I love the fact that Winter is an obituary writer even though I am not sure that could really be a thing. The supporting characters are fun, and I am looking forward to seeing how things develop. The mystery had a twist that I didn't see coming. Overall a very enjoyable read.

STAR RATING: 3 AND A HALF STARS

This was such a fun cozy mystery! I initially was drawn to it simply because of the cover and the fact that Winter was an obituary writer. The premise itself was interesting enough and I'm glad I received a copy of it.

Winter and her group of friends and family were so sweet, especially her uncle, and it was so fun to read about them. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series and cannot wait for more of Winter and Officer Kip, whose relationship made me melt. Kip was so sweet, even when he was frustrated with her.

The mystery itself was interesting and kept me guessing how everything was going to play out, except for Tom who's 180 attitude towards Winter felt very obvious and whiplash inducing.

Overall, it was a cute book with an interesting mystery, and a great first introduction to a series!

I am excited to see where this series goes. I felt really invested in the town and loved the idea of the main character writing obituaries (especially the ones for people still living!)


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This is a great first in a new series. I really enjoyed it. It flows well and the characters are nicely developed. Winter Snow is an obituatiry writter in a small town if Ridgefield, Connecticut, 45 minutes away from NYC. Winter is contacted by a very wealthy octogenerian philanthropist asks Winter to write her obituary, with a deadline of 3 days. Winter is perplexed by the urgency and when she mets with Mrs. Arlington, her suspcions grow.

Ridgefield is under a hurricane warning and Winter is also prepping for a power outage. On a whim, she invites Mrs. Arlington to her house to weather the storm, but Mrs. Arlington refuses. Winter is worried about her, and drives out to the house to check on it, only to find Mrs. Arlington at the bottom of the stairs.

There are some great characters- Kip Michaels is the cop helping investigate the case. Richard is Winter's uncle and always there to help out and Winter's neighbor, Horace, Winter's neighbor.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

An engaging cozy mystery and a great start to a new series. I loved the cozy atmosphere and the well developed characters…Some plot twists were easy to anticipate but the overall journey compensates for it.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This first book in the Deadly Deadlines cozy series has an interesting premise, a sleuth who is an obituary writer. There's also plenty of interesting characters with potential for future books.

The plot seemed a bit convoluted but, nonetheless, this was an excellent series debut which holds great promise. I'm hoping for many more Deadly Deadlines books in the future.

I was pleasantly surprised with this debut effort from Lewis. I had no idea making a living by writing obituaries was even a thing. Winter is an amateur sleuth who feels compelled to solve the death of a client. She is a bit too bold in that she often breaks the law, such as hiding evidence. There are a number of good support characters, including some quirky ones.

Lewis' writing style is clear and a pleasure to read. The murder plot was a little complex and took lots of explaining at the end. There was a little suspense near the end too.

I generally liked this cozy mystery and will be watching for more from Lewis.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Book Review: "The Last Word" by Gerri Lewis

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gerri Lewis makes a captivating debut in the cozy mystery genre with "The Last Word," the first installment in the "Deadly Deadlines" series. Set in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the story follows obituary writer Winter Snow as she uncovers a tangled web of secrets after a neighbor's untimely demise.

Winter Snow's character is compelling, providing a fresh perspective on amateur sleuthing. Her determination to seek justice for Mrs. Arlington, coupled with the quirky ensemble cast including her foodie Uncle Richard and wise neighbor Horace, adds depth to the narrative. The incorporation of Diva, the Great Pyrenees puppy, not only tugs at the heartstrings but also brings a delightful element to the story.

Lewis weaves a well-crafted mystery with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged from start to finish. While some aspects of the plot may be predictable, the journey towards uncovering the truth is where the true enjoyment lies. The author's writing style is fluid and engaging, making for a fast-paced read that is hard to put down.

One of the things I particularly enjoy about "The Last Word" is the picturesque setting of Ridgefield, which adds charm and atmosphere to the story. Lewis paints a vivid backdrop that enhances the overall reading experience, transporting readers into the heart of the mystery.

Overall, "The Last Word" is a promising start to a new series that promises more thrilling adventures with Winter Snow. Gerri Lewis showcases her talent for crafting engaging mysteries and endearing characters, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or looking for a captivating read, this book is sure to entertain and delight.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I really enjoyed this new cozy series by Gerri Lewis. I wanted to read it based on the title and cover alone. I wasn't expecting the main character working as an obituary writer. Thought that was interesting and new. The characters were great and I loved the setting. I liked the cop duo angle. Definitely can't wait to read the next book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a review copy.

Winter Snow is an obituary writer in this new cozy mystery series. I will admit that the name threw me off from the very beginning. I liked the Connecticut town and most of the characters we meet, but Winter makes too many mistakes while trying to solve this crime and that really bothered me. Overall not a bad cozy, but I’m not sure if I will continue the series.

I think I have found my new favorite cozy mystery series. I mean what's not to love about an obituary writer by day and a mystery solver by night. I didn't think I would like this series when I started reading it, but I ended up loving it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Finally a cozy mystery heroine with a job you don't see every day. Obit writer.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Loved this cute and sweet cozy mystery that I found entertaining and compelling. Solid mystery, likeable characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is a super cute and fun cozy mystery that has all the right elements. As the first book in a new series, readers will enjoy getting to know the characters and solving this mystery.

Winter Snow's name is not the only unusual thing about he. Winter writes obituaries for the local newspaper in Ridgefield, Connecticut. When Winter's editor tells her that Leocadia Arlington wants her to write her obituary, while she is still alive, Winter is intrigued with the wealthy woman's request. Little does she know that someone may be writing her obituary unless she solves a mystery with layers of secrets and death!

At first, I wasn't sure about the book, but now I'm hooked! Winter is so kind and gives dignity and life to all the obituaries she writes. Winter is curious and is determined to find the truth. The characters were relatable and quirky. I can't wait for the next book!

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

Cozy mystery sleuths get all the cool jobs. In The Last Word by Gerri Lewis, Winter Snow quite fittingly works as an obituary writer. So it's not too surprising when Leocadia Arlington requests an obituary be delivered to her by Friday. That Ms. Arlington's intended subject is herself? Yeah, that's a little more surprising.

Quirky is a word often thrown around with cozies and, even with just the premise, Lewis has absolutely nailed that descriptor. Winter, dead serious about her profession, agrees to the job and sets off to meet with Ms. Arlington. These are scenes are some of my favorites in the book, because it's so different to have the sleuth actually interacting with an individual who knows she's going to be the victim of the story. More than that, Ms. Arlington seems almost resigned to her fate. So while it ultimately isn't that surprising when she later dies, it is mildly unsettling in a way cozies often aren't.

This also provides strong motivation for Winter to dive into the investigation. Winter had a tangible connection to the deceased and, like any good writer, she wants to see a story through to its end. Plus, of course, the police, represented by Kip (competent) and Tom (not) are woefully underprepared to solve the case on their own.

Like any good amateur detective, Winter puts herself in unnecessarily risky situations. Lewis has no problem quite literally turning the heat up whenever Winter repeatedly returns to the scene of the crime or interrogates someone. There's a palpable danger in these moments, and Lewis deserves praise for showing realistic consequences.

However, my favorite part of The Last Word is the overall world that Lewis has crafted. Winter is a charming, funny sleuth surrounded by a wildly entertaining cast of characters. As she stumbles around putting the pieces of the mystery together, I found myself wondering how this town would could tie into future installments of what I hope is a long series. Best of all, Winter's job as an obituary writer is more than just window dressing to give the book its hook. Because Lewis has crafted a fully realized world, Winter actually uses these skills in some tightly written research scenes to both help further the action and explain why properly written obituaries are important as historical records.

A wonderfully constructed mystery, a genuinely likable sleuth, and plenty of quirky details. The Last Word better be far from the last we hear from Gerri Lewis.

The Last Word is book #1 in the A Deadly Deadlines Mystery series by Gerri Lewis.

This is an interesting new cozy mystery series. I read a lot of cozy mysteries and obituary writing as a career is something I haven’t seen. I really like the main characters. This mystery was complex. There was so much going on every time I thought I figured it out, there was another twist. I enjoyed how everything was wrapped up. I am looking forward to the next book!

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

There are many aspects of The Last Word that I enjoyed. It’s a debut for a new series and I was looking forward to following books. I love that the main character’s, Winter Snow, job is being an obituary writer. I liked the other characters and the different personalities they had and the small town was perfect. Overall, it had all the aspects needed to make a cozy mystery.
Winter Snow is called by an elderly, matriarch of the town to write her obit which she will need soon, even though she’s not sick. When the women is murdered, Winter sets out to find the killer and why she knew she was going to die. Halfway through the story, an alternative lifestyle is introduced as part of the storyline as part of the mystery. I feel that this aspect wasn’t needed to make the mystery.
I was given a complimentary copy of The Last Word, but all opinions are my own.

This was a fun new start to a new cozy series. I loved the setting and the new premise of an obituary writer turned amateur sleuth. I enjoyed the cozy cast of supporting characters that really rounded out the mystery. I look forward to more in the series.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A cute cozy for a nice, sweet read! This strikes all the standard cozy beats: small business person, quirky relatives/neighbors, the hot male love interest and, in this case, great pets. It was fun to read-especially since the mystery is one of the better ones I've read recently in a cozy. In the end, it was so pleasantly twisty that I almost made a flow chart of who was where when. This is a series starter definitely worth checking out.

When obituary writer Winter Snow vines her elderly neighbor at the bottom of her steps, she must figure out who what really happened.

A great story with a great mystery. It will keep you guessing until the end.