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Lily Rock Mysteries #1
Getaway Death
Olivia Greer's trip to the small town of Lily Rock has not been the relaxing getaway she hoped for.
She was run off the road by a tailgater.
Rescued by a handsome stranger.
A friend was found dead.
Oh, and now Olivia is the prime suspect in the murder.
She really should have stayed home.
Stranded in town as the investigation continues, Olivia must come to her own defense and uncover the secrets lurking beneath Lily Rock’s surface. In this seemingly sweet burg full of quirky characters, it’s easy to get swept up in its charm. But who can she truly trust in this town full of strangers? And who seeks to bury her beneath Lily Rock?
She was run off the road by a tailgater.
Rescued by a handsome stranger.
A friend was found dead.
Oh, and now Olivia is the prime suspect in the murder.
She really should have stayed home.
Stranded in town as the investigation continues, Olivia must come to her own defense and uncover the secrets lurking beneath Lily Rock’s surface. In this seemingly sweet burg full of quirky characters, it’s easy to get swept up in its charm. But who can she truly trust in this town full of strangers? And who seeks to bury her beneath Lily Rock?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2021
525 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Hardy
18 books53 followersBonnie Hardy, a retired professional turned author, is celebrated for her two enthralling cozy mystery series. The first, set in the picturesque mountain town of Lily Rock, features amateur sleuth Olivia Greer, known for her uncanny ability to draw out confessions from the most unlikely people.
The second series, set in Palm Desert, features the mid-life duo mentalist Rex Redondo and his down to earth next door neighbor doula Vivienne Rose.
Inspired by Agatha Christie, Bonnie's captivating tales of mystery and community masterfully blend fast-paced whodunits with clever sleuthing.
The second series, set in Palm Desert, features the mid-life duo mentalist Rex Redondo and his down to earth next door neighbor doula Vivienne Rose.
Inspired by Agatha Christie, Bonnie's captivating tales of mystery and community masterfully blend fast-paced whodunits with clever sleuthing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
March 13, 2022
This was a 3.5 read for me. I really enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing style. Olivia has an accident on her way to visit her girlfriend and then gets caught up in a murder investigation. I did guess the murderer fairly early in the book but I still enjoyed the story. What I didn't enjoy were the mistakes in the story. Not spelling or grammar so much as contradictory conversations and plot points. The character relationships could use a bit of work as well. With editing and some tightening up of the story, I think I could have given this 4.5 or 5 stars. I will likely try a future book from this author.
October 9, 2021
This was an OK book. There was too many mistakes in it to make it an easy read. Given it was a cozy mystery, it didn't feel like the sleuth did enough sleuthing. Whilst I wasn't entirely sure of the outcome till the end of the book it also felt that the author kept back information to make sure that was the case. Could be a good book with a good editor and proofreader.
November 11, 2022
It reads like a story written by a middle school student.
July 12, 2022
ZERO STARS! DNF!!! Please don’t start this book.
Wow, this is just a mess! I couldn’t even make it to the end of the second chapter it was so bad. I’m not sure the author understands how vehicles work or how to drive. The MC Olivia is driving way too fast in fog on a twisty mountain road and has to wipe condensation from the inside of her windshield. Why is she not using the defroster in her car like any normal person would if your windows are fogging up? She’s not driving a super old junker car so there is no reason other than stupidity. She also opens her window to “reveal clouds of fog.” Reveal? Can’t she see through the clear side window? On a side note; I bet the author is one of those people that has to open the doors in the freezer section at the grocery store to peruse the contents because looking through clear glass just doesn’t work for her.
Ok so the MC skids off the road because she doesn’t know how to use her defrost button when the windows fog up and is driving too fast on “unexpected” hairpin turns. How can they be unexpected when you are driving up a mountain? It would be unexpected if there weren’t hairpin turns. SMH.
So then the dude who was behind her on the twisty road comes down to rescue her and help her up the cliff. He’s basically an A-hole from the start. Olivia is dizzy and woozy and unsteady from the crash but determines Mike is the one who tailgated her and helped her wreck so she accuses him. His ridiculous response is “If you mean I’m the one who saved you from death, then yes, I’m the one.” She says she tried to slow down because of the conditions and he nearly killed her. Again his response is beyond ridiculous and once again makes me think the author is a non-driver who just doesn’t understand basic driving; “I guess you could see it that way. I was concerned about you, that’s all. Your driving was erratic for this road, in these conditions. I wanted to help you out if you needed it, not make you afraid.” What?!? Because tailgating always helps and makes people feel safe, right?
So he manhandles her up the hill, carries her to his truck like a he-man, then gets weirdly possessive when some other guy stops to see if help is needed. Creepy much? In the course of their small talk he mansplains that Olivia isn’t actually from a small town because “Oh, I know Playa. But honey, it is not small. It’s a suburb of Los Angeles and has five times the population of Lily Rock. You may think it’s small, but compared to what?” And then he laughs at her when she asks him to just take her to the doctor and not correct her. Also He calls her honey, ick. Hey Douchebag Kingdom… I found your new king.
So she gets to the doctor’s office, collapses outside his truck and she tells him not to carry her again. He gets creepier still (how is it possible??) by telling her “it is my absolute pleasure to carry you anywhere.” Seriously?!? He’s flirting with an injured woman. Gag.
So now inside the doc’s office we discover Olivia has daddy issues because of course she does. ‘the doctor’s warm voice felt inviting, like a father would sound — if only she had one of her own.’ And I guess it’s the 40’s in this doc’s office because the nurse wears an old fashioned nurse’s cap. And the nurse Skye let’s on that the town doesn’t like new comers. Because of course they don’t.
The doctor seems to be in his 60’s but calls her “girly.” And he tells her she’s beautiful. Cringe! Then says to check in after getting some sleep with her head injury to let him know if she’s having anxiety because of the accident and he’ll “prescribe some herbs or oils for relaxation.” Ooookay then. No real meds but some oils. I bet the author is in on the Younger Living MLM scam in real life. JMO.
And then Nurse Skye is vaping outside the exam room door. VAPING. INSIDE. THE. DOCTOR’S. OFFICE.
And I’m done with this book. I just marked all the rest of this series as “not interested” on BookBub because it’s that bad.
Oh wait, I forgot to mention the ridiculously absurd “Overheard in Lily Rock” portion at the beginning of each chapter. I scanned the beginning of a few more chapters after giving up on this mess and they are all pointless and stupid. I picked a random chapter to provide an example of the “brilliance” of these.
Chapter 20: Overheard in Lily Rock
“You got robbed at yoga?”
“Yeah. But they only stole my beauty products and my CBD.”
“Best Lily Rock drama ever.”
Why? WHY?!? Gah!!! It’s all so bad.
Wow, this is just a mess! I couldn’t even make it to the end of the second chapter it was so bad. I’m not sure the author understands how vehicles work or how to drive. The MC Olivia is driving way too fast in fog on a twisty mountain road and has to wipe condensation from the inside of her windshield. Why is she not using the defroster in her car like any normal person would if your windows are fogging up? She’s not driving a super old junker car so there is no reason other than stupidity. She also opens her window to “reveal clouds of fog.” Reveal? Can’t she see through the clear side window? On a side note; I bet the author is one of those people that has to open the doors in the freezer section at the grocery store to peruse the contents because looking through clear glass just doesn’t work for her.
Ok so the MC skids off the road because she doesn’t know how to use her defrost button when the windows fog up and is driving too fast on “unexpected” hairpin turns. How can they be unexpected when you are driving up a mountain? It would be unexpected if there weren’t hairpin turns. SMH.
So then the dude who was behind her on the twisty road comes down to rescue her and help her up the cliff. He’s basically an A-hole from the start. Olivia is dizzy and woozy and unsteady from the crash but determines Mike is the one who tailgated her and helped her wreck so she accuses him. His ridiculous response is “If you mean I’m the one who saved you from death, then yes, I’m the one.” She says she tried to slow down because of the conditions and he nearly killed her. Again his response is beyond ridiculous and once again makes me think the author is a non-driver who just doesn’t understand basic driving; “I guess you could see it that way. I was concerned about you, that’s all. Your driving was erratic for this road, in these conditions. I wanted to help you out if you needed it, not make you afraid.” What?!? Because tailgating always helps and makes people feel safe, right?
So he manhandles her up the hill, carries her to his truck like a he-man, then gets weirdly possessive when some other guy stops to see if help is needed. Creepy much? In the course of their small talk he mansplains that Olivia isn’t actually from a small town because “Oh, I know Playa. But honey, it is not small. It’s a suburb of Los Angeles and has five times the population of Lily Rock. You may think it’s small, but compared to what?” And then he laughs at her when she asks him to just take her to the doctor and not correct her. Also He calls her honey, ick. Hey Douchebag Kingdom… I found your new king.
So she gets to the doctor’s office, collapses outside his truck and she tells him not to carry her again. He gets creepier still (how is it possible??) by telling her “it is my absolute pleasure to carry you anywhere.” Seriously?!? He’s flirting with an injured woman. Gag.
So now inside the doc’s office we discover Olivia has daddy issues because of course she does. ‘the doctor’s warm voice felt inviting, like a father would sound — if only she had one of her own.’ And I guess it’s the 40’s in this doc’s office because the nurse wears an old fashioned nurse’s cap. And the nurse Skye let’s on that the town doesn’t like new comers. Because of course they don’t.
The doctor seems to be in his 60’s but calls her “girly.” And he tells her she’s beautiful. Cringe! Then says to check in after getting some sleep with her head injury to let him know if she’s having anxiety because of the accident and he’ll “prescribe some herbs or oils for relaxation.” Ooookay then. No real meds but some oils. I bet the author is in on the Younger Living MLM scam in real life. JMO.
And then Nurse Skye is vaping outside the exam room door. VAPING. INSIDE. THE. DOCTOR’S. OFFICE.
