“A Manor of Murder” By June Shaw: Review/Giveaway

by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of this book and links to purchase it.

Best Done in Twos!

June Shaw’s Twin Sisters Mystery was first published in 2017 introducing none-other-than “twin sisters” once-divorced Sunny Taylor and thrice-divorced Eve Vaughn. This middle-aged duo decides to settle in a small town in the southern Louisiana bayou and partner in a remodeling and repair company. Together they navigate a new town, a new business, and…murder? In A Fatal Romance (January 2017), they become “persons of interest” when a customer is discovered dead…next his wife, and then Eve’s life is threatened. Next, although they are settling in and gaining success with their business in Dead on the Bayou (August 2017), authorities become suspicious of them again when another dead body is found in their vicinity. Add to this, a quirky octogenarian mother, their mother’s Chat and Nap group, southern style manners, food, flora, fauna, and a hint of romance—yes, romance, but the twins vie for the same man…Now, in A Manor of Murder, the twins are frantic about their mother and…surprise! Another dead body too close for comfort! This is definitely a fan favorite!



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A Manor of Murder earns 5/5 Tool Boxes…Murderously Fun!

Sunny and Eve, twin sisters and partners in a remodeling business, are livid when they discover from a client, not their aging mother, that she is planning to marry. Marry? Who? Their efforts to at minimum get more information about the groom-to-be and at maximum talk her out of it are unsuccessful. Instead their mother’s new belligerent attitude is on full display. Together they decide to get information from Edward Cancienne, the client who had given them the news, but arriving at his home, they find him midst a heated argument with another man. But, that is the least of the twin’s problems. When they return the next day to seriously discuss the “wedding” matter with their mother, Edward is there thrilled about the nuptials as the groom-to-be’s nephew. An argument ensues leading to the ladies being fired from their current project…a public scene they will regret when they find Edward murdered. Wow! They are again too close to a murder, and the police detective isn't happy about it either.


A Manor of Murder book cover
Image source: Lyrical Press

My newbie status has been changed to eager fan! I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in June Shaw’s Twin Sisters Mystery, and along with reviewing the synopses of the first two books and references (no spoilers) to background and characters provided in this book, I easily joined in. June’s writing style is very engaging with an entertaining banter between the twins. The sisters are opposites with many of their personality traits which causes a few realistic conflicts and sibling rivalries, but they are very close and work well as amateur detectives—yin and yang. I enjoyed the mature perspective and intelligence the characters bring to the story…ok, Sunny does youthfully giggle a bit over her budding romance which is endearing.

The storyline of Edward’s murder has elements expected for a cozy mystery—the lead characters find themselves mixed-up in murder, take on an amateur detective role, often circumvent the authorities, and find themselves in personal peril, but June provides descriptions of the bayou environment, southern food and manners, and delightful twists and turns with enough possible solutions that make this an engaging, fun read. I highly recommend this book for fans and newbies alike, and am eager to read the first two books to see how everyone got here from there!

Be a June Shaw Fan!
Along with her three-book Twin Sisters Mystery series, June Shaw penned another engaging series first published in 2006, Cealie Gunther Mystery, introducing fans to a delightfully spunky widow Cealie Gunther. In Relative Danger (2006), Cealie heads back to high school to help determine the truth behind a suspicious death, putting herself in personal peril, and ensuring her granddaughter’s graduation. In Killer Cousins (2009), Cealie answers the frantic call from her estranged cousin for help…a life could be in jeopardy. And in Deadly Reunion (2011), Cealie joins her former high school classmates on an Alaskan cruise, but she didn't expect murder to join in on the festivities. This series is also well-worth visiting!

Like, Visit, and Follow…Oh my!

Website - June Shaw
Goodreads - Author June Shaw

To enter to win a copy of A Manor of Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "manor,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 21, 2018. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please included your mailing address. If entering via comment please be sure to include your email address.

You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:




Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
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Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Comments

  1. Wow, this book looks great! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  2. Sounds like a new series & author to try out. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  3. wonderful review thanks Penney

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  4. Sounds great I’d love to read it! Donamae Kutska

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  5. This looks like another good book from this author that I would love to read.

    Thanks for the chance at this giveaway!

    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  6. I’d like to read it, it has a interesting theme with remodeling. That’s a different job for the occupation in the story. Sounds like fun to read. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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  7. I’d like to read this book. I’m new to this author.donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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  8. This is a new author and series to me. Sounds like a great read. Can't wait to read.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Another great mystery...new Author too...thank you for the review.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

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