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Toni Owens just wants to remodel her lodge and settle into her new home, but when Bear, her goofy dog, finds the body of the local feed store owner in the woods, she's thrown once again into the midst of a mystery.


This is Book 2 in the Haunted Lodge Cozy Mystery Series.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2019

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About the author

Tegan Maher

104 books351 followers
I was born and raised in the South and even hung my motorcycle helmet in Colorado for a few months. I've always had a touch of wanderlust and have never feared just packing up and going on new adventures, whether in real life or via the pages of a great book.

When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.

I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.

I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.

To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
380 (62%)
4 stars
155 (25%)
3 stars
68 (11%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews57 followers
April 13, 2019
Not much sleuthing

An okay read with a lot of talk about the murder but hardly any real sleuthing. Plus the reward money should have been split between her and Janie.
An early morning run turns into a murder case when her dog finds a dead body. Now the question is who murdered the man? Is it his son who has noticed funds is single from the store he owned? The girlfriend he was two timing? The jealous husband? The customers he bilked by padding their bills? Or the former employee whom he sacked after a physical altercation?
Profile Image for Harmony.
451 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2021
*YAWN*

This book was so boring. I felt as if my eyes were going to cross several times as I forced myself to keep reading to finish the book. You'd think that considering what/who the bad guy turned out to be that it would be more exciting/interesting.

Nope.

There is very little to get excited about in this book or series. I suspect it's why even the author couldn't get excited enough to continue the series. It's an abandoned series, the last book having been published in May 2020. I've started looking at that and don't even bother starting series that didn't get finished or were abandoned. Somehow, I missed that with this one.

No matter since I had already decided after this book that I was done with the series.

I just couldn't find any sort of connection to any of the characters in this book. They are all so boring and there is zero chemistry. No chemistry between Toni and Scout, heck the author only had them exchange a chaste little lip peck anyways. No friendship chemistry between Toni and any of the females around her.

The book has no spark, no humor, no mystery, no passion, no romance. I'm actually stunned that I finished it.

The only slightly bright spot in the book is the ghost.

The author didn't bother developing any of the characters. I know very little about them even after finishing the second book. I know that Scout has blue eyes and that Toni is a "Black Irish". I know that one of the girls likes hair spray and that's about it.

I hate it when authors can't be bothered to describe the characters. It makes me feel as if the author doesn't have them clear in her mind. The writing tends to prove that. It felt as if the author doesn't have a true feeling for these characters which meant that I didn't either.

The mystery itself was predictable. I kind of rolled my eyes at it and how convenient everything ended up being.

Also the editing needs work, I got confused when suddenly Scout became Scott for a section of the book when he was talking to Toni. It didn't help that there is also a Scott in the book! Characters names kept changing as I read. It just made it all confusing and frustrating to read.

I've read other books by this author and she's a great writer. This book and series is just a massive miss.
1,227 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2019
Another hit

Tegan Maher really captures the small town America feel. The sort of towns she write a about are from the past where people could leave their doors unlocked and everyone knew each other's business. There's a little bit of a supernatural element as we have Maisie the resident ghost but she doesn't influence the stories being told which are purely modern day crimes of murder and theft etc. In this one Toni who has now been in town for a month is settling in well. There's her best friend and housemate Dee, her neighbour Scout dog Bear and several other new friends. One morning while out for a jog with Bear he wanders off and.no amount of calling will get him to return when Toni tracks him down it's to find him standing over a dead (obviously murdered) body. So begins another adventure for Toni and See as they try to stop.one of their friends from being arrested for the murder. Tegan Maher has a very smooth writing style it's very dialogue driven so moves quickly and this book, apart from a few typos (which the proof reader obviously failed.to spot) is a really great read.
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
April 11, 2019
I discovered this author at her very first book and am happy to see how she has grown over the course of her writing career. Yes, the editing issues seem to be a work in progress, but you can hardly blame an indie author for trying their best and I think you should just enjoy the story and the rest will come. Her stories are solid, entertaining, imaginative and funny and have a general theme throughout them of close friends, family, a vibe that's sadly lacking in today's world - and I am happy to immerse myself in reading each and every one that she publishes. The cover art she chooses makes them very appealing to open and dive into the story! I'm happy to say that I did not guess the culprit in this story, although now I can see that the clues were there! A very good cozy read that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Renee Arthur.
438 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2019
I love this book! The dialogue can be hilarious sometimes, even during a murder investigation. Toni found the body and Gabe, the sheriff, is not amused. She is still renovating the lodge with Scout's help. Dee is running herself ragged trying to run the diner and baking for the country club. She hires Jeremy, an awesome cook, and a couple of good employees who become friends. Jeremy soon becomes the chief suspect in the murder investigation. Now Toni really has to stick her nose into the investigation whether Gabe likes it or not. The characters are well written along with a great plot. I totally enjoyed reading this book and had quite a few laugh out loud moments. I highly recommend this awesome cozy!
1,722 reviews36 followers
December 18, 2019
With the remodel on the B&B coming together, and Dee's baking business, and restaurant taking off. Things seem to be coming together for Toni and Dee's business ventures.
Until Jeremy (the best short order cook in town) becomes the number one suspect in the latest murder.
Tegan Maher has a fun series with well developed characters, and solid plot lines.

The story has good descriptions of scenery and great interaction with the characters.

Even though the characters were introduced in the first book. It would have been nice to give the last names of some of them again.
196 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2020
An Offer You Can’t Refuse

The fun continues with Toni and the gang at the lodge. A local business owner is found shot between the eyes in the woods on Toni’s property. The local fry cook is the lead suspect, but Toni and her home girls are sure that he is innocent. Who needs the sheriff when the town has Toni and company to solve the case? Toni may have Nancy Drew envy, but she’s darn good at it. Tegan Maher never disappoints. If you miss this one, you’ll be sorry that you did!
55 reviews
April 11, 2019
Great sequel

I really am enjoying this sequel! The characters are great. I'd love even more paranormal. It's weird there is just 1 ghost and nothing else.
There was a number of name issues. At one time Katie was Bonnie and then Scout was Scott to name a couple. A few editing issues too.
But the mystery, story, character development and plot are great! I really look forward to seeing the Inn take shape! I highly recommend this series and all series by this author!
Profile Image for Kim Loomer.
628 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2019
Well people you are in for a treat in this book. Yes there is a murder as what is a good mystery without a "who done it"? I am giving nothing away but in this book Toni and Dee and Scout find ways to expand more than just the B & B that Toni is fixing up. Dee makes some big changes after the last book where she inherited the Cafe. The Sheriff sure had his hands full in this book and this was a fun and great read. Don't miss it. This series is getting better and better with every book.
266 reviews
April 18, 2019
Loved it!

Things are looking up for Toni. Her lodge is slowly being rebuilt, Dee is getting her diner and baking businesses of the ground, and Scout is turning into a possible love interest. So, of course, she finds a dead body while out for her morning run! The hits keep coming when Dee's cook, Jeremy, becomes one of the main suspects. A lovely story, with characters that you want to have as friends and a cool mystery to boot. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Dawn Gee.
3,192 reviews14 followers
July 7, 2019
Well written mystery needs a little editing

I keep saying in this my reviews of Tegan Maher's murder mystery, but I enjoy the light hearted vibe in the books. The murder mystery was harder for Toni and her friends to solve. There are three or four instances where the guys name Scott is used when it should be Scout so that was a little frustrating to have to back and read over paragraphs to be sure. I'm sure with two character names so similar it's an easy mistake.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2019
Awesome spooky cozy mystery series

Awesome spooky cozy mystery series with a great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Toni recently divorced moved from Orlando to a small town in Georgia intent on changing her life. She buys a rustic Lodge and starts renovating it. She keeps stumbling upon dead bodies though. Follow along as her and her new friends figure out who done it. Throw in a ghost and the fun begins. Check it out
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,450 reviews15 followers
March 11, 2020
I love this series I love Toni and her friends and though I like Scout I kind of think I would like the Sheriff as Toni's love interest instead of Scout. I am hoping they decide just to be friends. I loved the story line which kept me guessing till the end. I love the ghost in the story who mothers and tells the girls what to do with the lodge and I would love to go and get a sandwich at the cafe or go to the bar and play darts with this great bunch of people.
Profile Image for Dawn Steenken korzekwa.
123 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2021
She did it again!!

OmG, I didn't think it was possible but Tegan knocked it out of the park again with the 2nd book in the Haunted Lodge Series. The girls are growing their group, there's love interests budding even more and the businesses are all taking off very well!! If you wanna know more, grab the book...quick because I'm not one to give away any details. And don't forget to check out her other series too, I promise you won't regret doing it.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
July 25, 2019
A great book

Toni, Dee and Scout are quickly becoming my favorite characters. They have great personalities that together make for a fun time. I love the others as well, they provide some humor and a glimpse of small town southern living. I love a good cozy mystery and this fit the bill!
862 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2019
4.6 stars Shot Cross Buns: a wonderful cozy mystery w/ friends

This was a Very warm and supportive story of new friends and the best part of living in a small town. Not much of a magical tour in this story, but the 200 year old former owner of the lodge is a real hoot. Don't miss this light-hearted series that will make your heart glow!
1,033 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2019
Haunted Lodge is a Wonderful Series!

Toni and her group of friends are good at ferreting out information when Toni finds another body, this time on her property. The sheriff considers her a pain in his behind, but she gets the information he needs to arrest the murderer. Watching the romance bloom between
her and Scout is also enjoyable.
895 reviews7 followers
June 21, 2020
I made it through to the end, but it seems like REALLY hard work. I don't seem to be able to connect to any of the characters. The plot was okay, but the whole the bad guy is someone who has barely appeared in the story is, I think, somewhat of a cheat. I don't think I'm going to bother with reading farther in this series.
38 reviews
October 13, 2021
What an entertaining read

I’ve now read book 1 and book 2. Book 2 was just as entertaining and relaxing to read as book 1. Some murder, some supernatural ghost and love. If you want a relaxing read try Shot Cross Buns. I enjoyed it and am ready to read book 3. Well done Texan Maher.
Profile Image for Cari Elliot.
103 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2019
Good story

The story is good, and I enjoy the characters, but the kindle version is full of typos at this point. If this were the first book in a series, I probably wouldn't have finished.
Profile Image for Catherine.
502 reviews
July 26, 2019
My kingdom for a cinnamon roll

This looks to be another great series by Tegan Maher. As a fellow Southern gal, I enjoy the down home vibe of her books. Nice cozy reads with strong women characters and men who like them that way.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
211 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2019
Must read series!

Turn around and go back to get the first book! This is the second book in what appears to be a promisingly good cozy mystery series. Of course, I enjoy the books my Ms. Maher.
1,241 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2020
Excellent book!

I highly recommend this intriguing and endearing cozy mystery. I am enamored with the ghost character adding her 200 yr. old perspective to the lodge renovation. A absolutely entertaining series. Enjoy!
1,017 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2020
Haunted Lodge #2;

Such a fun and interesting story. I like the characters and storylines in this series. Author is good, writing about how lives can be good even with difficult situations.
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,070 reviews20 followers
June 27, 2020
Great Continuation

The second book in the series did a great job of moving the story forward, introducing more characters and providing new insight into the existing characters. And of course there was a mystery as well!
Profile Image for Jennifer Goliash.
288 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2020
Another great addition to the series

I Loved this book. I love this series and highly recommend it. I love the characters even though they've had 2 murders in a matter of months - I love this little town.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
345 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2022
Proofread

Please, proofread your books before publishing!! I would give the book a better rating, but I can't get past the errors! You are a good author, you just need to pay more attention to detail!
184 reviews
June 12, 2019
Good read

If you like fantasy and mystery books you'll like this book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
84 reviews
June 23, 2019
Another good one

This was great, but the end was a little anticlimactic, but over all I really enjoyed it! Can’t wait until the third one comes out!
43 reviews
June 25, 2019
Good read

It was a good read to see friendship s grow. . And helping each other at being supportive to everyone who participated in the adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews