Journey again to Hidden Springs, a small-town with an old, empty Victorian mansion on a quiet street that becomes the place of murder in Murder is No Accident by A.H. Gabhart.

I almost passed up on this book because I didn’t enjoy the previous one in the series, but I decided to give it a try and I’m glad I did. I liked the cover of the book and the way it painted the picture of the mystery in my mind. The concept of the murder right below the stairs made for a interesting plot line and one that’s believable. This made the police think the death of the realtor was an accident.

I picked up this book for the mystery aspect of the story. While there was some romance in this book, it didn’t do that much for me. I know it was necessary to have something else beyond just solving the mystery, but the mystery was my main interest.

Overall, this was a good book. There were a number of characters that gave the small-town America feel. While this book didn’t make my must read list, it did give me a cozy mystery to read.

Murder is No Accident by A.H. Gabhart is the third book in The Hidden Springs Mysteries.  Maggie Greene is up in the tower room writing of the Chandler house when she hears noises below.  Maggie stays as still as possible so she will not be discovered.  Then Geraldine Harper, the local realtor, enters the house.  Maggie hears Geraldine find the intruder and an argument ensues.  Geraldine goes to call the sheriff, but it is her last act.  Only after she is sure the trespasser has departed, does Maggie venture down from the tower.  She finds Geraldine dead at the bottom of the back steps (many big Victorian homes had a fancy front staircase and a serviceable back staircase that was very narrow).  Maggie is afraid she will be accused of trespassing even though she has permission from Fonda Chandler, the owner of the house.  Maggie uses Geraldine’s phone to call 911 anonymously and then she quietly leaves.  While Maggie did not see anyone nearby, someone saw her.  Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane receives a call that Miss Fonda (as she is called) has once again escaped from the Gentle Care Home where she is looked after by Mrs. Gibson.  Miss Fonda has dementia and forgets that she no longer lives at Chandler house.  Michael arrives at Chandler house as he is notified of the 911 call.  He notices that her car is out front and enters the open house.  He finds Miss Fonda holding Geraldine.  She believes it is her deceased sister, Audrey who died in a very similar manner.  Geraldine’s death is ruled accidental.  But soon another person is found dead inside the Chandler home.  Maggie is afraid to come forward after she receives a threatening call from the killer.  Has someone decided to search for the rumored treasure of Chandler house?  Michael will need to work quickly to find the guilty party before the killer takes further action.

While Murder is No Accident is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.  I was never able to get into and enjoy this book.  It is hard to describe the writing style. One of the problems is the point-of-view.  It is told in the first person and switches between Michael and Maggie.  Murder is No Accident is jam packed with activity.  There is just one incident after another.  Besides the main mystery there is Miss Fonda escaping from the care home (frequently which does not speak well for their care or vigilance), fishing, the fifty-year-old mystery of how Audrey, fishing, Miss Fonda’s sister died, Sonny trying to sell Miss Fonda’s home, fishing, the romance between Michael and Alex Sheridan (which was very prevalent), Betty Jean Atkins dating life, Lana Waverly’s tea shop and investigation, and more fishing. In the small town of Hidden Springs, everyone gets involved in your life (even if you wish they would not).  One of the problems with Murder is No Accident is the number of characters.  I stopped keeping track after twelve.  I did not like how fifteen-year-old Maggie was portrayed as simple minded when she actually is creative and smart (she likes to write).  The Christian element is very subtle (mostly prayer).  Murder is No Accident is more cozy than mystery. I give Murder is No Accident 3 out of 5 stars.  The mystery may seem complicated, but the solution was not (at least part of it).  I wish the author had provided an epilogue.  I think it would have helped.  I enjoy Christian mysteries (I get new ones every month), but this one was not for me.  I think the right elements are present, they just needed to be put together differently.

I have enjoyed this cozy mystery series. Gabhart produces a good mix of mystery, character development, small town antics, and a hint of romance.

I like the small town setting of the series. There are many quirky characters that liven up the plot. The accidental death (perhaps murder) takes place in the old home of a dementia laden woman who frequently escapes her assisted care to return “home.” There is the deputy who loves to run his siren any chance he gets. There's a busy body newspaper man, and the town inhabitants who go out to the streets when they do hear a siren. 

I like the tongue in cheek dialog Gabhart has crafted. One character is a would be mystery writer. In a discussion with the hero, deputy sheriff Michael, she says, “Writing murder mysteries takes skill, the same as catching murderers.” That's just one example of some good dialog.

The mystery itself is double edged. There is at least one current murder and a death from years ago that may have been a murder too. The plot develops around both situations. There are enough hints that one might well figure out the nefarious people involved before the end.

The mystery, I think, is secondary to the depiction of small town life and the people in it. The strength of the novel revolves around the characters and how they support each other. The novel is a fun look at a small town in the midst of crisis.

I recommend this book and the series to those who like small town settings and mysteries without gore and offensive language. Several characters are Christians but the Christian influence is subtle. Many of the individuals have been in the previous novels of the series. While this book reads well on its own, I would recommend the earlier books. 

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This is the third installment of the Hidden Springs series by A.H. Gabhart.  I hadn’t read the prior two books, but I found this one a fun read.  So you can definitely read it as a stand-alone.  But trust me, once you read it you will be hooked!  So you might as well start with the first book in the series.  I know that I am going back and getting the two other books.

The characters were well written and definitely quirky.  I was really rooting for Maggie and Michael to hook up.  They just seem like they would make such a wonderful couple.

The mystery definitely kept me glued to the page just as much as the people in the story.  Even though I tend to read a bunch of cozy mysteries, I found that this was one book that wasn’t that easy to predetermine who the killer was.  I really like that in a story.  I hate when I can figure it out in the first few chapters and the rest of the book is just me saying that I already saw it happening.  I definitely could not say that about this book.  

It was completely fresh, lively and refreshing.  It is worth the read.  I look forward to seeing what else A.H. Gabhart writes.

Murder is No Accident by A. H. Gabhart is a cozy mystery readers everywhere don't want to miss reading. A small-town that is slowly growing is hiding some secrets. Secrets that involve one or more murders. Between a young girl being inside the mansion when a murder is occurring to an elderly lady whose memory is neither here or there...the sheriff has a lot to figure out...one of the deaths looked accidental but after further digging the investigation leads to murder. The question of who done it and why are hanging in the air as the pages fly by...I loved the suspense and the variety of characters. There are some characters that based on their personalities one would think did it. But then, A. H. Gabhart leaves a surprise just when readers think they have it figured out...

Murder is No Accident is an exciting read. Mystery, mayhem, and murder all in one stunning tale.  I haven't read the previous books in this series, but I plan on doing so after having read this one. The writing was well-done as well as the character development. I felt like I was there watching the scenes unfold. The ending was just as good as the beginning. Overall, I recommend reading A. H. Gabhart's latest book.

Another cozy mystery in The Hidden Springs series that is sure to be a hit.

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane gets another call he doesn’t want to hear, there has been another body found in Hidden Springs. A 911 call came in saying someone is dead at a Victorian mansion in town. Maggie Greene is in high school and helps her mother keep the mansion clean, and sometimes goes to the tower to write, which is where she is when she finds the body and calls 911.  Michael assumes the death is a tragic accident until there is another body found in the house.  Then Maggie receives threatening phone calls telling her to stay quiet about what she might know.  Michael now feels more pressure than ever to find the killer and solve his biggest mystery yet.

The Hidden Springs Mysteries are becoming some of my favorites. These are the types of books you can just sit down and read and enjoy without worrying about language or a boring story.  I love the way these stories keep the reader entertained and wanting more throughout the entire book.  It has been awhile since I have read the first two in the series but this might be the best one yet in my opinion.  I really liked the relationships and interactions between Michael, Alex, Maggie, and Anthony.  Each one had its own special dynamic that worked well.  I also really enjoyed the mystery in the mansion with the murder from the past and present and how things related.  I don’t have much negative to say about the story because there wasn’t much I didn’t like.  This is just a nice cozy mystery that I think most everyone who picks it up will enjoy.  I recommend this to readers of all ages that enjoy a good clean page-turner that will keep you smiling and guessing till the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

What a great cozy mystery. A Victorian mansion and not one but two bodies make the perfect mix for a good book.  The book is very well written with lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing.  I also loved the small town setting.

f you like Christian, a light murder mystery,suspense,and a small town with a touch of romance, you'll love AH Gabhart's Murder is No Accident. The setting is the beautiful old Chandler mansion. When the local real estate agent dies, it appears to be an accident...but someone knows different and is threatening poor young Maggie to keep quiet.

Gabhart gives us plenty of complicated characters to care about, from Alex and her uncle;to Deputy Michael Keane and his aunt; to Maggie and her family; and don't forget Fonda!

Kudos to Gabhart on the solution. I just didn't see it coming, and chances are, most readers won't. Totally made sense, but left me in awe of Gabhart's writing prowess.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher,which did not influence my review. I also received a copy of the book from NetGalley.  I am solely responsible for the opinions therein.

Loved it. I haven't read the first two. I would like to read them. There are characters of every age group with whom to identify. I cried. I laughed. I enjoyed.

We are back in Hidden Springs with some well known friends, as this is book three in the series, and there is a lot of action and sadly murder going on.
Michael and Alex are still not really together and by the looks of their relationship it may never happen, she is living in Washington DC and of course he is the Sheriff in Hidden Springs. His Aunt is still teaching and worrying about Michael and Alex and of course Reese, now you are going to quickly find out whom all of these folks are, or you can do yourself a favor and read the two previous books.
What we have here is questions about an old murder, an elderly woman with dementia, someone or someone’s greed, and threats against children. You are going to change your mind more than once as to who is responsible.
I hope we come back here again, but if this is goodbye, I loved this series and these people.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

