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A Bree MacGowan Mystery #1
Moonlighting In Vermont
Rumor has it that nothing ever happens in small-town Vermont, but for Bella Bree MacGowan, there is no shortage of excitement. She becomes the prime suspect when she finds her boss dead in a pool of blood and can’t convince the officer in charge, hunky Lt. Miles Brooks, that she isn’t capable of murder.
Lt. Brooks believes two things: The first is that everyone is capable of murder, and the second is that the simplest solution is usually correct. So when it appears that Bree MacGowan has both motive and opportunity, he’s confident he’s found his killer.
Meg Maverick owns the local paper, and Bree’s been her paste-up tech and friend from the beginning. She has no doubt of Bree’s innocence, but she’s worried. If her husband Tom, the captain-in-chief at the local state police barracks, insists on sticking up for Bree, he could end up ruining his reputation.
Then there’s Beaux Maverick, Tom’s younger brother, who has been waiting 15 years for his chance to ask Bree MacGowan out on a date. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass if the whole town thinks Bree is guilty. He’d be the happiest guy alive—if only she’d stay out of trouble.
Lt. Brooks believes two things: The first is that everyone is capable of murder, and the second is that the simplest solution is usually correct. So when it appears that Bree MacGowan has both motive and opportunity, he’s confident he’s found his killer.
Meg Maverick owns the local paper, and Bree’s been her paste-up tech and friend from the beginning. She has no doubt of Bree’s innocence, but she’s worried. If her husband Tom, the captain-in-chief at the local state police barracks, insists on sticking up for Bree, he could end up ruining his reputation.
Then there’s Beaux Maverick, Tom’s younger brother, who has been waiting 15 years for his chance to ask Bree MacGowan out on a date. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass if the whole town thinks Bree is guilty. He’d be the happiest guy alive—if only she’d stay out of trouble.
234 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2009
75 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
Kate George
16 books47 followersHaving worked at a number of jobs ranging from Senior Assistant to the Dean of a Medical School to Actor/Booking Agent in outdoor theatre troop, Ms George has had plenty of experiences to bring authenticity to her characters. In fact, the idea for Moonlighting began formulating while she was working as a evening turndown maid at an exclusive resort for people with more money than sense. The layout was perfect for a murder, but, as she was not willing to risk a life in prison, she decided writing it would be a wiser choice than doing it.
Ms. George began writing at an early age by making up poems of praise for the ponies she rode. That turned to angst during her teen years and spurned lover poetry in her twenties. During her spurned lover period she also wrote a novella about a marine biologist (her college major at the time) that will never see the light of day. Ms. George eventually earned her Bachelors degree in Anthropology from the University of California at Davis. In case you haven't noticed there aren't a lot of jobs for a budding anthropologist. That's her explanation for the 75 different careers in her resume. Think police dog trainer and answering service operator and then let your imagination go wild. You couldn't possibly be far from the truth.
Although born in California and raised in British Columbia, Ms. George is currently living in Central Vermont with her husband, four children, three dogs, and two cats. She once had 28 chickens, all named, none of them seem especially keen to lay eggs. I'm sorry to tell you that Hermione and Speckles were eaten by coyotes. The rest were given to good homes to avoid any further emotional distress.
Ms. George began writing at an early age by making up poems of praise for the ponies she rode. That turned to angst during her teen years and spurned lover poetry in her twenties. During her spurned lover period she also wrote a novella about a marine biologist (her college major at the time) that will never see the light of day. Ms. George eventually earned her Bachelors degree in Anthropology from the University of California at Davis. In case you haven't noticed there aren't a lot of jobs for a budding anthropologist. That's her explanation for the 75 different careers in her resume. Think police dog trainer and answering service operator and then let your imagination go wild. You couldn't possibly be far from the truth.
Although born in California and raised in British Columbia, Ms. George is currently living in Central Vermont with her husband, four children, three dogs, and two cats. She once had 28 chickens, all named, none of them seem especially keen to lay eggs. I'm sorry to tell you that Hermione and Speckles were eaten by coyotes. The rest were given to good homes to avoid any further emotional distress.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 14, 2010
Moonlighting in Vermont by Kate George
Once upon a time, I lived in Vermont. I loved picking fresh blackberries in my backyard on a summer morning. I loved growing my organic garden. I loved going into the general store and choosing penny candy out of a jar and putting it on my "tab." I loved antiquing in an old barn, snowshoeing on fresh snow, and driving without fear of being run off the road by an enraged madman talking on a cell phone. Yes, I have very fond memories of Vermont and a distinct longing to move back there someday, preferably in a little cottage with a couple of wiener dogs.
