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Murder, She Wrote #29
Murder on Parade
Get ready for some serious fireworks with the newest installment in the USA Today Bestselling series? MORE THAN 4.5 million copies in print!
Every Fourth of July, the town of Cabot Cove hosts an elaborate celebration?and no one is more enthusiastic than the town?s newest resident, corporate mogul Joseph Lennon. He?s desperate to give the town an unwanted 21st century makeover, including financing a fireworks extravaganza to rival New York City?s. But when Lennon?s lifeless body is found floating in the water outside his office, Jessica Fletcher has no choice but to investigate her fellow Cabot Cove citizens to find out if one of them is capable of murder...
Every Fourth of July, the town of Cabot Cove hosts an elaborate celebration?and no one is more enthusiastic than the town?s newest resident, corporate mogul Joseph Lennon. He?s desperate to give the town an unwanted 21st century makeover, including financing a fireworks extravaganza to rival New York City?s. But when Lennon?s lifeless body is found floating in the water outside his office, Jessica Fletcher has no choice but to investigate her fellow Cabot Cove citizens to find out if one of them is capable of murder...
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
38 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
107 books1,064 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 7, 2016
Joseph Lennon is Cabot Cove’s newest resident, and with his extreme wealth he seems to be taking over the town and changing it. Now he’s sponsoring the town’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display, promising it will rival New York City’s, and hoping to attract more visitors and the media. Some residents are happy with the changes, while others are decidedly not. After the fireworks, Joseph Lennon’s body is found dead, floating in the water. The most obvious suspect is arrested, but mystery writer Jessica Fletcher believes him to be innocent, so she sets out for some sleuthing of her own.
This was another enjoyable mystery from the Murder She Wrote series of books. The small town atmosphere of Cabot Cove really came to life and I could imagine I was there. I liked the Fourth of July setting, and the festivities were fun with parades, concerts, and fireworks. The entertaining cast of characters provided a wide pool of suspects. Jessica was very likable as always and determined to see that justice was served. A really enjoyable and fun read.
This was another enjoyable mystery from the Murder She Wrote series of books. The small town atmosphere of Cabot Cove really came to life and I could imagine I was there. I liked the Fourth of July setting, and the festivities were fun with parades, concerts, and fireworks. The entertaining cast of characters provided a wide pool of suspects. Jessica was very likable as always and determined to see that justice was served. A really enjoyable and fun read.
June 13, 2019
Ahh. Back to the Murder, She Wrote series I have come to love. After a few books in the series that strayed from the path, it was great to read one of the stories that mirrors my beloved TV show. Donald Bain wrote this book so it had the traditional characters (acting like their characters were written for the show), setting, small town mystery, and even brought back Amos Tupper for a visit. Everything I loved about the series was included in this book and it made me very happy.
July 11, 2024
best msw novel I've read yet? I think yes
GOSH I love cabot cove. like yeah, there's a definite safety concern, but I'd like to think that the number of people who'd be willing to murder me is low, right? but yeah, this was very cozy and fun and felt like a mashup of some of my favorite episodes of the show ("joshua peabody died here... possibly" and "to kill a legend" came to mind)
4 stars from me!
GOSH I love cabot cove. like yeah, there's a definite safety concern, but I'd like to think that the number of people who'd be willing to murder me is low, right? but yeah, this was very cozy and fun and felt like a mashup of some of my favorite episodes of the show ("joshua peabody died here... possibly" and "to kill a legend" came to mind)
4 stars from me!
July 22, 2020
I absolutely adore cozy mysteries that take place (and coincide) during a particular season or holiday, and this 4th of July firecracker did not disappoint!
A big corporation comes to Cabot Cove, and Joseph Lennon, the CEO gives lots of money to the town while making big changes. Not everyone is happy that aspects of small town life are being disrupted. Two visitors come to town in this book—Amos(former Cabot Cove sheriff) and Rick Alcott, formerly of the FBI, whom Jess worked with on a previous case in DC. Fun read. I recommend!
A big corporation comes to Cabot Cove, and Joseph Lennon, the CEO gives lots of money to the town while making big changes. Not everyone is happy that aspects of small town life are being disrupted. Two visitors come to town in this book—Amos(former Cabot Cove sheriff) and Rick Alcott, formerly of the FBI, whom Jess worked with on a previous case in DC. Fun read. I recommend!
