I am always game to try new cozy mystery series. I find the variety interesting, and it is usually an adventure (for me) of some sort. However, this series was different in a whole new way. It has promise, and the leading lady is very diligent at her job.
Gaby Quinn is an estate lawyer. This job gives her access to a deceased person's information, everything that even the closest person to them would not have been aware of. This premise is not something I have come across in earlier mystery series and is a 'mystery' in the loosest sense. The character passes under strange circumstances but of natural causes. Gaby then begins painstaking research into his life, and during the process, her old life might be throwing a shadow. But, in the process, she uncovers something - which only happens towards the end.
As I mentioned earlier, it has good promise and a lot of attention to detail. It is not easy to care about the 'case' details, but I liked the end result of all of it put together. It is also a short read, and I would recommend it to anyone on the lookout for something in this genre.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I have read two books in this series and I will be reading more. It’s a good mystery and I liked the characters, including the pets! Sometimes I felt the book rushed through a bit - maybe it could have been a bit longer to flesh out some of the details in the plot.

A most enjoyable read and, I’m glad to say, the first in the series of Gaby Quinn mysteries. I’m happy to return to Woodson Falls when the next book is released.

Gaby Quinn has finally found peace with her life, the move to Woodson Falls having been good for her after the murder of her husband in New York not so long ago. Gaby was there when he died, suffering injuries of her own when an unknown assailant attacked them both for no apparent reason. Mentally, emotionally and physically scarred, she sets up her estate law practice in the home left to her by her grandfather. With only her dog, Kat, for company, she enjoys the less stressful pace of life and the intricacies of her job.

Asked to manage the estate of a Woodson Falls resident, Pieter Jorgenson (a man she never met) she gladly accepts only to learn the case has many loose ends and extends way beyond her regular skillset.

For me, Jorgenson’s character provides great mystery from the outset – neighbours and family despise him, others in town find him friendly and creative in his role as crossing guard at a local school. There is something very iffy about him, and Gaby has her work cut out in sorting his affairs and getting to the truth behind the man who was found dead in his truck back in NYC.

In addition to discovering more about Jorgenson so that she can settle his affairs and pass on any inheritance, there are a couple of subplots running alongside that delve more into Gaby’s past, her husband’s murder, and the amiable officer, Matt Thomas who helps her out more than once. Their frequent connections suggest we’ll be hearing more about Gaby and Matt in future books.

16 LakeView Terrace proved to be a most interesting mystery, with an excellent twist when it came to finally understanding the chilling character of Pieter Jorgenson. For the most part I found it to be a compelling read, maybe a tad heavy on the procedures of her job, nonetheless a fascinating read with well-drawn characters with intriguing backstories to be explored.

Woodson Falls is definitely a place I’ll revisit.
Can I just add that the cover may look a little creepy but all will become clear when you read the book at which point “creepy” is an understatement!

DNF 30%
The writing was good, but I could not get into it. It was just not my cup of tea, but that should not affect the rating, as many others would like this book.

The manuscript was clean. The dialog was tight and the settings vivid.

This was a unique cozy with a charming setting and likable characters. Gabriella “Gaby” Quinn takes on the case of a dead man. As a probate attorney she is head strong. I enjoyed this first in a series.
#WoodsonFalls16LakeviewTerrace #NetGalley

A good cozy mystery, entertaining and engrossing. I liked the characters and the solid mystery.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I don't usually go for the cozy mysteries, but this one kept me reading. I liked the law angle. I'll be looking for more Gaby Quinn!

The first of a series about the small town of Woodson Falls - located in Connecticut in the midst of the fabulous display of leaf colours in the Autumn, cold winter weather and generally spectacular scenery. There is lots of detail to introduce us to the town and its inhabitants. This first book tells us the story of a property in the town, the address being the title of the book. Gaby Quinn, the local attorney is asked to administer the estate of the deceased owner who doesn’t have much in the way of family - or friends for that matter. At one point he seems to be a Jekyll and Hyde character - unfriendly and surly to his neighbours but on the other hand volunteers as a school crossing guard and is kind to the children. The story kept me turning the pages until the early hours. It is very well written with good characterisation and the plot unfolds at a steady pace. I very much enjoyed the detail of Gaby’s scrutiny of the deceased’s personal effects which leads her to the resolution of the mystery. A very enjoyable read and hopefully there will be more of the same in the future. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

159 pages

4 stars

This book has a unique premise. We meet Gabriella “Gaby” Quinn who is a probate attorney who is asked to take the case of a recently deceased Pieter Jorgenson.

I have never been involved in a probate so I had no idea what to expect from this book. But it was fascinating to learn all the steps and procedures involved in the process. I had no idea. I guess I just figured it happened in the ozone or something...

Still recovering from a vicious knife attack that killed her husband, Gaby has moved home, so to speak. She grew up in the little village and feels safe and comfortable there. She has opened a solo practice and keeps busy enough to sustain life ofr herself and her dog Kat.

When she visits Pieter Jorgenson's home, she learns that it is isolated, doesn't have all the required utilities for habitation and has a neighbor who is/was suing him. For some reason, the house is creepy and makes Gaby uncomfortable.

What she ultimately finds out is explosive.

This book meanders a bit. Gaby has many friends – and that's good, but perhaps a little too much time is spent schmoozing. I liked Gaby and hope her relationship with Trooper Matt blooms. I like her determination in the face of her fears and her dedicated work ethic. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Hopefully, there is a next...

I want to thank NetGalley and Emerald Lake Books/IBPA for forwarding to me a copy of this very good novella for me to read, enjoy and review.

Gabrielle Quinn opened her own law office in Woodson Falls while trying to recover from the death of her husband. She enjoys the small-town pace and running with her dog Katrina. When she is asked to handle the probate on a home in town she willing agrees. The owner of the home, Pieter Jorgenson, died unexpectedly in New York and this will mean communicating between the police and medical examiner in New York as well as his last known relatives. As she learns more about him, she realizes that he was not liked by anyone, including his relatives. Searching through his home reveals several odd rooms and collections that makes her uneasy, what was he up to? Gaby is shocked and horrified when circumstances reveal his secret life. A little slow paced due to the enormous amount of research involved probate, but an interesting read. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)