Lynn Boharts' novels and my favourites are the Old maids of Mercer Island. They are entertaining, humerous and thoroughly good mystery novels with extremely engaging and likeable characters. I have read all the books several times, and wish she would write some more of their escapades.
May 23, 2019
Not what I expected
This book was not what I expected, but the plot and the characters were excellent! Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author would throw another curve ball! I only consider the culprit once and then never thought of them again. A truly wonderful book. If you like Agatha Christie, you will love this!!!!!!
This book was not what I expected, but the plot and the characters were excellent! Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author would throw another curve ball! I only consider the culprit once and then never thought of them again. A truly wonderful book. If you like Agatha Christie, you will love this!!!!!!
April 19, 2018
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Interesting characters, interesting plot and fast-paced action contribute to the plotting and solving of two murders and numerous near murders. Well written.
Interesting characters, interesting plot and fast-paced action contribute to the plotting and solving of two murders and numerous near murders. Well written.
August 27, 2018
Nice cozy mystery, and as the owner of the B&B with the help of friendly ghosts, and friends, with all the mayhem and near misses, turns into a pleasant reading story.
September 1, 2018
Fun
I really enjoyed this one.Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of laughter.I never guessed who the villain was.I'll be looking forward to reading more by this author.
I really enjoyed this one.Mystery,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of laughter.I never guessed who the villain was.I'll be looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 6, 2018
I tried to like this book, but it just didn't appeal to me.
November 18, 2020
It's okay, a quick read, enjoyable enough. Nothing new or exciting....
Read
June 8, 2022This is the second book I've read by this author. Again it was very well written. It kept my interest up until the very last word. I would highly recommend this author to everyone.
April 5, 2024
Probably would been better if shorter...
August 26, 2016
When I read a short note from the Author at the end of the book regarding her being "indie" writer, I was surprised. The language, grammar and the overall story (including the tangibility of the characters) were so finely shaped and tuned that they left nothing to wish for. Whereas in numerous "real" authors I cringe with the frustration regarding the mistakes - both grammar and spelling and a trick of using the same sentence in various scenes. Just think about it - here I've made only 10 notes about possible changes in grammar, when two or three books ago I closed on the number of 29! And it wasn't an "indie"...
Nothing like that here. It is a pure pleasure to read those stories.
Now for the second installment in the series. I enjoyed it completely. The story takes us again to Julia and her friends' adventures. As always the story is filled with bumps and laughs, the atmosphere is what I think about as "real cozy". Someone was complaining that the girls are rich and live the life unavailable to most of us. To be honest, I don't feel it, I mean, I know that they are affluent, but it's the setting of the glamorous inn and their quirkiness stemming from their financial status that sometimes is the key to the humorous situations.
I love Blair with her pretending to be a dumb blonde and I love Julia for her clumsiness. The way they are and how they treat each other with mutual understanding is what makes them so believable.
The story was twisted and I did NOT guess (or didn't even try to for the reason "why") whodunit. Everything had a perfect pace and enough information to feel filled with good emotions and smile oh so often or even guffaw.
Now, I'm opening the third installment and already lamenting inwardly that there are no more :)
Enjoy this fantastic story as did I!
Nothing like that here. It is a pure pleasure to read those stories.
Now for the second installment in the series. I enjoyed it completely. The story takes us again to Julia and her friends' adventures. As always the story is filled with bumps and laughs, the atmosphere is what I think about as "real cozy". Someone was complaining that the girls are rich and live the life unavailable to most of us. To be honest, I don't feel it, I mean, I know that they are affluent, but it's the setting of the glamorous inn and their quirkiness stemming from their financial status that sometimes is the key to the humorous situations.
I love Blair with her pretending to be a dumb blonde and I love Julia for her clumsiness. The way they are and how they treat each other with mutual understanding is what makes them so believable.
The story was twisted and I did NOT guess (or didn't even try to for the reason "why") whodunit. Everything had a perfect pace and enough information to feel filled with good emotions and smile oh so often or even guffaw.
Now, I'm opening the third installment and already lamenting inwardly that there are no more :)
Enjoy this fantastic story as did I!
August 19, 2015
this is a nice 'cozy' mystery series that is a bit different. The owner of a small b&b solves murders helped not only by her friends, but various ghosts on the property, including her own mother. It's not overly violent and is a nice change for me when I want to lose myself in something less graphic and more fun.
August 21, 2015
Pretty good
Good characters plot was tricky but kept you hooked till the end really like the humor in the characters will read more
Good characters plot was tricky but kept you hooked till the end really like the humor in the characters will read more
August 30, 2015
A fun read with a touch of paranormal. Good characters.
August 27, 2015
A fun slight offbeat cozy mystery. Good read.
June 18, 2017
Have fun with the ladies
January 28, 2018
2 star
Opens with scene of the murder in bad guy POV. Gives too much away. Overuse of italics throughout and writing could be tightened a good bit. Mystery borders on decent but paranormal aspects serve as a good bit of a deus ex machina--a power that appears to solve problems whenever things get interesting. I hate that.
Opens with scene of the murder in bad guy POV. Gives too much away. Overuse of italics throughout and writing could be tightened a good bit. Mystery borders on decent but paranormal aspects serve as a good bit of a deus ex machina--a power that appears to solve problems whenever things get interesting. I hate that.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews