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Izzy Lewis Mysteries #1
Nearly Dead in Iowa
From USA Today bestselling author Wendy Byrne comes a small town mystery with a big twist...
Manhattan socialite Isabella "Izzy" Lewis is in desperate need of a fresh start. Ending up on the wrong side of a nasty divorce, jobless, and pretty much homeless, she’s hit rock bottom. So when the father she never knew asks her to visit him in Iowa, she figures she has nothing more to lose—until she arrives at his home and promptly stumbles (literally) over a dead body.
Now her missing father is murder suspect number one, and Izzy's in the crosshairs of the local sheriff who’s convinced she’s somehow involved. After being reluctantly adopted by a local group of Jessica Fletcher wannabes, Izzy resolves to find her missing father and the killer. A job that proves harder than she thought as she juggles running down clues to the killer's identity, her hot but suspicious new next door neighbor, keeping the sleuthing senior citizens out of trouble, and above all, going at least one day without being nearly dead in Iowa.
Izzy Lewis
Nearly Dead in Iowa – book #1
Double Trouble in Iowa – book #2
Manhattan socialite Isabella "Izzy" Lewis is in desperate need of a fresh start. Ending up on the wrong side of a nasty divorce, jobless, and pretty much homeless, she’s hit rock bottom. So when the father she never knew asks her to visit him in Iowa, she figures she has nothing more to lose—until she arrives at his home and promptly stumbles (literally) over a dead body.
Now her missing father is murder suspect number one, and Izzy's in the crosshairs of the local sheriff who’s convinced she’s somehow involved. After being reluctantly adopted by a local group of Jessica Fletcher wannabes, Izzy resolves to find her missing father and the killer. A job that proves harder than she thought as she juggles running down clues to the killer's identity, her hot but suspicious new next door neighbor, keeping the sleuthing senior citizens out of trouble, and above all, going at least one day without being nearly dead in Iowa.
Izzy Lewis
Nearly Dead in Iowa – book #1
Double Trouble in Iowa – book #2
- GenresMystery
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
92 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Byrne
27 books143 followersWendy has a Masters in Social Work and worked in the child welfare field for twelve years before she decided to pursue her dream of writing.
Between teaching college classes, trying to get her morbidly obese cat to slim down, and tempering the will of her five-year-old granddaughter, who's determined to become a witch when she turns six so she can fly on her broom to see the Eiffel Tower and put hexes on people—not necessarily in that order—somehow Wendy still manages to fit in writing. She spends the remainder of her days inflicting mayhem on her hero and heroine until they beg for mercy.
Between teaching college classes, trying to get her morbidly obese cat to slim down, and tempering the will of her five-year-old granddaughter, who's determined to become a witch when she turns six so she can fly on her broom to see the Eiffel Tower and put hexes on people—not necessarily in that order—somehow Wendy still manages to fit in writing. She spends the remainder of her days inflicting mayhem on her hero and heroine until they beg for mercy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 23, 2016
It’s a very intriguing story which kept me on my toes from the very beginning until the end. I loved all the characters, even side characters are amazing. It all starts when Izzy comes to visit her father in Iowa. She is recently divorced and looking for a place to start over. When her father contacts her out of the blue it seems befitting. What she doesn’t imagine is finding a dead body and treated like a suspect by small town Sheriff and his friend. This is a very unique and disturbing situation for her but she can’t go back, firstly because there is nothing for her to go back to and secondly because her father is still missing and may be even dead for all anyone knows. So she decided to stay in quaint little town in Iowa. Soon she is dismissed and her father becomes most likely suspect in murder investigation of his best friend.
Izzy can’t let police find her father before she does. She is sure that her father is not involved in the murder and with the help of local ladies she decides to do some investigating on her own. Soon she finds herself in danger but refuses to back off. Someone is very scared that she will uncover the truth. The more time she spends in this small town the more she likes it. But first she needs to get to know more about her father. She is looking forward to meet him.
Her father’s neighbor decides to keep an eye on her since she is an outsider and who knows what she is up to. Soon they start spending time together and there is chemistry between the two. Unfortunately, they always end up arguing which makes it a little difficult to act upon their mutual attraction.
I loved the mystery and the drama, this was one fun read. There were many laugh-out-loud moments and some amazing scenes which I re-read many times. I just enjoyed taking my time reading this book. It was interesting and I wanted to take everything in. It made my favorites shelf.
https://www.mineofbooks.blogspot.com
Izzy can’t let police find her father before she does. She is sure that her father is not involved in the murder and with the help of local ladies she decides to do some investigating on her own. Soon she finds herself in danger but refuses to back off. Someone is very scared that she will uncover the truth. The more time she spends in this small town the more she likes it. But first she needs to get to know more about her father. She is looking forward to meet him.
Her father’s neighbor decides to keep an eye on her since she is an outsider and who knows what she is up to. Soon they start spending time together and there is chemistry between the two. Unfortunately, they always end up arguing which makes it a little difficult to act upon their mutual attraction.
I loved the mystery and the drama, this was one fun read. There were many laugh-out-loud moments and some amazing scenes which I re-read many times. I just enjoyed taking my time reading this book. It was interesting and I wanted to take everything in. It made my favorites shelf.
https://www.mineofbooks.blogspot.com
December 14, 2016
A good start to what I hope will be a new series. Isabella shows up in Iowa to meet her long lost father. Isabella has just gone through a nasty divorce. She has no place to turn except the father who recently contacted her. Off she heads to Iowa. One small problem, she stumbles over a dead bodyin her father's house when she arrives. The body is not her father, but her father has vanished.
A group of senior citizens "adopt" Isabella and try to assist her in finding her father and clearing his name. Fun characters, fish out of water setting, no cop boyfriend. Worth reading.
A group of senior citizens "adopt" Isabella and try to assist her in finding her father and clearing his name. Fun characters, fish out of water setting, no cop boyfriend. Worth reading.
October 26, 2016
Laugh out loud dialogue and scenes combine the best of lovable characters, a scenic background and a diabolical murder and mystery plot that will keep you turning the pages until you find out who did it and why!
Following a nasty divorce, Isabella has left Manhattan and moved to rural Iowa to live with a father she thought was dead, only to find him missing and a dead man in his house. Wanting her to stay close to the crime scene the sheriff puts her in the care of Viola, the grandmother of his best friend. With the help of Viola and the ladies in her quilting group, Isabella works to find her father and clear him of the possible murder charge!
I really enjoyed watching Isabella becoming her own person and finding a new path in life. The characters really came to life as the story moved along and the rural Iowa background was totally realistic and is actually set near where I live.
This was an outstanding start to a new series and I highly recommend it for any cozy mystery fan who wants some laughter with their entertaining arm chair adventure! I am looking forward to the next book and hope it arrives soon!
Following a nasty divorce, Isabella has left Manhattan and moved to rural Iowa to live with a father she thought was dead, only to find him missing and a dead man in his house. Wanting her to stay close to the crime scene the sheriff puts her in the care of Viola, the grandmother of his best friend. With the help of Viola and the ladies in her quilting group, Isabella works to find her father and clear him of the possible murder charge!
I really enjoyed watching Isabella becoming her own person and finding a new path in life. The characters really came to life as the story moved along and the rural Iowa background was totally realistic and is actually set near where I live.
This was an outstanding start to a new series and I highly recommend it for any cozy mystery fan who wants some laughter with their entertaining arm chair adventure! I am looking forward to the next book and hope it arrives soon!
August 12, 2025
Nearly Dead in Iowa by Wendy Byrne is the first book in the Izzy Lewis Mysteries series. Izzy Lewis, following a nasty divorce, is contacted by her father, whom she never knew, to visit him in Iowa, only to stumble across a dead body on her arrival, her father missing and main suspect in the murder. A delightful cozy mystery where we meet the Q's, a group of old ladies and wannabe Miss Marple's, who take Izzy under their wing and urge her on in investigating the murder. Lots of fun as we see Izzy look for her father and for answers to her early life and try to make a fresh start. An interesting and enjoyable mystery.
October 22, 2016
Iowa can be deadly! This is a good start to a new series about Isabella who heads to Iowa to meet a father she has never known, while escaping from a marriage that is ending. What she doesn't expect to find is a dead body in her father's home or that he is missing and presumed that he killed his best friend.
The mystery is finding out who killed Stan and Isabella jumps into that feet first because she wants to clear her father. She has a group of older ladies, called the Q's, helping her out by snooping and asking questions wherever possible. Isabella (or Izzy as she is sometimes called) manages to put herself in some not so great situations - but it wouldn't be a cozy if she didn't.
I didn't figure out who the murderer was, but the clues were there...I just went down the wrong path!
