"A compelling tale of tragedy and family feelings, this book kept me reading until the day was gone. Sandra Carey Cody knows how families tick, and she knows all about the love, jealousies, fighting and hurt you can experience. In this masterfully woven story, she meshes the lives of several families into a fascinating whole. She also shows how one mistake can destroy a whole life -- and the families that are tied to it. What a storyteller!"
Beate Boeker, author of the Temptation In Venice series
Praise for LOVE AND NOT DESTROY
"If you enjoy a solid, traditional mystery, this book is for you. It centers around the complex relationships between friends and family and the destructive power of secrets. As the plot evolves through many twists and turns, the characters develop and grow, some dealing with consequences, others hiding from them." Ellis Vidler, author ofCold Comfort
"... a wonderful read for those who want to cozy up with a great mystery."
Marielena Zuniga, award-winning journalist and author
"Secrets...lies...running from the truth...the quest for truth...spell-binding intrigue...heart-rending emotions. These are just a few of the many strong plot points that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. ... one of the best mysteries I've read."
Sydell Voeller, author of The Fisherman's Daughter
About ebook A Perfect Wedding: Stories that will make you think and laugh and nod your head in recognition. A perfect read to unstress. Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban, author of Two Moon Princess
About ebook Beyond the Fairy Light Delightfully poignant family story that rings true. Told with skill from the point of view of the daughter. A delightful read. Mona Ingram, author ofFull Circle
SUCH HEART THAT IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS
Left at Oz is part of Sandy's Jennie Connors Mystery Series. I haven't read any of the other books but it didn't matter at all that I hadn't "met" Jennie before. This book is so well written that it's great as a stand-alone.
I liked Jennie Connors from the first page. She amuses me because I can see myself doing some of the things she does! For instance, the book opens with a search for her stolen car. She's gotten a mysterious phone message and, like so many of us might do, she enlists the help of a good friend to follow the few clues she has. When her friend asks how Jennie's husband reacted to the news her car's missing, Jennie admits she didn't tell him. Don't you just love that? So real, because honestly, I'm not sure I'd be so quick to let on that my car turned up missing. You?
Left at Oz is a solid mystery, with enough clues to keep the reader turning the pages and such heart that it's almost impossible not to fall in love with the characters. I confess, I didn't solve the mystery. I had suspicions but when the truth came out I loved the twist. It, like the rest of the book, was a perfect fit.
"Get cozy with this fine read and discover what was left at Oz."
- Stephen L. Brayton, author of "Beta" for Suspense Magazine
INCREDIBLY PLEASANT AND ENJOYABLE
The heroine is Jennifer (Jennie) Connors, divorced/single mother of two, is Activities Director of Riverview. She holds it all together in a realistic and admirable way; she's neither a neurotic mess nor Super Woman, so she felt real to us from the very first page. Her two sons are well drawn and sympathetic without being stereotypes.
The mystery begins when two diners are poisoned at a restaurant owned by Jennie's best friend, Lilly. Complicating matters is the fact that Lilly's teenage daughter may somehow be involved. Jennie investigates, using a sort of Edgar Allan Poe technique of paying attention to details that others have chosen not to focus on. And she's helped greatly by a set of six elderly residents of Riverview nicknamed the "Tea Ladies." Each of them is a hoot in her own way, but what we found really enjoyable about them was the way each had her own distinct personality, and used life experience to give Jennie insights.
We thought Jennie's relationship with her husband (usually cordial, sometimes strained) seemed very real, as did her relationship with her two sons. The mystery itself is well done and logical even if it's not ground-breaking or filled with shocking surprises (a couple of us figured out the "perp" long before Jennie), and the story is an incredibly pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening. While the term "cozy" applies here, we thought it was an exceedingly well done cozy, feeling very real, warm, and rich, without any manufactured cuteness or cloying sentimentality.
Overall, we recommend Consider the Lilly and hope to see more of Jennie and the residents of Riverview.
Claire MaManus on Dorothy L
A COZY WITH A MARY HIGGINS CLARK FEEL
Sandra Carey Cody's Consider the Lilly is a well-crafted mystery and cozy that's entertaining and smooth. Cody writes like Mary Higgins Clark but definitely has her own unique style and voice. You'll be sucked in from page one, and want to spend lots of time with Jennie Connor, her family, and quirky friends. Lots of sinister goings on here that you won't want to miss from this masterful author.
Kelly Jameson Author of Dead On
FUN COZY ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AND FAMILY
Jennie Connors' good friend, Lilly, is in big trouble. Two people were poisoned in Lilly's restaurant and her eldest daughter, Jasmine, could be a suspect. Lilly's business has been shut down and her family's in crisis, so Jennie wants to help. Convinced of Lilly's and Jasmine's innocence, she sets out to find the truth, despite police warnings to stay out of the investigation. As activities coordinator at a retirement home, Jennie has a lot of unwanted investigative help from her "tea ladies". When the niece of one of these ladies is killed under suspicious circumstances in a car crash, Jennie's determination to find the killer really ramps up. But, as a single parent, Jennie also has her hands full caring for her own two boys, doing her job, and fielding phone calls from her meddlesome ex.
Although there's tension and turmoil, Sandra Carey Cody creates a remarkably calm atmosphere in CONSIDER THE LILLY. There's something soothing about her writing style, which makes for a pleasant, entertaining read. The characters are believable and I look forward to reading more of Jennie's adventures.