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Goose Pimple Junction #5

Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction

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It’s election season, and there’s a new candidate in town. Virgil Pepper is determined to take the job from Goose Pimple Junction’s long-time mayor. Virgil is a charming and charismatic candidate but someone who will say anything (and mean none of it) to get what he wants. Three things top his list: to become mayor, to acquire Jackson Wright’s land, and to make Caledonia Culpepper one of his many conquests.

Wynona Baxter is back, and she’s a new woman. Now Daisy has a new identity, new life, and new business–ironically named Killer Cupcakes. But the town soon finds out that isn’t the only kind of killer in town. Book five of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series combines political hijinks, delicious cupcakes, Goose Juice moonshine, the ups and downs of finding true love, and, of course, murder.

It is said that “It’s a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what.” Lying in politics, lying for personal and professional gain, lying about an identity . . . What are the folks of Goose Pimple Junction willing to lie for . . . and what are they willing to die for?

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2019

23 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Amy Metz

20 books234 followers
interests
photography, baking, writing, gardening, reading, needlepoint

favorite books
mysteries, thrillers, chick lit

about me
I am the author of a humorous mystery series set in the fictional town of Goose Pimple Junction. I live in Louisville, Kentucky with my invisible friends Tess, Jackson, Pickle, Louetta, Martha Maye, Butterbean, Henry Clay, Buck...

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Sandy.
872 reviews14 followers
September 2, 2019
This book was a joy to read. The country phrases and character’s names are hilarious. I found the writing to be fresh and skillful. The plot is tight and multi-layered and filled with interesting characters. I’m looking forward to future installments. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Maria Logan-Montgomery.
349 reviews5 followers
April 22, 2020
I was asked by the author, Amy Metz, to read an advance copy of Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction, in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Metz has created a series of books set in this charming small town with quirky characters. This one has corrupt politicians and land developers, including a new man in town who will do and say anything to become the new mayor.

This murder mystery has a few twists and turns, and a surprise ending. One character who was an assassin in a former life is actually an endearing character who is trying to stay on the straight and narrow. I actually found myself pulling for her.

I’ve heard small town politics is the worst, and if this is any example, that’s true. There are lots of liars and a few lunatics in this tiny town. There are also some folks with really weird names – silly enough that, at times, it was distracting from the story. Names like Paprika, Three, Junebug, Pickle, Peanut, and Hank Beanblossom, to name just a few.

Despite the silly names, Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction is an entertaining and often comical murder mystery. If you’re looking for a fast, easy read, this one will do the trick.

What made The Grumpy Book Reviewer grumpy?
The usual things: mixing singular & plural, using “was” in place of “were”, and my pet peeve, those annoying split infinitives.
6 reviews
November 23, 2020
Wish there were more in this series

The only thing I don't like is that Any doesn't have more books! The southern talk and charm of this city makes the characters come alive. I can't wait for the next one!
95 reviews
August 13, 2020
Love these books!

I hope Amy Metz keeps writing these stories. Just love them. In these times, they really tickle the funnybone and I really need that right now.
Profile Image for Olga Miret.
Author 44 books250 followers
December 16, 2019
A cozy mystery full of Southern charm, wit, and many laughs The author provided me with an ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review. This in no way influenced my opinion.
I have read and enjoyed some of the books in the collection, but I somehow missed number 4, and that, perhaps helps me tailor my comment also towards readers who might be considering reading this book without having checked the rest. Yes, the story is self-contained, although there are references to events that have taken place in previous books, and a lot of the characters will be familiar to those following the series, who will be in a better position to understand the background to some of the interactions and also the web of relationships and the ins and outs of life at Goose Pimple Junction. And yes, in case you’re wondering, I love the name of the place! So, regarding the issue of reading it as a standalone, I’d say one does not need to have read all the books in the series to enjoy it, but because some of the characters have names and nicknames (witty and funny, I admit), and their relationships are not always evident, it might get a bit confusing to follow the story if you are totally new to it. On the other hand, as I said, I had missed one of the books, and I could pick up the narrative without any problem. I am convinced, though, that reading them all in order enhances the experience, and it’s like visiting a familiar place where you always have fun and renew old friendships every time you go.
The way the story is told is quite interesting, and it adds to the mystery. We start with a murder (a new character, Virgil, who is in the race to become the mayor of the town, is murdered in mysterious circumstances), a confession, and then we go back to several months before the event, counting back to the time of the crime, and then moving forward with the investigation. It works well, because we keep mulling over in our minds how everything we read might relate to the crime (and there are other suspicious deaths as well), and this results in plenty of red herrings, more and more suspects and plenty of possible motives (Virgil is far from a nice man, as we discover. In fact, he is a narcissist who treats women badly, and his business practices and politics aren’t much better either). Although told in third person, the narration follows the points of views of several of the characters, without ever giving us an advantage when it comes to solving the mystery. We might think we know what has happened, and we are privy to some information the sheriff department don’t have, but things are, of course, not as straightforward as they seem to be.
As the mystery part of the plot advances, we also get to learn more about some new arrivals to the town (not totally new, but I’ll avoid spoilers), and also catch up on what has happened to those inhabitants we have come to know and cherish. There are romances developing, a new cupcake shop (if you’re on a diet, I’d take care with the book, as there are many reference to Killer Cupcakes, both the shop and the actual items), there are shady business deals (moonshine liquor, buying land with coercion and under false pretences), there is Oktoberfest to spice up things and bring in the party atmosphere (the fancy dresses, mostly wordplay related, bring in plenty of chuckles), and the ending is very satisfying, and it hints at even better times to come for Goose Pimple Junction. (Yes, I want to move there, or at least go for a very long holiday).
The story flows well, moves at good pace, and the combination of the mystery aspects with the lives of the characters is seamless. I highlighted so many parts of the dialogue, funny repartees, and quotes, that I was unable to choose just a few to add to this review, so my recommendation is to check a sample of the book if you’re trying to decide if you’ll enjoy it or not. I wonder if a list of characters, with their names, nicknames, and relationships might serve as a memory aid for readers visiting the town again, and might also assist readers totally new to the series.
The Southern-style sayings and the dialect of the region (Tennessee), the peculiar lingo and expressions of some of the townspeople, the new characters (I liked Daisy, but her mother, Kaye, must be my favourite new addition), and the quotes at the beginning of the chapter (all about lying and liars), give this book its unique flavour, and people who’ve read previous books in the series and loved them, will have a blast with this one.
I recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries, especially those who enjoy stories set in the Southern part of the USA and prefer their crimes laced with plenty of humour, wit, and local flavour. I think the novel works better as part of the series, and I’d recommend people who like the sound of it to start at the beginning, with Murder and Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction. I hope to keep on visiting the town in the future, that is, if I don’t manage to move there!
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,434 reviews35 followers
September 5, 2019
Welcome back to Goose Pimple Junction, Tennessee!

