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Myrtle Clover Mysteries #20
Death at a Diner
Diners can prove hazardous to your health.
Although Palmer Baxter hasn’t lived in the small town of Bradley long, she’s already become a force to be reckoned with. She’s joined all the clubs in town and has effected a takeover of many of them. Palmer is married to a handsome banker, is perfectly coiffed and outfitted, and volunteers for groups that serve the needy.
Needless to say, Palmer is extremely unpopular in her new hometown.
Unpopularity doesn’t ordinarily equate to murder, but it does in this instance. When octogenarian sleuth Myrtle and her senior sidekick Miles venture out for an early breakfast at the local diner, they make the startling discovery of Palmer’s demise.
Will Myrtle and Miles find the killer before disaster strikes again?
Although Palmer Baxter hasn’t lived in the small town of Bradley long, she’s already become a force to be reckoned with. She’s joined all the clubs in town and has effected a takeover of many of them. Palmer is married to a handsome banker, is perfectly coiffed and outfitted, and volunteers for groups that serve the needy.
Needless to say, Palmer is extremely unpopular in her new hometown.
Unpopularity doesn’t ordinarily equate to murder, but it does in this instance. When octogenarian sleuth Myrtle and her senior sidekick Miles venture out for an early breakfast at the local diner, they make the startling discovery of Palmer’s demise.
Will Myrtle and Miles find the killer before disaster strikes again?
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2022
26 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Spann Craig
91 books473 followersAuthor also writes under Elizabeth Craig
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 21, 2023
Finally, finally! The potential of the books comes out. Completely laughing to tears over the book club discussion on Little Women. Oh, please, encore, more!
Those little scenes are not enough to elevate this Peyton Place hyper-drama. None of the characters are sympathetic, or interesting enough to make the reader care whodunit or why.
Some of the fun tropes get pushed too far also. Myrtle suddenly, inexplicably takes a left turn in tactics - not only not cooking herself but PAYING the lazy, slovenly Puddin' to do so? While at the same time, the eye rolling about Myrtle's cooking is over the top tired. If Miles was really such a gentleman, he would have stopped that ages ago (well, never have done it at all), and no one would say anything. Someone brings you a casserole, you say thank you, you like it or you don't, you eat it or give it to the dog. There's no call for the theatrics about it, it's unforgivably rude, AND, for all they know the recipient grew up with as bad or worse. The gift is a kind and genuine act, and it's not a gourmet competition!
One wonders, why doesn't Miles try to cook WITH Myrtle? Reverse it, say he'd like to make something, and have Myrtle help him? She'll learn some techniques and skills that way. He could even setup some intentional mistakes so Myrtle can correct HIM, as she learns herself. Elaine is a great baker, why (similarly) doesn't she invite Myrtle to be backup with Jack and 'help her teach Jack about cooking'? Well, maybe these approaches will appear in coming books!
Back to the main story, it's convoluted but okay. Because of the unsavory characters, its a bit of a slog to get through, with many bits described after the fact, when taking the reader through them in action would have been more interesting.
Those little scenes are not enough to elevate this Peyton Place hyper-drama. None of the characters are sympathetic, or interesting enough to make the reader care whodunit or why.
Some of the fun tropes get pushed too far also. Myrtle suddenly, inexplicably takes a left turn in tactics - not only not cooking herself but PAYING the lazy, slovenly Puddin' to do so? While at the same time, the eye rolling about Myrtle's cooking is over the top tired. If Miles was really such a gentleman, he would have stopped that ages ago (well, never have done it at all), and no one would say anything. Someone brings you a casserole, you say thank you, you like it or you don't, you eat it or give it to the dog. There's no call for the theatrics about it, it's unforgivably rude, AND, for all they know the recipient grew up with as bad or worse. The gift is a kind and genuine act, and it's not a gourmet competition!
One wonders, why doesn't Miles try to cook WITH Myrtle? Reverse it, say he'd like to make something, and have Myrtle help him? She'll learn some techniques and skills that way. He could even setup some intentional mistakes so Myrtle can correct HIM, as she learns herself. Elaine is a great baker, why (similarly) doesn't she invite Myrtle to be backup with Jack and 'help her teach Jack about cooking'? Well, maybe these approaches will appear in coming books!
Back to the main story, it's convoluted but okay. Because of the unsavory characters, its a bit of a slog to get through, with many bits described after the fact, when taking the reader through them in action would have been more interesting.
March 1, 2023
Elizabeth Spann Craig’s Death at a Diner is another solid and well-written mystery starring everyone’s favourite octogenarian sleuth. This is the twentieth entry in the series but can easily be read as a standalone.
While out for an early breakfast run to Bo’s Diner, retired English teacher turned amateur sleuth Myrtle and her sidekick Miles stumble upon a dead body. The murder victim is rich and opinionated Palmer Baxter who has recently moved to Bradley and who was determined to leave her mark on the small town. Although she was charitable, Palmer’s bossy and self-serving nature as well as her commandeering of all the clubs has made her very unpopular with the locals. With many viable suspects including Palmer’s cold and elusive husband as well as her charity case cousin, Myrtle must uncover the murderer before the bodies pile up!
This is truly one of my favourite series! I wish it could go on forever. I can always count on Craig to deliver a great and fun mystery that I can breeze through in a few hours. I love the book’s mature writing as well as the very well-balanced combination of wit, humour, and laugh-out-loud moments.
The mystery plot does take a little while to get going. However, I really appreciate the steady build up as we get to enjoy life in Bradley while also learning more about the victim. I love all the small town events like the book club meeting which had me screaming with laughter as the members discuss Little Women. The mystery itself is interesting and nicely paced with many viable suspects who are all distinct and memorable. There are some good twists and great red herrings. Although I thought I figured out the mystery, I love that Craig constantly swept the rug out from under me! The big reveal does make sense and the murderer’s motives are definitely plausible and fit the crimes.
All of the characters remain an excellently written, memorable, and unique bunch! Clever Myrtle is in absolutely fine form as she snoops, sleuths, and boldly interrogates suspects in the way that only crafty little old ladies can. I lived for her bossing around her poor germaphobic hypochondriac sidekick Miles while also continuously forgetting what he used to do for work. I love this running gag throughout the series so much that I’ve even forgotten Miles’ former job title!
🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄 out of 5 spoons!
While out for an early breakfast run to Bo’s Diner, retired English teacher turned amateur sleuth Myrtle and her sidekick Miles stumble upon a dead body. The murder victim is rich and opinionated Palmer Baxter who has recently moved to Bradley and who was determined to leave her mark on the small town. Although she was charitable, Palmer’s bossy and self-serving nature as well as her commandeering of all the clubs has made her very unpopular with the locals. With many viable suspects including Palmer’s cold and elusive husband as well as her charity case cousin, Myrtle must uncover the murderer before the bodies pile up!
This is truly one of my favourite series! I wish it could go on forever. I can always count on Craig to deliver a great and fun mystery that I can breeze through in a few hours. I love the book’s mature writing as well as the very well-balanced combination of wit, humour, and laugh-out-loud moments.
The mystery plot does take a little while to get going. However, I really appreciate the steady build up as we get to enjoy life in Bradley while also learning more about the victim. I love all the small town events like the book club meeting which had me screaming with laughter as the members discuss Little Women. The mystery itself is interesting and nicely paced with many viable suspects who are all distinct and memorable. There are some good twists and great red herrings. Although I thought I figured out the mystery, I love that Craig constantly swept the rug out from under me! The big reveal does make sense and the murderer’s motives are definitely plausible and fit the crimes.
All of the characters remain an excellently written, memorable, and unique bunch! Clever Myrtle is in absolutely fine form as she snoops, sleuths, and boldly interrogates suspects in the way that only crafty little old ladies can. I lived for her bossing around her poor germaphobic hypochondriac sidekick Miles while also continuously forgetting what he used to do for work. I love this running gag throughout the series so much that I’ve even forgotten Miles’ former job title!
🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄 out of 5 spoons!
July 14, 2022
Death at a Diner is yet another adventure in this long running series that gets better and better. Writen by Elizabeth Spann Craig this is the twentieth installment and I personally hope for at least twenty more.
Myrtle and Miles yet again inadvertently stumble upon a dead body and are not able to step aside and let police do their job without getting involved. At least Myrtle isn't. As they go aroung talking to people they soon begin to realise that the murdered do-gooder woman was not so nice after all.
it is just a treat to visit with this characters time after time and revel in their escapades. Recurring characters grow and change along with the main heroine and hero and bring amusement to the whole series.
Mystery is engaging, clues are easy to follow along and the story is steady paced. There are also a few laughs along the way.
