Loving and Dying in Notchey Creek

On a snowy February morning, book lover, whiskey distiller, and aspiring writer Harley Henrickson finds the remains of a charred car and a body outside the city park. While the fire appears to have been accident, Harley believes something more sinister is afoot. Her suspicions are further realized when she and her best friend, Tina Rizchek, are catering the Reading is Love opening reception that night, and one of Tina's famous burnt almond cupcakes turns lethal for an unfortunate attendee. The victim, a much-disliked editor of the town's paper, had just published a scathing review of Tina's bakeshop, leading the police to suspect Tina of the woman's murder. In the ensuing pages--and as bodies start to accumulate--amateur sleuth Harley works to clear her best friend's name and bring justice back to Notchey Creek. 

I truly enjoyed this cozy mystery, which kept me engaged and guessing until the very end. Liz S. Andrews's original voice and intriguing writing style kept this reader on her toes. Skilled use of imagery created vivid scenes, placing the reader inside the story. Expert characterization brought the players to life in a realistic way.  The mystery was well-constructed, and the more serious scenes tempered by Harley's quirky friends and family. You really do feel like you are inside the story, experiencing things as Harley experiences them. Apparently, this is the third book in the series, and I now look forward to going back and reading the first two books. 

Highly recommended.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of LOVING AND DYING IN NOTCHEY CREEK (Book 3 of the Harley Henrickson Mysteries) by Liz S. Andrews in exchange for an honest review.  Harley Henrickson is a whiskey distiller in Notchey Creek, Tennessee.  Harley plans on spending the upcoming Valentine’s Day festivities volunteering at different events.  Harley, who dresses plainly and who tends to embarrass herself in social situations, has zero expectations of romance.  However, this Valentine’s season is going to be a little different; it starts out with Harley finding a charred corpse in a burned-out Bentley.  That suspicious death is followed by more murders, and the local sheriff seems determined to pin at least one of the slayings on Harley’s best friend Tina; he’s, at least, trying to ruin her business.  Things are crazy, so why not add a date with her unrequited love into the mix?

I enjoyed this book.  It was my introduction into the series, but I had no problem keeping people straight or in following the storyline.  After finishing this novel, I bought the first tale in the series.  I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, small towns, small businesses, grown-up mean girls, and quirky pets.

This was a fun cozy mystery with quirky characters and an ending that surprised me. Well written. Look forward to reading more in this series

The 3rd book in the series but the first one I’ve read. Harley is an odd one, who dresses odd, talks odd, has trouble socializing, but sees clues around her. A great cozy mystery that was hard to put down. That plus her 300 pound pet pig who she dresses up, and the friend’s dog, who is in a doggie wheelchair. When murder keeps happening, lots of red herrings, and all leading up to Valentine’s Day, this is one I highly recommend. Funny, bittersweet and at times touching. Good story and series.

Loving and Dying in Notchey Creek by Liz S. Andrews is book three in the Harley Henrickson Cozy Mystery series. This is the first in the series I have read but, it will not be the last. From the cover to the last page, I loved this book!
This easy to read Cozy has it all, relatable characters, some quirky. a great setting, lovable pets, family and friiends, hints of romance, and laugh out loud humor. The plot twists flow through out this well written story with a jaw dropping end.. There are recipes included..
When Harley's BF, Tina is a suspect in a murder, she jumps into the investigation. Then when another murder occurs, it's obvious Tina is being framed. Harley is bent on finding the guilty party even if she could be next.
I was given an ARC by Little Forest Press via NetGalley for an honest review.

Laughing and crying in Notchey Creek. This was my first visit to Notchey Creek. I am eager to read the prior two books and the next one. interesting characters and fun pets.