Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.  The opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this story mainly because it is about a person my own age who does edits on manuscripts.  I, too, am doing that for friends.  So I felt a connection to the main character, Mikki.  The author gives hints throughout the book on who the murderer was, but I didn't guess who it was.  The book is an easy read with a few "big words" thrown in for good measure.  I especially enjoyed. the last section entitled "A Random Selection from 'The Write Right Wright's Language and Grammar Tips'" by Mikki Lincoln.  Mikki had written this book and it contains very interesting tips on grammar.

This was a cute cozy.  Mikki  freelances as an editor when she chooses to work.  She is a retired English teacher.  She has been hired to edit Sunny Feldman's book at a resort her family used to own.  Greg Onslow has purchased the property and he doesn't like the idea of Sunny's book.  He accosts Mikki at the gas station and starts an argument.  Mikki takes him down a notch and it is all caught on video.  Now the video has gone viral.

When Greg is found murdered, Mikki is suspect number 1.  It seems someone is trying to frame her.  This means Mikki must find the murderer before she or some other innocent is charged.  

I enjoyed the story, Mikki is a hoot and sharp as well.  There were many suspects and some twists.  This was easy to read, but I didn't figure out the murderer until the end.  Great fun.

This is the 3rd release in the new "Deadly Edits" mystery series by cozy author Kaitlyn Dunnett.  I have read the previous books in the series and highly recommend this series. My review opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. 

In this third in series our intrepid protagonist freelance book editor Mikki Lincoln who has been hired to help edit a memoir by a last living owner of a once popular historic Catskill resort.  The resort is scheduled for demolition.  After Mikki arrives  she is seen arguing with a man who is then found dead on the site. As primary suspect number one she must work to clear her name and get to the bottom of why he was murdered and by whom.  As she finds clues amid red herrings she soon finds that much simmers beneath the surface and history of the old resort . 

I enjoy this series for our smart savvy Mikki and the well crafted sleuthing. The supporting characters are likable and all add to the plot. The location of a Catskill resort was perfect for this next in series for a summer read I look forward to the next in series.

On The Wrong Side Of The Law.....
The third in the Deadly Edits Mystery series and Mikki, freelance editor and sometime amateur sleuth, finds herself on the wrong side of the law for all the wrong reasons. Entertaining and enjoyable, this is a fun cosy mystery with a likeable protagonist, a colourful cast of supporting characters and a delightful backdrop. Engaging escapism.

3.5/5.0 🌟

’Freelance book editor Mikki Lincoln knows the makings of a well-written story. But she’ll need to choose her words wisely when a new assignment introduces a deadly plot twist . . .’

Widower, retired school teacher now book editor, modern-day amateur detective Mikki Lincoln, the main character in A FATAL FICTION (Book Three in the Deadly Edits Series), is slightly similar to that of Jessica Fletcher, the leading role in MURDER SHE WROTE. I haven’t watched that show in years that I admit I was addicted to back in the ’80s and ’90s. 

I had no idea the television series was made into a book series until earlier this year! Yesssssss!!!

Sorry, I was having a moment, back to the review...

*ahem*

Mikki is a feisty seventy-something-year old who’s not afraid to speak her mind. I have to say I like and dislike that about her as do many of the characters in the book who find her a bit nosy, which gets her into some trouble. 

There’s one part in the book wherein Mikki appears to have physical abilities like that of a twenty-something, to which I blurted outloud, ’No way she did that!’ Then I thought about my parents…who are seventy-somethings…who only a couple of years ago went on a Zip-line in the mountains and Quad racing in the Nevada desert…Nuff said.

There is one part of the book that I wasn’t able to suspend belief, and that’s the end, only because it’s that moment that leads to and reveals the who-done-it that just didn’t work, at least not for me. 

Will I read more books by Kaitlyn Dunnett? Most definitely! Next up will be Book One in the Deadliest Edits Series, CRIME & PUNCTUATION. 

 Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp., for loaning me an eBook of A FATAL FICTION in exchange for an honest review.

Mikki is excited about her new assignment, she has been asked to edit a quite revealing memoir by Sunny Feldman.  Sunny is the last of her family, a family who owned the once illustrious Feldman's Catskill Resort Hotel.  In it's time it was a popular destination for tourist but now it is getting ready to be demolished.  It's soon back on the map when the body of Greg Onslow is found in the demolition site.  To make matters worse Mikki seems to be the top suspect, you see the two didn't get all and had been seen arguing  or that long ago.  Mikki soon learns that Greg was even more corrupt than she thought all sorts of bad dealings are coming to light.  Now she must figure out who among all those dealings.wanted the man dead.  Follow along as Mikki does her best to keep herself out of jail and in.doing so find the real killer!

Miki LIncoln has recently moved back to her home town after retiring from teaching.  She runs an editing business from her home, and as a result, she is confronted by the town's big developer at the gas station about a book she's editing for an heiress.  They have a big argument and the next morning, Miki learns that he's dead.  The book follows the investigation which seems to be focusing on Miki when a video of their argument goes viral on the internet.  I'd say this is a "typical" cozy mystery.  I didn't find anything unique about it, but it's not a bad storyline.  The characters were fairly well-developed, but Miki's cat seems to really be just a possession, with no real participation in her life.  I'd like to see her become more of the story.

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Mikki Lincoln is a retired school teacher, who is a freelance editor to supplement her income, but will her newest assignment be her last? When she’s hired by Sunny Feldman to edit her history of the once-famous Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel, little does Mikki know what Sunny’s memoir is about to dredge up…and the crime that will ensue. The about-to-be-torn-down resort is back in the spotlight, and when Greg Onslow, the businessman developing the site of the doomed resort, is found dead at the demolition site, the hunt for his killer is on. 

Unfortunately, Mikki was witnessed having an animated disagreement with Greg shortly before his corpse is discovered, and she’s top on the suspects list of the police. She not only finds herself defending her behavior, but searching for the real killer. But Lenape Hollow seems to have a plethora of potential culprits given Greg’s duplicitous ways, and Mikki encounters plenty of false clues and dead ends as she works to clear her name. But who will the guilty party turn out to be? A friend? A family member? A stranger?

Ms. Dunnett has created a community of interesting characters in Lenape Hollow with a mystery that offers lots of twists and turns for the reader. A Fatal Fiction is the third in the Deadly Edits series.

A FATAL FICTION is the third book in the Deadly Edits cozy series. I enjoyed this book as a stand alone without having read the first two books and still really enjoyed the fun and mysterious story line.

In this book, Mikki Lincoln is working on a memoir by Sunny Feldman – out in a small town of Lenape Hallow where Feldman’s Catskill Resort Hotel is awaiting demolition – and of course, now the spotlight is on the Hotel, on Mikki and the dead body.

I enjoyed the writing very much especially with a great main character – an older feisty woman who seems to get into heaps of trouble but great enough to get out of it.

This was really a fun read I enjoyed a lot. I am now in search for the first two books.

A Fatal Fiction
Deadly Edits #3
Kaitlyn Dunnett
Kensington Books, June 2020
ISBN 978-1-4967-2686-5
Hardcover

A derelict Catskills resort hotel is brought back to life, in a manner of speaking, when a body is found and freelance editor Mikki Lincoln is the logical suspect or, at least, the first one. Mikki had been seen arguing with Greg Onslow not long before and Onslow was not the nicest man around. Known as a shady developer, he had defrauded quite a few people and any one of them could have had enough of the guy so Mikki just has to figure out which one to keep herself out of the clutches of the law.

This was my introduction to Mikki and I reallyfeisty as they come like her. She’s 70 years old and as clever and active as anyone could hope to be at that age (certainly more active than me) and she has the personality to go along with having been a teacher—no putting up with nonsense, that’s for sure. She does seem to be a bit cantankerous but she’s earned the privilege if you ask me. As for the dead man, he was afraid a forthcoming memoir that Mikki is editing would damage his plans for the hotel, precipitating the argument, but Mikki will ferret out the killer. Maybe someday Mikki will find a way to get rid of her interfering nephew 😉

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, July 2020.

Mikki is a Septuagenarian with a big personality! I particularly enjoyed herself-knowledge and sense of humour.  

She’s retired to her home town and edits books for additional income. It’s in assisting a client with her biography that she ends up in a confrontation with a very unpopular local business man (who shortly thereafter becomes the victim). The scene is set for her to become a suspect and an investigator! 

What a lovely and interesting cast of characters. A cozy murder mystery this story had plenty of suspects and twists and turns. I guessed the culprit but it did not detract from the journey. 

Whilst this book is a part of a series it was the first one I have read and I found it most enjoyable. 

With thanks to #NetGalley, Kensington Books  and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

A Fatal Fiction is the terrific third instalment in a new-to-me cosy mystery series, called 'Deadly Edits', by author Kaitlyn Dunnett. This is the first I have read by her and I found the book to be an extremely fun read.

I loved the setting, in this instalment, of Lenape Hollow, a delightful sounding tourist resort in its heyday, so imaginatively depicted by the author. Septuagenarian and part-time freelance book editor Mikki Lincoln has made a great life for herself and her tortoiseshell cat, named Calpurnia. Mikki is filling up her car at the service station when she has a run in with the wealthy entrepreneur Greg Olsen. But then the business tycoon is found dead and Mikki, along with her cousin Luke, are the primary suspects so Mikki must convince the local police detective of their innocence.

A full cast of interesting characters complemented the feisty, rather bossy, retired school teacher, Mikki, though not everyone was as they seemed. The plot was strong and the comfortably paced, puzzling mystery kept me guessing. I enjoyed reading A Fatal Fiction and I am already anticipating another trip to Lenape Hollow and getting to know all of the characters to a greater degree. If you adore a fantastic cosy mystery with lashings of family conflicts and community quintessence, don't miss out on A Fatal Fiction.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Wish I'm like the main character, Mikki when I am 70.  She's now 70 and a real crackerjack. She’s the type of woman most women would want to be once 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.  Definitely will keep up with this series.

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