"Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination--until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it's a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta--who ...
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"Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination--until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it's a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta--who happens to be her first ex-husband--to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker's oasis on the edge of the wilderness...But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn't be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There's also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to--especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered!"--
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Add this copy of A Very Woodsy Murder (a Golden Motel Mystery) to cart. $13.49, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Kensington Cozies.
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Add this copy of A Very Woodsy Murder (a Golden Motel Mystery) to cart. $13.49, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Kensington Cozies.
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Add this copy of A Very Woodsy Murder (a Golden Motel Mystery) to cart. $14.13, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Kensington Cozies.
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Fine. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 288 p. A Golden Motel Mystery. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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New. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 288 p. A Golden Motel Mystery. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron is the debut of A Golden Motel Mysteries. Dee Stern and Jeff are unprepared for owning a rundown motel near a state park. A Very Woodsy Murder reminds me of an older sit-com where things are exaggerated (Dee and Jeff remind me of Lucy and Ethel). We learn about Dee�s time in Hollywood as a screenwriter and her relationship with Jeff. I can certainly understand why she needs a fresh start. The motel is a near the town of Foundgold which has a population of 68 (maybe). A nemesis of Dee�s from Hollywood checks in and gets murdered. When the murder causes people to cancel their reservations, Dee and Jeff set out to find the guilty party. It does not help that Deputy Sheriff Aguilar and Chief Ranger O�Bryant do not get along. Plus, the residents of Goldsgone (that is really the name of the town) do not welcome Dee and Jeff with open arms. Dee lacks subtlety when questioning people (she will need to acquire this skill in order to deal with guests and for future investigations) which does not earn her any friends. Dee and Jeff are bumbling amateur detectives (which suits the story). I wish the same details were not repeated so often. As you can tell, there is humor scattered throughout A Very Woodsy Murder. A Very Woodsy Murder is a lighthearted tale with a ramshackle motel, a nemesis for a guest, a roaming bear, a murdered writer, withdrawn reservations, not so subtle sleuthing, and feuding officers.
Lori
Jul 20, 2024
A Fabulous Debut for this Series!
Dollycas's Thoughts
It was an impulsive decision but that doesn't make it the wrong decision. Sitcom writer Dee Stern has had enough of showbiz and decides to reboot her life. On a road trip with no particular destination, she finds a mid-century motel that needs a reboot too. She along with her best friend and first ex-husband, Jeff Cornetta come together to breathe new life into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains that is a virtual time capsule "nestled amidst a grove of pine trees at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains". It doesn't take long for them to realize that they don't know much about running a motel, especially one where a bear or other wildlife could just saunter up to the front door. But they do their best to get rooms and cabins ready for visitors. They are both excited when they get their first booking.
Michael Adam Baker is a blast from the past and not a good one. Dee is curious why he would be booking a stay at their new venture. It doesn't take long for his true colors to show but he must have tweaked someone off royally because he ends up murdered. Chief District Ranger, Tom O'Bryant is looking at Dee and Jeff as his prime suspects so they know they need to find the real killer even if it means Dee has to go back to LA to get some answers. Is the killer from Hollywood or a local? What did the man do that got him killed? Who had the means, motive, and opportunity? Will they strike again?
_____
Welcome to Foundgold, population 68. This is the closest town to the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains. Goldsgone is not too far away but Dee and Jeff don't receive a warm welcome from its residents. Ms. Byron has created two unique little towns and filled them with complex characters. Her descriptions bring the towns, the motel and cabins, the nearby woods, and every place in between to life. The imagery is vivid.
The characters we meet in this first Golden Motel Mystery are a quirky bunch. Each is unique and develops well over the course of the story. I liked Dee and Jeff immediately. Being married didn't work but the friendship is true and believable. Dee needs to earn her sleuthing chops because she is about as subtle as a Mack truck. Jeff isn't much better. But their talents for their first venture at solving a murder weren't too bad. The supporting cast is a hoot and a half, each with their own talents and interests. Ma'am and Mister Ma'am were my favorites. Two genuine people living their lives the way they wish with open hearts to help anyone in need.Ã? There then is Stoney the Bear. Everyone knows Stoney and he shows up in some interesting places.
Ms. Byron is a former writer of some well-known sitcoms so that gives credibility to Dee's former life in Hollywood working on a "cheesy sitcom". She writes what she knows. It also shows where she garnered her comedic timing. She throws in oodles of humor including physical comedy.
The mystery was well-plotted and written with many facets.Ã? Ms. Bryon set a pace that ebbs and flows in all the right places. The suspects were varied and connected in different ways. I was intrigued by every clue and didn't pin anyone down until the very end. I really enjoyed the set-up to catch the killer and the excitement that ensued. I also liked that there was a wrap-up to tie up any loose ends.
I have been excited about this book since I first heard about it and the story lived up to all my expectations. A Very Woodsy Murder is a delightful start for this series. I loved the ending and I really want Dee and Jeff to succeed and bring the 1940s motel back to its glory and have it be filled with tourists. I know there will be bumps in the road and murders to investigate because that is what happens in cozy mysteries and that is why we love them. I can't wait to see what Ms. Byron has planned for her characters next. I am hooked and I want more!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