And I’m done with this book. I just marked all the rest of this series as “not interested” on BookBub because it’s that bad.
Oh wait, I forgot to mention the ridiculously absurd “Overheard in Lily Rock” portion at the beginning of each chapter. I scanned the beginning of a few more chapters after giving up on this mess and they are all pointless and stupid. I picked a random chapter to provide an example of the “brilliance” of these.
Chapter 20: Overheard in Lily Rock
“You got robbed at yoga?”
“Yeah. But they only stole my beauty products and my CBD.”
“Best Lily Rock drama ever.”
Why? WHY?!? Gah!!! It’s all so bad.
October 21, 2022
Preamble - I got this book for free at freeebook.com
Now for my review- you get what you pay for.
Now for my review- you get what you pay for.
August 23, 2025
A complicated mystery that dragged a bit.
January 1, 2023
⭐️ 1.5 stars ⭐️
So technically I DNF this book, but it’s basically unfinished so I think it’s fair to write about it. I think I got this for free through BookBub which is why it’s so random and like no one has read it. This was supposed to be a short little thing to get me the last bit of the way through reading in 2022.
There’s a reason this isn’t talked about: it’s basically unfinished. It feels like the first draft of a book before it’s actually published after undergoing like a year of editing. There are several grammar errors and it reads like a middle grade book (even though it’s an adult book). The characters are weird, and although they’re kind of supposed to be (weird small town and all), it’s like a weird kind of weird. They’re not quirky, they’re just strange. There’s a really forced, awkward conversation with a transgender character in the book that felt completely unnecessary and presumptuous of transgender people. Olivia (the main character) would often have these random thoughts that weren’t relevant at all and were never revisited.
It’s not all bad (although it’s like 95% bad). Every chapter started with a “Overheard in Lily Rock” (the town) and then be followed by a quote, which I thought was kind of interesting. The mystery was sort of interesting. I’ll probably just skip through to the end to see who did it and why.
Overall, poo-poo book. I’d write it off as like a “Ohh it’s the authors first book yadayada” except it’s not? There are four books in this series. Anyways, blah book, but I kinda should have expected it since it’s so random.
So technically I DNF this book, but it’s basically unfinished so I think it’s fair to write about it. I think I got this for free through BookBub which is why it’s so random and like no one has read it. This was supposed to be a short little thing to get me the last bit of the way through reading in 2022.
There’s a reason this isn’t talked about: it’s basically unfinished. It feels like the first draft of a book before it’s actually published after undergoing like a year of editing. There are several grammar errors and it reads like a middle grade book (even though it’s an adult book). The characters are weird, and although they’re kind of supposed to be (weird small town and all), it’s like a weird kind of weird. They’re not quirky, they’re just strange. There’s a really forced, awkward conversation with a transgender character in the book that felt completely unnecessary and presumptuous of transgender people. Olivia (the main character) would often have these random thoughts that weren’t relevant at all and were never revisited.
It’s not all bad (although it’s like 95% bad). Every chapter started with a “Overheard in Lily Rock” (the town) and then be followed by a quote, which I thought was kind of interesting. The mystery was sort of interesting. I’ll probably just skip through to the end to see who did it and why.
Overall, poo-poo book. I’d write it off as like a “Ohh it’s the authors first book yadayada” except it’s not? There are four books in this series. Anyways, blah book, but I kinda should have expected it since it’s so random.
November 21, 2022
A generous 2.5, and I don't know why I am being that generous. To say that this was a bizarre rambling all over the place story is putting it mildly. I'm not sure what purpose the "overheard in Lily Rock" bits were supposed to be, but they were odd. The story was so predictable. I had the plot worked out early on as the clues were just so in your face it was hard to overlook them. I couldn't understand some of the events because they just didn't go anywhere, or advance the plot. I was really confused about Olivia putting on sunscreen in one scene and wondered why that was even included in the story. The characters were supposed to be unique, but I found them stereotypical oddballs. This is a definite "forget this series" and go on to something else.
August 23, 2023
This book followed a murder in a very small town where a god is the mayor. I was definitely curious of how this book would go and how the book would end. Did I end up guessing the killer? Absolutely. Did I continue reading because the mayor is a dog? Also yes. I did not expect everything that happened was going to happen as well as I didn’t guess the notice of why the person killed Marla, but it was definitely an interesting read
September 22, 2021
Getaway Death is definitely a must read for all lovers of excellent mystery stories! This intriguing story holds the reader's imagination all the way through to the last words of this unique tale. The fascinating town of Lily Rock and its varied and unique inhabitants keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and not able to stop turning the pages of this well written work of fiction!
August 18, 2022
I absolutely could not finish this book. It was so bad I got more than half way through and I was so incredibly bored . The writing style was not good at all and jumped around way to much to the point it didn’t make since. I don’t even know how there’s more of these books.
March 10, 2022
Really sorry to say that this book was long, slow and rather dull. There were a lot of errors also.
April 27, 2022
Too easy to figure out killer, and why.
Writing was...not that good.
Writing was...not that good.
May 22, 2022
Nope. Boring, flat writing and insensitive and borderline racist references.
April 30, 2022
A weekend away with her best friend Marla seems like just the ticket for Olivia Greer. A road accident delays her arrival and no one is around when she finally reaches her destination. When Olivia finds Marla lying dead in the undergrowth of her property, she becomes a suspect in the suspicious death.
Normally, I write (tongue-in-cheek) that it's been a bad day/week for Character X but with all the unfortunate events that happen to Olivia that would be a bit too twee. We barely get over one bad thing that has happened before another one strikes. The girl really needs to pick her vacation destinations better.
Of all the townsfolk, there was only one character I actually liked. I lie, there were two but the second one only became palatable after a lot of reading. Everyone else, including the main characters, rubbed me the wrong way. And, because the characters I liked were side characters, I spent an awful time during my read waiting for them to show up again.
The solution to the mystery was telegraphed far too early. Not only did I quickly know who the doer was, I knew the why and the how. The gathering of the suspects during the climax of the story also irked me.
While I won't be going back to Lily Rock anytime soon, I can see that this story will hit a niche market. If you like a mystery set against the backdrop of quirky villagers who oppose changes to their town, Getaway Death could be for you.
Normally, I write (tongue-in-cheek) that it's been a bad day/week for Character X but with all the unfortunate events that happen to Olivia that would be a bit too twee. We barely get over one bad thing that has happened before another one strikes. The girl really needs to pick her vacation destinations better.
Of all the townsfolk, there was only one character I actually liked. I lie, there were two but the second one only became palatable after a lot of reading. Everyone else, including the main characters, rubbed me the wrong way. And, because the characters I liked were side characters, I spent an awful time during my read waiting for them to show up again.
The solution to the mystery was telegraphed far too early. Not only did I quickly know who the doer was, I knew the why and the how. The gathering of the suspects during the climax of the story also irked me.
While I won't be going back to Lily Rock anytime soon, I can see that this story will hit a niche market. If you like a mystery set against the backdrop of quirky villagers who oppose changes to their town, Getaway Death could be for you.
December 29, 2025
DNFd. I honestly couldn’t care less what happens. I can’t get past the inconsistencies and awful plot/characters. I’ve read half of it, so given it a good go, but I’m out.
November 20, 2025
I wish there had been a warning about the religious content. I would not have wasted my time.
May 1, 2024
Lily Rock, Colorado is a small mountain town filled with hippie-types who came to visit, and never left. They hate progress, change, and new money. The mayor is a psychic dog. A woman named Marla recently moved there and built a multi-million dollar house (with what money?), and invited her friend Olivia to visit. They hadn't seen each other since high school, and they never will, because Olivia arrives to find her old friend dead in the woods behind her house. Who hated Marla enough to kill her?
I got about halfway through and had to give up. Olivia barely questions the townspeople, and doesn't find anybody who particularly disliked Marla, mostly because Olivia barely talks about her! She doesn't really investigate. She finds clues and useful information, and does nothing with it! She spends most of her time just hanging out, going to lunch or taking a shower (at one point, Olivia sees someone peeping in her basement window late at night. Her response? Going upstairs to shower) when she should be using her new-found information to find her friend's killer. The residents of Lily Rock are busybodies, but not in a quirky, endearing way, but in a creepy, privacy-violating way. Just hours after finding Marla, the locals are already calling Olivia "one of us" and offering her a job and expecting her to stay permanently (apparently, Lily Rock is the Bermuda Triangle of the Rockies - you can enter, but you can't escape). Everybody has keys to Marla's house and walk in on Olivia several times, unannounced. With a killer walking free, that's not cool. Someone robs Marla's house, and what does Olivia do? Makes lunch and has a nice chat with a local just moments later. When she tries to talk to people about Marla and how she may have died, they change the subject to something inconsequential and she lets them, thinking she was impolite and going too far. She just seems to go with the flow too much. Olivia made zero progress towards finding her friend's killer. I like mysteries with some actual mystery, and sleuths who ask tough questions and snoop instead of just hanging out at the local burger joint making friends. Take away the murder, and you have some nice fluffy chick lit.
I got about halfway through and had to give up. Olivia barely questions the townspeople, and doesn't find anybody who particularly disliked Marla, mostly because Olivia barely talks about her! She doesn't really investigate. She finds clues and useful information, and does nothing with it! She spends most of her time just hanging out, going to lunch or taking a shower (at one point, Olivia sees someone peeping in her basement window late at night. Her response? Going upstairs to shower) when she should be using her new-found information to find her friend's killer. The residents of Lily Rock are busybodies, but not in a quirky, endearing way, but in a creepy, privacy-violating way. Just hours after finding Marla, the locals are already calling Olivia "one of us" and offering her a job and expecting her to stay permanently (apparently, Lily Rock is the Bermuda Triangle of the Rockies - you can enter, but you can't escape). Everybody has keys to Marla's house and walk in on Olivia several times, unannounced. With a killer walking free, that's not cool. Someone robs Marla's house, and what does Olivia do? Makes lunch and has a nice chat with a local just moments later. When she tries to talk to people about Marla and how she may have died, they change the subject to something inconsequential and she lets them, thinking she was impolite and going too far. She just seems to go with the flow too much. Olivia made zero progress towards finding her friend's killer. I like mysteries with some actual mystery, and sleuths who ask tough questions and snoop instead of just hanging out at the local burger joint making friends. Take away the murder, and you have some nice fluffy chick lit.
