A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes

Oct 13, 2017 Carrie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Callie Reed hasn't seen her aunt Melodie for ten years since her father passed back when she was in college. With one thing or another getting in the way ever since Callie had been putting off that visit. Now however with her relationship up in the air she decided to take the time to head to the quaint little Keepsake Cove that got it's name for it's collectible shops and Callie's aunt Melodie had opened a music box shop.

After arriving Callie and Melodie get a bit reconnected as Melodie is work Callie Reed hasn't seen her aunt Melodie for ten years since her father passed back when she was in college. With one thing or another getting in the way ever since Callie had been putting off that visit. Now however with her relationship up in the air she decided to take the time to head to the quaint little Keepsake Cove that got it's name for it's collectible shops and Callie's aunt Melodie had opened a music box shop.

After arriving Callie and Melodie get a bit reconnected as Melodie is working her shop that day then the ladies head back to Melodie's cottage behind the shop for bed. When Callie awakens things just don't see right however with the cottage being quiet and now sign of her aunt. Thinking aunt Melodie simply went over to the shop to work Callie heads there only to find Melodie lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

The events after finding her aunt become a whirlwind as the death was ruled an accident and the funeral passes in the blink of an eye. Callie is ready to head home after the tragedy until Melodie's lawyer announces that being the only living relative Callie has now inherited everything, including the music shop. Seeing this as a chance to start over and begin again Callie decides to move to Keepsake Cove and begins to get to know the town but still has that question of just what happened to her aunt in the back of her mind. Was it really an accident or should Callie worry about her new neighbors?

A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes is the first book in the new Keepsake Cove Mystery series. The book is mainly a cozy mystery but it does have just a touch of a supernatural element to it as Callie begins to hear her aunt's music box playing at times with no explanation to why since no one had been able to wind it or make it play. Otherwise the story is that of a typical cozy with the main character worried that there could have been a murder that's being overlooked so she begins to ask questions.

This series has such a lovely setting that I was ready to go visit the little village myself. Getting it's name from the fact that the shops in the area all catered to collecting with each having little cottages for the owners behind them sounded like such a fun place. Add just the right mix of likable characters along with those you just have to have your doubts about it made for a fun little cozy read. I was kind of on the fence if the music box playing should have been included or if maybe it needed touched upon more but in the end I'd give this first installment 4.5 stars and look forward to seeing where the story heads next.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Dec 04, 2017 Sabine rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, netgalley-2017, usa-maryland

This is the first mystery in what I hope will be a long lasting series. I wish I could visit Keepsake Cove and stroll through the little stores that sell all the things fun and collectible and then relax for a while at Brian's Keepsake Diner.

The mystery had just a hint of magic - not overpowering and not even really enough to call it paranormal.
A lot of clues and red herrings kept me guessing until the end. I did have a strong suspicion who the killer was but never enough to be sure about it.
It ...more

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Jul 24, 2017 Chatting About rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, contemporary, netgalley, cozy-mystery, cozy-series, paranormal-twist, kindle, pet-lovers-will-enjoy, 2017-cozy-mysteries, 2017-netgalley

Keepsake Cove is an enchanting town filled with irresistible collectible shops and a cafe that serves delicious meals. I can easily picture myself strolling through the streets and oohing and aahing in the shops. It backs up to a small bay area and the storefronts remind one of beautiful scenes from a Dickens novel. The protagonist, Callie, arrives to visit her Aunt Melodie, 'Mel', who owns a lovely music box shop, House of Melody. Callie's Grandpa Reed loved music boxes and his extensive collec ...more

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Nov 28, 2017 LORI (Dollycas) CASWELL rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2017

Dollycas’s Thoughts

This is an excellent start to what I hope will be a long-running series.

The story takes place in Keepsake Cove on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Callie Reed’s Aunt Melodie owns a music box shop and a cute little cottage there. Callie arrives for a short visit that turns into so much more after her aunt suffers a tragic fall. Melodie’s death is ruled accidental, but something just seems off. Her aunt was healthy and vital. She knew the layout of her store even in the dark, and why w Dollycas’s Thoughts

This is an excellent start to what I hope will be a long-running series.

The story takes place in Keepsake Cove on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Callie Reed’s Aunt Melodie owns a music box shop and a cute little cottage there. Callie arrives for a short visit that turns into so much more after her aunt suffers a tragic fall. Melodie’s death is ruled accidental, but something just seems off. Her aunt was healthy and vital. She knew the layout of her store even in the dark, and why was she there in the middle of the night? Driven by a music box that mysteriously plays without being wound and just a need to find the truth, Callie keeps her eyes and ears open, asks some careful questions, and tries to not end up joining her aunt in the great beyond, before she can truly be at home in Keepsake Cove.

What an amazing setting for a story/series. Mary Ellen Hughes creates mind-blowing imagery with her words. Each shop and cottage, the paths between, the music boxes and other keepsakes, come alive through her words. She takes us there and immerses the reader in everything that is happening.

The characters come alive too. They already have great depth. I feel we will get to know them even better as the series continues. I do wish Callie would have had more time with her aunt, but we know that she was a genuine and caring person with many friends that now will take Callie under their wing. All the shopkeepers are unique in personality and their wares. A tight-knit community, most working to continue to the cove’s success. You always have a few dust-ups, maybe even murder, in a place like this, that keep life interesting.

The plot of the story is unique in that there are no police scurrying around trying to catch a killer. They believe it was a terrible accident. Callie does investigate quietly and has several suspects, but she keeps them to herself, until the exciting climax where all is revealed. I found this to be delightful and refreshing.

As a collector myself you could take me away to Keepsake Cove any day of the week. This visit ended much too soon. They are still shops to explore and people to meet. You just know Callie’s going to get herself into something. I am excited about this series to continue. Mary Ellen, my virtual bags are packed and I am ready to escape to the cove whenever you are. Please don’t make me wait too long. ...more

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Nov 16, 2017 Juli rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-review-copies-2017

Callie Reed travels to Maryland to visit her Aunt Melodie. She hasn't seen her aunt in 10 years. Not only does she want to reconnect with her aunt, but she needs time away to decide what to do about her troubled love life. Her aunt shows her around her music box shop, House of Melody, explaining the long time Reed family tradition of collecting music boxes. House of Melody is one of many collectible shops in Keepsake Cove, catering to the tourist trade on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Aunt Melo Callie Reed travels to Maryland to visit her Aunt Melodie. She hasn't seen her aunt in 10 years. Not only does she want to reconnect with her aunt, but she needs time away to decide what to do about her troubled love life. Her aunt shows her around her music box shop, House of Melody, explaining the long time Reed family tradition of collecting music boxes. House of Melody is one of many collectible shops in Keepsake Cove, catering to the tourist trade on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Aunt Melodie's cottage is located just behind her shop, and the two continue their conversation for hours that night. The next morning Callie is shocked to find her aunt dead in a pool of blood in her shop. The death is ruled accidental. Suddenly Callie finds herself handing funeral arrangements and meeting with Aunt Melodie's attorney instead of spending a peaceful visit with family. Although the death was supposedly caused by a fall, Callie thinks that there is more to it than that. When she is named sole heir to Aunt Melodies shop and cottage, Callie decides to stay in Keepsake Cove. But if someone did kill her aunt, is it safe? She starts hearing her aunt's music box play by itself without being wound up -- is her aunt trying to give hints about who might have killed her and why?

A Fatal Collection is the first book in a new series, Keepsake Cove mysteries. As I read, I kept thinking that I would love visiting Keepsake Cove! A nice lunch at the Keepsake Cafe, followed by leisurely shopping at the various shops. Heaven! I wonder what interesting goodies I would find? I'm sure I would come home with a lot of great collectibles! :) Realistically speaking, I think shops dedicated solely to the sale of one type of collectible....music boxes, salt and pepper shakers, vintage sewing, etc....would have a hard time making it financially. But....cozy mysteries don't have to be realistic, so those thoughts didn't impede my enjoyment of the story at all.

I enjoy Callie as a main character. She is trying to iron out her life and move past a bad relationship. It's unfortunate that her aunt dies so soon after she arrives, but Callie diligently works to find out what happened to her aunt. I can't wait to see how her character develops as this new series continues. I also like the idea of a music box shop. I have loved music boxes since childhood. I enjoyed reading about all the different boxes in the shop and what songs they played.

