Dose Vidanya

Silver Hills #2

by Sam Cheever

Come to Silver Hills. Where petting a cat can be a death sentence and yoga is all about survival.
Silver Hills Senior and Singles Residence isn’t exactly a boring place. Home to a death predicting cat named Tolstoy, a night manager who may or may not suck blood and float above the floor, a cook with mad voodoo and pie baking powers, and a trio of nosy sleuths who are determined to get to the bottom of the corpse in the library (maybe literally)…some might say things couldn’t get any weirder. Some would be wrong.

"If you are looking for a fun, fast paced and hilarious mystery this series is the best!"

"I absolutely loved this book. I laughed so hard at times my husband came to see if I was okay."

Dose Vidanya is Book 1 in a fun and engaging murder mystery series with female amateur sleuths and a couple of really entertaining animal sidekicks. If you enjoy your mysteries with twists, turns and humor, you might want to grab your copy now. I think you'll be happy you did!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Ebooks, Fiction, Amazon

196 pages, ebook

First published March 13, 2016

About the author

USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes mystery and suspense, creating stories that draw you in and keep you eagerly turning pages. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 100+ books.

Website: www.samcheever.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-c...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Ch...
Blog: https://samcheever.com/blog/

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one but two amateur sleuths investigate a series of murders and assaults in their senior living facility.

Cheever has given us a gripping mystery packed with quirky characters, side-splitting humor and abundant twists.

Recommended for cozy mystery fans.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

i can't believe all the 5 star ratings. this book was horribly written---supposed to be funny---not! on EVERY page, sometimes several times on the same page, somebody's eyes "widened" or grew wide. is there no other way to describe surprise??? The constant focus on Agnes and her fondness for food and the cruel remarks from Flo about her weight were just too much for me. not entertaining in the least. i have no desire to read anything by this author ever again. horrible.

[Rhetta Yount · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the few books I have begun and not finished

The précis of this book....from the publisher?…says this book is an hilarious cozy mystery. That’s actually why I chose to read it. Unfortunately I did not find it at all amusing. The author focuses on the relationship of the two main characters, Agnes & Flo. They live in a retirement home, and are supposed to be friends. I can’t imagine why. I don’t quite know how to describe their relationship but friendship is not the right word. They seem to dislike each other intensely and are constantly making cutting remarks both to each other and about the other “friend” to others. With friends like this who needs enemies? Most books I find worthwhile reading have characters I can care about. Flo & Agnes...not even a little bit.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the occasional cozy mystery, and this book sounded promising, billed as a funny and suspenseful story with senior citizen slueths in a retirement home. Turns out the "seniors" are only in their 50s and the "funny" was nothing more than fat and fart jokes and some cruel physical descriptions of some of the characters. On top of the immature humor, phrases such as "her eyes widened" and "she said to her friend" or "turned to her friend" were so over used, I felt as if I was reading a 4th grader's attempt at writing a mystery.

There were so many characters, and by halfway into the book I thought sure there must have been an earlier Silver Hills edition that perhaps introduced them all more adequately. For the longest time I couldn't even keep the two lead protagonist friends straight in my mind. They were equally rude, obnoxious, and indiscernible.

But, I did stick with the story and there were some unexpected twists. I don't care to read anything more about Flo and Agnes, however. And when we know they have a cellphone with them, in dangerous situations, for the love of God USE IT TO CALL FOR HELP, and not just as a flashlight!

[Kate R · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is easily one of the worst books I’ve read this year. The two primary characters live in a retirement community (they are in their 50s, and they’re not the youngest). There’s fat shaming, sweeping stereotypes, and a plot that was too far-fetched to be believed. I am shocked that anyone gave it five stars, frankly. There are good cozy mysteries. This...no.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun, but not what I’ve come to expect from this author. I found some cute, funny moments that made me giggle, yet it wasn’t exactly the light-hearted cozy mystery I thought I was digging into. The story felt like it was all over the place, trying to do and be too many things as once. I had fun with the prequel, so I’ll give the series another go, because maybe it’s just the mood I’m in right now affecting my opinion.

[Cassandra Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cozy mystery. Kept you guessing!

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

body shaming, fat shaming, racial stereotypes. I kept hoping that there would be a decent story in there somewhere. Just when I thought "oh, here's the story." More fat shaming and body shaming. The characters in the book were just that characters, no development, or sometimes they would act one way and then in a similar situation acted a totally different way. Never really got to know them.

There is a story there, but you have to dig through the trash to find it. If that is what you like to do go for it.

[Sandee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't find this book entertaining. The characters are one dimensional and stereotypical. The humour is poorly executed slap-stick with the same joke over and over again. If any of us fell that dramatically and that often we wouldn't be getting up again. I would describe the all the humour to be the kind best enjoyed by 14 year old boys. Farts, poop, food and embarrassing situations. Best friends Flo and Agnes treat each other meanly and with none of the affection that goes with friendly teasing. I did finish the book however, I had no problem putting it down every time something else to do came up.

[Dorothy Timm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main reason why this book was so un-enjoyable for me was that there was never much explanation of who the dead body was, beyond his name. By the end of the book, I'm not sure if anyone even cared about him. The good news was that at least there wasn't the usual great revelation right near the end, the one that clarifies who the murderer was and what their motivation was.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday's Lost, prequel - Oh my gosh, this book rocks! The intensity, the vivid descriptions, the hurry up and TELL ME what did it!, all these things eats up your patience in this fast paced, suspense filled story. It's almost with bated breath time in some places in this story; it's been a long time since a story affected me like this. Move over Koontz and King, Cheever can write this genre too! The author provides information about the characters and the series, as well as an overview of this story, which I appreciate knowing. 5*

Yesterday's News #1 - Read Yesterday's Lost first, there's a lot of foundation for the series, plus it's an awesome read! There's still the intensity, vivid descriptions and fast pace that makes this book difficult to put down. The characters are interesting, lovable or not, and run the gamut of types. The story line is well thought out and there's the twists and turns that's in every good book. There are so many possibilities where this series can go and I look forward to the rest of the series. The author provides an overview, which I appreciate knowing before I read the book. I've enjoyed all the books I've read by this author and with this series and her Familiar series, she has grown in her writing; and she was good with her Silver Hills series. 5*

Murderous Craft - Hilarious as the story develops. A well written suspense filled with the lovable, but capable Honeybun family and their cohorts. The believable characters, along with the mostly realistic dialogue and the intriguing, twisting plot keep the reader involved throughout the story. This book has an overview, which I appreciate knowing what a book is about before I read; entertaining on its own. Minor editing needed, although the editing is better on this book. I contacted the author after reading the first book: A Honeybun and Coffee. 5*

Dose Vidanya - Hilarious as the story develops. What! I almost lost interest when the ladies started trying to solve the death before calling the police, but I read more and I'm glad I did. The story did get better and the ladies weren't stupid, less the first chapter. A well written suspense laced with humor, developed characters and a twisty plot. This book has an overview, which I appreciate knowing what a book is about before I read; entertaining on its own. Minor editing needed. 5*

A Honeybun and Coffee - Hilarious! A well written, suspense filled with a bunch of believable characters, mostly realistic dialogue and an adorable dog. The cast keeps getting bigger, adding to the fun and excitement. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. This book reminds me of Stephanie Plum, but with more Rangers and Morellis. Angie isn't so prone to bad things happenin' to her, well at least, her car isn't bombed. This book has an overview, which I appreciate knowing what a book is about before I read; entertaining on its own. I was surprised and happy to find a lack of profanity. There was a long sex scene. Some of the motorcycle and fight scenes aren't realistic, but it's still a fun read. Minor editing needed. 5*

Sam Cheever, Toxic Tech (Summer Snoops and Cozy Crimes) - Another interesting story with the added bonus of a large amount of animals, and even a reptile as a major character. Intriguing with suspense and the usual humor found from this author blend well with the characters to keep the reader immersed in the story. Another good addition to the Honeybun and Runa series. There's a overview to let the reader know what the story is about, which I always appreciate. I purchased this set to support the authors' cause since they did so well with 12 Slays of Christmas. 4*

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flo and Agnes live a the Silver Hills Seniors and Singles Residence. Agnes is a retired weightlifter with a death-predicting cat and Flo is an inquisitive middle aged woman with an attack dachshund. Trouble starts when one of the kitchen staff is found dead in the basement. The police believe it to be natural causes, but Flo thinks otherwise. She begins her own investigation with the help of Agnes, the Activities Director called T.C., and her friend (and crush) Roger. Between a ransacked apartment, a set of night managers who are content to let the residents think they’re vampires, a policeman with a crush, and various residence characters, Flo and her buddies get into several uncomfortable places – all leading up to a final confrontation with the killer!

I think if I was a fan of the genre (cozy, retirement age, mysteries) this would be a fabulous book. I found myself laughing out loud several times and the characters were well-developed and relate-able. The story line moved well, the setting unique and interesting, and the plot not unbelievable. I’ve read enough mystery books that I was able to predict a few things which was both nice and annoying because I was like – Why aren’t the other characters noticing this? Also, the policeman was made to look somewhat inept, which is addressed but still somewhat annoying. I did like how the story built and that you got to see an investigation from an amateur sleuth point of view that made you feel like you could attempt the same thing. However, the stuff these women did would probably have gotten them arrested or several pieces of evidence thrown out at trial.

I did enjoy it. I can’t say I was fully pulled into the story, but it kept my interest. There was plenty of humor to balance out the murder story line. There was also a decent shot at predicting the killer which can be fun if it’s something you’re into. It did set up for a decent series with memorable characters and enough leeway to include variety in later story lines.

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[IslandRiverScribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book is hilarious, almost slapstick - before the murders, of course. After that, it's all seriousness. This work may in the genre of "cozy mystery," but the humor and the lack of graphic displays of violence does not make the plot or the actions of the main characters any less serious or poorly executed. Flo, Agnes and TC may be amateur sleuths, but they are not stupid, only inexperienced.

Some reviewers have taken exception to - and lowered their ratings as a result of - Flo's to-her-face comments about Agnes's eating habits and her weight. Apparently, they have had little experience with a person who sprays food on people as they talk and eat at the same time. When "nice and polite" no longer work, "pointed" comments are the only thing that might; and that's not mean or cruel, it's an honest approach to try and preserve an otherwise excellent friendship.

But I do agree with the many other reviewers who complained about the constant repetition of the phrase "widened her eyes." That got old fast.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Cheever's first book in the Silver Hills Cozy Series, Dose Vidanya, is a cozy with a twist. The setting for this series is Silver Hills Senior and Singles Residence! Main characters are: 30-something/resident activities director Trisha Columbo, 50-something Agnes Willard, her friend Florence Bee, and Detective Brent Peters. After a weekly book reading in the library, Agnes and Flo discover a dead man. Finding him in the library means that somebody who lives or works at Silver Hills must have killed him. And so the sleuthing begins! I liked this book because of the humor, the older than usual main characters, and the four footed side kicks Tolstoy (Agnes' cat) and Rodney (Flo's dachshund). It was a fun mystery and I look forward to seeing what adventures these ladies get into next!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this book. I was looking for a light cozy mystery which this certainly is but it just didn't capture my imagination. I was particularly put off by the way Flo badgered Agnes on her eating habits. Agnes was fixated on food but I thought Flo badgered her way too much. I even felt bad for Agnes on more than one occasion. There were several interesting supporting characters but one of them was not the detective. I had a hard time seeing a real detective sharing evidence so freely with a couple silver haired busybodies. Finally, I figured out whodunit several chapters before the reveal which means the mystery wasn't excessively complex. I think I'll pass on the rest of the books in the series.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this first book, dynamic duo Agnes and Flo investigate suspicious death of busboy named Yegor in their senior and singles residence Silver Hills. During the investigation they get in trouble with the police, have encounters with suspiciously vampire look alike night-time managers, manage to convince some of the residents and management to help them along and encounter some not so nice things from the other residenents. I especially liked the humor and easy banter between main characters and there are a lot of laugh out loud scenes. Well written with happy ending and a bit of romance thrown in this the the great example of what the cosy mystery should be. I am looking forward to reading about their new adventures.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

A simple, quick read to pass an otherwise dull afternoon; I was able to finish this within a day and giggle at a few lines. I wouldn't mind continuing the series but it would have to be after a particular draining read or lack of focus. My qualms were that of the whole living arrangements of Silver Hills; it is not exactly an apartment complex or an age specific but rather a mix of younger adults and seniors, pardon my lack of understanding. The other hiccup I had was for how good of friends Flo and Agnes seemed to be, Flo is portrayed as the smarter and albeit for comedic relief I found her to be rather insulting to her "good" friend. For me, it came across as unnecessary and in a few instances cruel; for something so "light-hearted" I don't find it fitting.

[Julia Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flo and Agnes live in a Senior/Singles Community. They are best friends and have become good friends with TC, the young female activities director for the community. Being fun, happy people by nature, Flo and Agnes have lots of friends in the community and are well regarded. When one of the kitchen workers is found dead, Flo and Agnes decide that they can solve the murder starting the wild ride of a story that follows.

Cheever does a terrific job of making her characters quirky and fun. The villains in the story are just as enjoyable to read about as the main characters. You won’t guess who the killer is until the end and will have a good time with the story getting there. One of the funniest cozy mysteries I have read.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery in large part because of the unusual setting, a singles residence that offers up activities and amenities very like an independent living option for retirees. It took a few pages for me to be able to distinguish between the two silver-haired detective wannabes—Flo and Agnes. It is difficult to follow a pair of protagonists instead of one. If Agnes hadn’t always been hungry or eating, it would have taken me longer. Now that I’ve met them, I will check back again to see how they are doing in another book.

[Melissa Castor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Senior sleuths Agnes and Flo find a dead body in the library of their senior center residence. They set out to find out what happened with help from their friend, TC, the activities director. All kinds of things start to happen. Two more people are severely injured and another woman dies. I had a lot of fun reading this book and look forward to reading more about these fun seniors! I love Tolstoy, the death predicting cat, and Rodney the dog. Hoping to see Flo and Roger start dating and TC and Detective Peters start dating!

[Kandi A. Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing

This story is a cross between a murder mystery similar to one written by Mary Higgins Clark and an episode of the Golden Girls! An abundance of murders, a laugh out loud situation in a senior assisted living facility and some snappy and a bit risqué dialog. Throw in a cat and a dog, and you have an amusing cozy mystery. I almost failed to identify the culprit before the big reveal, almost! Which makes this a good mystery in my opinion. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[CA Portnellus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird, is this taking place in a senior citizens home/community? Yet there are 30-something residents among the oldsters. Lots of poor edits, missing words, and misplaced quotes made this book less enjoyable. Two old fart ladies become crime sleuths when a Russian kitchen aide is found dead in their library. It was unclear for quite a bit that this was a young man not elderly, which then allows for foul-play to be questioned. Then continued nosey investigation by these ladies makes for murder among the residents as suspicions cloud the investigation.

[CDWB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elderly women to the rescue

I loved the simplicity and sweetness this book had throughout. Agnes and Flo live in Silver Hills and two friends couldn't be more different. Agnes has a huge ginger cat named Tolstoy and Flo has a fat little dog named Rodney. The trouble they can all get into actually made me laugh out loud. I love stories about little elderly ladies who can save the day. Whatever genre is your favorite, take a break and laugh out loud with Agnes and Flo et al.

[Maranda Prigmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being nosey can get you killed!

Flo and Agnes are into everything. Especially when a murder takes place in the Silver Hill retirement home. Flo watches all the murder and cop shows and designates herself a detective. Tolstoy the cat and Rodney the dog are her helpers. Lol Will Flo and Agnes find out who the murderer is or be murdered? This book had twist, turns and most of all lots of laughs. Nothing is ever dull at Silver Hills.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flo & Agnes go to the library for TC’s reading they see a man already there. They are the last to leave Agnes goes to sake the guy and hits him too hard and he falls out of chair. Flo tries to see his face to see who it is. He is dead and it is Yegor who works in the kitchen. They decide to look into the murder. The scene when they find the dead guy is one of the funniest things I’ve read in a long time I was LOL. Great book love her writing.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious!!!!!!

I loved almost everything about this book. Great characters, and an interesting murder mystery with real sleuthing going on. There was one scene in yoga class that absolutely cracked me up! I was gasping for breath it was so funny. What I did not like was the fat shaming on Agnes. Not cool and not an attractive trait on anyone. However. I am pleased to say I already read book 3 and the fat shaming has stopped. And I am pleased to see Agnes' character developing more and she is starting to defend herself too.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute beginning to a mystery series set in a home for "seniors and singles"....... Friends Flo and Agnes (seniors but only in their 50s) team up with TC (the young, single Axtivities Director who writes mysteries on the side) to solve the homicide of a Russian immigrant found dead in the library following a book reading. Red herrings galore, but the ladies get themselves in many odd situations in their quest to find the killer. Fortunately the handsome police detective is also on the case!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in the series. The main characters are Flo and Agnes, friends who live in Silver Hills Complex. One of the workers in the kitchen ends up dead and they decide they are going to figure out who did it. Before they figure it out they have an apartment wrecked , another death and a couple of friends end up in the hospital. Flo almost ends up dead as well. I loved this story. Kept you guessing and laughing.

[Teri Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good light cozy mystery.

Maybe I read too many mysteries, but I knew who the killer was at the first appearance of the character. The slapstick comedy was a bit much for my taste, and there are a few editing errors. Overall it's a decent book, I finished it and liked the characters. I will check out the next in the series.