March 24, 2022
It was okay, though the amateur sleuth did not do much sleuthing to solve the alleged murder. Also something unsettling about the ending…
September 13, 2022
I didn't "get" Lily Rock. The comments of the beginning of each chapter were, I believe, meant to provide some insight to the character of the town, but they did nothing for my understanding. I understand Lily Rock is unique, but I found nothing endearing.
The main character was not consistent enough for my tastes.
It's not a *bad* story at all, but nothing that resonated with me.
And it loses a star for word misuse, such as "anecdote" when "antidote" is the proper word, or "council" when "counsel" is correct.
The main character was not consistent enough for my tastes.
It's not a *bad* story at all, but nothing that resonated with me.
And it loses a star for word misuse, such as "anecdote" when "antidote" is the proper word, or "council" when "counsel" is correct.
March 14, 2022
This book just wasn't for me but it did have enough mystery and drama to keep me going. However in the end none of the story surprised me. I wish this story followed Janis Jets.
October 14, 2024
Getaway Death, the first book in the Lily Rock Mystery series by Bonnie Hardy, pulls you right into the action from the very beginning, combining suspense, mystery, and just a dash of romance to keep readers hooked. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing, this book offers all that and more.
Olivia Greer’s trip to the small town of Lily Rock was supposed to be a relaxing getaway, but it turns into anything but. Right from the moment she’s run off the road by a tailgater, it’s clear that her peaceful vacation is about to take a dangerous turn. What I loved most about Olivia is how relatable she is—she’s a normal woman who finds herself in an extraordinary and terrifying situation. After being rescued by a handsome stranger (cue the romantic intrigue!), things quickly go from bad to worse when her friend turns up dead and Olivia becomes the prime suspect.
Hardy does a fantastic job of setting the scene in Lily Rock, a small town that seems charming on the surface but hides plenty of secrets beneath. The cast of quirky characters keeps you on your toes—no one is exactly what they seem, and trying to figure out who Olivia can trust is part of the fun. From the eccentric townspeople to the handsome stranger who may or may not have an agenda of his own, Hardy weaves a web of suspicion around everyone Olivia meets.
One of the highlights of the book is Olivia’s transformation. Forced to defend herself, she evolves from a woman simply looking for a break from life into a determined sleuth who’s willing to uncover the town’s hidden truths. Her drive to clear her name adds depth to her character and makes you root for her with every chapter. There’s a vulnerability to Olivia that makes her journey feel more real—she’s scared, unsure of who to trust, and completely out of her element, yet she presses on.
The pacing in Getaway Death is spot-on. Hardy keeps the tension building as Olivia digs deeper into the mystery surrounding her friend’s death, and the town’s secrets slowly begin to unravel. There’s no shortage of red herrings and surprises along the way, making it hard to put the book down. The blend of suspense and small-town charm is perfect, striking just the right balance between cozy mystery and heart-pounding thriller.
What I found particularly enjoyable was the romance subplot, which adds an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the central mystery. The chemistry between Olivia and the handsome stranger who rescues her is undeniable, but there’s always that lingering question—can she really trust him? Their interactions provide a nice counterpoint to the darker elements of the plot and offer a bit of light in an otherwise tense situation.
For fans of cozy mysteries with a strong female lead, a captivating whodunit, and a hint of romance, Getaway Death is the perfect escape. Hardy’s writing is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the small-town atmosphere will draw you in, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the charming yet dangerous world of Lily Rock. With its cliffhangers and unexpected twists, this first book in the series will leave you eager for more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Olivia Greer’s trip to the small town of Lily Rock was supposed to be a relaxing getaway, but it turns into anything but. Right from the moment she’s run off the road by a tailgater, it’s clear that her peaceful vacation is about to take a dangerous turn. What I loved most about Olivia is how relatable she is—she’s a normal woman who finds herself in an extraordinary and terrifying situation. After being rescued by a handsome stranger (cue the romantic intrigue!), things quickly go from bad to worse when her friend turns up dead and Olivia becomes the prime suspect.
Hardy does a fantastic job of setting the scene in Lily Rock, a small town that seems charming on the surface but hides plenty of secrets beneath. The cast of quirky characters keeps you on your toes—no one is exactly what they seem, and trying to figure out who Olivia can trust is part of the fun. From the eccentric townspeople to the handsome stranger who may or may not have an agenda of his own, Hardy weaves a web of suspicion around everyone Olivia meets.
One of the highlights of the book is Olivia’s transformation. Forced to defend herself, she evolves from a woman simply looking for a break from life into a determined sleuth who’s willing to uncover the town’s hidden truths. Her drive to clear her name adds depth to her character and makes you root for her with every chapter. There’s a vulnerability to Olivia that makes her journey feel more real—she’s scared, unsure of who to trust, and completely out of her element, yet she presses on.
The pacing in Getaway Death is spot-on. Hardy keeps the tension building as Olivia digs deeper into the mystery surrounding her friend’s death, and the town’s secrets slowly begin to unravel. There’s no shortage of red herrings and surprises along the way, making it hard to put the book down. The blend of suspense and small-town charm is perfect, striking just the right balance between cozy mystery and heart-pounding thriller.
What I found particularly enjoyable was the romance subplot, which adds an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the central mystery. The chemistry between Olivia and the handsome stranger who rescues her is undeniable, but there’s always that lingering question—can she really trust him? Their interactions provide a nice counterpoint to the darker elements of the plot and offer a bit of light in an otherwise tense situation.
For fans of cozy mysteries with a strong female lead, a captivating whodunit, and a hint of romance, Getaway Death is the perfect escape. Hardy’s writing is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the small-town atmosphere will draw you in, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the charming yet dangerous world of Lily Rock. With its cliffhangers and unexpected twists, this first book in the series will leave you eager for more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2025
I did enjoy this book, however a few things annoyed me. If somebody died of poisoning why would you be eating there food? For that matter if the police knew it was murder why didn't they take it away for testing? Also every time we met the police woman her constant use of the phrase on one hand and on the other hand was really annoying. I know it was a small town and everybody had there secrets but everybody seemed two faced or had split personalities, one minute they were friends and the next they turned nasty. Thank goodness for the mayor, I just loved him and the dog was by far my favourite character. I did like the main character but she did seem a bit flaky, one minute she was going to investigate her friends death and the next she was leaving the mountain. The mystery had you suspecting everybody because of there two faces and despite there being two very obvious suspects I did guess the right one and for the right reason. The story does keep you reading, if only to find out what everybody is hiding. Despite everything I have just wrote I did enjoy it and the story was entertaining which means I will be joining the series again to find out how things develop.
When Olivia needs a break from her life her old school friend invites her to come to Lily Rock for a weekend get away. Things don't go to plan when she is involved in a car crash and then finds her friends dead body. She was to young to die of natural causes and the police start investigating it as a murder. The mayor of the town, a dog, and her friends contractor seem to be the only ones who don't suspect her. Unable to leave town Olivia has no choice but to start her own investigation, especially when it is revealed that she is the sole recipient of Marla's inheritance. The Lily rockers don't want her there and not knowing who she can trust, Olivia will have to look into her friends past to find out what happened to her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Olivia needs a break from her life her old school friend invites her to come to Lily Rock for a weekend get away. Things don't go to plan when she is involved in a car crash and then finds her friends dead body. She was to young to die of natural causes and the police start investigating it as a murder. The mayor of the town, a dog, and her friends contractor seem to be the only ones who don't suspect her. Unable to leave town Olivia has no choice but to start her own investigation, especially when it is revealed that she is the sole recipient of Marla's inheritance. The Lily rockers don't want her there and not knowing who she can trust, Olivia will have to look into her friends past to find out what happened to her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2024
If you have read my review of ‘Tis the Season, the prequel to Bonnie Hardie’s Lily Rock Mystery Series, you’ll know that, as a rule, I’m not a big fan of the cozy mystery genre. Like with every rule, there are exceptions to that rule. For this blood and guts adrenaline jockey, Bonnie Hardie’s Lily Rock Mystery Series is one of those exceptions. There's no vulgarity and/or overt, gratuitous sex which are two of the qualifications of every cozy mystery, but there is enough violence to satisfy this adrenaline jockey.
In ‘In Tis the Season, we met all the main characters that play key roles in Getaway Death, and I suspect will play key roles in all the books to follow in this amazing new series. Without a doubt, Getaway Death, picks up pretty much where ‘Tis the Season left off with Janis Jett having become the town constable. In Getaway Death we meet Olivia Greer as she travels to Lily Rock for a weekend getaway to visit an old childhood friend, one that she hadn’t seen for many years. Little does Olivia suspect the perils of Pauline that await her, beginning with what could have been a fatal car accident on a foggy mountain road, followed by finding her friends dead body in her garden.
This was one of those mysteries that I found impossible to put down once I started reading it. Getaway Death isn’t a page turner, it’s a page burner. From the brief sneak peek into Influenced to Death, book two in this series, it becomes clear that these books build on the ones that have gone before them, including the prequel. Although Bonnie has written these books in such a way that you can read any of them as standalone mysteries and enjoy the read, I strongly recommend that you go back and begin your journey with ‘Tis the Season. Now I’m off to read book two, Influenced to Death.
In ‘In Tis the Season, we met all the main characters that play key roles in Getaway Death, and I suspect will play key roles in all the books to follow in this amazing new series. Without a doubt, Getaway Death, picks up pretty much where ‘Tis the Season left off with Janis Jett having become the town constable. In Getaway Death we meet Olivia Greer as she travels to Lily Rock for a weekend getaway to visit an old childhood friend, one that she hadn’t seen for many years. Little does Olivia suspect the perils of Pauline that await her, beginning with what could have been a fatal car accident on a foggy mountain road, followed by finding her friends dead body in her garden.
This was one of those mysteries that I found impossible to put down once I started reading it. Getaway Death isn’t a page turner, it’s a page burner. From the brief sneak peek into Influenced to Death, book two in this series, it becomes clear that these books build on the ones that have gone before them, including the prequel. Although Bonnie has written these books in such a way that you can read any of them as standalone mysteries and enjoy the read, I strongly recommend that you go back and begin your journey with ‘Tis the Season. Now I’m off to read book two, Influenced to Death.
August 25, 2022
Getaway Death, a Lily Rock Mystery, and to my surprise it’s not at all what I’d expected…having read, Meadow’s Hat, prior. I thought it would be more along that line but instead, it is about this doctor that was fathering children left and right and selling them. He had no remorse as to what he’d been doing.
What I liked about this book is how Maguire was introduced…Olivia (who’d had a gashed on her head) was about to get stitched by the doctor and needing a distraction she thought it best to ask about the dog in the picture on the wall in the office… “What’s up with the dog?” “Not my dog. At least, he isn’t at present. He resides with Meadow McCloud. She handles all of his appearances and mayoral duties.” “Don’t tell me that dog is your mayor. What kind of town is this?” Olivia asked. He replied saying that this town is a good town and their ways are not odd and that an outsider such as herself should stay out of things.
When she was ready to leave; she asked how much she owed him and he touch her chin lightly saying how she reminded him of someone that he knew long ago…she replied saying that ‘everyone says that,’ ‘I always remind someone of their long-lost sister or auntie.’ Olivia did not know how right that she was about being or resembling a sister and this doctor is an old smooch… and she had to resist her urge to kiss him on the cheek…he did say that she was beautiful and that her face is not average.
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What I did not like in this book was the character of Dr. May; he is a lecherous old man, who should be stripped of his license and barred from ever practicing again, and jailed for a life behind bars. Amen!
What I liked about this book is how Maguire was introduced…Olivia (who’d had a gashed on her head) was about to get stitched by the doctor and needing a distraction she thought it best to ask about the dog in the picture on the wall in the office… “What’s up with the dog?” “Not my dog. At least, he isn’t at present. He resides with Meadow McCloud. She handles all of his appearances and mayoral duties.” “Don’t tell me that dog is your mayor. What kind of town is this?” Olivia asked. He replied saying that this town is a good town and their ways are not odd and that an outsider such as herself should stay out of things.
When she was ready to leave; she asked how much she owed him and he touch her chin lightly saying how she reminded him of someone that he knew long ago…she replied saying that ‘everyone says that,’ ‘I always remind someone of their long-lost sister or auntie.’ Olivia did not know how right that she was about being or resembling a sister and this doctor is an old smooch… and she had to resist her urge to kiss him on the cheek…he did say that she was beautiful and that her face is not average.
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What I did not like in this book was the character of Dr. May; he is a lecherous old man, who should be stripped of his license and barred from ever practicing again, and jailed for a life behind bars. Amen!
January 24, 2023
I thought this book would just be a cute, winter-themed cozy mystery, but Getaway Death had WAY too much going on. I guess it was a setup/intro to a series and the author felt the need to cram a million characters into this quirky & very contradictory town. There were the “old rockers” - the folks who’d been around Lily Rock forever who wanted to maintain the town’s low key charm but also dabbled in drugs and witchy things …maybe they were meant to be like old hippies who just don’t like outsiders but they were painted more like people stuck in their ways who hated hipsters while also frequenting the local microbrewery. I was just genuinely confused. There was a creepy doctor with a mysterious past and a young teacher of musical prodigies with rich parents. There was Michael who I didn’t like AT ALL - the knight-in-shining-armor who just seemed creepy and controlling… asking if he could spend the night immediately but only platonically to guard Olivia… made especially ridiculous after HE had tailgated her to run her off the road in the opening scene. Then Olivia was knowingly being drugged and crashing at this lady’s house and just going along with it. The mayor was a dog and also a psychic and the cleaning lady/waitress was trans, and a bunch of women never knew who their father was… TW for rape, and random sections about faith and the Bible. It’s all way too much with zero flow and very confusing. This book (like my ranting review) is not well-written. There’s strange stream of consciousness sections and obvious red-herrings. It’s a no for me and I won’t continue the series.
January 22, 2025
DNF page 87
This mystery caused me to do something I can’t remember doing in a long time. I peeked at the ending to see who did it. Why? Because there’s a character who is so especially toxic, controlling, and disturbing, that if he wasn’t the murderer then I would lose all respect for the author. In eighty-seven pages there were so many red flags about his behavior that I was uncomfortable reading any more of his interactions. He displays all the hallmarks of a physiologically controlling and abusive person. He’s classic stalker material, and I could not in good faith continue to read that the protagonist actively tried to talk herself out of her concerns to consider him a potential romantic partner. Honestly, I feel this is shameful on the author’s part.