The mystery moves along at a nice pace. There are plenty of suspects and some nice twists to the story. I liked the little bit of supernatural edge....it was like a touch of spice added to enhance the flavor of the story. Nice touch. Not overdone.....just a dab will do.

I will definitely be reading more of this series. Great start to a new series!

For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://www.maryellenhughes.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Midnight Ink via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

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Nov 14, 2017 Lisa Ks Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

A FATAL COLLECTION will be a keepsake of mine for a very long time to come!

I have said many times that readers can’t go wrong with a book from author Mary Ellen Hughes. She has once again proven me right. This first book in her Keepsake Cove Mystery series is a real winner!

Many things made me want to read, A FATAL COLLECTION. The first of course is author Hughes. The second is the location of the series both real, and fictional. It takes place on the East Coast, in Maryland, close to the town A FATAL COLLECTION will be a keepsake of mine for a very long time to come!

I have said many times that readers can’t go wrong with a book from author Mary Ellen Hughes. She has once again proven me right. This first book in her Keepsake Cove Mystery series is a real winner!

Many things made me want to read, A FATAL COLLECTION. The first of course is author Hughes. The second is the location of the series both real, and fictional. It takes place on the East Coast, in Maryland, close to the town of Ocean City, MD, where I have been visiting since I was a child. So I loved hearing familiar town names, and route numbers. These familiar places helped me to clearly picture the fictional town of Mapleton, MD, and Keepsake Cove. The idea of a “town” within a town is a wonderfully creative idea. And the shops of that town each being dedicated to a certain collectible is brilliant! It’s a place I would frequent most too often I’m sure.

Many things kept me reading A FATAL COLLECTION. First, the characters. I felt an instant kinship to protagonist, Callie Reed, her Aunt Melodie, and the many eclectic store owners. I felt they were people I would surely have called friends. I would have loved to see the relationship between Callie and her aunt grow. Ms. Hughes, how could you kill Aunt Mel?! You broke my heart! (You’re already forgiven.) However, that does bring me to the second thing that kept me reading. I had to know who killed Aunt Mel, why they did it, and most of all, see them caught and punished! Yes, I took it quite personally. LOL

As for the mystery, it was solid, and well plotted. There were enough suspects to caused me to spend time deliberating just who the murderer could be. In what I considered to be a major surprising turn of events, I was completely stunned when the killer was revealed! I was totally taken by surprise. Very clever.

One thing I want to stress about A FATAL COLLECTION is, it’s what a cozy mystery should be in every way. So many authors are making cozies edgier. While I have enjoyed some of them, they aren’t what I want in a cozy. But this book, this is what I want when I read a cozy mystery. This story is what has made cozy mysteries my favorite genre.

All of the things above, and so much more, have
made A FATAL COLLECTION one of my favorite cozy mysteries of 2017.
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Nov 10, 2017 Dawn Michelle rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: free-book, cozy-mystery-read, kindle-read, netgalley, books-read-in-2017, already-own, 2017-cruisin-through-the-cozies

If you enjoy a formulaic style, tepid writing, and a killer you can see a mile away, then this is the book for you.

Almost from the first page I found this to be tepid, gimmicky and just meh.I was never invested in any of the characters and didn't feel a connection or a pull to any of them. I read a lot of cozy mysteries [almost 100 of the 180 books I have read this year were cozy mysteries] and so I know a little bit about the genre and what it takes to make a good read. THIS was not one of th ...more

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Nov 24, 2018 Chatting About rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, cozy-mystery, cozy-series, kindle, mystery, netgalley, pet-lovers-will-enjoy, magical-twist, cat, 2017-cozy-mysteries

Keepsake Cove is an enchanting town filled with irresistible collectible shops and a cafe that serves delicious meals. I can easily picture myself strolling through the streets and oohing and aahing in the shops. It backs up to a small bay area and the storefronts remind one of beautiful scenes from a Dickens novel. The protagonist, Callie, arrives to visit her Aunt Melodie, 'Mel', who owns a lovely music box shop, House of Melody. Callie's Grandpa Reed loved music boxes and his extensive collec ...more

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Oct 25, 2017 Karen rated it really liked it

