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Maple Syrup Mysteries #1
A Sticky Inheritance
Sometimes the truth can be a sticky thing…
Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes feels like she’s the only failure amid a family of high achievers. Her last serious boyfriend turned out to be married and her career as a criminal defense attorney is in tatters. When her uncle passes away and leaves her his maple syrup farm in Northern Michigan, she thinks it might be time for a career change—hopefully one that allows her to stay as far away from murderers and liars as possible.
For half a day at least.
Her uncle’s suicide quickly begins to look like it wasn’t a suicide after all, but the chief of police is reluctant to investigate and soil the reputation of his serene little tourist town. Murder’s bad for business. Nicole has no choice but to search for the killer on her own, with a little help from the handsome county medical examiner—who’s exactly her type and all wrong for her.
And as she closes in, she not only risks becoming the murderer’s next victim but also starts to wonder if the truth is ever worse than the lie…
A Sticky Inheritance is the first book in Emily James’ Maple Syrup Mysteries. If you love small-town settings, quirky characters, and a dollop of romance, then you’ll want to buy this new amateur sleuth mystery series today!
Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes feels like she’s the only failure amid a family of high achievers. Her last serious boyfriend turned out to be married and her career as a criminal defense attorney is in tatters. When her uncle passes away and leaves her his maple syrup farm in Northern Michigan, she thinks it might be time for a career change—hopefully one that allows her to stay as far away from murderers and liars as possible.
For half a day at least.
Her uncle’s suicide quickly begins to look like it wasn’t a suicide after all, but the chief of police is reluctant to investigate and soil the reputation of his serene little tourist town. Murder’s bad for business. Nicole has no choice but to search for the killer on her own, with a little help from the handsome county medical examiner—who’s exactly her type and all wrong for her.
And as she closes in, she not only risks becoming the murderer’s next victim but also starts to wonder if the truth is ever worse than the lie…
A Sticky Inheritance is the first book in Emily James’ Maple Syrup Mysteries. If you love small-town settings, quirky characters, and a dollop of romance, then you’ll want to buy this new amateur sleuth mystery series today!
250 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
1069 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Emily James
34 books91 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Emily James writes cozy mysteries with quirky characters, twisty plots, and a touch of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 11, 2018
4.5 sparkling stars
This was a great cozy mystery and I am so glad I finally listened to it – it’s been on my to read list for quite a while already. I wonder why this author isn’t more popular. I had a fantastic time with this mystery and plan on reading the rest of the series.
I liked the main character and was genuinely worried about her well-being. Interesting characters that I came to like and was hoping they weren’t bad guys and an surprising conclusion that wasn’t far-fetched are all things that made me enjoy this book so much. There was an element of romance but it was low key enough for the mystery to not take a backseat.
I loved the tourist town Fair Haven with all its small town elements and I am looking forward to coming back.
Andrea Emmes did a wonderful job narrating this book.
This was a great cozy mystery and I am so glad I finally listened to it – it’s been on my to read list for quite a while already. I wonder why this author isn’t more popular. I had a fantastic time with this mystery and plan on reading the rest of the series.
I liked the main character and was genuinely worried about her well-being. Interesting characters that I came to like and was hoping they weren’t bad guys and an surprising conclusion that wasn’t far-fetched are all things that made me enjoy this book so much. There was an element of romance but it was low key enough for the mystery to not take a backseat.
I loved the tourist town Fair Haven with all its small town elements and I am looking forward to coming back.
Andrea Emmes did a wonderful job narrating this book.
March 18, 2021
I had never read what are called "cozy" mysteries. I read a lot of mysteries, but most of them are pretty gritty. Surprisingly, I found this quite enjoyable, perhaps the times calls for something a little cozy. It was a great alternative to cable news which is anything buy cozy these days.
July 25, 2017
4.5 stars, simply because there were several times Nikki's inability to put two and two together (for a lawyer) seemed to be stretching it, although let's be honest, nearly every mystery out there will require at least one or two moments of suspended disbelief. But I am firmly hooked on this series, and I really enjoy the maple syrup and small-town aspects of it. Will be buying other books in the series, for sure, to see which adventures Nikki stumbles into next.
May 3, 2018
In A Sticky Inheritance by Emily James, Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes, a low- level lawyer, who is the daughter of a pair of high power lawyers, travels from Northern Virginia to Fair Haven, Michigan to deal with the death of her beloved Uncle Stanley (Stan) Dawes. Unhappy with the official cause of death, Nikky challenges Mark, the medical examiner, and Police Chief Carl Wilson to look further into the death, which they soon change from accident or suicide to suspicious.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
October 29, 2018
An excellent cozy. Some romance but not too sappy. Great characters and descriptions. I will definitely read more of Emily James' work.
