Joy Ann Ribar

I have read numerous books in Joy Ann Ribar’s Deep Lakes Cozy Mysteries, and really enjoyed them, so when I saw that she had a new series out, I put it on my list of books to get, and I was not disappointed!

The Medusa Murders is the first book in the Bay Browning Mysteries, and you may notice that Cozy has been left off of the series, and with good reason. While I think most people who read cozies will still enjoy this one, especially since there are many aspects of the typical cozy mystery, this is a bit darker of a mystery then the hard-core traditional cozy mystery reader might enjoy. But I feel that would be a super low percentage overall.

I really enjoyed this darker mystery filled with family secrets, a serial killer, and even touches of the supernatural, which I’m hoping will come out a lot more in future books. I also really appreciated all the elements of Greek, Roman and Egyptian folklore, and the history of art and iconography that Ribar incorporated into the story. I always love learning new things when I read!
Another aspect that I liked was the riddles on paper and in artwork that the killer left since it gave the story more of a thriller vibe.

My one, little eh moment, that I could have done without, was how often Bay was angry with various people. I’m not saying she needs to be happy all the time or nice to everyone, but many times I saw no reason for it. The other person hadn’t done anything first, but she came at them hard. Was it enough to stop me from finishing the book, no, but I do like to mention (my) good, as well as the bad, in all my reviews.

I think lovers of mysteries (including cozy), suspense, thrillers, and even the supernatural should give the Bay Browning Mysteries a read, and I’m already looking forward to book two!… (mehr)

I went in to this mystery expecting more suspense and fantasy elements, instead I was rewarded with a sweet, cozy, family drama mystery with a touch of romance.

I found the main female lead, Bay, to be relatable and capable. Her lifestyle of tea, books, and walks was dream like an felt like a break into the perfect cozy world, but with murder. The other side characters were down to earth and Cass in specific was one I warmed up to quickly.

The main plot was a murder mystery that the author crafted very well and did a good job keeping the reader attached to it and making it feel like we were seeing clues while leaving me shocked by the end. The finial resolution was a great twist while fitting all the clues and leaving us open for the next novel but not on a cliff hanger. This is a well done mystery that I would recommend to those who enjoy mysteries that are set in the modern, real world, with leads that like settling into their cozy life and are slightly disgruntled to be removed from it for the reason of crime.

I received an ARC of this book at no cost/for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased… (mehr)

wisconsin, small-business, small-town, cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, bakery, baker, amateur-sleuth, family, friends, friendship, new-series, first-in-series, snow-season, ice-fishing, winery, wine-country, suspense, murder, murder-investigation

I can certainly attest to the accuracy of the local color and winter habits of the heartland of Wisconsin small towns. The characters are equally clear and relatable, the plot has some nice twists and unexpected red herrings. I loved the story and will hunt down others in the series. Who knows? They might even now be in my TBR pile!
I won a new paperback in a rural public library raffle!… (mehr)

I’ve had the pleasure of reading the Deep Lakes Cozy Mysteries by Joy Ribar from book one, and I truly mean it when I say each book keeps getting better… and Deep Dark Secrets was really good to start!

In Deep Green Envy, Ribar is able to combine lots of diverse and well developed characters with the wines and baked goods that make Wisconsin so unique. As well as detailed descriptions of the countryside that will make readers want to visit Central Wisconsin. And she does it all with the panache that makes it seem effortless.

Add in a crime with lots of suspects and a few red herrings and you are in for a treat. Who knew Wisconsin could create such opulent wines and authors? Anyone who’s read Joy Ribar’s Deep Lakes Cozy Mysteries, that’s who!… (mehr)