I finished A Fatal Collection on October 20th, and I really enjoyed it. I requested to review this book based first on its cover and then when I read the discription i wanted to read it even more. I enjoyed this book which is the first in a new series about Keepsake Cove, a town that is made up of touristy type specialty shops and has a very cozy feel, that is when the neighbors are all getting along. I was surprised at the twists and turns and neighborhood mishaps & drama. I was intrigued by ea ...more

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Jul 22, 2017 Tari rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Callie Reed has come to Keepsake Cove to visit her Aunt Melodie for a couple of days but never expected the events of that first night. Melodie had spent the day showing Callie around her shop, House of Melody, which sold music boxes. They were just getting reacquainted when in the early hours of the next morning, Callie heard a noise, went to the shop and found her aunt lying dead on the floor from what was ruled an accidental fall.

Callie's life changes drastically and she's also not convinced Callie Reed has come to Keepsake Cove to visit her Aunt Melodie for a couple of days but never expected the events of that first night. Melodie had spent the day showing Callie around her shop, House of Melody, which sold music boxes. They were just getting reacquainted when in the early hours of the next morning, Callie heard a noise, went to the shop and found her aunt lying dead on the floor from what was ruled an accidental fall.

Callie's life changes drastically and she's also not convinced that the accident that took her aunt's life was actually an accident. She does know if she's going to run her aunt's store, she needs to get with the program and learn the business as well as hire back one of her aunt's former employees who turns out to be a very good friend to her. Along with Delia next door and Brian at the Keepsake Cafe, Callie has found a group of fun and faithful new friends.

There was a side story of small town politics and the usual goings-on and gossip that happen in a small town. I liked how Callie got to know all her fellow small businesses while asking questions and finding out that some of them also thought it was odd that her aunt's death was an accident. There was no shortage of suspects, one of which was the grumpy guy in the collectible car store who had always bugged Aunt Mel to let him buy her store so his nephew could run it. Aunt Mel had also had a disagreement with one of the other shop owners who happened to be the treasurer for the Keepsake Cove businesses.

I liked the hint of paranormal involving her Grandpa Reed's music box. It seemed to have a mind of its own and played whenever something important was about to happen or had happened. Tabitha, Callie's shop employee and a self-proclaimed psychic claim that Aunt Mel is using the music box to warn Callie but Callie isn't so sure until its playing saves her from something terrible.

I really enjoyed all the characters and even grumpy neighbor Karl seemed to soften a little towards the end. I hope things progress for Brian and Callie as they seemed to hit it off. Keepsake Cove is definitely somewhere that I think would be fun to visit. All the shops had such unique little names and some were playing off the owners' names. The mystery itself was well wrapped up and explained. I had actually guessed whodunnit for once but not for the reason it was done.

A couple of small things still remained unsolved that I wonder if maybe the author will be wrapping up in the following book or books. I'm anxious to go back to Keepsake Cove for another visit. Halloween or Christmas would definitely be a good time!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader's copy of this book. ...more

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Jun 24, 2017 Fred rated it it was amazing

A Killer Collection is the first book in the Keepsake Cove Mystery series.

Another wonderful cozy series from Mary Ellen Hughes

Callie knows that she owes her Aunt Melody a visit and with the break up with boyfriend, she feels that this is the perfect time for a visit. So she jumps in her car and heads for Keepsake Cove. Keepsake Cove is a quaint area of the little town of Mapleton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and is home to numerous shops featuring various collectible items. Callie’s aunt’s shop i A Killer Collection is the first book in the Keepsake Cove Mystery series.

Another wonderful cozy series from Mary Ellen Hughes

Callie knows that she owes her Aunt Melody a visit and with the break up with boyfriend, she feels that this is the perfect time for a visit. So she jumps in her car and heads for Keepsake Cove. Keepsake Cove is a quaint area of the little town of Mapleton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and is home to numerous shops featuring various collectible items. Callie’s aunt’s shop is called House of Melody and has an interesting selection of music boxes both every day and a fine collection of collectible music boxes.

The next morning when Callie wakes she goes in search of her aunt and notices that back door of the shop is ajar. She pensively enters the shop and soon finds the lifeless body of her aunt. The police, after finishing their investigation, rule the death an accident. But Callie and owner of the shop next door, Delia, don’t think that was the case. First, their was no reason for Aunt Melody to be in the shop in the middle of the night and they can’t believe a simple fall would be enough to cause her death.
After talking with Delia and some of the other shop owners, Callie learns that the shop owner of the store next door, Karl Eggers, has wanted to buy her aunts shop, or at the very least to be able to put collectible toy cars in the shop for his nephew to run. Another suspect comes to light when Callie learns that Aunt Melody was going to ask their business association to consider having an outside auditing company come in and review the association accounting records and that the treasurer’s position should become an elected post. This did not sit well with some of the members and of course with Duane Fletcher, the current treasurer.

With the help of Delia and Brian Greer, owner of the Keepsake Diner, sets off to find the murderer of her aunt

This is another delightful cozy mystery from Mary Ellen Hughes. It provides the reader with an exciting story and a cast of interesting and believable characters.

I will definitely be watching for next book in this very enjoyable series. With Callie having inherited House of Melody and the cozy little cottage behind I will be interested in seeing what her next adventure will be and am looking forward to learning more about the shop owner in Keepsake Cove. And who knows, Callie might even be able to find a love interest. ...more

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Jun 07, 2017 Lisa Morin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Visiting a small town like Keepsake Cove sounds wonderful. It would be so much fun to visit all the shops, then stop into the Keepsake Cafe for a veggie sandwich.
Callie Reed is a fun loving character who I look forward to getting to know.
After deciding to visit her Aunt Melody, Callie is looking forward to visiting her shop, House of Melodies in charming Keepsake Cove.
For Callie, the visit is short lived as she stumbles upon her aunt's body.
Aunt Mel's death is ruled an accident and even though ...more

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Nov 29, 2017 Brooke Showalter (Brooke Blogs) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: cozies, arc-ebook, cozy-mystery

A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes is the first book in the Keepsake Cove mystery series. One of my favorite things about this story was the unique shop that Callie inherits. Music boxes are so fun and beautiful, and I really enjoyed reading about them! I loved Keepsake Cove and all the fun little shops nestled together. This was a fast read. I found myself sitting down to read just a few pages, and realizing I’d spent more time in Keepsake Cove than planned. I was sad to have to say goodby ...more

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Nov 01, 2017 Jessica Wilhoite rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: series, cozy-mysteries, reviews

This was a great first installment in a new cozy series. I really enjoyed meeting Callie, along with the rest of the residents of Keepsake Cove. This was one of those mysteries that start right from the beginning - Callie visits her Aunt Melodie, who owns a music box collectible store, and she finds her dead the first night of her visit. Callie sets out to find the killer, but it is someone she would never expect it to be and the reason why is even more compelling.

I voluntarily reviewed this bo ...more

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Nov 09, 2017 Jessica Robbins rated it really liked it

Shelves: own-kindle, netgalley, blog-tour

For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs... ...more

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Jul 20, 2017 Linda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mysteries, 2017-read, cruisin-challenge-2017

When problems crop up in Callie Reed's personal life, she decides to take a long overdue trip to Keepsake Cove in Maryland to visit her Aunt Melodie. But the visit soon turns tragic when Callie finds her aunt's dead body the next morning, the apparent victim of an accidental trip and fall. Callie is further surprised to learn that her aunt has made her the sole beneficiary of her estate, including her cottage and the adjacent shop, House of Music. Callie quickly decides to sever ties with her fo ...more

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Oct 06, 2017 The Cozy Review rated it it was amazing

Callie Reed is visiting her aunt, Melodie at her cottage in picturesque Keepsake Cove. Home to a bevy of collectible shops on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The morning after her first night with her aunt, Callie discovers Melodie’s body on the floor of the music box shop. Grief-stricken, Callie doesn’t believe that Melodie’s death was accidental, but she’s not sure why. It just doesn’t make sense. How could her robust and healthy aunt take a fatal fall? Why was she even in the shop in the middle of Callie Reed is visiting her aunt, Melodie at her cottage in picturesque Keepsake Cove. Home to a bevy of collectible shops on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The morning after her first night with her aunt, Callie discovers Melodie’s body on the floor of the music box shop. Grief-stricken, Callie doesn’t believe that Melodie’s death was accidental, but she’s not sure why. It just doesn’t make sense. How could her robust and healthy aunt take a fatal fall? Why was she even in the shop in the middle of the night?

Callie searches for the truth after finding out that her aunt left everything, the house, the shop, even the cat to her. Callie finally has a new life, away from her lackluster life thanks to her aunt. She is determined to find out the truth about Melodie’s death, and her aunt seems to be helping her from the grave, sending signs through an old family music box.

--
Series: A Keepsake Cove Mystery - Book 1
Author: Mary Ellen Hughes
Genre: Business/Career Cozy
Publisher: Midnight Ink

A Fatal Collection is a beautiful start to a new series by Mary Ellen Hughes. It combines mystery, intrigue and a slight touch of the paranormal without overwhelming the reader. Ms. Huges’ writing is fluid, transitioning from one chapter or character to another without missing a beat or bogging down the plot. The characters are interesting, and even though this is the first book in a new series, the characters have established backgrounds and characteristics that make them believable and memorable.

Callie is a perplexed woman who has drifted from one thing to another most of her life. No real career or ambition. Her boyfriend is a country singer whom she has spent years trying to please and making herself miserable in the process. With the death of her aunt, she realizes that her life needs to change, including her boyfriend. She makes the decision to stay in Keepsake Cove and run her aunt's shop. She also decides it's time to ditch her useless boyfriend. This is probably the smartest thing she has ever done.

The character of Callie is very much in tune with today’s world. A young woman who really doesn’t know what to do with her life. It is easy for the reader to connect with Callie and her circumstances. Many young people in today’s world have no direction and no idea of what they should do for the rest of their lives. Many people dream of being able to start life over, with a new profession, home, town and most of all, new relationships. Callie is perfectly written to encompass all of these things.

Other characters in this book are a study in small-town life, and jobs that are dependent on the tourist trade. Delia and Brian are fantastic supporting characters who give a level of realism to situations that can sometimes be unimaginable. However, most of the situations in the story are very believable and not in any way outrageous for even the most grounded reader.

The town of Keepsake Cove would be a lovely place to visit with its old-time collectible shops. It has everything from children’s toys to glass ornaments, jewelry and music boxes, items from a bygone era. It has the feel of a small town where a person can spend endless days exploring and finding treasures at every turn. The author's description of the stores and restaurants are detailed without being flowery and at times are mouthwatering.

Readers will be entertained throughout the story from start to finish. A Fatal Collection is a fast-paced page-turning read that leaves the reader with a smile on their face. This book is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys small town politics and business based cozies. As well as characters that will evolve with the series into family and friends who are always there to help when Callie needs them.
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Nov 12, 2017 Bea rated it really liked it

Shelves: action-mystery-thriller, ebook, read-in-2017, reviews, beas-book-nook, arc, kindle

3.5 stars

Another book that grabbed me with its cover and title. As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I had to read it. The location was a plus too. I've been to Maryland's eastern Shore albeit a ling time ago and it's a location that I don't see often in books. Hughes did a good job with the setting and making it a part of the story. "A Fatal Collection" was centered both in the town of Mapleton and in the region of the Eastern Shore.

Callie is making a long overdue visit to her aunt and they are 3.5 stars

Another book that grabbed me with its cover and title. As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I had to read it. The location was a plus too. I've been to Maryland's eastern Shore albeit a ling time ago and it's a location that I don't see often in books. Hughes did a good job with the setting and making it a part of the story. "A Fatal Collection" was centered both in the town of Mapleton and in the region of the Eastern Shore.

Callie is making a long overdue visit to her aunt and they are both excited. Although they have exchanged emails and letters, it's been ten years since they have seen each other. Their reunion is short-lived when Melodie dies unexpectedly. Callie is still reeling from that event when she finds out that Melodie left everything to her - her shop, her house, money, everything.

Melodie's death is ruled accidental but Callie is not so certain and quietly pokes around, asking questions. She knows nothing about retail or business so she's asking lots of questions anyway of the local shop owners. She was a little too trusting at times, despite warnings from her employee, a psychic and tarot reader. But she was cautious too and basically a good person. She had made some poor life choices and saw her inheritance as a chance to start over and make a better life, if only it hadn't come at the expense of her aunt's life.