In Liars & Lunatics In Goose Pimple Junction, the fifth book in The Goose Pimple Junction Mystery Series, author Amy Metz transports the readers back to Goose Pimple Junction, Tennessee, for the upcoming mayoral election and other crazy mayhem and adventures that the townsfolks encounter.

It's election time in Goose Pimple Junction, and the townsfolks are preparing to vote for the town's mayor. Longtime mayor Buck Lyle has a challenger when shifty Knoxville attorney Virgil Pepper comes to town and stakes his claim on the mayor's position. But that's not all Virgil is up to, he's a lying, no good philanderer who has been dating Caledonia Culpepper, along with every other women in town! Then there is Virgil's backdoor deal to try and steal author Jackson Wright's property to develop a lakeside resort, is there anything that this scoundrel won't do? And if that isn't enough excitement, how about ex-hitwoman Wynona Baxter coming back to town under the new alias of Daisy Baxter, owner of Killer Cupcakes! Then add in a dash of murder to the mayhem via ethanol poisoned Goose Juice (illegal moonshine), and the pot really gets stirred up in this small southern picturesque town.

Author Amy Metz weaves an intriguing southern cozy murder mystery tale told in the third person narrative that immediately draws the reader in with its quirky humor and fast-paced action. This captivating tale has enough twists and turns that will leave your head spinning! Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the story takes place in Goose Pimple Junction, Tennessee, a picturesque southern town with a lot of heart and charm. The description of the town and surrounding area was wonderful, there's nothing better than down home country charm and living. I loved how the author masterfully interwove the various townsfolk's trials and tribulations into a suspenseful and riveting story with enough laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you in stitches as you turn the pages. It is so much fun following along with the townsfolks' southern charm, quirky "goosepimpleisms," and humorous Southern quotes at the start of every chapter. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and mayhem that ensues, but that's how it is when you live in Goose Pimple Junction!

The author has created a wonderful series that has a cast of characters with some pretty funny names/nicknames, and who are quirky and lovable, their southern charm, crazy antics, hysterical local dialect and dialogue will keep you in stitches. The reader is transported to the lovely southern town of Goose Pimple Junction, Tennessee, where the friendly townsfolk welcome you with open arms and sweet tea! I really enjoyed all of the characters, and how the story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.

Liars & Lunatics In Goose Pimple Junction is a riveting southern cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with a dose of good ol' southern charm and humor. So pull up a rocking chair and set down for a spell with some sweet tea while the townsfolk of Goose Pimple Junction tell y'all their story!

Liars & Lunatics In Goose Pimple Junction is the fifth book in the Goose Pimple Junction Mystery Series.

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Profile Image for Maggi Deibel.
19 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2019
Enjoyed, Enjoyed, Enjoyed

I have read all of the Goose Pimpme Junction books and enjoyed everyone of them.. Amy Metz has believable characters. Well thought out and complete. Her stories are fun and almost scary at the same time. Not a bad scary, a fun scary.. I would live to live in Goose Pimple Junction.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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