December 16, 2024
Perskaičiau ir nejaučiu nieko, jokios emocijos.
Gan sausas pasakojimas, veikėjai labai paviršutiniški, siužetas skurdus ir nuspėjamas. Nėra blogiausia skaityta knyga, bet labai greitai išsitrins iš atminties. Dvejetukas vien už tai, kad autorė gan neblogai valdo žodį, nebuvo skausminga patirtis.
Gan sausas pasakojimas, veikėjai labai paviršutiniški, siužetas skurdus ir nuspėjamas. Nėra blogiausia skaityta knyga, bet labai greitai išsitrins iš atminties. Dvejetukas vien už tai, kad autorė gan neblogai valdo žodį, nebuvo skausminga patirtis.
October 5, 2018
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
So, I started listening to cozy mysteries with the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series, because Amanda Ronconi was the narrator and I love her. I found the genre is everything I had heard it was. So, when Andrea Emmes, who was a narrator interview over at Hot Listens, offered me a book to give her a try, I decided to try this cozy mystery. I have not read this author before and Andrea was new-to-me too, but nothing like going for something new. I’m really glad I did.
Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes is a lawyer in her parents firm. Everyone in her family is either a doctor or lawyer and since she’s not a fan of blood, lawyer it was. She’s not a huge fan of it, but wants to live up to what her parents want her to be. That is until she goes up to Michigan to settle her uncle’s estate after his death (her father’s brother and a former cardiologist). The uncle moves to a small town in Michigan after a heart scare. He bought a maple farm and was making maple syrup products. Nikki’s parents disown him for this, though Nikki did keep in touch.
It isn’t long before Nikki realizes something is up. Her uncle’s death was ruled a suicide and she knows this isn’t the case. I won’t go into how I feel like anyone is capable of suicide and hiding it from those closest to them, but in this case, Nikki is right, her uncle was murdered.
It is a cute story as Nikki continues to learn more about people in this small tourist town. The mystery was well thought out. I liked watching as Nikki worked through the small clues she finds. The other characters in the small town are delightful. I could see myself reading/listening to more of this series.
Narration:
This is my first listen from Andrea Emmes. I have to say I really enjoyed her narration. She did a great job with the male and female voices (and there are really more male than female voices in this story). There is also the voice of dying woman (again, heart issues), she was very weak and Andrea did a great job with portraying that in with the voice. I thought she did a good job in bringing out the light humor in the story too. Her pace and tone were spot on. I would love to listen to Andrea Emmes narrator more books.
**I like to thank the narrator for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
So, I started listening to cozy mysteries with the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series, because Amanda Ronconi was the narrator and I love her. I found the genre is everything I had heard it was. So, when Andrea Emmes, who was a narrator interview over at Hot Listens, offered me a book to give her a try, I decided to try this cozy mystery. I have not read this author before and Andrea was new-to-me too, but nothing like going for something new. I’m really glad I did.
Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes is a lawyer in her parents firm. Everyone in her family is either a doctor or lawyer and since she’s not a fan of blood, lawyer it was. She’s not a huge fan of it, but wants to live up to what her parents want her to be. That is until she goes up to Michigan to settle her uncle’s estate after his death (her father’s brother and a former cardiologist). The uncle moves to a small town in Michigan after a heart scare. He bought a maple farm and was making maple syrup products. Nikki’s parents disown him for this, though Nikki did keep in touch.
It isn’t long before Nikki realizes something is up. Her uncle’s death was ruled a suicide and she knows this isn’t the case. I won’t go into how I feel like anyone is capable of suicide and hiding it from those closest to them, but in this case, Nikki is right, her uncle was murdered.
It is a cute story as Nikki continues to learn more about people in this small tourist town. The mystery was well thought out. I liked watching as Nikki worked through the small clues she finds. The other characters in the small town are delightful. I could see myself reading/listening to more of this series.
Narration:
This is my first listen from Andrea Emmes. I have to say I really enjoyed her narration. She did a great job with the male and female voices (and there are really more male than female voices in this story). There is also the voice of dying woman (again, heart issues), she was very weak and Andrea did a great job with portraying that in with the voice. I thought she did a good job in bringing out the light humor in the story too. Her pace and tone were spot on. I would love to listen to Andrea Emmes narrator more books.
**I like to thank the narrator for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2019
Nicole just made the long trip from Virginia to Michigan to make arrangements for her uncle’s funeral. Although she was close with her uncle, he was estranged from her parents, so she hadn’t actually visited him in years. Once she discovers the facts about his death, Nicole, who like her parents, is a criminal law attorney, recognizes that his apparent suicide was actually murder. Inheriting her uncle’s maple sugar business, Nicole not only feels she needs to solve her uncle’s murder, but she must also decide if she wants to remain in Northern Michigan and give up her law career.
A Sticky Inheritance is an enjoyable, first-in-a-series cozy mystery. I enjoyed learning about Nicole and her new residence in Northern Michigan. The mystery is well written and fun to follow. Nicole is smart and confident, but I like that she’s questioning her career and life choices. I also like the hints of romance swirling about Nicole.
Narration: The story is shared in the first person narrative of Nicole. Ms. Emmes’s voice is on the higher-end of the pitch spectrum; it sounds young, but not juvenile, and it suits the main character, who is young and driven. I was impressed with her performance of a young child. Her males are slightly more masculine: enough to notice it is a male, but still on the higher-end of the spectrum. Ms. Emmes provides enough differences to distinguish each character, but the differences aren’t over-the-top.
Overall, I feel A Sticky Inheritance is a well-done cozy. The main character is pretty smart, yet still makes mistakes. She’s sympathetic and makes friends quickly. The mystery had some excitement and danger, and it kept me guessing, although my first guess was correct.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B+
A Sticky Inheritance is an enjoyable, first-in-a-series cozy mystery. I enjoyed learning about Nicole and her new residence in Northern Michigan. The mystery is well written and fun to follow. Nicole is smart and confident, but I like that she’s questioning her career and life choices. I also like the hints of romance swirling about Nicole.
Narration: The story is shared in the first person narrative of Nicole. Ms. Emmes’s voice is on the higher-end of the pitch spectrum; it sounds young, but not juvenile, and it suits the main character, who is young and driven. I was impressed with her performance of a young child. Her males are slightly more masculine: enough to notice it is a male, but still on the higher-end of the spectrum. Ms. Emmes provides enough differences to distinguish each character, but the differences aren’t over-the-top.
Overall, I feel A Sticky Inheritance is a well-done cozy. The main character is pretty smart, yet still makes mistakes. She’s sympathetic and makes friends quickly. The mystery had some excitement and danger, and it kept me guessing, although my first guess was correct.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B+
February 17, 2020
This was just ok. The main character was too klutzy and dumb for me.
March 23, 2025
Nikki goes to a small Michigan town to do her uncles funeral arrangements because her parents are estranged from him and they refused to go. Busy lawyers, all three, Nikki is the least busy. Upon arriving she learns his cause of death is related to alcohol and knows that it was neither accident nor suicide as her uncle never drank. Previously a high sought after cardiologist he had drank himself into alcoholic cardiomyopathy and never drank. In fact he had quit his stressful practice to move to this small town. This reopens the investigation, but the local police chief seems to feel the trail is too dim as everyone lin town loved her uncle. Nikki had been very unhappy as a lawyer, and mediocre at it at best so as she tours her uncle’s business, a maple syrup setup along with maple bush she considers staying. Her uncles foreman shows her around and she decides she could learn to like the business and living in a small town. Also she is still investigating her uncles murder, despite being told the police will handle it. And finding suspects. Then one night while she is going thru her uncles papers she doses off and awakens to the smell of gas in the house. She is able to get out but it is obvious someone doesn’t want her to be investigating. A good story with an obvious conclusion. I look forward to the next in series.
November 3, 2024
Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes' beloved uncle Stan has died and left her the keys to a maple syrup empire. When Nicole arrives in the town of Fair Haven, she quickly realises that the investigation into his death has been minimal. After convincing the police chief that Stan's death was neither an accident nor suicide, Nicole takes the reins starting an investigation to determine what really happened to her uncle.
Nicole goes from strength to strength in this book. Her character gains maturity was missing during her time in the city, working at her parents' law practice. I gained even more respect for her as she showed her determination to gain justice for her uncle. The small glimpse of her relationship with her mother granted monumental insight into her previous life.
A Sticky Inheritance builds on the story that began in Sapped. I find myself really drawn to Nicole and can't wait to see where her adventures lead her.
