I don't recall reading or even requesting this title. I'm sorry but I am not in a position to write a meaningful review.

Very interesting, powerful book. Yes, it is a cozy mystery. But it is more. This book deal with thorny issues such as domestic violence and mental illness. The reader will find the characters well done and be able to relate to them easily. The plot has many twists and turns. I was very surprised by certain elements. The book keep me reading far into the night. I highly recommend it. I will be reading more Ginger Barnes books.

This was an easy and enjoyable read. If you like cosy mysteries then you'll probably enjoy this one. The characters were very likeable and you keep reading to find out more about them.

A bright bold cozy mystery that will have readers hooked from the beginning. I'm going back to read the rest of the series!

For Better or Worse by Donna Huston Murray is book 8 in the Ginger Barnes Main Line Mysteries series. This book has elements of a cozy mystery but deals with much more serious issues like domestic violence. I really enjoyed the character of Ginger. She is a really interesting, unique character and I would like to read the rest of the series to hear more about her life. Overall, good book and I'd recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

What a delightful book. It was different from what I usually read and that was what I needed. Highly recommend. Just a lovely book

A four-star read. This book does have abuse situations. They are handled okay, but I hadn't expected that. Ginger is an okay character. I didn't dislike her, but she wasn't my favorite at first. She did grow on me after a bit. It is the 8th book in a series, but for this book that didn't have any bearing on this book, it stands alone without a problem.

My copy came via Net Galley. My review is all my own left of my own free will.

Interesting storyline. Held my interest from the start. Loved the characters. Can't wait to read more from this author.

Snowed in? Then curl up by the fire and read this book. You'll love it. You won't stop reading until you figure it out.

An adorable and light-hearted mystery set in a picturesque town.

For Better or Worse by Donna Huston Murray is A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery (Book Eight). Ginger Barnes, known as a problem solver, is a widow with her son in college and her daughter is newly married (empty nester). Ginger is installing tile in the kitchen of her daughter’s new home and soon finds herself involved in two of the neighbor’s problems. Mrs. Maisie Zumstein is an elderly woman who has been acting strangely. She dumped a bag of bricks out of upper window (starling Ginger) and then Ginger hears strange popping noises (reminiscent of gun shots). Eric Zumstein claims his grandmother has a fascination with mystery novels (methinks there is more going on). But then Maisie takes a fall down her stairs and claims Eric is responsible. Cissie Voight is a new mother having trouble coping with a new infant and her household responsibilities. Her husband wants a clean home, a dolled-up wife, and a hot dinner when he arrives home (unrealistic with a newborn). When Ronald Voight is not pleased, he takes it out on Cissie. Can Ginger help Cissie and Maisie? Ginger is offered a job as a part-time babysitter for George Elliot’s (friend fixed her up with George) grandson, Jack. Ginger enjoys taking care of Jack, but soon discovers that the parents have a secret. In between DIY projects at her daughter’s house, Ginger delves into the situations. Can she help Cissie escape an abusive situation? Did Eric harm Maisie? What is up with Jack’s parents?

For Better or Worse is the first book I have read in A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery series. All the information I need is provided in the book. The POV switches between various characters in the book. I wish the author had told the story in third person or from Ginger’s point-of-view. It is confusing when the POV switches regularly. A reader must stop to figure out which character is now talking. This took me out of the story (and had me frustrated). I felt that the story lacked focus. While there are several mysteries or “problems” in the story, they are not the main focus. More time is devoted to Ginger and her dog, Fideaux (they go for many walks). The author does address some serious issues in the book and handles them well. I was a little baffled as to why Ginger was scared of the “census guy” (as she called him) and the man walking his dog. I found it odd and did not seem to go with Ginger’s character. Ginger comes across as a strong, determined, independent and friendly woman who likes to help people (she is a people person). She tackles situations head on, but she can be reckless at times. The ending felt incomplete. Some questions remained unanswered. While For Better or Worse tackles some sensitive (tough) issues is does contain light hearted humor (this is a light cozy mystery). Many cozy mystery readers will enjoy For Better for Worse and A Ginger Barnes Main Line Mystery series.

Several plot lines involving various neighbors. Many issues are resolved but the ending still seemed abrupt. Nice to see someone care about others and actually get involved in their lives in order to help better their situations.

