It could have been a 5 star but one thing I hate in cozy mysteries is when the main characters do something so stupid that can only defined as death wish.
It's a page turner, a pleasant and engrossing read that I read as fast as I could.
I like the well crafted plot, even I found the end a bit confusing, the likeable and fleshed out cast of characters and the humour.
The mystery was good and the end was unexpected.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Fifth in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series, this outrageously funny, intriguing, cozy mystery is the best in the series to date. It is fun to watch Phee (Sophie) and her mother Harriet drive each other to distraction and see Aunt Ina have a bigger part in this investigation than usual. The mystery is more complex than I anticipated! From The Lillian in Sun City West to Punkin Center and Tonto National Forest, Phee sees much more of Arizona than the average resident. The authors have taken the best of this elegant resort city, added Midwest charm, senior flair, and international crime with ties to Arizona for a fabulous romp through the desert!

Harriet and friend Lucinda’s current artistic endeavor includes learning how to craft things from clay at the clay club in Sun City West. Harriet insists that Phee, who left Mankato, Minnesota a couple years ago and now lives in Glendale, and her boyfriend and private investigator Marshall attend the Creations in Clay event in late June, still a few weeks away. Phee, Marshall, and Nate, their boss and owner of Williams Investigations all worked at the police department in Mankato. Former detectives Nate and Marshall stay busy as PI’s and are content with what they do. Phee does what she did in Mankato, keeping the books. Thanks to Harriet and her friends in the Booked 4 Murder book club, Phee gets pulled into more cases – and trouble – than imaginable.

When Phee was coming to visit her mother a couple years earlier, she met the “Gertrudes”, sisters Gertie and Trudy on the flight. They reside at The Lillian, a luxury senior residence. They called Phee one day, as someone was going into people’s apartments and taking things. Most missing items were of little monetary value yet going into their homes and taking away their privacy is critical. Phee agreed to meet with the residence director, as the residents are concerned of retaliation from the staff if she knows who is concerned.

While she talked with the Gertrudes, the sheriff’s office asked Nate’s consult on a homicide in Sun City West, who then asked Phee to meet Nate at her mother’s home. The dead man was a gifted clay artisan, found in his garage studio. He was holding a note with two names on it: Harriet’s and Lucinda’s. The ladies knew who Quentin was but had never bought anything from him. Harriet is a wreck and wants Nate, Phee, and Marshall to find out whodunit fast – as a possible hit list is not her favorite place to be.

The far-reaching, devious tentacles are amazing. I could never have come up with the full solution for this mystery! Sure, I had a few pieces put together, but certainly nothing like the entire scope of crimes. The novel ends with surprises and potential changes for Phee and is very satisfying. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries, laugh-out-loud humor, eye-rolling, senior (NOT senile) characters, and a bit of romance. You won’t be disappointed!

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even without reading the previous four in the series. I found the characters engaging and entertaining without being over the top. The dynamic between Phee, Marshall, Nate, Augusta, and Phee's mom are relatable and keep the story moving.

I liked how the story was much more than you initially think and it moves in a logical progression that doesn't leave you lost.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone that likes cozy mysteries!

This is another fun entry in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series. Sophie, or as her friends know her, Phee, is an accountant/bookkeeper for a private detective agency. Her mother, Harriet, lives in a retirement community, just a few miles away from where Phee lives and works.

Harriet has become interested in crafts, specifically working with clay. One of the hotshot ceramic artists is found murdered and there is a note with Harriet and one of her friends names written on it at the scene of the crime.

Harriet begs her daughter to investigate and, against her better judgement, Phee once again starts nosing around trying to search out clues.

The search leads Phee to the one of the premier retirement complexes and to another murder and then the crimes start to pile up.

While Phee is intrepid, she also goes off on tangents and insists that whatever her latest theory is, is the key to solving the crime. She goes headfirst into trouble and, unsurprisingly, she ends up in danger more than once.

Still, it is a fun read and a good plot and is perfect for escapist cozy mystery reading. The book can be read stand-alone, however, I like reading the books in order. It allows me to see how both characters and relationships grow.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

A quick and easy read. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. This is the first book I've read in theseries but I wss able to follow along just fine. I plan on checking out the other books soon.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or remuneration.

I found this book to be better than the last one in the series, with still lots of dialogue, but it's more useful. It's amusing, has very good characters, and the plot and story are quite good. Very easy read.

I think this might be the best Sophie Kimball mystery yet. This is book 5. The story involves two murders, pottery, diamonds, ATVs, the high desert, high class senior living, a spa, and Streetman, Sophie's mom's dog.
I enjoyed all the twists and turns this story takes to find the real culprits. The story has such a broad arc but the importance is in the details.
Sophie "Phee" has such talent in putting clues and small pieces of information together.
There is so much creativity in the situations the author thinks up that it's small wonder that the police don't seem to have a chance of figuring it out on their own. Of course, they are written that way.
I am on the fence about whether to recommend reading this series in order. This book could stand on its own just fine, and I found Phee's mother and dog to be quite irritating in some of the earlier books.
Books 1 and 2 both focused a little too much on the annoying qualities of Harriet, Phee's mother, Streetman, the dog and in book 2 Aunt Ina. I like Harriet and Ina better in books 4 and 5.

Phee is back! Sun City West should be a quiet retirement community where people learn things like sculpting and enjoy life but no.....Phee's mom Harriett (who is a hoot) is distraught and disturbed when Quentin is found dead, with a list of names, including hers, in his cold hand. Phee works for Nate, a private investigator and Nate find out that the Sheriff thinks this is a hit list. For murder! Yikes. Of course, Phee, along with her mom, her aunt, Nate, and her sweetie Marshall, must investigate. Then....there's another murder! No spoilers but there's a nasty reason behind the list with a villain who is bent on taking advantage of seniors. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm a fan of this series because of the characters and their interplay (love the dialogue). Phee's smart and she's got attitude. You should be fine with this as a standalone but then you'll be like me and eagerly awaiting the next one.

Molded 4 Murder by J. C. Eaton is the 5th book in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series, and another fun read. Sophie, “Phee”, Kimball gets sucked into another murder investigation by her mother and friends. When a well know sculptor is found murdered, with Phee's mom and her friend's names on the list, Phee of course is concerned. Phee is an accountant for a private eye firm, and her boyfriend is one of the private eyes. This book has a lot going in it, it felt like being back with old friends. I love this series, this book made me laugh out loud, it was so funny. Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. 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, I strongly recommend this book/series. 

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

Molded 4 Murder
(Sophie Kimball Mystery #5)
by J.C. Eaton 

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: August 27th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation




Goodreads synopsis:
A view to a kiln ...

Sophie "Phee" Kimball enjoys working as a bookkeeper for a private investigator. If only her mother Harriet could enjoy her retirement at Sun City West in Arizona--instead of constantly getting involved with retirees being prematurely put out to pasture. This time Quentin Dussler, a prominent member of the clay sculpting club, was found dead, clutching a piece of paper scrawled with Phee's mother's name.

Terrified she's been targeted by assassins, Harriet begs Phee to investigate. What Phee uncovers is a complicated scheme that only the most diabolical of murderers would ever devise. And as she chisels away at confusing clues and potential suspects, Phee unearths something far more precious and valuable than she could imagine. Eager for answers, she takes a bold step--placing herself in the crosshairs of a stonefaced killer ...


***

4 Stars

This is the fifth book in the Sophie “Phee” Kimball Mystery series by J.C. Eaton.

I find the premise of this a bit humorous. Phee’s mother thinks she has been targeted by assassins because a dead body is found clutching a piece of paper with her name on it. Couldn’t it have been a list of whom the person wanted to soon visit? Phee works for an investigator and thus is called into action to help dear ole mom.

It turns out to be whole lot more involved than just assassins. Someone has targeted the funds of the elderly residents of a facility that is similar to a nursing home yet isn’t. If the person isn’t caught soon, the criminal may bilk the residents out of more than just their money.

As is with many cozy mysteries, Phee is so much smarter than every seasoned investigator and detective sharing the story with her. She pays attention to the little details others overlook and listens to the residents when they share information that turns out to be a great source of intel.

The mystery was a lot more complex than it seems on the surface. And I appreciated that about this mystery. It wasn’t dumbed down for me. I hope this story doesn’t give some schmuck an idea about how to take people for wads of cash right under their noses. Makes me fearful for my elderly friends.

If you are looking for a great cozy mystery to dig into, definitely try out this series. Since this is book five you have a plethora of stories to choose from. Why not start at book one.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Entertaining cozy mystery. Some surprises. A charming and fun series. I look forward to reading the next one.

This is a great cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed! It is a stand-alone, but there is a common thread that runs through this series and I have read and enjoyed every single one of them!

The one thing that I enjoy most about this writing duo is that right at the beginning they get right to the point, none of this: where is this headed?? You get the outline right at the beginning.

"Phee" who is a bookkeeper for a detective agency in Arizona, usually gets snagged into helping with the investigation at the insistence of her retired mother, Harriet, who lives in a Sun City West retirement community

It starts out that Phee gets a visit from her two elderly friends who live at the LIllian, and want Phee to look into why the residents are having items stolen out of their personal belongings, when only a few people have access to the rooms, and why??

Then poor Quentin, he was found murdered in his garage with clay stuffed into his nose and mouth. Harriet, also belonged to the same clay sculpturing center, and Quentin was found with names written on a piece of paper and one name was Harriet's!

Over active imagination Harriet wants Phee to look into this as she is sure she is on a "hit list"

Poor Phee is at it again trying to solve this mystery and putting herself in harms way.

Are these two mysteries related? or just a coincidence? What would they possible have in common?

This cozy has more twists and turns than a bag of pretzels!

Hop along for the fun as the mystery (and a little romance) unfolds.

Pure 100% entertainment!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in advance for an honest review.

Please, do yourself a favor and order your copy today!!

Sophie "Phee" Kimball enjoys working as a bookkeeper for a private investigator. If only her mother Harriet could enjoy her retirement at Sun City West in Arizona--instead of constantly getting involved with retirees being prematurely put out to pasture. This time Quentin Dussler, a prominent member of the clay sculpting club, was found dead, clutching a piece of paper scrawled with Phee's mother's name.

Terrified she's been targeted by assassins, Harriet begs Phee to investigate. What Phee uncovers is a complicated scheme that only the most diabolical of murderers would ever devise. And as she chisels away at confusing clues and potential suspects, Phee unearths something far more precious and valuable than she could imagine. Eager for answers, she takes a bold step--placing herself in the crosshairs of a stonefaced killer ...

This was a good cozy mystery, but there were a bunch of plot holes that kept bugging me.

*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Though at times in this one I got annoyed at the main character it's still one of my favorite cozy series! 

Things were going well until a murder victim is found with a piece of paper that has Sophie's mom and friend on it. What kind of a list is it? Of course, when Nate, Sophie's boss who is a private investigator who often works with the local cops lets her mom and friend now they think it's a hit list! :)

Then a couple of older ladies that Phee had met previously wants her to look into some thefts happening at the Lillian a very nice retirement home they live in, she didn't know that it was going to end up bringing her right back to Nate's case. Phee isn't a PI she is just a bookkeeper but she can't help but snoop even if she says she isn't going too! Especially when her mother and all these other seniors rope her into things and she has a very inquisitive mind. 

I really like Sophie and I like how inquisitive she is and that she like solving the crimes but this time she really kind of drove me crazy. She jump to conclusions as bad as her mother Harriet always does which drives Phee crazy! Every time she had a clue she just knew what it was all about she had so many theories going Nate and Marshall's heads were spinning. She was finding good clues but geesh that was annoying and she took stupid risk sometimes. I also love Nate and and Marshall as well as all the senior ladies!

It had a pretty good mystery as I had a hard time figuring out who done it and even when I did figure it out it wasn't much before Phee.

This series is laugh out loud funny and I would recommend it to anyone who loves to laugh while reading their cozy mystery.

Molded 4 Murder is the 5th instalment in the "Sophie Kimball Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series and have bought all of them in paperback.

A view to a kiln …

Sophie “Phee” Kimball enjoys working as a bookkeeper for a private investigator. If only her mother Harriet could enjoy her retirement at Sun City West in Arizona—instead of constantly getting involved with retirees being prematurely put out to pasture. This time Quentin Dussler, a prominent member of the clay sculpting club, was found dead, clutching a piece of paper scrawled with Phee’s mother’s name.

Terrified she’s been targeted by assassins, Harriet begs Phee to investigate. What Phee uncovers is a complicated scheme that only the most diabolical of murderers would ever devise. And as she chisels away at confusing clues and potential suspects, Phee unearths something far more precious and valuable than she could imagine. Eager for answers, she takes a bold step—placing herself in the crosshairs of a stonefaced killer …

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. There is plenty of humour, too with Harriet and the rest of her crew from the Sun City Retirement Community.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Molded 4 Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery. A well written plot and quirky cast of characters. Mystery fans will love this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Phee works as an accountant for a Private Investigation firm where her boyfriend also works. Quentin Dussler is a prominent member of the clay sculpting club and he's found murdered holding a piece of paper with Phee's Mothers name. Harriet is terrified and begs Phee to investigate.

The characters are fun and the plot moves along well. Its a fun and enjoyable read.

What is there not to love about Phee Kimball? She is delightful, with real insecurities and a genius for thinking things through to an eventually logical conclusion. Her surrounding cast of characters provides many moments of enjoyment and laugh out loud fun! Phee's brain is just wonderful to follow. The plot of 'Molded 4 Murder' is intriguing with an international flavor far beyond the setting in Arizona. All in all I highly recommend it, and all of the rest of the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Molded 4 Murder is the 5th mystery of the Sophie Kimball series. Sophie “Phee” is an accountant at a detective agency in the same town as her Mother Harriet who along with her senior friends keeps Phee on her toes. Harriet is taking a pottery class when the instructor and artist is found dead with a piece of paper with her Mom’s name and her friend on it. Harriet and her friends are convinced it is a “hit” list and ask Phee to investigate. This is a humorous mystery and Phee get’s lot of help from her Mother and her friends. There are many clues that are helpful and many that send you off on the wrong track. I enjoyed this entry in this series and look forward to the next installment.

I always think Phee's mysteries can't get any better and then the next book comes out! When Phee learns of a possible "hit list" that has her mother and her mother's best friend on it, Sun City West will never be the same!

In Molded 4 Murder, I loved having the delightfully blunt Augusta and the "live life to the fullest" Aunt Ina more involved in the mystery. Augusta is hilarious, efficient and plays a major role in solving the mystery. Aunt Ina shows she can detect with the best of them. Of course, Harriet (Phee's mother), Lucinda, Shirley and all the gang from the book and theater club make an appearance. We meet new fun and quirky characters at The Lillian, a posh living community for the 80 and over set. The "Gertrudes" were favorites of mine! Marshall and Nate find keeping up with Phee, Augusta and Aunt Ina a struggle! And the charmingly neurotic Streetman is always ready to, well - hide!

Molded 4 Murder is a perfect mystery that will keep you reading late into the night!

I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of the book.