Dollycas’s Thoughts

Sam is anxious knowing her first book will be published very soon but first in a weird and somewhat delightful twist of fate Detective Bradley Pitt, aka “Stinky Pitt”, gets some of his own medicine when he is arrested for murder after a public altercation, oh heck, it was a smackdown and the subsequent death of mayoral candidate John Cloverton. Sam. Nana Jo, Irma, Dorothy, and Ruby Mae all witnessed the punch but the murder happened later.

There is no love lost between these ladies and the inept Stinky Pitt but Nana Jo knows in her heart he didn’t kill anyone. Positive he has been framed, Sam and the rest of the senior sleuths take on the case to be sure the book isn’t thrown at Detective Pitt.

I get excited when books in this series come out because I know I am in store for a very entertaining read of not one mystery but two.

The characters in the present-day mystery have become near and dear to me and I love catching up in all of their lives. This time there are a lot of things in flux for several characters that Sam has become dependent on. She also faces some exciting changes of her own, including adding the status of published author to her resume. All these characters have developed realistically which makes it very easy to identify with them in several ways. They are so funny especially the ladies from Shady Acres. They are also darn good gamblers and I love the way they spread out those winnings. Sadly, Oreo and Snickers are getting up there in age but at times they act like young pups. I know how that goes. No matter what they are always the best thing to come home to.

The characters in the British historical mystery, the book Sam is writing, are very interesting too. They always seem to be in the thick of something that includes murder. Set just before WWII Sam draws on a little history in her fictional accounts that engages readers as much as the current day encounters.

Both mysteries are clever with twists and turns and very well written and plotted. I really enjoy the way Sam works out the clues in the current mystery while plotting out her own novel. I also am amazed by the way she can write anywhere she can find a secluded spot even at the casino.

For me, this entire series is a must-read. The mysteries are solid and the characters are genuine. Each can be read on its own but take my word for it, they are like potato chips, you can’t eat, I mean read just one. Start at the beginning and sit back and enjoy and giggle a little bit too.

Samantha Washington owns a mystery bookshop in a small town in Michigan. When the town's police detective is implicated in a murder, she is determined to clear his name - with the help of her grandmother, Nana Jo, who lives in a retirement community nearby.

This is my first read in the Mystery Bookshop series. It appealed to me because of the mystery bookshop setting - and the cute poodles on the book's cover!

This was a fun read! I can't believe I haven't read this series before - and now I really want to catch up. I enjoyed the mystery bookshop, and the little tidbits about mystery series through the book.

I also enjoyed Samantha's mystery writing - a historical mystery involving Kick Kennedy, which was interspersed through the book. You get a mystery within a mystery in Killer Words!

The poodles, Snickers and Oreo, were lovable. (I always like cozy mysteries with cute pets.)

Samantha is a smart detective, thanks to all her work with mystery books - and as a new mystery novelist. She thinks like a detective. I enjoyed watching her solve this puzzle - with the help of the delightful Nana Jo.

I also liked the romantic storyline with Samantha and her beau, Frank, who owns a local restaurant. (There are some fun foodie descriptions in this book as well.)

Killer Words was a very enjoyable read, and I recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries. I know I will be looking for future reads from V.M. Burns as well!

This is the first Mystery Bookshop book that I've read. Sam and Nana Jo are in North Harbor, and they and the friends in the Shady Acres Retirement Village have a murder to solve. Stinky Pitt is accused of killing John Cloverton and is being represented by Sam's sister . Cloverton is married to Mildred, who used to be Pitt's wife. Cloverton was also running for Mayor, badmouthing the police, and womanizing. Sam's sister, Jenna, is the lawyer representing Pitt.

Nana Jo and Sam are sure that someone has set up Pitt as the culprit and are determined to try to figure out who it is. Each time that Sam has spare time, she works on the mystery novel she is writing, so the two mysteries are intertwined, one in North Harbor Michigan, and one in England in the late 1930's. The characters are fun, and the story has many suspects and becomes very exciting.
The ending is a big surprise.

Now I have to go back and read the earlier books!

V.M. Burns engages the reader in another cozy Bookshop Mystery. Nana Jo and fellow Shady Acres Retirement Village friends hit the casino where Detective Pit hits mayoral hopeful John Cloverton. Detective Pit has a messy record with the ladies and Sam who manages the local mystery bookstore as he suspected them of crimes that others committed. Now they are sleuthing to save Detective Pit from the charge of murdering Cloverton. In parallel, Sam's historical mystery rolls along in Bletchley Park in World War II. The two poodles Oreo and Snickers steal the show. Enjoy.

This is book #7 in the Bookshop Mysteries by V M Burns. I was introduced to Samantha Washington in book #1. Unfortunately I have not been able to read the in between novels but that definitely didn’t spoil reading book #7. Where there a few characters I didn’t know, sure, but it didn’t hurt or change the story one bit.

Samantha owns a mystery bookstore and is an aspiring author. That alone makes for a delightful story, but there’s more. Nana Jo is character all her own and makes for laugh out loud moments. There is also a great cast of characters that I know run through each and every book.

Someone’s been murdered and Detective “Stinky” Pitts has been charged with the murder. Now Stinky Pitts may be a lot of things, but a murderer he is not. While Sam, Nana Jo and her geriatric group of sleuths look to prove Stinky’s innocence and solve the murder, there are plenty of suspects. Can they figure out who the murderer is before they become victims?

VM Burns writes a wonderfully entertaining story that now only has you trying to figure out whodunit but also has you laughing out loud at some of the amazing characters and their antics. When I pick up one of these books, I always feel like I’m returning to old friends. There’s something very comforting and happy in reading V M Burns books.

Thank you #netgalley, #kensingtonpublishing and #VMBurns for sending me this great story.

I really like the idea of a book within a book. Historical England and contemporary America. I'm always interested in what happens in both stories.

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

Mystery bookstore owner Sam and her grandmother Nana Jo are once again detecting in Killer Words.

When obnoxious mayoral candidate, John Cloverton, is murdered, Detective “Stinky” Pitts is accused of the crime. While Sam and her grandmother saw Pitts strike Cloverton, they don’t think the Detective committed murder. Once again, Sam, Nana Jo and the old biddies from the retirement home investigate a crime.

In addition, Sam is writing a British historical cozy mystery set right before World War II. In fact, there are two mysteries in this novel: the contemporary story and the historical, and fictional, one.

I love the characters and especially the zany humor of the old biddies. They are hilarious!

In this book, Sam’s life is on the precipice of many changes. Her mother is moving to Australia. Sam’s first book is ready for release. Many of the young adults are leaving town to start their own careers. And Sam must make an important decision.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries and/or historical fiction, don’t miss Killer Words. It’s a racially diverse two-for-one mystery with the best ending ever. 5 stars and a favorite!

Thanks to Kensington Books, Great Escapes Book Tours, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Sam and her Nana Jo are lamenting the quiet since they came back from their exciting trip to the UK (in the previous book) so you just know that something dramatic is going to happen. And happen, it does! Detective Pitt is arrested for the murder of a local political candidate. It reveals more about Pitt’s life (some surprises, some not) throughout the course of the investigation.
There’s a lot of changes on the personal front for various characters, to the point where I wondered if this meant this was the final book in the series, but I see the author is working on the next, hurray for that! I like how well-developed the side characters are and that their growth and changes are realistic for their life stages.
If you’ve read a book in this series before, you know the story toggles between Sam and her mystery and the historical mystery book that she is writing. It’s cool to see clues in the historical and learn how they apply to the contemporary. The setting for this historical mystery was interesting as I learned a lot about UK-US politics leading up to WWII.
Killer Words is another great installment in the Mystery Bookshop series. I can’t wait to see what Sam, Nana Jo and the senior crew get up to next.

Samantha Washington is thisclose to being a published author. When she is encouraged to build her brand Nana Jo joins Sam in a Social Media class to learn more. At the end of the first class the teacher is arrested by none other than Detective Brad “Stinky” Pitt. While Stinky Pitt might be a horrible police officer, none of the books club and sleuthing members believe he killed anyone. No matter how bad it looks, Sam and Nana Jo are on the case and doing their best to right a wrong before the killer can strike again.

I adore V.M. Burns’ books, both this series and her other set in Tennessee are well written and have the most adorable pups. Her whodunits are well constructed with plenty of red herrings making you question yourself with each and every turn of events. A solid writer for the cozy mystery lover, or anyone who loves a good mystery.

This is such a great cozy mystery series, love it. Just so much fun to read. It has a great plot and lots of unique characters. I want to live with Nana. One of best things about this series is your getting a mystery within a mystery. While Sam is writing her mystery book, she is investigating the mystery at the bookstore. Just a really great read.

Killer Words is the 7th book in the A Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns, and it is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I am always happy to visit with Samantha, Nana Jo, and the senior sleuths-- they know how to enjoy life. The warmth of their friendships and the close 'family' bonds keep me coming back for more. The main mystery aspect of this installment is fast paced and littered with twisty turns to keep the reader on their toes. I also enjoy the mystery in Sam's writing. The characters all have their own unique personalities, but each blends with the other to reach their collective goals. This book presents opportunities for changes in the group...time will tell. For the reader who enjoys humor and friendships along side their mystery, this is a great place to start. V M Burns writes with characters and situations with heart and an insight to the emotion.
Thank you to NetGalley, and #KensingtonPublishing for granting me an Arc of this book, as I requested. All opinions are my own. I review books that I enjoy so that my friends and followers can too. #KillerWords #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #VMBurns

Killer Words is the 7th book in the Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns.

Detective Pitt hits mayoral candidate John Cloverton in front of a camera crew. A few days later, Cloverton is dead and Detective Pitt is accused of the crime. Nana Jo is convinced that Pitt, her former student, didn’t do it.

This was the first book I’ve read in this series and it was easy to read as a stand-alone book. I want to read the earlier books because I really enjoyed this series.

The relationships between the characters, both family and friends, was my favorite part of the book. I also really enjoyed the historical mystery that Sam wrote. It was a bonus book within a book! The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, Kensington, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I enjoy spending time with Sam, Nana Jo and the Girls from the Shady Acres Retirement Village. Hanging out with them is never dull. Finally Sam's historical cozy mystery is going to be published and she has been told she needs to work on her brand to which Sam says "my what?" Social media is alien to her and she is afraid that her book won't sell, there won't be a second book, etc. Nana Jo is there to support her in dealing with her case of butterflies. Every week the Girls get together and go to the Four feathers casino for good food and some gambling. This night, as Sam goes to get the car for their return home, she spots a man canoodling with a woman she is sure isn't his spouse. Later the same man, John Cloverton, who is running for mayor, gets into a very public confrontation with the chief of police. Detective Bradley "Stinky" Pitt goes toe to toe with Cloverton and flattens him.....all on film. Guess who becomes the prime suspect when Cloverton is later found dead? Yep, Stinky.
Sam and Detective Pitt have faced off in the past and he isn't her favorite person but she is certain of one thing, he's no killer. Their town of North Shore hides lots of secrets and its sister city of South Shore has some, too. Sam and the Senior Sleuths set out to use some of their new found funds to clear Stinky's name and find the killer. It's a very well plotted mystery full of twists, turns and red herrings. One of the best parts of this series is how everyone relates to each other. They may not be related by blood but the are all family and they all support each other - young and old alike. Top it off with a good dose of humor and to adorable Poodles named Snickers and Oreo and you have a winning cozy series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Killer Words is the seventh book in the A Mystery Bookshop series by V. M. Burns.

The mayoral race in North Harbor is heating up, and Frank Cloverton is trying to dig up as much dirt on the current mayor. Sam and her family are having brunch at The Avenue, a fancy downtown hotel when Coverton appears near the mayor’s table and starts berating him about how tax monies are being spent. Detective Bradley “Stinky” Pitt, standing near the mayor’s table, goes to escort Cloverton out, and they have words, and Pitt swings at him and nearly knocks him out. A couple of days later, the body of Cloverton is found, having been shot, and the police will arrest Pitt for the killing. Even though Sam and her grandmother, Nana Jo, have had their differences with Pitt’s investigative skill in the past, they certainly don’t feel that he is a killer. They don’t think the police are looking any further than Pitt. So, Nana Jo, her posse, residents from the retirement community where she lives, Sam, Jenna, Sam’s sister, and Sam’s beau, Frank, will begin their investigation. Their sleuthing will them look into marital and corruption in the higher echelon of the local government.

This series has a book within a book. Sam is a budding author; having had her first book published, she includes the manuscript she is currently writing. This book she is writing is set at a country estate in England. Sam finds that working on the manuscript helps her take her mind off the investigation and sort out clues of the actual mystery.

I love this series; the characters are excellent, well-developed, and believable. I would love to know them in real life. My favorite character is Irma. Her comments, occasionally, tend to be “colorful,” but the posse will yell Irma, and she will bite her tongue. The book is well-written and plotted, with enough red herrings that I was kept guessing until the killer was revealed.

I will be watching for the next book in this delightful series.

One of many things I love about this series is that I feel we get two mysteries in one.
Sam Washington not only runs a bookstore focused on mysteries, and we learn alot about other authors and series as we visit, she is also a budding author herself. I enjoy the snippets we get about her work in progress as much as the crimes she helps solve in her regular life.
This time the crime involves someone close to, but not admired by, Sam and her circle of Senior Sleuths. A murder is committed and a detective is the top suspect.
Why does it seem the rest of the officials are willing to accept this and not look harder for evidence to prove him innocent?
Even though the detective has not been their friend or fan in past cases, the Senior Sleuths still want to see justice served, and all feel the cops have the wrong man.

It is fun to hang out with Sam and friends between the casino, bookstore and various other gathering spots. We get to see Jenna in action in the courtroom.
There is some movement on the romance front, but it does not take away from the mystery aspects of book. It looks like the future will be bright without too many negative changes.

I eagerly look forward to the next book.

Killer Words
by V.M. Burns
Pub Date 30 Nov 2021
Kensington Books, Kensington
Mystery & Thrillers



I am reviewing a copy of Kensington Books and Netgalley:



Samantha Washington is a bookstore owner and mystery writer. Samantha Washington comes to the aid of the cop who once arrested her own grandmother.




Sam and Nana Jo are are back in sleepy North Harbor, Michigan, where Samantha is excitedly awaiting the publication of her first book. In search of more immediate excitement, Nana Jo hits the casino with her fellow Shady Acres Retirement Village gal pals. But they end up getting more than they bargained for when they witness Detective Bradley Pitt decking mayoral candidate John Cloverton.







As Samantha is well aware of mystery novels are full of brilliant detectives, genius sleuths, and hero cops. Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt”—is another story. In the past the dull witted detective has mistakenly accused members of Sam’s family for crimes they didn’t commit. Now, it’s his turn: when Cloverton turns up dead, he’s arrested. With his predilection for polyester, Pitt has been wanted by the fashion police for years, but Nana Jo knows her former elementary school math student would never commit murder—it doesn’t add up. Detective Bradley Pitt was obviously framed and Sam and Nana Jo must step in to restore the reputation and good name of Detective Pitt.




I give Killer Words five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Oh boy, was this a good one! Poor old Stinky Pitt who was always a thorn in Nana Jo and Sam's sides needed someone to prove he didn't kill a guy. That was a pretty tall order as the evidence started rolling in, but the ladies were all convinced someone was pulling a frame job on their frenemy.

I really like how things were progressing between Sam and her sweetie Frank. And I just love all these regular characters! They're like coming home to old friends. No book would be complete without the whole group going, "Irma!" when Irma was always about to say something a little raunchy, well maybe a lot sometimes, lol. The ladies all crack me up, and I think sweet Ruby Mae is related to half the state of Michigan. There was a side mystery with some internal corruption going on in either the town or police department...maybe both! I won't spoil it and let you read for yourselves.

Everyone we love and care about in the series seemed to be in a really good place at the book's end, but I'm hoping this isn't really the end end, and that Sam, Nana Jo and the others are gonna return in a new book very soon! Or whenever the usual time is for releasing this series. Don't miss this book! It releases this coming Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher Kensington via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

This is the seventh in the series. Stinky Pitts’ actions get him into plenty of trouble. He is the prime suspect in the death of scummy John Cloverton, who manipulates interactions to advance himself.
Mayoral candidate Cloverton provokes Stinky into decking him in front of news cameras.
Nana Jo, Sam, and the girls have a new case. Can they prove the detective didn’t do it?

Lots of misdirection, suspects, and sense of community/family. Couldn't turn fast enough. Life made me put the book down but I was always eager to return.

Loved the story. It stands alone. Looking forward to the next installment.
I was given an advanced copy from Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.

This was a great cozy mystery with great characters and a plot that doesn't stop until the last page. I love how the main character writes a historical mystery while she's trying to solve the main whodunit. This was a fun, escape read with a satisfying ending. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.

This is the seventh book in the 'Mystery Bookshop' series by V M Burns and my second one. From the setting to the characters and the theme to the mystery, I absolutely loved this story. It was good to be back with sleuthing seniors, Samantha Washington and Nana Jo. The author's character development is second-to-none and I delighted in the lively dialogue and the interesting plot twists. I love the focus on family - especially the inclusion of those characters who are fully accepted even though they are not blood relatives.

The smooth, clean writing, wonderfully engaging characters, the comedic aspect and the clever, multi-layered mystery that kept me guessing were fantastic and I loved the bookshop setting too. If you are new to this series this book stands alone, but I'll be going back to play catchup with the previous books.

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