An enjoyable cozy mystery in the perfect small town setting of Hidden Springs! The third in a series, but easily read as a stand alone. Romantically challenged sheriff's deputy Michael Keane has a mystery on his hands when a body shows up in the old Chandler mansion. As he digs deeper, a similar cold case surfaces, and things get more complicated. If only Miss Marble the resident cat could talk.
  I liked revisiting Hidden Springs after reading book one, and felt this story hooked me a lot more. The character Maggie and her dilemma of asking for help versus taking care of everything herself, was one that many could probably relate to, along with her problems at home.. Loved how the town comes together to watch out for each other, though small town gossip makes keeping a secret difficult. Michael is a lovable character who gets in over his head sometimes. The story has a fun Andy Griffith type feel to it, with the other siren loving deputy Lester. 
    Recommend to clean cozy mystery fans who like a southern setting. 4.5 stars

Maggie Greene is where she shouldn't be when she hears voices and then someone falling. When Maggie discovers a dead woman she panics. She calls 911 from the victims phone and she leaves the scene. Unfortunately someone knows that Maggie was at Miss Fonda's house and that someone threatens to harm her and her family if she says anything to anyone.

Deputy Michael Keane has his suspicions of who called 911. Getting her to talk though is another story. Not only is Michael investigating another death in Hidden Springs, but his childhood friend and the woman he loves, Alex, has returned from Washington D.C. to help her uncle. Michael is ready to move on with their relationship but he senses that Alex is hesitant. Will this be the end of their relationship?

I really am enjoying this series! I like the characters. Michael is a good deputy who cares for the town he grew up in. He loves Alex and is willing to make things work in order to be with her. Alex frustrated me, because of how driven she was for her career and not even willing to think that there could be a way for her and Michael to be together. I like their history together though and that they realize that they are meant to be together. The mystery was good as well and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened late into the evening.

This review will be posted on my blog on March 14, 2017, on Amazon, Goodreads and my facebook pages

I love Hidden Springs, Ann Gabhart's fictional small town, where lately there is a crime wave. The citizens are folks I'd love to sit down and chat with myself!  I especially love Michael Keane's character and that of his aunt, Malinda Keane.  Gabhart has a way with words and has just created a cast of characters and small town charm that seem real!  By the way, I can never guess whodunit, either!  Highly recommended and I hope we readers get another visit to Hidden Springs in the future.

I really liked this book! Murder in a small town is never easy to hide, but the author does a good job of keeping you guessing. I like the main characters, and the way they interacted with each other. I had not read previous books in the series, so I was unfamiliar with the back story of Michael and his love interest. It didn't detract from the book though. This can definitely stand on its own as a mystery novel.

I felt bad for Miss Fonda. When elderly people get dementia or Alzheimer's, it is so hard for everyone, but most of all the person who is suffering from it. And there are always those who will try to take advantage. I also felt sorry for Maggie, but was happy to see she was a responsible young lady who was able to eventually share a secret when it became unsafe for those around her. 

I would definitely go back and read the previous books in the series, and will keep an eye out for future books from this author. Very enjoyable read!

This is a cozy mystery type of story where a town has a cast of eccentric characters. Maggie the main character and young writer is squirreled away in the tower of a home her mother cleans when she hears the local realtor and someone else arguing. Before she can even react, she hears a body falling down the stairs. Maggie can't just leave without at least calling the police, but all she can say is that she is dead.  Maggie is afraid to come forward and tell what she heard.  Her new male interest's uncle is a police officer investigating the death of the realtor. To add to the chaos the woman who actually owns the home is located at a nursing home she escapes from and who believes her sister was murdered decades ago.
When more bodies start turning up, the danger increases as it become obvious Maggie was seen leaving the house after the murder occurred.  The plot moves along well enough, but there is not much depth and complexity if you are looking for something intense. 
Curl up and get yourself ready for a mystery to transport you away for a bit.

Returning to Hidden Springs is a cozy feeling. Settling in with Michael and the characters of Keane is both quirky and interesting. I had my suspects eyed out earlier than usual in this one but still the journey was engaging and the romance element added to the experience! I love the way Christian principles are weaved into the fabric of the story. I give it an en-JOY-ment level of 4 out of 5.

Favourite line:
"Sometimes that was the hardest thing to accept. The Lord's timing.".

Murder is No Accident is the third installment from Ann Gabhart's series, Hidden Springs Mystery. Maggie finds herself in quite a situation when she sneaks into an old Victorian mansion. Two people are murdered in the house and her life is, also, threatened. Sheriff Michael Keane must catch the killer before another life is shortened. 
I enjoyed this cozy little mystery of who done it. I was surprised to find out how the mystery was solved. I liked Maggie from the beginning and felt so bad for her for what she went through in the story. I, also, enjoyed Sheriff Michael and his developing romance with Alex. I am hoping there is another upcoming release in the future from the series, so I can read more about these two.
I found this book to be a great read and hope to read more of the series in the future, as I have enjoyed the whole series so far.
Highly recommended. 
5 plus stars.

I love cozy mysteries, but this one did not thrill or excite me in any way. I had to stop reading ASAP.