The Advice Column Murders: The Oakwood Mystery Series
By Leslie Nagel
Alibi
April 3, 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

The momentous decision to temporarily shutter her vintage clothing business in order to rebuild and expand into the wedding and baby retail market isn’t what’s keeping Charley Carpenter awake all night. That dubious honor goes to her new neighbors, whose loud and acrimonious arguments are led by its patriarch, thoracic surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Paxton Sharpe. The household of twins and step-children even return an unwashed plate of welcome cookies, in strict violation of Oakwood, Ohio’s policies of politeness and community. That’s not to say that the massive renovations on the future site of Old Hat New Beginnings are going that smoothly, since accidents and perhaps not-so-accidental disasters are slowing progress and increasing costs. Even with those troubles on Charley’s mind, she’s a bit bored with no crimes to solve and her boyfriend Marc Trenault off in Chicago for a week of law enforcement seminars. That may explain why she and her staff find the Oakwood Register’s new “Ask Jackie” column so enjoyable, as its wicked and biting wit pokes fun at the ignorant while still offering practical advice. One letter does prove to be alarmingly serious in its query and response, especially in light of the body discovered by Charley’s neighbors.

Having been involved in helping to solve two previous murders, Charley’s not about to sit on the sidelines when there’s another literally on her doorstep. While investigating nearly ended her relationship with the man she’d had a crush on for nearly fifteen years, Marc has since learned to accept her inclinations and gives her far more leeway than one would expect in a detective. His gift of a repainted Scooby Mystery Machine van is only one of the signs that he has relaxed his attitude as he watches Charley question her neighbors and those associated with the abrasive Sharpe family. Unfortunately, the investigating officer on the case takes a far less complacent approach, with one interaction between himself and Charley crossing the line into a nearly violent assault. It’s fortunate then that Charley has the support of her father, his live-in caretaker, and her enthusiastic employees. A completely unpredictable twist leads Charley and her friends in new directions, and the resulting emotional impact is compelling. There are enough red herrings woven into the plot that few will solve the mystery before Charley, who never relents in her pursuit of the truth. Her intensity is matched only by her compassion, and readers will look forward to joining her on a path of promising new adventures.

The Advice Columns Murders is the third book in The Oakwood Mystery Series. Having been approved previously to review the second book, I was very happy to get the opportunity to review the third.

Our main character, Charley, is currently renovating and expanding her shop, to be called Old Hat New Beginnings. (Yes, there should be a comma. I agree, but there isn't the several times it is in print.) Unfortunately, there has been a series of "accidents" at the store. There have been no injuries and only minor damage, but it has become a major annoyance. As a result, she's been spending most of her time at home. Next door to her house, a new family has moved in. The father, Paxton, a Lt. Col. in the Air Force, works lots of hours and spends his free time yelling at his family. The mother, Judith, is rather odd, not letting her twins, Henry and Phillip, go to preschool or play with other kids. And the step-daughter and step-son each have their own problems. Then Charley hears a scream and runs into the neighbors' house to find Judith kneeling over her daughter, Sarah's body.

Like the previous story, there are multiple mysteries - one murder followed by another, sabotage to Charley's shop, and the secret identity of the Ask Jackie columnist. Lots of different angles going on at once to add more plots, that all eventually coincide. Very entertaining.

I also should mention, since I did in my review of the previous book, that I like Marc a LOT more in this one. He has dropped his crappy condescending attitude towards Charley and her detecting. He even says at one point: "You're an asset, no the goddamned enemy!" So much better!

Many of us (I know I have) have had loud neighbors. Hopefully, however, none of us will experience what Charley does- a murder. Charley's back! Yay. I enjoy this cozy series in part because it's got some unique characters (Charley's Dad and his caregiver Lawrence.). Charley's love interest, Marcus, is out of town when the story starts but he comes back and, well, ends up in a disagreement with his colleagues about the identity of the murderer. As usual with a cozy, there are twists, turns, and not too many complications. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Yes! This is a great Cozy!! I read in one sitting!!

What a delightful read. I was not aware of this series and I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to review this title and discover it. I look forward to reading the previous two installment in the series. The story is full of quirky characters in an adorable town, all filled with humor and a great suspenseful mystery.

This is another great story in the series. Had me guessing the whole time, several twists and turns. A perfect cozy mystery.

The Advise Column Murders is a cozy mystery and my introduction to a very likable character, Charley Carpenter. Charley is exactly the type of character that is she has a real-life doppelganger, I would want as a friend. Charley lives with her father Bobby and his caregiver Lawrence. She owns a vintage clothing store which is currently closed while she expands the business. A series of unfortunate events is slowing down the construction and who is behind it and why is weighing heavily on Charley. In addition, she has new neighbors, Paxton and Judith who not only are unfriendly but also have loud arguments that never seem to end and keep her awake all night. Her boyfriend Marcus is out of town and it seems the only thing that provides her the opportunity to laugh is the advice column, “Ask Jackie”.
If Charley's picture was to appear in a dictionary, it would be next to the word stressed. Clearly, Charley could benefit from some peace and quiet, but that is not what she gets. When Judith's daughter Sarah is murdered, Charley puts on her amateur sleuth hat determined to discover the perpetrator of this tragic crime.
The book was fast-paced, the town of Oakwood, Ohio seemed like a great place to live and the characters were memorable. This is actually the third book in The Oakwood Mystery Series, but I thought it was fine as a standalone. If did, however, make me curious to read the first two books and I would be delighted if the author has plans to continue this series. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
Thank you, Leslie Nagel, Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC to read and review.

The Advice Column Murders is the third installment in The Oakwood Mystery series set in Oakwood, Ohio and featuring vintage clothing shop owner, Charley Carpenter. Charley is renovating and expanding her storefront and Old Hat will soon become Old Hat New Beginnings, offering wedding and baby gifts in addition to vintage fashions.

Charley's boyfriend Detective Marcus Trenault is away in Chicago, someone is sabotaging the construction at Old Hat, and the new neighbors the Sharpes do nothing but shout day and night. As a result, Charley has the worst case of insomnia but is doing her best to stay up beat for her father Bobby and his live in caregiver Lawrence.

Something is definitely suspicious about the Sharpes and when Charley is approached by their daughter Sarah Weller asking for help, she doesn't act quick enough. Sarah is found stabbed to death and the clues to her murder just might lie in the newspaper's new advice column "Ask Jackie". With Marcus removed from the case, Charley sets out on her own and quickly finds herself the killers next target.

A fast paced plot with well developed characters. Slightly darker than a typical cozy, the author touches on a subject that is both controversial and at the forefront of today's society. A well written series that continues to grow with each new addition.

I received an advanced copy of The Advice Column Murders from NetGalley via Alibi, a division of Penguin Random House. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

The Advice Column Murders is the 3rd in this series by Leslie Nagel.

I am a huge fan of this series and this particular book is exceptional.
Charley is a fun character and her loyalty to friends and family shows in her personality.

In this book, Charley is in the middle of a renovation project for her shop and she is missing her boyfriend Detective Marcus Trenault.
There is always something to keep Charley busy, but getting caught up in the middle of another murder investigation isn't in her plans.

Charley lives with her dad and his caretaker, Lawrence, in Oakwood, Ohio. It's a quiet little town where everyone knows each other.
Charley has new neighbors and although they tend to ignore her waves and hellos, Charley runs to help when she hears the anguished cries coming from their home.
The scene she walks into is heartbreaking, she finds her neighbor leaning over her daughter, shaking her, but there is no response.
This story becomes tangled with lies and secrets, luring Charley in to the investigation.

This book is the best yet. It was fast paced and kept me guessing the whole time.
The were characters in this book that made me so mad and others I just wanted to hug.
When an author can get that kind of reaction from a reader, you have to know how truly talented they are to create such a great story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

I thought because I hadn’t read the previous books of the series, I might be at a disadvantage but I was mistaken. It makes me want to go back and read them! I enjoyed the story. There were a ton of different characters tho and I was at first a little lost. This might’ve been the only drawback of not being familiar with the series. I would definitely recommend it.

What an adorable cozy mystery! A perfect weekend read :)

I enjoyed this book immensely! One of my favorite aspects of this genre (the cozy mystery genre), is that you get the mix of the mystery/detective work, with this running commentary of the quirky lives of the town's residents. I actually discovered in the end of the epilogue that the author, Leslie Nagel, is from a real town of Oakwood, OH. Though there are likely less murders in the real Oakwood, I fell completely in love with this town, and Nagel's true experiences are why this town felt so authentic. This book made me want to live in that sweet town, with it's wacky residents and sweet hometown newpaper!

Leslie Nagel's <i>The Advice Column Murders</i> is actually the third in her Oakwood Mystery series. I haven't read the first two, but any reader can absolutely go into this book as a standalone. At first I felt a bit thrust into a world that had already existed. But, by the end of the second chapter, I had gotten immersed in Charley's small world in Oakwood and got the hang of the relationships and dynamics that had been established in the previous books.

One additional thing to note that I loved, is that this book very carefully does <i>not</i> spoil the whodunit of any of the first two books. It mentions she has worked on cases before, but the who/why/how/where is completely left to the reader to go back and explore. This allowed me to read the third, and then go back and read the first two (which I plan to do, because I fell in love with this series!).

<b>Plot Teaser</b>

Charley Carpenter is in the middle of an expansion and renovation to her boutique, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, but the renovation project is seemingly cursed with setbacks! Charley enters her shop to check on the progress, only to find five gallons of paint splashed across the floor. Trudging back to her father's house, she meets up with two of her staff members and dear friends for a fresh baked cookie and some work.

Vanessa and Heddy cannot help pulling her into the latest entry in the local Oakwood paper featured in the "Ask Jackie" column--an agony aunt column serving up sassy advice to the residents of Oakwood and a particular favorite column of Charley and her friends. But this particular letter is different--the language is odd and distinct, and it mentions the endangerment of a small child. Charley, Vanessa, and Heddy discuss the letter and then move on to lunch al fresco, promptly forgetting it.

Later that afternoon, Charley becomes distracted by some loud noises coming from nextdoor. Though they live in close proximity, Charley and her dad Bobby are not close to their new neighbors. They aren't the friendliest sort of neighbors. But when the noises turn to sounds of distress, Charley and her father's caregiver Lawrence jump into action, racing across the driveways to lend a hand. In the basement, they find their neighbor Judith wailing over the body of her adult daughter Sarah.

As Charley does her best to deal with the murder, she becomes enmeshed with the case. There is a connection that she believes exists between the odd letter in the paper, Sarah's plea for assistance from Charley, and the murder. In a crazy power struggle, Charley's detective boyfriend Marc is cautioned not to assist, but Charley knows that the Sheriff's office is going down the wrong path to solving this murder. If only Charley can use her sharp wit, and connections around town, she may be able to help solve this thing before someone else is hurt!

<b>Reflection</b>

This was an absolutely fantastic, fun read. I love cozy mysteries, and this one surpassed many I've read! One thing that I love about this genre is the sprinkling of town gossip that underlies everything that happens in the story. In a town as small as Oakwood, everyone knows everyone, and gossip travels fast. Charley has a lot of spunk, but she also has vulnerabilities. I loved her as a character.

I thought Leslie Nagel did a great job of allowing each book to technically be read on its own, or out of order from the series. I never felt like there was no point in returning to the previous books because I read this one first. I particularly like this series for my post-grad students. Many of them have never found their love of reading, and I think books such as this one are a great way to remind them that reading can be fun and light-hearted, even when covering a dark topic such as murder.

I want to thank NetGalley, Alibi, and Random House Publishing Group for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I appreciate the privilege of being able to read this book before it is published. I agreed to give an honest review. I had not read the 2 previous books in this series. I found the main characters cute and likeable and the mystery was well written, it had me guessing until the end. That being said, I found that there were just too many far-out-there story lines for my liking. I prefer to have them more believable.

This one really stumped me. I had no kisses whodunnit! The author did a great job of having the primary character put clues together without giving anything away. Good fun mystery. I liked the characters. You had a little bit of everything...ones you loved, some you hated, and others you wanted to get to know better.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The latest Charley Carpenter mystery is perfect. I didn't want it to end, but the ending was surprising and satisfying for me. The characters in Leslie Nagel's series are all so engaging and well written, whether likeable or villains their complexity grabs you and keeps you invested. I would definitely double the stars if I could. I highly recommend 'The Advice Column Murders' and the entire series.

Read 38 % and will not finish. Will not leave a review anywhere

The Advice Column Murders by Leslie Nagel brings a welcome return of Charley Carpenter, expert in vintage clothes and wares and amateur sleuth extraordinaire. In this third installment of The Oakwood Mystery Series, Charley is contending with insomnia and new, odd and standoffish neighbors. Charley becomes embroiled in their lives when Sarah, the grown daughter of Judith Sharpe is murdered just days after talking to Charley, seemingly on the verge of asking for help. Charley, who seemingly can never walk away from any mystery, takes this one particularly to heart. Complicating issues are Charley’s boyfriend, Marc Trenault, a detective who would normally be leading the investigation, has been forbidden to have anything to do with it. The reasons seem flimsy and his replacement, Seargent George Drummond, a homicide investigator with the local sheriff’s department is written too over the top vindictive, stupid and narrow minded to be believable—one of my biggest complaints about the book.
That said, the book is quick reading and entertaining. There are enough plot lines and secondary characters to make the murderer’s identity difficult to cipher out. The tension in the police department, though annoying, also adds intrigue and a twist to the plot line of this cozy mystery. The “advice column” referred to in the title is the hot new feature in the local newspaper where questions are answered by a much snarkiest version of Ann Landers and, not surprisingly, it plays a big part in the mystery. I liked that this book progresses the lives of the main characters—they aren’t all stuck on a treadwheel in time, an issue with many series.  
I recommend this book for those who enjoy cozy mysteries, especially those set in small towns with recurring characters. It is an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon. I would definitely read the next entry in the series. A very solid three stars and a half stars.
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way nor was I required to write a positive review.

After talking about the subgenre “cozy mystery” with a co-worker I got curious and decided I had to read one. So when The Advice Column Murders by Leslie Nagel came to my attention as an Advance Reading Copy I requested it immediately. And I wasn’t disappointed. I feel it was a great introduction to the format of crime fiction with less emphasis on sex, violence, and gore. Charley Carpenter is the local, small town girl with a sharp mind and a desire to solve crime. She has a great boyfriend, who is on the local police force, and a circle of friends. Charley is in the process of expanding her small business when a young woman is murdered. And this is where all the facts of the weird world come undone. Good thing we have Charley to figure it out. A quick, easy read. My first cozy- done! Probably not my last.



I received this as an Advance Reading Copy. Thanks Alibi and Net Galley.

The Advice Column Murders the third of the Oakwood Mystery series by Leslie Nagel. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I will be. Charley Carpenter is the protagonist in the series, yet another amateur sleuth. She's a good one two, even having convinced her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Trenault, that she has something to offer the police. Her neighbor, Mr. Schmidt, had gone to live in assisted living. Instead of selling his house, he had rented it. The first tenants were Dr. Paxton Sharpe, his wife, Judith, and two little boys. The home also had two visitors: Brandon, Dr. Sharpe's son home on spring break, and Sarah, Judith's adult daughter.

One morning when Charley was out front preparing for her day, Sarah approached her and stopped just short of asking her for help. Charley's phone rang, and by the time she had responded, the moment had passed and Sarah was gone. The bad news is that Sarah ended up murdered. And the investigating officer was not one of Charley's fans and was outright rude. Plus as she made her way home, reporters mobbed her, until a strong arm reached out to grab her and get her inside. Marc was home from Chicago and at just the right time. As the investigation progresses all kinds of interesting information come to light.

The investigation was going nowhere. The investigator wasn't interested in justice, just in closing the investigation. Things got pretty hairy. Even police employees were helping Charley try to solve the murder and the second one, that of Judith. The police chief was furious and before he got the chance to fire Marc, he quit. He was able to help the investigation without ignoring a direct order from his superior.

I loved this book. Can't wait to go back and read the first two. Charley is bright and interesting. She has a knock. She is NOT hair-brained like so many amateur detectives. Her supporting cast of characters: Bobby, her Dad; Lawrence, Dad's caregiver; Heddie and Vanessa, her employees; Dale Penwater, the construction guy in charge of the renovation of her store, Mitch, Camille, and Sharon, with the police department; Paul Brixton, Marc's partner, and on and on. The mystery was good and not so far-fetched as to be unbelievable. The pacing of the story was good. It moved along well and did not drag. There was plenty of foreshadowing and the reader almost solved the crime along with Charley. A great cozy mystery. I recommend it.

The Advice Column Murders is the third installment of the Oakwood Mysteries series by Leslie Nagel. Charley Carpenter is in the midst of a major renovation and expansion at her vintage clothing store which is adding a complete line of baby items. As such, she and her small staff of elder Heddy and young one Vanessa are holding their work sessions in Charlie’s makeshift basement home office.

In recent months renters Paxton and Judith Sharpe have moved in the house next door with their young twins. They are unfriendly and standoffish from the welcoming overtures made by he Carpenters until one evening when Charlie is on her front porch enjoying a lovely spring evening and a young, slight, strangely attired woman comes through the hedge and begins to reach out to her only to be called back by Judith.

A few days later, as the women break from their planning session, they read the new Advice Column in their local paper. There is something about one of the letters that makes her think that young woman was the person signed as Tortured Soul. It is only a day later that the young woman is found dead when Charlie responds to Judith’s screams.

And thus Charlie is thrown into the middle of another murder mystery, but this time her special fellow, Detective Marc Trenault has been specifically ordered off the case by his chief who brought in an arrogant county crony instead. When Charlie and Marc blow the case wide open, the many secrets from under the roof next door come to light, along with many changes in the little town of Oakwood occur.

Ms. Nagel is an excellent writer. Her descriptive prose is a joy. Her characters are deep and multifaceted, her plots complex. This is yet another story that doesn’t fully unwind until the very end, but even as the solution reveals itself it leaves the reader wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, this series, and await the next edition . I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Charley Carpenter’s new neighbors are a bit standoffish, but that doesn’t stop her from investigating. One night, she hears a scream and finds her neighbor’s adult daughter dead. Charley wouldn’t take it so hard except that the daughter asked her for help. She believes that the death might have something to do with an advice column in the newspaper. With her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Trenault, out of town, can Charley find the truth before she becomes the subject of the investigation?
This was a wonderful cozy mystery. The characters are quirky enough to keep me wanting to learn more about them. The plot kept me guessing whodunit. The only drawback was that I became a little confused by the multitude of suspects. An advanced reader’s copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.