Priced to Kill

Cindy York Mysteries #2

by Catherine Bruns

Some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried forever.

Real estate agent and super sleuth, Cindy York, has always been haunted by thoughts of her childhood friend, Paul Steadman, who committed suicide 25 years ago. A high school reunion and the prospective sale of his former home—where Cindy was the one to discover his lifeless body—bring the memories back in full force. New boss and best friend, Jacques Forte, pleads with her to accept the listing as their agency is going through some rough financial times.
But Cindy gets more than she negotiated for when new information comes to light that convinces her Paul’s death was anything but self-inflicted. Vowing justice for her friend, Cindy’s meddling only leads to further complications with the Steadman family as she quickly uncovers hot details to a very cold case. Cindy needs to close the deal and find a killer—before she too winds up six feet under!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

Paperback

About the author

Catherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Priced to Kill by Catherine Bruns
Cindy York Mystery series #2. Cozy murder mystery.
Cindy York is hired to sell the family home where her best friend killed himself 25 years ago. As she and her real estate boss go through the house, Cindy finds a letter that convinces her that her friend was killed. She asks questions from the family, friends, and old police investigator.
Cindy might be getting too close to a killer.

Amateur sleuth Cindy ask questions and get answers from a 25 year old case with the support of her boss.
. The children are a bit unruly and mother-in-law from hell but those details add to the background of Cindy’s life.

Amusing. 7 books in the series at the time of this posting.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the very good Cindy York series. She is now working for Jacque Forte, a fellow real agent estate who has his own agency. She attended her high school class reunion as she hopes to get a listing for the host's home, Ben Steadman. He is the brother of her very best friend, Paul during her school years. She discovers her friend dead and his death was ruled a suicide. At the reunion a time capsule is open and she received a letter from her Paul making it clear, he did not commit suicide. Cindy and Jacque set out to find out her murder her friend. Her daughter is trying out for the cheerleader. As the owner's wife, Michelle was a cheerleader Cindy asked her to show her daughter some cheerleaders points and is dismayed when Michelle began to give her daughter expensive gifts. Cindy is struggling with stomach problems through most of the book. Will Cindy find out who kills Paul? Is Cindy able to close her first million dollars sale?
I highly recommend this book and series.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Priced to Kill” earns 5/5 Cold Case Conundrum…Clever!

Binging is so much fun! I just finished book one of the Cindy York Mystery series “Killer Transaction” and didn't have to wait months to move right on to the next adventure…and what an adventure!

New boss, new company, better success for Cindy York, but her past comes knocking…well, phoning. Twenty-five years ago Cindy was devastated to discover the body of her high school friend Paul Steadman; authorities labeled his tragic death a suicide. And now? Paul’s older/surviving sibling Ben, is hosting the twenty-fifth High school reunion dinner and is personally extending an invitation reminding her of the time capsule they plan to open. He also hopes she will take the lead to sell the family’s Victorian, the same house in which she found her dear friend’s body. Wow! Fans will be thrilled and newbies will be hooked when the circumstances surrounding Paul’s death turns from suicide to murder. And Cindy is determined to uncover the truth!

Catherine Bruns has penned an exciting sequel. Karma has been on hold, biding it's time for the killer to be brought to justice. But better late than never, I always say! Cindy is still juggling family and career, and after the unfortunate circumstances with her previous real estate office, her BFF/colleague Jacques Forte has invited her to join him in his spin-off, Forte Realty. The cold case was very engaging with a wonderful first-person narrative and descriptive style that Catherine’s fans, like me, enjoy. But she doesn't rely only on the narrative as she includes delightful dialogue and interactions with her loving husband, hand-full twins, typical teenage daughter, and the epitome of a “monster-in-law”! Karma is a common theme in Bruns’ work for us to vicariously enjoy, but when is the mother-in-law going to be served a big dose! She desperately needs it! I highly recommend this second book, but to enjoy the character growth don't pass up the first book in the series “Killer Transaction.”

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved visiting with Cindy and her friends again. That Jacques is such a great character, and I just love him to pieces for how awesome he is with Cindy. She couldn't ask for better best friend. This was a crazy mixed up mystery that for a while, I was having trouble unraveling but figured it out about when Cindy did. It always figures when she's got a lucrative deal with a house going on, something happens to possibly mess that up, poor thing!

I also knew from the get-go what was up with Cindy herself and the way she was physically feeling. Yep, I've peeked at future book blurbs, but I would've known anyway. I'm eager to borrow the next book and see how things progress

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priced to Kill is the second book in Catherine Bruns’ delightful Cindy York series. This well-written cozy mystery grabbed my attention on the first page and held it until the end. The storyline is well plotted, the mystery intriguing, and the characters well developed. This book is well thought out and written with just the right combination of mystery, family life, and humor. I found this book to be an easy read that had me laughing while still being caught up in the mystery.

Cindy York is married to Greg and has three children, teenaged Darcy, and eight-year-old twins, Stevie and Seth. She’s a real estate agent and works for her best friend, Jacques Forte. Cindy received an invitation to her twenty-fifth high school reunion but declined when she found out it was being hosted by Ben and Michelle Steadman at the Steadman mansion. Ben was the older brother of Cindy’s friend, Paul, who had committed suicide twenty-five years ago, and Michelle, Ben’s wife, had been one of Cindy and Paul’s classmates. Cindy and Paul had been inseparable, and because she was the one who found his body in his bedroom, she hadn’t been able to return to his home. When Ben called her and asked her to reconsider, he told her he was retiring and moving to Bermuda and would like to list the house with her, she couldn’t turn down the prospect of listing and selling the Steadman mansion. When the time capsule her class had buried at graduation was opened, she found a letter addressed to her that was written by Paul the day before he died. The letter convinced her that Paul didn’t commit suicide and she’s determined to find justice for her dear friend. Cindy contacts Aaron Connors, the now-retired detective who was in charge of the case, and after talking to various people, she finds herself in over her head.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Cindy York! Early 40's, real estate agent, wife to a supportive husband, mother to twin terrors and a teenage daughter with the usual mood swings. Let's not forget her hateful mother-in-law, the snarkiest woman alive, but she does love her son and grandchildren. In order to secure a million dollar listing, Cindy must attend her 25th high school reunion at the mansion where her best friend lived and committed suicide 25 years earlier. When a note from Paul to her is found in the class time capsule, Cindy realizes it wasn't suicide but murder. The cold case investigation leads to another murder but Cindy doesn't let up. The story line and murder are sharp, concise and well done. I really enjoyed Cindy, her boss Jacques and the family and friends. They are endearing with their all their faults and failings. This is the second book in the series and I can't wait for the next one. I have to admit that I bought the first book because I loved how the snarky mother-in-law was portrayed. Yes, I have a weakness for snarky women. She has some wonderful dialogue and interaction in this book. Cindy is a wonderful person, complete with faults and phobias. You really have to meet her!

I bought the ebook and then won the paperback in a contest from the author. This is my honest opinion and fair review.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is book two in a series it can stand on its own. It gives enough background information to keep you from getting lost. I really enjoyed this story, it has all the makings of a great cozy mystery with enough intrigue, comedy, and excitement that it is a hard story to stop and put down. I loved that this one was a very personal cold case investigation for Cindy and its one that we a reader you want to see it resolved. I would definitely recommend this as a very entertaining cozy mystery read. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Delta · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first experience with Cindy York and I must say that it's an interesting introduction. The story starts a little slow, but ramps up very quickly. By the end my heart was pounding and I was so worried about Cindy and her family. I also looove Jacques who is the greatest best friend ever.

Amy Deuchler did an excellent job narrating. Great pacing and great characterization.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

[Marsha Holz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I highly recommend this book & series. This is a great read. Mystery great, characters good & so lifelike, & some fun moments too.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priced To Kill
Cindy York series, Book #2
Catherine Bruns
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried forever.


Real estate agent and super sleuth, Cindy York, has always been haunted by thoughts of her childhood friend, Paul Steadman, who committed suicide 25 years ago. A high school reunion and the prospective sale of his former home—where Cindy was the one to discover his lifeless body—bring the memories back in full force. New boss and best friend, Jacques Forte, pleads with her to accept the listing as their agency is going through some rough financial times.
But Cindy gets more than she negotiated for when new information comes to light that convinces her Paul’s death was anything but self-inflicted. Vowing justice for her friend, Cindy’s meddling only leads to further complications with the Steadman family as she quickly uncovers hot details to a very cold case. Cindy needs to close the deal and find a killer—before she too winds up six feet under! (Goodreads)

Review:

Cindy York never got over the suicide of her best friend twenty five years ago. She cannot understand why Paul took his own life back when they were in high school. It did not make sense then and it still does not make sense now. When she is invited to her high school reunion at his house, she does not think she can go. But when Paul’s brother, who now owns the mansion and is hosting the reunion, asks her to sell it, she has no choice but to go back to the scene of the suicide. Her boss, the owner of the real estate agency that she works for, and who happens to be her new best friend, begs her to show the house. When she goes to the reunion, she uncovers new information that leads her to believe that Paul did not take his own life, but was murdered. She owes it to Paul to prove this theory and uncover the killer.

I really enjoyed the fact that the protagonist is older and more mature. In many of the cozies I read, the heroine is younger and in many instances, single. Cindy is older, married and has three children, one of which is teenager. I thought this was a nice change of pace and I really enjoyed it. She did not just do things without thinking of the consequences and did not take unnecessary chances. It gave a different perspective on her actions and made her more relatable to me.

Another thing that was different about this cozy was the fact that there was not a new dead body found by Cindy. Instead, she begins to look into the apparent suicide of her best friend from twenty five years ago. I found it refreshing that the protagonist did not stumble upon a dead body and become an immediate suspect. How many times have you found a dead body during the course of your day? Me either. This was a refreshing change to the cozy formula.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in descriptive writing and much of the time I was reading, I felt like I was right there, watching the activities taking place. The mystery was well plotted and had enough suspects and twists and turns to make it difficult to figure out who the killer was. This book combined plenty humor, suspense, tension and heartache and they author blended them all perfectly.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I plan to read her other books as well. I am sure they are as well written as this one is, and I know I am in for a treat.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review. My honest opinion is that this is a great book and you will enjoy it.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

Another good story in this series. Lots of intrigue and love the characters (except Helen lol). I’d like to see Greg fix that issue LOL

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Priced to Kill” earns 5/5 Cold Case Conundrum…Clever & Engaging!

When listening to an audiobook, the narrator, of course, is key to one’s enjoyment, but if the story doesn't check off all your boxes, then it doesn't matter how the story is being told or by whom. So, we start with Catherine Bruns’s story…

New boss, new company, better success for Cindy York, but her past comes knocking…well, phoning. Twenty-five years ago Cindy was devastated to find the body of her high school friend Paul Steadman; authorities labeled his tragic death a suicide. And now? Paul’s older sibling Ben, is hosting a high school reunion dinner. He reminded Cindy of the time capsule they plan to open along with his hopes she take the lead to sell the family’s Victorian, the same house in which she found her dear friend’s body. Wow! Fans will be thrilled and newbies will be hooked when circumstances surrounding Paul’s death turn from suicide to murder. Karma has been biding it's time for the killer to be brought to justice, but better late than never, I always say! The cold case was very engaging with a wonderful first-person narrative and descriptive style, along with delightful dialogue and interactions with her loving husband, hand-full twins, typical teenage daughter, and the epitome of a “monster-in-law”! Karma is a common theme in Bruns’ work for us to vicariously enjoy, but when is the mother-in-law going to be served a big dose! She desperately needs it!

Ok, now for the cherry on top! Amy Deuchler greatly enhanced Catherine’s story with her artistry. Right off Amy is challenged performing voices for three male characters. It's always something female narrators struggle with, but she met the challenge well. Her performance goes beyond a traditional reading as she does well with emotions (more than a few groans, squeals, and screams) and illustrating personalities with her tone (I knew the mother-in-law was annoying and the teenager? Amy made it all too real). She did very well changing her voice for many of the characters varying voices for age and gender. Very entertaining! This is one of the reasons I love audiobooks.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"Remember this word: hormones."
Set a couple of years after Killer Transaction, Priced to Kill finds Cindy now working for her close friend, the delectable Jacques, after he established his own rea!for agency. But life in the house sales market has slowed and Jacques badly needs a really big sale to prevent his having to downsize his business. Fortunately, one such property is about to come on the market and Cindy has been offered the sale. But there's a carch. The gorgeous mansion be!onged to Ben, brother of Paul, Cindy's best friend at school, who had killed himself there twenty five years ago and Cindy hadn't been there since. Now on the eve of the 25th high school reunion to be held at the house, she needs to attend it if she wants to secure the contract for Jacques. Despite her reservations and feeling increasingly unwell, she goes - and realized for the first time that Paul's death could not have been a suicide after all.

Author Catherine Bruns, provides a fine mix of Cindy's family life with husband, Greg, their three children, one of whom is a stroppy teenaged girl, and dismissive mofher-in-law, with the investigation of a 25years old crime which wasn't even on the books. Seen throughout from Cindy's perspective, the solution is predictable for the reader but, nevertheless, intriguing and fun to read.
The characters are good and brought even more to life by the individual voicing of each one by narrator, Any Deuchler. Her reading of the text is well intoned and natural, closely following the story with full understanding and gentle emotion. She definitely enhances the overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, a very enjoyable book. My thanks to the rights holder of Priced to Kill for freely gifteing me a complimentary copy, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. A recommended cozy mystery.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the second book in the Cindy York mysteries series. It is a standalone story - no cliffhanger ending. There are several references to events which occurred in the first book but the author kindly provides a quick summary to bring you up-to-date [or remind you, if it's been a while since you read the first book].

Here, Cindy has started working at her BFF Jacques' realty. She has the opportunity to land a huge listing - problem, it's the house where her High School friend killed himself. After talking with her dead friend's family and attending her HS reunion, Cindy starts to believe that her friend may not have committed suicide and decides to look into this cold case.

I really enjoyed the development of Cindy's character in this book. You get a good glimpse of her past, along with establishing more of her home life and her interactions with her husband and children. Cindy's domestic life and problems at home struck me as very real - plus having to juggle her responsibilities as a realtor. The mystery, which involved her past, which formed some of the decisions for her current life was very interesting. It provided some introspection of the possibility of choosing a different path. There is some good humor sprinkled throughout.

I listened to this book -- the narrator, Amy Deuchler, did a good job at the pacing and characters.

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priced to Kill by Catherine Bruns is the second book in the Cindy York mysteries. It is a fast paced, exciting read. I love the strong married heroine, Cindy York. She has a lot to juggle with a set of twins, a teenage daughter, a husband who is a bit horny. She is also a real estate agent with her best friend Jacques Fortes. She is working for Jacques trying to work through this hard time for real estate. Things start to look up for them when Cindy gets a phone call from her past. Ben and Michelle Steadman are looking to sell their mansion and moved to Bermuda. They want Cindy to sell it for them. This is really hard for Cindy because 25 years ago Paul Steadman, her best friend died from an apparent suicide in the house and she is the one who found him. Things never sat well for Cindy with Paul's suicide and Ben wants her to not only sell the house but go to the HS reunion at the house to open a time capsule. At the reunion something happens that could change everyone's life forever! With the help of her best buddy Jacques they are about to make a huge sale and open up a cold case 25 years in the making. This sell may put them in more danger than they realize.
This book sucks you in from the start and doesn't let go till the end. This series has it all, mystery,murder, secrets, lies, and a ton of adventure so hold on to your seats for a great read.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Catherine Bruns in the Cindy York Mystery series from Gemma Halliday Publishing. I loved the first book, “Killer Transaction” and I loved this one even more. Ms. Bruns does a great job of making sure you are aware of who the characters are and does not leave you guessing on what may have occurred in the first book. Cindy York is a real estate saleswoman and she has all of the normal, everyday happenings that so many working women do. She has a loving husband, twin sons, a teenage daughter, and a not quite accommodating mother-in-law. She, however, finds herself solving murders as she investigates during her real estate deals and makes it totally believable. Cindy is assisted by her real estate partner Jacques and he has her back at all times. Cindy’s children get up to the normal things that children do and in this book she is going through her teenage daughter’s “growing pains”. Cindy finds evidence that a friend’s suicide, from 25 years ago, may not have been suicide and begins to question her high school friends from long ago. She had me guessing until the end and had quite a surprise that I know will lead in to the next Cindy York adventure. A must read in a must read series! (by paytonpuppy)

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

I fell in love with Cindy York and the author Catherine Bruns with her first book, Killer Transaction, in the Cindy York Mystery Series. Catherine has such a knack with drawing the reader in from page 1 until the end and then she leaves you wanting more ! ! !

