Josephine Bartlett is back, joined by a colorful cast of friends: her partner in mystery-solving, Lill Fitzel, flamboyant ex-beauty queen, Myrtle Grabinowitz, former attorney/current novelist, Philippa Scott Williamson, Brookside’s thief, Edna Prisant, good friends Devi and Mac McElroy, and last, but not least, love-interest Norman Neumann.
When new resident, Lottie Watson, loses at Naked Poker, she tells a bizarre story about her husband disappearing in the LA airport. Josephine and Lill, intrigued enough to investigate, discover there are more ominous goings-on than a simple disappearance. Meanwhile, Josephine ignores the mysteries of her own heart.
A former Air Force brat turned clinical chemist, toxicologist, and university professor, Ann's life took another turn in 2001, when she began writing fiction. After completing a perfectly dreadful novel (she didn't know it was at the time) she talked her way into a graduate writing seminar and followed that up with several years of study as she continued to write. Along the way she made friends with other writers who have supported, critiqued, and eventually praised her novels. Her debut novel, Dreams for Stones, was a finalist for the Indie Next Generation Book Award.
Ann's novels take advantage of the many unusual settings she's traveled to or lived in including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, San Francisco, Wrangell Alaska, Colorado, Boston, and Puerto Rico. As well, her experiences as a toxicologist have added fillips of intrigue to many of her stories.
In Ann's novels, the consequence of choosing to love or not to love is an underlying theme, as characters face crises and complications that force them to dig deep within themselves to discover their own resilience.
Members of the group will receive a link to a short story along with insider information about Ann's writing process, the stories behind the stories, and recommendations of books Ann has enjoyed.
This was a fast and fun read. I have so enjoyed the shenanigans of the varied characters of the Brookside Retirement Community. This third books delves deeper into the relationships of the main characters, Josephine, Norman, Lillian, Devi and Mac. A fun story, with a good mystery woven in for the ladies to solve, but not without danger and intrigue. A delightful read!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
ANOTHER GREAT BABBLING BROOK NAKED POKER CLUB BOOK!
There is a new resident at Babbling Brook. She has a lot of expensive furniture & clothes & dresses all the time like she is headed to somewhere fancy. Richard is a wondering if she is lying about her Naked Poker Club story & Josephine recognizes the items in Lottie's room when she has them over for tea. Lottie decides she wants Norman & is trying to take him away from Josephine. When Norman goes out of town to Los Angeles for 2 weeks on an assignment, Lottie manages to show up & asks Norman out to dinner. She then manages to take the same flight back with him. When Josephine goes to the airport to pick Norman up, she disembarks right beside him! It is a real surprise to Josephine, but instead of trying to find out what happened, Josephine withdraws from Norman & won't answer his calls.
Can they find out if Lottie's story about her husband disappearing at the airport years ago is the truth? What about her aunt & uncle who both died under unusual circumstances? This is another great story of Josephine & her friends & their adventures together!
When Lottie, a new, glamorous resident at the Babbling Brook Retirement home speaks about the mysterious disappearance of her husband at one of the home’s notorious ‘naked poker’ games, Josephine and Lil can’t help turning detective again. But all is not as it seems, and the stakes are high as Lottie’s scheming puts Josephine’s relationship with her beloved Norman to the test. With her loved ones facing challenges of their own, Josephine must somehow find the courage to accept happiness before it’s too late. But will she be in time?
Another page-turner of a read with the residents of Babbling Brook. It has been so good to follow the adventures of these characters and to see Josephine evolve as a person. This book is a very satisfactory continuation of the series, but could just as easily be enjoyed on its own. With thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Consider having a "score-card" eventually for the series ...
Although I am the designated narrator in my family for this series, as opposed to an audible version; I am having a severe problem keeping track of ALL the different characters I came to admire in the first, two books. Hence, I relinquish this series after these 2 novels . I have tried different voices, I have memorized the character(s) names, I even tried to "picture" the people in these stories (manner, dress, physical appearances, etc.) so thoroughly defined by Ann Warner, however, many of my listeners repeatedly question me, "Who -just-said-what?" I still BELIEVE she is a great author and her stories can be imagined and so much more. My apology that I can't maintain the pace these novels do so much deserve! Be patient in your comprehension.
"Josephine Bartlett is back, joined by a colorful cast of friends: her partner in mystery-solving, Lill Fitzel, flamboyant ex-beauty queen, Myrtle Grabinowitz, former attorney/current novelist, Philippa Scott Williamson, Brookside’s thief, Edna Prisant, good friends Devi and Mac McElroy, and last, but not least, love-interest Norman Neumann.
When new resident, Lottie Watson, loses at Naked Poker, she tells a bizarre story about her husband disappearing in the LA airport. Josephine and Lill, intrigued enough to investigate, discover there are more ominous goings-on than a simple disappearance. Meanwhile, Josephine ignores the mysteries of her own heart. "
Once again a charming little mystery complimented by the great characterization and the relationships between all the characters.
This third book had a wonderfully involved mystery. New resident Lottie tells a tale of how she "lost" her spouse in an airport. It is such a bizarre tale that Josephine and her clan decide to look into it. And what they found will amaze and disgust you. While their investigation is going on, Josephine is fighting an attraction to new facility employer Norman. Oh my when you find out who he is and why he is working there, well, good thing Josephine likes him. Otherwise, who knows what may have happened to poor Norman. I really enjoyed this story. And I love the characters. Only thing is, when is someone going to have some heart and put that poor parrot in a bigger cage. And give it some loving attention. I am an animal lover, and every time the parrot is mentioned, my heart breaks.
Another enjoyable book in the Babbling Brook series. The club members are back and there's a new mystery to investigate when a new wealthy resident moves into the complex. Charlotte "Lottie" Watson joins a game of "Naked Poker" but when she loses the story that she shares just doesn't add up. Of course, Josephine, Lil, Philippa, and Norman will put all their skills to good use in searching for the truth. Even Edna pitches in. Although they are juggling work and parenthood good friends Mac and Devi continue to watch over the group to insure their safety. Meanwhile when she isn't ferreting out Lottie's secrets Josephine continues to navigate the rocky road of her romance with Norman.
This was a good book to pull together any unfinished threads from the previous books, and supply new characters and info. I really enjoyed reading more about the characters and getting them to a good conclusion, but there were many challenges to the happy ever after goal. And I really worried that they weren't going to make it through so many ups and downs and drama from several different women who supplied really negative vibes. I could breathe deeply after the end- I think I held my breath during the last few chapters.
Another wonderful book in this series. A new resident has moved in at the Retirement Home and not everybody is taken with her. Yes, she is elegant, sophisticated but she tells a strange story about a husband who has abandoned her but left her with lots and lots of money. In the mind of the circle of friends around Josephine there is something off about Lotti Watson. When Lotti puts her cap towards Josephine's friend Norman, Josephine has her investigated and get mind bogglings news. The friends investigate further and Lotti is getting suspicious which results in her taking drastic actions.
Meet the ladies who deliver laughs, love and mystery.
I love the elderly residents of Brookside. They are quirky and full of mischief. Their hobby, is investigating and solving crimes from robbery to murder. In this 4 part series, author, Ann Warner has assembled a delightful cast who are witty, urban and fun. A great break from my passion for WW2 reading. 4 stars because I found a few passages repetitive, but otherwise quite well-written.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all three of the Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club books. I hope that there will be more in the series. There is always a mystery to be solved and Josephine and all of her friends get the job done with cunning and humor. The relationship that they have makes me wish they were real and that I knew all of them!
I love this series ! The author did an amazing job of creating her characters. I can clearly picture them in my head. Retired, lonely, and some thrown away by family , create their own loving family of friends. The mysteries are light and uncomplicated but their lives are not . A real joy to read it , if only I could have a cup of Josephines great tea ☕
Awesome trilogy (though I wish there more in the series). I loved the main characters and the setting (mostly in a retirement community). There was a good (cozy) mystery too in this book three along with a delightful story of friendship, love at any age, and strong women taking control of their lives. Highly recommended.
These books just keep getting better and better. This is my third book from this series, and this book has been the best one, yet. The main characters are very believable, lovable, more endearing with each book. The character chapters can be confusing, but once the reader gets the rhythm, it is smooth sailing. I definitely recommend this book as well as the first two books in the series.
Thus can be read as a stand alone, but oh my you will miss out on getting to know the characters and places. After reading three books the characters are like friends you can’t wait to visit with again. Wonderful drama, romance, mystery, and family story! Now onto book four
Good trilogy of books that point out that intrigue, romance and love are not just for the young
but for every open heart. Perhaps a bit more complexity would be welcome,.but entertaining.. A Cincinnati senior living facility about unusual settings.
O was totally engrossed in these women s lives from page one!!! Great stories, mysteries, and a fantastic sense of humor, Me Warmer writes such excellent stories you just want to keep reading!!
From the first sentence of book 1, I was hooked! Could there be a book 4 or more, please? Would love to know what happens to Josephine and Norman,.Devin and Mac, the twins... You can't leave us hanging!!!
Started this book immediately after Book 2. Couldn’t put it down, stayed up way past midnight to finish it. Will miss the brilliant characters. Starting Ann Warner’s first book now ‘Dreams for Stones’ - that’s part of a trilogy too!!!!
Thank you Ann! I really enjoyed this series and all the characters (old, in more ways than one) and the new in each story. I don't know if book 4 will be written, but I would definitely like to see more chapters.
I bought the first one because of the name. I was hesitant about reading a book that took place at a senior living establishment. But when I started reading I couldn't put it down. Bought all 3 and glad I did.
Great, original stories! Have just read all three books in this series, and loved them all. Humor, love and some interesting sleuthing by seniors. It's Never too late to do something new, or make new friends. Never lost interest for a second!
Thoroughly enjoyed this series. I can picture the characters and hear their dialogue. The book would make a great movie. The characters were very real. I want more!
Great cozy mystery series! Well developed characters. I like that each chapter is written from a different character’s point of view. The plot is well thought out and the twists and turns keep you guessing!
A delightful series with memorable characters. Once again Josephine and Lilli are out to solve a mystery. Of course side stories with Devi, Mac, and Norman keep things moving.
I truly enjoy this series. I can't wait to read the next book. The characters are interesting, the plot has twists and turns. It is so nice to pick up and read such a comfortable book when the world is so crazy.
The excellent characterization continues, the characters are definitely likeable. The mystery/ soap opera balance is handled better this book, but the relationships are more intriguing than the mystery.