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Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery #2
Sales, Secrets & Suspects
Libby Ballard is working hard to make a success of her new position as director of the history museum in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri.
When the museum curator is unable to attend a local auction to bid on an armoire that belonged to the town founder, Libby agrees to go in his place.
But instead of winning the bid, Libby finds a dead body.
Join Libby, her golden retriever, Bella, and their friends as they try to find the killer!
"Sales, Secrets & Suspects" is part of the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series. If you like a mystery with an animal who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a sweet small town, you’ll love this series!
A clean cozy mystery with a hint of romance.
When the museum curator is unable to attend a local auction to bid on an armoire that belonged to the town founder, Libby agrees to go in his place.
But instead of winning the bid, Libby finds a dead body.
Join Libby, her golden retriever, Bella, and their friends as they try to find the killer!
"Sales, Secrets & Suspects" is part of the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series. If you like a mystery with an animal who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a sweet small town, you’ll love this series!
A clean cozy mystery with a hint of romance.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2022
691 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Sally Bayless
26 books97 followersSally 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 8, 2024
Libby Ballard is finally settling into her role as museum director of the Dogwood Springs History Museum. While the tourists are scarce, she has hopes of reviving the museum's finances with big plans for the future. They'll start by celebrating the town's 250th birthday with a big party and she knows exactly what she wants to draw people in. An armoire said to have been brought by the town's founder all the way from New York by covered wagon would be just the thing to display at the event. It's not the most valuable antique but the value to the town's history is priceless. First though, Libby must attend the estate auction of Marjorie Billington, descendant of Joseph Siler, the town's father. Libby is nervous because the museum's curator, Rodney, usually attends auctions but he's out on medical leave and Libby is alone. Her new best friend Cleo introduces her second cousin, Sheila, who works for the auction company. Sheila looks after Libby and helps her out but she can't identify the woman who is also interested in the armoire! The day of the auction, Libby bids on a random box of clothes and personal belongings for herself in hopes it may yield treasure. When she goes to check on the armoire again, Sheila's dead body comes tumbling out. Cleo is beside herself with grief and asks Libby to look into things even though the detective warns her away. When another dead body turns up and Cleo is under suspicion, Libby knows she has to solve this and clear her friend's name.
This is a fun mystery. I liked the story of the painting more and it only came up halfway through and still isn't resolved. The plot kept me guessing because all the suspects were so obvious! I quibbled about the museum world though. I don't think this author has worked at a small history museum. No tourists don't come on beautiful weekdays in August. Yes the school groups DO bring in money even at a discount. NO the kids don't want to go to a field trip to a history museum LOL! At least there's only one last-minute group and Libby and Imani have a great program planned.
I like Libby mainly because she's a history nerd and museum person. I give her a lot of credit for starting over and not returning to her home town. She's in her mother's hometown where her family were among the founders of the town. That makes the birthday celebration personal. It's a great idea and sounds like fun. Libby is also a loyal friend and a great dog mom. Bella is the smartest, sweetest, best Golden Retriever in the world! She has something to tell Libby and Libby isn't listening! I signed up for the author's newsletter to read a key scene from Bella's POV and it did not disappoint. Hopefully Libby will learn to pay better attention next time Bella has something important to say. Libby is scarred by her past experience with being cheated on by her ex. She fears all men are like that and she can't get over that fear. Instead of being a modern woman and calling Sam, she decides he's uninterested in her and tries to pretend that doesn't hurt. I feel so bad for her. What I don't like about Libby is how she reacts to being told not to investigate. She tries to share with the police but they aren't interested so she gets immature and tries to show them up. Her excuse is her feelings of inadequacy after the divorce.
Sam seems nice enough but yes he ghosted her and why not send a quick text to say he was busy out of town he'd explain when he got back? He had a valid excuse and she let him get away with it but he should have been in touch or let her know he was leaving. His reaction to Bella speaks volumes about him and made me like him a lot more. I do like that he's also a history nerd. Cleo is a fun character. She's a loving, loyal friend and family member. Even though she's a hairdresser, Cleo doesn't gossip. Sheila was a good friend to Cleo and Cleo is devastated at her passing. Sheila was cool and larger than life. She made herself noticed and didn't seem to care what other people thought of her. She was devoted to her job at the auction house and her family. Her murder is a real tragedy for the family and the community.
Detective John Harper is a tough nut. He doesn't like Libby and he doesn't appreciate her insights into what MAY have happened. He should listen to her. It's his job to decide what it relevant to the case and what is not. He should at least note that Sheila was wearing something different the day before and draw his own conclusions. Cleo's nephew Zeke is a very smart young man and I hope he uses his powers for good instead of bad. Alice, the president of the museum's board of director's, is older and very proper but she enjoys a good puzzle. Her mind is sharp and she is eager to help see justice done.
Marjorie had two great-nephews to inherit her estate. Danny resembles a moustache twirling villain. He's sleazy and gross. He apparently needs money and needs it now. He's willing to sell his aunt's entire estate for cash in hand. Danny doesn't seem like a nice person but is he TOO obvious to be the murderer? Josh Bradford is just a high schooler working for the auction company. His reaction on seeing the body, probably his first, was too real to make him a suspect, I hope. He seems like a good kid. Another suspect is Rick Dillon, Sheila's ex-husband. When Libby questions him, he sounds sweet and caring. He recognizes he screwed up and has finally matured. Would Sheila have taken him back? Then Libby interviews someone else and gets a different picture of Rick. Who is telling the truth? Maybe everyone is and Rick is a complicated guy. I don't think he'd murder the woman he loved on purpose but perhaps they had an argument that got out of hand?
Carl and Jeannie Wilson own the auction company. If anyone had means and opportunity to murder Sheila, it was them. What would be the motive though? Libby hears a rumor about Carl that would give him a motive but what about her? She seems nice and I don't see her as a murderer. Now Sandy Byers, the local gift shop owner, is a bit intense. She's a good saleswoman but she might be lying about her alibi. She isn't the nicest of the suspects at any rate. Her motive is a little flimsy. Does anyone care about a 100+ year old salacious scandal? Bill Peters was secretly dating Sheila. He seems grieved by her death yet none of the family even knew about him, let alone have met him! Is he telling the truth? He could be the murderer and no one would even think of him!
I'm eager to read more of this series mainly to find out about the girl in the painting. I have a feeling her story may be similar to Marjorie's but with a different decision, different outcome.
Who is the woman with the leopard print purse? Why does she want the armoire and how badly does she want it? What is she willing to do to get it?
This is a fun mystery. I liked the story of the painting more and it only came up halfway through and still isn't resolved. The plot kept me guessing because all the suspects were so obvious! I quibbled about the museum world though. I don't think this author has worked at a small history museum. No tourists don't come on beautiful weekdays in August. Yes the school groups DO bring in money even at a discount. NO the kids don't want to go to a field trip to a history museum LOL! At least there's only one last-minute group and Libby and Imani have a great program planned.
I like Libby mainly because she's a history nerd and museum person. I give her a lot of credit for starting over and not returning to her home town. She's in her mother's hometown where her family were among the founders of the town. That makes the birthday celebration personal. It's a great idea and sounds like fun. Libby is also a loyal friend and a great dog mom. Bella is the smartest, sweetest, best Golden Retriever in the world! She has something to tell Libby and Libby isn't listening! I signed up for the author's newsletter to read a key scene from Bella's POV and it did not disappoint. Hopefully Libby will learn to pay better attention next time Bella has something important to say. Libby is scarred by her past experience with being cheated on by her ex. She fears all men are like that and she can't get over that fear. Instead of being a modern woman and calling Sam, she decides he's uninterested in her and tries to pretend that doesn't hurt. I feel so bad for her. What I don't like about Libby is how she reacts to being told not to investigate. She tries to share with the police but they aren't interested so she gets immature and tries to show them up. Her excuse is her feelings of inadequacy after the divorce.
Sam seems nice enough but yes he ghosted her and why not send a quick text to say he was busy out of town he'd explain when he got back? He had a valid excuse and she let him get away with it but he should have been in touch or let her know he was leaving. His reaction to Bella speaks volumes about him and made me like him a lot more. I do like that he's also a history nerd. Cleo is a fun character. She's a loving, loyal friend and family member. Even though she's a hairdresser, Cleo doesn't gossip. Sheila was a good friend to Cleo and Cleo is devastated at her passing. Sheila was cool and larger than life. She made herself noticed and didn't seem to care what other people thought of her. She was devoted to her job at the auction house and her family. Her murder is a real tragedy for the family and the community.
Detective John Harper is a tough nut. He doesn't like Libby and he doesn't appreciate her insights into what MAY have happened. He should listen to her. It's his job to decide what it relevant to the case and what is not. He should at least note that Sheila was wearing something different the day before and draw his own conclusions. Cleo's nephew Zeke is a very smart young man and I hope he uses his powers for good instead of bad. Alice, the president of the museum's board of director's, is older and very proper but she enjoys a good puzzle. Her mind is sharp and she is eager to help see justice done.
Marjorie had two great-nephews to inherit her estate. Danny resembles a moustache twirling villain. He's sleazy and gross. He apparently needs money and needs it now. He's willing to sell his aunt's entire estate for cash in hand. Danny doesn't seem like a nice person but is he TOO obvious to be the murderer? Josh Bradford is just a high schooler working for the auction company. His reaction on seeing the body, probably his first, was too real to make him a suspect, I hope. He seems like a good kid. Another suspect is Rick Dillon, Sheila's ex-husband. When Libby questions him, he sounds sweet and caring. He recognizes he screwed up and has finally matured. Would Sheila have taken him back? Then Libby interviews someone else and gets a different picture of Rick. Who is telling the truth? Maybe everyone is and Rick is a complicated guy. I don't think he'd murder the woman he loved on purpose but perhaps they had an argument that got out of hand?
Carl and Jeannie Wilson own the auction company. If anyone had means and opportunity to murder Sheila, it was them. What would be the motive though? Libby hears a rumor about Carl that would give him a motive but what about her? She seems nice and I don't see her as a murderer. Now Sandy Byers, the local gift shop owner, is a bit intense. She's a good saleswoman but she might be lying about her alibi. She isn't the nicest of the suspects at any rate. Her motive is a little flimsy. Does anyone care about a 100+ year old salacious scandal? Bill Peters was secretly dating Sheila. He seems grieved by her death yet none of the family even knew about him, let alone have met him! Is he telling the truth? He could be the murderer and no one would even think of him!
I'm eager to read more of this series mainly to find out about the girl in the painting. I have a feeling her story may be similar to Marjorie's but with a different decision, different outcome.
Who is the woman with the leopard print purse? Why does she want the armoire and how badly does she want it? What is she willing to do to get it?
November 6, 2022
Libby has to go to a local auction because Rodney, who usually does all acquisitions, is having a knee replacement. It is an auction of a wealthy woman who's family has always been prominent in town. Libby has been tasked by Rodney to purchase an armoire that was the prize possession of the town's founder. Cleo goes with Libby to the preview the evening before the sale, and introduces Libby to her cousin, Shelia, who works for the auction company. Shelia warns Libby that an unknown woman with a leopard-print purse is also interested in the armoire. The next morning the auction gets started and Libby bids and wins "three boxes of treasure", which is code for who knows what junk is in the boxes! But that's just the beginning of the auction excitement.
I love the way the author weaves details into the story from the past book, and doesn't feel compelled to cross every "t" and dot every "i" as she goes through the multitude of things going on in the character's lives. I appreciate that these things are revived later when they will have maximum impact on Libby and the story. A core of friends work with Libby to solve mysteries that arise, while many new characters are brought into the story as well. I hope some of these will reappear in future books.
The concept of a small town History museum trying to serve the townsfolk and tourists while fundraising and sustaining the business end of the museum, is an unusual topic for a mystery series. I think the author does a superb job of juggling the characters, including the daily work issues, and including unexpected issues that may (or may not) affect Libby or the museum directly. The bonuses in the book are the friendships, the long term story, and of course, Bella, the world's sweetest and smartest Golden Retriever! It is a series that is fun and gives readers lots to think about. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I love the way the author weaves details into the story from the past book, and doesn't feel compelled to cross every "t" and dot every "i" as she goes through the multitude of things going on in the character's lives. I appreciate that these things are revived later when they will have maximum impact on Libby and the story. A core of friends work with Libby to solve mysteries that arise, while many new characters are brought into the story as well. I hope some of these will reappear in future books.
The concept of a small town History museum trying to serve the townsfolk and tourists while fundraising and sustaining the business end of the museum, is an unusual topic for a mystery series. I think the author does a superb job of juggling the characters, including the daily work issues, and including unexpected issues that may (or may not) affect Libby or the museum directly. The bonuses in the book are the friendships, the long term story, and of course, Bella, the world's sweetest and smartest Golden Retriever! It is a series that is fun and gives readers lots to think about. I can't wait to see what happens next!
March 31, 2023
This was another enjoyable read from the Dogwood Springs series. It was so fun being back with all of the characters and solving another mystery! I recommend this book to all! *I did receive an ARC and all opinions are my own.*
May 5, 2024
4.5 stars
I truly love these characters and this setting so much. I cannot wait to continue investigating murders with Libby, Bella, and everyone else!
The fact that I can’t be friends in real life and experience Dogwood Springs with them is such a crime, truly hate it lol.
Anyways, I highly recommend this series!! Super cute, cozy, clean, and all-around a wonderful time. ☺️🩵
I truly love these characters and this setting so much. I cannot wait to continue investigating murders with Libby, Bella, and everyone else!
The fact that I can’t be friends in real life and experience Dogwood Springs with them is such a crime, truly hate it lol.
Anyways, I highly recommend this series!! Super cute, cozy, clean, and all-around a wonderful time. ☺️🩵
February 13, 2024
While I would really love to know the secret behind Ivy in the painting. I cannot continue the series. I love museums and I love mysteries; however, this book just doesn't quite match with me. I can get behind Libby but I'm not too sure about the other characters in the book. It also read similarly to another series, although with museum being the major point, it's hard to diversify underneath that.
January 7, 2024
I am so loving this series. The writing is so well done and the story just flows so well together that I don’t even realize I have finished the book.
July 14, 2023
Interesting town and characters. However, the detective and I are getting very irritated and mad that Libby won't stop investigating the murder by herself. She's actually going out alone to the home of a suspect to ask questions! I stopped reading the book at this point. I know this is fiction but let's not get ridiculous or stupid!
In the charming little tourist town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, Libby Ballard, director of the local history museum, is on a mission to boost museum attendance. To attract more visitors, she plans a big birthday party for the town, with hopes of displaying an armoire that once belonged to the town's founder.
But when Libby attends a local auction to acquire the armoire, she instead stumbles upon a dead body.
Having a killer on the loose isn’t going to draw tourists to Dogwood Springs—or to the museum. Even worse, the victim is the beloved cousin of Libby’s best friend, Cleo. With the police preoccupied by a string of burglaries, Cleo fears the killer will never be caught.
Determined to solve the murder and bring justice to the victim's family, Libby struggles to unravel a web of deception. But the killer is still at large and will stop at nothing to keep their identity a secret.
Will Libby be able to crack the case, or will she be the next victim?
In the charming little tourist town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, Libby Ballard, director of the local history museum, is on a mission to boost museum attendance. To attract more visitors, she plans a big birthday party for the town, with hopes of displaying an armoire that once belonged to the town's founder.
But when Libby attends a local auction to acquire the armoire, she instead stumbles upon a dead body.
Having a killer on the loose isn’t going to draw tourists to Dogwood Springs—or to the museum. Even worse, the victim is the beloved cousin of Libby’s best friend, Cleo. With the police preoccupied by a string of burglaries, Cleo fears the killer will never be caught.
Determined to solve the murder and bring justice to the victim's family, Libby struggles to unravel a web of deception. But the killer is still at large and will stop at nothing to keep their identity a secret.