Kate George's novel was wonderful for many reasons. One was the setting, of course. I loved hearing about my old favorite places in the "Upper Valley"--which is the area around Hanover, NH, where Dartmouth is located. The lifestyle there is a breath of fresh air, and I do mean that literally. The heroine Bree lives on a "farm" taking care of chickens, horses, dogs, cats, etc. She mucks about in mud and crap and wears hiking boots. The author's obvious love of animals is never more apparent than when she is describing Bree's menagerie of dogs, all with their own adorable personalities, heaping love and affection on the heroine. Well, I'm a dog person, so this really appealed to me. And I loved how the "city" folk were completely undone by this natural environment. When I lived in Vermont, we called city folks "flat-landers" and would make fun of their fancy clothes, luxury cars, and snooty attitudes. (Folks in Vermont drive pick-up trucks, wear sensible clothing, and are very down to earth. Seriously, it's my Shangri-La!).
Bree is a great heroine...plucky, always getting herself into scrapes, fiercely independent, loyal. And she has a wicked sense of humor. There are a lot of physical mishaps, including a motorcycle wipe-out, getting stabbed with a pair of sewing scissors, and a hilarious mud wrestling scene with Bree's best friend. I also love the fact that the heroine is juggling a bunch of guys, including a lawyer, auto mechanic, police officer, and stone mason (Go Bree!). There are a lot of flirtations and sexy interludes going on, which adds great sexual tension to the story.
The "mystery" was actually the weakest link of the story, mostly because Bree is more of a passive observer than an active participant in solving the crime. Instead of sitting at home waiting for something to happen, she should have been out badgering the cops and looking for clues. That seemed more in line with her personality. I'm praying there will be another book about Bree, and hopefully she will take a more active role in the mystery.
I am very impressed with Ms. George's writing. She has a fabulous voice....fresh, funny, irreverent. It lends itself perfectly to this genre. I can't wait to find out which of the hunky Vermonters will win Bree's heart! And in the meantime, I'm booking a weekend at an inn in Woodstock. Only this time, I'll be the flatlander tourist from Massachusetts with my SUV and cell phone. How embarrassing!
Grade: A-
Penelope
Once upon a time, I lived in Vermont. I loved picking fresh blackberries in my backyard on a summer morning. I loved growing my organic garden. I loved going into the general store and choosing penny candy out of a jar and putting it on my "tab." I loved antiquing in an old barn, snowshoeing on fresh snow, and driving without fear of being run off the road by an enraged madman talking on a cell phone. Yes, I have very fond memories of Vermont and a distinct longing to move back there someday, preferably in a little cottage with a couple of wiener dogs.
Kate George's novel was wonderful for many reasons. One was the setting, of course. I loved hearing about my old favorite places in the "Upper Valley"--which is the area around Hanover, NH, where Dartmouth is located. The lifestyle there is a breath of fresh air, and I do mean that literally. The heroine Bree lives on a "farm" taking care of chickens, horses, dogs, cats, etc. She mucks about in mud and crap and wears hiking boots. The author's obvious love of animals is never more apparent than when she is describing Bree's menagerie of dogs, all with their own adorable personalities, heaping love and affection on the heroine. Well, I'm a dog person, so this really appealed to me. And I loved how the "city" folk were completely undone by this natural environment. When I lived in Vermont, we called city folks "flat-landers" and would make fun of their fancy clothes, luxury cars, and snooty attitudes. (Folks in Vermont drive pick-up trucks, wear sensible clothing, and are very down to earth. Seriously, it's my Shangri-La!).
Bree is a great heroine...plucky, always getting herself into scrapes, fiercely independent, loyal. And she has a wicked sense of humor. There are a lot of physical mishaps, including a motorcycle wipe-out, getting stabbed with a pair of sewing scissors, and a hilarious mud wrestling scene with Bree's best friend. I also love the fact that the heroine is juggling a bunch of guys, including a lawyer, auto mechanic, police officer, and stone mason (Go Bree!). There are a lot of flirtations and sexy interludes going on, which adds great sexual tension to the story.
The "mystery" was actually the weakest link of the story, mostly because Bree is more of a passive observer than an active participant in solving the crime. Instead of sitting at home waiting for something to happen, she should have been out badgering the cops and looking for clues. That seemed more in line with her personality. I'm praying there will be another book about Bree, and hopefully she will take a more active role in the mystery.
