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Postmistress Mystery #2
Cancelled by Murder
Cassie Miller returned to her sleepy hometown in the Berkshires to start over as the new postmistress. But she soon finds that dead letters are nothing compared to murder victims...
With a massive storm about to hit North Ashcot, Massachusetts, threatening floods and widespread wind damage, Cassie is forced to close up the post office along with the rest of the local business owners and residents, who are battening down the hatches and bracing themselves for the worst.
Although the storm proves not to be as bad as predicted, fabric shop owner Daisy Harmon is found dead, seemingly killed by a fallen branch. But the police quickly determine that her death had nothing to do with foul weather and everything to do with foul play. After Daisy’s widowed husband approaches her to help solve his wife’s murder, Cassie vows to find the killer before another innocent victim is taken by storm.
With a massive storm about to hit North Ashcot, Massachusetts, threatening floods and widespread wind damage, Cassie is forced to close up the post office along with the rest of the local business owners and residents, who are battening down the hatches and bracing themselves for the worst.
Although the storm proves not to be as bad as predicted, fabric shop owner Daisy Harmon is found dead, seemingly killed by a fallen branch. But the police quickly determine that her death had nothing to do with foul weather and everything to do with foul play. After Daisy’s widowed husband approaches her to help solve his wife’s murder, Cassie vows to find the killer before another innocent victim is taken by storm.
290 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 6, 2016
64 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Jean Flowers
4 books73 followersA pseudonym used by Camille Minichino
Jean Flowers is also known as Margaret Grace, Elizabeth Logan, Ada Madison, and Camille Minichino.
Camille Minichino writes the Periodic Table mysteries under her own name, the Sophie Knowles mysteries under the pseudonym Ada Madison, the Miniature Mystery series under the pseudonym Margaret Grace, the Alaska Diner Mystery series under the pseudonym Elizabeth Logan, and the Postmistress Mystery series under the pseudonym Jean Flowers.
Jean Flowers is also known as Margaret Grace, Elizabeth Logan, Ada Madison, and Camille Minichino.
Camille Minichino writes the Periodic Table mysteries under her own name, the Sophie Knowles mysteries under the pseudonym Ada Madison, the Miniature Mystery series under the pseudonym Margaret Grace, the Alaska Diner Mystery series under the pseudonym Elizabeth Logan, and the Postmistress Mystery series under the pseudonym Jean Flowers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 24, 2016
Book Review/Giveaway
Sept 24
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
Who knew that working as a postmistress working at a post office in North Ashcot Post Office could be so exciting?In this second in the A Postmistress Mysteries. There's a severe storm coming to the Berkshires of Western Mass with issued warnings telling everyone to take precautions. What was strange is Daisy's Fabrics a business that was open among all the stores that were closed due to the storm.
Daisy Harmon owns Daisy's fabrics where Postmistress, Cassie purchased her fabrics for her quilting hobby. Dead by being struck by branches of a big old maple tree or could it be something more sinister? Daisy was a vibrant young woman, a gifted teacher and generous business woman but she rubs some people the wrong way.
Daisy's husband, Cliff asks Cassie to help him in the murder investigation and Cassie just happens to be best friends with the Police Chief, Sunni Smargon. Cassie soon starts receiving threatening notes at the post office and Cassie needs to watch her back before she becomes the next one stamped out.
The Postmistress mysteries actually interested me because I wanted to be a postal worker once upon a time.
and I wondered how author Jean Flowers could bring murder to a post office. It was entertaining and and exciting and suspenceful read.
An Endearing friendship between Cassie and Sunni kept me glued to the page. Not one person was off the suspect list yet the murderer turned out to be a total surprise. Cassie needs to find the murderer before she goes totally postal. I love the the picturesque setting of the post office.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
Sept 24
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
Who knew that working as a postmistress working at a post office in North Ashcot Post Office could be so exciting?In this second in the A Postmistress Mysteries. There's a severe storm coming to the Berkshires of Western Mass with issued warnings telling everyone to take precautions. What was strange is Daisy's Fabrics a business that was open among all the stores that were closed due to the storm.
Daisy Harmon owns Daisy's fabrics where Postmistress, Cassie purchased her fabrics for her quilting hobby. Dead by being struck by branches of a big old maple tree or could it be something more sinister? Daisy was a vibrant young woman, a gifted teacher and generous business woman but she rubs some people the wrong way.
Daisy's husband, Cliff asks Cassie to help him in the murder investigation and Cassie just happens to be best friends with the Police Chief, Sunni Smargon. Cassie soon starts receiving threatening notes at the post office and Cassie needs to watch her back before she becomes the next one stamped out.
The Postmistress mysteries actually interested me because I wanted to be a postal worker once upon a time.
and I wondered how author Jean Flowers could bring murder to a post office. It was entertaining and and exciting and suspenceful read.
An Endearing friendship between Cassie and Sunni kept me glued to the page. Not one person was off the suspect list yet the murderer turned out to be a total surprise. Cassie needs to find the murderer before she goes totally postal. I love the the picturesque setting of the post office.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
September 26, 2016
Another first class story in the Postmistress Mysteries!
When I read book one, DEATH TAKES PRIORITY, I knew author Jean Flowers had a hit series on her hands. CANCELLED BY MURDER is the wonderful proof!
It was great to be back in North Ashcot, Massachusetts with series lead, Cassie Miller, and the other kind, fun, eccentric characters that make up this town. Jean Flowers must be a true observer of people for her characters to have such depth. Honestly, some of the townspeople have to be based on real people because I’d swear I’ve meant one or two of them. ;-)
In a book that certainly is not a return to sender, I was completely engrossed in CANCELLED BY MURDER from the moment I opened the cover. In a perfect two hundred and ninety page package, author Flowers delivered mystery, mayhem, and action, in a story with a brilliantly written plot.
CANCELLED BY MURDER should be a priority for your reading list!
When you have a copy of your own, make sure to check out the back of the book for some fun and informative post office stories!
When I read book one, DEATH TAKES PRIORITY, I knew author Jean Flowers had a hit series on her hands. CANCELLED BY MURDER is the wonderful proof!