Will Libby be able to crack the case, or will she be the next victim?
November 12, 2022
Museum cozy
Ms. Bayless' Dogwood Springs series is a lot of fun while giving a peek at what a small town museum directors job might entail.
She found her first body at the museum and found the one in this book by looking for an item the museum would like to display because of it's age and the tie in with the town's history.
The victim was close to her best friend and the pair set out to solve it and followed any clue regardless of how the police viewed said clue and were told to let it go many times, but persisted.
It's a tale of good friends, family ties,two determined women and a bit of romance with the intrigue. I really enjoyed the small town feel and would recommend to any cozy lover.
I was offered a chance to read a free ARC, since I'd loved the first book. I offer my opinion gratis and it is my own.
Ms. Bayless' Dogwood Springs series is a lot of fun while giving a peek at what a small town museum directors job might entail.
She found her first body at the museum and found the one in this book by looking for an item the museum would like to display because of it's age and the tie in with the town's history.
The victim was close to her best friend and the pair set out to solve it and followed any clue regardless of how the police viewed said clue and were told to let it go many times, but persisted.
It's a tale of good friends, family ties,two determined women and a bit of romance with the intrigue. I really enjoyed the small town feel and would recommend to any cozy lover.
I was offered a chance to read a free ARC, since I'd loved the first book. I offer my opinion gratis and it is my own.
November 23, 2022
While trying to buy an armoire at auction, Libby, the protagonist and Director of the Dogwood Springs History Museum, finds herself at the scene of another crime. Even though she's been warned to stay far away from the investigation, Libby feels she has no choice but to snoop because of the identity of the victim. She gathers her fellow crime fighting friends Cleo, her BFF, Cleo's nephew, Zeke, and Alice, the president of the museum's board to both help find and run through information. There are plenty of suspects to go around and I was left guessing until the end. The Dogwood Springs cozy mystery series offers wonderful characters, a beautiful small town and great descriptions of the inner workings of a museum. I highly recommend. Happy Reading!
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
December 28, 2025
I haven't read many cozy mysteries, but I thought this book I had on my Kindle would be a good fit for my pre-Christmas cruise - I didn't want anything too heavy or taxing, and just wanted some enjoyment.
I realized about halfway through that this must be part of a series, and I clearly hadn't read the first one. That being said, the author did a good job of reintroducing the characters, background, and setting so that I was plenty up to speed. The story itself was reasonably engaging, and it kept me guessing on "whodunnit."
The writing, however, was not quite where I had been expecting, so I likely won't read the other books in this series. I give any author props for being creative and brave enough to write books, and based on the ratings for this one, she clearly has an audience that thoroughly enjoys these. I think they're just not my cup of tea.
I realized about halfway through that this must be part of a series, and I clearly hadn't read the first one. That being said, the author did a good job of reintroducing the characters, background, and setting so that I was plenty up to speed. The story itself was reasonably engaging, and it kept me guessing on "whodunnit."
The writing, however, was not quite where I had been expecting, so I likely won't read the other books in this series. I give any author props for being creative and brave enough to write books, and based on the ratings for this one, she clearly has an audience that thoroughly enjoys these. I think they're just not my cup of tea.
November 17, 2022
This was a fun and engaging cozy mystery. Libby Ballard, director of the Dogwood Springs, Missouri museum, attends a public auction in hopes of purchasing an antique armoire with ties to the town's history. Libby examines the armoire before the auction, and when she opens the door to look inside it, the body of Sheila, the woman running the auction, falls at her feet. Sheila is not only the woman running the auction, but she is also the cousin of Cleo, Libby's best friend and housemate. Libby and her friends, including Cleo, investigate Sheila's death. This book was suspenseful and romantic, also. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
November 18, 2022
Libby Ballard, Museum Director, has recently moved to the peaceful and touristy town of Dogwood Springs where her mother grew up. She's thought of a creative way to get the Museum back to financial stability, which includes attending an auction to buy an armoire that was owned by the town's founder. It's at the auction where Libby is shocked to find a dead body. Ms. Bayless expertly reveals secrets about each suspicious character while welcoming us into Libby's circle of friends and colleagues. Libby's golden retriever Bella also plays a starring role. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. Highly recommend.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
November 20, 2022
Libby Ballard is attending an estate sale with the hopes of buying an armoire as a new addition to the history museum where she works. Sneaking away to take a last look at the armoire before it comes up for sale, she finds a body inside. Libby decides to help her best friend, and neighbor, solve the crime, despite being told to stay out of things and let local law enforcement do their job. The last time Libby involved herself in a crime investigation, she nearly lost her life. Libby finds a love interest along the way.