I am very impressed with Ms. George's writing. She has a fabulous voice....fresh, funny, irreverent. It lends itself perfectly to this genre. I can't wait to find out which of the hunky Vermonters will win Bree's heart! And in the meantime, I'm booking a weekend at an inn in Woodstock. Only this time, I'll be the flatlander tourist from Massachusetts with my SUV and cell phone. How embarrassing!
Grade: A-
Penelope
August 9, 2014
Kate George’s Moonlighting in Vermont starts out with a wallop in the story’s second paragraph. While at her job as housekeeper at The Whispering Birches, Bella Bree MacGowan discovers her boss, her DEAD boss, stuck in a closet. If I was expecting a nail-biter, I was mistaken. Two paragraphs later, I read, “Not throwing up is a life skill I haven’t developed. My name is Bella Bree MacGowan. Bella is Italian; Bree – well, technically, Brie – but my mom couldn’t spell, is French; and MacGowan is Scottish. Basically, my name means good cheese. Or maybe, pretty cheese. Either way, it’s cheese, and what kind of life skills can you expect a cheese to develop. Definitely not dealing with dead bodies, I’ll tell you that much.”
That’s pretty cheesy stuff, but I was practically rolling on the floor laughing and scaring the cats. After Bree discovers the body, she soon becomes the only suspect due to lack of evidence. She receives a Get Out of Jail Free Card, and we follow her exploits as she trudges through the mud – quite often – and traipses about from one man to another, interrupting her trysts to dash home to feed the animals in her menagerie. At times, I actually forgot that there is a murder to be solved. Well, I almost forgot.
Bree is best friends with Maggie, who is also her boss at the local newspaper. Maggie’s husband is a cop. Conflict of interest? Yes, but there are plenty of those in this small Vermont town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The characters are funny, down-to-earth, and of course, some are caricatures. This is especially true of Gunnar Ericson, the soap opera star, who is a guest at the inn where Bree moonlights as her second job. For those who would like to read this book, I won’t describe how he fits, or rather, doesn’t fit, into the novel, but I felt that his character and story line detracted from the overall mood of the story. Her encounter with him, however, is just another in a string of misadventures that befall our stumbling heroine as she battles the gossip and dirty looks of town folk and coworkers and other incidents much more painful and dangerous.
For those who like wine with their cheese, the writing is not perfect; the editing and proofreading needs work. I suppose some might say that the “dates” could be considered a little too graphic for a cozy mystery. No whining for me! Those things detracted very little from my pleasure in reading this book. Except as noted above, I enjoyed Moonlighting in Vermont very much. Oh, by the way, the mystery IS solved at the end!
4/5 stars
That’s pretty cheesy stuff, but I was practically rolling on the floor laughing and scaring the cats. After Bree discovers the body, she soon becomes the only suspect due to lack of evidence. She receives a Get Out of Jail Free Card, and we follow her exploits as she trudges through the mud – quite often – and traipses about from one man to another, interrupting her trysts to dash home to feed the animals in her menagerie. At times, I actually forgot that there is a murder to be solved. Well, I almost forgot.
Bree is best friends with Maggie, who is also her boss at the local newspaper. Maggie’s husband is a cop. Conflict of interest? Yes, but there are plenty of those in this small Vermont town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The characters are funny, down-to-earth, and of course, some are caricatures. This is especially true of Gunnar Ericson, the soap opera star, who is a guest at the inn where Bree moonlights as her second job. For those who would like to read this book, I won’t describe how he fits, or rather, doesn’t fit, into the novel, but I felt that his character and story line detracted from the overall mood of the story. Her encounter with him, however, is just another in a string of misadventures that befall our stumbling heroine as she battles the gossip and dirty looks of town folk and coworkers and other incidents much more painful and dangerous.
For those who like wine with their cheese, the writing is not perfect; the editing and proofreading needs work. I suppose some might say that the “dates” could be considered a little too graphic for a cozy mystery. No whining for me! Those things detracted very little from my pleasure in reading this book. Except as noted above, I enjoyed Moonlighting in Vermont very much. Oh, by the way, the mystery IS solved at the end!
4/5 stars
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Sometimes a girl just has to get dirty! TROUBLE FOLLOWS SOME WOMEN... Bella Bree MacGowan is your average country girl. She works two jobs to support her farm and the menagerie of stray animals that accumulate there; she's almost always covered in mud; and everyone in her small town of South Royalton, Vermont, feels free to comment on everything from her love life ("That Jim just isn't right for you!") to her expired inspection sticker ("Better get that car looked at!"). Is there any such thing as privacy anymore? ... BUT IT FELL IN LOVE WITH BREE MACGOWAN. When Bree finds a dead body at the five-star resort where she moonlights as a maid, her life careens out of control. Her lawyer boyfriend, Jim, dumps her; the surly and sensual investigating officer, Lieutenant Miles Brooks, keeps giving her the beady eyeball; and a reporter at the paper where she works names Bree as the primary suspect in the murder! Can your average hard-working country girl prove her innocence, rein in a love life gone wild, and maintain her sanity all at the same time?
