When Cat Latimer takes her writing retreat group on a hike, the last thing she expects to find is a dead body. When the murdered man turns out to be an old army colleague of her romantic partner Seth - and even more strangely, one who was declared KIA a decade ago - things take a definite turn for the weird side. With her uncle investigating the case and Seth unable to keep out of it, Cat can’t resist asking a few questions of her own.

As a cozy mystery, this is, honestly, a dismal failure. The writers’ retreat part of the book reads legitimate, though I do question an author who doesn’t use contractions when writing the dialogue of modern-day Americans speaking knowledgably about the publishing business. The problem I had was that the story had no ‘a-ha’ moment, something essential in any kind of mystery; that moment when the Big Reveal comes and the reader either says ‘I saw that coming’ or ‘I didn’t see that coming, but it makes complete sense given these clues the author gave me earlier’. The information was all just dropped on us at the end of the case.

Cat, through whose PoV the story is told, is never in any danger. There are no real stakes, as far as she’s concerned, and she doesn’t meet the murderer until late on in the story. I actually assumed it had to be one of the people on the writers’ retreat, in a classic ‘locked room’ type of story - ‘we’re locked in this room and one of us is the killer!’ - which made it really super weird when I realised I’d spent the whole book minutely examining the actions and motives of all these people who really were frankly irrelevant side characters. Five people who were literally there to pad the word count. You could have taken every scene with any of those five out of the book entirely and made absolutely no difference to the plot; a fundamental problem with the story. Any writer worth their salt knows that if a scene doesn’t actually advance the plot, you SHOULD cut that scene, because it’s just filler. Problem here is that if the author had cut all those scenes, there’d hardly be any book left. The plot was thin in the extreme. I reserve one star reviews for ones with serious ethical flaws (racism etc) or a massive lack of editing, but honestly, giving this two stars actually feels quite generous, because I thoroughly disliked it.

This was a fantastic story. The mystery in this one was one that I enjoyed-probably one of the most enjoyable of the series for me. I really liked the angle of the Army buddies and the mystery surrounding them. This series is developing well in my opinion and I look forward to more adventures with Cat, Seth, Uncle Pete and the rest of the gang.

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Another excellent addition to this beloved series.
It's an engrossing and entertaining story with a lot of character development and a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I was happy to meet again the characters and read about what was going on in their life.
The mystery kept me guessing and was full of twists and turns.
I loved this story, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I like Lynn Cahoon. Her stories are enjoyable and her characters likeable. Cat runs a writer's retreat with her friend Shauna and boyfriend Seth. This retreat happens to have 2 married couples and a young student. One of their first activities is to go on a hike. Instead of enjoying the living flora and fauna, they stumble upon a dead body. It happens to be an old military buddy of Seth's, who Seth thought died in Germany during an undercover mission.

There are lots of twists. I would jump from one retreat member to one of Seth's military buddies and back to a retreat member as the murderer. The story moved a little slow for me. That could be because it is the first Cat Latimer story I have read, so I was trying to place all the characters and figure out the history. The characters are fun and the mystery kept me guessing.

Cat Latimer is hosting a new writing retreat. This has 2 couples and the student from the local college. It’s a different group with lots of party time and a student that is tough to assimilate. Cat has scheduled her boyfriend Seth to take the group hiking in the mountains. They stumble across an old military buddy of Seth’s dead; however, Seth thought he died when they were in the military.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the setting already. This story went off in many directions before it was finally solved and all the questions were answered. Loved it.

A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon is another great book. Cat is back again with some trouble of course.

Will Cat solve this mystery about Seth's old Army buddy?

Cat Latimer
Cat is our sleuth and the main character. I love Cat in this installment as she is a pretty funny sleuth. The parts about the writing retreat are great and I loved reading them. Going on hikes, doing writing sprints, and having talks are great things for a writing retreat. Cat has a deal with the university in town as well for college kids to get some writing advice.

I like Cat Latimer and I can't wait to see what else she gets into.

The Mystery
Cat, Seth, and most of the writing retreat writers are going on a hike when Cat noticed something funky in some pictures. She, of course, found a dead body. Seth, though, is having a hard time dealing with all of this. They are trying to figure out what is going on with Seth's Army buddy that was supposed to be dead from before. Cat is trying not to get involved this time but if it helps Seth than who can stop her. I didn't figure it out until the sleuth was face-to-face with the culprit. Wow, I didn't expect it.

Four Stars
A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon is a great book. I loved Cat, Shauna, and Seth. Cat is a great sleuth and I hope that something good happens between her and Seth. I am recommending and giving it four stars.

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! Please take a look at A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness

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

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and greatly enjoyed the atmosphere created by Cahoon at the writer’s retreat. If you are a writer or just love to read, you like these people. They bounce around the mechanics of writing along with agents and the business side of the job. The writers find the body of a man thought dead years ago and the mystery begins there. This cozy mystery not only gives you a puzzle to solve but a chance to spend some time with interesting people.

I obtained a copy of this book through Net Galley and have left an honest review.

This could well become a favorite cozy series for my collection! I really enjoyed it! I just knew with it being like the sixth in a series I would be lost and not able to know what was going on but I honestly didn't find this to be the case. In fact it may have fared me better not knowing anything or anybody going into the story which is exactly what happened.

The writers retreat really kept things hopping along and I usually always enjoy when a book has something similar included in it or a book club or something of the sort. It just seems to give the story dare I say a "cozy" feeling? I enjoyed meeting Cat and snooping alongside her especially as Seth was being so hush hush during all the mystery, mayem, and murder!

In a long running series there's always a book that's a bit of a transition story and I think this was one of them. Seth and Cat are in a bit of a transition for their relationship, Uncle Pete and Shirley are in a bit of a transition in their relationship, and most of the writers in the retreat are in a bit of a transition in their careers. This led for some unsettled feelings in the story that didn't quite gel for me as much as the previous book. I loved that this book touched on Seth's past and I loved that he wasn't the perfect guy that he usually is. At times he even gets a bit snappish. The ending felt just the tiniest bit rushed but other then that came together nicely. This wasn't my favorite of the series but it was an enjoyable read and this is a fantastic series.

In this cozy mystery from Lynn Cahoon, Cat Latimer, her business partner Shauna, and Cat's boyfriend Seth host a writer's retreat at the bed and breakfast run. While the group is out hiking, Cat takes a photo of one of the couples. While looking at the photo to ensure she hasn't committed any stranger photo faux pas, she notices a leg sticking out of a huckleberry bush behind the couple. The unfortunate owner of the leg is an old Army buddy of Seth's, Chance. The problem is that Chance supposedly died in Germany years ago.

Cat's uncle Pete leads the investigation, and his girlfriend, Shirley (formerly law enforcement herself) is down from Alaska visiting. Both Shirley and Cat put themselves into the investigation. Seth also has some of his former Army buddies in town for a reunion. It's a little busy in this small Colorado town. The dead man was sitting on a gold claim, and according to his bank records, was receiving two grand a month into his bank account. Since he was living under an assumed name, was completely off the grid, and rarely visited town, who killed him, and why?

I'll admit that cozies are not really my jam these days. It isn't that they don't have gore or explicit scenes. It's just that I like more detail than often is given about crime scenes and procedures. For instance, we don't find out much of anything about the initial crime scene here. Chance's body is just kind of found and it kicks off the investigation. A journal the dead man kept and that Cat reads a couple of times doesn't really yield much to push the story forward (except the romance part, as the dead man writes about how Seth, Cat's high school sweetheart, bought a ring and was going to ask her to marry him back in the day, before she married another man).

The writer's retreat aspect of the book could easily have been left out or swapped for anything else. We rarely see the two couples and the young man who make up the five people at the B&B. One of the characters even makes a comment about how little interaction there is between Cat, who is presumably running the thing, as a published writer, and the others. What we do get an awful lot of, though, is talking. Pete shows up now and again to fill Cat in, Seth tells Cat a teeny bit about his Army past, Shirley shows up to tell Cat about something she has gleaned by hanging out with Pete - you get the idea.

We also get a ton of food: breakfast, lunch, dinner at the B&B, restaurant food, people eating, people talking about eating, and so on. Shauna, it turns out, is writing a cookbook, with Mrs. Rice, the next door neighbor Cat doesn't particularly like, as her beta eater.

There is a little bit of chat from Cat about publishing and how it works, and a pep talk to the young man about writing what he loves, a few scenes where Cat goes off to write, but again, all of this could have been left out, as it really adds nothing to the story. It's as if the retreat group was simply a box to tick because the series demands it. Yes, the series is about a writer running a writing retreat; however, there's nothing in this book that requires they be there.

The "who" in the whodunnit comes a bit out of nowhere, with an ending that wraps things up nicely with a bow, although a bit improbably.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the advance copy.

First from this author I've read. Romance is in the air and causes and solves this murder. Characters are unique and believable ! Couldn't put it down.

In A Field Guide to Homicide, Cat and Seth and their writers discover a body while on a hike. The mystery ratchets up the intrigue scale when the victim turns out to be a former army buddy of Seth’s who was presumed dead ten years before.

Up to about halfway into the book, not much happens, as regards the mystery. We don’t have much real interaction with the possible suspects. However, I almost didn’t realize as there was so much to enjoy in terms of meeting the new writers, catching up with Shauna, Seth and Cat and even having a visit from Uncle Pete’s squeeze, Shirley.

I can’t say that this was a tough one to figure out the culprit, but there are still enough twists and turns and revelations to keep the reader well-entertained until the main motive is revealed.

This story allows the readers to find out more about Seth and what his life in army was like, what motivated him to join, leave and how he coped with Cat’s decision to marry Michael. As a series reader, I was very pleased to have the chance to find out more about this key secondary character.

The other secondary characters also feature, as we see more of Uncle Pete’s social life and read about Shauna’s own difficulties with her family. Our protagonist, Cat, also has time to reflect on her own ambitions, needs and how the changes in her life affect her. She’s not perfect, she’s sometimes selfish and too caught up in her own world, but she’s real and never pretends to be anything else.

Overall, this was another fun installment in the Cat Latimer series, one that really explores the development of a couple series regulars, making me love them even more.

A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon is the 6th A Cat Latimer Mystery. Cat Latimer and the group from her current writer’s retreat are on a hike led by Seth, Cat’s boyfriend. The reach a resting place when Cat notices a foot sticking out of a huckleberry bush across the way. The body belongs to a recluse who lived in the mountains near his gold claim. The victim is identified as Chance McAllister which Seth says is impossible. Seth served with Chance who supposedly died in Germany over ten years ago. Cat’s curiosity is aroused. It is lucky that Seth’s unit is having a reunion this week so Cat can do a little snooping around. I thought A Field Guide to Homicide contained good writing and the story moved along quickly which made this cozy mystery easy to read. This book can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. All the necessary background information is included. The characters are developed and realistic. The mystery was unusual for a cozy in that the reader finds out information along with Cat. We follow her along as she searches for clues and asks questions. I thought the mystery could have used a little oomph. I liked how the whodunit all tied together in the end. I did feel that there was a question or two left unanswered at the end. There were a couple side stories happening at the same time. Shauna has returned from visiting her brother, Jake and it was not the visit she had hoped it would be. Shauna must figure out how she will handle Jake’s persistent pestering for money. Seth is very closemouthed about his time in the army. He will not answer Cat’s questions and his mood has taken a downswing. Uncle Pete’s girlfriend, Shirley Mann is visiting from Alaska. Their relationship is progressing nicely and there might be wedding bells in their future. The current student from Coventry, Brodie wants to take his writing in a new direction. He could use a little guidance. It was interesting to learn more about the publishing industry. Cat shares her knowledge with her writer’s retreat group to help them decide whether to self-publish or go the traditional route. I find Cat and Seth’s relationship to be realistic. They have their ups and downs as do any couple. A Field Guide to Homicide has charming cozy moments with writing, chatting, cooking, and eating Shauna’s tasty food along with a special ending. A Field Guide to Homicide has a calamitous climb, a solitary stiff, a selfish sibling, a wistful writer, scrumptious cuisine, and a perplexing puzzle.

A FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDE by Lynn Cahoon
The Sixth Cat Latimer Mystery

A hike with Cat Latimer's latest retreat writers leads to the discovery of a dead body. It's no accident and it's not just any body. It turns out to be an old army buddy of Seth's, a buddy who had supposedly died in Germany. Why was Chance living off grid? Why did he stage his own death all those years ago? Seth has never talked about his time in Germany and seems reluctant to say anything now. But is it a coincidence that there's a reunion in town for Seth's platoon?

Comprised of couples, Cat's retreat has a different vibe and so does this book. While there is a mystery here, and an interesting one at that, most of the book deals with the business and art of writing as well as secrets between the main characters. I like that Cat doesn't go hurling herself into a police investigation, but quietly uncovers information, some even at the request of her uncle. I was surprised that there were so few pages left before the mystery was suddenly resolved. Like Cat's retreat, the different vibe doesn't mean bad, just different.

The characters are the heart of the Cat Latimer series. There is also a lot of character growth and development in this sixth entry to the series. Watching them grow and adapt is just as interesting as contemplating the mystery. While I enjoy reading all the inside information about writing as a career, I wonder if the books are becoming more a primer for would be writers than a puzzle for mystery readers.

A FIELD GUIDE FOR HOMICIDE is a character driven mystery that takes a look at secrets and questions just how well we know those we call friends.

Lynn Cahoon seems incapable of writing a bad or even mediocre story, each one gets better and better and I cannot wait for the next in the series!

Secrets, lies and murder ... Oh my! Secrets can be good or bad, or in this case deadly!

Cat. Shauna and Seth are going all out for this retreat, at least one of the members is interested in the gold mining history of the area and others in the flora and fauna and so Seth has arranged to take the five retreatees on a hike, when Cat is taking a photo of one of the couples (it turns out that this retreat has two couples as well as the Covington student) she notices something odd, the oddness turns out to be a dead body, but the dead body of someone that Seth thought had died 10 years ago! Now Seth needs help piecing the lies and truth together, figuring who he can trust and all of them need to find out who killed a supposedly dead man before someone else gets hurt or ends up in the morgue.

A solid addition to a great series. Another writers retreat, another murder. Even though the premise seems the same, the story is so different from previous books in the series. The author does a great job of giving hints, but never giving away the full mystery. Well developed characters and a perfectly executed plot comes together for a story you will not be able to put down.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s time for another retreat at Cat Latimer’s B&B, Aspen Hills Warm Springs Resort. This group is unique because along with the student from the local college, the other writers are two couples. Seth has planned a special hiking trip for the group complete with field guides to identify flora and fauna. Not long after the hike begins they come across something not covered in Seth’s guide . . . a dead body. A body Seth recognizes. A man he thought had died in Germany during his last tour of duty. He is shocked to learn his friend had been living nearby with a gold claim. With this happening right before a planned reunion of his military friends they all become suspects. Now Cat with some assistance of Uncle Pete’s Gal Pal Retired Alaska Deputy Shirley will do her best to end this killer’s story without ending hers.

_____

This was a rich story with many facets. The main mystery puts Seth and Cat a bit at odds. A friend he thought was dead was really alive and living nearby. Now someone killed him and he can’t believe any of his platoon could be involved. There has to be another explanation. His military life is not something Seth speaks about, so Cat feels she needs to tread lightly. Ms. Cahoon threads a needle releasing clues carefully, and issues the twists precisely. Seth shielded his friends so Cat had to dig into the victim in other ways making this investigation unique. I really enjoyed the way the entire story was plotted and the way it played out.

Lynn Cahoon has created such a strong group of core characters. Cat, Shauna, Seth, Uncle Pete and now Shirley can be added to the mix. I thought we had gotten to know them pretty well over the series so far, but this time readers get more information about Cat and Seth’s relationship at the end of high school and how it all fell apart. Cat learns some things she didn’t know. I loved how this was written and that Seth was featured. It makes the characters even more relatable. Shauna also revealed more about her family this time too. It really shows me we are just scratching the surface of these characters.

Readers are also introduced to a group of retreat writers. Two married couples, Sydney and her husband Tristin write a travel blog, Jocelyn, and her husband Josh, also frequent travelers, write western historical fiction. They are joined by college student Brodie Capone. The two couples become fast friends taking the retreat in a direction Cat never expected. Brodie grows over the course of the story too.

As always the location adds to the story. Trekking the trails more than once was fun and while moving the investigation forward, one of the characters was so delighted by what he saw is brought a huge smile to my face.

In A Field Guide to Homicide, the author sets a perfect pace, each page pulling you deeper into the story. A writer’s retreat, a dead body, an Army reunion, and many secrets all come together to make one heck of a story. The ending was just awesome.

This entire series is great. Treat yourself to the whole bunch.

This is the sixth book in the Cat Latimer Mystery series. I enjoy these books that each include a writers retreat. Fall is settling into winter and Seth has planned a hike for the beginning of this session. Everything goes well until Cat spots a body. It turns out to be an old army buddy of Seth’s that was supposed to have already been dead.
The mystery is both who murdered Chance, why and what was chance doing faking his death and hiding out for years.
I long suspected who the murderer was but wasn’t sure why. It didn’t seem logical it could be anyone else. The wrapping up scenes happened really fast after taking the whole retreat to get there. The location for catching the murderer was the same as in at least one other book in the series.
I like the book. Many of the issues in the books revolve around relationship issues and trusting what turns out to be the wrong people. There might be life lessons to learn from the series.

Just as I've found with all of this series, I absolutely loved this book! It was the best combo of crazy family, writing guests, suspense, action, happy ending and a great mystery all rolled into one. I wasn't sure what direction the story was headed into when it involved Seth's army buddy being murdered, and I was just a bit worried there might be an ongoing thing involving army days, which I can always handle an ongoing if it's fairly minor. But everything was great and was explained even more after the perp was caught.

The showdown was awesome, and Shauna got her chance to shine--along with also being in the spotlight a little with her upcoming cookbook. I really like Uncle Pete's girlfriend Shirley and was glad to see her returning for a visit. I know I always say this, but I can't wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

It's time for another writer retreat and Cat Latimer had plans to make it a good one. Unfortunately, during their first outing, they find a dead body on one of the hiking trails. Who is he? How did he get there? What happened? These are all questions Cat wants to know the answers to. Will she be able to gather the clues and find the killer? She'll have to be at the top of her game to do so...all while keeping up with her writers at the retreat.

Loved this book! This series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I love how the characters have grown and evolved. And the mysteries are interesting and keep me guessing.

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