Nicole goes from strength to strength in this book. Her character gains maturity was missing during her time in the city, working at her parents' law practice. I gained even more respect for her as she showed her determination to gain justice for her uncle. The small glimpse of her relationship with her mother granted monumental insight into her previous life.
A Sticky Inheritance builds on the story that began in Sapped. I find myself really drawn to Nicole and can't wait to see where her adventures lead her.
August 10, 2018
Thank you to Tantor Media for supplying me this audio in exchange for a honest review. This was a quick and fun cozy and also my first by this author. I enjoyed the speed of the plot as well as the narrator’s upbeat voice.
Nicole feels that her life is a failure and wants a life change. Although she had not been in contact with her favorite uncle in over 16 years – thanks to a family spat between her parents and said uncle, she had been emailing and texting him. When her uncle left her his maple sugar farm, she realizes that his suicide might end up being a homicide. The chief of police is reluctant to assist and disrupt the tranquil little town. This leaves Nicole with only one option, which is to solve the mystery herself.
Nicole feels that her life is a failure and wants a life change. Although she had not been in contact with her favorite uncle in over 16 years – thanks to a family spat between her parents and said uncle, she had been emailing and texting him. When her uncle left her his maple sugar farm, she realizes that his suicide might end up being a homicide. The chief of police is reluctant to assist and disrupt the tranquil little town. This leaves Nicole with only one option, which is to solve the mystery herself.
August 22, 2017
Enjoyable Small Town Mystery
I just discovered Emily James. A Sticky Inheritance is the first book I have read in the series.
I really appreciate the lack of the "F"word and overly descriptive sex scenes. It is well written and I like the cast of characters. I enjoy reading mystery & suspense, I like the small, tourist town setting. I will definitely read the rest of the series.
I just discovered Emily James. A Sticky Inheritance is the first book I have read in the series.
I really appreciate the lack of the "F"word and overly descriptive sex scenes. It is well written and I like the cast of characters. I enjoy reading mystery & suspense, I like the small, tourist town setting. I will definitely read the rest of the series.
August 2, 2017
This is a fun book to curl up with on a rainy evening, which is what I did.
December 8, 2024
Rating 3.8 ⭐️ (Every comment I make below is my personal opinion. If you're reading reviews to see if you want to read this book, DEFINITELY don't base it on my review alone lol)
MC: 7/10 - A lot of the time Nikole made me cringe. 😬 Her obsession with how she never felt good enough to her parents was overdone. For a woman of her age, she kind of acted like a teenage girl who was insecure for no reason. At the beginning Nikki gave off a "needy" vibe, she needed something more, as if she was looking for something to fill her up with her investigation. After she arrived at Fair Heaven she got a break from her daily life and I'm pretty sure that somewhat must have liberated her from all her issues with her job and parents. Although she wanted to uncover the truth about her uncle dying, staying there and continuing her investigation also made her feel more alive and in charge of her decisions in my opinion. I will hand it to her, I did appreciate how she didn't give up easily, despite the cringe moments. After 2/3 of the book, she did pretty well in my opinion. 😌 I feel that her character got better. She seemed more confident.
Plot: 8.5/10 - Honestly, at the beginning, the book was kinda boring and wasn't getting me engaged 😒. After 3/5 of the book the story was really grabbing my attention. ESPECIALLY the last couple of chapters. The plot twist... 🤯🤯🤯 I DID NOT SEE IT COMING! Throughout most of the book, I could kind of predict the outcome of each of Nikki's investigations, but the end plot twist was just way out there. In one of her investigations, there was a subtle hint of the end plot twist AND it even crossed my mind!! But my stupid a** brushed it off thinking that there was no way it could be that. (I will not say any spoilers cuz I'm not good with the formatting stuff and I'd be mad at myself for spoiling it for new readers 😣) Anyway, just for the major plot twist near the end immediately brought up the plot's rating.
And do not get me started on the freaking romance. If I get started on that, this review will turn into a monologue. Unfortunately, my brain is way too tired to create sentences 🥲 Let's just say it was decently good but also annoying-ish at the same time. It better get BETTER in the second book 😤😩 I mean it wasn't bad but I wish there were more 😅
MC: 7/10 - A lot of the time Nikole made me cringe. 😬 Her obsession with how she never felt good enough to her parents was overdone. For a woman of her age, she kind of acted like a teenage girl who was insecure for no reason. At the beginning Nikki gave off a "needy" vibe, she needed something more, as if she was looking for something to fill her up with her investigation. After she arrived at Fair Heaven she got a break from her daily life and I'm pretty sure that somewhat must have liberated her from all her issues with her job and parents. Although she wanted to uncover the truth about her uncle dying, staying there and continuing her investigation also made her feel more alive and in charge of her decisions in my opinion. I will hand it to her, I did appreciate how she didn't give up easily, despite the cringe moments. After 2/3 of the book, she did pretty well in my opinion. 😌 I feel that her character got better. She seemed more confident.
