Is anyone else still in a post-holiday daze? Despite my best efforts this week, all I want to do is curl up on the couch with a good book and a few too many snacks. Alas, the real world has other plans in mind. I still have to work, and I have plenty of chores to complete around the house. The only positive about having to complete the tasks that I may or may not have ignored throughout the last couple of weeks is that they give me an excuse to listen to an audiobook as I work. As I begrudgingly took down the Christmas decorations and tidied up my home, I listened to Frozen Detective, the second cozy mystery to feature Amanda Flower's private investigators Piper and Porter.

On the heels of their last case, Darby Piper and her investigative partner Tate Porter are in search of their next gig. It comes in the form of Tate's former classmate Cece. She is married to a much older dermatologist husband. The couple runs a lucrative skin care company and is preparing to host a group of their associates at Cece's family ski lodge. With new deals set to be announced, the event needs to go off without a hitch. There's only one problem. Cece's husband is receiving threatening letters. She invites Piper and Porter to attend the event, undercover as a couple. As the weekend begins, the threats are realized and Cece's husband is murdered. A snowstorm leaves the attendees stuck in the villa, with everyone there a potential suspect.

Cozy mysteries typically provide a quick pace, quirky characters, a bit of humor, and a fun mystery to latch onto. All of those elements are present in Frozen Detective. I accepted an audio copy from Flower's publisher and was happy to dive into the series with this second installment. Although I didn't read the first book, I never felt lost in this one. Flower fills in the blanks about the previous book just enough to keep first-time readers abreast of the most important character beats. The story plays out as a clever closed-room mystery. Laura Faye Smith's narration perfectly captured the easy-going tone of the writing. Before I knew it, I'd finished listening to the book and was thoroughly entertained. Even though the ending of this one was apparent long before the conclusion, I enjoyed the characters enough to get a kick out of it. Flower teases the next case at the very end of this book. I can't wait to give that one a listen too.

READ IF YOU LIKE:
- Cozy Mysteries
- Multiple Suspects
- Clue/ Knives Out
- YA novels: nonexistent spice and low level suspense

This is the 2nd book in this series, which I did not realize until about a quarter of the way in. I think I would have been more drawn in if I would have read the first book before this one, but it was still enjoyable! It was a nice break from the intense thrillers I’ve been reading recently.

This was such an enjoyable cozy mystery. I really enjoyed this first in the series, but this one was just as fun. It has all of the ski lodge wintery vibes that are perfect for this time of year, and a well plotted mystery that kept me guessing. This was definitely one of those mysteries where it seems like everyone has a motive. And I'm happy to say that I wasn't entirely right at the end.

I loved seeing Darby and Tate really get a chance to work together as partners. They have some great chemistry and I'm not sure if it's going to romantic, but I'd definitely be okay with it if it went that route later in the series.

As a side note, I'm in love with Tiny, the St. Bernard. He deserves all of the pets and treats.
I hope that there will be more books in this series.

Overall, as with the first book in this series, this was a well-written cozy mystery that was fast paced and held my interest until the last page. I really enjoyed it and I'll definitely be picking up more in the series if it continues.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Hallmark Publishing for the audio arc of this book!

This is the second installment in this series and the first I have read. I was intrigued by the description as I like the Knives Out Movies.

I was hoping it would not be as easy to solve as the movies but I was wrong. I found the characters interesting and the motives even better. I can usually figure out who did it but not always the why. I liked the twists and integration of the different motives.

I also liked the setting of the Finger Lakes of NY. We spent a few years on Seneca Lake in the seventies. I was unaware of skiing in the Finger Lakes region.

I recommend this book. It is a standalone mystery.
I was also given the opportunity to listen to the audio book. The narrator enchanced the story and I really liked it.

I was given an advance copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book and trying to figure out the mystery before they did. I liked the setting of the ski lodge and how Darby and Tate went undercover to find out the solution. Look forward to more in this series.

Frozen Detective is book 2 in this newer series by Amanda Flowers. I have not read the 1st book but was able to follow what was happening with no problem.

Darby and Tate have been hired by wealthy socialite trying to protect her older husband who is receiving threats.

They go to a luxury ski resort incognito to uncover who is giving the doctor threats. Soon this turns into a murder investigation after Darby finds the doctor with an arrow in his back.

There is a cast of characters and a big reveal in spirit if an Agatha Christie book.

This is another good cozy by Amanda Flowers. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.

This is my opinion on ARC audiobook received by NetGalley.

Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower, narrated by Laura Faye Smith and published by Dreamscape Media LLC is the second in the Piper and Porter Mystery series. Tate Porter’s old friend, who just happens to be extremely wealthy, hires them to find out who is sending threatening letters to her husband. As they get ready for the opening gala, it seems more like an episode of the rich and famous than an undercover assignment. Darby Piper is not thrilled to have to pose as Tate’s girlfriend but the stakes get even higher when the husband is murdered during the opening event.

The book was a fast-paced page-turner that kept me engaged throughout. The narrator was flawless, flowing from character to character, making this a truly enjoyable listening experience. The characters were three dimensional and the narrative visually descriptive. There were so many twists and turns, it was like skiing down a mountain at full speed. (I reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.). This series has definitely been added to my to-be-read list!

This was a cute, cozy mystery. I have not read the first in the series , but was able to understand everything.

Frozen Detective (Piper and Porter Mystery, 2) by Amanda Flower was a very enjoyable cozy mystery. This was the second book in this cozy mystery series and although I had not read the first book in the series I had no trouble following the characters or the plot. At some point, I do hope to go back and read the first book, though. I listened to the audiobook of Frozen Detective that was well narrated by Laura Faye Smith. Amanda Flower’s character development in Frozen Detective was well thought out and appealing for the most part. It was a fast paced audiobook that captured my attention immediately. I loved all the twists and turns Amanda Flower threw into the mix of this well plotted mystery.

Tate Porter had recently become Darby Piper’s partner in the private investigator’s business she ran. When Tate’s aunt left him her half of the business, Darby was rather surprised that Tate didn’t immediately sell his half. Rather than sell, Tate had chosen to work with Darby and become her partner. Most of their work involved mundane background checks and pretty boring assignments. That was until Cecily Madd walked into their office. Cecily had known Tate from high school. They had both grown up in the Finger Lake District of New York. Darby had as well and knew Cecily from school but had not been friends with her growing up. In the years that followed, Cecily had moved to New York City and had become a model. In fact, Cecily had become the face for her husband’s lucrative dermatology business. Cecily had come to Darby’s and Tate’s office to hire them to investigate something. She claimed that someone was sending her husband threatening letters and she wanted Darby and Tate to figure out who was doing it. Cecily and her very famous and rich husband, Dr. Madd, owner of an exclusive dermatologist practice, had invited everyone and anybody to a New Years celebration at the exclusive ski resort Cecily’s family owned and operated in the Finger Lakes area. She wanted Darby and Tate to pose as a couple and attend the weekend long gala so they could figure out who was sending the threatening notes to her husband before something terrible happened to her husband. Reluctantly, Darby took the case. Darby was not one to turn down good money even if some of the requirements put her out of her comfort zone.

Darby and Tate arrived at the plush ski resort the day of New Years Eve. Upon arrival they saw Cecily and again asked to see the rest of the threatening notes her husband had received. Cecily had only brought one typed written note with her the day she came to their office. Darby and Tate were anxious to see the rest of them. Perhaps they would provide some clues about the person who sent them. Cecily was way too busy to comply with their request at that time. She promised to show the notes to them the next morning. That evening at the New Year’s Eve celebration, Darby and Tate had their suspicions about several guests but there was nothing concrete.

The next morning, Darby was up rather early and went for a walk. She was surprised to find the hotel manager’s Saint Bernard dog out alone. The dog barked at Darby and indicated that it wanted Darby to follow it. When the dog finally stopped, Darby discovered Dr. Madd’s body laying in the snow with an arrow in his back. Darby’s and Tate’s case had just turned into a murder investigation. There were so many guests who could have had reason to kill Dr. Madd, including his own wife. The local police were called in to aid in the investigation. Who could have murdered Dr. Madd? Would they be able to figure it out before the guests left the ski resort?

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower. The characters were colorful and quirky. Every time I thought I had the mystery all figured out there was another twist. Frozen Detective was suspenseful and kept me guessing. I hope that there will be more books in this series because I have not had my fill of Darby and Tate. I can’t wait to see what Amanda Flower has planned for them next. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This was a fun little cozy mystery to listen to. I found myself guessing pretty early on part of the mystery, which I usually never do. I recommend if you just want lodge murder mystery vibes.

Why was Darby and her partner hired and why when they don't get the clues that they need til it is too late? Who did it and why? This book isn't hard to figure out what is going on to a certain extent but I didn't know who was the accomplice in the murder.

Oh, this series is really heating up and hitting its stride now! The first book was a wonderful introduction to the characters and the detective agency, but this second book really brings the characters and personalities fully to life. The mystery is outstanding and while you think you have a handle on whodunnit, don't get too comfortable with your deduction as a twist will turn you around again. I really love this series and absolutely can't wait for more to come! The narration on the audiobook is fantastic and makes the story seem all that more real! If I had one thing I could tell the author, I would say more, more, more! I want more of these characters, their town and their relationships as well as the detailed and wonderfully woven mysteries!!!

Detective Darby and Tate are undercover at a ski resort. They were hired due to threats, but couldn't stop the suspect in time before a murder happen.

This book had the perfect cozy and stranded type setting. So many potential suspects because the victim and his wife we high society and not exactly likeable. Cece was especially cruel.

I was kept guessing for most of the book (crazy ski slope death by crossbow) until it was revealed near the end. This book is definitely a perfect mystery to curl up to during the winter (maybe even a ski lodge).

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.

As a dedicated reader of cozy mysteries, especially cozy mystery series, I am always happy to find a new author and a new series. Frozen Detective (Piper and Porter mystery) by Amanda Flower made for a very enjoyable evening (or two).

Darby and her new partner Tate are approached by an old friend of Tate's asking them to find out who is sending her husband threatening letters. She invites them to attend a New Year's weekend at her ski lodge and some of his customers and associates.

The author has a way of making every person look both innocent and guilty at the same time. The lodge sounds lovely and the main characters are both well defined and secretive at the same time. The people at the lodge have many secrets and it is up to Darby and Tate to untangle them.

The narrator, Laura Faye Smith, does an excellent job with the narration.

#AmandaFlower #HallmarkPublishing ##NetGalley #DarbyPiper #TatePorter #LauraFayeSmith #audiobook #cozy #mystery #DreamscapeMedia

I received an audio version from Net Galley.

I have not read any books by Amanda Flower.

I really enjoyed it. So much that I want read the previous book in this 2 book series.

Frozen Detective does not read like a book 2. I thought there were several in the series. It just flowed like Darby and Tate had solved many mysteries together.

The set up in Frozen Detective was the sleuths were undercover playing a couple at a weekend at an exclusive lodge in the mountains.

Getting to the epilogue there is a discussion of Darby and Tate posing as brother and sister on a new case leading to the next book.

There was a large cast of guests, friends and a frenemy. Along with hotel staff. And then the new Detective in town who happens to be Darcy's ex. That doesn't quite seem like he is totally into that role.

Austin the Detective and Tate seem both to have hidden feelings for Darby and tend to dance around each other. And it's not a waltz.

The storyline was really good with twisty and turns that keep you guessing.

This is a great series. I look forward to reading more.

The description said there is a recipe at the end which was not included in the copy I received.

I like recipes.

I liked the narration but I thought the mens voices were struggled.

FROZEN DETECTIVE is the second book in the Piper and Porter Mystery series by Amanda Flowers. While I haven’t read the first book, this was easily read as a standalone and it didn’t take long to become immersed in the characters’ lives. While the protagonist, Darby Piper, is a licensed private investigator, the book still follows the cozy mystery patterns of a quaint setting, intriguing characters, and a clean read. Set at a luxurious private ski villa, Darby and her business partner, Tate, attend a New Year’s Eve weekend party after being hired by their hostess to look into threats against her husband’s life. With a strong descriptive voice, Ms. Flowers brings the beauty of the location to life. It felt like I was right there feeling the freezing cold and tasting the scrumptious dishes served to guests.

What started out as anonymous threats turn into murder on the ski slope. With the villa limited to invited guests of the hostess, the suspects are somewhat limited, but there are enough people who could have wanted their host dead. As a private investigator, Piper is methodical in her investigation, but there were twists and red herrings that kept me guessing. As a blizzard descends on the mountain, the pressure increases on Piper and Tate to find the killer. This was a fast-moving, well-written plot that kept me glued to the story. I look forward to the next installment given the teaser provided at the end of this book!

I was provided with an advance audio version thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media. The narrator, Laura Faye Smith, was excellent at conveying the nuances of the characters and the storyline. Not once did I not know which character was speaking thanks to her voice range. It added another layer of enjoyment to the book.

Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower is another Piper and Porter mystery featuring Darby (Piper) and Tate (Porter). Tate had inherited his portion of the business from his aunt and decided to stick around and become Darby’s new partner. This new case was largely because of him as the client was a girl he went to high school with, Cecily, the much younger wife of a face-care magnate. They were to spend the weekend at a local resort, pretending to be in love, and scope out who might have been sending threatening notes to the doctor. Once they arrived they met all the players, including a reporter they knew, undercover as a waiter, hoping for a story. Dr. Madd, the host for the long weekend (New Year’s) had announcements to make and contacts to make, before he was discovered dead in the snow on New Year’s morning. Thus began the search for a murderer, rather than someone writing threatening notes. And, he had been shot in the back using a crossbow. It was cold out and Darby had not come prepared so she went to the gift shop and bought a snow outfit. It turned out to be purple. She looked like a grape. And of course, the police had sent Austin, her ex-boyfriend to investigate. Could it be more awkward?

This is a cute series. The triangle between Darby, Austin, and Tate keeps humor in the mix. Austin still likes Darby despite the fact they broke up because he wasn’t ready for marriage. He was still jealous. And Darby was still annoyed. There were too many people with possible motives, which made it difficult to investigate Madd’s murder. Darby and Tate are good, if a little amateurish, and the resort seems to run like clockwork, thanks to Herschel, the longtime manager. The resort had belonged to Cecily’s father before he died and life it to her. Now she was going to sell and that left more than one person at loose ends. Since she had inherited his skin care company, she would be even busier, even more difficult to get along with. The Finger Lakes area of New York is the ideal place to set this story and this lodge. It was a fun read.

Laura Faye Smith was the reader. At the beginning she sounded too old to be Piper, but she grew on me as the book progressed. She did well with a variety of characters and in the end, presented a very likable performance. I think I might have preferred the e-reader version to the audio version. It played better, I thought. Darby and Tate both were better characters on the page than in the ear.

I was invited to listen to the audio e-ARC of Frozen Detective by Dreamscape Media, and read the e-ARC from Hallmark, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia #Hallmark #Amanda Flower #LauraFayeSmith #FrozenDetective

Frozen Detective is the second mystery in the Piper and Porter Mystery series. In this mystery, private detective, Darby Piper, finds herself wrapped up in a murder case after one of Tate’s old school friends hires the agency to look into some threatening notes her husband has been receiving.

Overall this was another enjoyable Amanda Flower mystery! I love the dynamics between Darby and Tate and find myself reading just to see what might happen between them with the mystery as a happy addition. I love the characters in this series and always love seeing what type of case they are on, whether it be cat rescuing or murder, it is always a fun journey. If you are a cozy mystery fan and want to see what Darby can get up to, this series is for you!

I am so glad I went and read the 1st book in this series! I love the interplay between Darby & Tate and can't wait for them to realize they are into each other! The doctor and his wife are the worst, in the best way, if you don't have to actually meet them or interact with them! I can't wait for book 3 to come out! I am off now to look for other books by Amanda Flower!

#FrozenDetective
#NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for accepting my request to audibly read and review Frozen Detective.

Author: Amanda Flower
Narrator: Laura Faye Smith
Published: 12/06/2022
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

This mystery would be served well with cozy in the genre header. The story is simple. I found keeping the names of the characters straight a chore. While having a pleasant voice, the narration did not work for me.

The same tropes that really are antiquated poor investigators borrow clothes and pretend to be a couple with wealthy doctors. It's exhausting.

I enjoyed the ski lodge, and the crossbow. Is the trivia true? I didnt fact check, but I would give answer in a triva contest: what is shoots like a gun?

The story is sadly just okay. I would put this in a grandparents basket, gift to a nursing home, and even better Flower has written a book that can comfortably be read out loud. Kudos to her.