It was great to be back in North Ashcot, Massachusetts with series lead, Cassie Miller, and the other kind, fun, eccentric characters that make up this town. Jean Flowers must be a true observer of people for her characters to have such depth. Honestly, some of the townspeople have to be based on real people because I’d swear I’ve meant one or two of them. ;-)
In a book that certainly is not a return to sender, I was completely engrossed in CANCELLED BY MURDER from the moment I opened the cover. In a perfect two hundred and ninety page package, author Flowers delivered mystery, mayhem, and action, in a story with a brilliantly written plot.
CANCELLED BY MURDER should be a priority for your reading list!
When you have a copy of your own, make sure to check out the back of the book for some fun and informative post office stories!
September 1, 2016
A major storm is in a process as Cassie Miller shuts down the Post Office to ride out the storm. On her way home, she sees. Daisy Harmon closing up her fabric shop. At home, she hears the sirens and wonders what is happening. That evening her BFF, North Ascot, Massachusetts informs that Daisy was found dead under a huge tree limb. The autopsy shows Daisy was murdered. Her help with the last murder has Cassie wanting to help investigated the case. Her friend, the Police chief gives her a feel leads to looking into. Cassie decides it is not easy. I recommend this book.
April 7, 2018
A major storm is on the way and so Cassie (along with Ben the retired postmaster) are quickly getting the last bits of post dealt with and getting the Post Office storm safe. One of the final customers is one of the quilting group (which Cassie joined at the urging of her good friend Sunni, the Police Chief) but for some reason Liv is curt with Cassie. Cassie shrugs it off after she leaves assuming that Liv was stressed over getting her shop and house sorted out. As she is driving home Cassie sees Daisy shutting up the quilting shop, although she waves at Daisy there was no response (again the assumption is Daisy is just too busy!) After Cassie gets home she settles down to read, quilt and keep an ear open to the weather channel to track the storms progress. Unfortunately she hears that someone has been killed by a falling branch, then she finds out it was Daisy and the branch wasn't the cause of death.
With Liv still giving her the cold shoulder, a spat at the quilting meeting and Cliff (the new widower) wanting her to investigate Cassie has a lot to deal with!
With Liv still giving her the cold shoulder, a spat at the quilting meeting and Cliff (the new widower) wanting her to investigate Cassie has a lot to deal with!
September 3, 2016
"Cancelled by Murder" is a cozy mystery. This is the second book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mysteries in the previous books.
The heroine is nice, but indecisive and insecure, and comes across as a "bumbling detective." While there are clues, it seemed like everyone else in the story knew more about what was going on than our heroine. Even she realized how ineffective she was at asking good questions and finding clues. I liked that there were consequences to her actions; her friends didn't like being questioned like suspects by a detective wannabe.
While whodunit was on my suspect short list, there weren't enough clues to be certain until the killer attacks the heroine. On the positive side, the killer had reason to think the heroine knew more than she did. On the downside, even the heroine wished the killer hadn't credited her with being smarter than she is.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this to fans of "bumbling detective" cozies.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The heroine is nice, but indecisive and insecure, and comes across as a "bumbling detective." While there are clues, it seemed like everyone else in the story knew more about what was going on than our heroine. Even she realized how ineffective she was at asking good questions and finding clues. I liked that there were consequences to her actions; her friends didn't like being questioned like suspects by a detective wannabe.
While whodunit was on my suspect short list, there weren't enough clues to be certain until the killer attacks the heroine. On the positive side, the killer had reason to think the heroine knew more than she did. On the downside, even the heroine wished the killer hadn't credited her with being smarter than she is.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this to fans of "bumbling detective" cozies.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
August 30, 2016
Monday I read Cancelled by Murder by Jean Flowers. I selected this September 6th Release because of the cover first and the series name second. I love the idea of the main character Cassie who is Postmistress of her tiny town. I have always loved getting mail. I always wished I had something just for me in the mail box growing up and of all the job Sesame Street taught me that there were in my neighborhood I always thought that the Mailman or Mail-person job was the the best! I settled into read last night and was very quickly pulled into the storm that was brewing and the mystery that unfolded in North Ashcot, Massachusetts! I loved the relationship between Cassie and Sunni the chief of police. Having two strong women in such prominent rolls in the community really appeals to me and this series is one I hope will continue for a long time. This is book two so I simply must go back and read book one! The cover is great and I loved the little postage stamp boarder around the chapter numbers. Lots to love int his book!
February 25, 2017
I was really excited to get my hands on this book because I liked the first one quite a bit. I thought the post office angle was interesting. However, I just wasn't very interested in this. It's not bad by any means, but it felt a bit muddled with not a whole lot of tension. Stuff just sort of happened, and unfortunately it didn't really hold my interest. Maybe the next one will?
November 16, 2016
This was a major disappointment. I had really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one did not match it. Too many times the main protagonist was put in dumb situations or made unwise decisions. I believe the phrase is TDTL (too dumb to live).
October 4, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ca...
Cancelled by Murder
A Postmistress Mystery, Book #2
By Jean Flowers
ISBN 9780425279113
Author Website: minichino.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
With a massive storm about to hit North Ashcot, Massachusetts, threatening floods and widespread wind damage, Cassie is forced to close up the post office along with the rest of the local business owners and residents, who are battening down the hatches and bracing themselves for the worst.
Although the storm proves not to be as bad as predicted, fabric shop owner Daisy Harmon is found dead, seemingly killed by a fallen branch. But the police quickly determine that her death had nothing to do with foul weather and everything to do with foul play. After Daisy’s widowed husband approaches her to help solve his wife’s murder, Cassie vows to find the killer before another innocent victim is taken by storm.
Review:
When the delightful Postmistress Mystery series came out, it was a ‘must read’ for me. In Cancelled by Murder I even learned about a stamp and it’s pictured Revolutionary War hero that I had to look up to remember. I started collecting stamps a long time ago, yet I never thought that anything more exciting occurred in a post office than a new stamp arrival. It was fascinating to consider how they sorted all those envelopes and packages and got them to the right place…not just in my small hometown but all around the country.