There are several intriguing twists that I won't describe because it makes the story more rounded, but you might be able to figure out a few things as you read the book.
And of course there is a love interest with Gabe. He lives next door to her father and at first you think he doesn't like Izzy, but we are proved wrong later in the book.
The mystery is finding out who killed Stan and Isabella jumps into that feet first because she wants to clear her father. She has a group of older ladies, called the Q's, helping her out by snooping and asking questions wherever possible. Isabella (or Izzy as she is sometimes called) manages to put herself in some not so great situations - but it wouldn't be a cozy if she didn't.
I didn't figure out who the murderer was, but the clues were there...I just went down the wrong path!
There are several intriguing twists that I won't describe because it makes the story more rounded, but you might be able to figure out a few things as you read the book.
And of course there is a love interest with Gabe. He lives next door to her father and at first you think he doesn't like Izzy, but we are proved wrong later in the book.
September 2, 2016
After being dumped by her husband and kicked out of their Manhattan townhouse Isabella figures she has nothing to lose when she leaves for small town Iowa to meet her previously unknown father. But instead of meeting her father she finds a dead body in his home. It turns out to be her father's best friend and her father is missing. Isabella starts asking questions in an effort to clear her father's name and soon discovers she now is a target too.
With a likeable cast of characters (including a proactive group of elderly woman) and a fast moving story you'll find this story hard to put down until you get to the very end. I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
With a likeable cast of characters (including a proactive group of elderly woman) and a fast moving story you'll find this story hard to put down until you get to the very end. I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
March 8, 2022
It's wonderful to have another fast-paced mystery from this author who constructs her female protagonist with intelligence. humor and strength. Izzy is a character who stood up to the lecherous powerful men, then chances upon clues ahead of the lawmen. Although sometimes getting in over her head. I was relieved the Q's didn't get nearly dead, instead flourishing in their friendship with Izzy. They were a delightful gang of characters who earned a book of their own. I also look forward to reading more stories starring the two hunky male heroes. I can't wait to read the next Iowa installment.
October 29, 2016
This book is so much fun! The humor and sarcasm kept me chuckling, as did the images of the Qs fighting crime. Wendy has created believable, lovable characters and captured the fun side of investigation while giving us some romance and a heart-warming story. I didn't know who the criminal was until the end, which is always a plus. This's one is a winner!
November 7, 2017
At first it took me a bit to get into this book. But with Iowa being my home state for 65 years I kept reading. I love this book. So many suspects to sort through, a handsome love interest and the Q's it is a great who done it. The killer surprised me and that's the best part...I didn't figure out who the killer was until the end.
I will definitely put the next in the series on my wish list.
I will definitely put the next in the series on my wish list.
September 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Izzy was a hilarious,somewhat confused character unsure of where her life was headed post break up. I adored the Q's and the quirky traits. Good storyline.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2020
Wendy Byrne does it again! From Suspense to Adventure to Cozy Mystery, she can do it all! When Izzy learns that her dad is alive and wants to meet her, she leaves New York City a small town in Iowa. Unfortunately she stumbles upon a murder scene. Now she doesn't know if she should keep looking for her dad or just call it a day and go home. This book kept me on my toes the whole time. I really enjoyed it!
February 10, 2021
What a crazy, roller coaster type adventure that had me guessing every minute! I just loved Viola and the quilt ladies that Izzy became friends with. I wasn't sure about Gabe in the beginning, but he came around. It looks to be only a three-book series, and I discovered I have the rest of the books too, so I know I'll want to finish this up soon. I didn't know whodunit until maybe a little before Isabella figured it out. I was really happy with the ending too!
October 25, 2016
After surviving a nasty divorce, Isabella goes to Iowa to visit the father she has never known. With no lights on in the house, she trips over a dead body – thankfully not her father. Her father’s neighbor, Gabe Carnes, finds Isabella standing over the body and calls Sheriff Nate Crowder to the scene. With nowhere for Isabelle to stay, as her father’s house is a crime scene, Gabe and Nate suggest that she rent a room from Viola who owns rooming house while the search for her father and the murderer takes place. Viola introduces Isabella to the “Q’s”, “aka Alice, Ramona & Dolly” who are pleased to help Isabella solve the mystery. As you try to keep guessing who the murderer might be, this mystery keeps you guessing until the very end. Isabelle’s father finally explains the past history that occurred between he and Isabelle’s mother. A very satisfying mystery, with a satisfying end. I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to future books by Ms. Byrne. I did receive a free copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review. A good mystery with some twists and turns! (by paytonpuppy)
October 26, 2016
I liked Izzy a lot. She had been through a rough time and was open to a change. I felt for her with the quest for answers and wanting to learn about her dad. It was nice to see her find herself throughout the book. I loved the Qs. Lol. They are a group of tough old women. They were fun and really made me laugh.
