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Sage Gardens #10
Snow Can Be Deadly
When the Sage Gardens Social Committee arranges a murder mystery weekend at a winter resort, Samantha convinces Walt, Jo and Eddy to join her, as the group that solves the murder wins a cruise.
But the cruise becomes the last thing on the four retirees’ minds when they are snowed in and then Eddy stumbles across a dead body. Then things get even worse when the body goes missing and the four friends find that they have a real murder mystery to solve. But how can they solve the mystery without a body?
Will the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ find the dead body and the murderer before the snow melts and the murderer disappears? Or worse, will they land up in danger with no way to escape?
This is book 10 in the Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Series. The main mystery is solved in each book, but the series is best enjoyed when read in order.
But the cruise becomes the last thing on the four retirees’ minds when they are snowed in and then Eddy stumbles across a dead body. Then things get even worse when the body goes missing and the four friends find that they have a real murder mystery to solve. But how can they solve the mystery without a body?
Will the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ find the dead body and the murderer before the snow melts and the murderer disappears? Or worse, will they land up in danger with no way to escape?
This is book 10 in the Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Series. The main mystery is solved in each book, but the series is best enjoyed when read in order.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 20, 2017
Fast read
This was a cute cozy mystery about a murder mystery weekend that turns deadly.
It was a quick read and had some interesting turn of events
This was a cute cozy mystery about a murder mystery weekend that turns deadly.
It was a quick read and had some interesting turn of events
March 3, 2022
So can Murder Mysteries, can’t they??? I got a chill reading this, but I enjoyed the story, chilly as it was, and recommend the book.
January 8, 2019
I found the writing to be very simplistic with stilted dialogue. It felt more like I was reading a first novel rather than the 11th in a series.
April 12, 2019
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is noted for its play within a play which builds upon the misdeeds of the past. Snow Can Be Deadly portends the misdeeds of the present with its murder mystery performance surrounded by an actual murder mystery. The title for the book is based on the four “detectives” (residents of the Sage Gardens retirement community) taking a field trip to a ski lodge for a murder mystery weekend. When a blizzard snows everyone in and one of the four protagonists has actually seen a corpse, fear descends and lives are threatened.
Snow Can Be Deadly is well into this series of circa one dozen “cozy” mystery novels. Even though I hadn’t read any of the previous novels, I warmed up to the cast of characters (ironic given the freezing circumstances of the book) quite quickly. I like the name of the series, Sage Garden mysteries. It’s a nice pun on the flavoring herb and the ideal of the wise, elderly person. In one sense, these characters are wise and, in another, they are vulnerable within the near-stereotypes of their characters. For example, Walt is so neurotic about germs that he seems like an aging Monk (the “defective detective” from television), Eddy is a retired police detective who doesn’t seem to have come to grips with an identity different from his old vocation, Jo is a reformed “cat burglar” who doubles as a romantic interest for (you guessed it—retired copy Eddy), and Samantha seems to be the glue that holds the fragile foursome together (at least in this book). Samantha appears to be a retired businesswoman who is somewhat bored with her new state in life.
If you’re a veteran mystery reader, you will probably hone into the perpetrator quite early in the novel, but the motive seems ineffable. Then, as you become aware of the motive, things become complicated through the old trope of having multiple suspects involved (at least, tangentially). So, even though the murderer seemed obvious, the use of red herrings and either accidental or incidental accomplices makes it interesting all the way through.
To be honest, I would probably be more enamored with Snow Can Be Deadly if I had read some of the other “Can Be Deadly” novels and become more invested in the characters. It was a fast and enjoyable read for me, a pleasant diversion as opposed to a tense, complex, and mesmerizing mystery. There’s definitely a place for these in my reading list, but as a break instead of my typical fare.
Snow Can Be Deadly is well into this series of circa one dozen “cozy” mystery novels. Even though I hadn’t read any of the previous novels, I warmed up to the cast of characters (ironic given the freezing circumstances of the book) quite quickly. I like the name of the series, Sage Garden mysteries. It’s a nice pun on the flavoring herb and the ideal of the wise, elderly person. In one sense, these characters are wise and, in another, they are vulnerable within the near-stereotypes of their characters. For example, Walt is so neurotic about germs that he seems like an aging Monk (the “defective detective” from television), Eddy is a retired police detective who doesn’t seem to have come to grips with an identity different from his old vocation, Jo is a reformed “cat burglar” who doubles as a romantic interest for (you guessed it—retired copy Eddy), and Samantha seems to be the glue that holds the fragile foursome together (at least in this book). Samantha appears to be a retired businesswoman who is somewhat bored with her new state in life.
If you’re a veteran mystery reader, you will probably hone into the perpetrator quite early in the novel, but the motive seems ineffable. Then, as you become aware of the motive, things become complicated through the old trope of having multiple suspects involved (at least, tangentially). So, even though the murderer seemed obvious, the use of red herrings and either accidental or incidental accomplices makes it interesting all the way through.
To be honest, I would probably be more enamored with Snow Can Be Deadly if I had read some of the other “Can Be Deadly” novels and become more invested in the characters. It was a fast and enjoyable read for me, a pleasant diversion as opposed to a tense, complex, and mesmerizing mystery. There’s definitely a place for these in my reading list, but as a break instead of my typical fare.
April 13, 2019
A quick and pleasant read
I had not read previous books in this series, and this is book 10, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. It is complete, and there is no reference to previous books. There is no backstory to the 4 main characters, but one does learn that Walt is a germaphobe, Eddy a retired cop, Samantha a retired investigative journalist, and Jo a former cat burglar. They live in a retirement home called Sage Gardens and they're on a trip that includes a murder mystery at a resort. Of course, there's a real murder that takes place and must be solved. Toss in a blizzard and a bunch of bad guys and you get the idea. The plot is pretty simple and the mystery not so hard for the reader to figure out. I have read better cozies and I have read worse, hence my 3 star rating. It is a pleasant and fast read, a good airplane book to pass a couple of hours without taxing your brain too much. I liked all 4 main characters and wouldn't mind spending a couple more hours with them.
I had not read previous books in this series, and this is book 10, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. It is complete, and there is no reference to previous books. There is no backstory to the 4 main characters, but one does learn that Walt is a germaphobe, Eddy a retired cop, Samantha a retired investigative journalist, and Jo a former cat burglar. They live in a retirement home called Sage Gardens and they're on a trip that includes a murder mystery at a resort. Of course, there's a real murder that takes place and must be solved. Toss in a blizzard and a bunch of bad guys and you get the idea. The plot is pretty simple and the mystery not so hard for the reader to figure out. I have read better cozies and I have read worse, hence my 3 star rating. It is a pleasant and fast read, a good airplane book to pass a couple of hours without taxing your brain too much. I liked all 4 main characters and wouldn't mind spending a couple more hours with them.
November 18, 2019
A bus of senior citizens go on a trip, and presumably at some point something bad happens that needs investigating. I say presumably because 10% in the characters were still just mildly chatting with each other. A sample:
(All punctuation is the author's.)
I can put up with a slow start. I can put up with pedestrian writing. But please at the very least have interesting, memorable characters...and of course this book lacks that as well.
Samantha smiles as she stared out the window.
'I think we're definitely going to see some snow.'
'I hope so.' Jo grinned. 'A little bit is always nice.'
'Look!' Samantha pointed through the window. 'I saw a snowflake! It's snowing everyone!'
A cheer rippled through the bus followed by a lot of chatter.
(All punctuation is the author's.)
I can put up with a slow start. I can put up with pedestrian writing. But please at the very least have interesting, memorable characters...and of course this book lacks that as well.
March 27, 2024
Is this dead body for real
Sage Gardens social committee runs trip to winter resort murder mystery. Samantha convinces Jo, Eddy, and Walt to join her to win a cruise. When Eddy, a retired detective, finds a dead body for real, they decide to investigate for real. Apparently, Howard had many enemies who had motive for murder including some unsavory characters. Even the head of resort security isn't above suspicion. There's a blizzard that traps everyone at the resort, including the murderer.
This is an interesting plot. However, even though the characters are nicely described, their actions in the story aren't quite believable.
Sage Gardens social committee runs trip to winter resort murder mystery. Samantha convinces Jo, Eddy, and Walt to join her to win a cruise. When Eddy, a retired detective, finds a dead body for real, they decide to investigate for real. Apparently, Howard had many enemies who had motive for murder including some unsavory characters. Even the head of resort security isn't above suspicion. There's a blizzard that traps everyone at the resort, including the murderer.
This is an interesting plot. However, even though the characters are nicely described, their actions in the story aren't quite believable.
January 21, 2019
Similar to other "cozy mysteries," a fast and easy read. The characters are interesting, and there is enough of a twist in the mystery that you are still trying to figure out the "real mystery" at the end. More entertaining then most TV, but less entertaining than the "Big Bang". Although these are suppose to be 4 friends from a retirement community, there is little that distinguishes them from a group of 30 year olds. I was hoping for some humor I have enjoyed in better written mysteries such as the "Ivy Malone" series.
