Monday, April 13, 2015


MURDER UNDER THE TREE 
Book 2 in the Kay Driscoll Mystery series
by Susan Bernhardt


While Kay attends a Christmas tea at Hawthorne Hills Retirement Home, a beloved caretaker dies from an allergic reaction to peanuts. When the official coroner's report rules the cause of death to be accidental, a small group of residents suspect foul play and call upon Kay to investigate. 


Kay uncovers sinister plots of fraud, revenge, and corruption at the Home. During this season of peace on earth, good will to men, additional murders occur. Despite multiple attempts on her life, and with the support once again of her best friends, Elizabeth and Deirdre, Kay continues her quest for bringing justice for the victims. Kay's first Christmas in Sudbury Falls is an unforgettable one, with equal amounts of celebration and danger. Tis the season to be sleuthing!

MY REVIEW


MURDER UNDER THE TREE is a great second story in the Kay Driscoll Mystery series.


I saw much growth in the writing from the first book (which I loved). Author Susan Bernhardt has really developed the characters and has a great way with descriptions. My favorite parts were in Sweet Marissa’s Patisserie. Oh my goodness, I could smell all the goodies as I was reading.

As with THE GINSENG CONSPIRACY, Book 1 in the series, the mystery starts just a few pages into the book. The story takes off quickly and keeps an invigorating pace right up to its dramatic conclusion. I was kept guessing through the whole book.   

I look forward to my next visit to Sudbury Falls, Wisconsin. I can’t wait to see what Kay Driscoll gets herself into next!

Note: MURDER UNDER THE TREE does take place during the Christmas season and goes through into January. Please, don’t let that stop you from reading it right away! This is a wonderful mystery for ANY time of the year!

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18 comments:

  1. Murder Under The Tree sounds like a fun read. When I saw the cover, I started singing Christmas songs (I don't know what is wrong with me.... maybe the lack of sleep). Anyway, thank you for the review. I have added the book to my TBR list. :)

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    1. Nothing wrong with you at all, Jen. I sing Christmas songs all year round!

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  2. Happy Tuesday, Lisa! I love Christmas-themed mysteries...thanks!

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    1. Thank you, Pat! I love them too. The great part about this one is that it continues into the new year.

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  3. Thank you, Jen for visiting LIsa's blog and reading about Murder Under the Tree and for your kind words.

    Lisa, thank you for reviewing my Kay Driscoll mysteries. The third Kay Driscoll will be coming out this Fall. This was been a fun cozy mysteries series to write.

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    1. Susan, I'm looking forward to reading it! And I'd love to have you back on the blog!

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  4. Hi, thanks for a great review :-) I have heard wonderful things about these books ...and I am so much looking forward to reading this series that I am seriously contemplating buying a kindle soon...! :-)

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    1. Thank you, Ramla Zareen for visiting and your nice comment. I hope you will enjoy the Kay Driscoll series, when you read the mysteries. :)

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    2. Thank you, Ramla. The great thins you've heard are true! And you don't have to buy a Kindle to read it. You can download a FREE Kindle App from Amazon right onto you computer or tablet. It's works great!

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  5. Since I'm getting to the place where I may need assisted living soon - this should be an interesting read. Looking forward to reading the book - revisiting Christmas again too.
    thanks.

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    1. Hello Mary. I'm sure your assisted living won't quite be like the retirement home in Murder Under the Tree. At least I hope not. Just kidding!

      It's always fun to revisit Christmas. Thanks so much for your comments.

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    2. Mary, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you're going to do well. I always love revisiting Christmas too!

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    3. Mary, I'm also sorry to hear about you going into assisted living. It's a big step and a tough decision to make. Best wishes to you.

      Susan

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  6. Hello Patricia. I've always loved reading Christmas-themed mysteries as well, any time of year. It was fun to write one.

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  7. I look for books that take place during Christmas and during snow storms. Two of my favorite things. And I play Christmas music all the time, there are stations on Internet radio that are 24/7 Christmas music. I will be looking for this book. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Elaine, I'm a lover og all things Christmas and snow!

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    2. I agree with you, Elaine and Lisa. I love everything Christmas as well. And I love snow. Living in Wisconsin, we get plenty of it. Thanks for your comment, Elaine.

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  8. Thank you, everyone for coming to Lisa's blog to read about my second Kay Driscoll mystery, Murder Under the Tree. I appreciate your interest. :)

    Susan Bernhardt

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