The mystery was good. There were so many suspects it made it hard to settle on just one person as the killer so it kept me guessing at times which I like. I tend to figure these out right away, but it’s nice to be surprised sometimes. There were multiple small mysteries that I figured out some of along the way. It was an exciting read. If you like a good cozy mystery with twists and turns then this is the right book for you.
The mystery was good. There were so many suspects it made it hard to settle on just one person as the killer so it kept me guessing at times which I like. I tend to figure these out right away, but it’s nice to be surprised sometimes. There were multiple small mysteries that I figured out some of along the way. It was an exciting read. If you like a good cozy mystery with twists and turns then this is the right book for you.
October 26, 2016
Nearly Dead in Iowa
Izzy's rich socialite mother has recently passed away and her husband has decided to divorce her as well. Due to a good prenuptial agreement and some other shenanigans, Izzy is broke and homeless. She decides to drive the wreck of a car her husband gave her to Iowa to see if she can find her long lost, supposedly dead father. When she finally arrives at her father's house the front door is open and she finds a dead body! This is the beginning of a big mystery that she will try to solve with the help of a groups of old lady sleuths.
This author is relatively new to me but I do plan on reading more of her books! This book did not disappoint!
Izzy's rich socialite mother has recently passed away and her husband has decided to divorce her as well. Due to a good prenuptial agreement and some other shenanigans, Izzy is broke and homeless. She decides to drive the wreck of a car her husband gave her to Iowa to see if she can find her long lost, supposedly dead father. When she finally arrives at her father's house the front door is open and she finds a dead body! This is the beginning of a big mystery that she will try to solve with the help of a groups of old lady sleuths.
This author is relatively new to me but I do plan on reading more of her books! This book did not disappoint!
October 25, 2016
Loved this book, love this author. Main Character Izzy is looking for a new start. She is recently divorced, lost her job & has no home to call her own. The father that she has never met contacts her & she heads to Iowa for a visit. When she gets there, she finds a dead body and her father is missing and the local sheriff thinks that she knows something about what happened. She meets some colorful characters that try to help her out of the mess that she is in. I can't wait for the next one!
September 30, 2024
Funny!
Izzy has ended up with a messy situation but what fun to be part of a bunch senior sleuths. Izzy does have to control her hot temper but I can understand why she has it but is learning some interesting things about her parents and herself as well. Can't wait to see what will happen next with Izzy and the fun senior group even though the grandson aka cop isn't going to be happy for sure.
Izzy has ended up with a messy situation but what fun to be part of a bunch senior sleuths. Izzy does have to control her hot temper but I can understand why she has it but is learning some interesting things about her parents and herself as well. Can't wait to see what will happen next with Izzy and the fun senior group even though the grandson aka cop isn't going to be happy for sure.
October 27, 2016
I absolutely loved it. Some parts had me laughing while some parts had me saying "Oh my gosh." I couldn't put the book down. I was that engrossed with the story. I love a good mystery and this book is great. It had lots of twists and turns. Some you saw coming and some you didn't at all. I highly recommend reading this book.
October 10, 2016
This was a fantastic read full of suspense and mystery! The story line pulls you in and takes you on a wild ride to find out who done it. Izzy discovers a lot about herself as she searches for her father. I love this authors writing style very much because I know it will be an awesome read every time.
I voluntarily read this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily read this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 25, 2016
Izzy wants to meet her father. But when she goes to his house for the first time, she doesn't find him, instead she finds a dead body. She is determined to clear her father's name, find him, and keep herself safe. The tension and sparks between her and her new neighbor, Gabe, are believable. This was a great story full of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Highly recommend!
December 29, 2016
This was a super cute Cozy Mystery! I loved the cast of characters and especially the detective on the case. There is a group of ladies that play an important part in this story and they had me laughing out loud every single time they entered a scene. A fun and twist-filled cozy you won't be able to put down!
