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Maycroft Mystery #1-5
Get Sharpe: Books 1-5
DEENA SHARPE WANTS A CHANGE…WHAT SHE GETS IS MURDER!.
Fed up after thirty years of teaching, Deena has no idea she’s just traded in lesson plans for lethal weapons and report cards for ballistics reports.
It’s been fifty years since her uncle disappeared without a trace, but when science and luck collide, a rookie sheriff’s deputy breathes new life into this cold case. And when Deena’s elderly grandmother asks for her help, how can she say no? After all, she’s just quit her teaching job and is looking for a new challenge.
With her devoted husband and off-beat brother by her side, Deena sets out to right a wrong and uncover buried family secrets. When push comes to shove, will Deena back down? You should never underestimate a country girl!
Get Sharpe includes Books 1-5 of the Maycroft Mysteries. Follow Deena as she faces the challenges and rewards of trying to make the most of the second big chapter in her life. Between family relationships, jobs, and murder, she’s got to be one sharp cookie to hold it all together. Get your copy today.
Fed up after thirty years of teaching, Deena has no idea she’s just traded in lesson plans for lethal weapons and report cards for ballistics reports.
It’s been fifty years since her uncle disappeared without a trace, but when science and luck collide, a rookie sheriff’s deputy breathes new life into this cold case. And when Deena’s elderly grandmother asks for her help, how can she say no? After all, she’s just quit her teaching job and is looking for a new challenge.
With her devoted husband and off-beat brother by her side, Deena sets out to right a wrong and uncover buried family secrets. When push comes to shove, will Deena back down? You should never underestimate a country girl!
Get Sharpe includes Books 1-5 of the Maycroft Mysteries. Follow Deena as she faces the challenges and rewards of trying to make the most of the second big chapter in her life. Between family relationships, jobs, and murder, she’s got to be one sharp cookie to hold it all together. Get your copy today.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
839 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2019
52 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 11, 2023
took forever
Took me forever to finally finish. Just didn’t really hold my interest. The mysteries aren’t bad, just blah at times
Took me forever to finally finish. Just didn’t really hold my interest. The mysteries aren’t bad, just blah at times
May 1, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
I first listened to each of Deena Sharpe's cozy mysteries as separate books and I loved each one of them, so I think it's a great thing to have the first 5 as a box set:) And I also reviewed all of them, so here are some of my earlier thoughts (all are quotes from my reviews of the five books):
Book 1 - Sharpe Shooter - This is Deena Sharpe's first murder investigation - and it's really intriguing, engaging and funny:) It's also a wonderful introduction to all the characters that we will meet again in the next books in the series and it sets up mood for them - all murder cases Deena gets involved in are personal matters and hit close to home... The plot is fast, the leads appear and take us in different directions, there are a few possible suspects, all with plausible motifs for murder and no alibis, and there's Deena - smart, a bit crazy, but warm and loyal to those she considers family and friends, sometimes too loyal for her own good:) She's definitely one of the more likeable amator sleuths in literature:)
Book 2 - Sharpe Edge - The book starts a bit slow, but soon the pace grows and the plot engages the reader/listener... And the ending - when we find out who the murderer is - really does make you bite your nails:) I liked the last scenes of the book a lot - right from the point when we realize who the murderer is it's a real rollercoaster and it's described (and read by Ms Hazen) magnificently.
