Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis

Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery #1

by Sally Bayless

Libby Ballard’s got everything she needs to rebuild her life. A new job, a new friend, and a newly adopted golden retriever. Then there’s the dead body in her new office.

Libby Ballard, director of the history museum in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, is eager to start a new chapter of her life.

She’s only been in town a few days, but already she’s settled into an apartment, made a new friend named Cleo, and adopted a lovable golden retriever named Bella.

But everything is not as idyllic as it seems in Dogwood Springs. On her first day at the museum, Libby walks into her new office and finds her predecessor’s dead body.

Join Libby, Cleo, and Bella as they track down a killer!

Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis is the first book in the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series. If you like a mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a sweet small town, you’ll love this series!

Join Libby and start solving your next mystery today!

A clean cozy mystery with a hint of romance.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller, Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2022

About the author

Sally Bayless writes cozy mysteries and sweet romance.

She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.

For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.

Reviews

[Malia Saldaña · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good mystery! I loved it so much, and that ending surprised me! I loved the town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri. I wish I could visit. I really liked Libby and all of the supporting characters who were her friends. They were such a close-knit, supportive town. I love dogs, and Bella was such a great addition to the story. I highly recommend this book. * I did receive an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.*

[Brittany Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

stuff your kindle day (september 2023)

cozy? sure. semi-boring? yes.

the dog found the murder weapon because she (the dog) had a gut feeling and knew the gun was hidden in a seemingly random (to her, being a dog) backyard.

the dog — how cute and smart she is, when and what she ate, and the precise timing and length of her walks made up 50% of the story.

doug embezzled money and no one cared. doug embezzled money, and it didn’t even matter to the story. doug embezzled money, and i forgot until the very end when his wife then “gave it back” to the museum.

also i’m mad because sam never told me what the password to the flash drive was. i think i deserve to know.

* an ok read — this was not for me
* struggled to finish or just finished for the sake of finishing
* found things incredibly ridiculous, laughed at how things did not make sense, many dumb or odd choices, boring
* if i never picked this book up i would still be completely the same person

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dogwood Springs seems like such a fun small town to live in (except for the murders though)

[Karen Torrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought it was a slow start but then realized I was being interrupted too often. So I started it again and was really glad I did. I loved the twists and turns and intriguing interaction with Bella. Recommend to anyone. Just a great mystery book.

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect small town, cozy mystery! It’s got an art historian, small town gossip, a handsome professor, and did I mention the dog? The dialogue wasn’t cheesy like in most of these kinds of books, and I wasn’t able to guess the plot twist. I see more of Dogwood Springs in my future.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the prequel first, (which isn't listed on Goodreads or Amazon, it's a BookFunnel exclusive if you sign up for the author's newsletter) which was a fun introduction to Libby Ballard and how she came to get the job of the Dogwood Springs historical museum director and found she had a knack for solving mysteries too. It was a fun little non-murder mystery of probably 50-60 pages. Check the author's GR page for her website link. I signed up for just her cozy mystery newsletter, at least I believe it's separate from her other one.

This actual book did have not only one but two murders for Libby and her new friends to sleuth out. I really love her new group of friends (once I was sure who I could trust lol) and how they'd gather at Libby's apartment to work on clues and set assignments. It always helps to have a smart teen like Cleo's nephew Zack to help the online aspects of mysteries but even better when the handsome computer sciences professor pitched in too! I'm thinking he and Libby might be off to a good start. She was surprised and happy to find out he'd bought her old family homestead and was restoring it as well as its history.

Cleo was an awesome new bestie and so super welcoming when Libby moved into the other apartment in the house they both rented. Alice, museum board president made up the other part of the sleuth quartet. And that sweet awesome Golden Retriever, Bella who Libby got to adopt--she was so smart and adorable!

I honestly didn't know whodunit. There were a couple people I was afraid might be the perp, but I didn't want those people guilty, so the reveal was a definite surprise although it was the result of some clues adding up. Technically I had an idea who Libby was after but not sure if it was right. The pizza dinner and explanation at the end was great and showed Libby how life here in Dogwood Springs was gonna be pretty sweet! I can't wait to borrow the next book when it comes out on KU!

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first cozy mystery but it certainly won’t be my last!

This was so cute and charming! Exactly what I’ve been looking for in a book - a light mystery, a lovable cast of characters, charm, small town setting, and having a wonderful dog companion was the cherry on top!

Overall, I loved getting to know Libby and her friends. I enjoyed the mystery but the characters and small town setting were the highlight for me.

I also liked that this was pretty short. For someone that struggles with reading these days, it was super easy to finish in one day.

I think I may have unlocked a new favorite genre? 👀 Only time will tell. I know one thing for sure, which is that I will be continuing this series!

[Mady Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there was nothing worthwhile about the book, I enjoyed it all the same. Libby is fantastic as a character and as a new museum director. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters along with their personality. I will definitely be reading the full series to see how the relationship blossom and what other murderous plots are committed in this small town. Although in true nerd fashion I am looking forward to seeing what they find out about the mysterious painting.

[Deon]

FREE on Kindle
July 25, 2023
https://amzn.to/3pZrUSV
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[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just reread this one

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery, it keeps you guessing till the end.

[Anna Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute small-town mystery! Always love a heroic dog!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 truly the definition of a cozy mystery.. obsessed with these vibes and now I want to read the entire series

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the setting and characters in this one. The writing started out weak (paragraphs read like lists of the MC's actions), but got stronger as the book went on. I'll definitely be continuing this series.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery

I’m a fan of cozy mysteries and small towns, so the genre and setting of this book worked for me. Newly divorced and out of a prestigious job in Philadelphia, Libby returns to her little Missouri hometown to head up the local historical society there. She finds her predecessor shot to death at her desk and, with the help of new friends and colleagues, figures out whodunnit, finding another body and nearly being killed herself along the way. Just enough mystery and suspense to give the story a little spice. A pleasant place to visit: I will read other books in this series.

[Hannah King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much and looking forward to the next one!

[Melissa Bradford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This hit the spot as far as cozy mysteries go. Bayless writes a creative, unique storyline with likable characters. It wasn’t anything too spectacular in the literary sense and there were some oversimplified plot points, but it was a pleasant travel read. I probably won’t continue reading the series as I don’t feel too invested in it.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Ballard's first full novel is excellent. She meets some new friends on her move back to her family's ancestral home town and also ends up with a new dog. Her interview at the local museum goes well and she has her job to pay the bills and fulfills her dream of running a museum. The characters in this book are lovable/likeable without an irritable person ruining the cozy feel. Character development is excellent and the mystery kept me interested. I have to admit I am very partial to this series as it is one of my top 4 series that I enjoy reading. Highly recommended.

[Emma Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing style of this book just didn’t work for me. It was too descriptive, every move the main character made was done on the page which gave it a very slow pace and it felt like a slog to get to the end. I also can’t decide if this was ‘cosy’ or just boring and the intelligence attributed to Bella the dog was a stretch even for me. Having said that, it wasn’t terrible and I did finish it so I can’t give it any lower than two stars, but I won’t be reading the rest of the series.

[Marysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Source: Downloaded as a free ebook from Stuff Your Kindle Day

I went a bit nuts on some Stuff Your Kindle Days recently and now have hundreds of free books to read. I chose this one because it fit a category on a reading challenge I'm doing.

I basically have no complaints on this one, it's exactly what I am looking for in a cozy mystery. The history museum made for an interesting hook that's a bit different from most of the occupations I've read so far. I really appreciated the general lack of stupid and reckless behavior on Libby's part. The confrontation that did occur was due to falling into an understandable trap. Bella, the golden retriever, is cute and helped out on multiple occasions. The characters all felt well-rounded. I learned a history tidbit as one of the clues (Harry S Truman had no middle name, just the initial S).

Also, although it was still only hinted at and not stated outright in the text, I liked that this book actually did address the concept of racial bias in policing with how they immediately suspected Imani (the only Black employee at the museum) and her nervousness around them. I think most mysteries avoid the subject entirely.

Nothing major bothered me in terms of editing errors or plot holes. Some of the tech stuff was a bit oversimplified, and the timing of when everyone came and left the museum on the morning of the murder seemed a little too short/compressed to be realistic.

Since the rest of this series is on KU, I will probably continue. I am curious about the mysterious painting, which is something that did not get fully resolved in this installment.

Cozy Diversity Report: Most characters are white. Museum employee Imani is Black (see above). No GLBT characters mentioned.

[Nenia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty new to cozy mysteries. I tend to lean more towards dark romance and edgy thrillers, but I've been really stressed out lately and have been trying to buffer my harder reads with relaxed and low-key ones. ANTIQUES, ARTIFACTS & ALIBIS recently showed up as an offering for Stuff Your Kindle Day, and as someone who loves antiquing and animals, the idea of a cozy revolving around a museum director in a small town (with a pet golden retriever) was too good to miss.

Libby is newly divorced and gave up her sweet job at a larger museum because her ex-husband still worked there. Dogwood Springs is the home of her childhood, and her family there was practically royalty since they were one of the founding families. She is excited to work there, see her old family home, and regain her bearings. Which are obviously shaken when on her first day on the job, she finds a dead woman in what is supposed to be her office.

If you go into this expecting Agatha Christie, you're going to be disappointed. The murder isn't super complicated and it's not gritty at all. But I loved the descriptions of the town, and her interactions with the people there. It's also nice to read a mystery with an older heroine, and her love interest, a retired tech mogul who became a professor, is the perfect beta hero for anyone who's tired of alpha shenanigans. Also, we can't forget Bella the Dog.

I'll probably read more from this series when I'm in the mood for it. This is basically the chicken soup of mysteries. Good for when you're feeling sick or tired or defeated, and are wanting something gently invigorating and comfortingly bland.

3.5 stars

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written story about a new museum director in a small town with a lot of history. Even though it had the over-used plot device of a recent divorce from a cheating husband and a job loss forcing her to move, she was not the prime suspect in the murder that occurred on her first day on the job. Even though it is a small-town Libby is able to make friends quickly as her family has a lot of history in the town. The smart golden retriever that belonged to the previous occupant of her apartment was a big help on many fronts. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next one.

Amazon synopsis:
Libby Ballard, director of the history museum in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, is eager to build a new life. She’s only been in town a few days, but already she’s settled into an apartment, made friends with a neighbor, and adopted a lovable dog.

But the idyllic charm of Dogwood Springs is about to be shattered by the shocking discovery of a murder. When Libby walks into her new office, she finds the lifeless body of her predecessor.

The shadow of a killer looms over the museum, threatening to derail Libby's new job before it even begins. To make matters worse, the police wrongly target one of her staff members as the prime suspect.

If Libby wants to clear her colleague’s name and save her own job, she must delve into secrets and lies to find the truth.

[Judith Cormier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story and a quick, enjoyable read.

Overall it's the kind of story that acts as a bit of a soother. It's not earth-shattering or super memorable, but still enjoyable.

I liked all of the characters, and, while not overly described, you could still get a good feel for them. If you are looking for major world-building, super dynamic characters and a killer plot, this wouldn't be the read for you. But if you want just a good solid book that you can read and enjoy without overtaxing your brain, this would be it.

Of course, you do need to like cozy mysteries. This is the true definition of that, right down to the sweet golden retriever, Bella. Even the murders (yes there are two) are not overly described. Just a succinct... oh yeah you're dead, and that's it LOL. It's more about the chase down of whoever did it, than describing "how" they died. And I was okay with that.

I'll be looking forward to reading the next one in the series as it will be enjoyable to follow Libby, her dog Bella, and all of her new friends into whatever adventure they get into next.

[MerryMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis is a wonderful, clean, fun cozy mystery. Libby is starting a new job in the touristy town where her great-great grandmother was mayor for several years. Libby expects to spend a week learning from the Museum Director she's replacing, but instead she needs to investigate her murder. We are introduced to a variety of interesting characters, including Libby's new housemate Cleo, her beautiful and intelligent golden retriever Bella, as well as numerous members of the Museum Board, police officers and detectives, and computer science instructor Sam Collins. I love the ties to Libby's past, the town of Dogwood Springs, and the new owner of her mother's childhood home. I also like how Libby shares each tantalizing clue, collaborates with her new friends, and mentions interesting tidbits from history. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review freely given.

[Connie P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable.

I wasn't sure I liked Libby when I first started reading this book. She seemed pretty uptight, helpless and unimaginative. She was forced to move to this new town because her husband was a cheating jerk and his "mistress" was a co-worker to both Libby and her ex-husband. It seems that Libby would have continued to work at her same old job, even knowing that she'd have to work with both of the people who had hurt her the most, except that her ex-husband forced her out of her job and fixed it so that his girlfriend could move into Libby's job along with a hefty pay hike. Libby had to move and take the only job opening in her field, even though she felt it was beneath her. All it takes is a new town, new job, new friends, a murder and a smart and talented Golden Retriever to make Libby into a new woman. I liked her much better by the end of this book and I will read the next book in this series just as soon as it comes out.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiques, Artifacts and Aliens was a great debut cozy mystery. The characters are really likable, the cozy mystery kept me guessing and the.friendships make it even better. Libby Ballard is the new director of Dogwood Springs History Museum. She quickly becomes friends with her apartment neighbor, Cleo and the museum Board President, Alice. On Libby"s first day she finds her predecessor Vivian dead. The suspect pool are the 2 other museum employees and the museum board members. The police force is overworked and understaffed so Libby, Cleo and Alice do some digging so the museum can reopen. Libby adopts a dog, Bella. Her family was from Dogwood Springs but her Aunt sold the family home a couple of years prior. She hits it off with the new owner Sam. There is enough going on but it does get a little slow in the middle but picks back up and the ending is good. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery and I look forward to the next book. #AntiquesArtifactsAndAlibis

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

After an ugly divorce, Libby moves to her mom's hometown as the Director of the history museum. Her first day of work leads to the discovery of her predecessor, shot dead in her office. When donors start to reconsider their investment decision while the museum is closed pending an arrest, Libby realizes that the over worked, under staffed police need all the help they can get. With the help of her new friends and adopted dog, she begins questioning suspects and eventually, catches the attention of the killer. If it saves the museum and her new job, she'll take her chances and hope that justice will be served and no one else dies in the process.

Most people would not risk their life and would hope the police can figure it out. However, having had to start over thanks to her ex douche costing her her job, losing this one before she actually starts would be th he icing on the crap cake.