October 29, 2018
It's 4th of July in Cabot Cove and new to town corporate mogul Joseph Lennon is throwing his money around trying to make Cabot Cove's fireworks show rival New York City's and if his dead body is any clue someone ain't happy about it. Sheriff Mort, Jess and former Sheriff Amos Tupper (who's in town visiting for the 4th of July) set out to solve this latest murder. As if Jess doesn't have enough to do, Seth starts to question his place in the community when a new doctor starts to take his patients away. The weather isn't the only thing heating up in Cabot Cove this 4th of July.
July 4, 2025
The 4th of July festivities have been taken over by a new corporation in town, since they offered the money to finance a huge fireworks show. Some people are excited, while others resent the corporation “taking over”.
When the CEO is found murdered after the fireworks display, suspicion falls on one of the town council leaders who was vocal in his dissent for the company.
Jessica doesn’t believe it was him, and sets out to find out more about this company. Her friend she met two years ago at a conference who retired from the FBI comes to town during all of this, as well as Amos Tupper who’s back for a visit.
When the CEO is found murdered after the fireworks display, suspicion falls on one of the town council leaders who was vocal in his dissent for the company.
Jessica doesn’t believe it was him, and sets out to find out more about this company. Her friend she met two years ago at a conference who retired from the FBI comes to town during all of this, as well as Amos Tupper who’s back for a visit.
July 5, 2025
Read on the 4th of July making it more festive! A good story that seems even more relevant today with a shady rich business coming into small town America and taking over. There were some good red herrings that threw me off and I was entertained as it unfolded.
July 25, 2024
I mean… Jessica Fletcher and a death in Cabot Cove, what more could you want?
June 30, 2025
I, too, want to live in Cabot Cove (minus the murders and crime and stuff) and have a pilot's license but no driver's license!!
November 24, 2019
Enjoyable It is a very hot July in Maine and the town is getting ready for the 4th of July celebration, but there are many who are upset that the usual festivities are being taken over by the newest local businessman who is allowing his family and his staff to decide which band plays and what kind of fireworks they would have and then things start to go sideways, including Jessica's friend being stabbed during an attempted robbery and then another friend becoming very ill.
Again this is just enjoyable for me as watching the old shows with my mother.
Again this is just enjoyable for me as watching the old shows with my mother.
July 31, 2018
I'm not a big fan of first-person narrative, and there are places in the first couple of chapters where it doesn't feel like Jessica Fletcher's voice, but for the most part, it works. The author does a pretty good job of evoking the feel of a late-season episode of MSW. I would read more of this series.
July 20, 2021
Are you looking for a Pulitzer Prize worthy novel? This is not that book. But are you looking for a delightful cozy mystery solved by our favorite author and amateur sleuth from Maine? Ding ding ding…we have a winner!
June 2, 2022
This is my first Jessica Fletcher novel and will not be my last. I absolutely LOVE her and all the characters and the town. She is such a relatable and down to earth sleuth with a calm demeanor. I will be reading all of these now, I just adored it!
March 27, 2025
In Murder on Parade, Cabot Cove is gearing up for its biggest Fourth of July celebration ever — but as usual, Jessica Fletcher knows that when the bunting goes up, the bodies aren’t far behind. This year’s festivities are being bankrolled by Joseph Lennon, a flashy new businessman in town whose money comes with strings and whose presence rubs a lot of locals the wrong way. He’s turned the modest community celebration into a full-blown media event, complete with a rock concert, camera crews, and enough ego to power the pyrotechnics without electricity.
Some people are dazzled. Others are livid. And someone, apparently, was willing to kill over it. Lennon is found dead on the night of the fireworks display — a dramatic ending that shocks the town but doesn’t surprise Jessica in the least. When the local authorities quickly arrest the most obvious suspect, Jessica knows something doesn’t add up. The case feels too neat, too fast, and Jessica, being the queen of “actually, no,” starts pulling at the threads.
The suspect pool is classic cozy chaos: town council members with bruised egos, local business owners pushed out by Lennon’s plans, ambitious staffers who suddenly seem very nervous, and more than one community member who resented the sudden big-city makeover of their small-town tradition. Meanwhile, Mort is doing his best to hold it together, and Sheriff Amos Tupper — yes, he’s back in town for the holiday — adds some nostalgic flair and gruff charm to the investigation.
And if the murder weren’t enough, there’s tension brewing under the surface everywhere Jessica turns. Seth is rattled — a new doctor in town is poaching his patients, and he’s questioning his place in Cabot Cove. The whole town is overheated — literally and emotionally — and that summer heat radiates off the page, making everything feel just a little more volatile than usual.
What makes this entry sing is how much it leans into the setting. The Fourth of July backdrop isn’t just aesthetic — it’s symbolic. Patriotism, pride, showmanship, power struggles — it’s all baked into the parade floats and political speeches, and it gives the murder that perfect “this was never really about fireworks” edge.
Jessica, naturally, is in full investigative mode: calm, exacting, and politely ripping through everyone’s alibis like she’s slicing a pie at the church picnic. The pacing is sharp, the stakes feel personal, and while the mystery isn’t the most elaborate in the series, it’s layered with just enough town drama and interpersonal friction to keep things juicy.
It’s a strong 4-star entry — sunny, scandalous, and satisfying. Murder on Parade is what happens when small-town charm meets outsider arrogance, and someone decides that one explosive display just isn’t enough.
Some people are dazzled. Others are livid. And someone, apparently, was willing to kill over it. Lennon is found dead on the night of the fireworks display — a dramatic ending that shocks the town but doesn’t surprise Jessica in the least. When the local authorities quickly arrest the most obvious suspect, Jessica knows something doesn’t add up. The case feels too neat, too fast, and Jessica, being the queen of “actually, no,” starts pulling at the threads.
The suspect pool is classic cozy chaos: town council members with bruised egos, local business owners pushed out by Lennon’s plans, ambitious staffers who suddenly seem very nervous, and more than one community member who resented the sudden big-city makeover of their small-town tradition. Meanwhile, Mort is doing his best to hold it together, and Sheriff Amos Tupper — yes, he’s back in town for the holiday — adds some nostalgic flair and gruff charm to the investigation.
And if the murder weren’t enough, there’s tension brewing under the surface everywhere Jessica turns. Seth is rattled — a new doctor in town is poaching his patients, and he’s questioning his place in Cabot Cove. The whole town is overheated — literally and emotionally — and that summer heat radiates off the page, making everything feel just a little more volatile than usual.
What makes this entry sing is how much it leans into the setting. The Fourth of July backdrop isn’t just aesthetic — it’s symbolic. Patriotism, pride, showmanship, power struggles — it’s all baked into the parade floats and political speeches, and it gives the murder that perfect “this was never really about fireworks” edge.
Jessica, naturally, is in full investigative mode: calm, exacting, and politely ripping through everyone’s alibis like she’s slicing a pie at the church picnic. The pacing is sharp, the stakes feel personal, and while the mystery isn’t the most elaborate in the series, it’s layered with just enough town drama and interpersonal friction to keep things juicy.
It’s a strong 4-star entry — sunny, scandalous, and satisfying. Murder on Parade is what happens when small-town charm meets outsider arrogance, and someone decides that one explosive display just isn’t enough.
April 26, 2020
As this entry in the "Murder She Wrote" series opens we find that everyone's favorite mystery writer is at home in Cabot Cove for the town's 4th of July celebration. Cabot Cove it seems has always had a very appealing Independence Day festival and Jessica has told people all over the country about what a wonderful celebration it is. This year though there is some controversy about the festival and even a small protest march if you can believe it, along with a surprise visitor or two.
Cabot Cove has grown by leaps and bounds and some of the older residents aren't too happy with some of the changes. They are especially upset with the newly arrived Joseph Lennon who has relocated his business to Cabot Cove and seems to delight in throwing his weight and considerable fortune around. According to some residents he has basically taken over the whole celebration and they are more than a little upset but their objections do little to reign in Lennon or his brash assistants. Despite the tension however the celebration goes off without a hitch but shortly thereafter Mr. Lennon's body is discovered and it is up to Jessica to find out who sent Lennon to that great corporate boardroom in the sky.
I always seem to like these books better when they are set in Cabot Cove because I just love the people that live there. As an added treat in this book former sheriff Amos Tupper takes a few days leave from his retirement in Kentucky to visit Cabot Cove and it really is nice to visit with Amos again. There have been times in this series when there have been continuity problems between the TV show and the books but this time Mr. Bain followed the TV show to the letter by remembering that Amos' family lives in Kentucky. Well-done Mr. Bain!
As is usual in this series the writing is excellent and the characters are believable and fun. The reader will get all of the clues that Jessica gets and I found that I came to the same conclusion that she did. Maybe she and I were right and maybe we weren't but it was fun to try to come up with the answer. I have only been to Maine once but Mr. Bain does such a good job of portraying the scene that I feel like I have been there many times and this book is a superb entry into this series. As any good writer does, this author makes you feel as if you know the people in this series and I felt as if I were like Amos and was on a trip back to visit a place that I knew well. It takes some skill to take a series of books that are based on a TV show and give them a life of their own and this author has again proven that he has that skill. I can almost taste Mara's famous blueberry pancakes every time I read about them.
Cabot Cove has grown by leaps and bounds and some of the older residents aren't too happy with some of the changes. They are especially upset with the newly arrived Joseph Lennon who has relocated his business to Cabot Cove and seems to delight in throwing his weight and considerable fortune around. According to some residents he has basically taken over the whole celebration and they are more than a little upset but their objections do little to reign in Lennon or his brash assistants. Despite the tension however the celebration goes off without a hitch but shortly thereafter Mr. Lennon's body is discovered and it is up to Jessica to find out who sent Lennon to that great corporate boardroom in the sky.
I always seem to like these books better when they are set in Cabot Cove because I just love the people that live there. As an added treat in this book former sheriff Amos Tupper takes a few days leave from his retirement in Kentucky to visit Cabot Cove and it really is nice to visit with Amos again. There have been times in this series when there have been continuity problems between the TV show and the books but this time Mr. Bain followed the TV show to the letter by remembering that Amos' family lives in Kentucky. Well-done Mr. Bain!
As is usual in this series the writing is excellent and the characters are believable and fun. The reader will get all of the clues that Jessica gets and I found that I came to the same conclusion that she did. Maybe she and I were right and maybe we weren't but it was fun to try to come up with the answer. I have only been to Maine once but Mr. Bain does such a good job of portraying the scene that I feel like I have been there many times and this book is a superb entry into this series. As any good writer does, this author makes you feel as if you know the people in this series and I felt as if I were like Amos and was on a trip back to visit a place that I knew well. It takes some skill to take a series of books that are based on a TV show and give them a life of their own and this author has again proven that he has that skill. I can almost taste Mara's famous blueberry pancakes every time I read about them.
December 30, 2016
Continuing with the critiques I started in 2015, here is the next in series – a book review.
Prologue: Go here (http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)
For review of all books in this series: Go here (http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: If you want an easy and quick murder mystery pick it up and you will enjoy it.
Murder On Parade is the 29th book in the Murder, She Wrote series by Donald Bain and fictional writer Jessica Fletcher based on the popular TV Show of the same name. The book was published in March of 2009. The time around the plot is set again in Jessica's home town of Cabot Cove, Maine.
The people of Cabot Cove are geared up to their annual Fourth of July Celebrations. However the entire planning has been usurped by the town's newest resident and corporate mogul Joseph "Joe" Lennon of Lennon-Diversified, Ltd. And he is funding the entire celebrations. Although in the beginning the town planning committee had welcomed his offer, as days proceeded, Lennon has been becoming more condescending, dictatorial than being part of the planning, much to the disappointment and angst of the committee. There have been voices raised against Lennon's involvement, in particular by Chester Carlisle although everyone have been thinking that Chester is slowly losing it lately. And the new Dr. Warren Boyle and his constant advertising of the new medical methods is causing Seth to lose his patients and also be branded as a bit senile. Jessica hurts for Seth and tries her best to cheer him up.
One evening when Seth, Jessica and FBI agent Rick Alcott were coming out of a restaurant after dinner, they are attacked by a mugger and Seth gets injured in the process. But, was it a mugging gone bad? Or an attempt on one of their lives gone bad? And then the night of fourth of July, they find Joe Lennon shot to death in the back of the Lennon-Diversified. Who had killed him? What is the motive? He did not make many friends in Cabot Cove either. But then his homefront didn’t have any friend either. Was his son Paul had a motive, for he was constantly rubbed at by Joe? What about Cynthia? She chose a lot to lose with the decisions Joe made recently. Or the loud mouth and strong opponent Chester? Did he kill Joe in the spur of the moment, unable to control his rage? What a timely arrival of both Amos and Rick, both retired law enforcement officers, in town when the murder of a high-profile person occurs. Coincidence? Or a hidden purpose behind?
As the plot proceeds we get introduced to a myriad of characters just like in other plots - Dr. Warren Boyle (physician at Lennon-Diversified, Ltd. Who had a penchant to get his patients go through all kinds of tests f necessary or not), Kathy and Wilimena Copeland (You might remember them from the previous book "Panning for Murder" where Jessica and Katy embark on a cruise to find Willie. My review of the book here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...), Cynthia Welch (Vice-president of strategic planning and marketing at Lennon-Diversified), Dante (one of the executives from Lennon-Diversified working with Cynthia Welch), Robin Stockdale (drama teacher at the high school), Josie Lennon (24-year old daughter of Joseph Lennon and an aspiring actress), Paul Lennon (Joseph Lennon's son), Richard "Rick" Alcott (Retired FBI agent visiting Cabot Cove) and Denise Lennon (Joe Lennon's wife).
Not to forget the regulars - Mayor Jim Shevlin and his wife Susan Shevlin, Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger and his wife Maureen Metzger, Tim Purdy (Cabot Cove historian) and his wife Ellen Purdy (always won the annual quilting bee contest) and others.
Another decent mystery that keeps you on the edge and definitely makes you want to know who the killer is.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) Amos Tupper, the retired Sherriff of Cabot Cove makes an appearance in this book. I always wondered if the author would bring back old characters from the TV series that don’t occur in books anymore. There you go, he brought in one now. :)
2) Jessica laments about communication through emails distorting the language and the method. How so true. I felt the same when communication through texting started, what with the abbreviated words, emojis and mis-spelt words. It used to irritate the heck out of me. I totally get her sentiment.
3) Grucci Fireworks are planned to be used by Joseph Lennon in the book. They are told to be the ones used for Olympics, White House events and other bigger ones. Whoa!
4) Grammatical Errors Seen - Pg 15 Para 2 last but one line a missing "to" right before "left" in the statement "allegedly left her by….";
5) There is a mention of Twelve Angry Men movie in the book. I had been meaning to watch this movie for quite some time. I might as well do it now for these reviews. :)
6) Cabot Cove's lobsterfest is also mentioned in the book. The author had written a murder mystery around that festival in the 23rd Book Maine Mutiny. Check my review of hat book here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...
7) Another novel Catch-22 is mentioned in the plot. It is written by Joseph Heller and seems to be a military plot. Havent read it before…Must try to get to it sometime in future. :)
Prologue: Go here (http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)
For review of all books in this series: Go here (http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: If you want an easy and quick murder mystery pick it up and you will enjoy it.
Murder On Parade is the 29th book in the Murder, She Wrote series by Donald Bain and fictional writer Jessica Fletcher based on the popular TV Show of the same name. The book was published in March of 2009. The time around the plot is set again in Jessica's home town of Cabot Cove, Maine.
The people of Cabot Cove are geared up to their annual Fourth of July Celebrations. However the entire planning has been usurped by the town's newest resident and corporate mogul Joseph "Joe" Lennon of Lennon-Diversified, Ltd. And he is funding the entire celebrations. Although in the beginning the town planning committee had welcomed his offer, as days proceeded, Lennon has been becoming more condescending, dictatorial than being part of the planning, much to the disappointment and angst of the committee. There have been voices raised against Lennon's involvement, in particular by Chester Carlisle although everyone have been thinking that Chester is slowly losing it lately. And the new Dr. Warren Boyle and his constant advertising of the new medical methods is causing Seth to lose his patients and also be branded as a bit senile. Jessica hurts for Seth and tries her best to cheer him up.
One evening when Seth, Jessica and FBI agent Rick Alcott were coming out of a restaurant after dinner, they are attacked by a mugger and Seth gets injured in the process. But, was it a mugging gone bad? Or an attempt on one of their lives gone bad? And then the night of fourth of July, they find Joe Lennon shot to death in the back of the Lennon-Diversified. Who had killed him? What is the motive? He did not make many friends in Cabot Cove either. But then his homefront didn’t have any friend either. Was his son Paul had a motive, for he was constantly rubbed at by Joe? What about Cynthia? She chose a lot to lose with the decisions Joe made recently. Or the loud mouth and strong opponent Chester? Did he kill Joe in the spur of the moment, unable to control his rage? What a timely arrival of both Amos and Rick, both retired law enforcement officers, in town when the murder of a high-profile person occurs. Coincidence? Or a hidden purpose behind?
As the plot proceeds we get introduced to a myriad of characters just like in other plots - Dr. Warren Boyle (physician at Lennon-Diversified, Ltd. Who had a penchant to get his patients go through all kinds of tests f necessary or not), Kathy and Wilimena Copeland (You might remember them from the previous book "Panning for Murder" where Jessica and Katy embark on a cruise to find Willie. My review of the book here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...), Cynthia Welch (Vice-president of strategic planning and marketing at Lennon-Diversified), Dante (one of the executives from Lennon-Diversified working with Cynthia Welch), Robin Stockdale (drama teacher at the high school), Josie Lennon (24-year old daughter of Joseph Lennon and an aspiring actress), Paul Lennon (Joseph Lennon's son), Richard "Rick" Alcott (Retired FBI agent visiting Cabot Cove) and Denise Lennon (Joe Lennon's wife).
Not to forget the regulars - Mayor Jim Shevlin and his wife Susan Shevlin, Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger and his wife Maureen Metzger, Tim Purdy (Cabot Cove historian) and his wife Ellen Purdy (always won the annual quilting bee contest) and others.
Another decent mystery that keeps you on the edge and definitely makes you want to know who the killer is.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) Amos Tupper, the retired Sherriff of Cabot Cove makes an appearance in this book. I always wondered if the author would bring back old characters from the TV series that don’t occur in books anymore. There you go, he brought in one now. :)
2) Jessica laments about communication through emails distorting the language and the method. How so true. I felt the same when communication through texting started, what with the abbreviated words, emojis and mis-spelt words. It used to irritate the heck out of me. I totally get her sentiment.
3) Grucci Fireworks are planned to be used by Joseph Lennon in the book. They are told to be the ones used for Olympics, White House events and other bigger ones. Whoa!
4) Grammatical Errors Seen - Pg 15 Para 2 last but one line a missing "to" right before "left" in the statement "allegedly left her by….";
5) There is a mention of Twelve Angry Men movie in the book. I had been meaning to watch this movie for quite some time. I might as well do it now for these reviews. :)
6) Cabot Cove's lobsterfest is also mentioned in the book. The author had written a murder mystery around that festival in the 23rd Book Maine Mutiny. Check my review of hat book here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...
7) Another novel Catch-22 is mentioned in the plot. It is written by Joseph Heller and seems to be a military plot. Havent read it before…Must try to get to it sometime in future. :)
March 5, 2023
3.5 stars. Looking for a quick, light read? This is perfect. Vacation read, decompress after a long day read. Fans of the show will appreciate Jessica’s insights and psyche. As a mystery, it doesn’t disappoint.
However, as a difficult mystery to solve, this particular chapter for Jessica falls a little flat. The criminal was almost the most obvious person, so the reveal just didn’t have much pop. I called one element, even though my whole prediction wasn’t true. I still enjoyed the book, but there just weren’t the twists and turns of some of the “higher” mysteries.
Instead of focusing on a complicated mystery, Jessica and her friends are processing the reality of change—as their town grows larger than its Americana roots, as they age, and as a new generation begins to contribute their ideas. This plot and the discussions that emerged were the most compelling for me, because it is real. It is also definitely the root of the murder, but more interesting in terms of character development.
However, as a difficult mystery to solve, this particular chapter for Jessica falls a little flat. The criminal was almost the most obvious person, so the reveal just didn’t have much pop. I called one element, even though my whole prediction wasn’t true. I still enjoyed the book, but there just weren’t the twists and turns of some of the “higher” mysteries.
Instead of focusing on a complicated mystery, Jessica and her friends are processing the reality of change—as their town grows larger than its Americana roots, as they age, and as a new generation begins to contribute their ideas. This plot and the discussions that emerged were the most compelling for me, because it is real. It is also definitely the root of the murder, but more interesting in terms of character development.
February 7, 2022
As a big fan of the TV show, I just didn’t like this book. I get that Jessica Fletcher is a writer so presume writing a mystery first-person is the way to go but writing it in third-person like the show would have been much better. It created a lot of first-person perspective that didn’t feel like the Jessica we knew from the show and truly random thoughts like why do I care about Jessica’s opinions on “free speech”?
The clues were choppier than on the TV show and not as many of the twists and turns from even one episode. Would have been better suited as a tight, 150-page third-person account. This felt like a later season episode…took forever to get to the murder! Hit me with the murder and the players right away, I don’t care about how Dr. Seth Hazlitt is thinking about selling his office!
In conclusion, there were a number of HIPAA violations that occurred in this book.
The clues were choppier than on the TV show and not as many of the twists and turns from even one episode. Would have been better suited as a tight, 150-page third-person account. This felt like a later season episode…took forever to get to the murder! Hit me with the murder and the players right away, I don’t care about how Dr. Seth Hazlitt is thinking about selling his office!
In conclusion, there were a number of HIPAA violations that occurred in this book.
May 30, 2022
The Cabot Cove residents are pulling out all the stops for their 4th of July celebration. But during the big event, there is tension too. Joseph Lennon, a very successful businessman, has relocated to Cabot Cove and is funding a big fireworks show and rock concert. Many in town don't like him throwing his wealth and power around to get things done his way. When Mr. Lennon's body is found, Jessica has a long list of potential suspects.
I loved reading this cozy mystery based on my favorite show of all time. The characters are reminiscent of the ones from the show but with minor changes. For instance, Jessica, who never drove a car, has her pilot’s license. These changes don’t take away from the essence of the characters. The plot was very entertaining and I was surprised by the identity of the culprit in the end. I will definitely read more from this series.
I loved reading this cozy mystery based on my favorite show of all time. The characters are reminiscent of the ones from the show but with minor changes. For instance, Jessica, who never drove a car, has her pilot’s license. These changes don’t take away from the essence of the characters. The plot was very entertaining and I was surprised by the identity of the culprit in the end. I will definitely read more from this series.
July 4, 2023
This was a fun entry into the Murder, She Wrote series. It was a perfect read for today (July 4, 2023) and kept me nice and cool on my couch while the heat index outside reached 100. This was a real immersive reading experience for me. I enjoyed following Jessica's heat wave while in the midst of one here. I was reading this book while listening to the neighborhood sounds of fireworks while Jessica was lying in her bed hearing those same sounds and I was sweating and glad for my air conditioner while Jessica was rueing her absence of one.
I love the ones that are set in Cabot Cove and this one was no exception- and Amos was back in town for a visit! The mystery itself was not too involved and was easy to figure out and the red herring was an obvious red herring, but I didn't mind that at all as I enjoyed the festivities and hanging out with the Cabot Cove gang. 4/5 stars.
I love the ones that are set in Cabot Cove and this one was no exception- and Amos was back in town for a visit! The mystery itself was not too involved and was easy to figure out and the red herring was an obvious red herring, but I didn't mind that at all as I enjoyed the festivities and hanging out with the Cabot Cove gang. 4/5 stars.
September 25, 2018
I finished this ages ago and forgot to note it. Then, I gave it to a friend who enjoyed it as much as I did. It reminded me of my own small town and our struggles with "gentrification". You like it cause they fix up the the town and bring new businesses, but on the other side, the newcomers have different ideas and attitudes that sometimes conflict with what we are used to. I thought I knew who the killer was half way through. I didn't like it and was so glad I was wrong. There are lots of suspects to choose from, some good, some bad, some seemingly obvious. Cabot Cove is in for a party they have never seen the likes of before. The young folks love, the old folks are not so sure, but everyone has a good time, except the suspects and the victim.
May 26, 2025
As the citizens of Cabot Cove get ready for the annual 4th of July parade they get an unexpected influx of money from relative newcomer, the wealthy entrepreneur Joe Lennon. Some are happy about getting a big fireworks display and a musical performance but others prefer the small town atmosphere. Add to that, a new physician in town is siphoning off patients from Seth’s practice with “miracle” supplements that just happen to come from Joe Lennon’s company. Then an FBI agent Jessica met at a conference a few years ago comes to town claiming to be retired but somehow inserts himself into the goings on. When murder inevitably ensues, Jessica has a time connecting all the dots and hopefully, save Seth’s medical practice in the process. A great plot and a good read.
July 2, 2025
3.5 overall
Listened to the audiobook. I'm impressed by the voice actress to create all those voices and keep them distinct, but there were times I thought they blended a little, and Sheriff Metzger didn't sound like himself anymore.
About the story in general, I did enjoy it, especially once the investigation picked up. Murder, She Wrote books are slow-burn cozies, and this certainly was! The murder didn't even come until almost 50%, and the investigation really picked up around 70%! But the atmosphere and events and people of earlier in the book are relevant, it builds tension, introduces potential suspects and red herrings, etc. These books really do feel like hanging out with my friend Jessica in Cabot Cove, and that keeps me coming back!
Listened to the audiobook. I'm impressed by the voice actress to create all those voices and keep them distinct, but there were times I thought they blended a little, and Sheriff Metzger didn't sound like himself anymore.