A fun whodunit with a couple of murders, many suspects, family secrets, friendships, romance, danger, and more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A fun whodunit with a couple of murders, many suspects, family secrets, friendships, romance, danger, and more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2022
Enjoyable New Cozy Mystery Series
I’m really enjoying Sally Bayless’ new Dogwood Springs series. As a former museum professional, I was excited to read a mystery with the protagonist as a museum director. I appreciate that Sally has done her homework when it comes to museum operations and that she accurately captured all of Libby’s daily museum duties -when she is not solving murders!
I did struggle to connect with the characters when reading book 1, Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis (and the prequel) but that changed with this book. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next in the quiet town of Dogwood Springs and what adventures Libby & Bella find themselves in next spring.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I’m really enjoying Sally Bayless’ new Dogwood Springs series. As a former museum professional, I was excited to read a mystery with the protagonist as a museum director. I appreciate that Sally has done her homework when it comes to museum operations and that she accurately captured all of Libby’s daily museum duties -when she is not solving murders!
I did struggle to connect with the characters when reading book 1, Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis (and the prequel) but that changed with this book. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next in the quiet town of Dogwood Springs and what adventures Libby & Bella find themselves in next spring.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
February 26, 2025
Libby Ballard was museum director of the Dogwood Springs History Museum. Dogwood Springs, Missouri was a popular tourist stop. The downtown area was full of people, but no one visited the museum anymore. The murder that took place in the museum 2 months prior affected the attendance. Libby attended an auction to buy an armoire that belonged to Jedidiah Siler, the town’s founder. She thought it would be an asset to the museum. As she opened the door of the armoir, a body of someone she knew fell out. Libby and her friends attempt to solve the murder and she endangers her own life.
This was a very interesting mystery. I had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal. I also read the first book in this series and enjoyed them both.
This was a very interesting mystery. I had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal. I also read the first book in this series and enjoyed them both.
November 11, 2022
Libby is the new director of the Dogwood Springs History Museum and trying to help it recover from the recent murder of the previous director. One of my favorite parts of this book is Libby’s dog, Bella, who she inherited from the person who lived in her apartment before her. Bella is a golden retriever who is incredibly friendly and smart to boot! While attending an estate auction to try and purchase an old armoire, Libby opens the armoire door to discover a dead body inside! Another murder for the team (Cleo, Alice, and Zeke) to investigate. There’s even a little romance for Libby! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2022
This is the second book of the Dogwood Springs mysteries and I enjoyed getting back with Libby, Alice, Zeke and Cloe, not forgetting one smart pooch, Bella!
Libby is the new Director of the museum and while attending a local auction finds the body of Sheila, lady running the auction, but also cousin of Cloe, inside the armoire she wanted to buy for the museum. Enjoy the journey of solving this murder, with all its ups and downs plus there's a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Loved it and can't wait for the next instalment.
I received an advance copy of this book and it is my honest review.
Libby is the new Director of the museum and while attending a local auction finds the body of Sheila, lady running the auction, but also cousin of Cloe, inside the armoire she wanted to buy for the museum. Enjoy the journey of solving this murder, with all its ups and downs plus there's a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Loved it and can't wait for the next instalment.
I received an advance copy of this book and it is my honest review.
February 20, 2023
This was an awesome mystery that hit a little closer to home since Libby's bestie Cleo's cousin was the murder victim. They're always good sleuthing together and I love how they meet with Alice and Zeke and have them look into different parts of the case too.
It was super cute that Libby and Sam are getting a little closer now (like I'd hoped!). That showdown was something else and Libby sure used her brains on tricking the perp (don't ya just love when that happens?). Libby had a clever way of cluing Sam in that she needed some backup and he delivered just in time. Can't wait to borrow the next book in KU!
It was super cute that Libby and Sam are getting a little closer now (like I'd hoped!). That showdown was something else and Libby sure used her brains on tricking the perp (don't ya just love when that happens?). Libby had a clever way of cluing Sam in that she needed some backup and he delivered just in time. Can't wait to borrow the next book in KU!
July 3, 2024
This is a wonderful series. Libby Ballard is the Director of the Dogwood Springs history museum and is finding out so much about the town where her great great grandmother had been the mayor.
Libby decided to go to an estate sale/auction to bid on an armoir that belonged to the original founder of the town but instead she found a dead body (for such a small town, there are way more murders than one would expect, and Libby seems to fibd most of them). She enlisted her friends Cleo, Alice and Zeke in her investigation. Also her relationship with Sam has blossomed, and Bella keeps surprising everyone with her intelligence. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Libby decided to go to an estate sale/auction to bid on an armoir that belonged to the original founder of the town but instead she found a dead body (for such a small town, there are way more murders than one would expect, and Libby seems to fibd most of them). She enlisted her friends Cleo, Alice and Zeke in her investigation. Also her relationship with Sam has blossomed, and Bella keeps surprising everyone with her intelligence. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
November 12, 2022
Trying to attract more visitors to the museum, Libby goes to an auction to obtain an armoire that was once the posession of the founding father of the town. As she inspects the armoire, a dead body falls out. There are many suspects and Libby and her friends try to solve the crime before the police can.
It is an exciting story as you think one suspect after another did it only to be ruled out.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it if you like cozy mysteries.
I was provided an ARC of the book by the author, this review is my opinion.
It is an exciting story as you think one suspect after another did it only to be ruled out.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it if you like cozy mysteries.
I was provided an ARC of the book by the author, this review is my opinion.
November 17, 2022
Exactly what I want in a cozy mystery – likable characters, believable plot, just enough description to envision the scene, and a hint of romance in an easy to read story. Libby has recently moved to Dogwood Springs after a nasty divorce. She has a new job, new home, new friends and a love of history. Her natural curiosity pushes her to get to the bottom of the murder mystery while she tries to keep herself and her friends safe from harm. Very enjoyable, and I will definitely continue with this series! I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
August 30, 2023
This is another wonderful cozy mystery from Sally Bayless. The Dogwood Springs Series is perfectly cozy with all the details readers expect; yummy food, adorable pets, and a sweet romance emerging. But that's just the backdrop to a twisty mystery that had me fooled until the very end. I especially love Sally's world building which includes aspects of history and fine antiques. Sally must be a collector herself, because she knows just how to describe a good vintage find. I'm looking forward to more of this series.
September 23, 2023
The path to answers is long
Another simple yet complicated murder mystery. Although a limited number of suspects, Libby and friends need to cobble together the bits and pieces of information on hand to get to the truth of why someone, and here two people, had to die. Greed or lust seem to be the main reason someone becomes a killers, and Libby and team just need to figure it out, without dying themselves. Justice for Sheila and getting the detective off their backs justifies defying the police and interfering in an open investigation. Another close call for Libby too.
Another simple yet complicated murder mystery. Although a limited number of suspects, Libby and friends need to cobble together the bits and pieces of information on hand to get to the truth of why someone, and here two people, had to die. Greed or lust seem to be the main reason someone becomes a killers, and Libby and team just need to figure it out, without dying themselves. Justice for Sheila and getting the detective off their backs justifies defying the police and interfering in an open investigation. Another close call for Libby too.
May 27, 2025
Libby investigates
Libby is settling in well to life in Dogwood Springs. The pace is not that of the big city but it is certainly not one that exudes boredom.
Libby has found a circle of friends with whom she can share ideas and compare notes. Additionally, she seems to be building a relationship with Sam. All of these put together help Libby to work away at solving not one buy two murders.
The story is not a fast paced one but the characters are well defined and it is possible to build a picture of each one in one's mind.
Nice, quiet reading to wile away few hours.
Libby is settling in well to life in Dogwood Springs. The pace is not that of the big city but it is certainly not one that exudes boredom.
Libby has found a circle of friends with whom she can share ideas and compare notes. Additionally, she seems to be building a relationship with Sam. All of these put together help Libby to work away at solving not one buy two murders.
The story is not a fast paced one but the characters are well defined and it is possible to build a picture of each one in one's mind.
Nice, quiet reading to wile away few hours.
July 30, 2025
Dogwood Springs..another murder?
Libby's settling in to her new job and looking for ways to increase interest in the museum..especially since tourism's fallen off since the murder of the last director. Perhaps a new exhibit with links to local history will help....she attends an auction but instead of buying a piece of history she finds another body! Will she, Cleo, Alice, Zeke and Bella find the perp or die trying??? Lots of twists and turns in this book...it'll keep you guessing....
Libby's settling in to her new job and looking for ways to increase interest in the museum..especially since tourism's fallen off since the murder of the last director. Perhaps a new exhibit with links to local history will help....she attends an auction but instead of buying a piece of history she finds another body! Will she, Cleo, Alice, Zeke and Bella find the perp or die trying??? Lots of twists and turns in this book...it'll keep you guessing....
November 18, 2022
If you like light, entertaining reading, this book is for you! A fun cast of characters, a mystery to solve, a great friend group, and a marvelous dog. What's not to love? It was well paced and I had a hard time putting it down when I should, I just wanted to read another chapter! I also like a touch of romance in my cozy mysteries and this book delivered that as well. I highly recommend this book. I was given an advance copy and this review is my honest opinion.
November 19, 2022
Sally Bayless does rich characterization. Libby and her friends come alive, and you wish you could be at the table with them while they sort through the clues of this engaging mystery. She unfolds the mystery in a way that will have you guessing until the end of the book. I also love the light love interest and Libby's inner dialogue about conquering her past and not allowing it to affect her future.
April 30, 2023
This is a well-written cozy mystery. It's the first of the series I've read, but the author did a good job of bringing the reader up to date on the backstory from the first book without making it boring.
I like the main character. She's believable and likeable. For those who like a dash of romance this book has that too, but it doesn't take over the solving of the mystery.
Well done, Ms. Bayless!
I like the main character. She's believable and likeable. For those who like a dash of romance this book has that too, but it doesn't take over the solving of the mystery.
Well done, Ms. Bayless!
February 26, 2024
Enjoyable cozy
More murders in the small town of Dogwood Springs. Libby can't help herself from getting involved when the first murder victim is a cousin to Cleo, Libby's friend and upstairs neighbor. Detective Harper doesn't appreciate Libby getting involved, but her inquisitive nature won't let her step back. She and Cleo identify several possible suspects, and the wonderful Golden Retriever, Bella keeps trying to tell her there is something in the fireplace chimney.
More murders in the small town of Dogwood Springs. Libby can't help herself from getting involved when the first murder victim is a cousin to Cleo, Libby's friend and upstairs neighbor. Detective Harper doesn't appreciate Libby getting involved, but her inquisitive nature won't let her step back. She and Cleo identify several possible suspects, and the wonderful Golden Retriever, Bella keeps trying to tell her there is something in the fireplace chimney.
May 26, 2025
That was another fun addition to the series!
The story is mostly light on suspense, the clues make sense, and the characters are charming. (OK, one was smarmy.)
Libby is still relatively new in town, but people know her now because of the doings in the previous story.
There were so many secrets uncovered during the investigation in this small town. Oh my. But, they all are woven into the story so well. Nothing was wasted.
The story is mostly light on suspense, the clues make sense, and the characters are charming. (OK, one was smarmy.)
Libby is still relatively new in town, but people know her now because of the doings in the previous story.
There were so many secrets uncovered during the investigation in this small town. Oh my. But, they all are woven into the story so well. Nothing was wasted.
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