“A Vintage Death” by Mary Ellen Hughes is a solid four-star read that combined mystery, charm, and a touch of vintage flair. Hughes’ Writing style is engaging and evocative, transporting readers to the quaint and enchanting world of the Pennsylvania countryside. The protagonist, Callie Reed, it's a relatable and determined amateur sleuth who finds herself entangled in a captivating murder mystery. The plot is well-paced and keeps readers guessing, with enough twists and turns to maintain suspense. The author's attention to detail and describing the vintage shop setting and the world of antiques adds depth and authenticity to the story. While some aspects of the plot could have been further developed, the overall reading experience is enjoyable and satisfying. “A Vintage Death” is it cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre, offering a delightful escape into a world where past treasures hold secrets worth uncovering.

This was a cute cozy read for a nice rainy day. The characters were fun along with the plot twist. If you are looking for a quick read, look no further. This is book 2 in the Keepsake Cove series. I mainly picked this up for the cover and read book 1 after I finished this one. You do not need to read the series in order to understand what is going on. Fun read!

I really loved this first book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end.

A Vintage Death is the first book I’ve read in the Keepsake Cove series but it was fairly easy to catch up with who is who and the mood of the community. For its own part, Keepsake Cove is a charming collection of shops with adorable names and intriguing characters with their own set of eccentricities. Would love to vacation there and browse all the delightful shops!

The mystery is well-plotted with a couple of intriguing twists that were right up my alley. Callie is a relatable character in her own right, and the addition of quirky Lyssa Hammond (visiting author) to the amateur detective mix nicely complemented Callie’s more laidback style. Additionally, the music box angle – specifically the boxes that ‘randomly’ play on their own in key moments, almost as warnings, add a whole other layer of intrigue and curiosity.

Bottom Line: A Vintage Death is a charming cozy mystery with great characters and a whodunit with interesting twists. Keepsake Cove is delightful to read about, and Callie & Lyssa make a nice team. After the last sentence, I’m even more eager to read the next book and see what happens next!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Callie Reed now owns the House of Melody, the music box shop left to her by her deceased aunt. She's also living her own life in the quiet town of Keepsake Cove, and has even volunteered for a special event. She gets involved in crime once again when the owner of Foxwood Inn, Mr. Ashby, is stabbed to death by a pair of scissors. Callie's friend and the victim's ex-wife, Dorothy, is the prime suspect, and Callie once again investigates to prove her friend's innocence.

I'm still iffy about this series, only because of its low-key supernatural events. I am not really a fan of the paranormal, especially the mystery is not really categorized as such, and so I can't avoid it in the story I'm reading. It's awkward for me, as a reader who enjoys mysteries, because I feel cheated where a cozy mystery heroine who's aided by supernatural forces, in any capacity, to solve a mystery. It somehow feels unreal when in an otherwise fictional world which has a reality mirroring our own, a mystery is solved other than the protagonist's own intelligence, instinct and bravery. I only like the use of the supernatural as a storytelling device when it's for comedic effect, or when the story is so crazy and the protagonist is so endearing that the presence of ghosts can be tolerated.

Those being said, Callie has really come to her own. She's more confident, as shown in her becoming more involved with the shop and the community. The progression is somewhat slow, though, and I still need something more from a cozy heroine protagonist, especially that it looks like the "magical" music box is becoming an integral piece in the story.

I like how I felt, through the story, that the victim's character is disliked by everyone, and an overall horrible person. I sympathized so much with the real murderer, and although it was a crime, you could feel the loss and grief that the criminal felt, and understand why the murderer thought that the victim deserved to die.

I'm still going to read future books, only to see if the "magical" music box is gone. I want to see this to the end.

*** I got a copy of this book from NetGalley. These are all my own opinions. #NGEW2019

Keepsake Cove has to be the most charming little town in Maryland that you could ever imagine. Equally charming are the shopkeepers, well most of the shopkeepers such as Callie Reed the music box maven, or Dorothy the Sewing Shop suspect who couldn't have possibly killed her estranged ought-to-be ex-husband. Callie and the masterful mystery writer are hot on the trail in this collectible cozy. People are not whom they seem to be and secrets abound, as usual for a cozy. This is my first but definitely not my last Keepsake Cove cozy if for no other reason than to learn more about the mysterious music box that "pipes up" when mystery is afoot. The characters are well developed and I had no idea who the killer was or the other plot thickeners for that matter. I do like the little bit of romance and the fact that Callie's assistant has a flair for the dramatic with her wardrobe style, I loved imagining how Tabitha looked each day she came in to work. Looking forward to seeing how Callie continues to deal with her ex, Hank, with while navigating the dating path with café owner Brian.

This was a fun, cute cozy mystery! I love the theme throughout, and I will definitely be continuing with the series.

Callie Reed inherited her aunt's Music Box Shop in Keepsake Cove. She's trying to fit into the community so she volunteers to help with the town's fall festival which leads her to interactions with many of the other merchants - nice and not so nice. When one of her new friend's estranged husband is found murdered and the weapon (antique scissors) points sharply at her friend, the owner of the sewing shop, Callie jumps in to find the real culprit and save her friend.

Even though this ids the second book in the series, the main recurring characters have definitely fleshed out and the writing brings them to life. I really wish there was a Keepsake Cove - I'd love to visit!!

This is the second book in the Keepsake Cove mystery series. Callie Reed owns a music box store in Keepsake Cove, MD. She inherited the shop from her aunt and she wants to settle in and become part of the community. She volunteers to help decorate for the Fall festival, and everything is going great until the owner of the local B&B is found dead. His wife becomes the main suspect and Callie wants to clear her name.

This is a nice cozy mystery with fun characters and a setting that makes you want to visit this town. I look forward to future installments in the series.

Thanks to Midnight Ink and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Vintage Death is an entertaining cozy mystery starring Callie Reed (also the star of Book One, A Fatal Collection). Callie is the new owner of House of Melody, a music box store, which used to belong to her Aunt Melodie. The tale of how Callie became one of the shopkeepers in Keepsake Cove is told in A Fatal Collection.

My favorite returning characters are Callie and Brian Greer. During A Fatal Collection, Callie was helped significantly in "a few minor incidents and one particularly dangerous one" by Brian. Brian owns and operates the Keepsake Cove Café across the street from House of Melody. Since those incidents, she and Brian have been dating (although Callie insists on calling it "spending a lot of time with each other," not dating).

A secondary character who adds a lot of fun to the plot is Tabitha, Callie's twenty-year-old part-time assistant at the shop. Tabitha's usual attire consists of anything unusual, like vintage clothing or a costume. Some of the outfits worn by Tabitha during A Vintage Death depict Margaret Anderson (Jane Wyatt) from Father Knows Best, Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory, someone from the musical Hair, and Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. Callie's regular customers (and I) get a kick out of seeing what new looks Tabitha comes up with.

Callie is relatable, easy to root for, and a really good friend. When some of their neighbors talk about the murder and murderer of Cliff Ashby, as if the case against the victim's wife Dorothy is all sewn up, Callie remains loyal to her. With the able assistance of visiting author Lyssa Hammond (my favorite new character), Callie investigates the murder and subsequent events that occur.

Callie and Lyssa are even more determined to sleuth out the real murderer after a second person is killed with a pair of scissors. Callie and Lyssa discover several people with grudges against the victims. (If a grudge is nursed long enough, will it become a motive for murder?) The sleuths investigate the various alibis of their suspects (field trip!). The actual perpetrator was someone that neither Callie and Lyssa nor I suspected. Can you figure it out?

The mystery is plausible and appropriately mysterious. The plot is fast-moving, clever, and entertaining, with a thrilling climax. I love the ending! It's so cozy, and a perfect set-up for Book Three in the Keepsake Cove Mysteries. I can't wait to read it.

I recommend A Vintage Death to all cozy mystery fans, especially those of you who are also fans of fall festivals, gift shops, music boxes, collectibles, and keepsakes. I totally enjoyed A Vintage Death, and I think you will too. Mary Ellen Hughes has collected Four Stars for A Vintage Death.

Music box shop owner Callie Reed is getting involved in Keepsake Cove by planning the fall decorations and an appearance by a popular author. When the owner of the local bed and breakfast is found dead, stabbed by a pair of vintage scissors from one of the local shops, she also finds herself investigating a murder.

The second book in the Keepsake Cove mystery series, this one didn't pull me in as deeply as the firsst one did. The mystery kept me wondering who the murderer was and it all made sense at the end. That paranormal element is still there, but it's extremely minor and doesn't add much to the plot beyond being a cute touch.

<b>A Vintage Death</b> is the second instalment to Mary Ellen Hughes’ A Keepsake Cove Mystery. I read this as a stand-alone to review the advanced readers copy.

<I>As the new music box store owner and resident of Keepsake Cove, a quaint town full of collectible shops on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Callie Reed is eager to get more involved in her community. She volunteers to plan the Fall street decorations and welcome a visiting author who's come for a special book signing. But the celebratory mood is cut short when the local B&B owner is found dead, killed by a pair of vintage scissors.</I>

This is has cozy read written all over it! It’s a charming, well written murder mystery with a hint of romance. The characters are endearing and the setting is delightful (I’d want to stay there - well minus the murder obviously).

</b>**Thanks to the author and netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.** </b>

3.5

The second in the Keepsake Cove Mystery series and the first book I've read. Cosies are my genre of choice mostly because they have good characters, a variety of themes (a little something for everyone), and generally don't take too long to read.

This series offers up a music box shop owner in the small coastal town of Keepsake Cove, a place which relies on its numerous collectible and keepsake shops to keep tourists and visitors coming. Callie is new(ish) to town and is also in charge of the volunteers for the town's fall street decorations and for arranging an author signing. The murder of the local B&B owner throws a bit of a damper on the proceedings, and Callie is sure that the victim's estranged wife, Dorothy, had nothing to do with it despite a pair of scissors from her sewing shop being identified as the murder weapon! The visiting author also has her doubts, and together they set out to clear Dorothy's name.

I've got no interest at all in music boxes (or collectables of any kind, really), so that aspect of the book didn't really do anything for me, but the characters were well done and there were enough red herrings that I didn't guess the murderer until just before Callie did. The story was good and kept me focussed throughout, so overall it was an enjoyable read and one I'd recommend for a rainy afternoon!

The only thing that can possibly be better than a good mystery novel is a good mystery novel containing a mystery writer egging the main character to snoop and help solve crimes. This was truly a new to me spin that I found absolutely amazing!! It was so well written and the characters were all so well developed. Filled with compassion, the "what have I gotten myself into" moments we all run into, laughs, a few red herrings, and a community I found myself wishing to visit, this book has it all. Only the second book in the series, there's that new feeling like you've recently moved into this town with Callie and are still learning everything right along with her. I honestly cannot wait to read another in this series. I was delighted!

Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Ellen Hughes, and Midnight Ink for the chance to read such a splendid story and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.

This is a good book 2 in the Keepsake Cove Mystery series. This cozy keeps your interest in the mystery and also develops the characters and relationships laid out in book 1, A Fatal Collection. Callie is running the music box store on the Eastern shore of Maryland and is happy to help plan the fall festival. Everyone is happy a well known suspense author is going to attend. When the B&B owner is found dead his wife is the main suspect but when murder #2 occurs the town isn't sure what's happening. Good story and it was great to revisit and discover more about antiques as you read. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Wow! Just Wow!
This author can write! I was drawn into this story before I even realized what was happening! I said I'd just read for a few minutes next thing I know it's 2:30 am and I feel like I've just gotten off a rollercoaster! This story was so well plotted and paced.
Callie Reed is the proprietor of House of Melody in Maryland. In this book, we have a dead body, a friend in trouble and a music box. This is the second book in the Keepsake Cove series. Yes, this story can be read as a stand-alone title. (But why would you want too!) I highly recommend this book!


Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5

I've pretty much decided that cozy mysteries are my go to books when I want to read something entertaining. The Keepsake Cove mystery series is a perfect example of why I like this genre.

Callie owns a music box store. All of the other shops in Keepsake Cove offer different types of collectibles. When the co-owner of the local B&B is found murdered, Callie goes into investigative mode to discover who committed the crime.

I really like all of the characters in Keepsake Cove. Callie is smart and inquisitive, which makes her the perfect detective. Her helpful cohorts often colorful and quirky. And I'm rooting for Brian to eventually turn into a full fledge boyfriend.

This is the second book in the series and I am so glad I got in on this one from the beginning. I like spending time with the folks in Keepsake Cove and look forward to more adventures.

My thanks to Midnight Ink and Netgalley.

A Vintage Death by Mary Ellen Hughes
Book #2: Keepsake Cover Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Purchase
My Rating 5/5 stars

Callie Reed has had quite the introduction to Keepsake Cove. Following the murder of her beloved aunt, the taking over of the music box shop, and the adjustment to an entirely new life, Callie has resolved to become involved in her new community, really get to know her neighbors, and stay out of trouble.

In an effort to really dive right in and become a full-fledged member of the community, Callie has agreed to head up the planning committee for the town’s upcoming fall festival. With decorations, activities and entertainment, refreshments, and advertising, Callie has her hands beyond full. She certainly doesn’t need a distraction like one of her favorite neighbor’s and fellow shop owners being accused of murder, but that is exactly what Callie gets.

Though she doesn’t intend to become involved in the investigation, Callie is roped into the sleuthing by a most unlikely source, the visiting paranormal author in town to sign books during the Fall Festival. As the two women begin their own investigation, they quickly uncover a hard truth, no one, not even the victim’s estranged wife liked the dead man. What’s more, with only a bit of digging, Callie and company discover the victim wasn’t simply disliked but reviled for his attitude and abhorrent behavior. If it weren’t for his sweet estranged wife being blatantly accused of his death, much of Keepsake Cove would likely consider his death a public service and move on with their own lives.

As so often happens, like attracts like and the wretched victim was in cahoots with several other shady characters. Callie’s digging is making a lot of people nervous and before she knows it, she finds herself not only in the thick of it, but a very real target for the killer. With each new incident (yes, there’s more than one!) Callie knows she is getting close to the truth, but the big reveal is more than she could have ever imagined and is as heartbreaking as it is diabolical and wrong.

The Bottom Line: Even at only two books in, I am fully prepared to call the Keepsake Cove Mystery series one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series! I loved everything about this book from the plot, to the multitude of secrets, to the past coming back to impact the present, to the growing sense of acceptance, community, and friendship among the shop owners. Though young, Callie is a kind and generous soul who fits in perfectly with the older community she now finds herself a part of. Each character is so well developed that each unique personality shines through and draws the reader in. Since I am such a character-driven reader, this quality very much appeals to me and keeps me connected to the story and people telling the story. Finally, I love that the plot truly is cozy mystery; yes, there is death and back things, but there are no over the top crazy/awful descriptions and the twists and turns aren’t such that I get lost in the complexity. In short, A Vintage Death is just a fine read that will absolutely appeal to a wide range of readers, but most especially cozy mystery lovers.

A Vintage Death: A Keepsake Cove Mystery
By Mary Ellen Hughes
Midnight Ink
November 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

Maryland’s small town of Keepsake Cove is renowned for their holiday and seasonal decorations. In her enthusiasm as the new owner of the vintage music box store House of Melody, Callie Reed enthusiastically volunteered to head their fall’s decoration committee. The first of her many responsibilities is to coordinate a booksigning event for bestselling paranormal novelist Lyssa Hammond. Staying close by at the Foxwood Inn, even scare-specialist Lyssa finds the B&B owner Clifford Ashby to be a little too creepy for her own comfort, and his overwhelming talkativeness and overbearing personality explains why he is the estranged husband of sewing shop owner Dorothy Ashby. It also leads to her becoming the primary suspect when Clifford is found murdered, although the Dorothy’s Stitches Thru Time scissors sticking out of him probably helped.

Feeling responsible for the Keepsake Cove business community and unable to believe that her friend had the capability to murder even the most irritating of spouses, Callie begins to question both her neighbors and the B&B’s visiting guests. Callie soon learns of Clifford’s extortion list that had him going to local businesses alphabetically, demanding payment with the threat of bad reviews and ratings. As Callie investigates, someone seems to be intent on shutting the bookstore event down, using pranks and even arson for what may be a distraction to keep her from discovering the truth. When another murder occurs seeming to cement Dorothy’s guilt, Callie realizes that there is far more darkness in Keepsake Cove than she could ever have suspected.

Keepsake Cove is a delightful coastal town full of adorable shops specializing in vintage music boxes, collectable toy cars, cookery items, and of course all things Christmas. After inheriting both a cat named Jagger (moves like Mick) and the vintage music box store, Callie embraced her new home and happily moved on without her lazy, failed-musician ex-husband. Cove Café owner Brian Greer is doing his part to help Callie adjust to her new home, as is her ever-costume-character-changing assistant Tabitha. The real surprise here is Lyssa, who switches from ghosts to mysteries as she joins Callie in her investigative pursuits. There’s still an unearthly presence being felt though, as a music box owned by Callie’s grandfather seems to turn itself on whenever a clue should be noticed or an action taken. A very timely plot element emerges within the very cozy atmosphere, bringing to the forefront crimes that too often go unchecked. Callie is a woman who has learned to stand up for herself and for her beliefs, making her an admirable heroine finally finding a true home and her place in the world.

I received this ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review. A Vintage Death is the second book in the Keepsake Cove Mystery series. The protagonist, Callie Reed, owns the Keepsake Cove music box store. Working hard to fit in with this quirky little Maryland community, Callie volunteers to organize the fall decorations for the Main Street businesses. Murder puts a pause on those plans when a dead body is found stabbed, with vintage sewing scissors belonging her friend Dorothy, Callie sets out to clear her friend's name and find the real killer. A visiting author's participation makes this an interesting collaboration effort. Luckily, the author writes so that you aren't required to be 'into' music boxes or sewing in order to enjoy the book. Nice character development and a good cosy mystery.