Book 3 - Sharpe Mind - The action is almost non-stop, with a few scary moments but without the gore, obviously, as it is a "cozy" mystery:) It's also well written; the plot flows smoothly and the dialogues contain that little ironic and satirical kind of humour that I like. I also think it's a little bit more complicated than the previous one in the series, with more suspects and red herrings:)
Book 4 - Sharpe Turn - This time Deena has to help her brother's friend to prove his innocence - and as usual before we find out who the real killer is we will discover clues, uncover secrets and suspect more than one person only to change our mind with every new piece of evidence or information Deena finds... We'll also smile a lot - Deena has a knack for getting into embarassing situations:) The plot is really fast, dialogues funny, background characters colourful and sometimes quirky but believable, and the ending as surprising as it should be:)
Book 5 - Sharpe Point - This time there's a hard task ahead of Deena - how can she defend someone she personally thinks is guilty of the crime? But then new evidence comes to light and things stop being seemingly obvious, more suspects appear as more facts are uncovered, and finally Deena's conscience is satisfied:) The books in the series are quite short, but the plots are logical, with enough red herrings and enough twists to keep you glued to the pages. As usual, we get a satisfactory although quite unexpected ending, but this time Ms Thomas added a cherry on the cake in the form of Deena's mother-in-law, Sylvia - I loved her character a lot:)
As for the interpretation of the books, Ms Hazen does a great job. The character voices are very well done, diversified and well-matched, and the pace of her reading makes it easy to follow the story. She balances well the impartiality of the narrative parts and the emotions required in many of the scenes. I can't imagine the series being read by another narrator:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I first listened to each of Deena Sharpe's cozy mysteries as separate books and I loved each one of them, so I think it's a great thing to have the first 5 as a box set:) And I also reviewed all of them, so here are some of my earlier thoughts (all are quotes from my reviews of the five books):
Book 1 - Sharpe Shooter - This is Deena Sharpe's first murder investigation - and it's really intriguing, engaging and funny:) It's also a wonderful introduction to all the characters that we will meet again in the next books in the series and it sets up mood for them - all murder cases Deena gets involved in are personal matters and hit close to home... The plot is fast, the leads appear and take us in different directions, there are a few possible suspects, all with plausible motifs for murder and no alibis, and there's Deena - smart, a bit crazy, but warm and loyal to those she considers family and friends, sometimes too loyal for her own good:) She's definitely one of the more likeable amator sleuths in literature:)
Book 2 - Sharpe Edge - The book starts a bit slow, but soon the pace grows and the plot engages the reader/listener... And the ending - when we find out who the murderer is - really does make you bite your nails:) I liked the last scenes of the book a lot - right from the point when we realize who the murderer is it's a real rollercoaster and it's described (and read by Ms Hazen) magnificently.
Book 3 - Sharpe Mind - The action is almost non-stop, with a few scary moments but without the gore, obviously, as it is a "cozy" mystery:) It's also well written; the plot flows smoothly and the dialogues contain that little ironic and satirical kind of humour that I like. I also think it's a little bit more complicated than the previous one in the series, with more suspects and red herrings:)
Book 4 - Sharpe Turn - This time Deena has to help her brother's friend to prove his innocence - and as usual before we find out who the real killer is we will discover clues, uncover secrets and suspect more than one person only to change our mind with every new piece of evidence or information Deena finds... We'll also smile a lot - Deena has a knack for getting into embarassing situations:) The plot is really fast, dialogues funny, background characters colourful and sometimes quirky but believable, and the ending as surprising as it should be:)
Book 5 - Sharpe Point - This time there's a hard task ahead of Deena - how can she defend someone she personally thinks is guilty of the crime? But then new evidence comes to light and things stop being seemingly obvious, more suspects appear as more facts are uncovered, and finally Deena's conscience is satisfied:) The books in the series are quite short, but the plots are logical, with enough red herrings and enough twists to keep you glued to the pages. As usual, we get a satisfactory although quite unexpected ending, but this time Ms Thomas added a cherry on the cake in the form of Deena's mother-in-law, Sylvia - I loved her character a lot:)
As for the interpretation of the books, Ms Hazen does a great job. The character voices are very well done, diversified and well-matched, and the pace of her reading makes it easy to follow the story. She balances well the impartiality of the narrative parts and the emotions required in many of the scenes. I can't imagine the series being read by another narrator:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 24, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"A pretty Sharpe investigagor."
Welcome to Maycroft, a Texan town that wants to be a city.
This excellent value collection of stories follows Teens Sharpe, retired teacher, with a knack of getting involved in local investigations as she tries out different occupations, from local reporter to part time assistant to her best friend's husband, the lawyer. And along the way, the reader meets many of the other Maycroft residents as well as Deena's immediate family and friends.
Five books, and the chapter numbers where each begins:
(i) Sharpe Shooter: Skeleton in the Closet - chapter 2
(ii) Sharpe Edge: Stranger on the Stairs - chapter 38
(Iii) Sharpe Mind: Hanging by a Thread. - chapter 62
(iv). Sharpe Turn: Murder by the Book - chapter 96
(v) Sharpe Point: Needle in a Haystack. - chapter 123
A review of each title in this collection is given elsewhere.
The books are cleverly written, good dialogue, sometimes witty, and each offers the reader clues along the way to solve the mystery before the big reveal. All of the books are ably narrated by Kelley Hazen, who both reads with emotional warmth and vigour and fits the vocal profile of the characters, each of whom she voices individually.
My thanks to the rights holder who gifted me a complimentary copy of Get Sharpe, at my request. This Review is entirely voluntarily given. An excellent way to really immerse oneself in the everyday, and extraordinary, happenings of a town which is big enough to have a well functioning rumour mill but still large enough to hide secrets.
A recommended cozy collection.
"A pretty Sharpe investigagor."
Welcome to Maycroft, a Texan town that wants to be a city.
This excellent value collection of stories follows Teens Sharpe, retired teacher, with a knack of getting involved in local investigations as she tries out different occupations, from local reporter to part time assistant to her best friend's husband, the lawyer. And along the way, the reader meets many of the other Maycroft residents as well as Deena's immediate family and friends.
Five books, and the chapter numbers where each begins:
(i) Sharpe Shooter: Skeleton in the Closet - chapter 2
(ii) Sharpe Edge: Stranger on the Stairs - chapter 38
(Iii) Sharpe Mind: Hanging by a Thread. - chapter 62
(iv). Sharpe Turn: Murder by the Book - chapter 96
(v) Sharpe Point: Needle in a Haystack. - chapter 123
A review of each title in this collection is given elsewhere.
The books are cleverly written, good dialogue, sometimes witty, and each offers the reader clues along the way to solve the mystery before the big reveal. All of the books are ably narrated by Kelley Hazen, who both reads with emotional warmth and vigour and fits the vocal profile of the characters, each of whom she voices individually.
My thanks to the rights holder who gifted me a complimentary copy of Get Sharpe, at my request. This Review is entirely voluntarily given. An excellent way to really immerse oneself in the everyday, and extraordinary, happenings of a town which is big enough to have a well functioning rumour mill but still large enough to hide secrets.
A recommended cozy collection.
March 19, 2020
SHARPE. SHOOTER
Principle made demands concerning his daughter, which were not right and broke every rule of ethics. Finally telling Deena if she kept this under wraps she could resign at the end of school instead of being fired. She was fifty seven and used to having summers off.
Simms finding a. box in the storage closet he was to clean out, heavy and one Skelton inside, and it was an old unsolved case. When the face was reconstructed calls came. With the identity, they turn to Deena their niece to find the answers. Good story with humor, and an intriguing plot.
SHARPE. EDGE
Deena from a Christmas party when the monarch dies, she has another case to investigate. She is gutsy, and inquisitive, not believing it was a natural death, nor did the daughter. Good characters add to this story.
SHARPE. MIND
Down and out showgirl, missing that life, when a waitress mistaken her for a psychic. Wanting a reading from her, and with money in hand why not. She comes to a new town with her looser boyfriend. Things start happening, for Deena she wants a good lead to write about, and when she does she becomes a suspect, along with along list of suspects
SHARPE TURN
An author is teaching this class and his wife is killed, is this the type of class, or a hoax of learning to write better about murder. A friend is accused of the murder, and with a mother in law coming to town, she is in a hurry to solve. Good story.
SHARPE..POINT
Principle made demands concerning his daughter, which were not right and broke every rule of ethics. Finally telling Deena if she kept this under wraps she could resign at the end of school instead of being fired. She was fifty seven and used to having summers off.
Simms finding a. box in the storage closet he was to clean out, heavy and one Skelton inside, and it was an old unsolved case. When the face was reconstructed calls came. With the identity, they turn to Deena their niece to find the answers. Good story with humor, and an intriguing plot.
SHARPE. EDGE
Deena from a Christmas party when the monarch dies, she has another case to investigate. She is gutsy, and inquisitive, not believing it was a natural death, nor did the daughter. Good characters add to this story.
SHARPE. MIND
Down and out showgirl, missing that life, when a waitress mistaken her for a psychic. Wanting a reading from her, and with money in hand why not. She comes to a new town with her looser boyfriend. Things start happening, for Deena she wants a good lead to write about, and when she does she becomes a suspect, along with along list of suspects
SHARPE TURN
An author is teaching this class and his wife is killed, is this the type of class, or a hoax of learning to write better about murder. A friend is accused of the murder, and with a mother in law coming to town, she is in a hurry to solve. Good story.
SHARPE..POINT
April 27, 2019
This is a republish of the original GET SHARPE - Maycroft Mysteries Box set released in February 2018 by Lisa B. Thomas and narrated by me. It packs a punch with so much more cozy mystery!
Five books instead of four AND we have re-recorded SHARPE SHOOTER Book One of the Deena Sharpe saga. In Book One we meet all the characters that have come to be so familiar and hilarious in little Maycroft, TX. We discover how Deena came to be unemployed and in search of her new role in the world. It brings the entire series into complete focus as listeners venture through the first five mysteries as Deena searches for whodunnit and who she is. Simply said, GET SHARPE is a lot of fun. I'm so pleased to now have all the characters and narration in my voice and creation. This is a charming series and this set is the perfect way to binge your way into the wonderful world of Deena Sharpe.
Five books instead of four AND we have re-recorded SHARPE SHOOTER Book One of the Deena Sharpe saga. In Book One we meet all the characters that have come to be so familiar and hilarious in little Maycroft, TX. We discover how Deena came to be unemployed and in search of her new role in the world. It brings the entire series into complete focus as listeners venture through the first five mysteries as Deena searches for whodunnit and who she is. Simply said, GET SHARPE is a lot of fun. I'm so pleased to now have all the characters and narration in my voice and creation. This is a charming series and this set is the perfect way to binge your way into the wonderful world of Deena Sharpe.
March 4, 2020
Get Sharpe : quality Mysterys 1-5
Lisa B Thomas has done an excellent job of keeping us readers entertainer with her first five mystery's filled with charm , as much mayhem as can be expected in one small town,intreage, fabulous caracters and more than one mystery after another to be found in each novel. If you haven't read them on their own yet try aquier the "Maycroft Mysteries,Books 1-5"now each novel is very different in new vibrant caracters and definitely challenging mystery's. I know if your a clean cozey murder mystery reader like myself you won't want to miss out on a great deal on such quality as this. 😉☺ Kat
Lisa B Thomas has done an excellent job of keeping us readers entertainer with her first five mystery's filled with charm , as much mayhem as can be expected in one small town,intreage, fabulous caracters and more than one mystery after another to be found in each novel. If you haven't read them on their own yet try aquier the "Maycroft Mysteries,Books 1-5"now each novel is very different in new vibrant caracters and definitely challenging mystery's. I know if your a clean cozey murder mystery reader like myself you won't want to miss out on a great deal on such quality as this. 😉☺ Kat
April 27, 2019
Check out this set of the first five books in the Maycroft Mysteries series!
Deena Sharpe is a retired teacher, but she’s not quite ready to be retired... she keeps finding herself caught up in the middle of the local mysteries, and wouldn’t you know it, she has a knack for solving them.
Lisa B. Thomas has written a great series with interesting storylines and great characters. When you add the talented Kelley Hazen as the narrator, you get hours of entertainment!
I was given this free review copy audiobook set at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Deena Sharpe is a retired teacher, but she’s not quite ready to be retired... she keeps finding herself caught up in the middle of the local mysteries, and wouldn’t you know it, she has a knack for solving them.
Lisa B. Thomas has written a great series with interesting storylines and great characters. When you add the talented Kelley Hazen as the narrator, you get hours of entertainment!
I was given this free review copy audiobook set at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
April 17, 2019
Get Sharpe: Maycroft Mysteries, Books 1-5 by Lisa B. Thomas was a great read. Deena has retired from teaching after thirty years of teaching. She now finds herself investigating different murders and mysteries. This box set consists of; Sharpe Shooter, Sharpe Edge, Sharpe Mind, Sharpe Turn and Sharpe Point. I loved reading about Deena and all the different mysteries that are happening in her town. I can't wait to read more by Lisa B. Thomas.
April 20, 2019
Great series!
I just finished reading Books 1-5 in the Get Sharpe Maycroft mystery series. A typical small town, some interesting characters and some intriguing plots make this series great reading. I highly recommended this series for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
I just finished reading Books 1-5 in the Get Sharpe Maycroft mystery series. A typical small town, some interesting characters and some intriguing plots make this series great reading. I highly recommended this series for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
May 1, 2019
I could tell I'd like this set from the first few pages of the first book. I was right. Each of the books was great. Deena developed from a teacher to an investigator, while interacting with friends & relatives in a realistic way. Well written & planned. I strongly recommend this set!
June 12, 2020
Great read
Deanna Sylvia was a great add to the story very mother like especially when it came to her son.Poor old man next door got clobbered can't say anymore it will give it away. The preacher his wife were very good I would never of them as suspects. Great pack of books
Deanna Sylvia was a great add to the story very mother like especially when it came to her son.Poor old man next door got clobbered can't say anymore it will give it away. The preacher his wife were very good I would never of them as suspects. Great pack of books
December 5, 2020
Get Sharpe:Box Set Books 1-5
A set of great books covering a retired teacher, ex- reporter now investigator, Deena Sharpe. Who never gives up to find her killer. She's great friend and wife. I enjoyed reading these five books and know you will too.
A set of great books covering a retired teacher, ex- reporter now investigator, Deena Sharpe. Who never gives up to find her killer. She's great friend and wife. I enjoyed reading these five books and know you will too.
August 5, 2023
A fun series
Lots of twists and turns with a lot of good laughs. Starting on the next set now. Catch you on the flip side.
Lots of twists and turns with a lot of good laughs. Starting on the next set now. Catch you on the flip side.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews