Ramona Richards

A friend sent me this book in a box of books. The title will make sense by the finish of the book.

It took me a while to get into this book. While I did appreciate learning a bit about how potters work and make their items, I didn't find Karen or Mason very compelling as characters. Though I did appreciate that they'd known each other professionally for a bit of time before this book takes place--a welcome change from the books where the couples meet each other and are engaged or married 250 or so pages later.

I think part of why it took me so long to get interested in the story is that I guessed (what felt like long before the characters did) that the face Karen was putting on her vases was that of someone who was afraid he/she would be recognized. I also guessed (what felt like long before the characters did) that the face was related to the death of Karen's parents.

I did (at least at one point) suspect the correct person--but I also suspected other characters so I can't say that I figured out the mystery--but that is also my norm so if you're someone who usually can figure out "whodunit" you may have a different experience.… (mehr)

Burying Daisy Doe is a mystery novel involving a cold case that is very personal to main character Star Cavanaugh. Her father was murdered trying to discover the truth about Daisy Doe. As a PI, Star takes on the most daunting of cases and this one is no exception. There has to be a connection between the two murders, and Star and the reader are taken on a twisting journey through the underworld of a Southern town. Yes, underworld! Small towns have long held secrets, and Pineville, Alabama is no exception. Richards captures the charm of this small southern town with its quirky and endearing citizens, quaint homes and businesses, as well as a very dark side that kept me turning the pages. I was kept guessing all the way through this book, a big plus! The characters were well-developed, and their stories were intriguing. Star is the perfect sleuth — determined and undaunted by threats. There’s a bit of romance too that I hope will develop in more books featuring Star.

If you are looking for a great mystery, then Burying Daisy Doe is the perfect pick. I loved it and know you will too.

Highly recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (mehr)

Title: Burying Daisy Doe (A Star Cavanaugh Cold Case)
Author: Ramona Richards
Pages: 264
Year: 2020
Publisher: Kregel Publications
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Star Cavanaugh has moved to the small town of Pineville, Alabama and works at an old-fashion drug store/soda fountain as a waitress. She is a cold case detective, formerly with the Nashville Police Department. Her current case is different in that she is the client. She is in town to discover who killed her father over thirty-five years ago and her grandmother over sixty years ago. Her father was killed while in Pineville trying to find out who killed his mother, Star’s grandmother.
Star has no idea the danger her questions will stir up. The more questions she asks, the more danger she puts others in, including herself. She has developed affection for the town’s head of law enforcement, and he feels the same. He helps her as he can with her investigation. Star begins to see that there is much more involved than the death of her two relatives. Political know-how, greed, hate, fear and other emotions are running high as Star gets closer to the truth. But can she escape an evil dynasty that has been in place for decades, or will she meet the same fate as her father and grandmother?
I hope this is just the beginning of a new series as I couldn’t put this book down! The mystery is well-written without being too easy to solve; it kept me guessing. I thought the author did a good job using the time slip format as it really deepened my understanding of the characters, specifically Roscoe. God is talked about at certain times in the story but nothing preachy or “in your face”. Racism is a subject handled brilliantly by the author. I could feel the fear, grief, and anger right along with certain characters in various situations. I look forward to what comes from this author’s pen next!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.… (mehr)

This was my first book from this author and I enjoyed it. I must be honest though, it took me a few chapters to really get into the story. I am not sure if I was just tired or what but I definitely had to talk myself into not giving up on it and I'm glad I didn't. Burying Daisy Doe is a time slip novel which I absolutely love because it helps you understand the story just a little better.

In this story we meet Star Cavanaugh who is a detective digging into a cold case regarding her father and Daisy Doe. In doing so she uncovers that everyone in that small town is hiding something in their lives. We also meet Roscoe Carver who is another one of the main characters and the key for uncovering the truth about everything that has happened in this case.

We meet some interesting characters and there is a romance element, although to me it wasn't a captivating part of the story. There is such a big suspense/mystery aspect that your focus when reading is trying to solve who committed the crime. The author does a great job at keeping you guessing. I think she also did an amazing job at bringing forth some difficult topics of anti-semitism and racism. If you enjoy time slips and mystery novels then you should definitely give this book a try!

(I received this book from the author through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)… (mehr)