As soon as I have my hands on books from this series I always drop everything in order to read it.
Highly recommended.
Myrtle and Miles yet again inadvertently stumble upon a dead body and are not able to step aside and let police do their job without getting involved. At least Myrtle isn't. As they go aroung talking to people they soon begin to realise that the murdered do-gooder woman was not so nice after all.
it is just a treat to visit with this characters time after time and revel in their escapades. Recurring characters grow and change along with the main heroine and hero and bring amusement to the whole series.
Mystery is engaging, clues are easy to follow along and the story is steady paced. There are also a few laughs along the way.
As soon as I have my hands on books from this series I always drop everything in order to read it.
Highly recommended.
August 8, 2022
Who needs Tomorrow's Promise when you live in Bradley, North Carolina? 🙂 Seriously, the newest member in town is the newest murder victim and she deserved it. 😏 Almost everyone in town had a reason to kill her and Myrtle makes it her mission to find out why. 😉 (She's just nosy) When the husband is also murdered Miles wants a nap 😴 but Myrtle keeps dragging him around. As always Myrtle solves the case and the bad person goes to jail.🔗 (I was a wee bit off on who it was)😑 The surprising part was Red. 😮 He actually seems to be ALMOST excepting Myrtle investigating and he just tries to help keep her safe. 🤗 I can't wait until the next book and it seems to be coming soon! 😊😊😊😊😊😊
October 18, 2022
Myrtle's Gift
As an almost octogenarian myself, Myrtle is my hero. Every succeeding book I love her and Miles more. I like the way the story moves along mostly through dialogue. Having lived in the South all my life, I find truth and humor in all the characters ,situations and dialogue. As a retired schoolteacher myself,living alone, and mother to one grown daughter, I see myself thinking some of the same things Myrtle does. Just wish I had a "Miles" to pal around with. Long live Myrtle Clover!
As an almost octogenarian myself, Myrtle is my hero. Every succeeding book I love her and Miles more. I like the way the story moves along mostly through dialogue. Having lived in the South all my life, I find truth and humor in all the characters ,situations and dialogue. As a retired schoolteacher myself,living alone, and mother to one grown daughter, I see myself thinking some of the same things Myrtle does. Just wish I had a "Miles" to pal around with. Long live Myrtle Clover!
August 21, 2023
Wonderful cozy mystery
Myrtle and Miles are in the middle of not one but two murders. Wanda warns Myrtle that she's in danger. Myrtle's son Red gets on her wrong side yet again so the Gnomes are brought out and lined up on the lawn. Pasha the feral cat that Myrtle feeds also plays her part. I love these books. Well worth five stars.
Myrtle and Miles are in the middle of not one but two murders. Wanda warns Myrtle that she's in danger. Myrtle's son Red gets on her wrong side yet again so the Gnomes are brought out and lined up on the lawn. Pasha the feral cat that Myrtle feeds also plays her part. I love these books. Well worth five stars.
December 5, 2023
I really enjoyed spending time with the gang again but when I read the next book I'm going to have to set aside a weekend or something. I read this over five or six nights, tired after work, being interrupted by kid and husband and I couldn't follow who did it. They explained it twice, which helped, but I admit I got lost along the way. I don't blame the author, but life happens.
July 20, 2022
Another fun adventure with Myrtle and Miles
I always enjoy Myrtle Clover! A great cozy read with an unlikely sleuth and sidekick. For those that have read many of the Myrtle clover books, we finally get to meet Bitsy.
I always enjoy Myrtle Clover! A great cozy read with an unlikely sleuth and sidekick. For those that have read many of the Myrtle clover books, we finally get to meet Bitsy.
August 5, 2022
Death at a Diner
Maybe it's because I am 74, that I love Myrtle. She has all her wits about her and she's funny. The gnomes are just another accessory to the current mystery. All the characters, Miles, Red, Puddin,her husband,and the others add color to the dialog.
Maybe it's because I am 74, that I love Myrtle. She has all her wits about her and she's funny. The gnomes are just another accessory to the current mystery. All the characters, Miles, Red, Puddin,her husband,and the others add color to the dialog.
December 17, 2022
Myrtle is clever as ever
Always a treat to read about the adventures of Myrtle and Miles. She is clever and amusing. I always look forward to the next book in the series. You dont need to read these in order but I highly recommend giving this series a try. Great fun.
Always a treat to read about the adventures of Myrtle and Miles. She is clever and amusing. I always look forward to the next book in the series. You dont need to read these in order but I highly recommend giving this series a try. Great fun.
July 18, 2022
I love these light hearted murder mystery books I love mrs clover I have fun reading these
August 7, 2022
Goodboo
I've love this series I always look forward to the next book. It's about an octogenarian and her 70 year old sidekick solving murders. I truly recommend this series.
I've love this series I always look forward to the next book. It's about an octogenarian and her 70 year old sidekick solving murders. I truly recommend this series.
August 26, 2022
Loved it! Miss Myrtle is as sharp as ever!
July 28, 2024
Mrs Clover strikes again
Wonderful series about the escapades of Mrs Clover and her side kick Miles
A must read for any cozy mystery reader
Wonderful series about the escapades of Mrs Clover and her side kick Miles
A must read for any cozy mystery reader
August 8, 2022
Once again the writer has brought Ms. Myrtle Clover to life. I absolutely love this series. The actions and quick thinking of Ms. Myrtle always entertains me. I have been a fan of mysteries since Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. This just reminds me that you are never too old to conquer things, even if it is with the aid of a hypochondriac side-kick and a feral cat that always seems to have your back at the right time.
August 12, 2024
I love the Myrtle Clover mysteries for my morning cup of coffee reading. They’re light and humorous so that I don’t have to think too hard when I first get up. Pasha, the feral cat is probably my favorite character.
August 16, 2022
If there's a murder anywhere in Bradley, North Carolina, octogenarian Myrtle and her side-kick Miles aren't far behind.
This time, it's the dead body of the new resident (and annoying) Palmer whom our intrepid duo find while waiting for Bo's Diner to open. It also happens that Palmer had ideas to buy the diner and turn it into a bistro. Not exactly Bradley.
I can highly recommend this and the other books in the series. The characters are memorable and the murder well done.
Highly recommended.
This time, it's the dead body of the new resident (and annoying) Palmer whom our intrepid duo find while waiting for Bo's Diner to open. It also happens that Palmer had ideas to buy the diner and turn it into a bistro. Not exactly Bradley.
I can highly recommend this and the other books in the series. The characters are memorable and the murder well done.
Highly recommended.
January 12, 2023
Bo’s Diner with a Splash of Murder
What could be better than breakfast at Bo’s Diner? For Myrtle Clover and Miles Bradford, it’s a great way to start the day. But when they find the body of a newcomer in the diner parking lot, their breakfast plans are interrupted. With a new murder to investigate, Myrtle and Miles begin to sort through the life of the victim and discover that there are quite a few people who had a vested interest in her death. Can the amateur sleuths discover who killed Palmer? Or will they end up being the next victims?
Myrtle and Miles are back once again in the twentieth book detailing their exploits in Bradley, North Carolina. As usual, the host of familiar characters welcomes you back to this small town and the new characters will get you to stay as Myrtle pokes her nose in where it doesn’t belong. With her usual cleverness and Miles’s reluctant assistance, she questions suspects and pieces together the puzzle of another whodunit.
Craig once again presents an interesting mystery and an intriguing cast of suspects. With the usual funny moments sprinkled through with suspense as well as a heaping of Southern charm, this book is a great addition to the Myrtle Clover series. If you’ve enjoyed any of the series before, this is a book you’ll want to read.
What could be better than breakfast at Bo’s Diner? For Myrtle Clover and Miles Bradford, it’s a great way to start the day. But when they find the body of a newcomer in the diner parking lot, their breakfast plans are interrupted. With a new murder to investigate, Myrtle and Miles begin to sort through the life of the victim and discover that there are quite a few people who had a vested interest in her death. Can the amateur sleuths discover who killed Palmer? Or will they end up being the next victims?
Myrtle and Miles are back once again in the twentieth book detailing their exploits in Bradley, North Carolina. As usual, the host of familiar characters welcomes you back to this small town and the new characters will get you to stay as Myrtle pokes her nose in where it doesn’t belong. With her usual cleverness and Miles’s reluctant assistance, she questions suspects and pieces together the puzzle of another whodunit.
Craig once again presents an interesting mystery and an intriguing cast of suspects. With the usual funny moments sprinkled through with suspense as well as a heaping of Southern charm, this book is a great addition to the Myrtle Clover series. If you’ve enjoyed any of the series before, this is a book you’ll want to read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews