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An Odelia Grey Mystery #5
Corpse on the Cob
Book Five in the Award-Winning Series Starring Unforgettable Amateur Sleuth Odelia Grey
What do you have to lose when you go searching for the mother who walked out of your life thirty-four years ago? I mean besides your pride, your nerves, and your sanity?
Odelia finds herself up to her ears in trouble when she reunites with her mom in a corn maze at the Autumn Fair in Holmsbury, Massachusetts. For starters, there's finding the dead body in the cornfield―and seeing her long-lost mom crouched beside the corpse with blood on her hands...
"Ultimately, Corpse on the Cob offers readers much food for thought."―Mystery Scene
"The personal story makes this among the most satisfying novels in the series."―Booklist
"Jaffarian's delightful fifth cozy to feature supersized sleuth Odelia Grey...Jaffarian keeps getting better and better at blending humor, suspense, and romance."―Publishers Weekly
"Like its predecessors, this fifth series title (after Booby Trap) is a delight."―Library Journal
"A trip to the East Coast blows a refreshing fall breeze through Odelia's fifth. So does the switch of focus from workplace woes to family drama."―Kirkus Reviews
"Suspenseful and thrilling, with just the right dash of humor and romance, Corpse on the Cob is a charming entertaining mystery."―Fresh Fiction
What do you have to lose when you go searching for the mother who walked out of your life thirty-four years ago? I mean besides your pride, your nerves, and your sanity?
Odelia finds herself up to her ears in trouble when she reunites with her mom in a corn maze at the Autumn Fair in Holmsbury, Massachusetts. For starters, there's finding the dead body in the cornfield―and seeing her long-lost mom crouched beside the corpse with blood on her hands...
"Ultimately, Corpse on the Cob offers readers much food for thought."―Mystery Scene
"The personal story makes this among the most satisfying novels in the series."―Booklist
"Jaffarian's delightful fifth cozy to feature supersized sleuth Odelia Grey...Jaffarian keeps getting better and better at blending humor, suspense, and romance."―Publishers Weekly
"Like its predecessors, this fifth series title (after Booby Trap) is a delight."―Library Journal
"A trip to the East Coast blows a refreshing fall breeze through Odelia's fifth. So does the switch of focus from workplace woes to family drama."―Kirkus Reviews
"Suspenseful and thrilling, with just the right dash of humor and romance, Corpse on the Cob is a charming entertaining mystery."―Fresh Fiction
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2010
11 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Sue Ann Jaffarian
67 books547 followersSue Ann Jaffarian is the author of the popular Odelia Grey mystery series, the Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose vampire mysteries, as well as short stories.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 30, 2017
Best read for October ever. I read this in the fall and it was pretty perfect. Corn maze murder? Yes. I really loved the character Odelia, an unconventional detective. Definitely going to read more in this series.
August 19, 2024
Fun, light read. I love the realistic lead character.
November 7, 2021
I have not read the prior books in this series, but I enjoyed this one enough that I would look for them some day perhaps. I got this one from a friend.
The title was a little off-putting to me. I don't know why, because plenty of cozy mysteries have cheesy titles, but for some reason, this one made me delay reading it.
I'm glad I did read it, however. I found Odelia's extended family strange and interesting, the book's opening "hook" lured me into reading it, and the chapter by chapter cliff-hangers pulled me in as well. I liked Odelia's police officer brothers, Clark and Grady, and even Odelia's mother, although, quite possibly, I'd like them less in real life and having to be around them, particularly her cranky mother, who didn't seem to be able to attach well emotionally to her family. I also didn't like that Clint hurt Odelia's hand in ordering her to stay away from the case. That kind of bullying was unacceptable, and I believe I would've been more cautious with him in the future than Odelia was. That aside, he did seem to have some positive attributes.
I also liked Greg, and he reminded me of a friend of mine who plays basketball from her wheelchair, and even swims with her upper body strength if she can have help in and out of the pool. At one point, it seemed like Greg was driving a rental car in the book, although it wasn't reconfigured so that he could use it. At other times Odelia was driving it. I decided not to go back and reread that part to see if he was really driving it because I wanted to find out what happened further along.
