A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett is a mysterious tale of gold-digging, opportunity, and revenge.

Will Mikki find out who killed Onslow before she catches the blame, or is the next one gone?

Mikki Lincoln
Mikki is an older woman, who returns to her home town after the death of her husband. She is living in her childhood home and hanging with her childhood friends. However, to make a little extra money, Mikki is an independent editor for authors of all sorts of publications.

I like Mikki's spunk, independence, and her work ethic. She does what she says that she is going to do, and that is admirable. However, she is not perfect, and it seems that at times she can have quite a temper. Here is a quote from Mikki in A Fatal Fiction:
When I lose control, I really lose control. I don't care who's listening. I yell. I tell the object of my ire exactly what I think of whatever it was that set me off. I'm not proud of this. It's a character flaw, but that's not to say that the tirade is undeserved.

The Mystery
So, the night after Mikki tells off Onslow in front of quite a few people, he is murdered. Of course, Mikki is questioned about his death, especially since a video of Mikki giving Onslow the what for is released on the internet. However, Mikki isn't the only person that is questioned as many people in town didn't like Mr. Onslow. One of the suspects is Luke, a cousin of Mikki's that is relatively new to town.

As Mikki is trying to clear herself and Luke, her nephew from her husband's side is in town to assess his aunt's mental facilities and protect her. Although Mikki isn't happy about this addition, she respects her nephew and plays along.

Four Stars
I enjoyed the mystery, characters, and the location (Catskills mountain town, New York). I would like to hear more of Sunny's stories from her youth. The mystery is excellently written, as I immediately thought it was the culprit but dismissed the person due to a lack of motive. However, the way that was revealed was ingenious. Therefore, I am giving A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett four stars. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers out there.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett.

This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the third installment of the cozy Deadly Edits mystery series. Each book of the series contains it’s own mystery that is solved within so each can be read as a standalone or in any order. There is however character development that carries over from book to book for those reading from the beginning.

In the first book of the Deadly Edits series readers were introduced to the main character of this series, Mikki Lincoln, who is in her sixties and starting over in her life after her husband’s passing. Mikki and her husband had lived in a remote area taking care of their land themselves for years but after losing her husband Mikki felt it was time to find an easier place to spend her retirement years so when she caught an ad for her childhood home in the Catskills she bought it sight unseen.

When Mikki found her new home needed more work than she expected she decided she would start up a side business to help with her finances. Since the move Mikki has been working as a freelance editor and settling into her new life making some new/and old friends. One man who wouldn’t be considered a friend though is entrepreneur Greg Onslow so when his body is found shortly after Mikki has a very public argument with him she finds herself on the police’s suspect list and need to clear her name.

I have been following the Deadly Edits mystery series from the beginning as it struck me as one of those quirky, cute and full of fun cozy series I enjoy. I love that this one has an older main character in Mikki that the author has made realistic with her actions. This one also always has an interesting mystery to be solved to so I’ll again be looking forward to another installment.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Mikki is hired to edit a revealing memoir by Sunny Feldman about her life at Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel. Sunny is the last living relative of the original owner and has many stories to tell.
Unfortunately the current owner, Greg Onslow has been murdered and Mikki must clear herself.

What is great about this story (series) is the main protagonist is not your norm. She’s a spunky 70-something retired school teacher, which is what grabbed my attention. However, I can’t say I loved this book. I didn’t hate it either, but it just sort of hit below what I was expecting. The mystery was well written, although not hard to figure out “whodunit.” For fans of Murder She Wrote, this might appeal, but Mikki is no Jessica Fletcher. She comes across at times as waspy and uses “her teacher voice” to put other people in their place. Sadly, some of the other characters are just as bad in that they’re mean and and the worst of us. What really turned me from wanting to read more from this author is the wrap-up felt incomplete. On the last page, we still don’t have all of the answers. I will say this book is an easy and quick read.

A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the 3rd A Deadly Edits Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to this series (or skipped a book). The author has a casual writing style which makes the story easy to read. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and the surrounding area. The pacing varies throughout the story. Mikki Lincoln is seventy years old and a widow. After her husband’s death, she moved back to her hometown of Lenape Hollow. Mikki also purchased her childhood home and spent most of her retirement money fixing it up. Mikki is a retired English teacher. She takes those skills to begin a manuscript editing business out of her home. Grammar is a theme featured throughout the series with helpful tips at the end of the book. Mikki rarely loses her temper, but Greg Onslow pushed her buttons when she was filling up the tank of her car. Unfortunately, the whole scene was caught by someone wielding a cell phone and posted online. When Onslow ends up murdered, Mikki along with her cousin, Luke find themselves suspects. When the detective seems to focus on the cousins, Mikki sets out to find the true culprit. I like that Mikki is an older protagonist who brings a mature viewpoint to the cases she investigates. The mystery had multiple suspects courtesy of Onslow’s swindling ways. There is a red herring or two to distract the reader. Devoted cozy mystery readers will have no problem pinpointing the guilty party. I would have liked a better wrap up of the case. I was left with a couple of unanswered questions. Mikki needs to work on her questioning technique. She is too direct which can come across as rude. Mikki also feels the need to use her “teacher” voice to put people in their place too often. Nick, Mikki’s nephew, pays a visit and I found him an annoying individual. I know he was trying to protect his aunt, but his behavior bordered on boorish. Nick and Mikki clashed frequently. I have trouble liking the characters in this series. I want them to be more like those in the author’s A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series. My favorite line in A Fatal Fiction came from Sunny when she said, “Good riddance to bad rubbish” when she learned Onslow was dead. A Fatal Fiction is a blithesome cozy mystery with one dead developer, a reckless writer, magnified memoirs, a nagging nephew, and an annoyed aunt.

This is another solid entry in a favorite cozy mystery series. I liked the way previous books sort of built up to the murder featured in this third volume, and I appreciated the realistic way Mikki was hooked into helping solve the case. In addition to the central murder, I also really enjoyed the conflict between Mikki and her well-meaning nephew who comes into town to keep an eye on her and totally cramps her amateur investigator style. In other cozies, it is often a love interest or law enforcement officer who disapproves of the protagonist's crime solving; this was a really refreshing change of pace, and it led to some of the novel's most entertaining moments. As always, I also really enjoyed seeing the names of real Hudson Valley locations pop up throughout the story. Having grown up in the area, it was fun to feel that I could imagine exactly where Mikki was at certain points. The third book in a cozy series is often the point at which I walk away because the stories get tired, but that was not the case here at all. I'm already eagerly awaiting book 4

First time reading this author’s book and I was impressed with the depth and complexity of the story. This gives all of us who are growing older hope that even when you are in your later years you can make a difference. Loved the editing suggestions at the end of the novel.

Out now from Kensington Books is the third installment in the "Deadly Edits" literary centered series by Kaitlyn Dunnett, A Fatal Fiction.

Mikki is at it again. She can't seem to stay out of a murder investigation. This time she is the prime suspect due to losing her temper with the victim. He is a complete con man. There is nothing good to say about him. This literary centered series is perfect for those of advanced age, especially if they are tired of people treating them as if they are out of their minds and belong in a nursing home, or need to be watched at all times if they express their opinion or lose their temper. Mikki's nephew, Nick, is worried about her safety, but his condescending attitude, assuming she is losing her marbles, puts Mikki and readers on edge who have kids or relatives who think they know what's best for them because their over fifty.

Other characters are enjoyable and have quarks or secrets that make them great suspects. Mikki's best friend and her arch-nemesis make another appearance in book three but do not play as significant a role as most fans would like. Mikki doesn't get as much editing done as she would like, and her literary client is hiding things from her. The killer can be a challenge to figure out with all the twists and turns, but if readers follow the evidence, it should become apparent quickly.

I have a fondness for this series but advise readers who are just starting with this series to go back and start at the beginning. The previous books, although not necessary, explain a great deal about who Mikki and friends are as well as their motivations. It would go a long way in helping new readers understand the part and personality of each of the reoccurring characters. For those who love books, editing, writing, and have a general literary bent; this is a wonderful series to sink your teeth into. A Fatal Fiction is an enjoyable, quick read with colorful characters and an easy to understand plot. I am happy to recommend this book and the entire series to readers of all ages.

How refreshing to have a main character, Mikki Lincoln, who’s now 70 and a real crackerjack. She’s the type of woman most women would want to be when they hit their 70’s. She’s witty, works part-time as an editor, active - can jump down from her roof to the ground (7 foot drop) without serious injury, plus she has a great cat, a calico named Calpurnia.
And she’s definitely not timid when speaking her mind. Mikki is known for letting ‘er rip when provoked.
Her latest ‘heated’ discussion with a local con-man at a gas station, is caught on video and goes viral, When he’s found dead at his latest development site Mikki becomes one of the prime suspects.
The local police don’t seem to be looking at all of the potential suspects so Mikki takes it upon herself to figure out exactly who did murder the developer.

Overall this was a quick, pleasant read. A minor quibble about the character is that she seemed to be annoyed or angry just a little too often. Especially at her nephew who was a nice young man, only trying to help by sticking close to Mikki so that she wouldn’t end up in trouble. She, of course, found creative ways to ditch him.

Cozy readers who aren’t fond of romance in their mysteries, will be very happy to know that there’s no romance in this book, just a straight up mystery. This is the third book in the series but the back story isn’t deep, so first time readers won’t experience any confusion or lose any enjoyment not having read the earlier books. Also Kaitlyn Dunnett doesn’t give away any spoilers in respect to any of the earlier books. At the end of the book, Dunnett provides readers with a real treat, a list of grammatical terms, definitions and proper usages. Entertaining & informative!


Many thanks to Kensington Publishing, Kaitlyn Dunnett and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.

3.5 Stars!

A Fatal Fiction is the third book in the Deadly Edits series, however; you don't need to have read the previous two books prior to reading this one. Mikki, a freelance book editor, is seen getting in a very public altercation with Greg Onslow shortly before his shocking death, which is ruled a murder. Mikki is 70 years old but is full of spunk, curiosity and an underdeveloped sense of self-preservation! As a result of Mikki’s altercation with Greg the police view her as one in a long line of suspects in the murder investigation. In order to try and clear her name Mikki begins to engage in her own detective work, questioning the townspeople who may have had motive. It was fun to analyze the townspeople right alongside Mikki, in an effort to piece together who was responsible. This was a quick, enjoyable cozy mystery that served as a lovely break between heavier reads. Thanks to Kaitlyn Dunnett, Kensington Books, and Netgalley for my advance copy.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Retired teacher turned book editor MIkki Lincoln is a spry and feisty 70 year old. She despises when she is dismissed for her age or thought to be less capable. So when a video of her losing her temper in a spectacular way goes viral and her nephew arrives from Maine to assess her sanity, she is peeved. It was a momentary flash when someone pushed her buttons once too often. The fact that said pusher is murdered that same night, puts MIkki on the suspect list.
There is no shortage of others on the list from business associates who were swindled to others he had used and abused. Other than her outburst caught on tape, MIkki has less motive than any of the others. At first she just wants to prove she wasn’t the killer but when the spotlight swivels onto her cousin Luke -and Luke has some very good motives- she decides she must help find the murderer to take the heat off Luke. Fair enough. As a reason to get involved, it is acceptable. However a few of the things she does make the reader wonder if perhaps, her family might have something to worry about. In particular is her escape from her home so her nephew doesn’t know what she is doing. I am all for senior power but with age is supposed to come wisdom. Thankfully, she does redeem herself at the end when she helps bring the killer to justice. I had the villain pegged from the outset but it took Mikki a lot longer to twig.
Four purrs and two paws up.

I enjoyed this book. Was unable to read previous books, but didn’t feel like I missed too much. I would recommend this series. Reminiscent of Mrs. Pollifax or Miss Marple.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Retired teacher Mikki Lincoln has moved back from Maine to her hometown of Lenape Hollow, New York. She supplements her retirement earnings by doing freelance editing. One of her latest projects is editing the memoirs of Sunny Feldman whose family owned a large resort in the area. The resort has been sold and developer Greg Onslow is heading up a new renovation and for some reason is furious about Sunny’s upcoming book and gets into a loud, very public shouting match with Mikki over the book. When Greg is found dead at the renovation site the next day, Mikki becomes one of the county sheriff’s prime suspects. In spite of the danger, Mikki starts asking questions of potential suspects so she can find the real killer.

This is the third book in this series. I enjoyed the debut but missed the book immediately preceding this one. I was able to quickly catch up and think brand new readers would have no problems getting to know the main characters. I like having an older main character who is independent, intelligent, and out-spoken. Mikki can sometimes be hot-tempered, but at least she stands up for herself. I enjoy the friendship she has with Darlene and also like her younger cousin Luke who also lives in the same town. Luke also becomes a suspect in the murder and I love how Mikki and also Darlene stick up for him. As much as I like these characters, there are a few that are annoying, including Mikki’s high school rival Ronnie, the victim’s gold-digging widows, and also the pastor’s wife. I really didn’t take to Mikki’s nephew Nick. Even though he means well, I didn’t care for his overbearing ways and wish he would have headed back home to Maine earlier in the book.

Since Greg was a shady businessman and could be quite rude in his dealings with other people, there was no shortage of suspects in his murder. Mikki does a good job of figuring out who had a motive to kill him and with help from Darlene’s online research, finding out quite a few secrets that were being kept. When the murderer is revealed, I was surprised since the clues were pointing elsewhere. The ending was a bit of a letdown because the killer’s motive is disclosed it’s second-hand instead of during the murderer’s dramatic confrontation with Mikki. Overall, I enjoyed the story, as well as the grammar and language tips at the very end. Fans of J.D. Griffo’s Ferrara Family mysteries which also features an older widow turned amateur sleuth will enjoy the latest from Dunnett.

~ Christine

This was a total cover request for me from Netgalley, I couldn't resist the books on a shelf and a pretty kitty but it certainly won't be the last I pick up in the Deadly Edits Cozy series. Mikki Lincoln is a professional editor currently working, but suddenly finds herself involved with a mystery! What I loved most was her as a main character, this 70 year old woman kept me entertained and it was a great quick read!

3.5 stars from me!

A fatal Fiction is the 3rd book in the Deadly Edits Cozy Mysteries collection. Mikki is a feisty and quirky heroine who is a freelance book editor. One day she is seen publicly arguing with Greg Onslow right before his shocking death. Mikki's character is flawed, endearing, and likable. I enjoyed this quick read in one raining afternoon and enjoy most Cozy mysteries for what they are enjoyable reads to fill an afternoon. Thank you to Kaitlyn Dunnett, Kensington Publishing, and Netgalley for my advanced copies. All opinions are my own.

A Fatal Fiction is the third in Dunnett’s Deadly Edits series and her heroine is retired schoolteacher Mikki. She is a freelance editor with a streak of nosiness. After she becomes a local YouTube star when she gives local businessman Greg Onslow a dressing down at the gas station, the man is found dead. Mikki obviously tops the list of suspects, and she takes matters into her own hands, seeking a way to clear her name. This was truly one of the best cozy mysteries I read in ages. Let me count the ways:
1. Mikki is a rock star. She is plucky, independent, and surprisingly spry despite being in her post-retirement years. Even though her nephew comes to offer support when she’s listed as a suspect, she leaves him on the couch and investigates on her own. I love how Mikki is a freelance editor, working to keep herself financially comfortable, and basically doing the job so many book lovers dream to have.
2. The story features an old, decrepit Catskills resort. Mikki is editing the memoir of a woman whose family once owned the resort, and the glimmers of what the resort used to be fascinate me.
3. Dunnett put a section at the end of book with editing tips. I’ll never say no to a little tips and tricks section in a cozy mystery with a cute theme.
4. Despite this being the third book in the series, I didn’t feel like I was missing too much by having not read the first two books. Dunnett explains that Mikki has worn the deerstalker hat in the past during parts where it matters, and does not put in a clunky few paragraphs bringing the reader up to speed. Bonus – she gives absolutely no spoilers, so the reader is free to go back to the first two with no expectations.
5. Mikki attends a Friends of the Library meeting! A little bit of coverage is wonderful!

A Fatal Fiction is the third book in A Deadly Edits Mystery series.

Once again, the deceptive developer Greg Onslow is out to cause trouble. Onslow is still upset that Mikki Lincoln refuses to edit his lat wife’s manuscript. So when he notices her at the local gas station he begins talking to her and before long it turns into a loud shouting match. Somebody has recorded the melee and the video has gone viral and before long most everyone in Lenape Hollow has seen the video. The next afternoon while researching with Sunny Feldman, when Pam Ingram, the librarian, informs them that Onslow’s dead body has been found at the old Feldman resort that he was in the process of tearing down. Mikki knows that is just a matter of time until the police come to question her whereabouts when Onslow had died.

After her initial police interview, Mikki realizes that she will have to start her investigation to clear her name. As she is getting to a good start to looking for possible suspects, out of the blue her nephew Nicky shows up. Claiming that he wants a vacation and decided to come to see his favorite aunt, never mind she is his only aunt. He soon admits that he is there to protect her. She knows that this will put a damper on her sleuthing. Then her cousin, Luke, is questioned by the police and will become a suspect. Mikki hopes he’s not involved, but he is unwilling to explain why he is under suspicion. She’s hoping that the killer will be found before they might also become victims.

A wonderful addition to this interesting series. It’s well-plotted and written and moves at a nice even pace. The characters were well-developed and believable.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

Who says you’re too old? As you’ll find out in this story, age is just a number. I loved Mikki and Donna. Step by step and they don’t give up, even when they say they will. The story line is good and the characters play off each other well. You may be shaking your head or chuckling at some of their antics. This is my first book by this author, but I hope to read many more. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the 3rd book in Deadly Edits mystery series, and another good addition. Mikki Lincoln has been hired to edit Sunny Feldman's memoir, the last living relative of the original owners of the Feldman's Catskill Resort Hotel. When a body is found at the hotel demolition site, Mikki becomes the prime suspect, so she must solve what happened. This book is a fun read, with an intelligent older women. I found this book to be a quick read, with well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries like I do, than I recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Best Cozy I Have Read All Year!
This book is just aces. The main character also narrates the story. She is a 70-year-old retired High School English teacher. Her story-telling sounds exactly perfect! I could swear that was my perfectionist, nearing retirement high school English teacher speaking! The story setup is perfect. The characters, the cats, the location are all delightful. The mystery was complicated with so many likely suspects with great motivation. I was pleased and surprised by the denouement. The story can be read and enjoyed without having read the earlier episodes, however, I am going to go read the first two books in the series. I am also going to check this author's other series' to read, too.
I loved the grammar tips at the end. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.