I believe that a good the mystery in a good cozy mystery is easy to solve but what is done with that information is what really makes the difference.

Murder at St. Winifred's Academy does the genre justice in that area, but fails otherwise.

Alberta Ferrera, her granddaughter Jinx, her sister Helen and her sister-in-law, Joyce are back for another exciting adventure. Nola, their in-house always in trouble director, has come upon the best opportunity ever. She has convinced Missy Michaels, a bigger child star than Shirley Temple in the 50's, to make a comeback by starring in their local production of Arsenic and the Old Lace. But as the cast waits for their superstar to finally arrive in Tranquility, they are upset by her tardiness. And just when they think they know what is happening, Alberta finds her murdered in her dressing room.

The story is cute and mysterious. Even when it becomes obvious, it is never clear especially in terms of motive or the details of it. The main characters, as always are lovable and full of life. I didn't enjoy the way everyone treated Nola or the hint of casual sexism in the book.

The book also has a lot of stereotypical storylines such as Brandon and Sanjay, information which is left there very casually. It didn't sit well with me

I like the characters, the town and the mystery as It kept me guessing. I like all of the characters, and their relationships. I think I'm beginning to be able to remember their relationships. I like that we get a translation of the Italian.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. As the latest book in this series, it is easily read as a standalone. Alberta Scaglione reflects on her life and decisions as this book begins. Her world gains excitement as she learns that her local community theater is staging a murder mystery featuring the former child star, Missy Michaels. Everyone in town ‘knows’ Missy as the plucky girl who captured the hearts of the nation. What a coup! When Missy is found dead in her dressing room, Alberta and her intrepid band are certain there’s more to this mystery than meets the eye. Added by her granddaughter, sister and best friend, Alberta determines to find the truth. She reluctantly joins the cast, replacing Missy. Will Alberta figure it out before the curtain falls on her for good?
This is another good entry in this series. The women each bring their strengths and challenges to solving this mystery. Along the way, there is fun and excitement enough for any cozy mystery lover.

If you like a quick read that you’ll love, grab this cozy mystery! Twists and turns keep your guessing. The pace keeps you going.

I have tried to read previous books in this series and I just cannot connect with the characters.
It does have the standard elements of a cozy but it’s just not my cup of tea.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I love the multi-generational aspect of the A Ferrara Family Mystery series, and 'Murder at St. Winifred's Academy' in no way disappointed. The intricate family involvements, the sharp mystery, the theatre and old time Hollywood homage all kept me completely involved. There is a cliff hanger (non-related to this book) that has me anxiously awaiting the next in the series, which can't come too soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review for Murder at St. Winifred’s Academy by J.D. Griffo
Full review for this title will be posted at: @fyebooks on Instagram!

New Jersey, Sicilian, family-dynamics, friendship, fan-atic, amateur-sleuth, women-sleuths, cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, small-business, small-town, situational-humor, verbal-humor*****

The Ferrara lady sleuths are very Sicilian Catholic older widow Alberta and her granddaughter Jinx (a reporter for the local paper), Alberta's ex-nun sister Helen, and former sister in law (and former Wall Street executive) Joyce. They're also known as “Senior Scooby Gang” by their friend, the local police chief in their small town in New Jersey. This series just goes to show that not all of the fun/quirky Sicilian women live in Sicily, New Orleans, or NYC! The local theater group has been accepted by a former child star to play the lead in their latest production, but is found dead in her dressing room. Let the sleuthing begin! Great sleuthing with zany characters, Red Herrings, plot twists, and lots of humor!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I receive this book from ions to review from netgalley #netgalley

I wasn't sure if this book would be for me or not but I did enjoy it and the sudden was really unique at least for me. The characters were fun and lively and I love the cat.

Middle of the road, nothing special about it cozy. Hubby asked if I was enjoying my book and the answer was "it's easy." I didn't enjoy the characters, the mystery was easily guessed, the constant interjection of Italian was off putting, and there was nothing endearing about any of it.

Alberta, Helen, Joyce, Jinx in Murder at St. Winifred’s Academy by J.D. Griffo
I am the mystery writers dream in that I can never guess who the murderer is until the big reveal. And this was the case with the cozy mystery, Murder at St. Winifred’s Academy. Any reader will love the foursome of main sleuths- wonderfully quirky characters. Alberta is the main character, a very Italian and very Catholic 68 year old amateur sleuth. Alberta’s sister is an ex-nun who says what she is thinking with no filter at all and is described as a watercolor in contrast to Alberta’s sister-in-law Joyce described as a boldly colorful and fashionable black woman who has great tact and lots of skills, having been highly successful in her career. Last of the foursome is Alberta’s granddaughter Jinx, a reporter for the local paper. The plot centers around what is expected to be an uneventful community theatre production of Arsenic and Old Lace. But starring a famous 1950’s child star. What could go wrong? Well...murder, of course.
I do think my patrons would feel this is best read as part of the series rather than as a standalone. However, I would recommend this book to my patrons.

Hollywood star Missy Michaels is making quite the fuss in small town Tranquility. Missy is making an appearance at the local Tranquility Players revival of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace.
No one expects to be involved in a murder investigation, and it’s up to Alberta to determine who’s telling the truth.
This is a fun, fast paced cozy mystery with good, solid characters.

The Tranquility Players are making a come back and Nola has managed to get a beloved former child star to lead the production. Before the troupe can even meet the star, she is found dead in her dressing room. While it seems to many that it was a planned suicide, Alberta believes it was murder and she and the Ferrara ladies are going to prove it and deliver the murderer while they are at it.

With the suspects being part of the acting troupe, it makes it harder for the ladies to determine who’s being real and who’s acting as they investigate. With Alberta replacing the dead star in the lead role, she’s in a prime spot to watch everyone and figure out whodunit, before she becomes the next actor whose role needs to be recast.

This is a fabulous series with a strong female protagonist and her female family members. Always a hoot and always a group of strong women I can relate to. You just can’t keep a Jersey girl down.

Murder at St Winifred's Academy was a great read. How fun, a murder mystery. Unfortunately, it turns deadly. Can Alberta and Jinx solve the mystery?

There is enough twists and turns to keep you entertained and surprised when you find out the truth.

Can't wait to read more from this author.