About the story in general, I did enjoy it, especially once the investigation picked up. Murder, She Wrote books are slow-burn cozies, and this certainly was! The murder didn't even come until almost 50%, and the investigation really picked up around 70%! But the atmosphere and events and people of earlier in the book are relevant, it builds tension, introduces potential suspects and red herrings, etc. These books really do feel like hanging out with my friend Jessica in Cabot Cove, and that keeps me coming back!
August 8, 2025
another classic!!!! love this series soo much I hope I never run out of books to read. This one honestly kind of threw me for a loop because there was random mugging at the beginning that I thought would turn into something but it didn't! weird! Then I had to wait until halfway through the book for the murder to take place, like come on we all know there is going to be a murder lol Ive read a lot of Murder She Wrote books and I feel like usually the murder takes place pretty early on but honestly maybe its a good change of pace that the murder didn't happen right away it was more of a surprise and you had to work for it! They always make each story unique while still making the characters familiar and I love that. You really feel like your part of the Cabot Cove family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2020
Great as always
I just finished reading this book - for the second time. It was as good the 2nd time as the 1st time. I love the writing which keeps me reading and interested and doesn't bore me with unimportant descriptions etc. I find most of this series are written so well that I can't stop reading because I can't wait to find out what happens next so I can read a book in one day with breaks for meals etc . I wait a couple of years and reread them again and again. I wasn't at all happy with the writer who attempted to continue the series so I won't be reading those.
I just finished reading this book - for the second time. It was as good the 2nd time as the 1st time. I love the writing which keeps me reading and interested and doesn't bore me with unimportant descriptions etc. I find most of this series are written so well that I can't stop reading because I can't wait to find out what happens next so I can read a book in one day with breaks for meals etc . I wait a couple of years and reread them again and again. I wasn't at all happy with the writer who attempted to continue the series so I won't be reading those.
March 25, 2022
One of the jokes circulating at the time this TV show was on the air was that Cabot Cove, Maine, had the highest murder rate in the country, and this Independence Day story bolsters that impression. A business mogul builds a headquarters in town and finances a lavish Fourth of July celebration, all in an atmosphere that never quite sits right with the locals. He turns up murdered during the fireworks and Jessica Fletcher cracks the case just in time!
These mysteries are well plotted and the clues are there if you’re observant enough. The cast of characters, both sinister and eccentric, lends an inviting homey air.
These mysteries are well plotted and the clues are there if you’re observant enough. The cast of characters, both sinister and eccentric, lends an inviting homey air.
July 10, 2023
This is my 3rd MSW book and I've watched the whole series several times, the last time in order from the start. They are the epitome of cozy mysteries. I love Jessica, Maine's Cabot Cove, and all the residents and I enjoy visiting. This one is a seasonal read so all the better- July 4th and its festivities. I read it just after July 4th, 2023. Universal Films Television Series turned the television show into the book series and after a few faux pas with the first one- Jessica driving- they are very true to the TV series. This murder investigation, like many of Jessica's investigations, has a greedy executive at its center. This is the perfect Fourth of July cozy.
November 25, 2018
I love cozy mysteries and the Murder She Wrote series fills the bill for a light, easy read. MSW was one of my favorite TV shows in the 80's and 90's. This mystery takes place in Cabot Cove, Maine, home of Jessica Fletcher, the author. Since many of the character from the show are in the book you can almost hear their voices as you read. I would not, however, want to be a good friend or relative of Jessica's as they seem to either get killed or accused of murder. Of course, Jessica always comes through with the solution in the end.
June 30, 2020
I adore reading this series, as it’s like getting new episodes of a favorite tv show from a time when tv was more family friendly. Murder on Parade takes us back to Cabot Cove for a 4th of July murder mystery. Jessica, Seth, and both current sheriff Mort and previous sheriff Amos work together to solve the crime. Not 5 stars because of unexpected plot twists or some of the other characteristics I typically consider in a mystery, but definitely 5 stars for a fun, nostalgic reunion with beloved characters from the past.
June 6, 2021
Cabot Cove is getting ready for the 4th of July. A large corporation has move into Cabot Cove and seems to be taking over the town. Most people seem to enjoy the benefits that a large company brings to a community but there are those that are beginning to miss that small town feel. When the president of the company is found murdered, a disgruntled citizen is arrested since all evidence seems to indicate that he is the murderer. It's time for Jessica to come in and determine just who is the real guilty person.
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