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Said the Spider to the Fly
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- GenresRomance
186 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2009
About the author
Miss Mae
36 books51 followersAll of Miss Mae’s romantic mysteries, “Said the Spider to the Fly”, “When the Bough Breaks”, “Dove Island”, “It’s Extraordinary, My Dear Winifred” and “See No Evil, My Pretty Lady” are award winning best sellers. Her latest, “Catch Me If You Can” has already received top rated five-star reviews. Tantalizing trailers, and more information, is readily available at her website: http://www.themissmaesite.com
Miss Mae also enjoys writing humor and non-fiction articles. Some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and WritersWeekly.
Autographed print books can be purchased via PM here at GR.
Miss Mae also enjoys writing humor and non-fiction articles. Some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and WritersWeekly.
Autographed print books can be purchased via PM here at GR.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 30, 2010
In Said the Spider to the Fly the reader follows Mona Murphy down memory lane, when she goes home to Copper Springs, because her grandfather, Jerome Kincaid, dies. When Preston Hitchcock comes to investigate the death for the insurance company, he stirs up a hornet’s nest of suspects. From then on the page turner keeps readers guessing. After Mona’s old boyfriend, David, shows renewed interest in her, she learns that he not only is willing to cheat on his wife, but he also is desperate for Mona to give him money. He even says he asked Jerome for funds before he died. Did he get angry because Jerome refused and kill Jerome?
But wait, Preston’s seen talking to a strange woman on the street. Who is she? Is Preston really an insurance agent or did he and this lady kill Jerome? While the reader senses that Mona’s in danger if she doesn’t loan David money, she’s nearly hit by a car and the driver looks like Preston. Preston says he wants to protect her from David. But David wants to protect her from Preston. However, Keith, a pitiful, retarded boy enters the story and becomes a suspect. There are children playing near Jerome’s backyard, and the reader wonders if they saw it all. Before the mystery is finally solved men abduct Mona.
Miss Mae’s ability to make a lot of characters appear guilty creates an intense story that made me think of Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians. I highly recommend this mystery that’s also a romance with an underlying spiritual theme of forgiveness and reconciliation.
But wait, Preston’s seen talking to a strange woman on the street. Who is she? Is Preston really an insurance agent or did he and this lady kill Jerome? While the reader senses that Mona’s in danger if she doesn’t loan David money, she’s nearly hit by a car and the driver looks like Preston. Preston says he wants to protect her from David. But David wants to protect her from Preston. However, Keith, a pitiful, retarded boy enters the story and becomes a suspect. There are children playing near Jerome’s backyard, and the reader wonders if they saw it all. Before the mystery is finally solved men abduct Mona.
Miss Mae’s ability to make a lot of characters appear guilty creates an intense story that made me think of Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians. I highly recommend this mystery that’s also a romance with an underlying spiritual theme of forgiveness and reconciliation.
May 25, 2016
You won't want to put this book down. From the very beginning I was hooked on the story. It has everything I crave in a mystery, a small town, a strong leading character, an intense plot and a touch of romance.
Mona Murphy returns home after the death of her grandfather. Feeling lost and a bit confused, Mona encounters Preston, an insurance salesman. Mona learns that she is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy and Preston is there to investigate her grandfather's death.
Returning back to Copper Springs has been difficult and soon Mona doesn't know who to trust. Caught in a whirlwind of events, Mona is forced to see things the way they truly are.
Miss Mae is a new to me author, but her books are decadent. Reading a book by Miss Mae is like riding a roller coaster, as you read, the story picks up speed, just when you think you have the plot figured out, it's time for the downhill impact, your mind is racing as you realize you are wrong!
I am a true fan of her writing, it is clear and concise, her characters are very believable and so easy to relate to. If you are not a fan of her books, you are missing out on some epic stories.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mona Murphy returns home after the death of her grandfather. Feeling lost and a bit confused, Mona encounters Preston, an insurance salesman. Mona learns that she is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy and Preston is there to investigate her grandfather's death.
Returning back to Copper Springs has been difficult and soon Mona doesn't know who to trust. Caught in a whirlwind of events, Mona is forced to see things the way they truly are.
Miss Mae is a new to me author, but her books are decadent. Reading a book by Miss Mae is like riding a roller coaster, as you read, the story picks up speed, just when you think you have the plot figured out, it's time for the downhill impact, your mind is racing as you realize you are wrong!
I am a true fan of her writing, it is clear and concise, her characters are very believable and so easy to relate to. If you are not a fan of her books, you are missing out on some epic stories.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 13, 2016
This is a romantic mystery about Mona Murphy as she returns to the small town of Copper Springs to attend her grandfather's memorial service. His death seemed accidental until insurance agent Preston Hitchcock and Mona discover bloody towels in the trash can.
From there lots of strange things happen until her and Preston get to the bottom of all of it.
From there lots of strange things happen until her and Preston get to the bottom of all of it.
February 17, 2018
This is a fantastic murder mystery. I loved it!
Mona Murphy is a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is swept into a mystery when she arrives back in Copper Springs, North Carolina, after the death of her grandfather. She has a special gift that she sees as a curse - she has extra sensitive perception. Notice I said sensitive not extrasensory? This is because it's her hearing that is sensitive and not her having second sight. This ability helps her as she unravels the tangled web of lies and deceit surrounding her. With the help of an insurance investigator, Preston Hitchcock, she finds herself facing innumerable dangers. But can she find the culprit before she becomes the next victim?
This is a far better tale than the short story (The Timekeeper) I read in January from this author. As the title suggests, there is a tangled web woven through this tale, and I was instantly hooked (or should I say trapped?). This story is set in modern times, but I felt it had an old fashioned private detective feel to it, which I loved. The story has a whole bevy of characters; some eccentric, others special, and some downright creepy. However, this allows the author to pepper the story with red herrings so the reader thinks they've got an inkling of who the suspect is, before pulling the rug metaphorically out from under one's feet with another twist. The suspense level is high throughout, so when the culprit is revealed, it's a complete surprise. There was more than one suspect that was high on my list for most of the story. But... Nope, I'll not say more as that would spoil the surprise for the rest of you. What I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed the roller coaster ride I was taken on during this story and hope the author writes more of these types of stories. She does mysteries so well, so it was a shame that The Timekeeper wasn't up to her usual standard in my opinion. The story wraps up nicely, with no cliffhanger to annoy the reader.
MIss Mae has written a fantastic crime caper that has captured my imagination. Her descriptive writing makes me feel like I am there, observing and living in the story. I love her fast paced writing style, along with the wit and warmth she injects into her characters, which makes them come to life. I also found the flow wonderful. Miss Mae is one of my favourite authors, so will continue to read more of her books in the future.
As there are no scenes of a sexual nature, nor any profanity, younger readers would be fine while reading this story. However, I highly recommend this book to readers who are looking for a classic romantic suspense detective novel with a hint of supernatural in it. - Lynn Worton
Mona Murphy is a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is swept into a mystery when she arrives back in Copper Springs, North Carolina, after the death of her grandfather. She has a special gift that she sees as a curse - she has extra sensitive perception. Notice I said sensitive not extrasensory? This is because it's her hearing that is sensitive and not her having second sight. This ability helps her as she unravels the tangled web of lies and deceit surrounding her. With the help of an insurance investigator, Preston Hitchcock, she finds herself facing innumerable dangers. But can she find the culprit before she becomes the next victim?
This is a far better tale than the short story (The Timekeeper) I read in January from this author. As the title suggests, there is a tangled web woven through this tale, and I was instantly hooked (or should I say trapped?). This story is set in modern times, but I felt it had an old fashioned private detective feel to it, which I loved. The story has a whole bevy of characters; some eccentric, others special, and some downright creepy. However, this allows the author to pepper the story with red herrings so the reader thinks they've got an inkling of who the suspect is, before pulling the rug metaphorically out from under one's feet with another twist. The suspense level is high throughout, so when the culprit is revealed, it's a complete surprise. There was more than one suspect that was high on my list for most of the story. But... Nope, I'll not say more as that would spoil the surprise for the rest of you. What I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed the roller coaster ride I was taken on during this story and hope the author writes more of these types of stories. She does mysteries so well, so it was a shame that The Timekeeper wasn't up to her usual standard in my opinion. The story wraps up nicely, with no cliffhanger to annoy the reader.
MIss Mae has written a fantastic crime caper that has captured my imagination. Her descriptive writing makes me feel like I am there, observing and living in the story. I love her fast paced writing style, along with the wit and warmth she injects into her characters, which makes them come to life. I also found the flow wonderful. Miss Mae is one of my favourite authors, so will continue to read more of her books in the future.
As there are no scenes of a sexual nature, nor any profanity, younger readers would be fine while reading this story. However, I highly recommend this book to readers who are looking for a classic romantic suspense detective novel with a hint of supernatural in it. - Lynn Worton
March 3, 2011
What a fun and mysterious read Said the Spider to the Fly was. This was such a compelling read because I honestly did not know who the killer could be. At one point, I found myself suspecting everyone. Early on, two possibilities were presented of whom it could be but then a twist was thrown in and I was back to square one. I love it when that happens. This book opened with an action scene and it maintained a fast pace throughout the book. And just a hint, when you think you figured it out, you really didn't. I was literally gasping at the dramatic ending. Fabulous!
One thing I found intriguing was the growing romance between Mona and Preston. The attraction was always there yet it seemed a romance was just out of reach. Miss Mae sure knows how to write a romance that the reader can really get into. The added boyfriend from the past made this a sensational read. I just wanted him to go away but he always came back. And then the special abilities that Mona possessed really set this book on fire. I found myself drawn to what she was capable of. The secondary characters were quirky in their own ways and each gained something by Jerome's death, which left me wondering just who could it be? The addition of Keith's character was a brilliant move as he brought a feeling of unconditional love to the story.
I enjoy reading books by Miss Mae and it seems as though each new book I read gets a little bit stronger than the one before. She is certainly an author that I have on my "automatic read" list. If you are looking for a good clean romance/mystery then you honestly need to read Said the Spider to the Fly. It will keep you on the edge of your set and get the wheels turning in your head as to what direction the book will go in. Brilliantly written Miss Mae, my congratulations to you on another well written mystery.
One thing I found intriguing was the growing romance between Mona and Preston. The attraction was always there yet it seemed a romance was just out of reach. Miss Mae sure knows how to write a romance that the reader can really get into. The added boyfriend from the past made this a sensational read. I just wanted him to go away but he always came back. And then the special abilities that Mona possessed really set this book on fire. I found myself drawn to what she was capable of. The secondary characters were quirky in their own ways and each gained something by Jerome's death, which left me wondering just who could it be? The addition of Keith's character was a brilliant move as he brought a feeling of unconditional love to the story.
I enjoy reading books by Miss Mae and it seems as though each new book I read gets a little bit stronger than the one before. She is certainly an author that I have on my "automatic read" list. If you are looking for a good clean romance/mystery then you honestly need to read Said the Spider to the Fly. It will keep you on the edge of your set and get the wheels turning in your head as to what direction the book will go in. Brilliantly written Miss Mae, my congratulations to you on another well written mystery.
May 4, 2009
Genre: Suspense Mystery My Rating 5 of 5
I loved this little romance mystery!
Mona Murphy is a feisty, fiercely independent but troubled young woman. She returns to her home town upon the death of her grandfather and has to face her unhappy childhood and her troubled memories. She has always tried to hide the fact that she has been “cursed” with special gifts.
