This is a Christian based cozy mystery, and I really enjoyed it. This book is part of a series, but I really feel you can read this as a standalone. The characters are pleasant, and I loved the storyline. This is really like reading a Hallmark movie instead of watching it.

Methods of Malice is my first time reading a Hope Street Church Mysteries book. I didn’t know what to expect being the 7th book in a series. I was able to follow the storyline. without any problems. First off, I love that the mysteries center around a Bible study group. I felt like I’d fit right in. Studying God’s word & solving murders. Absolutely perfect premise for me. All the characters were endearing. I can’t wait to read pervious & future books to see what this gang is up to next. It was a good mystery & you’ll find yourself switching whodunits throughout the story. I did find myself hungry reading this book. They talk a lot about food like really yummy good food. I wish we had a Magnolia’s Marvels in my town. Not to worry though, the authors have included recipes from some of these delectable treats in the back of the book. I’m definitely going to be trying some. All in all it was a clean, cute (can I call a murder mystery cute? lol), & quirky murder mystery that you’ll want to read all in one sitting. It was hard to put down. I can’t wait to read other mysteries in The Hope Street Church Mysteries series & hang out with The Sunrise Bible study gang again.

2.5/5*

This isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve read and enjoy series by Ellery Adam’s before, but this just isn’t cutting it for me. Apart from the fact it’s a Christian cosy, I’m struggling to connect to any of the characters (the problem with jumping into an already established series), and it’s not moving very quickly.

Everything feels a bit too Nice, even the dialogue, so I’m bowing out at 33%.

I’m obviously in a minority here, so there are plenty of folks who love this sub-genre. I just like things a bit more snappy.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for accepting my request to read and review Methods of Malice.

Too sweet for me. This read like a Hallmark Movie. I was disappointed from the beginning. I do think this would be a nice place to start for a young reader headed towards adult books.

There are biblical references and bible study is attended. There wasn't enough depth to the characters or story line for me. There was no swearing.

I would recommend for young readers. (2.5 stars)

The Deeds of the Deceitful, the previous story in this series, by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe was the first cozy mystery that I had ever read. I enjoyed that one so much that as soon as I saw Methods of Malice, by the same authors, I knew I had to read it. Plus, if it has Tina Radcliffe’s name on it, I will read it!

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery! The main characters, especially Cooper, are so likable and it is fun to watch them work together to solve a case. The faith thread was seamlessly woven into the story and the mystery was a good one! I really hope we get to read more mysteries with these characters!

I purchased and received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 5 stars!

I was excited to see this newest book in the Hope Street Church series. I love Cooper and the rest of her Bible study group as they work to solve the mystery and save the play. The story kept my attention and I had a hard time putting it down.

I've read this book from the first and have loved how the characters are developing.. As much as I love the mysteries in this series, I do love the friendships and possible romance in this great group of friends.

A Richmond Bible Group is presenting "It's A Wonderful Life" in their theatre. To add more clout to the production, they engage a famous Broadway Director to direct the play. He arrives with his famous actress and other staff in tow. They clash with the locals. The director has suffered a scandal in the past and is trying to redeem his reputation. This entourage proves to be a bickering group where nothing pleases them and they fight among themselves. The Assistant Director is murdered in her hotel room adding even more problems.
Cooper, our heroine, along with her friends plunge into finding the murderer. They encounter more problems and setbacks than solutions before they uncover the killer in this delightful cozy mystery.

I always enjoy a return trip to the Sunrise Bible study group and Cooper Lee. The Bible group are all taking part in the Hope Street Community Theater’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life. Several incidents occur but the rehearsals are halted when the assistant director is found murdered. Even though the group didn't know the victim well they are determined to find justice for her.

The characters are charming, down to earth, relatable, and the goodness they exude makes you want to have them as friends yourself.

This is book 7 in the Hope street Church series. It's an enjoyable read and not overly religious. The small town of Hope Street is using a community theater to raise money for the senior center. They hope bringing in a well know director will boost ticket sales and they can buy a bus. Cooper and all the members of the bible study group are playing small parts or working back stage. When the assistant director is found dead in the beautiful downtown Richmond, Va hotel the list of suspects is quite large. I enjoy this series and while this book could be read as a stand alone, I think reading a few of the previous books would help keeping characters and locations easier.

Couldn’t get into the story line. It’s lacked depth and there was parts that were boring. I ended up not finishing the story. Which I am said about because I have read other series by the author and loved them. May see what the next ones is like if there in more to this series

I've read other series by the author and always enjoy the books. A cosy murder mystery. Probably more enjoyed by those who are religious.

Thank you for the arc.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Ellery Adams is one of my go to favorite authors for cozy mysteries. At this point in time, I have read nine of her books from the following different series: Secret, Book & Scone Society, Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries, Supper Club Mysteries, Book Retreat Mysteries and the Hope Street Church Mystery series. And I am happy to report – that I have enjoyed all that I have read… especially this title, Methods of Malice.

The members of the Sunrise Bible study group have been cast in various roles for the Hope Street Community Theater’s performance of It’s a Wonderful Life. What is truly unique for this particular production is that the theater group has snagged a director from Broadway (who by the way is trying to expunge his bad reputation) along with his star actress and staff. One would hope that all goes smoothly (or at least as smoothly as little theater can) but of course – there are a series of accidents and a murder!

The gang from the bible study group decide (of course) that for the show to go on, they must help the police solve the crime. What ensues is an entertaining tale fraught with leads that lead no where and ongoing rehearsals. Numerous twists and turns and I for one, was thoroughly entertained…even chuckling a number of times (and yes – I know murder is no laughing matter).

What does happen is that after following, questioning, sleuthing…by every member of the Sunrise Bible study group… every possible suspect… they have varying degrees of success and solve the mystery (at almost the same time as the local police department). It was a fun journey which kept this reader entertained… and for a new reader – hopefully guessing until the end.☺

I do love that Methods of Malice is also more than just about solving a mystery…There is depth to the story in that we are brought into life altering decisions that Cooper must make to spread her wings and take over a local shop in town. I am glad that Cooper is believing in herself and her artistic talent. Can’t wait to see how the next part of her journey turns out. And the slow but steady advancement with respect to Cooper and Jon – about time! Though in all fairness – Jon is only her third boyfriend and with what happened this past year for Cooper (a broken engagement and having to cancel all kinds of wedding plans) – one can empathize with her in proceeding VERY slowly. Luckily for her, Jon is a very patient guy.

I should also note that I really liked the cover of the book, theater lights and all. Very engaging and colorful.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with an entertaining cast of characters, even if you have not read the series from the start (and why not???), you can pick up Methods of Malice and step into the lives of the Sunrise Bible study group as they embark on not only little theater but also solving a murder. Ellery Adams did not disappoint with this entertaining addition to the Hope Street Church Mystery series.

Note: This series is a bit heavy on Christianity – though one should be able to infer that from the series title.

Cooper and her Bible Study get swept into a colorful web of mystery and murder when they join a production of It's a Wonderful Life.

An engaging read from the start with a full cast of well developed and distinct characters paired with a engrossing plot that kept me guessing. I loved this book from the minute I picked it up, catching up with Cooper and her friends as they work to unravel the murder while dealing with some larger than life personalities.

It had been a while since I read the last book, and I had no problem just jumping right in. There is a lot going on, but I had no troubles keeping it all straight. I liked the the interaction between the characters as well as the relationship between the sisters.

Overall, this was an engaging read, filled with mystery, faith, and humor. Highly recommend this wholesome and engaging cozy mystery!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cooper Lee and her Hope Street church bible study group are participating in a production of "It's a Wonderful Life" for the Christmas season. When a disliked assistant on the production is murdered, the Hope Street crew has to solve the mystery and solve it quickly!

I love this series! It's very "down to earth" and the characters are so relatable. The mystery keep you guessing and it's fun to see how the characters have changed throughout the series. There's always positive message throughout the book which I welcome. The book can be read as a but - but why miss all the fun in the previous books? You'll be wanting another visit with the amateur Hope Street sleuths!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Hope Street Community Theater is staging It’s a Wonderful Life as a fundraiser, and Cooper and her Bible study group are all taking part. They’re also getting help from Simon, a famous Broadway director, and his entourage who bring their petty grievances and jealousies to the stage. The assistant director's murder further muddies the play. Cooper and her friends decide to solve the mystery, which puts them in danger. Will they find the killer or become the next victims?
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for this honest review. But I didn't realize it's #7 in a series. I felt like I walked into the middle of a movie and had to play catch-up, which was confusing.
While there is talk of God, including scripture quotes, the characters are also human. I appreciate that this book isn't preachy or filled with perfect characters.
Cooper does display prejudice against her rich sister. Many times, she mentions her sister's wealth and spending habits with a tone of disdain.
The recipes from Magnolia Lee’s kitchen sound scrumptious!

Methods of Malice by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe is a pleasing story. I like Ellery Adams writing style. She creates stories with friendly characters, charming settings, and interesting storylines. I enjoyed returning to Richmond, Virginia to catch up with the Cooper Lee and the other members of the Sunrise Bible study group. All the members of the bible study are participating in the Hope Street Community Theater’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life. The production is a fundraiser for the senior center. Unfortunately, the rehearsals are plagued with incidents. Then, Regina McAllister, the assistant director and the director’s ex-wife, is murdered. It is important that this production moves forward because the senior center is counting on them. Cooper Lee and the members of the Sunshine Bible study group set out to unmask the killer. I found Methods of Malice to be easy to read. The characters are realistic and relatable. Grammy Lee is a hoot. I like that she speaks her mind (in other words she is outspoken and opiniated). I liked that all the members of the Bible study were participating in the play. Some of them would have preferred to work behind the scenes (okay, most of them), but they put aside their awkwardness and fears for a good cause. The mystery was fun to solve. The victim was not well-liked (she had an attitude problem) so there are several suspects. There are some plot twists along the way that keeps things entertaining. Cooper Lee and the Bible study group asks questions and uncover clues. The reveal nicely wraps up the whodunit. Your mouth will be watering from the tasty treats whipped up by Cooper’s mother, Maggie and Cooper’s beau, Jon Eason (there are recipes at the end of the book). I truly enjoyed how the story ended. It is heartwarming. There are changes in store for a couple of the characters. The last meeting of the year for the Sunshine Bible study group touched on some good points. I like the idea of a gratitude journal. My favorite lesson was, “Guarding our hearts and letting the things of God in and not the world.” The members of the Bible study are good friends. I like how they are there for each other. Methods of Malice is the seventh A Hope Street Church Mystery and it can be read as a standalone. The author provides the necessary background information on the characters. Methods of Malice is a charming Christian cozy with an important play, a dead assistant director, concerning calamities, Bible study sleuths, and a killer Christmas.

The 7th of the Hope Street Church Mysteries, this does not disappoint.

Cooper's and her Bible Study group are all involved in a local theater production which is being directed by a well known (but somewhat infamous) director who is trying to redeem his tarnished reputation. The play is also a fundraiser for a local charity so the Bible Study group is very interested in its success.

When the assistant director is found murdered, there are plenty of suspects to go around. Cooper and her friends become more involved in the investigation than the police would like (as usual). It's no spoiler that eventually, the culprit is found.

What makes this book stand out is how this mystery changes the life of Cooper and her future. I am hoping that this isn't the end to the Hope Street Church mysteries, but perhaps the author wants to go in a totally different direction. Where ever Cooper goes, I will follow as I have loved this entire series.

A fundraiser is going on at The Hope Street Community Theater, they are doing a production of It's A Wonderful Life. Cooper and the Bible study group are happy to all be taking part in the play and have helped obtain a famous director to direct the play. The director brings Sith him am entourage of people who couldn't be any more rude or demanding. They have brought drama to the stage and not in a good way. When the assistant director ends up dead there are plenty of suspects to choose from. Cooper and his friends decide to investigate in hopes of finding a killer because as they say the show must go on. Will they find the killer before opening night or will someone get away with murder?

It’s so good to have this series back! I love Cooper and her friends from Bible Study and enjoy the short sections of scripture; the religion aspect is an important part in how they all came to be together and the lessons from the Bible are tied in nicely without being preachy. The mystery was well plotted and, though I figured out who did it early on (I seem to be getting better at this!), it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. The real bonus of this series is the relationships between the characters and the way they support each other. I am so excited for the direction that Cooper’s life is taking and can’t wait to see how this changes things.

This was such a delightful Christian based cozy mystery. I loved getting to know the Bible study crew and the different personalities that they have. I recently learned that this is a book in a series, however it certainly reads as a stand alone. I will now be checking out more of the series. Not only did I enjoy the characters I was intrigued by the plot and it kept me guessing. Highly recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy for my honest review.