As unhealthy as that character is, the rest of the book is also populated by members of a community that I think the reader is supposed to find quirky, but who come across as a cult. Personalities switch on a dime, people lie about their professions and reasons for being places, they rifle through a stranger’s belongings and make decisions for her, and even drug her, all while having each other on speed dial so they can do these activities without her knowledge. It doesn’t help that Olivia is such a doormat that she rarely sees this and never steps up for herself even when she does. Of course, I didn’t finish the novel, but the fact that Hardy would write all of this as acceptable is disturbing.
This mystery caused me to do something I can’t remember doing in a long time. I peeked at the ending to see who did it. Why? Because there’s a character who is so especially toxic, controlling, and disturbing, that if he wasn’t the murderer then I would lose all respect for the author. In eighty-seven pages there were so many red flags about his behavior that I was uncomfortable reading any more of his interactions. He displays all the hallmarks of a physiologically controlling and abusive person. He’s classic stalker material, and I could not in good faith continue to read that the protagonist actively tried to talk herself out of her concerns to consider him a potential romantic partner. Honestly, I feel this is shameful on the author’s part.
As unhealthy as that character is, the rest of the book is also populated by members of a community that I think the reader is supposed to find quirky, but who come across as a cult. Personalities switch on a dime, people lie about their professions and reasons for being places, they rifle through a stranger’s belongings and make decisions for her, and even drug her, all while having each other on speed dial so they can do these activities without her knowledge. It doesn’t help that Olivia is such a doormat that she rarely sees this and never steps up for herself even when she does. Of course, I didn’t finish the novel, but the fact that Hardy would write all of this as acceptable is disturbing.
April 3, 2022
So I love a good mystery and this had some good potential, but the main character, Olivia, drove me crazy. Her high school friend is murdered and at first, she wants to pack up and go but because she found the body and was just in a car accident, she cannot leave just yet. Mike, the guy that was tailgating her that caused her to run off the road also acts as her savior, but she doesn't trust him as it seems as if he is stalking her. Everywhere she turns, he is there. Then there is the doctor and his nurse, the librarian who drugs her, the librarian's daughter who runs the school, the barkeep and his wife, the housekeeper of her friend and she just does not know where to turn to as the local law officer seems to have a close relationship with Mike. The town does not like newcomers, never mind those that want to effect change. Eventually, Olivia decides to stay and help solve her friend's murder.
She drove me absolutely insane. I get it. The others acted a bit shady and knowing who to trust and who not to trust was difficult. Illegal marijuana dealings, shady medical practices, and a town with a few secrets would probably drive everyone crazy, but the fact that she seems the trust the wrong people a few times, then not, then leaves at the end knowing her ties to the community was not what I was expecting from her.
She drove me absolutely insane. I get it. The others acted a bit shady and knowing who to trust and who not to trust was difficult. Illegal marijuana dealings, shady medical practices, and a town with a few secrets would probably drive everyone crazy, but the fact that she seems the trust the wrong people a few times, then not, then leaves at the end knowing her ties to the community was not what I was expecting from her.
November 19, 2024
This mystery was not my favorite of the Lily Rock stories (the prequels were better) but it’s still better than most mysteries out there in quality of writing and character development. I felt that the identity of the murderer was too obvious. But the characters are top tier. Each of them has layers and motivations, including secondary characters. The town of Lily Rock is well thought out, and each character has a role, no matter how small. I think my favorite character is Mayor Maguire (the dog), with Sage being a close second. The dog steals the show.
Here’s my breakdown:
Detective- Olivia Greer, visitor to the town and best friend of the victim.
Sidekick- Mayor Maguire, a golden doodle.
Crime- murder
Victim- Marla Osbourne, Lily Rock resident and artistic patron.
Method- anaphylactic shock (deliberately withheld epi pen).
Series? Y. First official book in the series, but there are a few prequels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Here’s my breakdown:
Detective- Olivia Greer, visitor to the town and best friend of the victim.
Sidekick- Mayor Maguire, a golden doodle.
Crime- murder
Victim- Marla Osbourne, Lily Rock resident and artistic patron.
Method- anaphylactic shock (deliberately withheld epi pen).
Series? Y. First official book in the series, but there are a few prequels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2022
I like a good yarn, but this is the worst thing I have read since some of the pet theories of professors were prescribed as required reading in school. Obviously, writing-as-industry and writing-as-science have been studied here; each character has two oppositional quirks that make them stand out. On the plus side, the author knows EXACTLY when to move from dialogue to general description, although the text is so generic that it reads like a textbook. On the downside, the characters are all marketing demographics and the preachy politics reads like a struggle session. All of this could be overcome if the mystery were interesting, but instead we have a Satan incarnate un-PC character who becomes the source of all wrong in the area. There is no real mystery, only a long period of discussion before the trap is sprung.
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