June 8, 2025
A murder mystery weekend for the senior sleuths. The resort they’re staying in gets snowed in by a storm when Eddy stumbles upon a body. Problem was that the body was not there when security came. Was this part of the murder mystery play? Did Eddy have a few too many drinks beforehand? Or was there a real murder here?
If who the gang suspected was the victim, then there were several people that would’ve wanted the guy dead. With such an interesting mystery, you can’t help but keep reading. I just love how the senior sleuths work together to solve a case. A great mystery!
If who the gang suspected was the victim, then there were several people that would’ve wanted the guy dead. With such an interesting mystery, you can’t help but keep reading. I just love how the senior sleuths work together to solve a case. A great mystery!
December 31, 2018
Sage Gardens retirement center, Samantha trying to convince them to go on a murder mystery retreat. One chuckles at Jo reply, a book, to finish, a nap to take. The prize is a cruise, of which was met with parasites, bedbugs, if one goes on a ship.Things go from bad to worse, getting snow in, and finding a real body, but then disappears. A comical look of errs, and the battering that goes on. Delightful cozy murder mystery.
January 11, 2019
Good Plot but awkward. Too many "rookie" mistakes made by the individuals that lead the "sleuths" into danger. Even though Walt is a bit of germ freak, he seemed the most intelligent. Ms. Bell wrapped it up all nice and neat in the final chapters but I think she overlooked one important point...
namely that the son of the deceased may very well be in danger from some very bad people. Hope she addresses this in a future, otherwise it is left dangling.
namely that the son of the deceased may very well be in danger from some very bad people. Hope she addresses this in a future, otherwise it is left dangling.
January 13, 2019
Snow Can Be Deadly
I really enjoyed this book! This cozy mystery is well written and full of action. Four friends go on a trip to join in on a murder mystery game with a grand prize of a cruise! The only problem is...a real murder has been committed and the body is now missing. Who has been murdered? Who is the murderer and where is the body? I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
I really enjoyed this book! This cozy mystery is well written and full of action. Four friends go on a trip to join in on a murder mystery game with a grand prize of a cruise! The only problem is...a real murder has been committed and the body is now missing. Who has been murdered? Who is the murderer and where is the body? I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
January 24, 2019
3.5 is a more accurate rating. This is part of a series and I joined it after many previous books so there was little introduction of the four main characters who have become a mystery solving foursome since joining up in a retirement community. The plot moves forward almost completely through conversation and minimal description. It is fast reading and fun if not too complex. Fits the cozy genre perfectly.
June 26, 2019
2019 bk 196. I have to admit, I did not finish this book. I made it though 4 chapters. I think in another place and time I might be able to read it and enjoy it, but it just wasn't what I was in the mood to read. I thought it was book one of a series and obviously it wasn't. There are a lot of cases where books in a series can stand alone, I did not find it to be the case in this instance. Oh well, I'll try her again sometime, perhaps after getting the first series in the title.
January 1, 2019
This was a rather quick read (less than 24 hours for a mom of 2). It was good. Not bad, not great .....just good. The writing seemed amateurish, as compared to the likes of Harlan Coben and Lee Childs but then they are master story-tellers, yet it kept my interest enough to be worth my time. Kept me guessing just enough.
January 8, 2019
How to solve two murder mysteries in one weekend
This was a really good murder mystery. A group of seniors head for a mountain murder mystery weekend. While there they become involved in a real murder mystery. Each of the four uses their special skills to solve a murder. Very well written and I really enjoyed it.
This was a really good murder mystery. A group of seniors head for a mountain murder mystery weekend. While there they become involved in a real murder mystery. Each of the four uses their special skills to solve a murder. Very well written and I really enjoyed it.
January 26, 2019
This is the 10th in the series. In this book the main characters, Walt, Eddy, Jo and Samantha are going to an inn for a murder mystery weekend. Only Eddy finds a body before the weekend begins, only to have it disappear before he can show anyone. From then on, Eddy tries to find the body while the rest of the crew tries to figure out who did it. I really enjoyed thios book.
February 9, 2019
Good characters
This is my first book in this series, and I may go back and start at the beginning. I like the premise of a group of active retired people working together to solve a crime. The characters were well drawn, and the resort setting believable.
The mystery was quite well done, so I would probably rate this book 3.5.
This is my first book in this series, and I may go back and start at the beginning. I like the premise of a group of active retired people working together to solve a crime. The characters were well drawn, and the resort setting believable.
The mystery was quite well done, so I would probably rate this book 3.5.
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January 26, 2021Good Book! Lots of Laughs!
I am very happy and greatly appreciative of this story! Who would have thought retired folks could out think the the younger generation of people! The difference between their various old jobs helped them solve not one crime, but two! How about that! Thanks😂😂
I am very happy and greatly appreciative of this story! Who would have thought retired folks could out think the the younger generation of people! The difference between their various old jobs helped them solve not one crime, but two! How about that! Thanks😂😂
Currently reading
February 23, 2023Great "Seniors" Murder Mystery
Great murder mystery with 4 Seniors as the sleuths who crack the case while almost getting themselves done in... Great characters and location... Keeps you guessing Whodunnit till the end... I really enjoyed it and would recommend to all muder mystery fans... 5 Stars from me 😄
Great murder mystery with 4 Seniors as the sleuths who crack the case while almost getting themselves done in... Great characters and location... Keeps you guessing Whodunnit till the end... I really enjoyed it and would recommend to all muder mystery fans... 5 Stars from me 😄
August 21, 2018
Just okay
I found there were more punctuation errors in this one, so that bugged me. The a story was alright, if a bit overcomplicated just for the sake of misdirection. Far too underdeveloped though.
I found there were more punctuation errors in this one, so that bugged me. The a story was alright, if a bit overcomplicated just for the sake of misdirection. Far too underdeveloped though.
August 7, 2018
Wonderful
This is one of my favorites. I love how Eddy, Walt , Samantha and Jo solve everything as a group. They get better and better. Couldn’t put this one down. Good job. Thanks.
This is one of my favorites. I love how Eddy, Walt , Samantha and Jo solve everything as a group. They get better and better. Couldn’t put this one down. Good job. Thanks.
December 31, 2018
A snug little tale
Maybe it's because of being about the seventh book in the Sage Gardens series, but there was not enough about the individuals to get to know them. I struggled with that.
...but the story was bright and brisk
Maybe it's because of being about the seventh book in the Sage Gardens series, but there was not enough about the individuals to get to know them. I struggled with that.
...but the story was bright and brisk
January 3, 2019
Great read. Story line, dialogue, characters (except for Walt who is insufferable) and finish among the best.
I look forward to reading more of the Sage Gardens Mystery (if only we could bypass Walt) and heartily recommend this series to all mystery buffs.
I look forward to reading more of the Sage Gardens Mystery (if only we could bypass Walt) and heartily recommend this series to all mystery buffs.
January 3, 2019
Very Cozy
I enjoyed this cozy mystery very much! It was intriguing and entertaining without all the gore, depression, and mature themes that are sometimes unnecessary. Good change of scenery to see people of this age group represented in fiction.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery very much! It was intriguing and entertaining without all the gore, depression, and mature themes that are sometimes unnecessary. Good change of scenery to see people of this age group represented in fiction.
January 5, 2019
A Mysterious Murder at a Murder Mystery Event
Delightful venue, interesting and eclectic characters, and a puzzling murder combine to create an excellent cosy mystery. I think you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
Delightful venue, interesting and eclectic characters, and a puzzling murder combine to create an excellent cosy mystery. I think you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
January 8, 2019
A quick read, but enjoyable. First book by this author, but not my last.
A murder committed in a snowed in resort, great group of friends, real peril and a satisfactory solution.
Interesting enough to bring me back for another adventure with this group.
A murder committed in a snowed in resort, great group of friends, real peril and a satisfactory solution.
Interesting enough to bring me back for another adventure with this group.
January 13, 2019
Not fast moviing
This was a typical cozy with aging sleuths! The story isnt exciting and the writing doesnt make it so. It was ok, but I won't actively search out other stories by this author.
This was a typical cozy with aging sleuths! The story isnt exciting and the writing doesnt make it so. It was ok, but I won't actively search out other stories by this author.
January 13, 2019
The murder mystery weekend at a resort hotel turns real in the midst of a blizzard and the four friends from Sage Gardens need to convince the staff. But there's no blood, the body goes missing, and the suspect list is pretty long. Very enjoyable sleuthing!
January 14, 2019
Very Good 👍
I enjoyed the twist and turns in this story. I loved how the four sleuthing friends worked together. I was never quite sure how things were going. I would definitely recommend this book.
I enjoyed the twist and turns in this story. I loved how the four sleuthing friends worked together. I was never quite sure how things were going. I would definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews