I have read and enjoyed several in this series, but this one was not a favorite. I think this is book 4 or 5, and I expected the characters to grow a bit with experience, but they still seem to just bumble along. I also find the off and on relationship between Erica and Grady a bit annoying. Some books they are strong at it like bunnies, and other times like here they are with others. At times felt a little like high school. A lot of fun banter between Erica and Freddie of course, and the dog is a hoot. Would recommend if you've enjoyed the series.

This book was so much fun to read and there was more than a few times where I burst out laughing. I requested this book on Netgalley last September before I took my blogging break but I fully intend on buying a physical copy of this book. I’m bummed that I waited until this month to read this book because this is the perfect New Year’s book to me and I can’t wait to reread it at the end of this year. I know that not everyone is interested in cozy mysteries but if they are a type of book that you enjoy I cannot recommend this book enough.

This book is part of a series that I have never read before but I still was able to keep up with the characters and the author did a good job of sprinkling bits of back story throughout the novel. I loved the two main characters, Erica and Freddie, so much that I plan on reading the past books in this series. The characters were so funny and in so many different ways relatable. The author did such an amazing job of making these characters come to life and I felt as though I was a part of the party. The only downside this book had for me was the romance. I know I have missed the three books prior to this one so maybe it is better explained in those books but I spent the whole book wondering why Erica was so hung up on Grady. He didn’t treat her that great and only seem interested in her when the two of them were alone. At some points of the book it was actually annoying how much she would make excuses for him. Overall though, Erica was a super funny character who got herself into amusing situations.

The reason I requested this book on Netgalley was because the summary mentions the book/movie Clue which is my absolute favorite movie of all time. This book definitely had some Clue like scenarios and Wallace actually name dropped it more than once. The vibe of the book is also similar to Clue although the circumstances of the stories are completely different. So even if you don’t like cozy mysteries but you enjoy Clue I would give this book a try.

When someone tries to murder Sheriff Grady's girlfriend he is suddenly on the other end of the investigation. This is a fun, fast paced cozy that will make you want to revisit Otter Lake!

Waking up in a strange room with a splitting headache, a handcuff on her ankle, and fur-clad BFF Freddie Ng alongside her in bed, Erica Bloom tries to recall what happened the night before. She had been attending a New Year’s Eve costume party at the mansion of wealthy architect Matthew Masterson with Freddie. But Erica is not looking forward to seeing her ex-boyfriend Sheriff Grady Forrester and his new girlfriend Candace. Surprisingly, things are not well between the lovebirds and Candace almost drops dead after her drink is poisoned. Grady is the prime suspect and now Erica has until midnight to clear Grady and maybe win him back.

Erica and Freddie have a quirky friendship and their humorous antics to save Candace and clear Grady's name makes this a fun read. This is another hilarious entry in the Otter Lake mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and St. Martin's Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Erica and Freddie are back in another madcap adventure. The story starts with a hangover and then resets at New Year's Eve. Our first person narrator, Erica, and her BFF Freddie are working with Rhonda Cooke to get Otter Lake Security off the ground. They're having trouble though since Rhonda's PI license hasn't come through yet. Erica is trying to be upbeat declaring her theme of the year to be The Year of The Adult., even it means spending New Year's Eve with her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. And Rhonda's cousin who she keeps threatening to set up with Erica's flame/crush/could-have-been, Matthew. Something happens during the night but Erica's memory is rather... spotty.

This is a back and forth between "present" and the night before. I've never really connected with this series. My biggest problem is the fact that Erica doesn't seem to be growing as an investigator or as a person. Freddie either. Four books in and you'd think that there would be some change. People who have enjoyed the other books in this series may enjoy this one as well those with frustrations... this book doesn't change any of those.



This book comes out October 31

Three stars

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Entertaining and funny light mystery with quirky characters in Erika and Freddie. I'd not read the earlier books in this series (and I suspect I missed some things) so thanks to Netgalley for the introduction to Otter Lake, where there's a lot more going on than meets the eye. Grady, Erika's ex, is suspected of poisoning his date to the big New Year's Eve party but why? Erika sets out to absolve him and maybe restore their relationship. This isn't too complicated and it was a treat to read. Try it if you like cozies.

This is book 4 in the Otter lake Mystery series. It works well as a standalone; there weren’t any scenes in the book where I felt left out; however, I would have liked to have read the previous books because this book makes me so curious as to what happened before.

I have never come across a funnier cozy mystery. The main characters: Erika and Freddie, self proclaimed BFF forever ( Best Friends Forever Forever), are trying to keep Erika’s ex-boyfriend’s (who she really isn’t over) new girlfriend from getting killed. The way they go about it can best be described as bumbling and madcap with lots of humorous observations about what they think they should do thrown in for good measure. While it came as a surprise to me, I found the funny scenes to be quite enjoyable after I got into the spirit of the book.

This would be a good book for you if you’d like a fun mystery to read.

Ring In the Year with Murder by Auralee Wallace is the fourth book in the Otter Lake Mystery series, and a terrific fun read. I love this book and can't wait for the next adventure.

I loved all the well developed quirky characters in this book. Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. This book also made me laugh out loud. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. If you love funny cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, you will love this book. It is strongly recommended.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Erica and Freddie... and another adventure.... they will have you giggling throughout the book. And the will they or won't they between Erica and Grady is still strong, wrapped around a fun mystery that's told in a series of flashbacks from Erica's -- or is it Freddie's -- bed? Very fun read - keep this series going.

The funniest book in this series by far. Erica and Freddie are hilarious. Their back and forth conversations made this book unput-downable for me. Awesome characters in this one! Great work, can't wait to read more of this series.

Time to ring in the new year and Erica and her bff are all set with. Great Gasby theme. Then wham murder and her ex Grady's date ends up dead and he's the prime suspect not to mention the Sheriff. Erica has to help him since she still loves or does she. The mystery is solid and characters a delight and the burning cow a hoot. The books need to be read in order or you will be lost.

Fans of the series may enjoy this latest offering but the last two books have not captured my attention.

Erica finds herself once again in a unique and hilarious situation with her side kick and BFF Freddie. Erica just doesn't know what to do with the men in her life anymore, just forget them or realize she doesn't know exactly who she really wants? This book is good for mystery, laughs, and moments when you say What!! out loud. I loved this book, just another great addition to this series. Thank you NetGalley and Auralee Wallace for allowing me to read this book in advance for a honest review.