I loved the story line with Cindy trying to solve her best friend's death....from 25 years ago ! The story that Paul had committed suicide did not make sense to Cindy and she has never been able to let it go. Even though she married, had kids and had a career, she always held doubt. Then when she goes to a reunion at the house where Paul had taken his life by invitation of his brother, Ben and his wife things change drastically. Now Cindy has proof that he couldn't have killed himself.

How far will Cindy go to solve the case and finally be able to lay her best friend in peace ? How far will the murderer go to keep this 25 year old secret from being solved ?

I don't want to say more, even though I would love to. You will want to read this book yourself. If you aren't already a huge fan of Catherine Bruns and her books, what are you waiting for ??

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series about real estate selling. Cindy is now working for her best friend Jacques Forte in his new real estate office. Cindy's luck seems to be changing because she gets the contract to sell a multi-million dollar house. The bad news is, 25 years ago her best friend Paul committed suicide in the house. Suddenly information comes to light that makes suicide extremely unlikely, and more believable that Paul was actually murdered. Off Cindy and Jacques go into detective mode. With many outside agent issues to face, serious health issues that have arisen recently, and her family to manage, Cindy is overwhelmed at times and always determined to find who cut her friend's life short.
Many suspects, lots of people who recall the crime 25 years later, ungrateful children, not feeling well, and a mother-in-law from hell all contribute to an intricate plot and a very fast paced story.
I was a little disappointed because I figured out the mystery before I was 3/4 way through the book. :( However I still enjoyed the ending and descriptive way the story was told. Fun read.

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Priced to Kill by Catherine Bruns, Cindy York gets invited to her high school’s 25th reunion, which is to be hosted at the mansion home of Ben and Michelle Steadman. Cindy is hesitant to go because this was where she found the body of her best friend, Paul, younger brother of Ben, who killed himself just before graduating from high school. However, Ben lures her to the house by saying he’d like her to sell his mansion for him and to bring a contract. At the reunion, Ben presents the attendees with the class time capsule they had filled out and buried just the day before Cindy found the body of Paul. In this capsule, Cindy finds the envelope filled out by Paul and opens it, only to find a letter addressed to herself in which he declares his love for Cindy and says that her hopes he will be standing next to her when they open the capsule. This letter puts all the pieces together in Cindy’s head, making her realize that Paul didn’t kill himself but rather was murdered.

Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I am so glad I discovered this series. The mystery is fun but what I like is the home life with twin boys running a muck it is great fun and usually amusing. The characters are fun and I like the main character, she is tough (rising twin boys she would have to be) but at the same time isn't afraid to call on her best friend and boss for help.
Cindy gets talked into going to a school reunion party where a time capsule is opened and it turns out to be like Pandora's box, you never know what will come out and once it is out life will never be the same. This is the case for Cindy when the box is opened as what was considered a suicide by her then best friend turns out to be a whole lot more complicated than that.
In trying to find out the truth of what happened all those years ago could very well threaten Cindy's future.
I like the narrator and hope she continues reading the rest of the books in the series as I will definitely be listening to them.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priced to Kill is the sequel to Killer Transaction, featuring Cindy York. I thought this book could stand totally on its own but weaves in nicely with Killer Transaction. Cindy's life is chaotic to put it mildly and completely captures a working mom with kids in school. She's on a mission in the installment to solve a cold case that involved her high school bestie while still trying to meet her family's needs. How she manages to sleuth on the side, is amazing and I wonder if she will eventually trade in her Real Estate license for a Private Investigator's license, with Jacque or a new cohort for support. I highly recommend this book. You won't be sorry to join Cindy in her new escapades.

[Justin Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this the very first book I have read by this author, I’m really impressed. The setting of the story is excellent. It starts out just a ordinary real estate opportunity, then it quickly turns into a murder. Catherine really knows how to blend it together. What I thought was clever, It started out as a suicide, but quickly turns to a murder. That part will sure keep the reader very interested and on their toes to see what happens next. That is the makings of a good mystery, in my book. That will keep you longing for more as you read this book. In the future I will definitely be reading more of this authors books, as well as I would recommend you picking up you a copy of this book. I think you are going to enjoy it!

[Ellen Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab a cup of tea and get COZY.
When real estate agent Cindy York is given a chance to list the largest mansion in her upstate New York town, it’s worth attending a high school reunion. She’s not set foot in the mansion for 25 years, since the day she discovered her best friend dying of apparent suicide.
And then the complications begin. High school classmates toss accusations in her direction. A letter from the victim is included in the class time capsule. Motive disappears faster than the evidence got contaminated years ago.
Ms. Bruns guides us on a search for the truth of the day in the past. Along the way we get acquainted with Cindy’s loving, chaotic family, her boss, and some of those high school classmates.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another enjoyable cozy mystery involving Cindy York. Cindy and her business partner, Jack, have secured a million dollar listing from the brother of her best friend, who had committed suicide 25 years ago. A mystery illness disrupts Cindy's life, and a time capsule reveals secrets that set her in search of a killer. This is an entertaining story with endearing characters and a sweet twist at the end. The narrator of the audiobook did an excellent job of giving the characters individual voices and bringing out the humor and tension in the story. i will look forward to the next in the series.

[Taylor Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I once again recommend the Cindy York series by Catherine Bruns ! Priced to Kill is the second book in the series, and it's just as good as the first. Great characters, intriguing plot and well written. I've also read part of the Cookies and Chance series and part of the Italian Chef series - three winners by one author. Haven't read her Aloha Lagoon series yet, but I bet she will be 4 for 4.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

Really enjoying this series. Cindy is becoming one of my favorite characters. In this book she looks into a cold case that will change many lives forever. Well written with real, believable characters. I look forward to reading more.

[Bonnie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little too predictable on who the killer is, but the story is a great read. I enjoy this series and these characters.

[Dawn Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Humorous and easy listening. The narrator does a great job. Everything a cozy should have.

[Judy G Spivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Estate can be deadly.

Comfy storm can't seem to close on a real estate deal or keep her nose out of murder. What real!y happened twenty five years ago.

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I delved into Priced to Kill, the second installment in the Cindy York Mysteries by Catherine Bruns, I found myself thoroughly captivated by Cindy York’s compelling blend of real estate expertise and amateur sleuthing. Cindy, a relatable protagonist, navigates the tricky balance of professional life and an unexpected murder investigation with a sense of authenticity that is both engaging and endearing. Her journey back to high school for a reunion at the home of her childhood friend, whose death was ruled a suicide, unfolds as a touching exploration of past relationships and concealed truths. As clues emerge, Cindy is led to question whether her friend's death was truly self-inflicted after all. Cindy re-encounters old acquaintances, each holding pieces of a puzzle with secrets that they want to remain buried. Catherine Bruns masterfully crafts a narrative rich with suspense and clever twists, ensuring that as readers, we are hooked from the first showing to the final closing.
The atmosphere in Priced to Kill is quintessentially cozy, painting a vivid picture of suburban life that draws the reader into the world of open houses and neighborhood dynamics. Cindy's role as a real estate agent provides a unique and believable angle into the investigation, with the suburban backdrop offering a charming yet enigmatic setting. The humor sprinkled throughout the book adds a delightful contrast to the underlying mystery, making Cindy's personal struggles, not only with the mystery but also with family life, resonate on a deeper level. Catherine Bruns’ storytelling shines as she skillfully balances the lighthearted moments with the intensity of a high-stakes investigation, crafting a plot that is both fast-paced and thoughtfully developed. The seamless transitions between Cindy’s past and present add layers to the mystery, leaving me eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth alongside Cindy.
If you're seeking a mystery that combines the thrill of the chase with the comfort of a cozy suburban setting, Priced to Kill is the perfect listing. Catherine Bruns has truly closed the deal on this captivating tale, offering a plot that appraises high on intrigue and charm. Cindy York's latest adventure is a prime property in the realm of cozy mysteries, and I highly recommend making an offer on this delightful read. Don’t miss out on this prime location for mystery lovers—it's an open house you won’t want to skip!