The story occurs gradually, over several weeks, which gave it a realistic feel. Callie, though new both to retail and running her own business, is intelligent and not afraid to ask for or accept help. She's off to a good start and she works hard. As she works, she gets involved with the other shop owners and starts getting drawn into disputes and cliques. Callie keeps a level head all throughout events, and especially at the end when everything heats up. She's resourceful, smart, and compassionate.

Hughes blended a likable heroine, interesting side characters, a vibrant setting, a hint of romance, a hint of paranormal and several mysteries. I did figure out who the killer was but I wasn't 100% on the why. The other mysteries were a good mix and I appreciated that they were not so much as criminal as the mundane behavior of human beings, for worse or for better. "A Fatal Collection" was enjoyable and engaging with a wonderful setting and cast of characters. ...more

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Sep 13, 2017 Peggy R rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-goodreads-reading-challenge, arc, netgalley, 2017-craving-for-cozies-challenge

This is the first in a new series by Mary Ellen Hughes and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. It has a charming setting, likable characters and a good mystery. I liked that it was set in a quaint town where the keepsakes stores are all located in one section. I found Callie to be a very likable character with the determination to continue her aunts legacy (a music box store) after her death. The circumstances give Callie a chance to start over. There is a terrific cast of secondary characte ...more

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Apr 03, 2018 ette rated it really liked it

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy-supernatural-para, mystery, cozy-mystery

Thanks to Ann Boots for this book which she gave me as a gift. It’s a really good cozy mystery, and I look forward to the next in the series.

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Oct 21, 2017 ☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ rated it it was amazing

I want to thank NetGalley and Midnight Ink for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity.

Publication: 11/8/17

Synopsis: Callie makes an overdue visit to see her aunt Mel at Keepsake Cove. Callie is considering breaking up with her toxic boyfriend Hank and needed to see her Aunt. When Callie arrives in Keepsake Cove, the two women reminisce and bond over all the good times. Aunt Mel shows Callie her Grandpa Reed's music box that has been in the fami I want to thank NetGalley and Midnight Ink for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity.

Publication: 11/8/17

Synopsis: Callie makes an overdue visit to see her aunt Mel at Keepsake Cove. Callie is considering breaking up with her toxic boyfriend Hank and needed to see her Aunt. When Callie arrives in Keepsake Cove, the two women reminisce and bond over all the good times. Aunt Mel shows Callie her Grandpa Reed's music box that has been in the family for years. She tells Callie that she will inherit the music box if anything ever happens to her. After a goodnight of bonding and catching up the two ladies head to bed. When Callie wakes in the morning she realizes Aunt Mel is nowhere to be found. She knows it's out of character for her to leave without notice. Callie checks The House of Melody which is her Aunt Mel's business that is right next to her cottage.

Callie is stunned and heartbroken by what she finds, Aunt Mel laying dead on the store's floor! The police rule the death as an accident but it doesn't sit well with Callie. Callie busies herself and goes to Aunt Mel's funeral and meets with the lawyer afterwards thinking she will be getting the music box. Callie is shocked to learn she inherrited Aunt Mel's business, cottage and even her cat Jagger.

Callie decides to start over and keep the business and end her long-term toxic relationship. She still feels something is not right with her healthy Aunt Mel's sudden death and strange things are happening in Keepsake Cove. Will she be able to start a new life? Will Callie be able to discover what really happened to her Aunt Mel? I suggest read A Fatal Collection to find out!