REVIEW: The premise of this book was a very good storyline with lots of possibilities. I would have enjoyed it much more and given it a better score if the obscene language and few sexual interludes with TMI had been left out. The heroine was an interesting person, and I loved all her animals, but I didn't connect with her morality in her relationships. There were also some editing/grammar problems that need to be cleaned up. I think Ms George could have a wider audience appeal if she eliminated the language and sexual scenes.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "These women transform their lives by doing something out of the ordinary. By taking chances.
REVIEW: The premise of this book was a very good storyline with lots of possibilities. I would have enjoyed it much more and given it a better score if the obscene language and few sexual interludes with TMI had been left out. The heroine was an interesting person, and I loved all her animals, but I didn't connect with her morality in her relationships. There were also some editing/grammar problems that need to be cleaned up. I think Ms George could have a wider audience appeal if she eliminated the language and sexual scenes.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "These women transform their lives by doing something out of the ordinary. By taking chances.
January 10, 2013
I finished this book because I hoped there could be a strong plot hiding away in the later pages. The e-book is poorly edited with dozens of missing and wrong words disrupting the sentences, and at one point, a dead character speaks -- the author used the wrong character name! Though mildly entertaining and occasionally humorous, the plot needs a transfusion early on. About 3/4 through the book, the author must have realized she was putting readers to sleep. Out of nowhere there is a double kidnapping that is out of sync with the story. Hoping it would expose the killer, at the end of this read, all I can do is ask why. The answer can only be that the mishap kidnapping plot might have provided the most entertainment.
February 25, 2024
"Moonlighting in Vermont" by Bree MacGowan is a charming blend of mystery, romance, and small-town charm that will leave you craving maple syrup and longing for the idyllic landscapes of New England. In this delightful novel, MacGowan takes readers on a captivating journey to the quaint town of Buttercup, Vermont, where secrets lurk beneath the surface and love blossoms in unexpected places.
At the heart of the story is protagonist Lisa Samuels, a spirited city girl who finds herself unexpectedly transplanted to the picturesque countryside. As she navigates the quirks of small-town life and tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding her eccentric new neighbors, Lisa discovers that there's more to Buttercup than meets the eye. With its colorful cast of characters, including a handsome handyman and a feisty grandmother, "Moonlighting in Vermont" is as much a story about community and belonging as it is about solving a puzzling whodunit.
MacGowan's writing is both witty and heartfelt, drawing readers in with its sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions. From the crisp autumn air to the cozy charm of the local diner, every detail is lovingly rendered, creating a world that feels both familiar and enchanting. And while the central mystery keeps you guessing until the very end, it's the relationships between the characters that truly shine, imbuing the story with warmth and depth.
Ultimately, "Moonlighting in Vermont" is a delightful read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life in the countryside. So curl up by the fire, and get ready to be swept away on a charming New England adventure that you won't soon forget.
At the heart of the story is protagonist Lisa Samuels, a spirited city girl who finds herself unexpectedly transplanted to the picturesque countryside. As she navigates the quirks of small-town life and tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding her eccentric new neighbors, Lisa discovers that there's more to Buttercup than meets the eye. With its colorful cast of characters, including a handsome handyman and a feisty grandmother, "Moonlighting in Vermont" is as much a story about community and belonging as it is about solving a puzzling whodunit.
MacGowan's writing is both witty and heartfelt, drawing readers in with its sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions. From the crisp autumn air to the cozy charm of the local diner, every detail is lovingly rendered, creating a world that feels both familiar and enchanting. And while the central mystery keeps you guessing until the very end, it's the relationships between the characters that truly shine, imbuing the story with warmth and depth.
Ultimately, "Moonlighting in Vermont" is a delightful read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life in the countryside. So curl up by the fire, and get ready to be swept away on a charming New England adventure that you won't soon forget.
May 29, 2019
I was having a rough time concentrating lately so was looking for a 'beach read.' I found one. This one is cute and quick but a little over physical. This is a formula mystery and if you like such, is a quick and easy read. However, big however, the editing was terrible. There were lots of obvious typos - in one case the assumed villian's name (Dotty) is replaced with the victim (Vera). The heroine was also involved in quite a few physical scrums that were really unnecessary to prove that she was a tough cookie. They may have cleaned these things up in future editions, but that will be for someone else to determine - one of these was enough for me.
July 28, 2020
I loved the lead character and all the trouble she kept getting into without even trying. The story is told in the first person and had me guessing her age (early 30's?) and probably very attractive. Bree was really fun to follow as she weaved her way through a mystery for which she was a prime suspect. As some others have noted, the book could use better editing. Many times an important word would be missing and often words were reversed and out of place so the reader had to guess what the author meant to say. That was the only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars. It is definitely a very enjoyable read.
January 6, 2021
The first in a series. this book started off slowly but improved as I read it. By the end I was ready to read book 2. Bree works at the Royalton Star weekly paper and as a maid at a local resort every evening to pay for the upkeep of all the stray animals she has taken in.
One evening she discovers a dead body while cleaning and immediately becomes the prime suspect. While investigating the murder, it seems nearly every young man in town is interested in Bree. With a few unexpected twists, the case is finally resolved.
One evening she discovers a dead body while cleaning and immediately becomes the prime suspect. While investigating the murder, it seems nearly every young man in town is interested in Bree. With a few unexpected twists, the case is finally resolved.
March 17, 2021
The housekeeper from hell, Vera, is found dead in the closet. Unfortunately for Bree, she is the one who found the body. Now, she is Lt. Brooks' primary suspect. He is convinced that Bree wanted Vera's job, though Bree keeps telling him it is only a part-time job to help earn her the money to keep her animals fed. Her main job is as the typesetter at the local newspaper.
Then Bree is kidnapped, well I'll let you read about that...
Funny with lots of clues to ponder. Though I didn't foresee the twist at the end.
Then Bree is kidnapped, well I'll let you read about that...
Funny with lots of clues to ponder. Though I didn't foresee the twist at the end.
May 11, 2017
Lovely, light read. Really likeable characters. Not enough Vermont in it for my taste, but I'm a displaced New Englander. Plot slightly thin. Characters a bit two-dimensional. Those did not stop me enjoying the book, though. Would read more by this author.
February 19, 2021
Good reading
Had me to the almost end. Usually I figure out whodoneit. Not this book great author. Wasn’t crazy about the sex scenes. But I skimmed past them. Any way. Great reading. Didn’t put it down til I was crossed eyed and saw the words. The end Good reading
Had me to the almost end. Usually I figure out whodoneit. Not this book great author. Wasn’t crazy about the sex scenes. But I skimmed past them. Any way. Great reading. Didn’t put it down til I was crossed eyed and saw the words. The end Good reading
June 1, 2022
Disappointing
Time spent creating characters and setting is good. However there are so few clues and suspects, the storyline is obvious. Also, through the middle of the book a significant number of typos appear. Very odd.
Time spent creating characters and setting is good. However there are so few clues and suspects, the storyline is obvious. Also, through the middle of the book a significant number of typos appear. Very odd.
May 22, 2017
DNF
Underdeveloped characters, dull conversations, cliche heroine.
Underdeveloped characters, dull conversations, cliche heroine.
July 25, 2017
Female McGyver😉
If you want to a fool-hardy adventuress, Bree is your girl. At times she seemed to be the female version of McGyver!
If you want to a fool-hardy adventuress, Bree is your girl. At times she seemed to be the female version of McGyver!
October 7, 2018
DNF. Just couldn’t get into the story or the characters.
October 22, 2018
Fun and witty
This is my kind of heroine: unique, quick thinking, loyal, and smart. The plot has some lovely twists and turns.
This is my kind of heroine: unique, quick thinking, loyal, and smart. The plot has some lovely twists and turns.
December 23, 2021
This has a terrible cover, but the book is better than that would suggest. It’s not amazing and the heroine is incredibly foolhardy/slow to see that she’s in trouble but it was a fine way of spending a few hours.
November 28, 2010
Bella Brie MacGowan is an appealing protagonist who admits her name means either good cheese or beautiful cheese. She doesn't much enjoy being a housekeeper, even though it's at a group of five-star cottages. But when she finds her boss, Vera, dead in a housekeeping closet, she likes it even less. Even though Vera wasn't well liked, the handsome Lt. Brooks seems to think Bella is a prime suspect for her murder.
She keeps a menagerie at home, a pony, rabbits, chickens, a cat, and four dogs. Her parents have recently moved to South Carolina, but it's not too far away for her mother to give Bella dating advice. Namely, that she should marry the guy she's dating, Jim Fisk.
Bella's other job is more enjoyable, typesetting and paste-up at South Royalton's newpaper, *Royalton Star*. She works there with her best friend, Meg. A threat to Meg's marriage by the name of Scott casts a shadow there. Besides keeping herself out of jail, Bella needs to intervene to keep Meg and her cop husband, Tom together.
Jim is there for Bella less and less, finding her bouts of clumsiness less amusing than she does. But Rob, her mechanic, is good looking. And Steve, a cop she grew up with, is kind and attentive. Unlike Brooks.
I loved picturing Bella tooling around Vermont on her motorcycle when her car is confined to the shop, investigating her fellow employees at Whispering Birches and other suspects, trying to save Meg and Tom's marriage, between working her two jobs and caring for all her expensive animals (hence the two jobs).
A fun read and a good, well-plotted mystery!
She keeps a menagerie at home, a pony, rabbits, chickens, a cat, and four dogs. Her parents have recently moved to South Carolina, but it's not too far away for her mother to give Bella dating advice. Namely, that she should marry the guy she's dating, Jim Fisk.
Bella's other job is more enjoyable, typesetting and paste-up at South Royalton's newpaper, *Royalton Star*. She works there with her best friend, Meg. A threat to Meg's marriage by the name of Scott casts a shadow there. Besides keeping herself out of jail, Bella needs to intervene to keep Meg and her cop husband, Tom together.
Jim is there for Bella less and less, finding her bouts of clumsiness less amusing than she does. But Rob, her mechanic, is good looking. And Steve, a cop she grew up with, is kind and attentive. Unlike Brooks.
I loved picturing Bella tooling around Vermont on her motorcycle when her car is confined to the shop, investigating her fellow employees at Whispering Birches and other suspects, trying to save Meg and Tom's marriage, between working her two jobs and caring for all her expensive animals (hence the two jobs).
A fun read and a good, well-plotted mystery!
April 5, 2013
First Line: "Why. Won't. You. Open!" With every word I pushed my shoulder into the door.
It's not easy being Bree MacGowan. She works two jobs in an effort to keep her farm going, her vehicle running, and her menagerie of stray animals fed. About the only time she's not covered in mud is when she's working one of her jobs as a maid in a nearby five-star resort. And when you live in the small town of South Royalton, Vermont, everybody knows you... and everybody feels comfortable telling you what you should be doing.
When a universally disliked supervisor at the resort is murdered, Bree is first in the line of suspects. All her co-workers points fingers at Bree. Her boyfriend the lawyer dumps her. A reporter at the newspaper where she works lists Bree as the primary suspect. Even the police officer in charge of the case seems intent on pinning the murder on her. What else can Bree do but conduct her own investigation? If she goes to jail, who will take care of all her animals?
Moonlighting in Vermont won the 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in mystery and suspense. It is a cozy with an engaging main character. Kate George has a light, humorous touch, and I liked the way she developed Bree's character. Bree's bright, funny, and good-hearted. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them. It was easy to find myself rooting for her to uncover the real killer.
If you're in the mood for something light and fun, you'd do well to make the acquaintance of Bree MacGowan. I know that I look forward to reading more books in this series.
It's not easy being Bree MacGowan. She works two jobs in an effort to keep her farm going, her vehicle running, and her menagerie of stray animals fed. About the only time she's not covered in mud is when she's working one of her jobs as a maid in a nearby five-star resort. And when you live in the small town of South Royalton, Vermont, everybody knows you... and everybody feels comfortable telling you what you should be doing.
When a universally disliked supervisor at the resort is murdered, Bree is first in the line of suspects. All her co-workers points fingers at Bree. Her boyfriend the lawyer dumps her. A reporter at the newspaper where she works lists Bree as the primary suspect. Even the police officer in charge of the case seems intent on pinning the murder on her. What else can Bree do but conduct her own investigation? If she goes to jail, who will take care of all her animals?
Moonlighting in Vermont won the 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in mystery and suspense. It is a cozy with an engaging main character. Kate George has a light, humorous touch, and I liked the way she developed Bree's character. Bree's bright, funny, and good-hearted. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them. It was easy to find myself rooting for her to uncover the real killer.
If you're in the mood for something light and fun, you'd do well to make the acquaintance of Bree MacGowan. I know that I look forward to reading more books in this series.
October 3, 2014
I love a good cozy mystery, Bree definitely has potential for stepping in it Jessica Fletcher style! The only thing that bothered me in this book it that it could figure out if it wanted to be a romance too.
Loads of great characters here, with just enough story building to keep you in the loop. I see plenty of potential for more mysteries in this sleepy resort town.
The dynamic with her BFF Meg is perfect. Reminds me of my BFF and I, always pals but telling it like it is, possible getting in mud fights!
The mystery wasn't overly taxing, it had enough twists and angles to keep me on my toes. I was guessing right until the dead giveaway, then it was obvious who the murderer was, if not the motive.
The whole book comes from Bree's POV, which isn't a bad narrative. I love her quirkiness and her menagerie of pets! She gets some lovin throughout the book, but the bedroom door is barely cracked open.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sara Mackie, who is excellent. She has just the right touch of snark in her read to really sell the character. Great pace throughout the book and terrific energy. I could have used a hint more bass with the men, but that is just me being picky!
I am eager to see what happens next for this cozy mystery series! Fun story kept be giggling!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, ratings and opinions are my own.
Loads of great characters here, with just enough story building to keep you in the loop. I see plenty of potential for more mysteries in this sleepy resort town.
The dynamic with her BFF Meg is perfect. Reminds me of my BFF and I, always pals but telling it like it is, possible getting in mud fights!
The mystery wasn't overly taxing, it had enough twists and angles to keep me on my toes. I was guessing right until the dead giveaway, then it was obvious who the murderer was, if not the motive.
The whole book comes from Bree's POV, which isn't a bad narrative. I love her quirkiness and her menagerie of pets! She gets some lovin throughout the book, but the bedroom door is barely cracked open.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sara Mackie, who is excellent. She has just the right touch of snark in her read to really sell the character. Great pace throughout the book and terrific energy. I could have used a hint more bass with the men, but that is just me being picky!
I am eager to see what happens next for this cozy mystery series! Fun story kept be giggling!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, ratings and opinions are my own.
Want to read
February 15, 2016242pgs, When Bree finds a dead body at the five-star resort where she moonlights as a maid, her life careens out of control. Her lawyer boyfriend, Jim, dumps her; the surly and sensual investigating officer, Lieutenant Miles Brooks, keeps giving her the beady eyeball; and a reporter at the paper where she works names Bree as the primary suspect in the murder! Can your average hard-working country girl prove her innocence, rein in a love life gone wild, and maintain her sanity all at the same time?
Meet Bella Bree MacGowan ... smart, sexy and wanted for murder. Bella is furious that Lt. Miles Brooks thinks she's actually capable of murder. If he'd concentrate on finding clues, instead of trying to pin the death of her boss on Bree, he might actually catch the perp. If Brooks won't look for clues, then Bree will, regardless of the danger. Finding clues isn't as easy as it seems and Bree looses her boyfriend and her job while in the pursuit of justice. A lethal encounter with the creepy soap star Gunnar Ericson makes her wonder if she'll be able to discover the murderer's identity before she also loses her life... Another chillingly good New England mystery from Mainly Murder Press.
Meet Bella Bree MacGowan ... smart, sexy and wanted for murder. Bella is furious that Lt. Miles Brooks thinks she's actually capable of murder. If he'd concentrate on finding clues, instead of trying to pin the death of her boss on Bree, he might actually catch the perp. If Brooks won't look for clues, then Bree will, regardless of the danger. Finding clues isn't as easy as it seems and Bree looses her boyfriend and her job while in the pursuit of justice. A lethal encounter with the creepy soap star Gunnar Ericson makes her wonder if she'll be able to discover the murderer's identity before she also loses her life... Another chillingly good New England mystery from Mainly Murder Press.
March 17, 2014
Moonlighting in Vermont was an uneven book for me. It’s told from Bree’s point of view and I really did like her. She a trouble-magnet, but she’s fun and tries to be optimistic. She loves her animals and seems to more or less work to make money to take care of them. She’s not afraid to get dirty, but the mud fight with her best friend was a little unbelievable. She’s loyal and honest. And all the guys in town seem to be attracted to her – from the cop to the mechanic to her best friend’s brother-in-law. I just wish I could pick her up and put her in a different book.
I went into this expecting a mystery, but about halfway through I was debating if it could still be considered a mystery if there were more sex scenes than clues. And the sex scenes were a little bland, at least compared to the other book I was reading at the time.
The mystery portion picked up a little after that, and I think the series has potential.
You can see my whole review at Carol's Notebook.
I went into this expecting a mystery, but about halfway through I was debating if it could still be considered a mystery if there were more sex scenes than clues. And the sex scenes were a little bland, at least compared to the other book I was reading at the time.
The mystery portion picked up a little after that, and I think the series has potential.
You can see my whole review at Carol's Notebook.
January 6, 2013
I'm going to give this book 3 stars because it was a little long and drawn out. I did very much enjoy the book but I felt it could have a lot of less pages. The story starts out with a woman discovering her boss murdered in the supply closet. The local police feel she's the only suspect because she found the body. This drags on throughout the book. They have no evidence whatsoever so it gets a little tedious. There is some romance thrown in but mostly it's about the murder. Not long after she finds the body it became apparent to me who had committed the murder. This was less than halfway through the book. The story line was ok, the romance parts were pretty good but the book definitely dragged on. I'm the type that has to finish a book I start. If I wasn't, I probably would not have finished the whole book! If the pace was a bit quicker and with more story lines it would have been a much better read.
September 29, 2013
This first book has some potential but poor editing (or poor writing) detracts from this reader's enjoyment. I would also suggest cutting back on the details about the main character's sex life - innuendo is fine but I picked a mystery, not a romance or chick lit and the soft porn is not to my liking.
On the plus side, I liked the rural background - the town and all the animals. George did a good job with the small New England town feeling of everyone knowing everyone & all their business; having Bree's best friend be married to the local police captain is smart too for future books. I will try the next book in hopes that the editing at least will be improved.
On the plus side, I liked the rural background - the town and all the animals. George did a good job with the small New England town feeling of everyone knowing everyone & all their business; having Bree's best friend be married to the local police captain is smart too for future books. I will try the next book in hopes that the editing at least will be improved.
July 21, 2010
I saw this book on Goodreads and I just had to purchase it. A murder mystery in picturesque Vermont? Sign me up. Bree, the lead character (animal lover, newspaper employee, and housekeeper at a posh Inn), is simply endearing. She swears, she has sass, and she isn't afraid to throw caution to the wind! The author did such a wonderful job creating her and the setting and I hope to read more about Bree in the future. The plot was a bit tepid and predictable, but I think George will get better at this over time. Really great job for a first novel--gull of humor and quirks.
October 10, 2011
If you can't handle reading kindle books with atrocious editing (formatting, spelling,context mistakes, et al) you probably want to skip this one or try the paperback version.
However, if you can get past the editing debacle, I think Kate George has good story telling abilities.
I will read the next book, California Schemin', with the hopes the story is still there and she found a better editor - will have to get from the library though, hate paying for a book that has so many errors.
However, if you can get past the editing debacle, I think Kate George has good story telling abilities.
I will read the next book, California Schemin', with the hopes the story is still there and she found a better editor - will have to get from the library though, hate paying for a book that has so many errors.
March 23, 2010
A good story. I really like Bella Bree MacGowan and her menagerie of animals. However, I knew she could not be guilty -- she didn't have a good enough motive.
I really thought she would end up with Lt. Brooks at the end -- her relationships with the opposite sex are very interesting.
I got tripped up quite a few times by errors -- some creative editing would have made this read much better.
Having said this, I would not mind reading another tale by Kate George.
I really thought she would end up with Lt. Brooks at the end -- her relationships with the opposite sex are very interesting.
I got tripped up quite a few times by errors -- some creative editing would have made this read much better.
Having said this, I would not mind reading another tale by Kate George.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2015
It's classed as a cozy, but it seemed to have more relationship/friendship than mystery. What was mystery was in was good. For being a cozy way to much sex scenes. There's usually romance but not graphic sex scenes.
I did like the main character. She was clutzy, but had a solid personality. Not ditzy or annoying.
I would consider reading the next one in the seried, but only when I'm looking for a quick read.
I did like the main character. She was clutzy, but had a solid personality. Not ditzy or annoying.
I would consider reading the next one in the seried, but only when I'm looking for a quick read.
Read
March 20, 2012Bella Bree MacGowan, a part-time hotel housekeeper and a newspaper editor, finds the dead body of one of the cleaning staff at the hotel. Brooks, the police officer assigned to the case, thinks Bree is guilty; she's not. Bree eventually finds the murderer, the sister of the victim, who also works at the hotel. Bree and Beaux, the brother of Tom, the police chief and husband of Meg, her best friend, get together.
October 23, 2012
Bree MacGowan's life is a mess and I love it. Nothing comes easy for her and she constantly gets herself into hot water. Her character was so engaging and real. She's not some over the top kick ass girl or some bitchy socialite. She's a real woman who works two jobs, three if you count taking care of her animals, a good friend, and has the street smarts to figure out who framed her for murder. I can't wait to read more in her series.
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