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A Bird Lover's Mystery #5
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang
Ruby Lake, North Carolina, might be the perfect place to go birdwatching during autumn, but it’s also a habitat for murder . . .
As Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms guides a halfhearted birding group around Ruby Lake, rumors soon start flying about the annual Fall Festival’s classic car and tractor show. Local eccentric Chick Sherman—boasting the hottest ride in town—has ruffled feathers by mysteriously entering the contest, and curious Amy hatches a plan to sneak a glimpse at the phantom automobile before the big event kicks off . . .
But competition turns deadly when Amy finally spots the sleek ’56 El Morocco—and it’s on top of Chick’s very dead body. With her neighbor and business partner framed as the murderer and priceless Audubon prints suddenly missing from Chick’s home, only Amy can identify the telltale markings of a killer before another hapless victim is plucked from the flock . . .
Praise for J.R. Ripley’s Beignets, Brides and Bodies
“Appealing . . . A clever, amusing cozy.” —Publishers Weekly
“Ripley’s entertaining second series outing is a tasty option for foodie mystery fans.” —Library Journal
As Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms guides a halfhearted birding group around Ruby Lake, rumors soon start flying about the annual Fall Festival’s classic car and tractor show. Local eccentric Chick Sherman—boasting the hottest ride in town—has ruffled feathers by mysteriously entering the contest, and curious Amy hatches a plan to sneak a glimpse at the phantom automobile before the big event kicks off . . .
But competition turns deadly when Amy finally spots the sleek ’56 El Morocco—and it’s on top of Chick’s very dead body. With her neighbor and business partner framed as the murderer and priceless Audubon prints suddenly missing from Chick’s home, only Amy can identify the telltale markings of a killer before another hapless victim is plucked from the flock . . .
Praise for J.R. Ripley’s Beignets, Brides and Bodies
“Appealing . . . A clever, amusing cozy.” —Publishers Weekly
“Ripley’s entertaining second series outing is a tasty option for foodie mystery fans.” —Library Journal
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2017
16 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ripley
32 books230 followersBestselling author of fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, capers, cozies and more. Pseudonym for author Glenn Meganck
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 19, 2017
Ruby Lake, NC is gearing up for the fall festival car show. The guys in town are all being very secretive about the cars they are entering in the competition, while still bragging up a storm about how their particular car will steal the show. Everyone is curious about Chick Sherman. He's been bragging for years about a car he's been working on in his barn. So far, nobody has ever seen it. Rumors range from Chick's car being some experimental super car to there being no car at all. The whole town is instantly abuzz when he registers for the car show. Amy Simm, owner of the Birds & Bees shop in Ruby Lake, drives to his house one night and her curiousity gets the best of her. Surely Chick won't mind if she takes one little peek into his barn to see if there is actually some super car in there...... She sees something extraordinary, but it's not a car. It's Chick Sherman's dead body. Who killed the town eccentric? And can she discover the killer before anyone else gets hurt?
I really enjoy this series. Amy Simm is a feisty, fun main character. I love the bird theme. The side characters are quirky and interesting. Every book has been a fun read!
I'm not really a hot rod or car show fan. It's not a hobby that interests me. But, I still enjoyed this latest book in the Bird Lover's cozy series. The mystery was engaging and perfectly paced. There were several viable suspects and I wasn't quite sure about the killer until the very end. There is a nice mix of humor, mystery and side theme. It makes for a nice, balanced, enjoyable cozy mystery. Chickadee, Chickadee Bang Bang is the fifth book in the series, but a reader can jump in at this point and enjoy the story without reading the prior books. There is enough explanation of the characters and setting to read this book without starting at the beginning of the series.
The next book in the Bird Lover's Mystery Series, How the Finch Stole Christmas, will be out in November! :) I'm glad I don't have long to wait for the next book in this series!
J.R. Ripley is a pseudonym of the author Glenn Meganck. For more information on the author and his books, check out his website: http://www.glennmeganck.com/
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I really enjoy this series. Amy Simm is a feisty, fun main character. I love the bird theme. The side characters are quirky and interesting. Every book has been a fun read!
I'm not really a hot rod or car show fan. It's not a hobby that interests me. But, I still enjoyed this latest book in the Bird Lover's cozy series. The mystery was engaging and perfectly paced. There were several viable suspects and I wasn't quite sure about the killer until the very end. There is a nice mix of humor, mystery and side theme. It makes for a nice, balanced, enjoyable cozy mystery. Chickadee, Chickadee Bang Bang is the fifth book in the series, but a reader can jump in at this point and enjoy the story without reading the prior books. There is enough explanation of the characters and setting to read this book without starting at the beginning of the series.
The next book in the Bird Lover's Mystery Series, How the Finch Stole Christmas, will be out in November! :) I'm glad I don't have long to wait for the next book in this series!
J.R. Ripley is a pseudonym of the author Glenn Meganck. For more information on the author and his books, check out his website: http://www.glennmeganck.com/
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
August 7, 2017
The latest Bird Lovers book is the best in the series. I like the way the birding facts were woven in with the mystery. There are paranormal elements mixed into the tale.
Amy Simms and friends were discussing the fall festival that feature antique cars and crowns a Miss Ruby Lake Queen. Trying to get a picture of a car no one has seen Any lost her cell phone. Late at night searching for her phone Any finds the owner of the car crushed under it. Paul becomes a person on interest in the case. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Lyrical Underground through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Amy Simms and friends were discussing the fall festival that feature antique cars and crowns a Miss Ruby Lake Queen. Trying to get a picture of a car no one has seen Any lost her cell phone. Late at night searching for her phone Any finds the owner of the car crushed under it. Paul becomes a person on interest in the case. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Lyrical Underground through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 17, 2018
Somehow I just can't get into this series, I think because it is touted as a mystery series for birdwatchers yet the tales are always about something else, like products in a store, or rare art prints, or classic cars. Bird watching is only present tangentially and as a way of introducing or unifying characters. In this case it is classic American cars and rare prints which happen to be prints of American birds.
Cosy mystery fans may enjoy it as a small-town sleuth series.
I downloaded an e-copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
Cosy mystery fans may enjoy it as a small-town sleuth series.
I downloaded an e-copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
July 30, 2017
I am seriously considering moving to Ruby Lake! They have more fun events than any small town I have ever lived in!
It's time for the annual Fall Festival with the Tractor and Car Show being one of the most popular and competitive events.
As our Amy is leading a group of birdwatchers in the park most of the group is looking at a Chickadee in the tree. Karl and Floyd however have spotted something white and teal that definitely is not a bird, but a '57 Chevy Bel Air going down the street.
Karl and Floyd soon have Amy taking them to find their own oldie but goodie so for once they can be part of the parade of cars. Even Amy's sweetie and her neighbor Paul have caught the car fever.
When Amy decides to sneak a peek at this mysterious El Morroco that Chick supposedly has the first person she runs into is Chick. Plan fouled. But when she returns to find her cell phone she finds Chick dead under the coveted car.
By now even the police chief is used to Amy snooping around crime scenes, so at least she isn't being kept out of the loop, but there are always some shady folks hanging around this tiny town and the suspect list even includes some locals. But don't worry because our girl Amy will peck around like a bird after a worm until she finds the truth!
We are in book 5 in this series now and the characters are developing nicely and I learned about another lovely bird.
Job well done Mr. Ripley!
Netgalley/Kensington/Lyrical Underground Release Date is September 12, 2017
It's time for the annual Fall Festival with the Tractor and Car Show being one of the most popular and competitive events.
As our Amy is leading a group of birdwatchers in the park most of the group is looking at a Chickadee in the tree. Karl and Floyd however have spotted something white and teal that definitely is not a bird, but a '57 Chevy Bel Air going down the street.
Karl and Floyd soon have Amy taking them to find their own oldie but goodie so for once they can be part of the parade of cars. Even Amy's sweetie and her neighbor Paul have caught the car fever.
When Amy decides to sneak a peek at this mysterious El Morroco that Chick supposedly has the first person she runs into is Chick. Plan fouled. But when she returns to find her cell phone she finds Chick dead under the coveted car.
By now even the police chief is used to Amy snooping around crime scenes, so at least she isn't being kept out of the loop, but there are always some shady folks hanging around this tiny town and the suspect list even includes some locals. But don't worry because our girl Amy will peck around like a bird after a worm until she finds the truth!
We are in book 5 in this series now and the characters are developing nicely and I learned about another lovely bird.
Job well done Mr. Ripley!
Netgalley/Kensington/Lyrical Underground Release Date is September 12, 2017
August 7, 2017
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang by author JR Ripley is Delightful! Another cozy mystery with Amy Simms as the shop owner of Birds & Bees who gets caught up in solving murders in Ruby Lake, NC.
As Amy is leading her group on a birding walk around Ruby Lake, the conversation turns to the Fall Festival Classic car and Tractor Show. There is a long standing rivalry among the entrants in the past so this year Amy listens to the chatter among the group about who will enter and the possible winner. The conversation turns to the town eccentric, Chick Sherman inventor and mechanic who brags he will enter the ultimate car for the show.
Later Amy purchases a beautiful antique print from a local shop which she later believes to be an authentic Audubon, not a reproduction. Before the day is over, her print mysteriously goes missing from her shop counter! Her interest is sparked and she does a bit of research about the value of the print. Amy decides to snoop around a bit, to look for other Audubon prints and to purchase some books she saw in the cluttered shop. She does not find other prints or the books, but she does find the body of Chick Sherman under one of his cars.
As the story progresses we meet characters who all have secrets or something to hide. It is getting dangerous for Amy as she continues to search for answers and solve the murder.
I personally love the mystery and wit. I am a birder, too, so the whole theme of the book was very enjoyable!
As Amy is leading her group on a birding walk around Ruby Lake, the conversation turns to the Fall Festival Classic car and Tractor Show. There is a long standing rivalry among the entrants in the past so this year Amy listens to the chatter among the group about who will enter and the possible winner. The conversation turns to the town eccentric, Chick Sherman inventor and mechanic who brags he will enter the ultimate car for the show.
Later Amy purchases a beautiful antique print from a local shop which she later believes to be an authentic Audubon, not a reproduction. Before the day is over, her print mysteriously goes missing from her shop counter! Her interest is sparked and she does a bit of research about the value of the print. Amy decides to snoop around a bit, to look for other Audubon prints and to purchase some books she saw in the cluttered shop. She does not find other prints or the books, but she does find the body of Chick Sherman under one of his cars.
As the story progresses we meet characters who all have secrets or something to hide. It is getting dangerous for Amy as she continues to search for answers and solve the murder.
I personally love the mystery and wit. I am a birder, too, so the whole theme of the book was very enjoyable!
August 12, 2017
I've been reading this cozy series from the beginning and I think book 5 of A Bird Lover's Mystery series is the best. The characters are more developed and the friendships are tighter. Ruby Lake is a fun and busy place to visit. With the Fall Festival in full swing the locals are all excited about the old car and tractor show. Amy can't wait to see the rumored star of the show so she heads to Chick's garage to get a glimpse. She discovers a body under the car and her business partner is the main suspect. Great read with lots of bird watching tips and feeding suggestions. Can stand alone but the previous books are good reads also.
August 3, 2017
Amy Simms is a fun character and this series is very entertaining.
Everyone in Ruby Falls is excited for the classic car parade, but when a mysterious death puts a damper on the event, Amy is determined to find the answers.
This series is cute, it's easy to read and the characters are very believable.
My favorite part of this story was Esther the pester.
I was laughing so hard at her antics, I could just picture her and Amy battling over a cat.
This is an entertaining series that will appeal to all cozy mystery readers.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Everyone in Ruby Falls is excited for the classic car parade, but when a mysterious death puts a damper on the event, Amy is determined to find the answers.
This series is cute, it's easy to read and the characters are very believable.
My favorite part of this story was Esther the pester.
I was laughing so hard at her antics, I could just picture her and Amy battling over a cat.
This is an entertaining series that will appeal to all cozy mystery readers.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
September 12, 2017
I enjoy this series for the characters and the location. It sounds like a place I would like to call home. In this, the fifth of the series, it's Fall and the town of Ruby Lake, NC is getting ready for the annual Fall festival, including a car and tractor show. Now I like the bird theme but, when you add classic cars and new cars, well I stop looking at the birds. Amy really wants to get a photo of Chick's new car...just not with him pinned under it, very dead. When a friend of hers is the number one suspect and the police wishing she would just go away and let them detect, Amy does what any friend and snoop would do - she undertakes her own investigation. The mystery is solid, the writing flows along very well and the characters are fully developed and make me want to have them as friends. This may be the fifth in the series but it can be read out of order.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 9, 2017
This is the latest installment in a delightful series but don't be intimidated by that- you can jump right in and enjoy it. You'll follow Amy, an intrepid amateur sleuth who knows a lot more about birds than she does about murder (even though bad things keep happening around her.). As always with themed books, there's a possibility that things can go sideways but Ripley keeps the puns to a minimum (except, of course, for Chick) and nothing gets twee. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You'll like this if you enjoy cozies set in small towns with a nice twist of a theme. Not gruesome, no bad language, no sex, just a nice read perfect to take your mind off for a break.
August 30, 2017
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang is the fifth book in A Bird Lovers Mystery Series by J.R. Ripley. In this edition we find Birds and Bees store owner Amy Simms caught up in the murders of two cousins, an eccentric inventor and a society leader. It is time for the fall festival in the town of Ruby Lake, NC, with the classic car and tractor show, parade, and Miss Fall Festival Pageant.
When Amy discovers the body of local eccentric and inventor Chick Sherman under his revolutionary new car it throws her into the middle of a complicated plot that places her friend and business partner Paul Anderson into a shadow of suspicion, especially when a second victim is found in the trunk of his show car.
And what happened to the Audubon like drawing Amy had purchased from Chick before his demise? What does it have to do with the murders? And who is setting Paul up for the fall?
In a this interesting edition to this series, the action is continual and the endgame unexpected. I enjoyed this book and do recommend it to those following this genre
August 23, 2017
Title: Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang - Bird Lover's Mystery Book 5
Author: J. R. Ripley
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 9-12-2017
Pages: 236
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Sub-Genre: Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuths, Suspense, Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781516193126
ASIN: B01MT0HN6F
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This is the fifth book in the series and the best on yet. Ruby Lake's Fall Festival is starting and the Car Show is the most anticipated event of the festival. the star of which is Chick's car which is being kept out of sight until the car parade. Everyone is planning to have an entry.
When Amy misplaces her phone and goes looking for it she makes plans to stop by Chick's garage hoping to catch a glimpse of his car. Well, she gets a good look. What she wasn't expecting to see was Chick, crushed under the car. To the exasperation of the sheriff she begins to look for Chick's killer.
Great characters that have become friends that I enjoy visiting. The story holds your attention from the moment you open it up till the very last page. Well written and plotted, Ripley has written a story that any mystery lover will enjoy. There are bird watching tips peppered in the story as are the clues that guide the readers in the direction the author wants.
My rating of "Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang - Bird Lover's Mystery Book 5" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT0HN6F/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chic...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Chicka...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/chic...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: J. R. Ripley
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 9-12-2017
Pages: 236
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Sub-Genre: Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuths, Suspense, Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781516193126
ASIN: B01MT0HN6F
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This is the fifth book in the series and the best on yet. Ruby Lake's Fall Festival is starting and the Car Show is the most anticipated event of the festival. the star of which is Chick's car which is being kept out of sight until the car parade. Everyone is planning to have an entry.
When Amy misplaces her phone and goes looking for it she makes plans to stop by Chick's garage hoping to catch a glimpse of his car. Well, she gets a good look. What she wasn't expecting to see was Chick, crushed under the car. To the exasperation of the sheriff she begins to look for Chick's killer.
Great characters that have become friends that I enjoy visiting. The story holds your attention from the moment you open it up till the very last page. Well written and plotted, Ripley has written a story that any mystery lover will enjoy. There are bird watching tips peppered in the story as are the clues that guide the readers in the direction the author wants.
My rating of "Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang - Bird Lover's Mystery Book 5" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT0HN6F/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chic...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Chicka...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/chic...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
September 18, 2017
A mystery with birds and cars involved, weird, isn't it?
Amy Simms not only love birds but also being involved in mystery cases. Imagine that the police had to hire another police officer since she returned home... so is she attracting killers or simply bad luck? Just in case, be careful and try to not stay in the same place as her, you could be the next victim!
I was surprised how this small community that seemed quite friendly and united with their festivities seem to change their mood and become something more sinister and dangerous!
Learning about birds is always something interesting, there are so many and they make the city a bit more natural. However, learning about old cars was something funny and quite surprising after knowing how much some people pay for them and maybe this could be a murder motive...
Amy's bird business seems to work quite well, she has a handsome boyfriend and a nosy mother, but when she decides to help her friend Paul before being arrested for murder, she puts her life in danger risking everything she has... she is brave and bold, and I am quite surprised that she is still alive, confronting suspects without knowing who is the real killer but knowing that it has already killed twice I think it's playing with fire.
This is one of those cases where you don't like any of the suspects and that all of them had very strong motives to kill the victim, but let's be honest, the victim wasn't an angel either and I still can not understand why the police didn't investigate the dirty business he was doing, because everyone in the village knew them...
This book has quick dialogues and really funny scenes that will make you smile and sometimes wonder if in the next case the victim will be Amy's mother and her the killer! Read the book and you'll understand me...
I loved and at the same time I was scared of the Lord of Death, I can not tell you what it is, because we don't know, just that it seems to be alive... Who moves him? Is he a protector or a killer attract? Will we see him in the next books? I hope so!
I missed a little bit of romance in the book, the relationship between Amy and Derek seemed more as friends than something else... are they really together? Will we see a kiss or some sparks in the next adventure?
This is the 5th book of the series "A Bird Lover's Mystery Series" but you can read is as standalone.
Would you kill for a bird?
Amy Simms not only love birds but also being involved in mystery cases. Imagine that the police had to hire another police officer since she returned home... so is she attracting killers or simply bad luck? Just in case, be careful and try to not stay in the same place as her, you could be the next victim!
I was surprised how this small community that seemed quite friendly and united with their festivities seem to change their mood and become something more sinister and dangerous!
Learning about birds is always something interesting, there are so many and they make the city a bit more natural. However, learning about old cars was something funny and quite surprising after knowing how much some people pay for them and maybe this could be a murder motive...
Amy's bird business seems to work quite well, she has a handsome boyfriend and a nosy mother, but when she decides to help her friend Paul before being arrested for murder, she puts her life in danger risking everything she has... she is brave and bold, and I am quite surprised that she is still alive, confronting suspects without knowing who is the real killer but knowing that it has already killed twice I think it's playing with fire.
This is one of those cases where you don't like any of the suspects and that all of them had very strong motives to kill the victim, but let's be honest, the victim wasn't an angel either and I still can not understand why the police didn't investigate the dirty business he was doing, because everyone in the village knew them...
This book has quick dialogues and really funny scenes that will make you smile and sometimes wonder if in the next case the victim will be Amy's mother and her the killer! Read the book and you'll understand me...
I loved and at the same time I was scared of the Lord of Death, I can not tell you what it is, because we don't know, just that it seems to be alive... Who moves him? Is he a protector or a killer attract? Will we see him in the next books? I hope so!
I missed a little bit of romance in the book, the relationship between Amy and Derek seemed more as friends than something else... are they really together? Will we see a kiss or some sparks in the next adventure?
This is the 5th book of the series "A Bird Lover's Mystery Series" but you can read is as standalone.
Would you kill for a bird?
October 7, 2017
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang is the fifth installment in the A Bird Lover's Mystery series set in Ruby Lake, NC featuring Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms. Amy and the rest of the town are looking forward to the Annual Fall Festival, the highlights of which include the Classic Tractor and Car Parade and the Miss Fall Festival Pageant.
When rumors begin to swirl that eccentric inventor Chick Sherman will be entering the car he's been secretly working on for years, everyone seems to want to compete in the parade. Amy's friends Karl and Floyd run out to buy a car and Paul Anderson owner of the Brewer's Biergarten teams up with Amy's boyfriend Derek Harlan to enter a vintage convertible.
Amy discovers that Chick's wife Trudy tells fortunes and sells antique collectibles. With her natural curiosity overflowing, Amy decides to visit Trudy and perhaps get a glimpse of her husband's mystery car. Amy visits the shop with best friend Kim Christy and discovers a hidden treasure trove of valuable Audubon prints and books but unfortunately gets caught by Chick sneaking into his garage. Later in the day when Amy discovers that she's dropped her cell phone at the Sherman's she goes back to find it and instead finds Chick smooshed to death under his vintage car.
When Paul Anderson becomes the prime suspect in Chick's death, Amy sets out with the help of her friends to find the real killer. Things begin to look even worse for Paul when another body is found in the trunk of his car. Amy quickly discovers that her investigation is ruffling a few feathers and she becomes the killer's next target.
A fast paced, fun storyline with a terrific cast of characters. Familiar faces including the delightful Esther "the pester" will have you smiling at their antics. The last few pages of the book reveal a twist that means a lot more fun to come.
I received an advanced copy of Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
When rumors begin to swirl that eccentric inventor Chick Sherman will be entering the car he's been secretly working on for years, everyone seems to want to compete in the parade. Amy's friends Karl and Floyd run out to buy a car and Paul Anderson owner of the Brewer's Biergarten teams up with Amy's boyfriend Derek Harlan to enter a vintage convertible.
Amy discovers that Chick's wife Trudy tells fortunes and sells antique collectibles. With her natural curiosity overflowing, Amy decides to visit Trudy and perhaps get a glimpse of her husband's mystery car. Amy visits the shop with best friend Kim Christy and discovers a hidden treasure trove of valuable Audubon prints and books but unfortunately gets caught by Chick sneaking into his garage. Later in the day when Amy discovers that she's dropped her cell phone at the Sherman's she goes back to find it and instead finds Chick smooshed to death under his vintage car.
When Paul Anderson becomes the prime suspect in Chick's death, Amy sets out with the help of her friends to find the real killer. Things begin to look even worse for Paul when another body is found in the trunk of his car. Amy quickly discovers that her investigation is ruffling a few feathers and she becomes the killer's next target.
A fast paced, fun storyline with a terrific cast of characters. Familiar faces including the delightful Esther "the pester" will have you smiling at their antics. The last few pages of the book reveal a twist that means a lot more fun to come.
I received an advanced copy of Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
August 18, 2017
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang is the fifth book in J. R. Ripley’s Bird Lover’s Mysteries series. This is a fun cozy, with a good plot, well-developed, quirky characters, some humorous situations, and the author shares facts about wild birds and bird watching tips. The story flows at a steady pace, with twists and turns, and plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing until the final reveal. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy reading well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Amy Simms and her friend, Kim Christy, are the owners of Birds & Bees in Ruby Lake, North Carolina. Amy has taken a group of birdwatchers in the town square, but several participants are more interested in an antique car they spot than with the birds. The town is gearing up for Ruby Lake Fall Festival, which includes a classic car and tractor parade and show, baking competitions, the Miss Fall Festival pageant, and vendor booths. Amy decides to sneak a peek and photograph Chick Sherman’s mysterious car show entry, but things don’t go as planned. When she realizes she lost her cell phone at the Sherman property, she drives back out there to find it and decides to enter the barn in another attempt of photographing the car; she finds a covered car in one room and a vintage El Morocco in another room. Unfortunately, she also finds Chick pinned under the car. When the authorities arrive, they determine he’s deceased and foul play may be involved. Police Chief Jerry Kennedy isn’t pleased to find Amy at the scene, even though he’s used to her snooping around his crime scenes. Paul Anderson, Amy’s tenant and business partner, is wrongfully accused of the murder and she has promised him that she will help clear his name.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Amy Simms and her friend, Kim Christy, are the owners of Birds & Bees in Ruby Lake, North Carolina. Amy has taken a group of birdwatchers in the town square, but several participants are more interested in an antique car they spot than with the birds. The town is gearing up for Ruby Lake Fall Festival, which includes a classic car and tractor parade and show, baking competitions, the Miss Fall Festival pageant, and vendor booths. Amy decides to sneak a peek and photograph Chick Sherman’s mysterious car show entry, but things don’t go as planned. When she realizes she lost her cell phone at the Sherman property, she drives back out there to find it and decides to enter the barn in another attempt of photographing the car; she finds a covered car in one room and a vintage El Morocco in another room. Unfortunately, she also finds Chick pinned under the car. When the authorities arrive, they determine he’s deceased and foul play may be involved. Police Chief Jerry Kennedy isn’t pleased to find Amy at the scene, even though he’s used to her snooping around his crime scenes. Paul Anderson, Amy’s tenant and business partner, is wrongfully accused of the murder and she has promised him that she will help clear his name.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 24, 2017
Not only did stepping in at book 5 have me a little skeptical but I have to say I was not sure how I would enjoy a book/series titled
A Bird Lover's Mystery.
I was mainly skeptical wondering how much actually bird watching was going on and how much depth there would be to the story.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Early in I was captivated by the town of Ruby Lake. It seemed like a fun place to visit. The characters were charming.
I loved the interaction between them.
I thought it was clever to build the story around the towns car show.
Amy seems to constantly get herself into trouble and seems to irritate the local law enforcement with her meed ling. She goes
from prime suspect in book 1. To sending the police on a wild goose chase for a body in book 4. and now in book 5 to finding dead bodies and stepping on a few toes while she investigates.
There is just enough information about birds and birding to cause
this reader to become interested in learning more about birds.
Each book in the series gives a small amount of birding info.
without over doing it. The non birder just might be converted
as I was.
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang not to be confused with the children's book Chicka Chicka Boom is anything but a children's
book. It is a good ole cozy mystery that will keep the reader
interested and wanting more.
I enjoyed the clever titles of the books in this series and look forward to going back and reading the series from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.
A Bird Lover's Mystery.
I was mainly skeptical wondering how much actually bird watching was going on and how much depth there would be to the story.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Early in I was captivated by the town of Ruby Lake. It seemed like a fun place to visit. The characters were charming.
I loved the interaction between them.
I thought it was clever to build the story around the towns car show.
Amy seems to constantly get herself into trouble and seems to irritate the local law enforcement with her meed ling. She goes
from prime suspect in book 1. To sending the police on a wild goose chase for a body in book 4. and now in book 5 to finding dead bodies and stepping on a few toes while she investigates.
There is just enough information about birds and birding to cause
this reader to become interested in learning more about birds.
Each book in the series gives a small amount of birding info.
without over doing it. The non birder just might be converted
as I was.
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang not to be confused with the children's book Chicka Chicka Boom is anything but a children's
book. It is a good ole cozy mystery that will keep the reader
interested and wanting more.
I enjoyed the clever titles of the books in this series and look forward to going back and reading the series from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.
August 3, 2017
This is my first read in A Bird Lover’s Mystery Series with Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang as #5 in the series. It centers on Amy Simms, co-owner of Birds and Bees, who seemingly finds herself involved in yet another murder in Ruby Lake, North Carolina. I was drawn to this series because of the bird lover’s theme and was curious to see how a car and tractor show would appeal to the cozy mystery audience.
I did enjoy the discussions of different birds, how Amy’s business, Birds and Bees, was set in an old Victorian home, and how possibly rare Audubon prints were worked into the mystery. Esther was by far my favorite character. She’s the curmudgeon Amy inherits as a tenant when she takes over the Victorian, works for Amy in the Birds and Bees store, and may or may not be secretly keeping a cat.
Since this is a fast paced read, I would have benefited from reading this series from the beginning. Having started with book #5, I suffered from character overload from the beginning. Too many characters were introduced in Chapter 1, twenty to be exact, making it difficult to keep track. I struggled but again, some mystery series need to be read from the beginning. I do believe introducing twenty characters in the first chapter is a bit much and will be overwhelming for most.
Overall, you want Amy to solve the mystery since it appears the police are a bit on the lazy side. I definitely could not figure out whodunit until it was fully explained at the end. To be fair to the author, I did go back and reread Chapter 1 now that I was more familiar with the characters. If you enjoy birds and car shows, I think you would enjoy this read but I would suggest reading one of the other books in the series first to get an initial understanding of the characters in Ruby Lake.
I did enjoy the discussions of different birds, how Amy’s business, Birds and Bees, was set in an old Victorian home, and how possibly rare Audubon prints were worked into the mystery. Esther was by far my favorite character. She’s the curmudgeon Amy inherits as a tenant when she takes over the Victorian, works for Amy in the Birds and Bees store, and may or may not be secretly keeping a cat.
Since this is a fast paced read, I would have benefited from reading this series from the beginning. Having started with book #5, I suffered from character overload from the beginning. Too many characters were introduced in Chapter 1, twenty to be exact, making it difficult to keep track. I struggled but again, some mystery series need to be read from the beginning. I do believe introducing twenty characters in the first chapter is a bit much and will be overwhelming for most.
Overall, you want Amy to solve the mystery since it appears the police are a bit on the lazy side. I definitely could not figure out whodunit until it was fully explained at the end. To be fair to the author, I did go back and reread Chapter 1 now that I was more familiar with the characters. If you enjoy birds and car shows, I think you would enjoy this read but I would suggest reading one of the other books in the series first to get an initial understanding of the characters in Ruby Lake.
September 16, 2017
Fall is the perfect time for small town festivals, watching the colors change, tractor shows and vintage car parades. It also seems to be the perfect time forbird supply store owner Amy Simms to find herself one again in hot water over a cold body. She swears she was only looking for her cll phone, and was curious to get a look at the mysterious car this recluse has been building for decades.
All the best cozy mysteries set the scene vividly and teach us something as we are enjoying figuring out the mystery. In this series we learn about birds, beer, vintage cars and more than one man should know about bridal attire. We also learn about living in close quarters with relatives, ex-wives and ex-boyfriends, and employees you love to hate but also have to give credit to for coming in handy.
This is a well rounded, fast paced addition to the series. The author has a dry sense of humor and shares some puns that may make you groan before smiling.
I received a copy via Netgalley to review. Bring on the next adventure!
All the best cozy mysteries set the scene vividly and teach us something as we are enjoying figuring out the mystery. In this series we learn about birds, beer, vintage cars and more than one man should know about bridal attire. We also learn about living in close quarters with relatives, ex-wives and ex-boyfriends, and employees you love to hate but also have to give credit to for coming in handy.
This is a well rounded, fast paced addition to the series. The author has a dry sense of humor and shares some puns that may make you groan before smiling.
I received a copy via Netgalley to review. Bring on the next adventure!
January 5, 2018
Amy takes her bird watching group on a walk around Ruby Lake, but talk soon turns from birds to cars. Her group is all excited about the upcoming classic car show, and a few members even have cars they intend to enter. When one classic car ends up with a dead body underneath, Amy decides it’s time to investigate.
This is a fun cozy with a great team of characters. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the bird facts sprinkled throughout, and car enthusiasts will get a kick out of this one as well. Personally, I am not a car fan, so that took away from the story just a little for me.
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang is the 5th book in the Bird Lover’s Mystery series.
This is a fun cozy with a great team of characters. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the bird facts sprinkled throughout, and car enthusiasts will get a kick out of this one as well. Personally, I am not a car fan, so that took away from the story just a little for me.
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang is the 5th book in the Bird Lover’s Mystery series.
September 28, 2017
This is the first book I read in the series and probably would have been the last. It's not a bad book, the heroine runs around trying to find out what happens, she goes to a variety of places and speaks to many people. The problem is that I never developed any interest in Amy or her assorted friends, tenants and family. I was able to finish the book, but I just didn't care what happened to any of them or even whodunnit.
I'm going to give the upcoming Christmas based one a try.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I'm going to give the upcoming Christmas based one a try.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2017
What a lovely, crazy bunch of characters! I love them! You get the insider info on being a landlord, owning a business, having a tenant work for you, and a mother that just might go behind your back. All in all it makes for a great read and you might learn a thing or two about birds. Men and cars, need I say more? Can’t wait to see what will happen in the next Bird Lover’s mystery!
August 21, 2017
A charming and delightful cozy mystery. Some amusing antics along with a murder or two to solve. Small town living at its best. A little romance, some family, friend, employee, renter issues add to the fun. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review.
July 10, 2019
This book is the next in the series A Bird Lover's Mystery by J. R. Ripley. The author used a crafty group of characters, a North Carolina setting, and an ending that hints of another tale to be on the market. copy right 2017 206 pages
September 20, 2017
Chickadee Chickadee Bang Bang by J. R. Ripley is the 5th book in A Bird Lover's Mystery series. I am not a bird enthusiast, but I really enjoyed this book and series. Amy Simms owns Birds & Bees, with the help of her mother, and her best friend, but things keep going wrong and bodies keep turning up.
This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading Just when I thought I was on the right track, I realize I wasn't. I found this book to be a quick read, with well developed plot and some quirky characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries like I do, than I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading Just when I thought I was on the right track, I realize I wasn't. I found this book to be a quick read, with well developed plot and some quirky characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries like I do, than I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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