Review: This cozy mystery recieves 4.5 out of 5 cozy stars! I feel this book was a great way to unwind and was nice and cozy! Fatal Collection had likeable characters and was full of small town joy. I really enjoyed how the different stores had names related to their collectible products. The only reason I'm not giving this mystery 5 stars is that I figured out the mystery pretty much right away but it didn't change how enjoyable this book was. There was even a touch of paranormal activity in this cozy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend! ...more

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Nov 17, 2017 Christopher rated it it was amazing

A great page-turner of a cozy mystery, as Hughes introduces a new setting and characters. A masterful example of the "show, don't tell" technique that any good writer should cultivate, I felt like I was experiencing nearly everything Callie was going through trying to figure out what was going on in Keepsake Cove; I enjoyed the novel for the development of the characters as much as for Callie working out the details behind her aunt's death. As a cozy mystery, there isn't much gore or violence, b ...more

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Nov 04, 2018 Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018, 2018-cozy-challenge

I borrowed this book from the library since I have the 2nd book on my Kindle. I love cozies and this one was just a little different from what I am used to reading but not in a bad way at all. Someone dies but no one except Callie thinks that foul play might be involved. This sets up an interesting plot line and a variety of characters and a quaint shopping town with unique shop names.

I enjoyed getting to know the various people in the town and there are several "not so nice" characters but even ...more

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Nov 12, 2017 Mary Brown rated it it was amazing

A Fatal Collection
Keepsake cove Mystery, Book #1
Mary Ellen Hughes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Callie Reed makes a long overdue visit to her aunt Melodie, who lives in a fairy-tale cottage in quaint Keepsake Cove, home to a bevy of unique collectible shops on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Just as they're beginning to reconnect, Callie discovers her aunt's body on the floor of her music box shop. Grief-stricken, Callie finds she can't accept Melodie's death being called accidental. How could her strong and healthy ...more

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Nov 11, 2017 Kristina rated it liked it

Shelves: cozy-mysteries, 2017

A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes is the first book in A Keepsake Cove Mystery series. Callie Reed is visiting her Aunt Melodie in Keepsake Cove, Maryland. Melodie owns House of Melody, a music box shop and lives in an adorable red cottage behind the shop. The next morning, Callie goes looking for Melodie and finds her dead in the shop. The police rule it an accidental death, but Callie is not so sure. After the funeral, Callie discovers that she inherited the shop and cottage. It is the p ...more

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Oct 20, 2017 Betty rated it really liked it

Shelves: e-books, arc, cozy, cats, paranormal

The first book in the Keepsake series and a new author for me. I enjoyed the book but I found it hard to rate. It lacks one of the elements to be a cozy, no police involvement. It is not really a novel. There are suggestions of paranormal factors. The description of the areas will put you right into the setting. The thought of a small section of a village that has a series of stores denoted to different collections is inspiring. The concept that the MC did not put herself in danger is a plus. Th ...more

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Aug 28, 2017 Darcysmom rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
Keepsake Cove is an ideal location for a cozy mystery series. It is a small town on Maryland's Eastern Shore that has a cottage tourist industry based around collectibles shops. The owners of these shops are interesting folks whose further character development will add richness to the series.
Callie Reed is visiting with her Aunt Mel, owner of House of Melody, a music box shop, when Mel dies under mysteriou ...more

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Nov 11, 2017 Barb rated it really liked it

Shelves: e-book-netgalley, zz-completed-in-2017, series-firsts, cozy, zz-netgalley-2017

Callie finally makes the trip to visit her Aunt Melodie, but Melodie is unexpectedly found dead during the visit. The authorities call it an accident, but Callie doesn't agree with their conclusion. While she's learning the business and getting to know her neighbors and fellow shopkeepers, she also pokes around a bit to try to learn what really happened to Melodie.

I've never read anything by this author before, but I enjoyed this book enough that I'll be looking into her other books. It was well ...more

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Sep 06, 2017 Mystereity Reviews rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

An adorable and enjoyable cozy mystery, from the charming location to the cute characters and the excellent plot, it was a fun read. I loved the world that the author created with Keepsake Cove, a beautiful little tourist town in Maryland with quaint little shops and I would love to wander around the music box shop, looking at all the different models. The characters were just as charming as the location, I really liked Callie, a realistic main character that is easy to relate to. But the plot r ...more

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Mar 18, 2018 Una rated it liked it

Callie Reed has left a long time unfulfilling relationship and has come to visit her beloved aunt in Keepsake Cove. Shortly after she arrives, her aunt takes a deadly fall at night in her music box shop. Callie finds out that she is the sole survivor and heir to the shop and the cottage that is behind the shop. She has a hard time coming to terms with her aunt Melodie's fall being an accident as she was too healthy and young for such a fall. As we meet the owners of the different shops in Keepsa ...more

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