DEAD-END DETECTIVE kicks the Piper and Porter Mystery Series off to a good start. The characters are nicely drawn, and the smart mystery unfolds at a brisk pace. Since Darby is the prime suspect, I felt quite invested in the story as she tried to clear her name. Several other suspects and plenty of clues and red herrings kept me guessing for most of the book. My only quibble is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, but this did not deter my enjoyment of the book. I cannot wait to read more of Darby and Tate’s adventures. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

This is the first book in Amanda Flower's new Piper and Porter Mystery series. Darby Piper and her partner, Samantha Porter own Two Girl's Detective Agency together. Samantha has decided to liquidate the business and take a job with a local exclusive resort. Darby is devastated by the news but even more so when Samantha dies in a car crash that does not look like an accident. Darby must clear her name as all the clues point to her.

What an excellent start to a series! It's not often that I cry within the first couple of chapters of a cozy, but his one had me in tears. So often the murder victim is so unlikable that there are multiple suspects. Samantha was well like by the community and Darby. So many clues point to Darby that she must find the true culprit to save herself and to have peace of mind over Samantha.

The setting in upstate New York in the Seneca Lake region was lovely. The description of the town makes it very homey and the type of place i would like to visit. The characters are well written and believable. I love the cats! I know that Ms. Flower is owned by cats and it truly shows in her portrayal of Romy and Gumshoe. Romy is quite a rascal with his tree climbing and Darby's continued efforts to rescue him. My Maine Coon was a complete love bug but I could see one being this mischievous. The fact that they are huge cats makes the rescues funny. Gumshoe sounds like your typical Ragdoll. Such a sweet breed!

The introduction of Tate, Samantha's nephew, throws a lot of kinks into the mix. I'm really interested to see where his relationship with Darby goes both personally and professionally. Austin is a bit of a wild card as well. Will he and Tate create the dreaded love triangle for Darby's attention.

The murder plot was very well done. I had a number of suspects in mind as the story unfolded. I was a bit shocked at the revelation of the culprit. Such a sad situation that didn't need to end up the way it did.

Overall, this was an excellent book that i would highly recommend.

I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have come to the conclusion that the more books I read by Amanda Flower the more I absolutely adore her. I hope this is the start of a long series. The characters were likable and real. The twists and turns kept me guessing even when I thought I knew what was happening, I found myself stumped and shocked at the outcome. A fun and exciting read that has me wanting more and more.. Romy the feisty cat who always finds his way in the tree. LOL Thank you Amanda for the start of another amazing series!
(I posted on Goodreads and bookbub also)

4.5 stars

Dead-End Detective is the first book in Amanda Flower's Piper and Porter Mystery series. Set in New York in a quaint little town on Seneca Lake, we meet Darby Piper, a private investigator whose partner, Samantha, has just been killed in an accident. Except it wasn't an accident at all, someone deliberately ran her off the road and all signs point to Darby being the culprit. Still reeling from her friend's murder, she is shocked to learn that Samantha has left her share of the business to her nephew, Tate. Although wary of each other, Darby and Tate team up to solve the murder.

Amanda Flower is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors and when I saw she had a new series coming out with Hallmark, one of my favorite TV channels and publishing company, of course, I was excited. I have never read a book by her that I didn't enjoy and this one was no exception. Dead-End Detective is an easy, delightful read, with great writing, a cozy small-town setting, and a plot that will hold your interest until the last page. The characters are engaging and the chemistry between Darby and Tate makes me excited to see how their relationship will develop in future books. The mystery is cleverly plotted, with enough red herrings and suspects to keep you guessing. I did manage to figure out the culprit's identity but wasn't sure of their motive.
All in all, This was a classic cozy mystery and I really enjoyed it. I hope we won't have to wait too long for the second book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dead-End Detective is different from most of the Hallmark Publishing books. Amanda Flower has given the reader a true cozy mystery with only a hint of romance. Darby is a PI who would give Rockford a run for his money with a murder mystery that points to her as the killer. There are plenty of red herrings in this story but also some real clues that I remembered after the killer is caught. I was saying, “Oh, yeah, that is why the author mentioned that.” I did figure it out about the time that Darby did but for the longest time I was going in a different direction on who was the guilty party.

This story would fit perfectly even as a cozy mystery as a Hallmark movie. The violence is not graphic, the characters quirky and interesting with several unique cats too. At the end of the book, the romance is only hinted at. No clear resolution with Darby’s old ex. Also Tate is so enigmatic; a likable puzzle but one, nonetheless. Just enough mystery to make you want to read more about him and the lakeside small town.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received this book from netgalley. I loved amanda book. each book gets better every time. I can not wait for more. shes a fantastic story tellers. It was very hard to put down

Private Investigator Cozy Mystery in the Finger Lakes Region of New York
This is a great story and hopefully the first in a series. It takes place in a small town in the Finger Lakes region of New York. This is a cozy mystery that takes some great turns as the story develops. Then, at the end, it takes a left turn with a surprise development. I have read many of this author's books. This is the best by far. Does it have something to do with Hallmark Publishing? Perhaps because it is worthy of becoming a Hallmark Mystery Movie. I will be watching for more from this author. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Dead-End Detective
A Piper and Porter Mystery from Hallmark Publishing
Amanda Flower

Strong female protagonist, an unsolved murder and some cats – doesn’t get much better than this!

Amanda Flower’s debut “Piper and Porter Mystery” from Hallmark Publishing, entitled “Dead-End Detective” is a classic cozy mystery that will leave you wanting for more! Darby Piper built her detective agency, her dream career, with her friend and mentor, Samantha. When Samantha is murdered, and the evidence suggests Darby is the culprit, she must solve the biggest case of her career. A slew of surprises awaits Darby as she finds herself working with alongside Samantha’s nephew, Tate, to find out who was responsible for Samantha’s death. Can Darby solve the crime before she is arrested, or is murdered herself? And even if she figures out the puzzle and stays alive, will the agency continue to exist?

This novel is engaging and will draw in the reader with Flower’s fluid writing style, with embedded humor and charm. The author cleverly builds the story line with plot twists that will keep you wondering until the very end. The descriptive writing fully sets the stage and you can easily envision the town’s unique flair and make you want to invite the characters into your own home (including Gumshoe and Romy, the cats!). While there was a very small story line gaff when Darby somehow drives her missing car to her parents for dinner, the overall novel withstands the error. I highly recommend “Dead-End Detective” as it is a pleasant quick read that will make you laugh, gasp, and cry. I can’t wait to see what Darby and Tate get to handle next.

An excellent start for a new cozy mystery series. Amanda Flowers never fails to deliver enjoyable and entertaining stories.
I loved the lovely setting, the quirky and well thought cast of characters, and the solid mystery full of twists and turns.
The solution came as a surprise and it was interesting.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Hallmark and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy for an honest review.

Another cozy mystery from from Hallmark. Darby Piper, a PI is suspect #1 for her partners death----a car crash that doesn't look like an accident. Tate, Darby's partner's nephew, & Darby hence embark on trying to find out who the real culprit is.

I enjoyed the characters. They are the typical Hallmark flavor. Some fun dialogue between everyone & the small town atmosphere is always a draw. If you enjoy any of the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries shows, you will enjoy this. Predictable? Perhaps, but always enjoyable & an easy read.

Dead-End Detective: A Piper and Porter Mystery from Hallmark Publishing by Amanda Flower
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Release Date: August 25, 2020
🔍🔍🔍🔍🔍
I absolutely LOVED this book! I read it in about 4 hours because I could not put it down!

The characters in this book are so likable and relatable and the story moves quickly. I loved the small town setting and the relationships within the community. There is depth to this book.

The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you are there watching everything unfold.

I really hope this becomes a long series because I can't wait for the next book! I love Piper and Porter! ❤️

The mystery was great and kept you guessing until the very end.

I'm so grateful for Amanda Flower, Hallmark Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

One of the things that I love most about sitting down with a Hallmark mystery novel is that I always know exactly what I'm going to get--- a good, clean cozy mystery with or without hints of romance too. In other words, just what I get when I sit down to watch one of their mysteries too. Dead End Detective was no exception.

In Dead End Detective, we meet Darby Piper, a private investigator whose partner has just been killed in a car accident. Except it doesn't look like an accident at all... and all clues point to Darby as the main suspect. It's up to her (and her partner's nephew) to figure out who the real culprit is in time. Sounds great, right? I could not stop reading thanks to the fun back and forth dialogue and the great cast of characters introduced throughout this story. While I must admit, I did figure out the culprit correctly fairly early on, it didn't impact my enjoyment at all. The hints that led me to that guess were in fact quite subtle and definitely easy to overlook. I enjoyed these characters, and was so happy to see that this was book one in the new series. I will definitely be looking forward to more!

Because I typically tend to review Christian novels, I do feel like it is important to note that this book is not one of them. It is still very clean, and suitable for most audiences as I feel like all Hallmark books are, but there is some VERY mild swearing and a same sex couple is introduced. They are not a huge part of the story and didn't personally affect my enjoyment of the story overall, but should definitely be noted for more conservative readers.

Overall, this was an entertaining read and one that fans of cozy mysteries are sure to enjoy!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Great start to a new series by one of my favorite authors, Amanda Flower.
This is a bit different from the previous tales by Ms. Flower so I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Hallmark Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Release Date: August 25th 2020

Darby is one half of the two girls detective agency. When her business partner and friend, Samantha is run off the road by her car, Darby becomes suspect number one. Samanthas nephew Tate inherits his aunts portion of the agency. They begin investigating and turn up some unsettling information. Add to that Darby’s ex boyfriend, police detective Austin and a feisty 90 year old Mrs Berger. Can Darby and Tate trust each other to help solve Samantha’s murder?

This is the first in the #piperandportermystery series. This book has everything you could want...family secrets, a love triangle, murder and a ferocious feline. The writing was excellent and the red herrings were fabulous. I did not guess the murderer until it was pointed out. I can see this as a @hallmarkchannel movie and mystery series soon! I highly recommend this book and seriously can’t wait for more to come out!! @amandaflowerauthor

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#deadenddectective #piperandportermystery #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #cozymysteryseries #netgalleyreads #hallmarkpublishing

I have adored Amanda Flower from the beginning and her newest series has made me an even bigger fan if possible. When the beloved Sue Grafton died I was left wondering who would be the next Kinsey Millhone. I think Darby Piper has the potential to fill those shoes. I couldn’t put this book down, I felt the characters emotions come through the book every time something happened. I can’t wait for Darby’s next adventure.

Great new series by Amanda Flower. I enjoyed reading this book. Mystery, romance, intrigue, this book had it and more. The flow of the story worked and kept me hooked to the very end. I can't wait till the next book to see if there will be a love triangle between Darby, her new partner Tate, and her ex-boyfriend (who looks like he wants to be more) Austen.

I'm a long time Amanda Flower fan and this book in a new series didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the setting and storyline. I can't wait to see how these characters develop and the cats.... I loved the cats!

I have read several books in other series by this author and have enjoyed them, so I was excited to read this debut in a brand-new series. The premise of the book is interesting. Darby Piper’s partner in a private detective agency is murdered but instead of inheriting Samantha’s half of the business as expected, Samantha has left her share to her nephew. Darby finds herself as a suspect in Samantha’s death, so while proving her innocence, she has to get to know the mysterious Tate Porter and figure out if the agency has a future.

I enjoyed getting to know Darby, and it’s so nice to find a cozy mystery in which the main character has loving parents that support their daughter instead of trying to control them or disapproving of them. Darby’s mom even helps with the investigation! There are other interesting characters in the story which makes this a fun book to read. In this book, I was kept guessing as to who the murderer really was and how things would progress with the agency. After some interesting suspense that builds in the earlier chapters, things wrap up a little too quickly at the end, but I still like the way things turn out. “Dead End Detective” is a good start to a promising new cozy series by a talented author.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Hallmark Publishing. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Amanda Flower brings us Darby Piper and Samantha Porter who own Two Girls Detective Agency in Lake Waters working as private investigators. We find that Samantha has been talking to Matt Billows about taking a job with him effectively closing their agency and her dream. The early hours of the following day brings Darby face to face with Office Austin Foster who has to tell her that there was an accident and Samantha had died. When talking to the lawyer they kept on retainer, Darby learns that Samantha's shares did not go to her but to her nephew. All of a sudden, Darby's world is turned upside down with the mysterious death of her friend, the unknown of the future of the company, and the uncertainty of whether or not she had a home since she lived in the same building as the company. To make matters worse, evidence starts piling up showing Darby as a perfect candidate for suspect number one. While Samantha's nephew Tate and Darby are weary of each other, they know they need to work together to solve the murder of Samantha.

Will Tate and Darby find the real killer? Will they find enough evidence to point to someone else besides Darby? Will they get closer or will it show that Austin, her ex-boyfriend cares more than he is showing her? I enjoyed going along with Darby as she maneuvers around the mystery of the death of her friend while trying to figure things out. I look forward to the next adventure with this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for this privilege.

Mystery, romance, friendships, cats, and more all wrapped up in an engaging and entertaining story. Enjoyed getting to know these characters. I look forward to the further adventures of Piper and Porter. I am eager to post spoilers comparing this to a typical Hallmark movie, but I am resisting. Read it and see what I mean.