Plot: 8.5/10 - Honestly, at the beginning, the book was kinda boring and wasn't getting me engaged 😒. After 3/5 of the book the story was really grabbing my attention. ESPECIALLY the last couple of chapters. The plot twist... 🤯🤯🤯 I DID NOT SEE IT COMING! Throughout most of the book, I could kind of predict the outcome of each of Nikki's investigations, but the end plot twist was just way out there. In one of her investigations, there was a subtle hint of the end plot twist AND it even crossed my mind!! But my stupid a** brushed it off thinking that there was no way it could be that. (I will not say any spoilers cuz I'm not good with the formatting stuff and I'd be mad at myself for spoiling it for new readers 😣) Anyway, just for the major plot twist near the end immediately brought up the plot's rating.
And do not get me started on the freaking romance. If I get started on that, this review will turn into a monologue. Unfortunately, my brain is way too tired to create sentences 🥲 Let's just say it was decently good but also annoying-ish at the same time. It better get BETTER in the second book 😤😩 I mean it wasn't bad but I wish there were more 😅
April 21, 2022
Awesome
This is a fantastic murder mystery. I never expected to have so much of humor content along with a tremendous amount of thrill to keep the adrenaline pumping and a super duper unexpected twist that blew me away completely. Wow! Author Emily James has done a wonderful job. I love it.
Defense Attorney Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes is on her way to the quaint town of Fair Haven to attend the funeral of her uncle Stan despite the objections from her parents. On her way, she has a minor mishap after trying to avoid colliding with a truck and gets her car damaged. The truck owner, Mark, offers to help her.
She is about to meet the director of Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Grant, and meets his twin Mark, who helped her get the car towed to the mechanic. She learns that her Uncle Stan died of overdosing on alcohol. Nicole smells something fishy and decides to get the case re-opened for investigation. Mark finds her arguments valid and call upon Police Chief Carl Wilson. She finds some clues that support her theory of her uncle getting murdered.
Mark introduces Nicole aka Nikki to Russ, her Uncle's business manager at Sugarwoods. She's treading on a dangerous path, questioning possible suspects and checking out their alibis. Someone wants her dead! Will Nicole escape unharmed? The climax is soooo amazing. This book leaves you completely glued to your seat until you finish reading it. Highly irresistible to put down and definitely recommend it for reading if you are looking for a complete entertainment.
This is a fantastic murder mystery. I never expected to have so much of humor content along with a tremendous amount of thrill to keep the adrenaline pumping and a super duper unexpected twist that blew me away completely. Wow! Author Emily James has done a wonderful job. I love it.
Defense Attorney Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes is on her way to the quaint town of Fair Haven to attend the funeral of her uncle Stan despite the objections from her parents. On her way, she has a minor mishap after trying to avoid colliding with a truck and gets her car damaged. The truck owner, Mark, offers to help her.
She is about to meet the director of Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Grant, and meets his twin Mark, who helped her get the car towed to the mechanic. She learns that her Uncle Stan died of overdosing on alcohol. Nicole smells something fishy and decides to get the case re-opened for investigation. Mark finds her arguments valid and call upon Police Chief Carl Wilson. She finds some clues that support her theory of her uncle getting murdered.
Mark introduces Nicole aka Nikki to Russ, her Uncle's business manager at Sugarwoods. She's treading on a dangerous path, questioning possible suspects and checking out their alibis. Someone wants her dead! Will Nicole escape unharmed? The climax is soooo amazing. This book leaves you completely glued to your seat until you finish reading it. Highly irresistible to put down and definitely recommend it for reading if you are looking for a complete entertainment.
January 23, 2025
I have to say that the title didn't inspire me to want to read this book, but am glad I did! Nicole is a lawyer but isn't happy being one, but an uncle dies and she goes along to go to arrange his funeral. She loved her uncle Stan and he had left being a cardiologist and became a maple syrup farmer instead. On arrival in this small town at the back of beyond she was not impressed. All the shops had twee names as did the streets, and her uncle's farm was a little way out but here she was surprised about the set up, it was a massive uptodate production place. She was impressed! But her uncle's house left a bit to be desired.
She is arranging the funeral and asks to see his body, and asked for the coroner's report, and discovered that he had died after ingesting a lot of caffeine. Now being a cardiologist and having a heart condition he was very aware of the warnings not to ingest too much caffeine, and was surprised that he had many bottles of a high caffeine beer in his house. She smelt a rat. Then begins the road to establishing who her uncle's killer was. I was hoping that it would not be the dishy medical examiner who like his twin brother wears a wedding ring. You don't know whether he is married or divorced as the book ends at that point! But he certainly helps her out a lot to discover who it really was who killed her uncle, and for once I did not see that coming!
I really want to read the next book now!
She is arranging the funeral and asks to see his body, and asked for the coroner's report, and discovered that he had died after ingesting a lot of caffeine. Now being a cardiologist and having a heart condition he was very aware of the warnings not to ingest too much caffeine, and was surprised that he had many bottles of a high caffeine beer in his house. She smelt a rat. Then begins the road to establishing who her uncle's killer was. I was hoping that it would not be the dishy medical examiner who like his twin brother wears a wedding ring. You don't know whether he is married or divorced as the book ends at that point! But he certainly helps her out a lot to discover who it really was who killed her uncle, and for once I did not see that coming!
I really want to read the next book now!
October 26, 2024
Inept Lawyer Finds Herself
For the first story in a series, this wasn’t bad. I liked Nikki even though she was a bit too clueless at times. She might not be the best lawyer around, but surely she was smarter than it seemed at times. She was a klutz and had definite issues with her parents, but her heart was in the right place when she insisted her favorite uncle had been murdered. There is a secondary mystery going on in the book concerning Mark and his absentee wife (but as you read the story, you’ll figure that one out too). I will admit that I knew the killer pretty early on but not the why - didn’t get that until later on in the book.
This cozy has the standard small town vibe where everyone knows everyone and their business. A bit of a love triangle between Nikki, Mark, and Eric (cop). And all signs pointing to the killer - which means it definitely wasn’t them. Still, it was a decent read overall and includes a delicious recipe at the end - always a fun addition.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: All opinions are mine and were not solicited or influenced by anyone.
For the first story in a series, this wasn’t bad. I liked Nikki even though she was a bit too clueless at times. She might not be the best lawyer around, but surely she was smarter than it seemed at times. She was a klutz and had definite issues with her parents, but her heart was in the right place when she insisted her favorite uncle had been murdered. There is a secondary mystery going on in the book concerning Mark and his absentee wife (but as you read the story, you’ll figure that one out too). I will admit that I knew the killer pretty early on but not the why - didn’t get that until later on in the book.
This cozy has the standard small town vibe where everyone knows everyone and their business. A bit of a love triangle between Nikki, Mark, and Eric (cop). And all signs pointing to the killer - which means it definitely wasn’t them. Still, it was a decent read overall and includes a delicious recipe at the end - always a fun addition.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: All opinions are mine and were not solicited or influenced by anyone.
July 29, 2023
Mystery books need to be very careful about the clues they include along the way. "A Sticky Inheritance" mentions an isolated shack and a door that closes itself ... aha! It's only a matter of time before someone gets locked inside. And our heroine, Nicole, does find herself trapped.
There's a second clue, given at an early stage which points directly at the killer.
The author, Emily James, is over-thinking the plotting and, as a result, giving the game away.
That said the book is fairly good with a likeable central character, Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes. She's a burnt-out lawyer looking for a new life. She finds it in Northern Michigan when her uncle leaves her his maple farm.
But it soon becomes clear that her uncle's death wasn't accidental - it was murder!
Nicole investigates and soon finds herself in the killers' sights - will she survive long enough to solve the mystery?
Of course she will.
3 Stars.
There's a second clue, given at an early stage which points directly at the killer.
The author, Emily James, is over-thinking the plotting and, as a result, giving the game away.
That said the book is fairly good with a likeable central character, Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes. She's a burnt-out lawyer looking for a new life. She finds it in Northern Michigan when her uncle leaves her his maple farm.
But it soon becomes clear that her uncle's death wasn't accidental - it was murder!
Nicole investigates and soon finds herself in the killers' sights - will she survive long enough to solve the mystery?
Of course she will.
3 Stars.
October 22, 2024
I want more !
In this stabalone story Emily James delivers a flawed, caring and very likeable main character -Nicole. She loved an uncle who broke family norms and took up farming and she's determined to figure out how he really died. The medical examiner is beginning to doubt the sheriff's conclusion. But in a small town it's hard to hide what a person does and trouble follows her around. As a lawyer used to defending the bad guys, looking for one is a different angle and she wonders if she will ever figure out the motive and murderer before she returns home.
This book has a great plot and believable dialog and reactions, is clean enough for teens and adults (think PG) and introduces the reader to many interesting and wonderful ( some not so great) characters in a town that the reader wants to return to in another book. It's A keeper on my Kindle, so this well written book rates 5 stars.
In this stabalone story Emily James delivers a flawed, caring and very likeable main character -Nicole. She loved an uncle who broke family norms and took up farming and she's determined to figure out how he really died. The medical examiner is beginning to doubt the sheriff's conclusion. But in a small town it's hard to hide what a person does and trouble follows her around. As a lawyer used to defending the bad guys, looking for one is a different angle and she wonders if she will ever figure out the motive and murderer before she returns home.
This book has a great plot and believable dialog and reactions, is clean enough for teens and adults (think PG) and introduces the reader to many interesting and wonderful ( some not so great) characters in a town that the reader wants to return to in another book. It's A keeper on my Kindle, so this well written book rates 5 stars.
July 5, 2017
I purchased this book because of a review by fellow author, Janet Sketchley, and I'm glad I did. It's the story of Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes who finds herself in a quaint Northern Michigan town as new owner of a maple syrup business. Nicole is a lawyer, but she's not happy about it. Her parents, also lawyers, demand perfection, and she is far from perfect. I fact, she is klutzy. I love that about her. A big city girl in a small town, trying to figure out who murdered her favorite uncle, the only one who ever understood her or took time for her.
The mood of the book is lightened by humor, but the plot is intense, as cozy mysteries go, and carries the reader on to the very end when the mystery is finally solved.
One of the best things about this book/series is that it's a clean read. Thanks, Emily James.
The mood of the book is lightened by humor, but the plot is intense, as cozy mysteries go, and carries the reader on to the very end when the mystery is finally solved.
One of the best things about this book/series is that it's a clean read. Thanks, Emily James.
March 10, 2017
Interesting characters in a well told story
Nicole is heading to Fair Haven Michigan to settle her uncle's estate . She is torn between the life she is living at home and the fact that her uncle had been ostracized when he had fled family expections. She is in a similar situation . She discovers that Uncle Stan had left her his entire estate . Nicole knows that Uncle Stan would not have committed suicide so she sets out to prove that he was murdered and who the murderer is .
The characters are well developed and enjoyable . I'm looking forward to the next book in the series .
Nicole is heading to Fair Haven Michigan to settle her uncle's estate . She is torn between the life she is living at home and the fact that her uncle had been ostracized when he had fled family expections. She is in a similar situation . She discovers that Uncle Stan had left her his entire estate . Nicole knows that Uncle Stan would not have committed suicide so she sets out to prove that he was murdered and who the murderer is .
The characters are well developed and enjoyable . I'm looking forward to the next book in the series .
May 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this mystery it was a quick read. I was surprised who killed Stan who owned the local maple syrup company. Nikki who is Stan's niece shows up to clean up her Uncles belongings after he suddenly dies. She finds out she inherited all of her uncles things. Well someone wanted him dead at first it was ruled a suicide then the case was opened again because of murder. Nikki snoops around and stumbles into some information and eventually solves the crime. it is not who you think it is. This book reminded me of an episode of Murder she wrote or Matlock. If you like those shows you will enjoy this book. I will read the next installment of the series. In the end of the story you will be surprised who murdered her uncle and also tried to murder her.
March 21, 2019
Not just another recipe-gimmick cozy
PG
No strong language
Action and tense situations but no gory violence
Nicole arrives in a small town to settle her favorite uncle's estate. She had believed that he ran a small farm, but it turns out he'd owned one of the town's most important companies, and now she's the heir.
The cause of her uncle's death does not align with her knowledge of him and his life choices. Soon his death is reviewed and a murder investigation begins. But, he really had no enemies. Determined to find answers, Nicole finds herself the target of the killer.
Good, fast reading. Recommended
PG
No strong language
Action and tense situations but no gory violence
Nicole arrives in a small town to settle her favorite uncle's estate. She had believed that he ran a small farm, but it turns out he'd owned one of the town's most important companies, and now she's the heir.
The cause of her uncle's death does not align with her knowledge of him and his life choices. Soon his death is reviewed and a murder investigation begins. But, he really had no enemies. Determined to find answers, Nicole finds herself the target of the killer.
Good, fast reading. Recommended
November 2, 2024
Good fast moving story
First off, I compliment Emily James for her skillful writing without using sexual content, graphic violence or foul language to strengthen the tale. The story moved at a good steady pace and was entertaining.
I would have given the book a five star rating but I really didn't like the main characters. The small town rural setting was comforting. Nikki 's personality was not a good blend with the other characters. The story was sometimes predictable but not overly.
Most of my thoughts are probably very subjective. I'm sure many readers will truly enjoy a comfortable read. Enjoy.
First off, I compliment Emily James for her skillful writing without using sexual content, graphic violence or foul language to strengthen the tale. The story moved at a good steady pace and was entertaining.
I would have given the book a five star rating but I really didn't like the main characters. The small town rural setting was comforting. Nikki 's personality was not a good blend with the other characters. The story was sometimes predictable but not overly.
Most of my thoughts are probably very subjective. I'm sure many readers will truly enjoy a comfortable read. Enjoy.
Read
November 17, 2024Nicole heads to her uncle's maple syrup farm to tie up loose ends after he passes away. Turns out, her uncle left her the farm in his will. Also turns out his death is suspicious, though the local authorities didn't pursue an investigation. Nicole finds enough evidence to open an investigation, and she uncovers many people who could have had motive to murder him, including the farm manager to whom the uncle had paperwork showing a draft of an agreement to leave him the farm instead of Nicole. Small town, so not sure how the mystery series will go. I mean, how much crime/murder will need amateur sleuthing, but we'll see.
January 15, 2025
I was wrong!
A good, easy read. This was quite enjoyable.
Though Nikki was portrayed as a bit lacking for an attorney, the mystery of the killer was still a bit of a surprise. I had the killer pegged early in story, but changed my mind when a new character was introduced..
As I live in Michigan, I was hoping for more recognizable references but other than "Michigan" and references to the weather, this could have been anywhere.
Will I read the next in the series? I don't know for sure. If it pops up as a free option, probably. But im certain I won't buy it and probably not even search for it at the library.
A good, easy read. This was quite enjoyable.
Though Nikki was portrayed as a bit lacking for an attorney, the mystery of the killer was still a bit of a surprise. I had the killer pegged early in story, but changed my mind when a new character was introduced..
As I live in Michigan, I was hoping for more recognizable references but other than "Michigan" and references to the weather, this could have been anywhere.
Will I read the next in the series? I don't know for sure. If it pops up as a free option, probably. But im certain I won't buy it and probably not even search for it at the library.
July 14, 2025
Lawyer Nicole goes to Michigan to settle her uncle's estate (a maple farm).
What I enjoyed:
* Nicole is an interesting character who really wants to solve mysteries more than help defendants
* It was a good mystery
What could have been better:
* Seems like a love triangle is forming
* For a cozy, there was very little info about maple farming
* Ending was a bit contrived
What I enjoyed:
* Nicole is an interesting character who really wants to solve mysteries more than help defendants
* It was a good mystery
What could have been better:
* Seems like a love triangle is forming
* For a cozy, there was very little info about maple farming
* Ending was a bit contrived
April 27, 2018
I really did enjoy A Sticky Inheritance and was glad to have read the prequel - Sapped - first so I had some extra background. I loved the small town flavor of the novel and the interesting characters. The only negative, if I can call it that, was with Nicole's inability to keep things more organized given her legal training. I put that down to her just not being cut out to be a lawyer and her need to get into something else where she could find herself blossoming. I look forward to reading more novels in the series. I know they will hold my interest and provide good entertainment.
June 18, 2019
Incredible!!!!
10++++ stars!!!!
Nikki got involved in a very twisted mess by so many suspects!! Russ, Mark and Erik were trying to help her, but some stuff was out there, but slowly they started looking at things her way and it was almost too late.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I didn't sleep much as you can tell I am writing this review at 4:16 am, I had to find out who and why!!!
You will love this book. Emily James is a new author I found and love her stories.
10++++ stars!!!!
Nikki got involved in a very twisted mess by so many suspects!! Russ, Mark and Erik were trying to help her, but some stuff was out there, but slowly they started looking at things her way and it was almost too late.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I didn't sleep much as you can tell I am writing this review at 4:16 am, I had to find out who and why!!!
You will love this book. Emily James is a new author I found and love her stories.
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