I did not guess whodunit. If the truth be told, there were enough characters that I got confused on some of the lesser, bit characters.
It was a surprise to me what happened to Grady in the end. I had thought his character would take a more traditional role in future mysteries.
It was also a surprise to me what Willie did in the end. Somehow, I'd expected him to take more of a role of "White Collar"'s Mozzie character in future books, relishing his bad guy charisma to the end, not ... - SPOILER --- reforming it. That was so unexpected to me that I had to think of G. K. Chesterson's "Father Brown" mysteries, and the thing that Father Brown sometimes did that Sherlock Holmes could never do, reform a character. However, Willie had no Father Brown equivalent to help him on that path. He had Sybil, but I'm not convinced she was a good influence.
Yes, like many amateur sleuths in the genre, Odelia did stupid things that put her in danger.
It also did seem like some of the book could've been condensed, shortening the lesser-interesting chapters in the middle.
The title was a little off-putting to me. I don't know why, because plenty of cozy mysteries have cheesy titles, but for some reason, this one made me delay reading it.
I'm glad I did read it, however. I found Odelia's extended family strange and interesting, the book's opening "hook" lured me into reading it, and the chapter by chapter cliff-hangers pulled me in as well. I liked Odelia's police officer brothers, Clark and Grady, and even Odelia's mother, although, quite possibly, I'd like them less in real life and having to be around them, particularly her cranky mother, who didn't seem to be able to attach well emotionally to her family. I also didn't like that Clint hurt Odelia's hand in ordering her to stay away from the case. That kind of bullying was unacceptable, and I believe I would've been more cautious with him in the future than Odelia was. That aside, he did seem to have some positive attributes.
I also liked Greg, and he reminded me of a friend of mine who plays basketball from her wheelchair, and even swims with her upper body strength if she can have help in and out of the pool. At one point, it seemed like Greg was driving a rental car in the book, although it wasn't reconfigured so that he could use it. At other times Odelia was driving it. I decided not to go back and reread that part to see if he was really driving it because I wanted to find out what happened further along.
I did not guess whodunit. If the truth be told, there were enough characters that I got confused on some of the lesser, bit characters.
It was a surprise to me what happened to Grady in the end. I had thought his character would take a more traditional role in future mysteries.
It was also a surprise to me what Willie did in the end. Somehow, I'd expected him to take more of a role of "White Collar"'s Mozzie character in future books, relishing his bad guy charisma to the end, not ... - SPOILER --- reforming it. That was so unexpected to me that I had to think of G. K. Chesterson's "Father Brown" mysteries, and the thing that Father Brown sometimes did that Sherlock Holmes could never do, reform a character. However, Willie had no Father Brown equivalent to help him on that path. He had Sybil, but I'm not convinced she was a good influence.
Yes, like many amateur sleuths in the genre, Odelia did stupid things that put her in danger.
It also did seem like some of the book could've been condensed, shortening the lesser-interesting chapters in the middle.
February 24, 2023
Getting better and better.
August 3, 2019
I like this series, but I WISH she would stop doing stupid things that put her in danger. That's always been my complaint about female mystery protagonists. Sigh
April 8, 2012
Corpse on the Cob
~MIDNIGHT INK
(15)
You can pick your friends but not your relatives!, February 4, 2012
By Ellen Rappaport (Florida)
This review is from: Corpse on the Cob (The Odelia Grey Mysteries) (Paperback)
I am already an Odelia Grey fan before starting this book so my review will be biased...I love Odelia Grey and her entourage. :)
This latest in my reviews for Odelia takes quite a turn from the usual chaos I've come to expect. Odelia finds her mother or should I say the woman who abandoned her when she was 16 yo. I had a repulsion to Grace, Odelia's Mother, from the start and she lived up to it. Grace did not feel she owed Odelia, or anyone else for that matter, an explanation for her inexcusable actions years before. But Odelia did not let me down. Odelia finally stood up to Grace and expressed all the feelings she had festering beneath her skin for years. Ride on Odelia! You Go girl.
The author, Sue Ann Jaffarian, expanded Odelia's horizons in this book by introducing us,the readers, to Odelia's Mother and half brother(s)(Grady & Clark). There were characters brought into this story that I definitely did not take a liking to and that's the way the author intended it. Clark is the half brother that may be showing up in future Odelia mysteries. Fortunately, the characters I've grown accustomed to were also in the story. Greg (Odelia's husband), Willie (William Proctor), were along for the ride and I'm glad they were. These are two of my comfort zone characters in this series.
The main focus of this story is Odelia finding and meeting her Mother after all these many years of abandonment. That took a bit more waiting than I liked and found myself becoming a bit inpatient. There was more depth to this murder in a corn maze than one usually finds in a cozy. Many suspects that needed to be weeded out of the possibilities. Jaffarian's ending was definitely no let down. As a matter of fact, the chaotic conclusion was at a whirlwind pace mixed with doom and enlightenment. Loved it.
The post script to this mystery was when Enrique, Willie's right hand man, arrives with an envelope for Odelia. Inside were photos of Willie's wedding to sybil(another new character). This, in my opinion, may also bring these characters into future Odelia mysteries.
Lastly, Willie does his utmost to make amends for his wrong doing (swindling people out of their investments)by returning the funds he had confiscated...although he still remains a fugitive.
All in all I love Odelia and remain a stedfast fan of this wonderful series. I once again appreciate this author for another reason. She is well aware of the pit falls other authors have fallen into which resulted in burn out. Jaffarina has brought into this series new characters that may lend more intrique and wider horizons for Odelia to continue for many more adventures.
Keep on truckin' Odelia.
February 10, 2015
This is a perfect example of a book review that should start with “It was good, but...” Just one of those non-committal, “maybe you’ll like it more than me” books, you know?
Since I read Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Ghost a la Mode, I’d been looking forward to reading books in her first mystery series, Odelia Grey. I have to admit, I didn’t like Corpse on the Cob as much as I expected, but maybe that has something to do with me starting the series with book 5. All the characters were definitely well-established, but I wasn’t all that emotionally invested in them. Also, while the beginning had me hooked, somewhere after the murder was first discovered I lost much of my interest. I hate when I can’t remember what happened during the second act of a book, and it seems to happen a lot to me. What is it about that bit somewhere between page 50 and 120 where it just the story just kind of... stops? Being bored for about 20% of a book isn’t the be all or end all, but I should point out that if I were feeling a little lazier I might’ve ignored the book for a while, and then it would be due back at the library and I wouldn’t have any guilt dropping it off and never finishing it.
The whole mother-reunion didn’t seem to start happening until about halfway through, and then the book became a real proper mystery again where Odelia searched for clues and talked to people about the murder. It was good, and the mystery was interesting, but it was more of a casual read for me. Maybe sometime in the future I’ll pick up book one, and I’ll have a different tune.
Since I read Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Ghost a la Mode, I’d been looking forward to reading books in her first mystery series, Odelia Grey. I have to admit, I didn’t like Corpse on the Cob as much as I expected, but maybe that has something to do with me starting the series with book 5. All the characters were definitely well-established, but I wasn’t all that emotionally invested in them. Also, while the beginning had me hooked, somewhere after the murder was first discovered I lost much of my interest. I hate when I can’t remember what happened during the second act of a book, and it seems to happen a lot to me. What is it about that bit somewhere between page 50 and 120 where it just the story just kind of... stops? Being bored for about 20% of a book isn’t the be all or end all, but I should point out that if I were feeling a little lazier I might’ve ignored the book for a while, and then it would be due back at the library and I wouldn’t have any guilt dropping it off and never finishing it.
The whole mother-reunion didn’t seem to start happening until about halfway through, and then the book became a real proper mystery again where Odelia searched for clues and talked to people about the murder. It was good, and the mystery was interesting, but it was more of a casual read for me. Maybe sometime in the future I’ll pick up book one, and I’ll have a different tune.
October 10, 2013
Odelia Grey is just one of those fictional characters that you wish you really knew, you know, outside of your imagination. This book takes us back to learn more about her past and of course embroil the heroine in another mystery, as well as meet some family members. One of my favorite parts about this books is how the author didn't white wash Odelia's mother and make her someone different, yet still found a way to reconcile the story line with a flawed character that made sense. Great job and great story. Might be my favorite one yet.
November 3, 2010
This is my least favorite of the Odelia Grey series. After the death of her father, Odelia goes in search of her long lost mother. She finds her mother crouched over a dead body. Once again Odelia is a corpse magnet. This story shifts from the west coast to the east coast. Odelia finds her mother and -surprise surprise- half brothers! Not exactly a happy reunion. I will try the next book before I abandon the series, but all and all I was pretty disappointed.
February 24, 2016
This book is part of a series and I have not read the earlier books. I still found it entertaining as a one off. Characters that seem to be reoccurring in the series were adequately covered so this can be read as a one off and I found the characters personable enough that I might go back and read some earlier books. The mystery was good but I just could not make sense of Odelia's motivation in this case. I did like the interplay between her and her husband.
August 1, 2010
I love this series. I just read that the rights to the Odelia Grey series has been optioned for film/TV rights. This would be a hoot of a television show.
March 23, 2018
Odelia does it again!
Odelia Grey’s mother left Odelia to fend for herself when Odelia was 16. After about a month of living alone, she went to live with her father, her step-mother, her step-sister, and step-brother. The new family dynamics were less than wonderful and she moved out as soon as she could after 18th birthday.
After her father passes away, Odelia finds an address for her mother in a box of his belongings that was sent to her. Odelia does her research about her mother and confirms where she lives. She decides to meet her mother and and her mother’s sons on a surprise visit over Labor Day weekend. The mystery begins when Odelia first views her mother straddling a dead body in a corn maze. Once again there are many twists and turns as the mysteries that come up are solved.
Odelia Grey’s mother left Odelia to fend for herself when Odelia was 16. After about a month of living alone, she went to live with her father, her step-mother, her step-sister, and step-brother. The new family dynamics were less than wonderful and she moved out as soon as she could after 18th birthday.
After her father passes away, Odelia finds an address for her mother in a box of his belongings that was sent to her. Odelia does her research about her mother and confirms where she lives. She decides to meet her mother and and her mother’s sons on a surprise visit over Labor Day weekend. The mystery begins when Odelia first views her mother straddling a dead body in a corn maze. Once again there are many twists and turns as the mysteries that come up are solved.
February 11, 2020
I thought the title was cute. I have no idea if this is a self-published book, but the cover art reminds me of that. I've not read anything in this series or by this author before.
I liked that Odelia has an ample figure and I liked that Odelia's husband, Greg, a semi-main character is shown as an active man even though he's a paraplegic and in a wheelchair. I wasn't quite sure how they knew Willie (I'm guessing that was explained in an earlier book in the series) but I did like Willie's loyalty to them both.
I didn't like Willie's history (though he does do something to mitigate that at the end of the book).
I felt like most of the plot fell a bit flat for me. There wasn't a character I really connected with to go with their motivations. Odelia makes stupid choices that put her in danger and no one really seems able to talk her out of doing them.
I liked that Odelia has an ample figure and I liked that Odelia's husband, Greg, a semi-main character is shown as an active man even though he's a paraplegic and in a wheelchair. I wasn't quite sure how they knew Willie (I'm guessing that was explained in an earlier book in the series) but I did like Willie's loyalty to them both.
I didn't like Willie's history (though he does do something to mitigate that at the end of the book).
I felt like most of the plot fell a bit flat for me. There wasn't a character I really connected with to go with their motivations. Odelia makes stupid choices that put her in danger and no one really seems able to talk her out of doing them.
July 31, 2019
This is my favorite book in this series to date. Odelia Grey, the main character, travels to New England to find her mother who suddenly abandoned her when Odelia was 16 years ago. She finds her mother, and so much more ... the first time Odelia sees her in 34 years, her mother is bending over a dead body in a corn maze and has blood on her hands!
In this book, we meet several members of Odelia's extended famiy and spend considerable time with a friend from a previous book; Odelia's husband Greg also gets in on the action of solving the corn maze murder. The entire plot happens in Massachusetts so Odelia's job, boss, friends, and pets are not part of this book, but I'm sure we'll reconnect with them in the next book in the series.
In this book, we meet several members of Odelia's extended famiy and spend considerable time with a friend from a previous book; Odelia's husband Greg also gets in on the action of solving the corn maze murder. The entire plot happens in Massachusetts so Odelia's job, boss, friends, and pets are not part of this book, but I'm sure we'll reconnect with them in the next book in the series.
April 15, 2020
An excellent premise. The whole idea of Odelia reuniting with her mother had me hooked from the get go. The story started out very well, but seemed to hit a speed bump not quite halfway as the pace slowed down. Instead of moving forward, Odelia seemed to be running in place.
Thankfully, after a few chapters of repetition, the pace picks back up. A very intricate mystery and a lot of loose threads tied together to make an interesting ending. I liked the character of Clark and hope he pops up from time to time in future books. It's nice to see a few branches on Odelia's family tree, especially now that her father is gone. I'd also like to get a more in depth look at some members of Greg's family, too. Oh, and I do like the way he has become Odelia's partner in (solving) crime.
Thankfully, after a few chapters of repetition, the pace picks back up. A very intricate mystery and a lot of loose threads tied together to make an interesting ending. I liked the character of Clark and hope he pops up from time to time in future books. It's nice to see a few branches on Odelia's family tree, especially now that her father is gone. I'd also like to get a more in depth look at some members of Greg's family, too. Oh, and I do like the way he has become Odelia's partner in (solving) crime.
February 24, 2018
It was just okay: I just could not warm up to the characters, they seemed shallow & flat.
Odelia Grey's mother left her & the family when she was a young teen...
After her father dies, she receives an envelope with her mother's address, so Odelia decides to go find her. When Odelia does locate her mother, it is back in her mother's hometown, in a corn maze bending over a man who has been stabbed with the corn maze flag...
That is where things get interesting... who the man is, who the other people in the maze are, what her 1/2 brothers (both local police officers) are up to....
I'm thinking I might not read another unless there is absolutely nothing else.
Odelia Grey's mother left her & the family when she was a young teen...
After her father dies, she receives an envelope with her mother's address, so Odelia decides to go find her. When Odelia does locate her mother, it is back in her mother's hometown, in a corn maze bending over a man who has been stabbed with the corn maze flag...
That is where things get interesting... who the man is, who the other people in the maze are, what her 1/2 brothers (both local police officers) are up to....
I'm thinking I might not read another unless there is absolutely nothing else.
January 20, 2020
Odelia is up to her usual tricks but this time she's not the only one seeking answers! She went to meet her mom and stumbled across more than she bargained for. Willie and then Greg fly out to meet her and try to steer her from her course of action but ... if you've read any books in this series then you'll know that she is determined to ferret out the truth no matter who is involved. Even if it's family. Especially if it's family. Odelia's heart is as big as she is! And that's part of why I love her!
March 7, 2024
I didn't really enjoy this Odelia Grey mystery as much as the first few books of this series.
So many unsavory characters including Odelia's long lost mother and her two half-brothers.
Drug dealing, blackmail, and physical violence complicate the investigation into a murder that occurs in a corn maze.
So many unsavory characters including Odelia's long lost mother and her two half-brothers.
Drug dealing, blackmail, and physical violence complicate the investigation into a murder that occurs in a corn maze.
September 15, 2017
I'm not bored yet and it appears Odelia has many more opportunities to solve the crime without getting killed!
April 13, 2019
This book was okay if you're looking for a goofy read. If you're looking for something more realistic or with some drama this isn't the book to read.
February 3, 2020
Interesting but not for me
January 25, 2023
A library find.
Interesting!
Sharp!
Enjoyable!
Interesting!
Sharp!
Enjoyable!
July 8, 2012
It has been pointed out to me recently that times are good these days if you like reading mysteries. There is an absolutely astounding proliferation of mystery series out there, with literally something for everyone in terms of characters, themes, settings, & so on. Many of them are set in current times & a good amount of realism, with a wide range of "feel" running from chilling to cozy. This one sits somewhere at a good midpoint - it's not completely twee, but it's not going to give you nightmares if you read it alone at night, either. This is one thing I like about it, but the other thing that makes it stand out of the crowd to me is the main character. Odelia Grey is a fantastic protagonist. She's smart, sassy, & capable of dealing with some very bizarre/unpleasant situations, but she's far from perfect: she has a background & reactions to different goings-on that I think most readers can easily relate to or see themselves in. It's a refreshing break from the chisel-faced cop who always takes really upsetting things in stride & even has an ironic wisecrack after a narrow escape from death. Odelia is strong enough to figure things out on her own & face them, but seeing a murder or a corpse is going to cause her to lose it for at least a while. I think that's true of most of us.
This was an especially good mystery, involving some awkward family ties (the plot line of her confronting the mother who walked out of her life thirty-plus years ago gives fans some more of her history, which helps round her character out a bit more), some possible drug activity in a small, quiet New England town, some murder, & the possibility of a large sum of money. The plot moves quickly & keeps the reader wanting more, & the tie-up is very satisfying.
This was an especially good mystery, involving some awkward family ties (the plot line of her confronting the mother who walked out of her life thirty-plus years ago gives fans some more of her history, which helps round her character out a bit more), some possible drug activity in a small, quiet New England town, some murder, & the possibility of a large sum of money. The plot moves quickly & keeps the reader wanting more, & the tie-up is very satisfying.
February 2, 2010
Sue Ann Jaffarian is back, with another riveting mystery that takes us into Odelia Gray's family tree and unlocks quite a few wild branches. Odelia goes to meet the mother who took off when she was 16, and discovers she has two stepbrothers...and that her mother's poised over a dead body in a corn maze. Despite warnings from her husband Greg and friend Dev Frye, she winds up getting involved, both to unravel the mystery of how her family life got so fractured and the murder. Her old friend Willie shows up to help her, and his sassy outlaw attitude is quite fun. Small town life is no less crime-ridden than Southern California, with drug deals going down at the local farm stand and affairs and money the lure for all sorts of bad guys.
This mystery kept me guessing right until the end, and, as always, Jaffarian presents a cast of characters who are complex, shady, and feisty, as well as adding depth to Odelia and Greg's relationship as she defies him and he risks his life to save her (as well as admitting that he has a bit of a fondness for her adventures). In Corpse on the Cob, in addition to the wackiness of a corn maze, Jaffarian asks if being a corpse magnet is genetic, and makes Odelia's personal life and, well, amateur sleuthing life, collide in a major way. I can't say much more without giving it away except that this was one of the best Odelia Gray mysteries yet, and I can't wait to see which corpse she stumbles over next. Also, Jaffarian makes everyone just a little mysterious so I suspected almost all of the characters.
This mystery kept me guessing right until the end, and, as always, Jaffarian presents a cast of characters who are complex, shady, and feisty, as well as adding depth to Odelia and Greg's relationship as she defies him and he risks his life to save her (as well as admitting that he has a bit of a fondness for her adventures). In Corpse on the Cob, in addition to the wackiness of a corn maze, Jaffarian asks if being a corpse magnet is genetic, and makes Odelia's personal life and, well, amateur sleuthing life, collide in a major way. I can't say much more without giving it away except that this was one of the best Odelia Gray mysteries yet, and I can't wait to see which corpse she stumbles over next. Also, Jaffarian makes everyone just a little mysterious so I suspected almost all of the characters.
October 1, 2016
Corpse on the Cob by Sue Ann Jaffarian is the 5th installment of the Odelia Grey Mystery series. This time we find Odelia traveling to small town Massachusetts to reunite with the mother who walked out on her when she was 16. Unfortunately, when Odelia finds her mother, she is crouching over a dead body in a corn maze, with blood on her hands. Odelia doesn’t believe her mom committed the murder, and she is soon deeply involved in solving the crime. Odelia’s friend Willie and her husband Greg show up to help her with her mission. We also get introduced to the two half brothers, Clark and Grady, that Odelia never knew she had.
This is a fun and quick book to read. The mystery is interesting, and there are several suspects to chose from. I like that we get to see more of the Odelia/Greg relationship, and her eccentric friend Willie is a charmer. This is a light hearted mystery, but there is also a dangerous element. Odelia gets into serious trouble while looking for answers. This series is very enjoyable and I definitely recommend it for fans of cozy mysteries.
This is a fun and quick book to read. The mystery is interesting, and there are several suspects to chose from. I like that we get to see more of the Odelia/Greg relationship, and her eccentric friend Willie is a charmer. This is a light hearted mystery, but there is also a dangerous element. Odelia gets into serious trouble while looking for answers. This series is very enjoyable and I definitely recommend it for fans of cozy mysteries.
May 28, 2016
Not Odelia's most interesting mystery, but still a good read.
This was not her most interesting mystery but it was still a pretty good read. The story takes place in New England where we finally find out what has happened with Odelia's mother. After meeting her mother over a corpse in a corn maze, Odelia sets out to find out if her mother is the killer and why she left her 34 years ago. We end up finding out a lot more about Odelia's family tree. Again, there are many players in the mysterious death and some old friends from previous mysteries reappear. It takes a while for the story to really get moving. Once it does, it kind of leaves you flat. It's not as intriguing as it could be. Then, the story just kind of ends abruptly. There is a quick, slightly unbelievable epilogue before the words, "THE END ". The Odelia mysteries are still a fun read even if they get a little less believable after the first 2 or 3. I'm in for another!
This was not her most interesting mystery but it was still a pretty good read. The story takes place in New England where we finally find out what has happened with Odelia's mother. After meeting her mother over a corpse in a corn maze, Odelia sets out to find out if her mother is the killer and why she left her 34 years ago. We end up finding out a lot more about Odelia's family tree. Again, there are many players in the mysterious death and some old friends from previous mysteries reappear. It takes a while for the story to really get moving. Once it does, it kind of leaves you flat. It's not as intriguing as it could be. Then, the story just kind of ends abruptly. There is a quick, slightly unbelievable epilogue before the words, "THE END ". The Odelia mysteries are still a fun read even if they get a little less believable after the first 2 or 3. I'm in for another!
March 25, 2010
Odelia's beloved father has died and in his papers she finds a letter with a return address, for her long missing mother. Abandoned at 16, Odelia decides she needs answers so she is off to Massachusetts to talk to her mother about why she left.
Of course, Odelia can't help but get involved in a murder, this time she stumbles upon a dead body, with her mother crouched over it!
What follows is an interesting blend of family secrets revealed with a complicated murder investigation.
Both Willie and Greg end up in Massachusetts to help out and are there for the satisfactory ending. The only person missing is Steele, missed his sharp mind, and tongue in the story.
I hope Sue Ann keeps writing this series, I do enjoy spending time in Odelia's world.
Of course, Odelia can't help but get involved in a murder, this time she stumbles upon a dead body, with her mother crouched over it!
What follows is an interesting blend of family secrets revealed with a complicated murder investigation.
Both Willie and Greg end up in Massachusetts to help out and are there for the satisfactory ending. The only person missing is Steele, missed his sharp mind, and tongue in the story.
I hope Sue Ann keeps writing this series, I do enjoy spending time in Odelia's world.
September 2, 2010
A random book off the new books section at the library. It appears to be one in the 5th book in a mystery series, but this was the first and probably last I have read. Although it was a good mystery, it lacked the humor I expected from reading the book cover. I guess I was expecting something more like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series with it's wacky characters. The characters in this novel didn't seem all that wacky, or perhaps there was some wackiness that was only understandable to someone who had read previous books in the series.
March 12, 2010
Odelia Grey Stevens has given up hope of learning why her mother abandoned her when Odelia was 16. Now, 34 years later, she learns that her mother is still alive, and travels from her California home and husband Greg to find Grace. But Grace is kneeling beside a dead body when Odelia arrives, and Odelia soon learns that the elderly woman has more secrets, and Odelia has a whole new family. Too bad that they seem so involved with the local crime scene.
February 2, 2011
A new amateur sleuth for my pantheon! I came in in the middle of the series, but was charmed by Odelia and definitely want to go back to the beginning to catch up on all her adventures!
Odelia is a plus size paralegal with mother issues. When she gets the chance to reconnect with the mother who abandoned her, she flies to Massachusetts for a reunion. In addition to a fresh start with family, she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Odelia is a plus size paralegal with mother issues. When she gets the chance to reconnect with the mother who abandoned her, she flies to Massachusetts for a reunion. In addition to a fresh start with family, she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
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