November 5, 2023
This was ok. There was somethings to like about it, but overall, it made me feel that this was a writing assignment for a workshop that got explored. It felt that it needed an editor to reel in the character and focus.
The story follows Isabella as she recently divorced a real estate mogul in New York and was on her way to find her father who she has never met. Murder ensues and this part time artist tries to solve the case.
I did enjoy some of the secondary characters but not much else. The story felt "and then this and then this and then this..." and it didn't give me what I wanted from the plot.
It's not the worst thing I've read and I could see where this could be improved, but overall, I won't be doing this again.
The story follows Isabella as she recently divorced a real estate mogul in New York and was on her way to find her father who she has never met. Murder ensues and this part time artist tries to solve the case.
I did enjoy some of the secondary characters but not much else. The story felt "and then this and then this and then this..." and it didn't give me what I wanted from the plot.
It's not the worst thing I've read and I could see where this could be improved, but overall, I won't be doing this again.
May 16, 2019
Izzy arrives in Iowa to meet her dad, but ends up stumbling over a dead body in his house.
What I enjoyed:
* I liked Izzy's relationship with the Qs.
* Delving into her own past was interesting
What could have been better:
* I really didn't understand Izzy's reluctance to trust the police
* She started being TSTL a few times and was pretty blasé after having someone hold her at gunpoint and knock her out twice
* Seems like it is heading for a love triangle - which I hate
What I enjoyed:
* I liked Izzy's relationship with the Qs.
* Delving into her own past was interesting
What could have been better:
* I really didn't understand Izzy's reluctance to trust the police
* She started being TSTL a few times and was pretty blasé after having someone hold her at gunpoint and knock her out twice
* Seems like it is heading for a love triangle - which I hate
April 21, 2022
This was a fun, small town mystery that kept me guessing! After literally stumbling over a dead body in her father’s Iowa home, New Yorker Izzy Lewis finds herself embarking on a mission to find the killer & her missing father. The in-over-her-head heroine is aided in her sleuthing by a bevy of lovable grannies, the town sheriff & a grumpy but enticing neighbor. Izzy soon finds herself in jeopardy from a culprit who doesn’t want her uncovering the truth. Full of humor, quirky side characters and a smattering of romance, this cozy mystery has enough twists & peril to keep the story intriguing until the end.
June 11, 2019
Fun and Quirky Story
Izzy Lewis, newly divorced and extremely poor divorcée, has just arrive in Iowa to meet a father that she never met. The first thing she does is stumble over a dead body in her Father’s house. Now she’s a suspect and trying to find her missing Father. Recommend.
Izzy Lewis, newly divorced and extremely poor divorcée, has just arrive in Iowa to meet a father that she never met. The first thing she does is stumble over a dead body in her Father’s house. Now she’s a suspect and trying to find her missing Father. Recommend.
January 29, 2022
Wow, it appears that I am the only reader on goodreads that was put off by the author's portrayal of Iowa. She took the convenient way out, calling it podunk, making fun of fair food, and complaining that there isn't anything to do in Iowa. I bought this book because I wanted to revisit and celebrate my state, not have it ridiculed on every page.
July 16, 2018
Great book
I love it. I picked the series up because I love Iowa lol I had friends from there and the book was great I love the little old ladies & the mystery. A lot of action. I recommend anyone who like cozies to read it. I am on to book 2.
I love it. I picked the series up because I love Iowa lol I had friends from there and the book was great I love the little old ladies & the mystery. A lot of action. I recommend anyone who like cozies to read it. I am on to book 2.
March 20, 2019
I want more.
Nearly Dead in Iowa is an entertaining and intriguing mystery with great characters that I want to get to know better. I hope another book is in the works and that the next book offers hope for a mother for Emily
Nearly Dead in Iowa is an entertaining and intriguing mystery with great characters that I want to get to know better. I hope another book is in the works and that the next book offers hope for a mother for Emily
July 25, 2019
Great book
Interesting plot, romance and humor along with mystery and murder. What else could you need or want in a book
Interesting plot, romance and humor along with mystery and murder. What else could you need or want in a book
August 25, 2022
fun new series to me. i selected for a usa reading prompt since it would cover Iowa. I was pleasantly surprised by the book. Although at times it felt a bit bumpy it was a good read. The escapades Izzy found herself in with the older ladies were often funny and all the different personalities shown through. I enjoyed the book and will most likely try another Izzy Book soon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews