3.75 stars

Dust to Dust by Audrey Keown is an enjoyable mystery novel and the second in a series. I liked the vintage 1911 hotel/mansion and the intrepid protagonist Ivy Nichols. That said, I think I need to seek out and read the first book in this series to better understand the setting (Chattanooga, Tennessee) and the characters.
This author has a bright writing style with clever turns of phrase and keeps the mystery story moving nicely, without sacrificing character development. I recommend this book to readers of cozy mysteries with a charming setting and a resourceful heroine.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Get ready to check into Hotel 1911 and be assured that murder will be part of your stay. Have no fear, though, Ivy has already proved herself to be a dab hand at detecting and she will unmask the killer.
When the Pittsburgh chapter of the Assoc. of Gravestone Studies arrives in Chattanooga to attend their national convention they will be staying at Hotel 1911. Once the family estate of the Morrow family, it has been converted to a boutique hotel with all things 1911. Nothing like a computer at the reception desk - all must be in the period of 1911. That includes wearing period garb. Ivy and Mr. Fig, the hotel butler/manager, are at the front, greeting guests and keeping things running as smoothly as possible. Then a guest turns up dead.
One of the draws for this current group of guests is the Morrow family graveyard but upon their return, one of their party is found dead. Ivy is more than willing to let the police do their job...until Mr. Fig becomes a prime suspect. Well Ivy knows that simply isn't possible and she sets out to track down another killer. Controlling her ever present anxiety attacks and a busy schedule, she follows clues including a wig, an old book and some strange drawings scattered around the hotel. The fact that Mr. Fig appears to be the only person who could have reached the victims room at the time seems to be a major hurdle. Ivy has to be very careful sorting through a lot of hidden secrets and some belong to Mr. Fig. She has to unmask the killer before she becomes the next corpse in Hotel 1911.
Even though this is the second book in this wonderful series, it stands on its own. Ivy and Mr. Fig are well defined characters and the mystery set before them is very well crafted. I'm looking forward to more visits to Hotel 1911.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Welcome to Hotel 1911. It is known for its’ authentic period decor and appropriately clad staff but there is also murder. Hotel clerk Ivy Nichols has been involved with a murder in the past and has vowed not to let it happen again. Then Mr. Fig, the hotel’s manager and Ivy’s friend, is arrested. Despite college classes, therapy sessions for anxiety and her work, she is sure of his innocence and vows to clear him. The victim is with a group of members from the Association for Gravestone Studies that is staying at the hotel during their annual convention. At the time of her murder, the group was touring historic graves on the hotel’s grounds while Mr. Fig was tending the desk and was the last person to see her alive.

Hotel 1911 was once an estate that belonged to the Morrow family. Ivy is the granddaughter of the last Morrows to own the property and is working there while trying to learn more about her family. As a young man, Mr. Fig was already working for the family and although he is reluctant to talk about the Morrows he does give Ivy some direction on her search. Her mother left when she was a child and she has trouble forming attachments to anyone, but she has close feelings for Mr. Fig. She is also experiencing feelings for George, the hotel’s chef, and calls on him to help in her investigation. Most of the hotel’s guests have connections and secrets that lead Ivy down different paths. The owner of a security company and her husband employed the victim. Her boyfriend appeared domineering and she had recently turned down his proposal. The two elderly women in the group have opinions that they are happy to share with Ivy. There is blackmail, embezzlement, illegal drugs and a vendetta instigated by an action years earlier. Ivy must make a connection between crudely drawn pictures that have appeared taped to the hotel’s walls, a blonde wig and a volume of poetry to clear Mr. Fig. She is a woman who is determined to right a wrong and will have you cheering her endeavors. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for my review.

Dust To Dust is a new cosy mystery I have come across and is the second book in the Ivy Nichols series. I haven't read the first book but I think I will since there are references to it in terms of the underlying plot and the development of the main characters. This cosy mystery is set in a hotel called Hotel 1911 which used to be an estate of a wealthy family before being converted into a hotel. Ivy Nichols not only works here as a desk clerk but has blood ties to the family who used to own it as an estate. Her family history is surrounded by mystery and she has decided to work at the hotel to familiarise herself with her once family home as well as discover the secrets of her family's past. Her amateur detective skills come in handy alongside the help provided by Mr. Figg, the hotel manager who used to work for her grandparents as their butler and together they not only try to work out her family's past but also the murders that seem to occur at the hotel.

In this second installment too a murder takes place and it is upto Ivy to figure out who the culprit is before it is too late... especially for Mr. Figg who has been arrested as the main suspect for this crime. I can't say that I warmed up to the characters completely but I did find the underlying plot about Ivy's family history quite intriguing. I will read the next book to see if I do enjoy this cosy mystery series as much as the few others I have read so far.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Audrey Keown for the e-Arc of the book. The official publication date for the book is 10th August 2021.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫

This is the second book in the Ivy Nichols series. This book can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first in series and I enjoyed this book . Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinions are my own.

Ivy fancies herself a amature detective. When another murder occurs at her hotel and Mr. Fig is suspected Ivy is determined to clear his name . As suspects abound and red herrings perplex Ivy she eventually makes progress to finding the rightful suspect. This book also has Ivy looking into her family history with surprising results.


A very enjoyable cozy read with a pleasing conclusion..

The Hotel 1911 tries to give its guests a sense of life in Chattanooga in, well, 1911, but unfortunately, it's also the scene of a murder. Ivy, the desk clerk, and her friend George find themselves wrapped up in investigating who killed a visitor from the Association for Gravestone Studies. They're certain it isn't Mr. Fig the hotel manager, but he does have a secret that will affect Ivy. There are really two plot lines here- the murder and Ivy's effort to understand her family. Her dad plays a role but what about everyone else. I wasn't a big fan of Ivy in the last book but she seems to have matured (or been smoothed), making this a better read. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. For cozy fans- and don't worry if you missed the first one.

We return to Hotel 1911 in "Dust To Dust". The second book in the Ivy Nicohls series. I really like Ivy and all the other, regular cast, of this series. I look forward to seeing how they develop on from here. It is hard to pick a favorite, but if I did, most likely it would be Mr. Fig.
In this story there is another murder and Ivy tries hard to stay out of it...until it is Mr. Fig that becomes the focus of the police. As she did in Hotel 1911, when a friend was falsely accused, she goes to the defense of Mr. Fig by following her own independent investigation.
I enjoy the discovery process Ivy goes through, in both her investigations, but especially in uncovering her own family history.
I enjoyed the first book very much and was very happy for the chance to read this next one in the series. I enjoyed it even more than the first.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this very well written Cozy Mystery.

I’ve been meaning to write this review for a couple of days now…still struggling with it. Sooo I haven’t read the first book. I suppose it’s not necessary but there are some references to the first book so yeah, I should’ve started with that one.

Dust to Dust felt a little like a cozy mystery with Ivy as an amateur detective. She keeps asking questions and goes snooping around.
So the story has a main mystery -a murder - and another one concerning Ivy’s family.
Her family’s past is the mystery that intrigued me. The story has lots of secrets and lies and deceptions which kept me guessing.

The story was easy to follow but I didn’t connect with any of the characters and that always makes it harder for me to want to keep reading.

Dust to Dust was an okay read. I was curious about the whos and the whys but I’m not sure I will read the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my copy.

I enjoyed this fun, quick read. I enjoyed book 1 so much that my book club is reading it this year. No doubt that they will want to read book 2 as well.

I enjoy reading Audrey Keown's work. She's a clean, clear writer. She doesn't have excess scenes and keeps the plot tight. I love her cliff hanger at the end! It makes me wonder what will happen in book 3. I can't wait to read it!

Here's why I gave it 5 Stars:

- Love the characters. I love Mr. Figg's role in this book and how Audrey weaves in her father.
- Fantastic dual mysteries. I love that there is the physical mystery that takes place at Hotel 1911. And I adore that Ivy continues to uncover the mystery of her family and heritage.
- Audrey's writing is clean and moves quick.
- The plot is tight.
- Story is fun and engaging.
- I didn't want to put the book down. I kept reading despite having an upcoming appointment.
- I appreciate Audrey bringing in psychology! I found it interesting. The story kept moving.
- I also enjoyed that the author continues to address Ivy's anxiety. I love that the story isn't all about someone with anxiety. Instead, anxiety is only one aspect of Ivy's multi-dimensional, likable personality. It's a great reflection of how people are in life and normalizes people's struggles with mental health. Such a well done and commendable aspect to Keown's writing and this book.
- The setting, imagination, history, and richness that the author creates. I feel like I'm in that location and want to stay at Hotel 1911 -- just not in any of the rooms where people die.
- The cast of characters from the Gravedigger's Society? Kept me guessing.
- The older women and the pool? So fun!
- The garden and statues? Very cool and creative.
- And just what IS in the basement? Inquiring minds want to know. Please tell us in book 3!

Kudos to Audrey Keown for a fun mystery. After the cliff hanger, I can't wait to see what is revealed in future books!

Thank you to Audrey Keown and Crooked Lane for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

The blurb says about a close group murder and an amateur detective resembling Ms Christie. But the narrative falls short with a caricature of characters and childish behaviours thrown together with Ivy’s analysis of them. I couldn’t get into the story. 2.5 stars. Sorry.

Set in Hotel 1911 which is the former family home of the main character Ivy, we come upon the murder of one of the guests. Of course, the bumbling cigar chomping detective arrests the wrong man and it’s up to Ivy to solve the case. But that’s not the only mystery, the overall storyline is that Ivy is trying to learn about her family.

I was drawn immediately to this book even though I didnt read the first one. I love a good mystery and this one passed the test. I could not figure out the mystery and thats what made it so fun. I will be going back to read the 1st book in the series. In all honesty this was amazing and I cant wait to see what else this author puts out.

Dust to Dust was hard for me to immerse myself in. I kept reading and it did improve, but I felt my interest waxing and waning, depending on the chapter. Toward the end, when the main character finds out about the truth about her father that piqued my interest. The ending left some things dangling so I assume there will be a follow up book. It was an ok read.

My first book from this author and it was a lovely little thriller - great for curling up with during these winter months.

I found it an easy read, with great characters, however I do think reading the first book before hand would have helped me understand things a bit better.. I really liked the relationships between the characters, and it was a fun book.

I did struggle with the ending, I don't do well with a cliff hanger, I much prefer a book to finish with questions answered and not having to come up with my own thoughts BUT hopefully this leads us into another book in the series which would be great.

This review of Dust to Dust by Audrey Keown is courtesy of of NetGalley. #DusttoDust #NetGalley
Rating: 3/5

This is the first book I've read by Audrey Keown and actually second in a series. It can be read without reading the first, though it's possible it will be more enjoyable starting from the beginning as there are definitely series plotlines in addition to the individual book plot.

A pet peeve of mine with cozies is when the amateur "detective" does something illegal to gather clues and unfortunately Ivy does this and openly acknowledges it as we follow her thoughts..

Still, the hotel sounds interesting with it's secret passages and history. There are intricacies of various relationships of which I would expect more detail to come in future books (Ivy / father, Ivy / George, George / Bea, etc).

This is a puzzling murder at a unique historic beaux arts hotel that sets the stage for mesmerizing mystery. Tailor made for fans of Louise penny. This has perfect blend of humor and villainy with lashings of southern charm. It’s also an engaging mystery with a few welcome razor items hidden with in the cozy exterior.

Set in Hotel 1911 which is the former family home of the main character Ivy, we come upon the murder of one of the guests. Of course, the bumbling cigar chomping detective arrests the wrong man and it’s up to Ivy to solve the case. But that’s not the only mystery, the overall storyline is that Ivy is trying to learn about her family.
This is the second book in the series, I highly recommend you start with the first one. I’m hoping that will help with some of the issues I had with this book, at least with the overall storyline and would explain why she never told her father she was working there, and why he was upset when he “found out”.
I understand that Ivy is studying psychology, but I was not a fan of the use of all the psychoanalysis that Ivy uses throughout.
In my opinion, the plot did not keep a steady pace and the characters felt wooden, or two dimensional. Not all of them had been fleshed out and a few felt like they’d just been thrown in.
Overall, I just wasn’t a fan of the story.

**I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Dust to Dust was a stronger book than The first. The characters have evolved a bit, which makes them more endearing.

However, I was not the biggest fan of all of the psychoanalysis just tossed in so lightly. I’m an avid psychology lover, and I think it’s irresponsible to write a character who “diagnoses” people she barely knows.

It also felt just a bit long. We got to the identity of the murderer and through the aftermath...and there was still 10-15% of the book left. End on the good note.

Full review: https://www.downthebookjar.com/book-reviews/dust-to-dust/

Who wouldn’t want to see the nooks and crannies of a murder site? Descriptions of the Hotel 1911 layout make me wish this was a real hotel that I could make a reservation and then explore both the inside and outside of it. And as someone who lives near Chattanooga I love the references to Chattanooga landmarks. I can just picture where the Hotel 1911 must stand.

The mystery of who is the murderer is fun to try to solve, is it another guest, staff member, or some local? But the history of the hotel and its previous owners is even more intriguing to me. I liked this second book even more than the first in the Ivy Nichols series. The author, Audrey Keown, goes deeper this time giving us more background on the characters and their family history. “Dust to Dust” tells you all the pertinent information from the first book without overdoing it. You could read this one without having to read “Murder at Hotel 1911” first.

I can’t wait for the next book so I can learn even more, especially about Mr. Fig. Maybe I will get lucky and receive a free review copy like I did for this one.

From the first arresting sentence to the author's notes at the end, this engaging and cozy book is chock full of clever witticisms and interest. Some bits were downright funny! I just love the author's sense of humour.

Hotel 1911 is the setting for this story. Those who work there dress in period costumes which sometimes garner flattery, other times eye rolling from their guests. Grave guests (!) arrive for a conference and tour various graves in town, including those on the hotel grounds. But they don't expect to find a very dead body. According to police, Mr. Fig seems to fit the suspect bill and he is promptly arrested. Ivy Nichols, the flawed and likeable protagonist, works at the hotel as well and cannot believe Mr. Fig is guilty. So, using her sleuthish skills she sifts through layer after layer of secrets and discovers more to than "just" murder. The ending is brilliant and leaves me anticipating the third book.

Cozy mystery readers ought to prioritize this charming and fun book. It is not super duper ultra cozy but definitely in the cozy class. I like that it contains oomph and substance as well as great descriptions.

My sincere thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this delightful book.

The storyline was promising and I found the lead female character’s troubled past and background complex enough for a worthy develpment in a series. But overall, I was bothered by the uneven pace of the plot. It failed to maintain my interest on the long term.