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Scarlett James #1
Death is Better at the Lake
Scarlett James, a literary agent who specializes in thriller bestsellers, never thought she would find herself a murder suspect in her own hometown. But when she arrives to Spirit Lake, Iowa, to care for her grandmother, the small town just got new gossip. Her author ex-boyfriend shows up dead and everyone is looking at her, including the new good-looking police chief. Join Scarlett and her friends as they start their own investigation and discover all the secrets a small town can hide.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2022
20 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Albi
35 books30 followersAshley Albi was born in Germany, on a US military base. Upon returning to the States she grew up in a small town in IL. Her love of books and storytelling began at a young age when she would create stories and plays with other children or just for herself. Many summer vacations were spent at the local library browsing for new books and participating in reading challenges.
She attended Illinois State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She worked many years at a local bank as a teller and then as a Human Resources assistant. It was then that she began to put her stories to paper and attempt to write her first book.
In 2010, with a first draft completed and buried in her desk and many other snippets of stories scrawled in several notebooks she decided to find a change in scenery and begin a new chapter in her life. August 2011 brought a move to Denver, Colorado.
After her first year of grad school she dropped down to a part-time class load in order to work full-time at non-profit in downtown Denver that focused on serving the homeless and at-risk populations. But while the busyness of her life required her to set down her creative pen for a time her mind continued to search for a new story. Late one night as she returned to her apartment on campus, a curious scene from her window sparked a single question that opened a new creative world for her. Thus, the Covenant series was born.
Though it was several years before the first word of the Covenant series was written, Ashley attributes the story to that single moment.
Ashley met her husband in Denver and they married in 2014. Shortly after their wedding he accepted a pastoral position in a rural community in Iowa. It was in this new chapter that she realized her love of storytelling was more than just a casual hobby and began to pursue her writing with a passion. In this time she outlined the Covenant series and wrote the first book, ‘The Conspirator’.
In 2018, Ashley and her husband welcomed their first-born daughter into the world. It is to her that ‘The Conspirator’ is dedicated.
In 2021, their second daughter joined the family. She arrived shortly after Ashley found a love for cozy mysteries. During the late nights and early mornings, when it was just the two of them, Ashley began to craft her own cozy mystery series based around the charming town, where they had once lived, in Iowa. The first book 'Death is Better at the Lake' was published in September 2022.
Ashley and her family continue to travel around the country, seeking new adventures to keep the spark of creativity alive. She is currently working on the Covenant series and Scarlett James cozy mystery series.
She attended Illinois State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She worked many years at a local bank as a teller and then as a Human Resources assistant. It was then that she began to put her stories to paper and attempt to write her first book.
In 2010, with a first draft completed and buried in her desk and many other snippets of stories scrawled in several notebooks she decided to find a change in scenery and begin a new chapter in her life. August 2011 brought a move to Denver, Colorado.
After her first year of grad school she dropped down to a part-time class load in order to work full-time at non-profit in downtown Denver that focused on serving the homeless and at-risk populations. But while the busyness of her life required her to set down her creative pen for a time her mind continued to search for a new story. Late one night as she returned to her apartment on campus, a curious scene from her window sparked a single question that opened a new creative world for her. Thus, the Covenant series was born.
Though it was several years before the first word of the Covenant series was written, Ashley attributes the story to that single moment.
Ashley met her husband in Denver and they married in 2014. Shortly after their wedding he accepted a pastoral position in a rural community in Iowa. It was in this new chapter that she realized her love of storytelling was more than just a casual hobby and began to pursue her writing with a passion. In this time she outlined the Covenant series and wrote the first book, ‘The Conspirator’.
In 2018, Ashley and her husband welcomed their first-born daughter into the world. It is to her that ‘The Conspirator’ is dedicated.
In 2021, their second daughter joined the family. She arrived shortly after Ashley found a love for cozy mysteries. During the late nights and early mornings, when it was just the two of them, Ashley began to craft her own cozy mystery series based around the charming town, where they had once lived, in Iowa. The first book 'Death is Better at the Lake' was published in September 2022.
Ashley and her family continue to travel around the country, seeking new adventures to keep the spark of creativity alive. She is currently working on the Covenant series and Scarlett James cozy mystery series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 9, 2023
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A book agent is betrayed by her client/boyfriend, so when her grandmother is injured, she returns to her small hometown. She gets together with her high school friends, when her ex shows up. A few pages, he's murdered, and she is the primary suspect.
She's desperate to clear her name, and investigates herself...
Not bad. It was a bit out of the box for her to get several paramours, but that's not a bad thing.
A book agent is betrayed by her client/boyfriend, so when her grandmother is injured, she returns to her small hometown. She gets together with her high school friends, when her ex shows up. A few pages, he's murdered, and she is the primary suspect.
She's desperate to clear her name, and investigates herself...
Not bad. It was a bit out of the box for her to get several paramours, but that's not a bad thing.
July 26, 2024
This was short but pretty good and looking forward to book two based on the ending. Scarlett moving back after breaking up with her boyfriend and then reconnecting with her friends was great. When Jasper showed up and was dealt with by one of her friend, that was just hilarious. The killer was a surprise and came out of nowhere b
January 6, 2023
Scarlett returns to her hometown of Spirit Lake IA from Chicago to be with her grandma who is recovering from a broken her leg. Recently separated form her ex, she is surprised when he shows up at her Grandmother's house unannounced, and even more surprised to find him dead in his hotel room later that evening. As the prime suspect she starts her own investigation with the help of her friends to clear her name and identify the killer.
As a Midwesterner I loved the setting of rural Iowa with references to cities in Minnesota. The character development is on point. Scarlett is a lovable MC. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Zoey. The small-town community, gossip, and relationships are true to life. The story itself is fast-paced and the twist I didn't see coming until right before it happened (and I read A LOT of mystery & suspense).
I'm looking forward to more books in this series. At around 130 pages this would be a wonderful book to pick up on the way to the lake this summer (or anytime) and enjoy over the weekend.
As a Midwesterner I loved the setting of rural Iowa with references to cities in Minnesota. The character development is on point. Scarlett is a lovable MC. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Zoey. The small-town community, gossip, and relationships are true to life. The story itself is fast-paced and the twist I didn't see coming until right before it happened (and I read A LOT of mystery & suspense).
I'm looking forward to more books in this series. At around 130 pages this would be a wonderful book to pick up on the way to the lake this summer (or anytime) and enjoy over the weekend.
May 25, 2023
The main character of this book, Scarlett James, is a literary agent who returns to the small town of Spirit Lake, Iowa to help her grandmother recuperate from surgery. Right before she left Chicago, she found out her boyfriend, Jasper Hall, had betrayed her both personally and professionally. Jasper follows Scarlett to Spirit Lake and while he's in town, he's murdered. Both Scarlett and one of her best friends become the prime suspects, so she and her friends start an investigation of their own.
The author has an engaging style of writing, and the book is a quick, fun read. I like Scarlett and I like the glimpse into the literary world that we get through the story. I was able to figure out who the murderer was before Scarlett, but I still really enjoyed the book and plan to read the second book in the series.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The author has an engaging style of writing, and the book is a quick, fun read. I like Scarlett and I like the glimpse into the literary world that we get through the story. I was able to figure out who the murderer was before Scarlett, but I still really enjoyed the book and plan to read the second book in the series.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
May 9, 2023
Scarlett James rushed back to Spirit Lake, Iowa, alerted that her grandmother Ellie James had broken her leg after a fall. Scarlett was ready for a change of scene upon learning that her boyfriend, Jasper Hall, used a devastating part of Scarlett’s life as the plot for his next thriller. No one would have guessed that day that an author wouldn’t see his next novel published or that the literary agent specializing in thriller bestsellers would be a suspect in a murder investigation in her hometown.
A delightful opening to a new cozy series. Scarlett’s sleuthing partners add interesting assistance, especially with connections available from their personal lives and/or professional network. The setting, an hour’s drive from the state line, adds refreshment to the Midwest setting and plot. The mystery is solved quickly, but with multiple suspects, my sleuthing accuracy was only prior to the satisfying reveal. There is a cliffhanger that provides an array of possibilities for the continuation of the series.
I'm excited about reading more of the series.
A delightful opening to a new cozy series. Scarlett’s sleuthing partners add interesting assistance, especially with connections available from their personal lives and/or professional network. The setting, an hour’s drive from the state line, adds refreshment to the Midwest setting and plot. The mystery is solved quickly, but with multiple suspects, my sleuthing accuracy was only prior to the satisfying reveal. There is a cliffhanger that provides an array of possibilities for the continuation of the series.
I'm excited about reading more of the series.
May 15, 2023
Holy smokes this was amazing!
“Death is Better at the Lake” is a fast paced, small town cozy mystery that hits the ground running full speed ahead! We follow Scarlett as she returns to her small hometown to care for her Grandmother who is in the hospital. Instead of being able to focus on her Grandmother’s health she finds herself at the center of a murder investigation…as the prime suspect! Her life is quickly turned upside down and what started off as a low key trip is quickly filled with murder, mystery, secrets and mayhem!
This was a fantastic series debut and I cannot wait to see where the Scarlett James Cozy Mystery Series will go from here!
Thank you so much to Ashley Albi for the gifted copy!
“Death is Better at the Lake” is a fast paced, small town cozy mystery that hits the ground running full speed ahead! We follow Scarlett as she returns to her small hometown to care for her Grandmother who is in the hospital. Instead of being able to focus on her Grandmother’s health she finds herself at the center of a murder investigation…as the prime suspect! Her life is quickly turned upside down and what started off as a low key trip is quickly filled with murder, mystery, secrets and mayhem!
This was a fantastic series debut and I cannot wait to see where the Scarlett James Cozy Mystery Series will go from here!
Thank you so much to Ashley Albi for the gifted copy!
January 10, 2023
“It was my grandma’s love of far-off worlds and daring adventures that fueled my own love and life calling to the written word.”
A fun, quick cozy mystery! At under 200 pages, this is a super fast read. I really enjoyed meeting Scarlett James and her hometown friends. This book left off on a cliffhanger of sorts, so I’m anxious to read the next in the series as soon as it’s available.
Read if you like:
Cozy mysteries
Small town settings
Characters in the publishing world
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
A fun, quick cozy mystery! At under 200 pages, this is a super fast read. I really enjoyed meeting Scarlett James and her hometown friends. This book left off on a cliffhanger of sorts, so I’m anxious to read the next in the series as soon as it’s available.
Read if you like:
Cozy mysteries
Small town settings
Characters in the publishing world
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2023
This was a great fast paced cozy mystery. It was a really fun read and I love how it ended. Will be starting book 2 asap!!!
September 4, 2023
Quick cozy read
A fun, quick read for your afternoon! Lots of fun characters and details. I want more! Especially after reading the juicy part at the end.
A fun, quick read for your afternoon! Lots of fun characters and details. I want more! Especially after reading the juicy part at the end.
August 20, 2023
Definitely enjoyed; will read book 2 because book 1 leaves me hanging! Set in small town Iowa…which doesn’t happen too often…and a literary agent to boot!
January 9, 2023
I was selected as a rep this for January through March on Instagram. This is the book I picked to receive from the author to read and review this month! This was a quick, fast paced cozy mystery set in the Midwest! In the beginning there was a lot of inner dialogue from Scarlett that dragged a little. However, I loved Scarlett and her feistiness. I thought her job as a literary agent was interesting and gave good insight into investigating the murder. I also loved her friendships with Della, Bree, and Zoey. Scarlett’s love and care for her grandma leapt off the page in the best way. Her banter with Gabe was snappy and made me smile! They added depth to the story. The setting was described in rich detail making me feel like I was there. The plot was fast paced and kept me guessing. I finished this one in one sitting. I did suspect a few elements of the ultimate whodunit, but the final reveal was a surprise. The ending did feel a little abrupt. There were some loose ends, but I liked how they were setting things up for the next book. I’m intrigued to see where book two will take Scarlett and her friends. This one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars for me!
August 4, 2023
How fun! I just won this on Goodreads Giveaway! I’ll update this after I have read the book.
UPDATE: I’ve finished the book. Here’s my review…
Scarlet is a literary agent who is going through a nasty break up with her boyfriend Jasper. Her grandma hurt her leg and needs help, so Scarlet goes to her home town to take care of her grandma. While there, newly ex-boyfriend,Jasper, is found dead by Scarlet and she quickly becomes the number one suspect.
This was a very short and sweet cozy mystery. I wish it was a little bit longer, but I still enjoyed it. I liked Scarlet’s girlfriends. They all had their own special personalities and supported Scarlet by doing their own investigation.
The murderer was a little bit obvious, it could have been written with more mystery, yet for the length of the book it was fine.
The end of the story leaves an opening to a second mystery in book 2. The book is on Kindle Unlimited, so I may read it some time.
UPDATE: I’ve finished the book. Here’s my review…
Scarlet is a literary agent who is going through a nasty break up with her boyfriend Jasper. Her grandma hurt her leg and needs help, so Scarlet goes to her home town to take care of her grandma. While there, newly ex-boyfriend,Jasper, is found dead by Scarlet and she quickly becomes the number one suspect.
This was a very short and sweet cozy mystery. I wish it was a little bit longer, but I still enjoyed it. I liked Scarlet’s girlfriends. They all had their own special personalities and supported Scarlet by doing their own investigation.
The murderer was a little bit obvious, it could have been written with more mystery, yet for the length of the book it was fine.
The end of the story leaves an opening to a second mystery in book 2. The book is on Kindle Unlimited, so I may read it some time.
February 2, 2023
What a fun fast paced cozy mystery! I love that it jumped right in with a murder and the group of best friends trying to find the killer. Straight to point!
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the writing flowed easily. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and it even took me a bit to figure out who the killer was. The ending left us on a cliffhanger so I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book two!
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the writing flowed easily. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and it even took me a bit to figure out who the killer was. The ending left us on a cliffhanger so I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book two!
October 16, 2022
Cozy mystery
This is a quick little mystery thriller where everything happens quickly. The characters are introduced and then the mystery happens and is solved within a day. It was nice little read with interesting characters but I would like the next one to be a bit more complex.
This is a quick little mystery thriller where everything happens quickly. The characters are introduced and then the mystery happens and is solved within a day. It was nice little read with interesting characters but I would like the next one to be a bit more complex.
October 3, 2022
Amazing Read
Definitely kept my interest and wanting to read more. I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next book!
Definitely kept my interest and wanting to read more. I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next book!
May 3, 2023
Death is Better at the Lake is a cozy that I just flew through.
I enjoyed the town, which boasted things such as a family run bookshop/cafe, the shops quickly mentioned nearby like the boutique, art gallery, and candy shop (smelling freshly made chocolate as you walk by? That with a coffee from the bookshop, hook me up please and thank you) & the hotel with its interesting backstory are just some of the things that had me wanting to take a trip to the town (ya know, minus the murder aspect).
The characters were great & I would love to be in Scarletts friend group. I love how they were there for each other (and Zoey--if you know, you know--sometimes we just need a Zooey, lol) without question to have fun, to listen and to help and would do anything to do so even on short notice. I can't wait to see more of the fellas in the story and the interactions had me smirking (speeding ticket, anyone?) and I think moving forward itll be even more interesting. Scarletts Grandma is a fun character and I am hoping that we get to see more of her in book 2 like I think because I need more of her!
I went back and forth on the who dun it a few times between two people and think I figured it out shortly before the reveal but still couldn't wait to see how it would play out & the full why of it. I liked the way it wrapped up (one scene had me tense for a few moments there, yikes). Then once you come to the actual end of the story & its reveals-- phew, definitely am curious to pick up the next one to see where it goes.
I encourage you to pick this one up for a quick, fun & engaging read.
I was generously provided a copy of the story to read & review. All opinions are honest & my own.
I enjoyed the town, which boasted things such as a family run bookshop/cafe, the shops quickly mentioned nearby like the boutique, art gallery, and candy shop (smelling freshly made chocolate as you walk by? That with a coffee from the bookshop, hook me up please and thank you) & the hotel with its interesting backstory are just some of the things that had me wanting to take a trip to the town (ya know, minus the murder aspect).
The characters were great & I would love to be in Scarletts friend group. I love how they were there for each other (and Zoey--if you know, you know--sometimes we just need a Zooey, lol) without question to have fun, to listen and to help and would do anything to do so even on short notice. I can't wait to see more of the fellas in the story and the interactions had me smirking (speeding ticket, anyone?) and I think moving forward itll be even more interesting. Scarletts Grandma is a fun character and I am hoping that we get to see more of her in book 2 like I think because I need more of her!
I went back and forth on the who dun it a few times between two people and think I figured it out shortly before the reveal but still couldn't wait to see how it would play out & the full why of it. I liked the way it wrapped up (one scene had me tense for a few moments there, yikes). Then once you come to the actual end of the story & its reveals-- phew, definitely am curious to pick up the next one to see where it goes.
I encourage you to pick this one up for a quick, fun & engaging read.
I was generously provided a copy of the story to read & review. All opinions are honest & my own.
May 3, 2023
Death is Better at the Lake is the first book in the Scarlet James Cozy Mystery Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and, I have to say, I am hooked. I love her writing and the mystery she weaves.
Scarlet is a literary agent in Chicago and she just broken it off with her boyfriend because of his betrayal. She got an urgent phone call that her grandmother, who practically raised her, has fallen, so she immediately heads home to Spring Lake, Iowa. While her grandmother is in the hospital, Scarlet stays at her house and gets together with some long time girlfriends.
She is worried about her grandmother but still able to enjoy her friendships with her girlfriends, that is until her ex shows up. She immediately puts him in his place and he leaves. Everything is going fine until her ex ends up dead and Scarlet is the prime suspect. Scarlet is determined to prove that she didn't kill her ex.
I really loved all the characters in this story. The author has really developed the characters in such a way that I can really picture them. The protagonist is a strong independent woman who is determined to prove she is innocent.
The author will take you on lots of twists and turns until the Climax of the book. If you love a good cozy mystery with lots of twists and lovable characters, you will love this book. I can't wait to read the next book.
Scarlet is a literary agent in Chicago and she just broken it off with her boyfriend because of his betrayal. She got an urgent phone call that her grandmother, who practically raised her, has fallen, so she immediately heads home to Spring Lake, Iowa. While her grandmother is in the hospital, Scarlet stays at her house and gets together with some long time girlfriends.
She is worried about her grandmother but still able to enjoy her friendships with her girlfriends, that is until her ex shows up. She immediately puts him in his place and he leaves. Everything is going fine until her ex ends up dead and Scarlet is the prime suspect. Scarlet is determined to prove that she didn't kill her ex.
I really loved all the characters in this story. The author has really developed the characters in such a way that I can really picture them. The protagonist is a strong independent woman who is determined to prove she is innocent.
The author will take you on lots of twists and turns until the Climax of the book. If you love a good cozy mystery with lots of twists and lovable characters, you will love this book. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 13, 2023
Death is Better at the Lake is the first book in the Scarlett James series.
Scarlett James is a literary agent who goes back home to Spirit Lake, Iowa after her grandmother breaks her leg. Scarlett’s most recent ex and client, Jasper, follows her to Spirit Lake in hopes she will help him with one last novel. She finds Jasper’s dead body in his hotel room and Scarlett finds herself the only suspect for Chief Stevenson.
A good cozy mystery must have great characters. I like Scarlett. She is relatable. I love how the author develops her character and provides information on Scarlett’s back story.
I did not guess who the killer was, and I would have never guessed the person it was. I have to say that I did not see any of that coming. Kudos to the author on the murderer and how it all wraps together.
The ending leaves you wanting more and it’s a great set up for the next book. I will definitely be reading the next book.
This was fun and easy read. This is a great cozy mystery to start if you have never read any before.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
https://susanreadscozies.com/death-is...
Scarlett James is a literary agent who goes back home to Spirit Lake, Iowa after her grandmother breaks her leg. Scarlett’s most recent ex and client, Jasper, follows her to Spirit Lake in hopes she will help him with one last novel. She finds Jasper’s dead body in his hotel room and Scarlett finds herself the only suspect for Chief Stevenson.
A good cozy mystery must have great characters. I like Scarlett. She is relatable. I love how the author develops her character and provides information on Scarlett’s back story.
I did not guess who the killer was, and I would have never guessed the person it was. I have to say that I did not see any of that coming. Kudos to the author on the murderer and how it all wraps together.
The ending leaves you wanting more and it’s a great set up for the next book. I will definitely be reading the next book.
This was fun and easy read. This is a great cozy mystery to start if you have never read any before.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
https://susanreadscozies.com/death-is...
May 15, 2023
Thank you to Ashley Albi (the author) for my copy of this book for review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Scarlett James is a literary agent with a specialty in mysteries/thrillers. After breaking up with her boyfriend, a mystery/thriller author, she suddenly has to return home to Spirit Lake, Iowa after her grandma has a fall. She would do anything for the woman who raised her after her parents died. After her ex-boyfriend shows up and is then found murdered, she becomes the number one suspect. Will her and her best friends be able to figure out who really committed murder?
I loved this book. It is exactly what I want in a cozy mystery. Takes place in a small town, best friends are there to help, the chief is good looking and new to town, and the main character getting caught up in all of it. The only reason I took a half star off is because I wanted it to be longer! It is a very quick read which is do love. But I for sure want more of the characters. Luckily this is a series and the next book is already out, which I will be reading.
If you want a cozy mystery to read that is fun and a quick read pick this one up!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Scarlett James is a literary agent with a specialty in mysteries/thrillers. After breaking up with her boyfriend, a mystery/thriller author, she suddenly has to return home to Spirit Lake, Iowa after her grandma has a fall. She would do anything for the woman who raised her after her parents died. After her ex-boyfriend shows up and is then found murdered, she becomes the number one suspect. Will her and her best friends be able to figure out who really committed murder?
I loved this book. It is exactly what I want in a cozy mystery. Takes place in a small town, best friends are there to help, the chief is good looking and new to town, and the main character getting caught up in all of it. The only reason I took a half star off is because I wanted it to be longer! It is a very quick read which is do love. But I for sure want more of the characters. Luckily this is a series and the next book is already out, which I will be reading.
If you want a cozy mystery to read that is fun and a quick read pick this one up!
May 6, 2023
I adored this cozy mystery! I am not from a small town, but all of these books that take place in a small town make me want to move to one! The characters in this novel are awesome. Each one has their own purpose, and most of them are likeable. I appreciated Albi getting straight into the mystery and keeping to the plot. There wasn’t a whole ton of back story and I appreciate that. Everything that was said in the book needed to be there to keep the plot moving, and I prefer plot drive books. The story itself is fast paced and it is a quick and easy read. The best part about it is that there is a little bit of romance brewing and while I know there is a second one that has to do with mystery, I do hope that the romance continues. I guess that’s the whole point of a cozy mystery! I cannot wait to read the second one. I recommend this to everyone! I cannot see anything not liking this book.
August 4, 2023
This debut cozy mystery series captures small-town life so well 🥰. From some of the town’s characters to the town setting! A bookshop with a cafe near a chocolate shop with the smells of chocolate in the air? Hi, let me just pack a bag! It’s a quick entertaining read full of witty banter that had me smiling. What seems to be a trip home for Scarlet to help her recuperating Grandmother turns into a run-in with murder, secrets, mayhem, oh, and a gorgeous police chief 😉!
I enjoyed the friendly Midwest setting, not too many cozy’s are set in Iowa! Scarlet and her Grandmother’s relationship touched my heart as did the friendships! The mystery has some good twists and will have you wanting more at the end.
Pick this up to squeeze in one more for a feel good read for the summer.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book to read and review.
I enjoyed the friendly Midwest setting, not too many cozy’s are set in Iowa! Scarlet and her Grandmother’s relationship touched my heart as did the friendships! The mystery has some good twists and will have you wanting more at the end.
Pick this up to squeeze in one more for a feel good read for the summer.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book to read and review.
July 31, 2023
4.5
A cozy mystery and this lived up to that fact. Being a shorter read and pretty easy to get through when I sat down to read this one the pages flew by. You follow Scarlett her grandma has fallen and she is back in her hometown where her parents died and to help her grandma out. That is until hr ex is found dead and she is the prime suspect. Follow along Scarlett and her friends try to uncover what happened. As we reached the ending I figured it out but didn't know why. The why shocked me. I wasn't expecting it. But overall a sweet read there is mystery to it but it's one of those cozy up on the couch and read a good mystery that isn't too scary! Perfect for people branching out and into mysteries. Would definitely recommend.
A cozy mystery and this lived up to that fact. Being a shorter read and pretty easy to get through when I sat down to read this one the pages flew by. You follow Scarlett her grandma has fallen and she is back in her hometown where her parents died and to help her grandma out. That is until hr ex is found dead and she is the prime suspect. Follow along Scarlett and her friends try to uncover what happened. As we reached the ending I figured it out but didn't know why. The why shocked me. I wasn't expecting it. But overall a sweet read there is mystery to it but it's one of those cozy up on the couch and read a good mystery that isn't too scary! Perfect for people branching out and into mysteries. Would definitely recommend.
January 7, 2026
Small Town Mystery
Scarlett James is the prime suspect in the murder of her ex-boyfriend, Jasper. With bad blood between them, it would be easy to draw that conclusion. Scarlett is lucky to have supportive childhood friends help her with clearing her name. I didn’t figure out who the actual killer was until right before the end of the story. Perhaps you can be a better detective than me!
Scarlett has a spunky grandma that needs her help as she convalesces, so she will be in her hometown for the meantime. I can see her moving to this small town permanently after connecting with old friends and seeing an old boyfriend. You can read more books in the series to see what other cases Scarlett will find herself solving.
Scarlett James is the prime suspect in the murder of her ex-boyfriend, Jasper. With bad blood between them, it would be easy to draw that conclusion. Scarlett is lucky to have supportive childhood friends help her with clearing her name. I didn’t figure out who the actual killer was until right before the end of the story. Perhaps you can be a better detective than me!
Scarlett has a spunky grandma that needs her help as she convalesces, so she will be in her hometown for the meantime. I can see her moving to this small town permanently after connecting with old friends and seeing an old boyfriend. You can read more books in the series to see what other cases Scarlett will find herself solving.
May 19, 2023
I loved reading this cozy mystery! The main character, Scarlett, is wonderful and I enjoyed her close friends that support her throughout the story. One of my favorite parts of the book is Scarlett's relationship with her grandmother. There is a perfect small town location for this book and so many interesting characters! The mystery was a good pace throughout and there was a hint of a continuing story for future books in the series. I will definitely continue reading more of Scarlett's adventures!
May 10, 2023
Quick Read Cozy with a Cliff Hanger
"Death is Better at the Lake" is a great first book to the "Scarlett James Cozy Mystery" series by Ashley Albi. As an upper Midwesterner I see the "Life is better at the Lake" phrase everywhere. To the point that this title made me chuckle a little.
I was fairly certain I had everything figured out about half way through. More so as more clues were given. However, it was still an exciting, ha!, moment when all was revealed.
"Death is Better at the Lake" is a great first book to the "Scarlett James Cozy Mystery" series by Ashley Albi. As an upper Midwesterner I see the "Life is better at the Lake" phrase everywhere. To the point that this title made me chuckle a little.
I was fairly certain I had everything figured out about half way through. More so as more clues were given. However, it was still an exciting, ha!, moment when all was revealed.
May 7, 2023
This is a great first book in a series. The characters are well developed but the author does leave room for character development in future book. The characters are relatable and realistic. I love that our protagonist is a literary agent. The mystery is well-plotted and moves at a fast steady pace with plenty of twists and turns. Book 2 is definitely on my TBR.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
October 20, 2022
I liked that this is set in Iowa. The characters were good and so was the story. Looking forward to the next one.
January 4, 2023
This was such a great short mystery read! I was instantly hooked, the dialogue was great and the storyline flowed so well. I normally don’t enjoy books with author or similar characters but this one just hit different and I loved how it connected so well!
I would give 5 stars but I found the “who done it” was a little predictable, as an avid mystery reader I prefer the answer to be more surprising but I guessed it about halfway through. Despite guessing the plot, I loved how well it played out! I can’t wait to read even more of this series, I’m impatiently waiting for more!
*I did receive this book for free in exchange for a review but this review is 100% honest!
I would give 5 stars but I found the “who done it” was a little predictable, as an avid mystery reader I prefer the answer to be more surprising but I guessed it about halfway through. Despite guessing the plot, I loved how well it played out! I can’t wait to read even more of this series, I’m impatiently waiting for more!
*I did receive this book for free in exchange for a review but this review is 100% honest!
January 7, 2023
4 stars - I really liked it.
Death is Better at the Lake was a fun quick read. A cozy little mystery you can read in one sitting. I honestly wish it had been longer! I needed more time with these characters. Especially Scarlett and the girls! I enjoyed Ashley's writing and look forward to the next book in this series.
Death is Better at the Lake was a fun quick read. A cozy little mystery you can read in one sitting. I honestly wish it had been longer! I needed more time with these characters. Especially Scarlett and the girls! I enjoyed Ashley's writing and look forward to the next book in this series.
May 25, 2023
This was a quick and fun cozy mystery in which a lot happened in a short amount of time and I was able to really connect with and love the main character. I am a sucker for any small town mysteries and with a main character in publishing this was extra enjoyable. I so enjoyed seeing how dedicated she was to her Grandmother and loved how her Grandmother is the town expert AND runs an awesome coffee shop. The characters in this book are just so delightful (except for the ones who are purposely not). I was able to guess the culprit, but the way everything was unraveled was thrilling and heart pounding. And with the cliffhanger at the end, I can't wait to continue this series!
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