Murder in Cottage #6 : A Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series Book 1

By: Dianne Harman

Narrated by: Erin deWard

Liz Lucas, a 52 year old widow, is beginning to think she's been given a second chance at life by owning a successful spa located in a beautiful forest area on the coast north of San Francisco. What could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, she discovers that a guest staying in cottage #6 at the spa has been murdered. In order to save the spa's reputation, Liz, along with her two dogs, Brandy Boy and Winston, sets out to find the killer.

The cast of characters includes a handyman, spa employees, the bumbling police chief, the owner of Gertie's Diner, the dead woman's husband (the mayor) and his girlfriend, and a Tiffany glass collector. One of them probably committed the crime, but it's up to Liz to quickly find the culprit.

Dianne is the author of two best-selling series: the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Series and the Coyote Series.

©2015 Dianne Harman (P)2015 Dianne Harman

Good cozy mystery

Murder in Cottage #6 is an enjoyable cozy mystery that’s just the right length of time. The narrator was good, and kept me engrossed in the story, and I listened to it in one sitting.

A Fun Cozy Mystery

Murder In Cottage #6 is the first in Dianne Harmon's Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series. I listened to the audio book and really enjoyed it!

I like that Liz is in her 50's and has some life experience. She owns a spa that she and her husband bought before he passed away. There is a death at the beginning of the story (who happens to be the Mayor's wife) and this takes Liz on the journey of trying to solve it. I really like the characters in the story. The spa staff are friends and family to Liz, as well as her best friend, and Rodger who she's just starting to date. And also Brandy Boy who is a St Bernard & the spa dog and Winston (a gift from Rodger) comes along to keep her safe.

And then there are great recipes at the end of the book. What a treat!

Erin deWard narrated the book. Her tone was wonderful when she was reading naturally but when she was being emotional, she was a bit breathy for me. Otherwise she did a good job.

Thank you Dianne Harmon for this audio book. I look forward to listening to Liz's next adventure. This is my honest opinion.

Ok basic story

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, i felt like observations made were so a toddler could understand what 's going on... like the head housekeeper having keys to all the rooms?? really??? housekeepers really have this? (add all sorts of dripping sarcasm into this statement as intended)

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

have the police actually do their job and not leave it all up to some woman that takes it upon herself to do everything the police would do.

What three words best describe Erin deWard’s performance?

energetic

Do you think Murder in Cottage #6 : A Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series Book 1 needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I like the basic story, but the liberties taken with the main characters actions (like informing family of death even when she doesn't know the family), telling the police how and when to do their job. All of the little explanations of typical every day things just makes me feel like the author thinks of me (the reader) as an idiot that doesn't understand that a "Handyman" fixes things.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Cute murder mystery

I was given the book in return for an honest review.

The story was well written with a adequate background. The characters were well thought out. The story line was exciting and enthralling.

Refreshing cozy

Liz is a mature lady and owner of a Beauty Spa. Her husband died and now she is on her own but has good, caring friends and staff. She also now has a gentleman-friend who seems to really care for her and she for him.
But the story isn't about their romance as much as it is about a deranged and very dangerous killer. I was kept glued to it and as the facts unfolded, tried to work out who the killer was, but I had to keep on changing my decision because that's how Dianne Harman writes - she keeps you very interested and guessing.
As usual Erin deWard did a splendid job with her interpretation of the different characters and I recommend this book/audiobook as a refreshing cozy.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

Another Winner

It will keep you guessing. I also enjoy the fact that there isn’t bad language or explicit sex scenes just a great mystery!

I didn't finish

Any additional comments?

I liked the concept of this book and I thought the narration was very good. HOWEVER, this book started with a murder, no surprise, but instead of the sheriff informing the husband about the wife's death, Liz does. I lost it. On what planet does that happen? Liz didn't know the husband, only barely knew the deceased wife, why would this even be allowed? Even in small towns, murder investigations are handled by the police. I stopped listening after Liz then goes to inform the business partner about the death. As much as I wanted to enjoy a nice mystery, my mind got stuck on this sequence of events and I just couldn't.

Spa Retreat Mystery

I enjoyed the story and the main character, Liz, was very relatable. She owns a spa north of San Francisco and begins her own investigation into the murder of one of her guests. The story kept my interest and I smiled at the HEA ending.

I Could Picture This Place Where The Spa Was

Each one of Dianne Harman's series I like better and better and this one was narrated beautifully by Erin DeWard starting with the description of 52 year old Liz Lucas who is a widow owning a spa in the forest in San Francisco. I could picture myself going to a spa. The buildup at the end of the story and of course the dogs I wanted more.

I just really liked it

What did you love best about Murder in Cottage #6 : A Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series Book 1?

When someone snaps you can never guess what they will do next

What was one of the most memorable moments of Murder in Cottage #6 : A Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery Series Book 1?

When the dog shook "hands" when he met people

Which character – as performed by Erin deWard – was your favorite?

All of them were exceptional, Erin deWard displays an especially wide range of styles and voices as she moves from the heroine's internal reveries to the fast action scenes

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Very much so

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher