Snow Place for Murder
(Mountain Lodge 3)
Diane Kelly


Diane Kelly is the author of seven series and more than 60 books.


This is my first Mountaintop Lodge mystery.

Mountaintop Lodge is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains close to the Elk River, in Beech Mountain, North Carolina.

We “arrive” before Nigel Goodwin, developer extraordinaire. He has rented out the lodge for him and his potential project investors. The reader is introduced to some passing wildlife, Gus, an animal advocate, and a hunter. We have Misty, a divorced mom of two sons, her handyman slash boyfriend Rocky, best friend Patty, Baroness Blizzard (Yeti), and a multitude of others. The author does a good job of explaining the family dynamics of everyone so new readers such as myself are ready for everything to come. Misty and Yeti narrate the story.

The murder kinda shocked me, I know... somebody’s dying it’s a mystery! But I was so engrossed in the family, community, and guest dynamics that the death scene managed to surprise me.

The mystery itself was good. The murderer not only surprised me but I actually felt sad for the killer!
5*****





Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

#Netgalley #SnowPlaceforMurder #DianeKelly #snowboard #mystery #lodge

I am loving this series with Misty, Rocky, Yeti and friends. This story was interesting and possibly something you could relate to if you feel your living space is being taken away with too much “progress”. I like Misty’s thought process and the fact law enforcement encourages her. Great story and wonderful characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

4 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.

A very cute cozy mystery that takes place at a mountain lodge in North Carolina. Has all the elements you’re looking for in a cozy mystery - unsuspecting suspects, a victim who may deserve it, villains, and a cat who wants to tell its own story. While this is the 3rd in a series, I read it as a standalone, and you can too.

Misty bought the lodge as a total change of pace for her life. She lives onsite and has just fallen into a relationship with her handyman Rocky. Her lodge has been rented out for an investors meeting for a possible new resort being built down the road. Already there is anger about the resort - from one wildlife photographer and Rehabilitator, and one hunter who wants his peace and privacy. Misty hopes she hasn’t made a mistake in renting out to them.

Of course, nothing goes as planned. A dead body turns up onsite and everyone is a suspect. Will Misty be the one to unravel the mystery?

A really fun novel set in a really great location. Misty is the likable unlikely detective who keeps finding herself in the middle of these messes. I will definitely be going backwards in the series and picking up the rest.

This is the third book in Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge mysteries but also a standalone read.

Taking place in the mountains of NC Misty has a Mountain top lodge she bought after her divorce. It's almost Thanksgiving and there is a group of potential investors that were invited by Nigel Goodwin, a developer, to see a presentation of his upcoming adventure.

During this time at the lodge Nigel was found dead near the lodge and Misty is on the trail to find the killer.

This was a delightful book and highly recommend this to anyone that loves a good Cozy mystery.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

One of the things I really enjoy about this series is that Misty is well settled into her life. She’s recently divorced, but has a great relationship with her ex-husband and is currently enjoying a blossoming romance with Rocky, the Mountaintop Lodge’s handyman. Her sons get along with her and she gets along with the people in the small town she calls home, including police enforcement. It’s actually a nice change when the main character in a mystery series doesn’t actually have too much baggage or conflict in her own life because there’s more than enough drama provided by the constant parade of murders!

And while we don’t spend a lot of time on the supporting cast, we do get glimpses into their personal lives, and their relationship with Misty. They are almost background characters because they really just support the story, letting the action take centre stage.

That’s not to say that there aren’t more than enough suspects to focus on. With the inn full of wealthy investors, they all seem to have more than a few secrets to hide. Not to mention the angry locals who are opposing the new resort plans.

The pacing of the mystery is really well done and I found we spent a really good amount of time with each suspect, learning about their motives, watching how they behave, and then adding to the suspicion, or clearing them of the murder. There are lots of clues and red herrings and trying to solve this mystery was lots of fun and new motives were uncovered or suspects were given alibis.

Underneath the murder there is also the sub-plot that deals with turning a beautiful “local” secret into a tourist destination. This happens a lot and I can see both sides of the story – on one hand you want to share the beauty and have more people appreciate it (not to mention creating new jobs for the local economy) but on the other hand, too many tourists really can ruin a well-hidden paradise.

I really enjoyed this book – it has a Christmas feel to it because the story takes place around the holidays and there’s plenty of family interaction. I loved the cozy feel of it all (murder notwithstanding) and can’t wait for the next book in the series!

*** Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Paperbacks, for providing me with an e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Snow Place for Murder is the third installment of the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. Although the novel is the third in the series, I didn’t have a problem reading it as a standalone.

The story unfolds through dual points of view — through the lens of the main character, Misty, and her cat, Yeti. I didn’t understand the purpose of having a cat’s perspective as it seemed pointless and it didn’t add anything of value to make the story more engaging. It just seemed as though the cat’s point of view was added for word count and didn’t bring much more than that.

Like most cozy mysteries, the pacing is on the slower side, and Snow Place for Murder is no exception. However, the novel read much slower than I would have liked as the murder didn’t take place until well into 35%. But the various investigative clues in the whodunit kept me moving forward.

I enjoyed the characters. Especially Misty’s two sons, Mitch and J.J.; as well as Pebble, Rocky’s daughter. Somehow the children in this novel seemed more fleshed out than the main characters. Perhaps it’s because the main cast were developed in the earlier novels. I’d have to read the prior novels to be sure, though.

For fans of the Jessica Fletcher mysteries, Snow Place for Murder would be a great addition to their cozy mystery library. As for me, I’ll probably hold off reading any more from this author for now. Three stars.

I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

In this book the lodge is in the middle of a massive snow storm and Misty finds herself snowed in with a potential murderer. I really like the world that the author has created around Misty, Rocky, Patti, the lodge and of course Misty's cat, Yeti. I really enjoyed the short little chapters from Yeti's point of view. I also really liked that Misty's sons, JJ and Mitch, were in most of the book as well as Rocky's daughter Pebble. All three have been mentioned quite a bit and it was nice to be able to get to know them a bit.

This is one of those mysteries where any one of the possible suspects could have had motive to kill the victim. The victim wasn't very likable and so many people had reasons to want to take him out both personal and professional and since almost all the suspects are relatively unknown to Misty she has her investigative work cut out for her and I enjoyed going along for the ride. I really wasn't sure of the who and the why until Misty figured it out.

I really enjoy the lodge setting for this series. We have a change up of suspects and characters and a range of issues. I really like seeing the day to day behind the scenes of the lodge and life up in the mountains of North Carolina.

"Snow Place for Murder" by Diane Kelly is the third installment in the Mountain Lodge mystery series, and I'm absolutely hooked. Building on the success of the previous book, this installment delves deeper into the captivating world of Misty and Rocky, offering readers an even more immersive experience.

The story begins with international resort developer Nigel Goodwin's arrival in Misty Murphy's quaint corner of North Carolina, setting the stage for an intriguing tale. The author does a remarkable job describing the atmosphere and the lodge itself, so vividly that I found myself almost tempted to look up reservations for the Mountaintop Lodge. The setting is so well-crafted that it becomes a character in its own right, adding to the book's charm.

Once again, the peace and tranquility are shattered when a body is discovered, and the local police enlist Misty's help to unravel the mystery. The engaging plot keeps you guessing and turning pages, eager to uncover the truth behind the murder.

One of the highlights of this series is the development of Misty and Rocky's family story. It's heartwarming to see their journey as a family coming together, and it adds depth and relatability to the characters. You can't help but root for them.

And then there's Yeti, the lovable cat with an internal monologue that not only provides comic relief but also gives us a unique perspective on the events unfolding. Yeti's chapters add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. "Snow Place for Murder" is a delightful addition to the Mountain Lodge mystery series, offering a blend of mystery, family dynamics, and a touch of whimsy with Yeti. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with engaging characters and an inviting setting, this book is a must-read.

This book is the third book in the well-written Mountain Lodge Mystery series. It's possible to enjoy this book without reading the other two, but the first book gives the detailed backstory about main character Misty Murphy and how she first opened Mountaintop Lodge.

In addition to showing Misty's excellent sleuthing skills when a guest of the lodge is found murdered, this book also shows plenty of scenes with Misty and her family as they celebrate Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Her twin sons add humor to the story and their teasing banter with their mom is funny and realistic. Adding to the charm of this cozy mystery are the few chapters that are narrated by Misty's cat Yeti. I don't always like this type of thing, but it works well in this series and sometimes Yeti sees things going on that Misty doesn't.

I like the growing romance between Misty and Rocky, but also appreciate that Misty's and her ex-husband have remained friends. One negative to this book is there were a couple of things that came across as a little bit preachy, but overall it's a great story.

The murder investigation is interesting with plenty of people with a motive to eliminate the victim, a land developer who plans to build an upscale resort not far from Misty's lodge. Misty is able to get several important clues that help solve the case. As much as I enjoyed the investigation, it's the setting and great characters that keep me coming back to this delightful series.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Snow Place for Murder is the 3rd Mountain Lodge Mysteries Book where Misty the owner of The Mountain Lodge will be hosting Nigel Goodwin, the porject planner for a new Resort with his investors. Things seem to be going smoothly until three of the locals come to protest the Resort! Then Niegil ends up frozen to death! Misty, Rocky, and the Highcloud and Officere Hardy must figure out who killed him before the guests decide to leave. What a great books! Lots of interaction with each of guests and great characters. I love that we even get Yedi, the cats inputs!

This book is third in a series. I hadn’t read the other two, but I did not feel lost at all. I really enjoyed the setting. I visited the North Carolina mountains for the first time this summer and really enjoyed it. We wondered what it is like in the winter, so this was fun for me to read. Misty’s inn was described so nicely, I’d love to visit, but hold the murder while I’m there. Misty investigates the murder of a real estate developer who had booked her lodge while wooing investors. The story was a bit slow, but I did enjoy it.

Interesting and well-written cozy mystery. Between the characters, the mystery, the twists and turns, and the descriptions of the gorgeous scenery, I was kept fully engaged and entertained from the first page until the last. Plenty of red herrings kept me guessing as to whodunit. Plus there's a cat named Yeti who gets her own chapters.
Definitely recommend.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Part of series.
A good easy quick read.
Drama,suspense,mystery good characters..
Love the mountain snow setting.
Enjoyed reading. Had to read the others.
Voluntarily

This was another well written book in this series. It’s very descriptive, I could feel the cold. It has a nice little mystery to solve and keeps you guessing to the end.
Definitely recommend

This was a fun and delightful cozy mystery set in the mountains of North Carolina during the holiday season. Misty Murphy, owner of the Mountaintop Lodge prides herself on fine and friendly service. She is conflicted in booking the lodge to a resort developer as he pitches his plans to a group of investors. Many of the locals are not happy about the development, but business is business. That is until the developer is found buried under a mound of snow at the bottom of the lodge's hill. That's definitely not good for business. Misty is known to the local constabulary as being observant and helpful on previous investigations and welcomes her assistance. With so many possible suspects, will the right one be found before the potential investors head homeward?

Diane Kelly has a real knack for mystery writing. Her timing is spot on and the red herrings are plentiful. Her writing is engaging and her main characters are likeable. The settings are well laid out and the characters' banter charming and oftentimes amusing. This was definitely a fun and quick read. I look forward to reading the earlier two books and future books in this series.

I am grateful to St. Martin's Press for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Anticipated Publication Date: 10/24/2023
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 978-1250816016
No. of pages: 304

This is #3 in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series, and though it was the first that I've read, I felt comfortable right from the very beginning. It has a perfect cozy wintry vibe, and an interesting mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. I will read more from this series, both earlier and later books in the series. Looking forward to what comes next! Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance digital copy!

The third book in Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge mystery series, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, takes place between Thanksgiving and New Years, so I'd classify it as a holiday treat. Misty Murphy, the lodge's owner, is thrilled to have all her rooms booked by a man who is pitching a new resort concept to wealthy investors. When one of the participants is found frozen to death in the snow, no one can believe it is murder at first but unfortunately it is. Misty is determined to help solve the crime before her guests leave to return to their homes.

This is a well-plotted cozy mystery, with good characterizations and a charming setting. There is enough humor mixed in to keep things light. Very enjoyable! This can definitely be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.

I received an arc of this new mystery from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Misty Murphy is turning a new page in her life. After a recent friendly divorce, Misty has bought a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where she lives with her cat, Yeti, and a live in handyman Rocky.

It starts with her ex-husband and college aged sons arriving for Thanksgiving. The boys are going to be coming back and spending their winter break working at the lodge. Misty will need the extra help, especially with developer Nigel Goodwin arriving with a party of potential investors in a resort he wants to build nearby. Goodwin and his party arrive but not all the residents of Beach Mountain, NC, are excited about the prospect. Several locals are quite upset about the prospect of a resort being built and ruining the landscape and being a danger to local wildlife. Nigel Goodwin is found dead under a snowbank, and it ends up not being natural causes. There is no shortage of suspects, both local and lodge guests. Misty is thrown in to sleuthing mode to find the sheriff asks for her help.

It was nice to see that Misty is an independent 50-year-old woman who is building a successful business. I also liked that her ex and her are friends and continue to share family gatherings.

I had not read the previous two installments of this series but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book. I also have to say this is one of the best crafted mysteries I have read in a long time! I read late into the night to finish so I could find out who had killed Nigel and why.

Thank you, St. Martins, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.

A winter time visit to the mountains of North Carolina has me wanting to curl up by a warm fire. The murder is chilling, pun intended.
This is the third book in the Mountain Lodge mystery series. I have enjoyed each one. Snow Place for Murder takes place in ski season and we get to meet Misty’s sons. I really like Mitch and JJ.
Misty plays a big role in helping the police solve this murder. Rocky is a great support and handyman.
I encourage readers of cozy mysteries to pick up this series, it’s a new favorite for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book.

I really enjoyed the last in this series that I read, so I was really excited to get invited to read this one!

Misty’s idyllic lodge is once again disturbed. First by a realtor mogul’s plans to build a high luxury resort near enough to compete with Misty’s own lodge, then the death of that same mogul! With multiple secrets coming out about his business, there’s no shortage of people who wanted him out of the way.

There was a lot to like about this installment in this series. Misty’s character is once again really enjoyable to read, and I love the depth given to her relationships both romantic and familial. We get to see Misty’s healthy relationship with her ex-husband as well as the rapport she has with her sons.

But the story just loses its steam all the way throughout. With every single action Misty does described, as well as the chapters from the cat’s point of view that don’t really add anything to the story, this book was a lot of pick it up and put it back down. I’d be interested in reading the next one because I love how Kelly paints the scene, and I’m really enjoying the lack of love triangle, but they are slow paced for cozy mysteries.

Thanks NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review this ARC.