Ginger Barnes is hard at work in her daughter's new home when she discovers some quirky neighbors. First a bag of bricks flies out a third floor window, then a child begins crying , there's a crash, then silence. Gin knows she should keep working and not meddle in her daughter's new neighborhood, but before long the neighbors seek her out. One secretive husband, one possessive husband and an elderly woman with dementia lead the cast of characters and involve Gin in their lives. A tense, taut mystery.

Favorite Quotes:

A transparent haze of colorless hair exposed the shape of the tiny woman’s skull while sagging puffs of flesh made her appear to be melting.

Photographs were snapped as if baby Jack were the reincarnation of Elvis.

‘My mother doesn’t cook,’ Chelsea tried to explain. ‘She makes food.’

My Review:

I could kick myself for not noticing this series until it reached the eighth installment, but while prior knowledge was not necessary as the book stood well on its own, I am sure I would have gleaned great delight in having also read the first seven as well. I was well pleased and reveled in this engaging and cleverly crafted mystery that was chock-full of quirky and intriguing characters. Written primarily from a first person POV, I adored the tactless and curious Ginger, her inner musings and insightful observations were ceaselessly amusing and entertaining. Ms. Murray’s writing and storylines were interesting, pleasantly delivered, easy to follow, well-paced, and often delectably humorous. Each character was colorfully detailed in a knowable manner. I enjoyed every page and greedily want to read all her words.

Not a cozy mystery as this was more seriously written. More in the vein of Sue Grafton as it dealt with Alzheimer's and Spousal abuse plus a bit of stalking etc. I enjoyed the book and felt it dealt well with the above issues. I definitely intend to read more of this series now .

For better, definitely. The main character, Gin is interesting and very entertaining. A fun and fast read. Will be looking for the earlier books in the series

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

The title says for better or worse, but most of the people in this story are on the "worst" side of marriage. It makes for good reading, though.

This author and Net Galley shared this book with me to read for review (thank you). It will be published January 10th.

Ginger is at her daughter's home helping them with some updates to the house. The first thing she sees is a bag of bricks thrown out of the third floor window next door! Then she hears what she thinks are shots. While she's debating calling the cops, she meets Eric who lives next door with his grandmother. He says she's eccentric and she does crazy things. When he finds her at the bottom of the stairs, he takes her to the hospital with her fighting him the whole way. Then the doctor suggests he murdered her...

She meets the other neighbors and ends up babysitting for two couples. She also finds herself being stalked by one of the husbands. He thinks she's after him but she has no idea why.

With abusive husbands, a suggestion of murder and a child the mother doesn't seem to love, Ginger has plenty of work to do trying to make things better. She manages in her own way and things do settle down. I'm sure she'll find more trouble in the next book.

There are several stories at play in this novel, including domestic violence, elder abuse, widowhood, child custody, and dealing with an empty nest. What could be a recipe for disaster is actually well-handled by the main character, Gin, as if it were all in a day's work to juggle so many hot issues. Gin assists family, friends and neighbors in a kind and insightful manner, demonstrating that paying attention and not rushing forward can prove most beneficial in many situations.

An unusual mix of relationships.
Lots of different things going on in this book,mostly happening in the same street,a little bit like a soap opera.
Although a mystery this was an easy read with the main character feeling like an old friend even though I have not read any of the other books in this series.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ginger Barnes is working on a DIY project at her daughter's house when she gets involved with some of the neighbors. One is a frazzled young mother with a controlling husband. The other is a young man who is helping to care for his grandmother, who ends up in the hospital after a fall down some stairs. Meanwhile, after Ginger's best friend tries to set her up with a new fella, Ginger finds herself working as a babysitter for the man's grandson... though Ginger suspects something is off with the parents. With all these new people in her life, Ginger tows the line between being nosy and keeping her mouth shut versus stepping in when something is really going on.

Ginger Barnes is a widow with a recently married daughter and a son in college. She enjoys walking her dog and working on DIY projects... and occasional sleuthing. Ginger seems to question most everyone and everything she encounters. This was a well-written character that seemed real, with real life worries and concerns.

This was a quick, lighthearted book. Great for fans of cozy mysteries. Though the story is written in an easy reading and lighthearted way, some difficult topics are discussed, namely domestic abuse.

This was the first book I've read in this series. It was a good read, and I look forward to reading more about Ginger Barnes and her amateur sleuthing.