Cancelled by Murder is second in the Postmistress Mystery series, and it can be read as a standalone. Cassie had returned to her hometown to care for her terminally ill Aunt Tess and has remained in North Ashcot. She is the postmistress and only staff person in this one-woman shop, except for the retired postmaster, Ben, who enjoys coming in to help and see his former customers. Her BFF is the chief of police chief, Sunni, who has helped her get started in quilting.
An almost white-out snowstorm comes in with fury, and most of the town closed up early to get home before the weather worsens. She sees her friend Daisy from the fabric store struggling to bring in the displays outside the front door, but nobody else. It would seem that she is the last person to see Daisy alive – other than her killer. Daisy’s neighbor, a bike shop employee heard noises from the yard behind her shop, but could not get there to help before she died, originally thought to be killed by a fallen tree limb. The news quickly circulated that she had been murdered. Her devastated widower, Cliff, wants Cassie to help him find who did it. Doing so could damage her friendship with Sunni, as she doesn’t want citizens risking their lives when the police force is trained and equipped to do so.
At least two of the quilting group ladies have motive for murder, both regarding business matters, and another just plain acts suspiciously. When Cassie begins to ask questions of the ladies of their quilting group, however, each one feels like a suspect and Cassie begins to lose friends. Finding a way to help Cliff without alienating anyone else becomes even more difficult when it seemed like every time she and Cliff met, the chief of police either saw them together or noticed his car at her home. Sleuthing often isn’t the way it’s shown on TV!
The author has designed unique and (mostly) delightful characters. Cassie is the one we get to know best, and we continue to learn more about BFF’s Sunni in North Ashcot and Linda in Boston. They are completely believable and three-dimensional. Quinn, the man Cassie is dating, is present mostly by Skype or text thru much of the novel; we are learning more about him. Ben is also believable, especially as he tries to find a way to be useful and keep up with his old friends and customers. The ladies in the quilting group are interesting; most are helpful. All are quite intelligent, and quick to forgive when they understand how Cassie is simply trying to help find their friend Daisy’s killer. The retired couple who come in to weigh the sweet little animals that they foster are admirable; I enjoy their visits as seen through Cassie’s eyes.
I really liked this story! The author teases the reader with plot twists, realistic spats between the quilters, and the small town politics that Daisy took a very vocal exception to. While I thought I knew who the killer was, I was wrong, partially. I had discarded this person from my armchair sleuth suspect list (sigh). The conclusion of the novel was satisfying and all loose ends were tied up. This series, and Cancelled by Murder are worthy reads; I highly recommend this novel to those who have a fascination with the post office workings and well-written cozy mysteries.
Cancelled by Murder
A Postmistress Mystery, Book #2
By Jean Flowers
ISBN 9780425279113
Author Website: minichino.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
With a massive storm about to hit North Ashcot, Massachusetts, threatening floods and widespread wind damage, Cassie is forced to close up the post office along with the rest of the local business owners and residents, who are battening down the hatches and bracing themselves for the worst.
Although the storm proves not to be as bad as predicted, fabric shop owner Daisy Harmon is found dead, seemingly killed by a fallen branch. But the police quickly determine that her death had nothing to do with foul weather and everything to do with foul play. After Daisy’s widowed husband approaches her to help solve his wife’s murder, Cassie vows to find the killer before another innocent victim is taken by storm.
Review:
When the delightful Postmistress Mystery series came out, it was a ‘must read’ for me. In Cancelled by Murder I even learned about a stamp and it’s pictured Revolutionary War hero that I had to look up to remember. I started collecting stamps a long time ago, yet I never thought that anything more exciting occurred in a post office than a new stamp arrival. It was fascinating to consider how they sorted all those envelopes and packages and got them to the right place…not just in my small hometown but all around the country.
Cancelled by Murder is second in the Postmistress Mystery series, and it can be read as a standalone. Cassie had returned to her hometown to care for her terminally ill Aunt Tess and has remained in North Ashcot. She is the postmistress and only staff person in this one-woman shop, except for the retired postmaster, Ben, who enjoys coming in to help and see his former customers. Her BFF is the chief of police chief, Sunni, who has helped her get started in quilting.
An almost white-out snowstorm comes in with fury, and most of the town closed up early to get home before the weather worsens. She sees her friend Daisy from the fabric store struggling to bring in the displays outside the front door, but nobody else. It would seem that she is the last person to see Daisy alive – other than her killer. Daisy’s neighbor, a bike shop employee heard noises from the yard behind her shop, but could not get there to help before she died, originally thought to be killed by a fallen tree limb. The news quickly circulated that she had been murdered. Her devastated widower, Cliff, wants Cassie to help him find who did it. Doing so could damage her friendship with Sunni, as she doesn’t want citizens risking their lives when the police force is trained and equipped to do so.
At least two of the quilting group ladies have motive for murder, both regarding business matters, and another just plain acts suspiciously. When Cassie begins to ask questions of the ladies of their quilting group, however, each one feels like a suspect and Cassie begins to lose friends. Finding a way to help Cliff without alienating anyone else becomes even more difficult when it seemed like every time she and Cliff met, the chief of police either saw them together or noticed his car at her home. Sleuthing often isn’t the way it’s shown on TV!
The author has designed unique and (mostly) delightful characters. Cassie is the one we get to know best, and we continue to learn more about BFF’s Sunni in North Ashcot and Linda in Boston. They are completely believable and three-dimensional. Quinn, the man Cassie is dating, is present mostly by Skype or text thru much of the novel; we are learning more about him. Ben is also believable, especially as he tries to find a way to be useful and keep up with his old friends and customers. The ladies in the quilting group are interesting; most are helpful. All are quite intelligent, and quick to forgive when they understand how Cassie is simply trying to help find their friend Daisy’s killer. The retired couple who come in to weigh the sweet little animals that they foster are admirable; I enjoy their visits as seen through Cassie’s eyes.
I really liked this story! The author teases the reader with plot twists, realistic spats between the quilters, and the small town politics that Daisy took a very vocal exception to. While I thought I knew who the killer was, I was wrong, partially. I had discarded this person from my armchair sleuth suspect list (sigh). The conclusion of the novel was satisfying and all loose ends were tied up. This series, and Cancelled by Murder are worthy reads; I highly recommend this novel to those who have a fascination with the post office workings and well-written cozy mysteries.
September 27, 2017
The second book in the Postmistress Mystery series from Jean Flowers finds our series heroine Cassie Miller engaged in her day to day life being the postmistress of the one person post office in North Ascot, MA. She's got a boyfriend, the police chief is her best friend in town and has joined a quilting group.
But she once again finds herself engaged in a murder when the aftermath of a late summer storm results in the discovery of a woman's body. The victim, the owner of the local fabric shop, seems to have been killed by a falling branch from a tree. But soon it is established she met with foul play.
Unable to resist her inclination to poke around (and despite urgings from her boyfriend and best friend to stay out the investigation), Cassie is asked by the victim's husband to help him look into the murder. He's unsatisfied with the progress the police are making.
Stumbling from one suspicious clue to the next, Cassie learns that the woman's outspoken nature regarding potential business plans for the town led to some hard feelings with her fellow retailers. But was that enough to lead to her death?
And why is everyone seemingly hiding things from Cassie all of a sudden? Is it from her sticking her nose into the death investigation or something more sinister?
I have to say that I wasn't overly fond of this entry into the series. It seemed overly long even though it was just 290 pages. While the cozy need to describe the vagaries of small town life to the smallest detail, there seemed to be a lot of repetition here. While that is to be expected from book to book, it felt like there was that same kind of repetition from early in the book to later in the story.
Even for a character in a literary sub-genre where they are supposed to be stumbling across clues and not being professional crime solvers, Cassie seems to be especially ill-made for the job of solving crimes. Perhaps that should be seen as a plus, but it leaves me wondering how someone just doesn't kill her the minute they figure out she's looking into things.
The supporting cast wasn't all that interesting this time around. Quinn, Cassie's boyfriend, was out of town until the very end of the book. Sunni, the police chief let Cassie help her with one aspect of the investigation but if felt like more Sunni gave up trying to stop Cassie and instead tried to focus her on what would seem like an unimportant part of the case.
I don't know. This one just felt like it was there to exist as a story instead of truly advancing the storyline of these characters. It's only 2 books into the series, but I'm not sure that this is one that I will stick with any longer.
But she once again finds herself engaged in a murder when the aftermath of a late summer storm results in the discovery of a woman's body. The victim, the owner of the local fabric shop, seems to have been killed by a falling branch from a tree. But soon it is established she met with foul play.
Unable to resist her inclination to poke around (and despite urgings from her boyfriend and best friend to stay out the investigation), Cassie is asked by the victim's husband to help him look into the murder. He's unsatisfied with the progress the police are making.
Stumbling from one suspicious clue to the next, Cassie learns that the woman's outspoken nature regarding potential business plans for the town led to some hard feelings with her fellow retailers. But was that enough to lead to her death?
And why is everyone seemingly hiding things from Cassie all of a sudden? Is it from her sticking her nose into the death investigation or something more sinister?
I have to say that I wasn't overly fond of this entry into the series. It seemed overly long even though it was just 290 pages. While the cozy need to describe the vagaries of small town life to the smallest detail, there seemed to be a lot of repetition here. While that is to be expected from book to book, it felt like there was that same kind of repetition from early in the book to later in the story.
Even for a character in a literary sub-genre where they are supposed to be stumbling across clues and not being professional crime solvers, Cassie seems to be especially ill-made for the job of solving crimes. Perhaps that should be seen as a plus, but it leaves me wondering how someone just doesn't kill her the minute they figure out she's looking into things.
The supporting cast wasn't all that interesting this time around. Quinn, Cassie's boyfriend, was out of town until the very end of the book. Sunni, the police chief let Cassie help her with one aspect of the investigation but if felt like more Sunni gave up trying to stop Cassie and instead tried to focus her on what would seem like an unimportant part of the case.
I don't know. This one just felt like it was there to exist as a story instead of truly advancing the storyline of these characters. It's only 2 books into the series, but I'm not sure that this is one that I will stick with any longer.
April 28, 2021
Loved the first, hated this one. Plot wasn't interesting. It was fairly predictable but it also didn't hold together. When I met the characters and it moved along, I suspected who the murderer was (and was correct for the reasons why). But then it never really put the pieces in place...there were holes and gaps and then tah dah! The big reveal. I didn't care about any of the characters this time 'round. There were no connections. And the pacing...ugh. I slogged through it hoping it would get better. It didn't.
September 12, 2018
Definitely not bad, but I was irritated by the way Cassie seemed to ignore a lot of suspicious behavior - she was too trusting!
I also thought the story could have been resolved sooner, as it dragged a little toward the end.
I would read another book featuring this character.
I also thought the story could have been resolved sooner, as it dragged a little toward the end.
I would read another book featuring this character.
November 4, 2020
I enjoyed the beginning of this series but this one really just did not work for me. Can't stand it when the heroine just won't stop even when it's stupid and her best friend, the chief of police, specifically tells her not too. :(
September 9, 2016
Cancelled by Murder by Jean Flowers is the second book in A Postmistress Mystery series. Cassie Miller has been back in her hometown for about a year, and she is enjoying being the local postmaster. A hurricane is heading towards North Ashcot, Massachusetts, and Cassie decides to close up the post office early (as is the rest of the town). On her way home, Cassie notices that Daisy Harmon of Daisy’s Fabrics is just closing up. After Cassie is settled at home, she hears a siren and then an ambulance whisks by her home and later two police cars. Soon there is a report on the news of the first casualty of the storm (hurricane storm). When Cassie receives a call from Sunni Smargan, her best friend and chief of police, she finds out that the victim is Daisy. She was found dead under a big tree limb. But the limb was not the cause of Daisy’s death. Someone was trying to blame the storm on Daisy’s death. Daisy had been the driving force behind the opposition to the farmer’s market proposal (because it closed off all traffic to the main street of shops). Daisy had also added cards to her shop which angered card shop owner, Liv Patterson. Cassie was not going to get involved in the investigation, but Cliff Harmon, Daisy’s husband, request her help. He wants to find out what happened to his wife. Cassie knows that Sunni will tell her to not get involved (and threaten to arrest her), but Cassie agrees to look into Daisy’s death. Cassie is privy to all the local gossip working at the post office and this aids her mission. But someone does not like Cassie delving into Daisy’s affairs. Let’s hope Cassie does not end up getting cancelled!
Cancelled by Murder is well-written and entertaining. I like the characters and Cassie’s job as postmistress (unique for cozy mysteries). The story actually ends up with two mysteries (sorry, spoilers). The author tried to make the mysteries complicated, but I thought it was fairly simple to pick out the culprits (I write down my guess on paper and then read the book and wait to see if I am right). North Ashcot is your typical small-town with everyone knows everyone else’s business. There seemed to be a lot of attention on Cassie’s everyday life in the beginning of the book (reading, watching television, meeting friends, lack of food in her fridge, etc.) that slowed down the pace of the book. I was glad when the pace picked up (as we delved more into the investigation). Cancelled by Murder can be read alone. Events from the first book in A Postmistress Mystery series are mentioned in Cancelled by Murder. I liked the postal information included at the end of the book along with the postal humor. I give Cancelled by Murder 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading the next book in A Postmistress Mystery series when it is published.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Cancelled by Murder is well-written and entertaining. I like the characters and Cassie’s job as postmistress (unique for cozy mysteries). The story actually ends up with two mysteries (sorry, spoilers). The author tried to make the mysteries complicated, but I thought it was fairly simple to pick out the culprits (I write down my guess on paper and then read the book and wait to see if I am right). North Ashcot is your typical small-town with everyone knows everyone else’s business. There seemed to be a lot of attention on Cassie’s everyday life in the beginning of the book (reading, watching television, meeting friends, lack of food in her fridge, etc.) that slowed down the pace of the book. I was glad when the pace picked up (as we delved more into the investigation). Cancelled by Murder can be read alone. Events from the first book in A Postmistress Mystery series are mentioned in Cancelled by Murder. I liked the postal information included at the end of the book along with the postal humor. I give Cancelled by Murder 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading the next book in A Postmistress Mystery series when it is published.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
January 26, 2017
3.5 Stars
Sexual Content: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: None
Violent Content: Minimal
Reviewed by Wendy
Cancelled by Murder is the second Postmistress Mystery by Jean Flowers ( aka Camille Minichino). Cassie Miller is postmistress in North Ashcot, Massachusetts, a beautiful Berkshire town, where the weather can sometimes be deadly. A sudden storm hits the town and a local fabric shop owner is killed by a falling tree. Or so it seemed until Cassie’s friend and police chief, Sunni investigates.
Soon the whole town knows that a killer is on the loose and the victim’s husband seems to be the prime suspect. But the man enlists Cassie’s help to find his wife’s killer, so he must be innocent, right?
Cancelled by Murder is a good mystery with a few red herrings to keep the reader guessing. It appears that the victim argued with townspeople, over store competition, one woman in particular. Cassie finds herself drawn into the mystery and feels that her position in the post office allows her to hear a lot of town gossip and news and she uses this to help find a killer.
I enjoyed the friendship between Cassie and Sunni, particularly because a lot of times the police and the amateur detective are at odds with each other. Although Sunni doesn’t want Cassie snooping around on her own, the reader can tell that it is more because of genuine concern for her friend.
There is a hint of romance between Cassie and Quinn, but Quinn is away for most of this book. Hopefully things will pick up in the next book of the series. The author added a few post office stories and fun facts at the end of the book which are a pleasant addition. Overall this was an enjoyable mystery.
-- WENDY
October 20, 2016
This is the second novel of the series and I found it delightful reading.
Postmistress Cassie Miller, of North Ashcot, MA is loving her life. She has a handsome boyfriend, a good friend, the Chief of Police, Sunni, and a job she loves. Sunni had even introduced Cassie to her quilting group and so now she had a hobby!
Everything is going great until the hurricane came to town. In the aftermath, besides the fallen branches, a quilter, Daisy, is found dead! But, Cassie had just waved at her when she closed the Post Office to sit out the storm at home. How could this happen?
Even scarier...Daisy is pronounced 'murdered' by the Coroner. Could it be a member of the quilting group? How about the accountant that took care of the accounts of Daisy's store and family? What about this behind the scenes business group (Farmer's Market?) Then, of course, there is the husband and the employee of the next door bike store that found Daisy's battered body under the tree branch.
Cassie just can't help herself...she needs to find out what happened to Daisy. When, Daisy's husband, Cliff asks her for help...what can a girl do?
This story was very flowing and I found I turned the pages quickly. The facts and tales at the end of the book are enjoyable as well. A well-written tale.
Postmistress Cassie Miller, of North Ashcot, MA is loving her life. She has a handsome boyfriend, a good friend, the Chief of Police, Sunni, and a job she loves. Sunni had even introduced Cassie to her quilting group and so now she had a hobby!
Everything is going great until the hurricane came to town. In the aftermath, besides the fallen branches, a quilter, Daisy, is found dead! But, Cassie had just waved at her when she closed the Post Office to sit out the storm at home. How could this happen?
Even scarier...Daisy is pronounced 'murdered' by the Coroner. Could it be a member of the quilting group? How about the accountant that took care of the accounts of Daisy's store and family? What about this behind the scenes business group (Farmer's Market?) Then, of course, there is the husband and the employee of the next door bike store that found Daisy's battered body under the tree branch.
Cassie just can't help herself...she needs to find out what happened to Daisy. When, Daisy's husband, Cliff asks her for help...what can a girl do?
This story was very flowing and I found I turned the pages quickly. The facts and tales at the end of the book are enjoyable as well. A well-written tale.
September 16, 2016
Love this 2nd book in the series! Cassie is a fun and feisty protagonist, even when she is nominated to help solve a mystery that she doesn't want to. This series is one I had to read, as a former avid stamp collector. 'Cancelled by Murder' was even better than the first in series. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read about a small-town postmistress in an extremely well-written cozy mystery. The plot is detailed, yet with enough suspects and plot twists to keep the reader (and Cassie!) busy trying to keep up with the challenges. This is a thoroughly satisfying and fascinating novel with a quirky - and wonderful - cast of characters. Looking forward to the next one!
May 27, 2018
I read the first book in this series a while ago, and remembered it as OK but not enough to make me in a hurry to read the next. I got a third of the way through this and gave up, the main character is supposed to be a woman in her mid thirties, but the style is so stilted the whole thing might have been written in the 1930s. Boring characters, threadbare plot, cardboard setting, so dull I couldn't be bothered skipping to the end to find out who did it or why.
November 2, 2016
Although this is the second book of the series, it was my first -- and last. I picked it up on impulse from the library. I finished it, because I wanted to know who was guilty, but the lead really annoyed me. Her investigative "method" is ridiculously haphazard and clumsy, reminding me of an old joke (referred to as the "streetlight effect"):
Also, given the way her boyfriend's return kept being delayed, I wondered for a while whether we were supposed to suspect him of lying about his trip.
The things she "forgets to mention" or "doesn't think about" are too numerous, and whether she leaps on a suspect theory or rejects it is most influenced by whether or not she likes the person in question. I'm not even going to get into other avenues pursued in the case because this book just isn't worth it. I like amateur-sleuth stories, but only if the "detective" is perceptive and intelligent.
BTW, on a minor note, not relevant to the central mystery but showing the author's careless research, the genet is a beautiful little animal, but while it is cat-like, it is NOT actually a feline, as the author once refers to one that makes a minor appearance. There's a paragraph in that Wikipedia entry I linked that really makes me think that Ms. Flowers made a poor choice this time of what exotic species to have the minor characters Carolyn and George Raley raising "to the point where they would be comfortable in venues like petting zoos or school programs": "Genets are a ONE family pet, there is no such thing as rehoming a pet genet. They will not remain tame with a new family and a new environment. Change in environment and caretakers is very stressful on genets and can also cause self mutilation, cage pacing and behavior changes."
N.B. She closes the book, after the About the Author, with some mildly interesting postal-service-related trivia.
Anyway, I won't be reading another Postmistress Mystery. My TBR is too long to waste my time.
A police officer sees a drunken man intently searching the ground near a lamppost and asks him the goal of his quest. The inebriate replies that he is looking for his car keys, and the officer helps for a few minutes without success then he asks whether the man is certain that he dropped the keys near the lamppost.Similarly, Cassie focuses mainly on the ladies of the quilting circle, because they're whom she has any excuse to "subtly" question. It's downright bizarre how she simultaneously is so worried about losing most of her friends in town, yet readily suspects them of having committed at least manslaughter w/cover-up or conspiracy thereto. She also acknowledges (as the first-person narrator) that she's choosing to be in denial about someone having broken into her car and stolen case-related papers. She gets talked into being involved (by the widower), despite fears re. both the killer's reaction and that of her local best friend, the chief of police, yet later is unwilling to drop it. That's leaving aside the unlikelihood that said policewoman would ever surrender to Cassie's desire to be involved.
“No,” is the reply, “I lost the keys somewhere across the street.”
“Why look here?” asks the surprised and irritated officer.
“The light is much better here,” the intoxicated man responds with aplomb.
(Source for this version)
Huh, it dates back to the 1920s!
Also, given the way her boyfriend's return kept being delayed, I wondered for a while whether we were supposed to suspect him of lying about his trip.
The things she "forgets to mention" or "doesn't think about" are too numerous, and whether she leaps on a suspect theory or rejects it is most influenced by whether or not she likes the person in question. I'm not even going to get into other avenues pursued in the case because this book just isn't worth it. I like amateur-sleuth stories, but only if the "detective" is perceptive and intelligent.
BTW, on a minor note, not relevant to the central mystery but showing the author's careless research, the genet is a beautiful little animal, but while it is cat-like, it is NOT actually a feline, as the author once refers to one that makes a minor appearance. There's a paragraph in that Wikipedia entry I linked that really makes me think that Ms. Flowers made a poor choice this time of what exotic species to have the minor characters Carolyn and George Raley raising "to the point where they would be comfortable in venues like petting zoos or school programs": "Genets are a ONE family pet, there is no such thing as rehoming a pet genet. They will not remain tame with a new family and a new environment. Change in environment and caretakers is very stressful on genets and can also cause self mutilation, cage pacing and behavior changes."
N.B. She closes the book, after the About the Author, with some mildly interesting postal-service-related trivia.
Anyway, I won't be reading another Postmistress Mystery. My TBR is too long to waste my time.
December 8, 2017
It's the end of summer in North Ashcot, Massachusetts, and Cassie Miller has been postmistress for a year now, with a new boyfriend, Quinn, and a best friend in the local police chief. She's even become a member of the local quilting group.
There's been a bad storm, and Cassie has just learned that one of the quilters has been a casualty...only she wasn't. It seems that Daisy Harmon was murdered, and now there's a killer on the loose. When Daisy's husband Cliff asks for Cassie's help, she feels she just can't turn away from him, even though she knows Sunni will be mad that she won't let the police department handle it. So even though it's a reluctant decision, she agrees to help Cliff figure out who wanted his wife dead and why. With little to go on, the police warning her away, and someone sending her warning notes, Cassie may be in over her head, but she;s not going to let a killer stay free; especially one who may have her targeted as the next victim...
This is the second book in the series, and I really, really wanted to like it better than the first. I know that it's about the postmistress in a small town, but the endless chatter about everyone's mail and everybody's personal business (even though Cassie doesn't gossip, she sure was doing a lot to the reader) was bogging down the story. So much so that I couldn't even stay interested for long periods of time. Not to mention the cover has a cat in the post office...but there really aren't any cats in the story. Hmm...
At any rate, the story just didn't grab me enough to seem like much of a mystery. Yes, we have a murdered woman; but when it came right down to it, the reason she was killed didn't seem like any reason to kill her at all. Cassie also overthinks everything (we hear a lot of her thoughts) and seems to be bad at questioning people (they always know). She just doesn't have any skill in doing this; she just seems nosy and inept.
The bottom line is this: while the protagonist being a postmistress is mildly interesting, her constant telling us about everyone's mail, stamps, and the reasons people are on stamps seemed like fillers and unnecessary (nor interesting) to the story. I also couldn't understand why she was still friends with Linda, who mocked small-town life every chance she got. Who'd want a friend who made fun of your life choices? I was also beginning to wonder if Quinn was on the up-and-up with her since he was on one really long business trip; but came to the conclusion that by being away, there was no reason to create any romantic involvement between him and Cassie. At the last, you can't re-home Genets. Once the Raleys had possession of them, there is where they would stay if they didn't want to harm them in any way.
So unfortunately, even though I have the third book in this series, right now it's a toss up as to whether I'll continue reading it. I had high hopes, but I don't know how much more I can take reading about who's getting what mail from someone, or how busy her post office is on a daily basis.
There's been a bad storm, and Cassie has just learned that one of the quilters has been a casualty...only she wasn't. It seems that Daisy Harmon was murdered, and now there's a killer on the loose. When Daisy's husband Cliff asks for Cassie's help, she feels she just can't turn away from him, even though she knows Sunni will be mad that she won't let the police department handle it. So even though it's a reluctant decision, she agrees to help Cliff figure out who wanted his wife dead and why. With little to go on, the police warning her away, and someone sending her warning notes, Cassie may be in over her head, but she;s not going to let a killer stay free; especially one who may have her targeted as the next victim...
This is the second book in the series, and I really, really wanted to like it better than the first. I know that it's about the postmistress in a small town, but the endless chatter about everyone's mail and everybody's personal business (even though Cassie doesn't gossip, she sure was doing a lot to the reader) was bogging down the story. So much so that I couldn't even stay interested for long periods of time. Not to mention the cover has a cat in the post office...but there really aren't any cats in the story. Hmm...
At any rate, the story just didn't grab me enough to seem like much of a mystery. Yes, we have a murdered woman; but when it came right down to it, the reason she was killed didn't seem like any reason to kill her at all. Cassie also overthinks everything (we hear a lot of her thoughts) and seems to be bad at questioning people (they always know). She just doesn't have any skill in doing this; she just seems nosy and inept.
The bottom line is this: while the protagonist being a postmistress is mildly interesting, her constant telling us about everyone's mail, stamps, and the reasons people are on stamps seemed like fillers and unnecessary (nor interesting) to the story. I also couldn't understand why she was still friends with Linda, who mocked small-town life every chance she got. Who'd want a friend who made fun of your life choices? I was also beginning to wonder if Quinn was on the up-and-up with her since he was on one really long business trip; but came to the conclusion that by being away, there was no reason to create any romantic involvement between him and Cassie. At the last, you can't re-home Genets. Once the Raleys had possession of them, there is where they would stay if they didn't want to harm them in any way.
So unfortunately, even though I have the third book in this series, right now it's a toss up as to whether I'll continue reading it. I had high hopes, but I don't know how much more I can take reading about who's getting what mail from someone, or how busy her post office is on a daily basis.
May 9, 2021
I picked this book up several years ago at "An Evening with Ann Parker & Camille Minichino" at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton, CA. I love Ann Parker's Silver Rush series, but Ms. Minichino's "Postmistress Mystery" series sounded like fun. (Ms. Minichino writes under "Jean Flowers.")
This is the second book in the series and, although I haven't read the first, Ms. Minichino does a good job of filling in the gaps without a lot of exposition. Cassie Miller is the postmistress in North Ashcot, MA. Although she grew up there, she moved away to Boston, returning home to care for her Aunt Tess who was dying. Cassie has been in North Ashcot for a year now. Her best friend, Sunni, is the Chief of Police, has suggested Cassie join the local quilting group to expand her group of friends. The group meets in the back room of the fabric shop owned by Daisy Harmon.
A severe storm hits the town, forcing everyone to close up. Afterwards, Daisy's body is found pinned under a large tree branch. However, the Medical Examiner determines Daisy was murdered. Daisy's husband is convinced the police are not doing their job and talks Cassie (who helped solve a murder in the first novel) into helping him.
North Ashcot is a small town, so news and rumors spread quickly. A local contractor is interested in bringing a Farmers' Market to North Ashcot. Daisy was a vocal opponent, fearing the Market would hurt the local businesses. She also had a dispute with the owner of the local gift shop, Liv, who felt Daisy was impinging on her business by selling cards. (Liv is also a member of the quilting group, as is the wife of the contractor. Small towns, right?)
Cassie is warned away from investigating with a threatening note and by Sunni, but Cliff pleads for her help. I had my suspicions about "who done it" and was close, but found myself wrapped up in Cassie's life as well as life in North Ashcot.
I'm going to look for the first book and add it to my reading list for summer.
Note to my quilting friends: quilting is mentioned, but there's not much discussion of or actual quilting going on.
This is the second book in the series and, although I haven't read the first, Ms. Minichino does a good job of filling in the gaps without a lot of exposition. Cassie Miller is the postmistress in North Ashcot, MA. Although she grew up there, she moved away to Boston, returning home to care for her Aunt Tess who was dying. Cassie has been in North Ashcot for a year now. Her best friend, Sunni, is the Chief of Police, has suggested Cassie join the local quilting group to expand her group of friends. The group meets in the back room of the fabric shop owned by Daisy Harmon.
A severe storm hits the town, forcing everyone to close up. Afterwards, Daisy's body is found pinned under a large tree branch. However, the Medical Examiner determines Daisy was murdered. Daisy's husband is convinced the police are not doing their job and talks Cassie (who helped solve a murder in the first novel) into helping him.
North Ashcot is a small town, so news and rumors spread quickly. A local contractor is interested in bringing a Farmers' Market to North Ashcot. Daisy was a vocal opponent, fearing the Market would hurt the local businesses. She also had a dispute with the owner of the local gift shop, Liv, who felt Daisy was impinging on her business by selling cards. (Liv is also a member of the quilting group, as is the wife of the contractor. Small towns, right?)
Cassie is warned away from investigating with a threatening note and by Sunni, but Cliff pleads for her help. I had my suspicions about "who done it" and was close, but found myself wrapped up in Cassie's life as well as life in North Ashcot.
I'm going to look for the first book and add it to my reading list for summer.
Note to my quilting friends: quilting is mentioned, but there's not much discussion of or actual quilting going on.
December 12, 2016
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
After a powerful storm hits North Ashcot, Cassie's friend, Daisy, is found dead underneath a tree branch. When it's found that Daisy's death was no accident, the victim's husband, Cliff, enlists Cassie's help investigating the murder.
The plot was convoluted, but not in a bad way! With deftly written misdirections and red herrings, it was easy to get turned around and doubt my instincts, and the surprising ending was satisfying and enjoyable.
One thing I like about this series is that a fascination and appreciation for history, especially postal history, is sprinkled throughout. It's obvious the author has a real penchant for it, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
Overall, an enjoyable book and a great cozy mystery. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first book in the series is worth a read as well.
After a powerful storm hits North Ashcot, Cassie's friend, Daisy, is found dead underneath a tree branch. When it's found that Daisy's death was no accident, the victim's husband, Cliff, enlists Cassie's help investigating the murder.
The plot was convoluted, but not in a bad way! With deftly written misdirections and red herrings, it was easy to get turned around and doubt my instincts, and the surprising ending was satisfying and enjoyable.
One thing I like about this series is that a fascination and appreciation for history, especially postal history, is sprinkled throughout. It's obvious the author has a real penchant for it, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
Overall, an enjoyable book and a great cozy mystery. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first book in the series is worth a read as well.
June 6, 2022
Ugh. yet another clinched copycat plot with an annoying rude insensitive untalented dingbat who thinks she's smart and can investigate .Only thing that changed is her town and occupation (damn boring one too ).
all she does is annoy people including rhe chief and comr to the wrong assumptions AND of course get her stupid self in danger and need rescuing. .
.Why 95% of female "light mysteries " think that this hackneyed version of a character us clever ir witty or interesting boggles rhe mind .
About time one created a female who IS a detective or cop with a brain cell and wits. Oh AND doesnt have dating angst interfering with the plot. Soesking of ..what plot?
ps the minor characters who "raise baby exotics to hand off to petting zoos" is despicable to even put in the story (and useless characters as well) .Exotic animals are not meant to be in oettinv zoos ms insensitive ignorant writer!
all she does is annoy people including rhe chief and comr to the wrong assumptions AND of course get her stupid self in danger and need rescuing. .
.Why 95% of female "light mysteries " think that this hackneyed version of a character us clever ir witty or interesting boggles rhe mind .
About time one created a female who IS a detective or cop with a brain cell and wits. Oh AND doesnt have dating angst interfering with the plot. Soesking of ..what plot?
ps the minor characters who "raise baby exotics to hand off to petting zoos" is despicable to even put in the story (and useless characters as well) .Exotic animals are not meant to be in oettinv zoos ms insensitive ignorant writer!
December 10, 2017
Small town postmaster Cassie Miller must hustle to get the post office closed and herself safely home when an unexpected summer storm hits North Ashton. The next day, however, she learns that a local merchant was killed. Soon the word goes around that the death wasn't an accident, and Cassie itches to help her best friend, the local police chief. Unfortunately, she forgets to tell her friend some significant details she's discovered until it is almost too late. Cassie must Skype with her boyfriend, antiques dealer Quinn, who is on a buying trip, and his absence weakens the book as a whole.
March 25, 2019
I have started this book a few times, only because I've borrowed it from my library and never finished it. Till now. I read death takes priority, the first in the series, awhile ago and once I kept myself sitting and reading this, I couldn't put it down. Cassie was even more of a detective this time around, except, as the last time, almost didn't escape unscathed. Thanks to her burnt pot of food when she's urged to leave at gunpoint, and her unanswered phone, and her just returning boyfriend, who's followed her car. I hope you all enjoy this series, I did
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
Cassie is a postmaster in a small town, lives in a house given to her by her aunt, and has a boyfriend and a best friend. The author tries to capture the atmospher of a small town--mentioning get togethers, coffee shopts etc. A storm approaches the community and everything shuts down. Cassie finds out that the owner of the local quilting shop has died. Soon, it is revealed that it is murder not the storm that caused the death. Cassie is a bit indecisive--always second guessing herself. To me this became tedious and kept me from really being involved in the story.
September 4, 2017
A horrible storm comes through North Ashcot and a woman is later found dead. The deceased woman's husband asks Cassie for help in finding out who killed his wife. Cassie is reluctant to help, but eventually does to the dismay of her boyfriend, Quinn, and police chief friend, Sunni. Along the way, Cassie manages to irritate a lot of people, but the killer is eventually caught with a small twist at the end. I enjoyed this book and found the postal facts at the end interesting.
August 16, 2018
I found the main character's desire to "join the team" and help the local police to be annoying. If she seriously wants to be an investigator, why is she not a police officer or working in the investigative branch of the postal service?
Usual plot, death in a small town, everyone is up in arms, threats are made, accountant absconds with funds, and murderer tries to off the main character for being a nuisance. I was disappointed that she survived.
Usual plot, death in a small town, everyone is up in arms, threats are made, accountant absconds with funds, and murderer tries to off the main character for being a nuisance. I was disappointed that she survived.
May 16, 2017
Overall a gasp-worthy climax, but it did take a bit to get there. A great cast of characters though, with that small-town mystery and whodunit humor. It's a great #2 in the series, can't wait for #3!!
June 8, 2017
Very interesting book. I loved the first book and couldn't wait to read this one. Loved it just as much. Great plot twists, and I didn't figure out the ending till she did. Looking forward to book three!
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