Preston Hitchcock is a charming, ruggedly attractive, mysterious “insurance agent” with a lady killer smile! He is trying to determine if the death of Mona’s grandfather, a few days after he purchased a large insurance policy, was truly accidental or perhaps suicide. Very quickly Mona and Preston begin to discover clues that indicate that her grandfather may not have been alone when he supposedly “accidentally” fell down the stairs.
While trying to chase down clues, Preston wants to protect Mona from advances by her ex-boyfriend and from the investigation. But independent Mona is going to search things out for herself and she keeps ending up in the wrong place as she narrowly escapes one attack after another. Clearly someone wants to stop her investigating but it sure isn’t clear who! The story twists and turns so it is hard to determine who can be trusted. Just when you think you have the death figured out, another secret pops up. I liked how the mystery keeps the reader off balance and guessing until all is neatly wrapped up in the end.
In addition to the mystery, there is a very sweet romance. Mutual attraction draws Mona and Preston together but they will have to get past the secrets they are each keeping and determine if they can accept each other as they really are. The story had an old fashioned feel to it that made me think of a small town “genteel” era. These were lovely characters with a great murder mystery. A very wonderful read!
I loved this little romance mystery!
Mona Murphy is a feisty, fiercely independent but troubled young woman. She returns to her home town upon the death of her grandfather and has to face her unhappy childhood and her troubled memories. She has always tried to hide the fact that she has been “cursed” with special gifts.
Preston Hitchcock is a charming, ruggedly attractive, mysterious “insurance agent” with a lady killer smile! He is trying to determine if the death of Mona’s grandfather, a few days after he purchased a large insurance policy, was truly accidental or perhaps suicide. Very quickly Mona and Preston begin to discover clues that indicate that her grandfather may not have been alone when he supposedly “accidentally” fell down the stairs.
While trying to chase down clues, Preston wants to protect Mona from advances by her ex-boyfriend and from the investigation. But independent Mona is going to search things out for herself and she keeps ending up in the wrong place as she narrowly escapes one attack after another. Clearly someone wants to stop her investigating but it sure isn’t clear who! The story twists and turns so it is hard to determine who can be trusted. Just when you think you have the death figured out, another secret pops up. I liked how the mystery keeps the reader off balance and guessing until all is neatly wrapped up in the end.
In addition to the mystery, there is a very sweet romance. Mutual attraction draws Mona and Preston together but they will have to get past the secrets they are each keeping and determine if they can accept each other as they really are. The story had an old fashioned feel to it that made me think of a small town “genteel” era. These were lovely characters with a great murder mystery. A very wonderful read!
August 25, 2009
This is the second novel from Miss Mae that I have read. A far cry from the Victorian era of DEAR WINNIFRED, this contemporary novel still shows Miss Mae's admirable talent for writing suspense (in any age). I am beginning to see threads of Agatha Christie woven into her technique. She has a gift for writing entertaining fiction without resorting to extremes. There is a classy sort of elegance in the pages of her novels, one I admire.
You must read the blurb if you want to know details, but in a nutshell, Mona returns to her hometown after her grandfather's death and discovers it's not only too late to make peace, but that he's been murdered. A mysterious insurance agent comes to her aid, and the duo must learn to trust each other to unravel a sinister mystery. This brings to mind another thing Miss Mae does well--sinister. If you like mysteries and sweet romances, you'll enjoy this small town story with a big crime in the neighborhood.
You must read the blurb if you want to know details, but in a nutshell, Mona returns to her hometown after her grandfather's death and discovers it's not only too late to make peace, but that he's been murdered. A mysterious insurance agent comes to her aid, and the duo must learn to trust each other to unravel a sinister mystery. This brings to mind another thing Miss Mae does well--sinister. If you like mysteries and sweet romances, you'll enjoy this small town story with a big crime in the neighborhood.
July 2, 2009
Said the Spider to the Fly...
I have to admit, just the title and cover blew me away. I had to read this book to find out what tangled web of deception, intrigue, and murder that brings possible heiress Mona Murphy and the rakish-handsome insurance investigator, Preston Hitchcock together.
That said, I wasn't disappointed. I was completely surprised by "who done it" (WILL NOT GIVE AWAY A SPOILER!!) And the romance was sweet, engaging, and a lovely way to see this exciting story through to the end.
Miss Mae expertly weaves all the fun, flirtation, intrigue, twists, turns, and joy of a good old fashioned mystery/thriller.
By the end you'll be wondering if Preston and Mona aren't the next Nick and Nora Charles.
Definitely a good, fun, fast read for lovers of mystery/romance!
I have to admit, just the title and cover blew me away. I had to read this book to find out what tangled web of deception, intrigue, and murder that brings possible heiress Mona Murphy and the rakish-handsome insurance investigator, Preston Hitchcock together.
That said, I wasn't disappointed. I was completely surprised by "who done it" (WILL NOT GIVE AWAY A SPOILER!!) And the romance was sweet, engaging, and a lovely way to see this exciting story through to the end.
Miss Mae expertly weaves all the fun, flirtation, intrigue, twists, turns, and joy of a good old fashioned mystery/thriller.
By the end you'll be wondering if Preston and Mona aren't the next Nick and Nora Charles.
Definitely a good, fun, fast read for lovers of mystery/romance!
May 31, 2010
Said the Spider to the Fly was an exciting read. Miss Mae has woven romance, murder and mystery together in a descriptive story. I found her descriptions of people, places and scenery quite vivid. The characterizations were great. The people we're not supposed to like, we come to hate, and the people who are nice, we come to love. Just when I thought I'd figured out the guilty party, I was wrong, several times. The car chase was realistic, and injuries to characters were described in such a way that I felt the pain. I'm glad I sprung for the print version. I highly recommend this novel.
August 24, 2013
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
The cover of the book had me thinking it was gonna be a horror novel. I suppose there was some supernatural and creepiness attached to the story, but it was a nail biting thrill ride. This was great and I couldn’t help but think of the great Bogart/Bacall noirs. This was filled with twists and turns and suspicion. I never knew who to pin the blame on and what was really happening till it was revealed at the end. Must read for crime/thriller/mystery fans.
The cover of the book had me thinking it was gonna be a horror novel. I suppose there was some supernatural and creepiness attached to the story, but it was a nail biting thrill ride. This was great and I couldn’t help but think of the great Bogart/Bacall noirs. This was filled with twists and turns and suspicion. I never knew who to pin the blame on and what was really happening till it was revealed at the end. Must read for crime/thriller/mystery fans.
May 6, 2013
We wonder what dark secrets are hiding in the attic of the house in which Mona grew up.
We also wonder how wrong Mr. Irresistible might turn out to be.
Mona must rend her way through a veil of cobwebs - old and new - to make sense of the non-sensical happenings that are gathering around her.
Filled with a number of twists, turns, and DEAD ends, this is a quick read; you won't put it down.
We also wonder how wrong Mr. Irresistible might turn out to be.
Mona must rend her way through a veil of cobwebs - old and new - to make sense of the non-sensical happenings that are gathering around her.
Filled with a number of twists, turns, and DEAD ends, this is a quick read; you won't put it down.
June 28, 2013
A good romantic mystery & can I just say that cover is creepy scary and amazing all wrapped up in one?
*Won from goodreads giveaway*
*Won from goodreads giveaway*
March 3, 2015
A fun and satisfying romantic mystery with plenty of twists and turns and likable characters. Cozy, but never dull.
Disclosure: I won this book in a giveaway, which did not influence my rating.
Disclosure: I won this book in a giveaway, which did not influence my rating.
May 27, 2016
This is not generally my type of book but I really enjoyed it. It was very fast paced and there was so much going on that you didn't want to put the book down.
May 6, 2009
A suspenseful romantic mystery
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews