Southern Harm
A Southern B & B Mystery, Book #2
Caroline Fardig
5 Stars


Synopsis:

A little Southern charm never killed anybody—until now—in an enchanting cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Southern Discomfort and the Java Jive novels.

After solving a murder at a local restaurant, Quinn Bellandini just wants to get back to her comfortable life running her grandfather’s B&B in Savannah, Georgia, with her sister, Delilah. But those plans get buried when Quinn and her new boyfriend, Tucker Heyward, dig up an old skeleton while doing some landscaping in his aunt Lela’s backyard. Before long, Lela becomes the prime suspect in the thirty-three-year-old unsolved murder of a high school homecoming queen.

Tucker is devastated. But Quinn’s conscience won’t let her risk an elderly woman spending her twilight years in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. And Delilah, bored by the quiet B&B biz, has been itching to do some more investigating of her own.

Soon they’re questioning a growing list of suspects, from nosy neighbors and snooty Savannah socialites to mild-mannered teachers and old high-school friends of the victim—including Quinn and Delilah’s own parents. But no one is safe from a killer who’s totally old school. (Goodreads)


Review:

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening in on conversations.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Quinn and her sister and Grandpa are a close knit family and it was great to read about. Quinn’s parents are really out-there and sometimes I feel sorry for Quinn. I want to learn more about Uncle Frank, the bed and breakfast’s friendly ghost.

The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. It was not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to the next book already.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Alibi, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

The Ghosts of High School past come back to haunt the Christmas present. Quinn and Tucker were constructing a fire pit for Tucker's Aunt Lela as her Christmas present and they dig up a skeleton. It was believed that  Ester Sinclair had skipped town, perhaps to get away from her very parochial parents, right after graduation. Ester and her parents were in the same class and even ran in the same circles. The discovered body does not bode well for Aunt Lela, whose fiery temper from days past makes her suspect #1. Quinn and her vivacious sister Delilah start digging up the past and soon other suspects come to life which does not make the situation any better. I love the way Quinn wants to do all she can to help Tucker and his Aunt, especially  since Tucker's parents are to good to be bothered with such scandal. This story features mean girls, high school high jinx, ancient history, and even a family history. People are hiding secrets, including the girls' parents, but that won't stop the Bellandini sisters from investigating. Although this time they promise to be more careful. My only request of these stories is that those wonderful breakfast pastries be featured at the end of the story in recipe form! Held my attention all the way through with well placed tidbits of info and an engaging storyline.

Southern Harm by Caroline Fardig is wonderfully written, with great characters, it's the perfect Southern mystery.

Will Quinn find enough evidence to get Aunt Lela out of jail for murder, or will she make matters worse?

Quinn and Deliah
The sisters help their Grandpa run their family B&B, but occasionally they are called upon to become sleuths. Deliah is older and more outspoken; she even swears. Where Quinn, the younger sister, is more the polite southern belle. However, in this installment, Quinn is standing up for herself. Yet, she is still polite and apologetic if she gets too carried away. The sister sleuths are funny, and I like the way that they keep each other inline and disagree at times.

The Mystery
Quinn and boyfriend Tucker find a skeleton buried in his aunt's backyard. Then Tucker's Aunt Lela is arrested for murdering the girl. Quinn and Deliah offer to investigate for Tucker's Aunt. You know what happens when you start digging around in a murder from thirty-some years ago? You find things that people don't want to be known from back then. In is the case, that is what Quinn and Deliah find. After speaking with multiple people, they have a reasonable timeline but still don't know who did it. But they will figure it out one way or another.

I like all the red herrings and the sisters' logic for suspects that the sisters find. I also like that Tucker steps up to help them. It was well-plotted and kept me guessing. I will tell you that the killer was one of my early suspects, but I dropped them because there didn't seem to be any evidence. So keep your eyes peeled for those clues.

Five Stars for Southern Harm by Caroline Fardig
Southern Harm by Caroline Fardig is the first book that I have read by this author. I enjoyed the story immensely and can't wait for the next book Southern Double Cross. So, five stars it is, and I highly recommend it to all cozy readers, out there.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Southern Harm by Caroline Fardig.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

I enjoy Caroline Fardig’s cozy mysteries, they have interesting characters and are always a fun read. I will admit this one started off a bit slow but when it picked up I could not put the book down. Quinn and Delilah love being sleuths and when Quinn discovers a skeleton in Tucker’s Aunt Lela’s yard that has been there for 33 years, there is no time to waste to help the ones they love. Even though this the the second book in the Southern B&B Mystery series you do not need to read them in order but I recommend these to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery.

Southern Harm by Caroline Fardig
Book Review by Dawn Thomas

263 Pages
Publisher: Alibi
Release Date: November 12, 2019

Mystery

Quinn and her boyfriend Tucker are digging a fire pit as a Christmas present for his Aunt Lela. While digging Tucker finds a locket. Thinking it belonged to his aunt, he asks her about. While inside, Quinn continues to dig and finds a skull. The remains are of an 18-year-old girl who went missing 33 years ago. Things start to get crazy when Quinn and her sister Delilah decide to investigate to prove other people had motives for the murder. As you can imagine, things do not go smoothly for the amateur sleuths. They must stay smart if they are going to solve this case and stay out of trouble.

This book was written in the third person point of view. It is fast paced but the characters could be more developed. It is set in historic Savannah so there are southern references which are always fun to read. I would classify this book as a cozy in the style of Murder, She Wrote.

Do you have sisters? Or siblings in general? I do! I’ve got two sisters, and I can easily picture us playing detective like Quinn and her sister Delilah do! In fact, we used to cut pictures out of magazines, glue them into notebooks, and create suspect profiles for them. That’s what Nancy Drew will do to you!

So, let me back up. Sisters Quinn and Delilah run a B&B with their Grandpa Sal, but they are much too inquisitive and energetic to just do B&B work! Thank goodness for the skeleton that shows up in Quinn’s boyfriend Tucker’s aunt Lela’s backyard. Well, not good for the skeleton. And not good for Aunt Lela since she ends up in jail for the murder!

Quinn and Delilah are eager to clear Aunt Lela’s name since she’s the only relative that Tucker is close to. They promise not to put themselves in danger, and Tucker needs help. Since they’re “not” looking for suspects, only looking for anyone who can help them prove that Aunt Lela couldn’t have done it, Tucker agrees to let them help.

I’m sure you can guess how well the not looking for suspects part goes! I really enjoyed the characters in Southern Harm. Quinn and Delilah’s mom is a trip; their grandpa makes me want him as a grandpa; Aunt Lela is a spitfire…you’ll enjoy getting to know them all.

You’ll also enjoy trying to find the killer along with Quinn and Delilah. I’m sure you’ll have several suspects just like the girls (and I) did. Narrowing it down to “the one” wasn’t easy until close to the end.

Since this is only the second book in the series, I’m looking forward to seeing what else these sisters get themselves into! Cozy mystery readers, add this one to your Goodreads lists today!

Southern Harm is an entertaining and well written cozy mystery. A good addition to the series. Well crafted plot and characters. Mystery fans will love this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

This is the second book in the "Southern B&B Mystery Series". I had not read the first in series and I was easily able to follow along as the author introduces the charcters and setting to the reader. I found this a delightful read with great Southern charm and fun likable Southern charcters. I highly recommend this series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.,

Quinn Bellandini is busy running her grandfather’s B&B in Savannah, Georgia, with her sister, Delilah. The two get along well and enjoy running the business. She is helping her boyfriend, Tucker build a patio and fire pit for his Aunt Lela. When she uncovers an old skeleton in Lela's backyard it turns out to be a missing girl from thirty-three years ago. Aunt Lela is charged with the crime as prime suspect and Quinn and Tucker are determined to clear her name but not sure how to possible solve a cold case from so long ago. Quinn has a talent for getting people to talk and in this small Southern town she soon finds clues and even suspects . Soon she is annoying the local police but with her savvy investigative skills she is soon on the right track .

This is such a enjoyable series with a fun Southern flair and humorous charcters. I loved this book and look forward to more in the series. Very well done to the author !

SOUTHERN HARM by Caroline Fardig
The Second Southern B&B Mystery

When Quinn Bellandini agreed to help her boyfriend, Tucker, dig a fire pit as a gift for his aunt, she didn't expect such heat in December. She also didn't expect to dig up a dead body! The skeletal remains turn out to be those of a girl gone missing after her high school graduation thirty years prior. A girl who lived next door to Aunt Lela and the same girl who was brazenly flirting with her husband. Tucker is devastated when his aunt is taken into police custody and Quinn agrees to help find suspects other than Lela, an idea Quinn's sister Delilah relishes. As the sisters reach out to the girl's former friends, they soon realize their parents, who were in the same graduating class, know more than they're saying. When their dad warns them off investigating and their mother vanishes without a word the Bellandini sisters realize their parents may just hold the key to the murder.

Family is the strength behind the Southern B&B Mysteries. The bad, as well as the good, tie these characters together and drive their actions. The lengths they will go to despite the past is admirable. I love the dynamic between Quinn and Delilah. The goody two shoes sister and the slightly wilder one who attacks adventure with glee. It's nice to see Quinn get a little feisty this go around. Although feisty for her is still mind mannered to most! I love the subtlety of Uncle Frank who gives his own advice and the nonchalant way others see him, or don't.

The fact that the victim was not newly murdered is a nice change of pace. We see how people change, or remain the same over time. And how high school drama is never that far away.

SOUTHERN HARM is a delightful mystery that finds skeletons in the closet as well as in the ground!

Oh, Sugar!

There is a passel of two-faced, butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, elitist, backbiting, infighting, bible belt, mean girl drama to be revealed before this mystery plays itself out. It’s high school, southern style. Then, there are the neighbors…

In “Southern Harm”, book 2 in Caroline Fardig’s “Southern B&B Mystery series”, Quinn Bellandini has had the misfortune to find another dead body. At least this one has been dead so long that she isn’t immediately the prime suspect. When her boyfriend’s aunt is arrested for the 33-year-old murder, she and her sister Delilah find themselves embroiled in the final weeks of their parent’s senior year in high school. Each new inquiry into the past gives them a new suspect to investigate in the present and soon the only thing that is clear is no one seems willing to come entirely clean on exactly what happened that fateful graduation night in 1986, including the girls’ parents who soon become official suspects as well.

Quinn and Deliliah make a stellar sleuthing team. Polar opposites and super supportive, they have a good cop/bad cop vibe that suspects just can’t resist. There are so many juicy suspects in this story, I swear I almost lost track on occasion. The road to justice is paved in red herrings, but the goal line never wavers with family and good manners always at the forefront. The characters range from the downright dippy to totally outrageous and all are wonderfully written and woven into the story. The book reads as a stand-alone, with just enough clues from the previous book to pique the curiosity. I certainly am going to be on the lookout for more books to come in this series.

Southern Harm by Caroline Fardig is the 2nd book in A Southern B&B mystery series, and another great novel. I have enjoyed Ms. Fardig books for years, especially the Java Jive Series, which made me sad when it ended. In this series Quinn and Delilah Bellandini are two sisters who run their grandfather's bed and breakfast in Savannah, Georgia. When Quinn and her boyfriend, Tucker, find a skeleton while working on his Aunt Lela yard, Lela becomes the primary suspect. Quinn is determined to get to the truth, and Delilah wants in on the sleuthing. I found this book to be a quick read, with well developed plot and and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love fun cozy mysteries like I do, than I highly recommend this book.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Alibi. Thank you.

One of my favorite mystery writers in back (in my hands) with a new series. While this is the second book in the Southern B&B Mystery series, and I did not read the first, I cannot wait to go back and read it. Also I will be reading the 3rd book in the series soon to review as well!

This can be read standalone and it won’t confuse you. If you love mysteries and haven’t read anything by Caroline...seriously...do it. I’ll wait…….
It is a quick read but definitely all kinds of twisty a mystery novel should be. I read it in a day laying by the pool on my recent cruise and just fell in love. Plus it’s perfect for Christmastime!


Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
After solving a murder at a local restaurant, Quinn Bellandini just wants to get back to her comfortable life running her grandfather’s B&B in Savannah, Georgia, with her sister, Delilah. But those plans get buried when Quinn and her new boyfriend, Tucker Heyward, dig up an old skeleton while doing some landscaping in his aunt Lela’s backyard. Before long, Lela becomes the prime suspect in the thirty-three-year-old unsolved murder of a high school homecoming queen.

Tucker is devastated. But Quinn’s conscience won’t let her risk an elderly woman spending her twilight years in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. And Delilah, bored by the quiet B&B biz, has been itching to do some more investigating of her own.

Soon they’re questioning a growing list of suspects, from nosy neighbors and snooty Savannah socialites to mild-mannered teachers and old high-school friends of the victim—including Quinn and Delilah’s own parents. But no one is safe from a killer who’s totally old school.

I received this book for review purposes from NetGalley. ⠀

Title: Southern Harm
Author: Caroline Fardig
Genre: Mystery/thriller, women’s fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5

Quinn Bellandini just wants to enjoy her quiet life with her new boyfriend, Tucker, running her family’s B&B—and staying away from murder investigations. But when Quinn finds bones in Tucker’s Aunt Lela’s yard and Lela is accused of the 33-year-old murder of a homecoming queen, she and her sister Delilah end up on the case again.

Tucker is devastated by his aunt’s arrest, so Quinn wants to help. Soon she and Delilah are asking questions, talking to everyone from busybody neighbors to old high school teachers to society matrons. The case is cold, and people don’t want to talk, but Quinn keeps asking questions, and turns up answers that seem to lead to the least likely of suspects—including her own parents!

I enjoyed the second novel in the Southern B&B Mystery series. Fardig’s novels are always so enjoyable: light, funny, and charming, with quirky, likable characters. There’s a lot of family drama in this one—we are talking about the South, after all—and even the secondary characters are excellent. Lela is especially memorable, but so are the rest of this delightful cast.

Caroline Fardig is a bestselling author. Southern Harm is her newest novel, the second book in the Southern B&B Mystery series.

(Galley courtesy of Alibi via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Quinn and Delilah are at it again! This time Tucker plays an active roll in their private investigation.

A skeleton is found in the back yard of Tucker's aunt. It is determined that it is the remains of a high school girl who disappeared decades before. Everyone thought she had left town. Now it is clear that she was murdered. And the first (and primary suspect for the police) is Tucker's aunt who owns the house. Unfortunately, she had had altercations with Edith before Edith disappeared. All the evidence points to her as the murderer. At Tucker's request, Quinn, Delilah, and Tucker set out to prove her innocence.

Along the way they learn that the sisters' parents were classmates of Edith's. In fact, they learn a lot about their parents in the course of their investigation. There seems to be no end to the number of people who might have had a reason to wish Edith dead. But who among them would have actually done that?

Quinn is known by the police from her previous help in solving a murder. The nice thing about this series is that our protagonist has a boyfriend and so the police she works with do not become romantic interests as in so many of the cozy mysteries I have read.

There is the ghost of an uncle who gives Delilah rather cryptic clues at times. He isn't terribly active in this book, which is fine. Quinn is very skeptical of his existence, but Delilah is a believer! The clues are rather like horoscopes and can be interpreted to mean almost anything the reader wants.

Once again, many of the introduced characters have lived in Savannah their entire lives. Although I don't remember the ages of Quinn and Delilah to have ever been given in this or the previous novel, I always saw them as being on each side of 30.

While we can't pinpoint the exact age of the sisters, there is information that leads us to believe that Delilah will probably be celebrating her 30th birthday in February. Perhaps the next book in the series will have her birthday around Valentine's Day.

What ever Ms. Fardig plans for her next book, I am looking forward to it.

Quinn & Deliliah ("D") are back, along with Tucker (Quinn's boyfriend) & a dead body in book #2. When Tucker's aunt is wrongly accused, the trio set out to prove her innocence. Lots of twist & turns, along with plenty of suspects. The story is fast moving & entertaining. I personally do wish there was more interaction at the B&B they "work"/own, it's almost as an after thought. Uncle Franks ghost is briefly mentioned, & not really much help.
Surprise ending, didn't see "who did it" until the end, always a good sign in a mystery. Looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to NetGally & Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read & review a digital copy!

Second in Southern B&B mystery series has it all: relatable characters, red herrings and a fast moving plot with a touch of Southern sass. Quinn Belladini and her sister, Delilah, have gotten the investigating bug, when they aren't busy running their Savannah B&B. They were drawn in this time to help Quinn's boyfriend's aunt who was arrested when old bones were discovered in her backyard. Delightful.

You can read this as a stand alone but it is a great series so don*t miss the previous and next ones. I feel it is jest getting started and continues to get better. Quirky characters, solid mystery and dangerous situations are lightened up a bit with few mishaps.
When raised as a southern belle, even a rabble~rouser finds time to mind her manners.
Back stabbing relationships, gossip and grudges all have their time and place.
So do Good Cop/Bad Cop practices. The whole family has trouble in this book!
So good I dont want to give anything way.

I thought this was a decent cozy mystery. It moved along pretty quickly and was filled with a cast of characters with plenty of variety. Although I enjoyed it all the way through, I will say nothing about it really stayed with me or made me think more deeply. So, a nice little escape read!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is an enjoyable little cozy. Quinn and her sister Delilah help their grandfather run a B&B. Soon the girls are mixed up in a 30 year-old murder. Quinn is helping her boyfriend dig a firepit for his aunt. In the process she uncovers a skeleton. The remains that turn out to be an old high school friend of her parents and the next door neighbor of Tucker's aunt. Soon Aunt Lela is arrested. Quinn and Delilah want to help Tucker and Lela so they set out to find others who have motive. Soon their own parents are arrested as well. Now Quinn and Delilah are doubly motivated to find the killer.

This is fun and easy to read. The characters are quirky. The sisters disagree, Mom is a rainbow child, Dad is a flake, Aunt Lela is a firecracker. There are several suspects. Quinn zeroes in on two that Delilah believes are innocent and vice versa. Let the sleuthing begin!

Caroline Fardig has once again written a mystery that has as many credible suspects as characters. Far from formulaic, Southern Harm takes you along as sisters Quinn and Delilah work to prove that their parents (and Quinn’s boyfriend Tucker’s aunt) are not the ones that should be locked up for a murder that took place over 3 decades ago.
The second book in a series, I recommend reading both.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the Arc in exchange for a review.